The Purpose of Research: What Undergraduate Students Say

Abstract

This research study examines how undergraduate researchers conceptualize the purpose of research. Researchers distributed surveys to students who participated in a campus-wide research symposium to learn about student perceptions of research. The findings suggest that students recognize the importance of sharing scholarship and view research as a way to enhance their learning. Findings also indicate some disciplinary differences in the way students understand research and that perceptions of research may evolve as students advance through their academic careers.