Factors Affecting the Decision Processes Regarding Christian Parents’ School Choice: A Grounded Theory Study

• In Event: Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Topics in Private Education

Abstract

This study identifies the factors affecting the processes Christian parents use when selecting schools for their children. Grounded theory design incorporated interview transcripts, researcher field notes, and a reflective journal to analyze themes. Comparative analysis, including open, axial, and selective coding, was used to reduce the coded statements to five code families. The code families were (a) Decision-Making Process, (b) Influence on or by the Child, (c) Parents, (d) Academics/Extracurricular Activities, and (e) Religion. Comparisons were made across code families, and the core category of decision-making process was determined; from it emerged as the theory of satisficing. The process is characterized by satisficing or the search for a school by parents only to the point where minimum objectives are met.

Author

• James A. Swezey, Liberty University