BENEFITS OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (National Science Foundation Article)
Press Release 07-051
Students Benefit from Undergraduate Research Opportunities
*May 2, 2007*
Undergraduate students who participate in hands-on research are more
likely to pursue advanced degrees and careers in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, according to a new study.
The study’s authors state that National Science Foundation (NSF) and
other entities’ efforts to encourage representation of underrepresented
groups in STEM fields appear to be effective.
For example, students who entered 2-year colleges were as likely as
those who entered 4-year colleges or universities to participate in
research. And undergraduate researchers were more likely than
non-researchers to pursue a doctorate.
“This study indicates that carefully designed undergraduate research
experiences motivate students,” said Myles Boylan, program director for
NSF’s Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement Program in the
Divisions of Undergraduate Education and Graduate Education. “Students
consider their research experiences to be effective previews of doing
STEM graduate work as well as good learning experiences.”
The authors conclude that given the positive outcomes of undergraduate
research opportunities (UROs), greater attention should be given to
fostering STEM interest in students at the elementary and high school
levels.
The study resulted from a series of surveys on UROs funded by eight NSF
programs with a substantial undergraduate research component.
The surveys were conducted between 2003 and 2005 by SRI International.
NSF funded the research. The results were published in the April 27,
2007 issue of /Science/.
-NSF-
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BENEFITS OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
