Research Journal - Theorectical/Methodological Memo

For many reasons, I believe the Nathan book was a great choice for us to read as a class. The story is excellent, the writing accessible, it is an interesting study for anyone who is involved in higher education in this country. But it is also a good example of how to put together the findings of a qualitative study.

Nathan incorporates the literature especially well in chapters 4 and 5 of MFY, a really good example of someone who has thought deeply about her readings and understands the relationships between her study and those that have come before. Her inclusion of the literature in the narrative of her study is graceful and allows the reader to more fully comprehend the importance of the topic and Nathan's conclusions.

That said, I wonder how much of this ability lies in Nathan's many year involvement in the field. I begin to fear that I will overlook some major study, simply because I am both new to qualitative research, and new to the particular arena of higher education I have chosen to investigate. This helps me to think about the importance of choosing my topic wisely when it comes to my dissertation as well.

Some studies I have found that begin to lay the groundwork for my own investigation into honors programs follow, along with notes on their content.

Title: A Qualitative Study of Honor Students' Learning Orientations: The Rare Liberal Scholar
Personal Author: Storrs, Debbie; Clott, Lynsie
Journal Name: College Student Journal
Source: College Student Journal v. 42 no. 1 (March 2008) p. 57-69
Abstract:
Based on interview data, we examine honors students' learning orientation in light of this. Using the analytical concept of an "ideal type" we identify "liberal scholars," "players," "critical players," and "getting by" as the four student learning orientations expressed by honors students. Our analysis reveals that some honors students experience conflict between the business and liberal education models that co-exist at institutions of higher education and relatively few students embraced a liberal arts orientation despite honors programs' attempts to facilitate one. We conclude by critically discussing the larger cultural context that encourages honors students to view learning simply as a means to an end.

Title: Effects of Programmatic Selectivity on the Academic Achievement, Academic Self-Concepts, and Aspirations of Gifted College Students
Personal Author: Rinn, Anne N.
Journal Name: Gifted Child Quarterly
Source: Gifted Child Quarterly v. 51 no. 3 (Summer 2007) p. 232-45
Publication Year: 2007
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the academic achievement, academic self-concepts, and aspirations of gifted college students who are enrolled in an honors program and of gifted college students who are not enrolled in an honors program. Participants include 294 gifted college students, 248 of whom were enrolled in an honors program and 46 who were not enrolled in an honors program. A series of analyses of covariance is used to compare the mean grade point averages, academic self-concepts, and educational aspirations of the two groups. Academic self-concept is measured using the Academic subscale of the Self Description Questionnaire III. Results indicate the gifted/honors students have higher academic achievement and higher academic self-concepts than the gifted/ nonhonors students, even when controlling for SAT score. No significant differences are found with regard to aspirations.

Title: Prioritizing Service to the Academically Talented: The Honors College
Personal Author: Floyd, Deborah L.; Holloway, Alexandria
Journal Name: New Directions for Community Colleges
Source: New Directions for Community Colleges no. 136 (Winter 2006) p. 43-52
Publication Year: 2006
Abstract: 5 This chapter describes community college honors programs and courses, emphasizing in particular the Honors College at Miami Bade College in Florida. The chapter discusses pros and cons of honors programs and courses in the context of their appropriateness to the community college mission of open access and egalitarianism.