Dive Brief:

• More undergraduates are undertaking independent research projects, which focus on collaboration and discovery.
• A new workbook on the subject of undergraduate STEM research found a casual link between students who undertake such projects and their commitment to those fields in the future.
• The key to success may lie in good mentoring, though instructors often lack the professional development needed to be effective mentors.

Dive Insight:

Students who perform actual research are given the opportunity to learn valuable skills both in their chosen field of study, specific research techniques and more general soft skills, such as collaboration. Students are also expected to pursue their research all the way to the publication stage, which may make them more attractive to graduate programs.

Previously conducted research, however, is mixed when it comes to showing whether undergrads really make gains in research skills or conceptual understanding, especially for students who complete research in a year or less. The real gains are typically reserved for students who perform ongoing research experiences that last the duration of their degree program.