STEM Attitudes and Relation to Course Experience

Abstract

HNRS 118: "Cognitive Electrophysiology," a new course added to the Honors Program colloquia Spring 2022, focuses on a methodology that records the electrical signals of the brain called electroencephalography (EEG). PURSUE (Preparing Undergraduates for Research in STEM Using Electrophysiology) created the curriculum to reflect nationwide intercollegiate efforts to engage students in STEM with EEG technology. We have investigated the perceived value of STEM and cognitive neuroscience according to the students in the pilot class of HNRS 118 (HNRS 118) and compared the results against data from other JOO-level Honors classes (HNRSlOOs) and those enrolled in PSYC 374: Cognitive Neuroscience (PSYCH374). Presumably, students from the 100-Level Honors courses will not have any course exposure to EEG, while PSYC 374 offers a short unit covering the methodology used in neuroscience. If HNRS 118 students demonstrate attitudes towards STEM more like those of students in PSYC 374 than students in other non-STEM Honors 100-level classes, then this course could be considered effective at facilitating interest in STEM. This research will foster the development of this course. We plan to compare our findings with those from EEG courses being offered at other institutions associated with PURSUE.