Student Perceived Gains Through Participation in a Structured Undergraduate Research Experience

• In Event: Support Structures for Student Development in Higher Education

Abstract

Undergraduate research participation can benefit students, leading to academic persistence. Understanding how students perceive gains from undergraduate research and how those perceived gains may impact their experience is important. This survey study collected data from 43 participants in a structured undergraduate research program. Statistical analysis showed that subscales related to student gains in areas of professional development and research skills were significantly correlated with each other. Surprisingly, students’ perceived gains in those areas were not strongly correlated with the students’ satisfaction with their mentors. Students’ satisfaction with their research assistantship, colloquium, and overall experience were significantly correlated with the subscales. More work must be done to understand the connection between mentoring and perceived student gains.

Authors

• Alicia Batailles, Florida State University

• Sherry A. Southerland, Florida State University