Creating Sociological Knowledge and the Next Generation of Sociological Thinkers in Faculty-Directed Research with Undergraduate Research Assistants

Abstract Undergraduate research in sociology departments provides opportunities for student engagement and faculty development. Although undergraduate the natural physical sciences graduate mentoring have been extensively studied, there are few systematic studies of process extracurricular from perspective both students. We carried out semi-structured qualitative interviews with 23 assistants (RAs). Our results outline dynamics faculty-directed collaborations departments. first detail tasks regularly performed by RAs then describe development RA-faculty partnerships, including hiring training. Faculty-RA teams work together on through mechanisms accountability, regular meetings, communication. Finally, we how relationships transform partnerships end. find that generally one two outlooks research: they either seek as facilitators their or aim to develop mentor junior colleagues. discuss implications these learning, professionalization, holistic