Research and Publication in the Small College: A Comparative Study of Faculty Members’ Perceptions and Attitudes

Abstract

A comparative study of faculty members at small public and church-related colleges was undertaken, focusing on their perceptions concerning pressures toward productivity, and on attitudes on the individual and collective importance of research-publication. Significant differences were found in the perceived amount of pressure to publish, and the institutional emphasis on productivity. Church college respondents noted less research emphasis among colleagues than public college respondents. Attitudes concerning the importance of research and teaching were similar in both college settings.