Making It Real: Engaging Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Qualitative Research

Location

DeSantis Room 1047

Format Type

Plenary

Format Type

Panel

Start Date

16-1-2020 1:45 PM

End Date

16-1-2020 2:35 PM

Abstract

University students potentially reap a myriad of benefits from participation in research, ranging from improvements in critical thinking to refinements in presentation skills. However, opportunities for students to engage in applied research may be limited, especially for undergraduates who do not have thesis requirements. Because qualitative inquiry by its nature encourages ongoing active engagement by researchers, qualitative methods may be particularly well suited as a means of drawing novice researchers, including students, into applied research.

The purpose of this panel presentation, facilitated by Dr. Sheehan, is to describe multiple strategies employed by an interdisciplinary group of qualitative researchers in mentoring students through a variety of qualitative research projects, from initial study design through formal dissemination at a university research symposium or professional conference. Each panelist will discuss a specific student research experience and describe students' roles, researcher mentoring, and other aspects of students' interaction and collaboration as research team members. Benefits of student participation in collaborative qualitative research projects include development of specific research skills, such as preparing for and conducting interviews, and processing and analyzing data, along with participation in related activities, such as preparation of institutional review board applications. Students also have opportunities to take on leadership roles. For example, doctoral nursing students worked with undergraduate honors students to design and conduct a research study. Throughout this panel presentation, session attendees are encouraged to comment, ask questions, and share their own experiences doing qualitative inquiry with students.

Keywords

undergraduate students, graduate students, research team, interdisciplinary

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Jan 16th, 1:45 PM Jan 16th, 2:35 PM

Making It Real: Engaging Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Qualitative Research

DeSantis Room 1047

University students potentially reap a myriad of benefits from participation in research, ranging from improvements in critical thinking to refinements in presentation skills. However, opportunities for students to engage in applied research may be limited, especially for undergraduates who do not have thesis requirements. Because qualitative inquiry by its nature encourages ongoing active engagement by researchers, qualitative methods may be particularly well suited as a means of drawing novice researchers, including students, into applied research.

The purpose of this panel presentation, facilitated by Dr. Sheehan, is to describe multiple strategies employed by an interdisciplinary group of qualitative researchers in mentoring students through a variety of qualitative research projects, from initial study design through formal dissemination at a university research symposium or professional conference. Each panelist will discuss a specific student research experience and describe students' roles, researcher mentoring, and other aspects of students' interaction and collaboration as research team members. Benefits of student participation in collaborative qualitative research projects include development of specific research skills, such as preparing for and conducting interviews, and processing and analyzing data, along with participation in related activities, such as preparation of institutional review board applications. Students also have opportunities to take on leadership roles. For example, doctoral nursing students worked with undergraduate honors students to design and conduct a research study. Throughout this panel presentation, session attendees are encouraged to comment, ask questions, and share their own experiences doing qualitative inquiry with students.