Pilot Testing for Feasibility in a Study of Student Retention and Attrition in Online Undergraduate Programs

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v19i1.3326

Keywords:

pilot testing, feasibility study, attrition, retention, model, health administration, human service, online, undergraduate, students, distance education

Abstract

Prior to undertaking a descriptive study on attrition and retention of students in two online undergraduate health administration and human service programs, a pilot test was conducted to assess the procedures for participant recruitment, usability of the survey questionnaire, and data collection processes.  A retention model provided the conceptual framework for this investigation to identify and organize various factors that influenced students’ decisions to either discontinue or continue their educational programs.  In an attempt to contribute to the body of research in this area and to enrich pedagogical practices, the authors describe the pilot testing processes and feasibility issues explored, and the improvements made to the instrument and methodology before commencing the main research study on attrition and retention.

Author Biographies

Joy Fraser, Athabasca University

Professor and Director Health Administration, Athabasca University

Dorothy (Willy) Fahlman, Athabasca University

Tutor, Centre for Nursing & Health Studies

Jane Arscott, Athabasca University

Associate Professor, Coordinator Human Service program.

Published

2018-02-23

How to Cite

Fraser, J., Fahlman, D. (Willy), Arscott, J., & Guillot, I. (2018). Pilot Testing for Feasibility in a Study of Student Retention and Attrition in Online Undergraduate Programs. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v19i1.3326

Issue

Section

Research Articles

Publication Facts

Metric
This article
Other articles
Peer reviewers 
3
2.4

Reviewer profiles  N/A

Author statements

Author statements
This article
Other articles
Data availability 
N/A
16%
External funding 
N/A
32%
Competing interests 
N/A
11%
Metric
This journal
Other journals
Articles accepted 
81%
33%
Days to publication 
319
145

Indexed in

Editor & editorial board
profiles
Academic society 
N/A
Publisher 
Athabasca University Press