Scientific research is the process of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and reporting data in a planned and systematic way in order to find reliable and valid solutions to problems. Anxiety about scientific research directs the research behavior of the individual and causes feelings such as reluctance to do research, insecurity,…

Drawing from a "constructivist" approach, this qualitative research presents results of teaching the Doctoral English Course (DEC) at the Center for Languages (CDL), University Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis. The DEC aims to train doctoral candidates in the practice of scientific communication in English. By allowing students to (re)think…

The development of student abilities of scientific research activity (SRA) in the process of studies appears as a highly important area. In the course of studies, students not only increase their general competencies, acquire professional abilities and skills but also learn to conduct research. This does not mean that all students will build their…

Students who participate in scientific research as undergraduates report gaining many benefits from the experience. However, undergraduate research done independently under a faculty member's guidance or as part of an internship, regardless of its individual benefits, is inherently limited in its overall impact. Faculty members and sponsoring…

This study describes a research focused on science teachers' evaluation of natural science literacy of research and comprehension competence in their students. Natural science literacy of research and comprehension competence is defined as an essential part of science literacy -- as a competence to find, evaluate and use science knowledge stored…

The Pacific Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium has operated for 14 years as a region of the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. In response to the trend among professional science and science education societies to include both formal research report presentations and informal poster presentations, the Pacific Region…

Discusses: (1) the conflict about the importance of research at predominantly undergraduate schools; (2) sources of funding for undergraduate research (several of which are targeted at predominantly undergraduate institutions); and (3) undergraduate research at doctoral-granting institutions. (JN)

The process of getting one's research approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is detailed in this paper. The article discusses the typical information expected in an IRB proposal and it describes an IRB's role in evaluating a proposed research project, including ethical and scientific questions. The paper focuses on the advantages that…

Describes benefits of undergraduate research at the University of Maine in chemical engineering for students, faculty, and institution. Indicates reasons why such research is not encouraged. Lists general requirements for successful projects and reviews the performance of three well-managed projects. (SK)

Reviews a senior undergraduate research program in chemical engineering at Princeton University. Includes strengths and requirements for a successful program. Senior thesis research provides creative problem solving experiences for students and is congruent with departmental research objectives. Selected student comments are included. (SK)

Describes an undergraduate research program in biomedical engineering at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Includes goals and faculty comments on the program. Indicates that 58 percent of projects conducted between 1976 and 1980 have been presented at meetings or published. (SK)

Describes advantages and disadvantages of undergraduate research in chemical engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Also describes a five-year program designed to eliminate disadvantages and complement the graduate program. (SK)

Instruction in Scientific Inquiry Skills (ISIS) is part of a seven-year Air Force effort--the Fundamental Skills Training Project--to design, build, evaluate, and transition advanced computer-aided instruction to the education community. This report describes ISIS 2.0 and presents the results of an initial field evaluation of the software during…

Summarizes the author's experiences with undergraduate research in polymers at Purdue University. Suggests that such experiences may assist students in considering graduate study in chemical engineering. Presents data on 37 past participants' current positions and summarizes their answers to selected questions evaluating their undergraduate…

Describes courses which involve undergraduate research in chemical engineering at the University of Colorado. Presents the author's personal philosophy concerning such research, motivational techniques to encourage research, forums for disseminating research results, and possible sources of funding including the National Science Foundation's…