Raising questions. Pursuing answers. Curating and categorizing. That’s how we support QM quality assurance.
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's Department of Innovation & 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 remain current with the research are also an important component of QM Innovation & 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 quality assurance in online learning, as well as the QM Standards, by either keyword or the QM Standard number.
See instructions for submitting references to the library.
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 Innovation & Research team.
Research Webinars
August 19, 2025 — 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern
CHLOE 10 | Meeting the Moment: Navigating Growth, Competition, and the AI Revolution in Online Higher Education
Presented by Bethany Simunich, Ph.D., Vice President of Innovation and Research, Quality Matters; Richard Garrett, Eduventures Chief Research Officer at Encoura; Eric E. Fredericksen, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Online Learning and Professor, University of Rochester; and Kristen Gay, Ph.D., Researcher, EDUCAUSE
Join the authors and research team behind the CHLOE 10 Report for an inside look at the latest findings from senior online leaders across U.S. higher education. This milestone edition explores how institutions are responding to critical pressures: scaling online learning, aligning strategy with growing student demand, and navigating emerging challenges like AI integration and data-driven decision-making. Expect a timely, thought-provoking discussion grounded in real-world insights and national trends.
Webinar begins at 1:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. PT
