Research Project: Longitudinal Study of University of Denver Undergraduates

As part of our class discussion, I looked up the information on the possible outcome statements of the writing program at Denver University. It seems like it is under way. 

Abstract/Summary: This four-year study is following 75 members, randomly selected, of the University of Denver class of 2010, collecting every piece of writing they do (submitted through an on-line portfolio), having them complete an extended questionnaire each quarter, and interviewing them once per year.

Research Question or Hypothesis: What are the writing experiences of University of Denver undergraduates? What types of writing do they complete between their first and senior years? How does their writing change? What strategies or processes do they develop, and how do their beliefs or knowledge about writing change? What factors or circumstances influence this development and how? What are the features of undergraduate writing at different points in students’ careers and among different types of students? What relationships exist between the types of writing that students are assigned to complete for classes and the kinds they elect to do on their own?

General Research Approach: Mixed / Multi-Modal

Participants and Setting: undergraduate members of the class of 2010.

Related URLs: http://www.du.edu/writing

Here is the overview of this study.