Baylor Faith and Character Study: Methods and Preliminary Findings

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Baylor Faith and Character Study: Methods and Preliminary Findings
Language: English
Authors: Dougherty, Kevin D. (ORCID 0000-0002-4925-3311), Glanzer, Perry L. (ORCID 0000-0002-3649-2516), Robinson, Jessica A. (ORCID 0000-0002-1276-7570), Ratchford, Juliette L. (ORCID 0000-0001-5506-8967), Schnitker, Sarah A. (ORCID 0000-0002-2403-9765)
Source: Christian Higher Education. 2022 21(3):168-190.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Christianity, Religious Colleges, Spiritual Development, Moral Development, Moral Values, Outcomes of Education, Interdisciplinary Approach, Religious Factors, Universities, Case Studies, Student Attitudes, Student Surveys, Alumni, College Seniors, College Freshmen, Measurement
Geographic Terms: Texas
DOI: 10.1080/15363759.2021.1929564
ISSN: 1536-3759
1539-4107
Abstract: For Christian colleges and universities, students' spiritual formation and character development are important outcomes. However, unlike academic outcomes of retention and graduation, systematic efforts to measure outcomes of faith and character are far from ubiquitous. The purpose of this article is to report the efforts of Baylor University to address the gap between mission and measurement. Guided by prevailing theories, an interdisciplinary research team launched the Baylor Faith and Character Study in August 2018. Data collection for the broader project involved surveys and interviews at three points in time: a student's first semester at Baylor, a student's final semester at Baylor, and 10 years after degree completion. Preliminary, cross-sectional findings from survey data reveal that levels of religious belief and practice were nearly equivalent for first-year students, seniors, and alumni, while seniors exhibited stronger character in several areas than first-year students. A discussion of conclusions and implications closes the article.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1352634
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:For Christian colleges and universities, students' spiritual formation and character development are important outcomes. However, unlike academic outcomes of retention and graduation, systematic efforts to measure outcomes of faith and character are far from ubiquitous. The purpose of this article is to report the efforts of Baylor University to address the gap between mission and measurement. Guided by prevailing theories, an interdisciplinary research team launched the Baylor Faith and Character Study in August 2018. Data collection for the broader project involved surveys and interviews at three points in time: a student's first semester at Baylor, a student's final semester at Baylor, and 10 years after degree completion. Preliminary, cross-sectional findings from survey data reveal that levels of religious belief and practice were nearly equivalent for first-year students, seniors, and alumni, while seniors exhibited stronger character in several areas than first-year students. A discussion of conclusions and implications closes the article.
ISSN:1536-3759
1539-4107
DOI:10.1080/15363759.2021.1929564