Advancing the Use of Ecological Systems Theory in Higher Education: A Qualitative Data Collection Tool

• In Event: Theoretical and Methodological Potentialities

Abstract

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (EST) has been praised for its inclusive and comprehensive approach to consider student experiences and college success, but designing data collection informed by the theory has proved challenging in higher education research. We contend that this is, in part, because there are not enough appropriate tools to facilitate data collection framed by an EST lens. In the context of a longitudinal study of a college program promoting college success among underrepresented and minoritized student groups, our paper chronicles the development, adaptation, and implementation of a qualitative research tool consistent with our EST perspective. We discuss lessons learned from employing the tool, steps toward instrument refinement, and its usefulness for other higher education research framed by EST.

Authors

• Joseph Kitchen, University of Southern California

• Ronald Hallett, University of the Pacific

• Rosemary J. Perez, Iowa State University

• Gwendelyn Rivera, University of Southern California