Undergraduate Research:
* Scope: Typically smaller in scope and more focused on a specific aspect of a larger research project. It often involves assisting a graduate student or professor with a piece of a larger puzzle.
* Independence: More closely supervised by a faculty member. Students receive significant guidance in methodology, data analysis, and interpretation. The level of independence increases with experience and the specific project.
* Methodology: May involve simpler methodologies and data analysis techniques. The focus is often on learning and developing research skills.
* Expected Outcome: A research report, presentation at a departmental seminar or undergraduate research symposium, or contribution to a larger publication. It's primarily a learning experience. The novelty of the findings is often secondary to the learning process.
* Duration: Usually part of a course, a semester-long project, or a year-long independent study.
* Publication: Publication is less common and usually done in collaboration with the supervising faculty.
Graduate Research:
* Scope: Larger in scope, often involving original investigation and a significant contribution to the field. The goal is often to make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge.
* Independence: A higher degree of independence is expected. While advisors provide guidance, students are responsible for designing their research, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results.
* Methodology: Utilizes more sophisticated methodologies and data analysis techniques appropriate to the field of study.
* Expected Outcome: A master's thesis or doctoral dissertation, which constitutes a significant and original contribution to knowledge within the student's field. Publication in peer-reviewed journals is highly expected, often as a requirement for graduation.
* Duration: Typically spans several years, often multiple years for doctoral research.
* Publication: Publication in peer-reviewed journals is generally a requirement for graduation. Students are expected to present their findings at conferences and contribute to the academic literature.
In short, undergraduate research is primarily a learning experience, while graduate research is focused on making an original contribution to knowledge and developing the student into an independent researcher. Undergraduates learn *how* to do research; graduates do research to *contribute to* a field and establish themselves as scholars.