Research

The semester long research project, above, “Analysis of Pass/Fail rates in regards to Library Instruction with First Generation Students and Faculty at Ferrum College” is as of April 15th, 2025, a work in progress. Research Design and Evaluation, ISCI 705, completes on April 28th. As the pieces of the project are completed the artifact above will be updated to ensure it is at its most up-to-date edition. “Analysis of Pass/Fail rates in regard to Library Instruction with First Generation Students and Faculty at Ferrum College” is a semester long narrative on the process of creating a research proposal. I have a series of proposed hypothesis that hope to enable myself and colleagues to better understand how well instruction is being received and utilized by both Ferrum College students and faculty members.  My target population is students at the academic institution I work at, and the study proposed within it as well as the research conducted will be put into action if not this upcoming Fall but in Spring semester of 2026.

Prior to this course I had never completed a true study that required research methodology as most of my studies had been theoretical narratives and meta-analysis of other researchers’ works or proposed best practices. Of note I had no idea how to do many pieces of this particular research such as the ethical pieces, the individuals grant or experiment or study process in relation to my institution (Ferrum College), or any critical understanding as to how literature reviews could determine one’s study style and analytical tools.

Thinking about using the skills this course and project taught me; I have determined the following things: when selecting a hypothesis (or research question) I need to ask questions that are not only measurable but that could hold obtainable measurements or pre-recorded data. As I progressed through the steps of creating this research proposal, I often felt overwhelmed with how disconnected I could feel with my research questions. I chose a topic close to me, that would allow me the opportunity to actively change how processes are done at Ferrum, however at times I felt like an outsider when looking at things specific to my university. Another element that I want to take into account for future practice which I feel I can also share with my students and patrons alike, is that it is fine to find additional pieces of literature for your literature review. When you first start your research the articles, books, reports you start with might not meet your needs as you refine your thesis, hypothesis, community needs, or proposed research methods.