Quality Matters encourages studies related to QM Rubrics and processes. Because the validity of the QM Rubrics and Peer Review process is held in place by rigorously applied Standards and procedures as defined by QM, any adaptation of the QM Rubrics or processes in research must be carefully considered and clearly identified in documents about the research results. Note that the results of research with adapted versions of the QM tools and processes compromises the validity of their application and, thus, would not indicate effects of official use of the fully annotated QM Rubric available to QM members.
For individuals and organizations planning to do research related to QM, QM Research provides:
- Consultations regarding QM-focused research
- Guidance on QM Professional Development that would provide evidence of understanding of the QM Rubric and process
- Information about how to obtain permission for use of the QM Rubric in research (request permission)
Essential Information About Use of QM in Research
In any report or document about research that uses QM, a description of the research and how it incorporates or relates to QM should be included, along with links to the appropriate section of the QM website (e.g., the Quality Matters homepage for a reference to QM in general, or Specific Review Standards from the QM Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition for a reference to the Specific Review Standards from the QM Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition, etc.).
The QM Rubrics are the intellectual property of Quality Matters, Inc., and, therefore, cannot be copied, published, or made publicly available. QM tracks the use of the QM Rubrics on an annual basis. If you are starting or completing research related to QM, notify Barbra Burch, QM Manager of Research and Development.
Reports on research related to QM must indicate whether the QM Rubrics and processes were used as designed by QM or adapted for purposes of the research and, if adapted, how they were adapted.
How to Reference the QM Rubric or Standards from the QM Rubric in Research
Annotated QM Higher Ed. Rubric, Seventh Edition
- In-Text Citation for the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition: “Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition”
- End-of-Text APA-Style Citation: “QM Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition, 2023. Quality Matters. Used under license. All rights reserved. Retrieved from MyQM.”
Standards from the QM Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition
- In-Text Citation for the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition: “Standards from the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition”
- End-of-Text APA-Style Citation: “Standards from the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition. Quality Matters. Retrieved from Specific Review Standards from the QM Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition"
Adaptation of the QM Rubric for Research
Research reports including the use of an adapted form of the Standards from the QM Rubric should state, “The QM Rubrics have been developed and are regularly updated through a rigorous process that examines relevant research, data, and practitioner perspectives. They consist of Standards supported by detailed Annotations explaining the application of the Standards and are intended to support the continuous improvement of courses with constructive feedback provided by trained and certified Peer Reviewers using a specific review protocol. Additionally, the QM Rubric and QM Course Review process are focused solely on course design. QM recognizes that design is only one influential factor in online learning quality and that this quality can be impacted by other aspects of online learning, such as online teaching, student readiness, and institutional support and technology. This research includes an adapted form of the Standards from the Quality Matters Rubric. [Statement from researcher about the research that has been conducted and how it has been conducted.]”
