Research and teaching functions in undergraduate projectwork: some integrating themes

Abstract

This paper describes and evaluates an undergraduate project in which the interaction between teaching and research functions proved beneficial to both. The project initially involved undergraduate students in a major detailed questionnaire survey of shopping preferences in Cardiff. We found that we were able to extend the scope of the undergraduate project whilst simultaneously helping to fulfil a research function more effectively. We attempt to evaluate the pedagogic merits of this exercise, and seek to identify some broader prescriptions for integrating teaching and research.