Exploring the Validity of the Community of Inquiry Survey Instrument in an Exclusively Undergraduate Population

• In Event: Inquiring as Online Learning Communities (Community of Inquiry)

Abstract

This study examines the validity of the Community of Inquiry (COI) survey, a tool designed to measure student perceptions of online learning environments, specifically for undergraduate students, and how it may evolve from the beginning to end of the semester. Research has shown the COI correlates with numerous positive learning outcomes; however, prior validation studies relied heavily upon graduate student samples. For this study, Principal Components Analysis was used to explore the factor structure of the COI instrument administered at the beginning and end of the semester. Results supported 2 and 3-factor solutions. Item loadings varied from prior studies, indicating undergraduates may not differentiate as clearly between the three presences as graduate students.

Authors

• William C James, Oklahoma State University

• Ki Cole, Oklahoma State University

• Jane S. Vogler, Oklahoma State University