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Using Student Development Theories to Explain Student Outcomes

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Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research

Part of the book series: Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research ((HATR,volume 26))

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Abstract

This chapter explains the current research on student development theories by exploring three critical aspects associated with theoretical outcomes that are researched in the general higher education literature. The first aspect is to clarify how theory is used, defined, and interpreted in higher education research. This leads to a discussion on how student development is currently understood and the evolution of theories that explain student behavior. And finally a discussion is presented on how student development theories can be used in research on college students to gain a more nuanced view of student outcomes and to explain findings in the context of developmentally appropriate practices. The conclusion presents ideas on how future research can be oriented toward a better understanding of how students develop.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Vasti Torres

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  1. Vasti Torres
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Correspondence to Vasti Torres .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. CEPR, 100 Ball Hall, Memphis, TN, 38152-3570, USA

    John C. Smart

  2. Dept. Educational Policy, &, Leadership Studies, University of Iowa, Lindquist Center N491, Iowa City, 52242-1529, Iowa, USA

    Michael B. Paulsen

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Torres, V. (2011). Using Student Development Theories to Explain Student Outcomes. In: Smart, J., Paulsen, M. (eds) Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research. Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research, vol 26. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0702-3_11

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