Submitting Campus
Worldwide
Department
STEM Education
Document Type
Article
Publication/Presentation Date
Spring 2020
Abstract/Description
Undergraduate research benefits students by strengthening skills, providing professional growth, and improving retention. Yet significant barriers exist, including low awareness of opportunities, restrictive cultural norms, and resource constraints. The proliferation of online education potentially increases barriers, both real and perceived. This study compared participation rates and perceived barriers between undergraduate distance and traditional students. Survey results indicated no significant differences in self-reported participation or overall interest in research. Despite inherent structural limitations of online education, there were no significant differences in the respondents’ perceptions of access to opportunities, physical resources, or human resources. Significant differences were seen regarding awareness of research opportunities. Although institution-specific moderating factors may influence results, this information is valuable for strategic planning aimed at increasing opportunities and awareness for undergraduates.
Publication Title
Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18833/spur/3/3/1
Publisher
Council on Undergraduate Research
Scholarly Commons Citation
Faulconer, E. K., Griffith, J., Dixon, Z., & Roberts, D. (2020). Comparing Online and Traditional Student Engagement and Perceptions of Undergraduate Research. Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.18833/spur/3/3/1
