Case Study

According to Creswell (2012), qualitative researchers strive to gather an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. Qualitative research explores the perceptions and experiences within a particular context or setting. Qualitative researchers and seek to better understand a phenomenon based on those perceptions or experiences, and thus the results of qualitative research are descriptive rather than predictive (Farkas, 2012).

Primary Research Question

What are student perceptions of the academic rigor and level of academic support within online courses?

Sub Research Questions/Philosophical Underpinnings

Given the increase in online course programs and access to fully online programs, it is important to understand student perceptions of the academic rigor and support experienced within an online classroom (Petina&Neeley, 2007).

• What is the difference in perception of academic rigor of traditional versus non-traditional students in an online course?

• What is the difference in perception of academic support experienced in traditional versus non-traditional students in an online course?

• How do students with prior college experience perceive the online classroom in terms of academic rigor?

• How do students with prior college experience perceive the online classroom in terms of academic support experienced?