Document Type

Working Paper

Date of Original Version

4-2026

Abstract

We examine the effect of participating in a survey of constituents on student attitudes toward research and civic engagement and student confidence in several “soft skills”. Each student was trained in human subjects research and survey procedures and spent between four and six hours conducting an in-person survey at a location appropriate for the survey's target. We explore the effects of student outcomes through analyzing qualitative post survey experience reflection papers in one class, and a comparison of pre and post poll responses to an assessment in another. The results suggest that participation in the activity was correlated with an overall positive increase in research interest, soft skills, and interest in participating in future civic activities. We also find qualitative evidence that students absorb readings and class materials on survey methodology through the applied experience. We find the exit poll experience was most impactful for students with less research experience, and in some ways for students and lower grades, suggesting this type of experiential learning may be particularly beneficial for the type of student most in need of support. These findings corroborate the literature’s positive impacts of experiential learning, while specifically supporting the use of in person surveying to boost student self-confidence, research interest, and application of their academic studies to the real world. Further this type of activity allows students to partner with faculty on research and allow faculty to partner with governments and nonprofits to provide research otherwise outside of what funding local agencies can often afford.

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