Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students

Patricia Akojie; Fern Entrekin; Debra Bacon; Therese Kanai

doi:10.29333/ajqr/5814

Patricia Akojie ¹ ^* , Fern Entrekin ¹, Debra Bacon ¹, Therese Kanai ¹

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 3, Issue 1, pp. 117-135

https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5814

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Abstract

The profiles of online and traditional doctoral students contrast sharply. A traditional doctoral student lives on-campus and pursues the degree in a face to face environment. This meta-data analysis peruses the research findings from primary research studies on online doctoral students. A systematic search of qualitative research articles, that presented the personal perspectives of online doctoral students, was examined to identify common properties in isolated studies. Factors that directly impact the ability of doctoral candidates to be successful in their online doctoral degree program were identified. Positive factors included cohort groups, supportive mentors, and the ability to pursue a doctoral degree. Obstacles faced by doctoral online students included balancing work, family, school, and a sense of isolation. The results of this meta-data analysis will provide higher education with insights into the online doctoral students’ perceptions and experiences.

Keywords: Adult Learners, Distance Learning, E-Learning, Meta-Data Analysis, Online Education, Virtual Universities, Higher Education

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Citation

Akojie, P., Entrekin, F., Bacon, D., & Kanai, T. (2019). Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 3(1), 117-135. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5814

Akojie, P., Entrekin, F., Bacon, D., and Kanai, T. (2019). Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 3(1), pp. 117-135. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5814

Akojie P, Entrekin F, Bacon D, Kanai T. Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students. American Journal of Qualitative Research. 2019;3(1), 117-135. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5814

Akojie, Patricia, Fern Entrekin, Debra Bacon, and Therese Kanai. "Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2019 3 no. 1 (2019): 117-135. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5814

Akojie, Patricia et al. "Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 3, no. 1, 2019, pp. 117-135. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5814

Akojie P, Entrekin F, Bacon D, Kanai T. Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students. American Journal of Qualitative Research. 2019;3(1):117-35. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5814