The Mixed Methods Blog

Perspectives from our researchers, highlights from recent studies, and other news about CCRC

Many-Cause Explanations for Student Success

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In this blog post, Christopher Quarles, a former community college teacher and current PhD candidate at the University of Michigan School of Information, shares findings from his recently published study on student capital, which he defines as the cumulative effect of all factors that account for student success.

First-Generation College Students’ Personal Networks and Their Influence on the Use of Student Supports

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Much is unknown about the nature of first-generation students' personal networks, but a new CCRC study is changing that. CCRC Senior Research Assistant and PEAR Fellow Melissa Herman and Senior Research Associate Hoori Santikian Kalamkarian discuss the impetus for the study and share some preliminary findings in this blog post.

How South Puget Sound Community College Made Its Selective Nursing Program More Diverse While Making Its Students More Successful

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In this blog post, Dean of Allied Health & Nursing Marriya Wright explains how South Puget Sound Community College's shift to admission criteria based on course grades led to huge increases in diversity and student success.

Three Colleges and a Pandemic: One Student's Road to a Bachelor's Degree

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Looking back at transferring during the pandemic, CCRC intern Nabiha Sheikh discusses her college journey, and CCRC Senior Research Associate John Fink explains how the transfer process can be improved.

An Opportunity to Expand College Access? Rethinking Dual Enrollment Eligibility Policies Post-Pandemic

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Suspended at the height of the pandemic, placement testing is back on the table as an option for determining eligibility for dual enrollment—what should states and colleges do? CCRC researchers John Fink, Sarah Griffin, and Maggie Fay share their recommendations in this blog post.