Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Published on: November 15, 2024
The conundrum of social class: Disparities in publishing among STEM students in undergraduate research programs at a
Sara Grineski1, Heather Daniels1, Timothy Collins1
1Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Research on the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) student development pipeline has largely ignored social class and instead examined inequalities based on gender and race. We investigate the role of social class in undergraduate student research publications. Data come from a sample of 213 undergraduate research participants majoring in STEM at a Hispanic-majority institution. Based on generalized estimating equations that adjust for student demographics, research confidence, mentoring experiences, duration/number of research experiences, and clustering by major, we find that higher income students and continuing-generation students (vs. first-generation students) were significantly more likely to publish. Continuing-generation students had an even greater likelihood of publishing than first-generation students as students accrued more research confidence, spent more hours/week with faculty mentors, and conducted research for more months. Results suggest that undergraduate research programs designed to enhance diversity may help close some gaps (e.g., gender) but inadvertently reproduce class inequalities.
More Related Videos
11:13The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
11:17Stability and Structure of Bat Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I with Heterologous β2-Microglobulin
Published on: March 10, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Social Proof
Social Scripts
Social Traps
Social Facilitation
Social Loafing
Social Exchange Theory