Describes major demographic shifts in the potential clientele for U.S. higher education and some of the novel actions that institutions have begun to take in response to the changes. (EV)

Examines quantitative studies, especially small-scale statistical probes, which have become the dominant mode of inquiry in higher education, but criticisms of this approach are mounting. Describes the presuppositions of this prevailing mode, and several strands of criticism, noting how education and social research have changed over four decades.…

Two senior scholars assess the first four volumes of "Higher Education: A Handbook of Theory and Research," a series on the nature of higher education as a discipline and the state of research in the field. (Author/MSE)

Higher education research, still in its adolescence, suffers from (1) seldom addressing major issues, and (2) research methods that are too narrow. The scientific method is not appropriate for studying individuals or social institutions; higher education researchers need to develop a multi-faceted research strategy sensitive to its many ties with…