Inside the research incubator: A case study of an intensive undergraduate research experience for nursing & midwifery students

Abstract

Undergraduate research experiences are an increasing component of nursing andmidwifery degrees. The Summer Research Scholarship Programme (SRSP) is a tertiary educationinitiative in Australia to provide an intensive undergraduate research experience. Between 2009and 2010, six students and four academic faculty mentors in School of Nursing and Midwiferyparticipated in an inaugural SRSP.This study explores the experiences of both students and faculty mentors to determine howthis undergraduate research experience impacted student learning and interest in research. Aqualitative case study approach was used to explore the research experiences of undergraduatestudent and faculty participants in an inaugural undergraduate research programme.Based on the results of two surveys four main themes were identified: (1) acquisition ofresearch skills, (2) expectations, (3) academic engagement, and (4) continued interest inresearch.An intensive undergraduate research experience is a valuable component of student learn-ing that has the capacity to contribute to immediate and longer-term learning and researchoutcomes.