Understanding the scope of undergraduate research: A framework for curricular and pedagogical decision-making

This article critically examines existing models and different ways of understanding undergraduate research to argue that there is a need for a coherent framework for student research that can contribute to curricular and pedagogical decision-making. A framework derived from analysing and integrating models of undergraduate research within the literature and from investigation in different countries is presented and explained. This framework graphically highlights the curricular and pedagogical choices involved where it is intended to engage students in research and inquiry. The article then indicates how it has been and can be used and discusses implications for research and practice.