Clinical Sociology Review

Article Title

Sociological Variables Affecting Clinical Issues: A Comparison of Graduate Distance Education Sites

Authors

Billy P. Blodgett, Northern Michigan University
Ellen E. Whipple, Michigan State University

Abstract

This study examined the differences between students residing in urban and rural areas while enrolled in a graduate practice methods course taught via two-way interactive television. A questionnaire was administered to sixty-six students which assessed sociodemographic characteristics, current practice topics, practice approaches, and diversity issues. Rural offcampus students were found to reside in significantly smaller communities than the urban-based university campus students, and viewed several clinical issues as having more relevance to their future practice. Further, on-campus students were significantly younger than their rural counterparts, were more ethnically diverse, and placed more emphasis on the relevance of course material to address ethnicity, physical disability, and religiosity. Qualitative findings revealed mat the university site was the most supportive of privatization. The applicability of urbanized course content across rural sites was discussed, and implications for clinical sociology were provided.

Recommended Citation

Blodgett, Billy P. and Whipple, Ellen E. (1997) "Sociological Variables Affecting Clinical Issues: A Comparison of Graduate Distance Education Sites," Clinical Sociology Review: Vol. 15: Iss. 1, Article 11.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/csr/vol15/iss1/11