The role of high school research experiences in shaping students' research self-efficacy and preparing students for undergraduate research participation

Abstract

The effects of undergraduate research participation are well documented, but less is known about students' pathways into undergraduate research participation. This mixed-methods study explored the role of an International Baccalaureate research project in students' development of research self-efficacy in high school, and how this development influenced students' participation in undergraduate research. Social Cognitive Career Theory (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) was used to understand students' learning experiences and educational decision-making processes related to conducting research. Findings were based on analyses of data gathered through a survey, student records analysis, interviews, and focus groups. Findings of this study suggest that students' precollege research experiences enhance research self-efficacy, which leads to interest in and confidence with conducting research during college.