A Facet Theory Model for Integrating Contextual and Personal Experiences of International Students

• Main Author: Paul M. W. Hackett
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Journal of International Students 2014-04-01
• Series: Journal of International Students
• Subjects: international students; student experience; facet theory approach; study abroad
• Online Access: http://ojed.org/index.php/jis/article/view/476

The purpose of this article is to use a facet theory research approach to provide a clear, coherent, and integrated model of international students’ experiences based upon the findings of psychological research into students when studying abroad. In research that employs a facet theory approach events are classified in terms of their constituent parts or facets and the sub-elements of facets. The specification of facets serves to allow accumulative knowledge and theory construction. A model is proposed in the form of a mapping sentence with three background facets and four content facets. How the mapping sentence forms a flexible template for designing, conducting and analyzing research into international students’ experiences is discussed, as is the potential in using facet theory to develop a cumulative body of knowledge about this student group.