Academic and Professional Preparedness: Outcomes of Undergraduate Research in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Abstract

This article assesses outcomes among students who pursued faculty-mentored research in those fields and concurrently participated in programs administered through UCLA’s Undergraduate Research Center for the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Compared to a quasi-control group of nonresearch students, the research students reported statistically significant better outcomes on average in attaining several of the skills sought by today’s employers.

Undergraduate Research in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences: Helping Students Navigate Uncertainty and Build Community through a Structured Cohort-Based Program

“…Previous research on URP highlights numerous learning and career outcomes. Students report that these programs advance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, professionalism, and written and oral communication skills (Kistner et al 2021), and that they help students develop faculty mentorship and peer networks (Arnold et al forthcoming).…”

“…2017). Further, URP has been shown to help students develop confidence in their skills as researchers, including critical thinking and problem solving, professionalism, and communication (Kistner et al 2021).…”

“…Students' open-ended responses and reflection memos were analyzed using Dedoose qualitative coding software. Thematic analysis of reflection memos and open-ended questions was guided by existing literature on outcomes of undergraduate research, including skill development, faculty mentorship, barriers to engagement, and identity development (e.g.,Craney et al 2011;Kistner et al 2021;Palmer et al 2015). Researchers began coding with these a priori themes, and student comments also produced emergent themes, such as a sense of ownership and agency related to their research projects(Maxwell 2013;Saldaña 2013).…”