Faculty Attitude Toward Research in an Emergent College

A total census of the professional staff (N = 374) at a college was taken to assess the staff’s attitude toward a change in the research climate. Approximately 50 percent of the staff responded. A scaling system reflecting the rank-order of research commitment was used. The data were treated three ways: (1) without non-respondent consideration; (2) including non-respondents; and (3) a combination of the first and second approaches. Results indicated that departments included under supporting services had the least favorable attitude toward research. Using non-respondents as data had little effect other than to depress all positions on the attitude scale. It was concluded that the faculty was interested in research but was not highly committed to it.