Using Survey and Focus Group Research to Learn About Parents' Roles in the Community College Choice Process

Abstract

Parents of the high school class of 2000 students who attended their local community college in fall 2000 responded to a mailed survey and participated in a focus group discussion. The study examined parents' expectations from the college, role in their sons' or daughers' college choice, and observations following their children's first year. Survey findings revealed parents had high academic goals for their children but overestimated academic abilities; they engaged in a variety of college search and choice activities. Focus group research enriched survey findings: Parents expected substantial communication directly from the college about their children's course choices and academic progress. Implications for practice and the value of using multiple research approaches are discussed.