The Undergraduate RA: Benefits and Challenges for Sociology Faculty and Research Assistants

Autor/inn/en	King, Molly M.; Imai, Megan K.
Titel	The Undergraduate RA: Benefits and Challenges for Sociology Faculty and Research Assistants
Quelle	In: Teaching Sociology, 51 (2023) 2, S.113-126 (14 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (King, Molly M.)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0092-055X
DOI	10.1177/0092055X221125783
Schlagwörter	Undergraduate Students; Research Assistants; Sociology; College Faculty; Affordances; Barriers; Student Attitudes; Teacher Attitudes + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Forschungspersonal; Soziologie; Fakultät; Schülerverhalten; Lehrerverhalten
Abstract	The undergraduate research assistantship is key in the professionalization of future sociologists. Our study is the first in the social sciences to document benefits and challenges from both faculty and student perspectives. By interviewing 13 undergraduate research assistants (RAs) and 10 faculty in sociology departments at primarily undergraduate institutions, we outline the benefits and challenges of faculty-directed research with undergraduates. We find that students develop practical research, project management, and interpersonal skills while learning about career interests and developing relationships with mentors. RA challenges include repetitive tasks and time management. Faculty benefit from assistance with their work, the opportunity to mentor, and pedagogical feedback. Faculty challenges include communication, undergraduate turnover, and institutional barriers. Comparing these benefits and challenges with the goals and motives of both RAs and faculty, we suggest recommendations for departments and institutions interested in increasing undergraduate engagement in research. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01