The Development and Validation of the Distance Doctoral Program Integration Scale

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v24i4.1951

Keywords:

Doctoral persistence, online, social integration, academic integration, faculty

Abstract

Research indicates academic integration and social integration are predictors of doctoral student persistence at any program stage. However, researchers have not defined, operationalized, and measured academic or social integration consistently. Further, no instruments exist that specifically measure both academic and social integration of doctoral students in distance programs. The purpose of this research was to define distance doctoral program integration, and in turn, develop and analyze the structure, validity, and reliability of the Distance Doctoral Program Integration Scale. Instrument development followed a multi-step process including expert review, pilot test, and exploratory factor analysis. Instrument reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest. The results indicated a three-factor structure (i.e., faculty integration, student integration, and curriculum integration). The 32-item instrument is valid and reliable, measuring program integration of doctoral students studying at a distance.

 

Author Biography

Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw, University of Memphis

I obtained my B.A. in Elementary Education from Huntington College in 2002, my M.A. in Counseling from Regent University in 2004, and my Ed.D. in Distance Education with a focus on instructional design and technology in higher education in 2009. I am committed to teaching excellence, scholarship, and service. I also have a great deal of experience in higher education administration. Prior to entering higher education, I was a counselor. I am currently an Associate Professor within an instructional design and technology program at the University of Memphis. Persistence and advancement of women and minorities has also been a salient theme in my research, with a focus on distance education and technology integration. In my recent  research, I have focused on understanding higher education experiences  to provide more equitable opportunities to those who are less likely to persist and advance.

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Published

2020-12-01

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Section II