Participate
Introduction to the study
We are conducting research on how the design of work affects student experiences and outcomes in undergraduate research. In the first stage of the project, we are adapting an existing survey from organizational psychology (Work Design Questionnaire, WDQ, Morgeson and Humphrey 2006) to make it usable in an undergraduate research context for students with a variety of linguistic backgrounds. In order to adapt the survey, we want to interview students as they answer the survey questions to identify vague or confusing language, as well as relevant and irrelevant questions. Interview participants will also be asked to complete a short confidential demographic survey (5 min) prior to the interview.
This study has been reviewed by the Internal Review Board at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo (Project 2021-261-CP ; approved through 02/28/2024)
How long does it take?
The anonymous survey is online and takes 20-30 min to complete. It includes questions about work context and design, as well as about student outcomes and demographics.
If you are selected for the interview, you will be asked to complete a short demographics survey AND an interview that will ask you to think aloud about the survey questions. The interview takes 30-45 min, and the participants will receive a $20 e-gift card after completing both the demographics survey (5 min or less) and the interview.
Who can participate?
The participants in this research study must be at least 18 years old.
Have you recently (in the past 3 months) conducted or currently conducting research as an undergraduate student?
Was your research in one of the STEM disciplines: life sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, kinesiology, geology, or engineering?
Are you 18 years old or older?
If you answer YES to the above questions, you are a candidate for this study!
If you are willing to participate in the interview or the survey, please complete the interest form, and a research team member with contact you with further details if you are selected for the interview.
Click this link to indicate your interest in the interview
We are actively recruiting English-Spanish bilingual participants who are willing to participate in the interview conducted by a bilingual researcher in Spanish and in English. If you are fluent in both languages, you can skip the interest form and proceed to the informed consent form at this link.
Click to read more about the research
At this early stage of the project, we are recruiting participants from a variety of STEM disciplines (life sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, DBER) and from a variety of linguistic backgrounds for interviews. If you volunteer for the study, but are not selected for the interview, you can participate by responding to the survey.
During the interview, a research team member via Zoom will present to you questions related to the structure of work and ask you to respond and explain your thinking related to the questions and your answers. The interviews will be recorded. All audio-transcripts will be kept confidential.
In the survey, you will be asked to respond to questions online on a secure website. The questions will cover your undergraduate research experience and potential outcomes.
In both cases, you will also be asked some questions about your educational experience and demographics. The confidentiality of participants will be protected in accordance with IRB-approved procedures.
Thank you for your time!