Traditionally, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners have perceived a tension between rigor and accessibility in quantitative research and evaluation in postsecondary education. However, this study indicates that both producers and consumers of these studies value high-quality work and clear findings that can reach multiple audiences. The authors discuss the perceived importance of rigor and accessibility, barriers to accomplishing both in practice, and suggestions for achieving an appropriate balance between the two. (Contains 8 notes.)
Authors
- Authorizing Institution
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Education
- Education Level
- Postsecondary Education
- Peer Reviewed
- F
- Publication Type
- Reports - Research
- Published in
- United States of America
Table of Contents
- Introduction 1
- Our Study 2
- How We Framed Rigor and Accessibility in Our Study 2
- The Importance of Rigor and Accessibility 3
- What Stands in the Way 4
- How Do We Prioritize Rigor and Accessibility in Practice 5
- In working to prioritize both rigor and accessibility researchers and evaluators should consider the following recommendations 5
- 1. Use various techniques executive summaries appendices etc. to help 5
- 2. Publish in a variety of venues to reach the widest audience possible and increase the 5
- 3. Look to others to help translate findings and disseminate them more widely 5
- 4. Engage with consumers of research and evaluation to better understand their 5
