Newswise — Science and policy experts have identified research as a competitive need for the U.S. Undergraduate Research Week, Apr. 11-15, was established by Congress to recognize the importance of research in students’ personal and professional growth.
Grinnell College Professor of Psychology David Lopatto has published research-based evidence on the impact of research activities in students’ undergraduate experiences.
Lopatto’s “research on research,” published by Research Corporation in 2010, examines the effectiveness of engaging students in active research early in their academic careers, instead of waiting for graduate school.
“Science as Solution: The Impact of Undergraduate Research on Student Learning” is based on surveys of 10,000 students at more than 150 colleges and universities. Lopatto’s findings include: • Undergraduate research has multiple personal and professional benefits to students. • Undergraduate research is good pedagogy, engaging students early in their learning careers. • Undergraduate research is beneficial across disciplines. • Undergraduate research is beneficial to faculty as well, challenging their teaching and scientific exploration.
Lopatto is available to discuss these findings and the importance of undergraduate research.
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