by Katherine Kravetz, American University

While community-based research offers a wealth of opportunities for both community- based organizations and academic institutions, research involving undergraduates must be carefully considered, taking into account the students' skill level and sophistication, the nature of the undergraduate experience and time availability, and the capacity of the undergraduate curriculum to prepare students for research. Based on the writer's own experience and that of others, this paper will discuss the challenges to undergraduate community-based research, followed by strategies for achieving positive results. It focuses on the role of the professor in preparing students and mediating successful community-based research. It includes examples of research projects and tools.

Link to full text: http://comm-org.wisc.edu/papers2004/kravetz.htm