Factors Influencing Student Success In A Summer Research Program: Formal Versus Informal Relational Structures

This research examines the differential impact of formal versus informal relational structures in determining student outcomes in summer research programs. In an effort to generate student responses and feedback regarding the success of the summer 2008 DAACI program, undergraduate participants were individually interviewed during the second-to-last week of the program. The interviews lasted an average of 45 minutes and ranged from about 20 minutes to 1hr 15 minutes. Students were asked a series of questions about themselves and their reactions to the program. Such information is useful in determining successful research program designs, and can be applied to future summer research programs. Overall, the main factor in ensuring the student has a positive summer research experience is their relationship with their mentors. Those who had helpful, involved mentors or graduate student mentors had better experiences than those who did not. Although interactions with fellow students were important to them, the formal social events were not beneficial, and were frequently completely unattended. Students much preferred the informal interactions they engaged in throughout the summer, as well as the formal weekly meetings and Monday lunches. Some students had professors who also met with them weekly, and found that to be helpful. A small group of students met weekly for a study group, and also found this to be much more beneficial than the golf and movie outings. Implications for how this information can be used in designing future programs are discussed.