The supervision of undergraduate research: Student perceptions of the supervisor role

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of a survey of undergraduates' perceptions of their supervision as they undertake their final year as honours research students. Students reported that their supervisors were supportive and sympathetic to their needs. The majority of supervisors adopted the role of resource person, directing students to references and contacts, discussing ideas and work undertaken. Most students had considerable freedom in the conduct of their work. They were given responsibility for many decisions concerning their research: most, for instance, chose their own research topic and supervisor and most determined the pace at which they worked. They appeared to cope well with the autonomous role of researcher and only a few commented on any difficulties. The non-directive role adopted by supervisors enabled students to develop skills of working on their own. Though the majority of students were given considerable freedom in their research the results of the survey indicated some differences between faculties. Arts students had greater responsibility for decision making than their Science counterparts.