Guidelines for Institutional Research

ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges
EDINFO Number 98-2

Institutional research at community colleges forms the basis for perceptions of the college, provides data required by state agencies, and advises program managers on their students, curriculum, and instruction. Yet, institutional research at community colleges often is constrained by a lack of staff, which limits the quantity and scope of research studies. In approaching institutional research, community colleges should consider the following recommendations:

Be precise in data reporting and interpretation;
Consider using research results to enhance public perceptions;
Consider how research design fits the questions under investigation;
Study questions relevant to current issues facing community colleges;
Perform repeat studies to reveal the effects of program changes;
Review other studies conducted on community colleges.

This information was reported in ED 398 972, "Trends in Institutional Research." A full-text copy of this document may be obtained from the ERIC Document Reproduction Services, 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153-2852; or call (800) 443-ERIC.

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Updated 10/10/01
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