Many faculty members across all areas of psychology are extremely passionate about collaborating with undergraduates on high-quality research. The purpose of this Research Topic is to share effective models, innovative ideas, best practices, and solutions to the challenges of conducting publishable research with undergraduates. In doing so, we hope to increase the quantity and quality of such experiences worldwide.

We envision primarily opinion and/or general commentary articles (1,000-2,000 words) that cover this topic broadly, but with enough depth to help faculty members readily apply lessons across diverse contexts. Submissions of other types (e.g., original research, reviews) are also welcome. We encourage collaborative submissions within departments, across institutions, and between faculty and former students. Potential themes include:

• Models for integrating undergraduates in publishable research (e.g., through capstones, honors theses, lab groups, Research Methods courses) at different types of institutions;
• Coping with institutional challenges (e.g., lack of resources, underprepared students, high teaching load, block course scheduling);
• Cross-institutional collaboration with undergraduates;
• Tips and strategies for developing scientific thinking, critical analysis, or successful collaboration (e.g., research/mentoring contracts, motivation and persistence boosts, productive conflict resolution, team building);
• Teaching undergraduates to write publishable manuscripts;
• Models for mentoring undergraduate research across different areas of psychology;
• The role of career stage in working with undergraduates;
• Conducting off-site research (e.g., in the community/field, internationally);
• Balancing the needs of undergraduates and graduate students; strategies for increasing diversity and inclusion in undergraduate researchers;
• Programs (e.g., CREP, EAMMi2) designed to provide undergraduate research opportunities while advancing psychological science;
• The role of national organizations (such as CUR, NSF) in promoting undergraduate research.

We also welcome perspectives we have not considered above that would creatively and insightfully contribute to this Research Topic.

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Impact

Frontiers in Psychology

Participating Journals

Impact