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Student Resources

Student Guide

PARTICIPATING IN THE RESEARCH PARTICIPATION PROGRAM (RPP)

Your instructor has opted to offer the Research Participation Program (RPP) wherein you may participate in ongoing research studies as required class credit or extra credit. The RPP is intended to introduce you to the wide variety of research being conducted in the College of Business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. As you become acquainted with professors and graduate students who are actively contributing new findings to the field of business, we expect that you will learn about how business research is conducted.


To complete the research experience requirement, you may participate through any combination of the following activities:

(1) Serve as a research participant in one or more ongoing research projects.
(2) Write a research brief.

Through your participation, you will earn units of participation that will be reported to your instructor. In all, students must earn the number of units of research participation (RPUs) that is specified by their instructor(s). Units may not count double, meaning one credit cannot be applied to different courses. If there are enough studies taking place, you may earn all of these credits by volunteering as a participant. However, if there is a shortage of studies, or if your schedule makes it impossible for you to attend sessions, or if you are uncomfortable with participating in research for any reason, you can fulfill the course requirement by writing a research brief(s).

  1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPATION FOR STUDIES COMPLETED IN KORALESKI CAB Lab.

    We are not currently offering any studies in the Lab at this time. All studies will be     completed remotely online.

    Online Study Instructions

  2. RESEARCH BRIEFS

    One unit of research participation is awarded for a written research brief (e.g. two research briefs is equivalent to two units of research participation). When completing this assignment, you should anticipate spending approximately one hour reading and writing a brief that compares two specific theories/concepts related to the course you are taking.

    If you are having trouble finding studies in which to participate at midterm or later, we encourage you to fulfill your remaining research experience requirements by preparing research briefs. All research briefs are graded during the last week of each semester. While we will gladly accept research briefs throughout the semester, your account will not be credited until the end of the semester as a result of the grading procedure.

    Sources for these assignments are available via the electronic journals link at the Criss Library website. If necessary, librarians and support staff are available at the Criss Library help desk to guide you with using electronic journals. Or, contact the library help desk at (402) 554-3206.

    The Assignment. Select two specific theories/concepts that have been covered in your class or that your textbook author focuses on. For each theory/concept:

    • Summarize the basic assumptions the theory proposes (e.g. what is the causal path? How does this theory explain questions regarding marketing/management?). Examples are often useful to help explain the theory connection to actual business practice.

    • Describe the similarities you think these theories have (e.g. do they incorporate similar concepts? Have similar times of origin?).-- Note: You should have adequate comparisons/contrasts. The similarity that “they both explain marketing/management” is absolutely NOT a sufficient example.

    • How are the theories different? (e.g. do they explain different business concepts? Are they better or worse at explaining consumer behavior, management strategy, etc.?)

    • Finally, explain which theory you believe is better. Be sure to support your argument or explain why you think so (e.g. better evidence; can answer more questions).

    Reference both your textbook as well as ideas presented in class to support your arguments. You are also required to use outside sources to supplement your paper; please provide references at the conclusion of your paper. The brief should be a minimum of 3 pages, single-spaced.

    The body of the report should indicate the student’s name, ID number, and which class the paper is submitted for to receive RPP credit. The report must be typed (12-point font with standard 1-inch margins) and submitted via electronic format. To do this, you should email a copy of your summary to domalley@unomaha.edu (acceptable formats include: .docx; .doc; or .pdf).

    This file must be named: last name, first initial, middle initial, and number of alternative research papers that the document represents (e.g. Jane Marie Doe’s file would be named doejm1).

    The burden of responsibility to make sure that a file was received is placed on the participant. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you request an e-mail confirming that your file has been received and print a copy for your records.

    Due date - The alternative research assignment(s) is due no later than December 3rd at 5:00pm. Student reports must be turned into domalley@unomaha.edu by this date or they will not receive credit for their participation; late papers cannot be accepted.

  3. IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES

    Immediately Sign-up for an account now:
    http://unocablab.sona-systems.com.
    September 7
    		 Initial studies will be made available
    December 3

    At 5:00 PM: Last day to turn in research paper to domalley@unomaha.edu.

    Last day to participate in a study
    (some instructors require an earlier completion date)
    December 7
    		 Deadline for resolving all Research Participation Requirement issues
  4. PERSONAL RECORDKEEPING

    Fill in this information at the time you sign up for a study. If you find that there is a problem at the end of the semester or have a question about specific credits or studies, you will be asked to show this record. Also, please save e-mails that are sent to you that contain information about your registration, sign up, cancellations and other information, otherwise it will be difficult to assist you.

    Study Number and Title Administrator Name, Email and Phone# Date/Time/Place Credit Hours
    eg., Study 108: Leadership styles Debbie O'Malley
    unocablab@unomaha.edu
    402-554-2224    		 Feb 1st: 2pm, MH 270 0.5