Perceived Benefits of Presenting Undergraduate Research at a Professional Conference

Research is increasingly an expected component of undergraduate psychology, with presentation of that research as a desired outcome. This present study examines the retrospective perceptions of current and former students who either merely attended or attended and presented undergraduate research at a regional professional conference. In general, whether or not the students presented at the conference, they reported that the experience was relevant to and useful for their education and goals. They also reported perceived increases in self-efficacy and motivation related to psychology as a profession. Those participants who presented undergraduate research, however, reported even greater perceived benefits. These findings suggest long-term self-efficacy, and motivational benefits of integrating undergraduate psychology majors into professional conferences, and particular benefits for student presentations of undergraduate research at conferences.