Methods
The methods used
were chosen from observed experiences in the field of admissions advising for a
major online university. The method of research which has been conducted is mix
of techniques as this is the best way to balance the results and fend off
criticism about validity. Due to these threats to validity, which are heavily
prevalent in experimental research, this project is focusing on
non-experimental qualitative and quantitative research via compiling survey
results, review of interview feedback and review of previously published
material (Mertler & Charles, 2005). The nature of some of these instruments
may open up the results to other criticism since the questions may not be all
encompassing enough for some and the compilation of responses may be skewed by
personal bias, thus leading to questionable results (Newsted, P., Chin, W.,
Ngwenyama, O.K. & McGill, A.L., 1996). A compelling argument about the
validity of a survey is that bias may emerge in the choosing and language of
the questions. The questions may be written so as to lead the respondent to
support a specific conclusion, perhaps leaving out questions that would change
the hypothesis previously proffered. With these factors in mind this project
has been conducted in a manner so as to be as unbiased as possible (Krosnick,
2003).
Sampling
Admissions advisors from a major online university have been the focus of the research which has been conducted. The survey sampling consists of 43 respondents who have been employed by the university for at least 6 months or longer. The reason they are a qualified source of information is that they make 100 plus phone calls per day to