THE BIGLAN MODEL: AN AUGMENTATION
Lauren Allen Drees · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · 1982
This study presents a technique for increasing the number of subject matter areas classified in the Biglan model. The Biglan model categorizes subject matter areas into three dimensions: hard versus soft, pure versus applied, and life versus nonlife. Based on these three dimensions, Biglan showed that subject matter areas could be grouped into eight mutually exclusive groups. Biglan's research at a major university led to his categorizing 35 subject matter areas into the eight groups in his model. In this study the statistical technique of multiple discriminant analysis was utilized to group 38 additional subject matter areas into the eight groups of the Biglan model. The expanded model exhibited criterion-related validity in that it grouped the new academic areas in a meaningful manner. Additionally, the augmented model proved to reliably replicate the original model's three-dimensional characterization of subject matter in academic areas (i.e., the degree to which a paradigm exists, hard versus soft; the degree of concern with application, pure versus applied; and concern with life systems, life versus nonlife). Results of this study also show that the Biglan model can be generalized to a national cross-section of research and doctoral granting institutions which provides further support for the Biglan model as a conceptual framework to guide systematic research in the field of higher education.