Using Focus Groups to Understand Sorority and Fraternity Life and Inform Survey Design

Authors

Pietro Antonio Sasso, Delaware State UniversityFollow
Kimberly R. Davis, The Pennsylvania State UniversityFollow
Cindy Cogswell, New York UniversityFollow

Publication Date

11-7-2023

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Fraternity and sorority experiences can support or challenge the undergraduate student experience related to student learning and development (Sasso et al., 2020a, 2020b). There are concerns that researchers, advisors, and practitioners can pay attention to in order to enhance healthy chapter cultures or intervene when concerns arise. The article explores the process of revising the Fraternity and Sorority Experience Survey (FSES) using focus group findings to inform survey revision and practice. The FSES is organized around five themes–Learning, Values, Alcohol/Social Issues, Operations, and Community–and measures student perceptions and experiences. Implications for practice are included about instrument revision and how it informs assessment decision-making.

Recommended Citation

Sasso, P. A., Davis, K. R., & Cogswell, C. (2023). Using Focus Groups to Understand Sorority and Fraternity Life and Inform Survey Design. New York Journal of Student Affairs, 23(1). Retrieved from https://commons.library.stonybrook.edu/nyjsa/vol23/iss1/5