Adoption Rates Among Evangelicals: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT

ADOPTION RATES AMONG EVANGELICALS:

A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Matthew Scott Thompson, Ed.D.

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2015

Chair: Dr. Anthony W. Foster

The purpose of this study was to examine the adoption rates of evangelical

Christian adoption agencies and to determine what factors, if any, contribute to the

current adoption rates. A mixed methods approach, consisting of both quantitative and

qualitative elements was used for completion of this study. The quantitative section of

the research utilizes historical, numerical data from select adoption agencies to determine

the pattern of adoption rates. The qualitative portion of the research utilizes an electronic

survey, which contains simple answer questions, Likert scale questions, and open-ended

questions to determine potential factors that have an effect on the adoption rates. The

data was reviewed and analyzed to determine the conclusions of the research study.

KEYWORDS: Adoption, Adoption Agency, Adoption Rates, Evangelical, Foster Care, Orphan Care