I. Prevalence and Patterns of Absenteeism:
* What is the prevalence of absenteeism among college students at [specific institution/program]?
* What are the most common reasons for absenteeism among college students? (Categorize reasons – illness, work, social, academic struggles, etc.)
* Are there significant differences in absenteeism rates across different demographics (gender, age, major, year in college, socioeconomic status)?
* Is there a correlation between type of class (lecture, lab, seminar) and absenteeism rates?
* Does absenteeism vary across different days of the week or times of the semester (e.g., higher rates at the beginning or end of the semester)?
* What are the perceived barriers to attending classes among students who frequently miss class?
II. Impact of Absenteeism on Academic Performance:
* What is the relationship between absenteeism and final grades in college courses?
* Does the impact of absenteeism vary depending on the subject matter of the course? (e.g., math vs. humanities)
* Does the impact of absenteeism depend on the teaching style of the instructor?
* Does excused vs. unexcused absenteeism have different effects on academic performance?
* Does the frequency of absenteeism have a linear relationship with academic performance (i.e., is the effect greater with more absences)? or is there a threshold effect?
* Does absenteeism predict academic probation or dismissal?
* Does absenteeism correlate with other indicators of academic struggles (e.g., lower GPA, seeking academic support services)?
III. Interventions and Strategies:
* What interventions or strategies are effective in reducing absenteeism among college students?
* How can instructors design their courses to minimize the negative effects of absenteeism? (e.g., active learning, frequent assessments)
* What support services (e.g., tutoring, counseling) can be implemented to address underlying causes of absenteeism and improve student success?
* How effective are early warning systems for identifying students at risk of excessive absenteeism?
* What are the student perceptions of interventions aimed at reducing absenteeism? Do they find them helpful or intrusive?
IV. Comparative Studies:
* How does absenteeism and its effects on academic performance differ between on-campus and online learning environments?
* How do the findings compare to similar studies conducted at other institutions or with different student populations?
Remember to narrow your focus to a manageable scope. Instead of trying to answer all of these questions, choose one or two related questions that you can thoroughly investigate within the constraints of your research project. Clearly defining your research question(s) is crucial for a successful research paper.