A Cohort Model of Collaborative Research: Implementing a Pretest-Posttest Quasi-Experimental Design

Abstract

This case study details the methodology of a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design and explores the experiences of a productive cohort research team consisting of six individuals in a counselor education doctoral program. In 2014, the cohort began researching the impact of technology on the process of building cohesion in group counseling experiences for master’s level counseling students. The use of technology in counseling is evolving with limited research on the impact technology has on student experiences. We chose a quasi-experimental design to answer the research question. Challenges and opportunities emerged throughout the research process, including learning approaches to dealing with missing data on instruments and the opportunity for validation of the multiple instruments used in the research. This research has implications for including technology in counselor education. The dynamics of working as a cohort research team emerged as an unexpected theme in this research experience. We, as a research team of six, experienced growth and challenges in conducting this study. We found that the ability to function as a collaborative and productive research team had an impact not only on the quality of research but also on the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner and enjoy the research process.

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