A Mixed-Method Research Study of Dual Enrolled Students’ Experiences in a Research Course: Research Capital Development?

Early college and dual enrollment initiatives provide students opportunities for college credit courses and increased academic engagement. The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to examine the case of 79 dual-enrolled students in a research methodology course using online surveys and focus groups. Students perceived increased knowledge regarding undergraduate research content, whereas their perceived research usefulness decreased slightly. Likewise, students felt increased comfort with research and expressed perceived benefits but felt anxiety by setting different types of expectations and comparisons. Findings add to the relevant literature by mixing quantitative and qualitative data in this case study to allow for meta-inferences about the dichotomy of being a dual-enrolled student taking research courses, and by suggesting the notion of research capital related to the dynamics of dual enrollment programs in a Southeastern state.