ERIC Number: ED599415
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 151
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-4389-2643-1
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
The Perceived Effects of Sorority Chapter Size on the Member Experience: A Qualitative Study
Jabs, Jodi Lee
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Concordia University (Oregon)
The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a perceived impact of sorority chapter size on the sorority member experience. The qualitative instruments provided the means to understand the member experience based on sorority chapter size. Fifteen sorority women that affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference were used in this study. Participants were from chapters around the country and members of various chapter sizes. Theories used to provide the framework for the study were Josselson's theory of identity development in women, Gilligan's theory of Women's Moral Development, Chickering Seven Vectors of Identity Development, and Astin's Student Development Theory. The study used five themes identified by Cohen, McCreary, and Schutts which were shared social experiences, belonging, support and encouragement, accountability, and common purpose. The main research question for this study sought to explore the lived experience of the sorority members and sorority chapter size. Throughout the research process, the sorority women shared their lived experiences based on chapter size and the five themes. Results from this qualitative study were gathered by using one-on-one interviews along with member checking. Data was analyzed using the Van Kaam method. Based on the information provided by the participants, the researcher found that involvement played a role overall in the sorority member experience rather than the specific sorority chapter size. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Sororities, Females, Student Experience, Student Participation, Organization Size (Groups), College Students
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

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