Integrating Critical Content Into an Undergraduate Research Methods Course to Support Student Learning Outcomes

• In Event: Supporting Diversity and Equity for Postsecondary Students

Abstract

Teaching undergraduate students about systemic injustice can support learners’ understandings of racial inequality and may enhance their valuing of course content. Thus, we infused critical methods content throughout our undergraduate research methods courses to increase students’ (a) perceptions of systemic racism in research, (b) multicultural perspective taking, and (c) motivation toward the course. Results provided marginal support for increased perceptions of racism in research and multicultural perspective taking. Students who more strongly perceived research as a social justice strategy reported greater valuing of research; those who perceived higher value reported greater course engagement and intentions to pursue research in the future. Overall, results suggest the efficacy of integrating critical content in research methods and provided direction for future research.

Authors

• Christine Calderon, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
  Presenting Author

• Jarrod C. Hines, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
  Presenting Author