Research Problem -Content vs. experience in the introductory biology lab

1. Research Problem-Content vs. experience in the introductory biology lab Introducing an “authentic” research experience at the introductory level of biology education usually involves a sacrifice of content coverage that makes many faculty uncomfortable and also may not provide students with a solid understanding of the fundamental content goals of the course.

2. Research Question Do students in an introductory biology survey laboratory with a focus on an “authentic” research project demonstrate improved student learning gains when the project provides experiences from the full diversity of the life sciences as opposed to a singularly-focused project? In other words, does the provision for full content coverage in this lab improve the experience for students over one in which content coverage is not provided?

3. Research Methods

4. Alignment of Research Question and Methods -embedded questions on lecture exams to explore content understanding. -This method will consider the relationship (if any) between lab experience and achievement in the lecture portion of the course. Since lecture and and lab are separately enrolled, there will be an even distribution of students from both lab experiences across all lecture sections. -“lab practical” experimental design questions. -This method will consider if the scientific critical thinking skills of the students have changed as a result of the intervention in the lab project. -survey for student confidence. -This method will consider if the lab intervention has changed student viewpoints in how biology research is done as well as their level of confidence in successfully participating in science.