Baiduc, R.R., Flores, L.C., Beitel, G. (2017). “A Research Preparatory Program for First Year College Students: Student selection and preparation leads to higher science self-efficacy and persistence in STEM.” Innov High Educ, 42(3): 269-284.
Undergraduate research experiences may increase persistence in STEM majors. We describe a research program that targets first-year students selected for their curiosity and attitudes towards science. We explain the implementation of the program over 3 years and present evaluation data using a group of matched controls. Participants and controls pursued STEM degrees at equivalent rates, but participants were significantly more involved in research. Initial laboratory interest and mentor pairing may have played a role in this finding. Female participants, particularly those with male laboratory mentors, engaged in more research than men.