Raising questions. Pursuing answers. Curating and categorizing. That’s how we support the QM system.
A founding principle that continues to drive Quality Matters is the need for QM Standards to reflect current academic research on effective learning. The initial standards and subsequent modifications have been based on the insights of teams of experienced online instructors and instructional designers and on the best practices standards promulgated by accrediting bodies and national and international organizations. In addition, the QM Standards have been examined for consistency with the conclusions of the educational research literature regarding factors that increase learning and engagement and that improve learner retention rates.
QM Research is focused on curating and supporting research studies related to the impact and use of the Quality Matters model. Literature reviews to inform members of the Rubric Committees in their effort to assure that the Rubrics remains current with the research are also an important component of QM Research activities. If you are looking for guidance on conducting QM-focused research or finding studies to support the use of QM, we recommend starting with the resources listed in this section.
qm research library
Search our curated selection of literature bearing a relationship to the QM Standards by either keyword or the QM Standard number. References on teaching competencies can be found in the Online Instructor and Teaching Competencies Literature Review.
research toolkit
Get guidance on developing a research question that will make for a solid study and facilitate attaining information significant to online learning stakeholders.
qm-related research resources
See a curated list of studies and publications related to the primary categories of QM Research.
Need help with your search? Contact QM Research with your questions.
Looking for a recording or miss a session?
See a list of all archived recordings.
Have an idea for a Research Webinar? Contact the Research team.
Research Webinars
February 13, 2020
Meet QM's Director of Research and Innovation
Dr. Bethany Simunich joined QM in January in a newly-created position with intentions to accelerate and advance the current contributions of QM’s research team and volunteer community. Bring your questions about QM research to this special opportunity to meet this published researcher with 20 years of experience in online education, eLearning research and learning analytics.
Time and registration link coming soon!
April, 2020
CHLOE 4: Overview of the Fourth QM-Eduventures Changing Landscape of Online Education Survey
Details coming soon!
June, 2020
A presentation by Barbara Frey and Rae Mancilla on the results of their accessibility policy survey.
November, 2020
The topic will be research on teaching & learning.