Engaging Undergraduate Sociology Students in a Research Laboratory Experience: A Case Example at a R2 University

• In Event: Sociology and Critical Data Literacy in a Changing Knowledge Eco-system

Abstract

This presentation combines a review of scholarship highlighting the importance of out-of-class research experience for sociology undergraduate students (e.g., King & Imai, 2023a&b; Pike et al., 2017), with a case example from an R2 university of how a sociology research lab experience is provided to sociology undergraduate students. In reviewing the extant literature, several issues will be discussed including empirical evidence that such team research experiences enhance students’ understanding of research methods and data analysis (data literacy). In addition, the literature points to additional benefits, including student retention, student bonding (with other students), and student satisfaction. Benefits of an undergraduate research lab for the faculty member who supervises the research, the sociology program helping to sponsor the lab, and the larger sociology field are also discussed. However, challenges are also highlighted including ways to overcome these barriers. In discussing the case example of a sociology lab at a R2 University, the presentation will include practical suggestions, guidelines, and strategies for structuring and maintaining a lab and the diverse research experiences that can be offered, based on the author’s experiences.

Author

• Susan Sprecher, Illinois State University