| Roundtable: Non-response Bias in Community Programs and Its Implications on Evaluation Findings |
| Roundtable Presentation 787 to be held in the Boardroom on Saturday, Nov 14, 11:50 AM to 12:35 PM |
| Sponsored by the College Access Programs TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Michelle Bakerson, Indiana University South Bend, mmbakerson@yahoo.com |
| Abstract: The implication of non-response bias in survey data and its implication on evaluation findings was examined using a non-experimental mixed methods design, this comparative analysis of higher education retention and non-response bias study examined the retention factors of Kalamazoo Promise scholarship recipients who attended (persisters) and those who left Western Michigan University (non-persisters) based on the factors of Swail's (2003) Geometric Model of Student Persistence and Achievement: a) Cognitive Factors, b) Social Factors, and c) Institutional Factors. This population of approximately 300 was surveyed using an online survey. In addition two samples of approximately 36 were interviewed in depth. An explanation of what happened to these students was imperative to determine measures that could be taken to help retain these students. |