A CURE lab in an introductory biology course has minimal impact on student outcomes, self-confidence, and preferences compared to a traditional lab.

ABSTRACT: Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have grown in popularity, particularly within introductory biology courses, to provide more students with authentic research experiences. CUREs have been shown to have many of the same positive effects as conventional research experiences; however, most assessments of CUREs lack an appropriate comparison group to evaluate their effectiveness. Here, we introduced a CURE into an introductory biology lab at a regional public university but maintained a traditional, "cookie-cutter" lab in half the lab sections over a 3-year period. We compared changes in test scores and survey responses, final lab and lecture scores, and D, F, withdrawal, and incomplete (DFWI) and retention rates between non-honors biology students in each group. While bo

SUBMITTER: Mashintonio AF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12020816 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature