First Advisor

Patrick Burns

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

5-1-2024

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Student Work

Abstract

Undergraduate students are often anxious about participating in a research experience. In this study, students conducted research as part of their introductory biology course and were then surveyed using the Attitudes toward Research Scale, to understand their views on research. Students were surveyed at the beginning and end of the semester, and their scores in five attitudinal categories were compared. The attitudes examined were usefulness of research, positive attitudes towards research, relevance of research, difficulty of research and anxiety towards research. We hypothesized that participation in research as part of a course would improve students’ attitude toward research. Initial analysis of the data indicates no significant change in student’s attitudes toward research at the end of the semester, but there are interesting trends in attitudes of students from different backgrounds.

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Cognition and Perception | Educational Methods | Educational Psychology

Keywords

Biology Education; Research Experience

Extent

22 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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