How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? In Research/Research, we use qualitative and mixed methods research to study student experiences.

An undergraduate student joins a research group unsure if research is right for them. They struggle at first, then start asking questions. They gain confidence, learn new skills, seek guidance from their mentor, develop relationships with their peers, and share their research with others. By the end of their experience, they describe themselves as a “researcher.” How does this happen? What shifted this student from being uncertain about research to identifying as a researcher? Who made an impact on their experience? How do so many other students, with entirely different experiences, come to see themselves the same way? 

In Research/Research (“Research on Research”), we center our focus around these questions. Using data from student reflections, assignments, interviews, and focus groups, our team works to understand and contextualize the experiences, identities, skills, influences, and factors that may impact undergraduate student researchers’ experiences. 

Research in Research/Research is grounded in social sciences and higher education research, with an emphasis on mixed methods and qualitative approaches. Students gain hands-on experience working with real data, including surveys, interviews, and program materials, to better understand how students engage with and benefit from research. In addition to studying undergraduate research, some projects explore how emerging generative AI tools can support qualitative and mixed methods research and program evaluation. 

Research/Research is a good fit for students who want to contribute to a shared research agenda, build practical research skills, and collaborate on projects that aim to improve student experiences in research and higher education.