Denver Longitudinal Study of Writing

In spring 2007, we began collecting data from a group of first year students at the University of Denver whose writing, writing experiences, and writing attitudes we would follow and interpret until graduation. Our goals were fairly open-ended: describe the amounts and kinds of writing and writing experiences of DU undergrads and interpret the effects and implications of what we learned. From all the students enrolled in WRIT 1133, the spring quarter required writing course, we randomly selected 130 students whom we invited to participate in the study. About 95 of them came to an information meeting, and 81 of them enrolled. We then invited a second, randomly selected cohort of 38 students enrolled in first year seminars in fall 2008. In exchange for a $75 honorarium paid each quarter (increased to $95 in years 3 and 4), participants agreed to complete a quarterly questionnaire, upload writings, and be interviewed annually. About 75 students provided data for 7 or more quarters. In the end, however, 44 of the spring 2007 cohort completed the study, and 15 of the fall 2008 cohort have completed or will likely complete it.

Overview of the Longitudinal Study

Survey Questions

Interview Questions

Analytic Taxonomy for papers

Final Interview

Reports