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. 2004 Winter;3(4):270–277. doi: 10.1187/cbe.04-07-0045

Table 11. Mean gains classified by institution type.

Colleges Master's university Research university



Item Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD
Understanding of the research process 4.07 .92 3.95 .88 4.18 .91
Readiness for more demanding research 4.10 .94 3.91 .93 4.04 .95
Understanding how scientists work on real problems 4.05 .91 4.05 .94 3.98 .99
Learning lab techniques 3.88 1.3 4.26 .92 4.01 1.2
Tolerance for obstacles 4.04 .91 4.15 .83 3.98 .96
Learning to work independently 3.91 1.1 3.95 1.1 3.82 1.1
Skill in the interpretation of results 3.85 .92 3.73 1.05 3.84 1.0
Ability to analyze data 3.93 .97 3.76 .88 3.80 1.0
Understanding how knowledge is constructed 3.84 .95 3.75 1.0 3.78 .99
Becoming part of the learning community 3.80 1.1 4.00 1.0 3.77 1.1
Ability to integrate theory and practice 3.78 .92 3.73 .89 3.79 1.0
Understanding primary literature 3.70 1.1 3.97 .87 3.66 1.1
Assertions require supporting evidence 3.70 1.1 4.09 .94 3.63 1.2
Understanding science 3.63 1.01 3.62 .97 3.62 1.1
Understanding how scientists think 3.69 .94 3.66 .98 3.59 1.1
Self-confidence 3.63 1.1 3.86 1.0 3.44 1.2
Clarification of a career path 3.33 1.07 3.51 .99 3.44 1.06
Skill in oral presentation 3.33 1.2 3.86 .96 3.39 1.3
Skill in science writing 3.30 1.1 3.46 1.3 3.32 1.2
Learning ethical conduct 3.23 1.2 3.36 1.04 3.10 1.3