Student Inquiry and Research Program Details
Frequently Asked Questions about SIR
I want to do an investigation, but don't know how to start. What should I do?
If you don't know for sure what you want to investigate, reviewing the abstracts of previous investigations may lead to new ideas. Consider talking with the Coordinator of Student Inquiry and Research about the possibility of joining one of the limited number of ongoing SIR investigations that may fit your interests. If you have an investigation topic idea but are unsure how to pursue it, begin by reviewing the proposal form for ways to get started and ask the SIR Coordinator for advice.
How do I find an advisor?
SIR investigation advisors may be either IMSA on-campus staff members or off-campus professionals outside of IMSA. To secure an advisor, begin by talking to someone who has some knowledge in the field that you would like to pursue and ask for ideas about potential advisors. When considering potential advisors, be sure to think about whether you would enjoy working with that particular person. Before contacting any potential off-campus advisor directly, please discuss that person and the appropriate contact procedure with the SIR Coordinator.
What's the difference between conducting an on-campus and an off-campus investigation?
The only difference is that an off-campus SIR investigation requires traveling to the hosting facility to conduct the investigation; IMSA provides limited transportation to off-campus investigation sites. All other SIR program requirements are identical, whether the investigation is done on-campus or off-campus.
How do I register for SIR as a course?
Students do not sign up for SIR through the regular course selection process. As part of the SIR investigation proposal approval process, the Coordinator of Student Inquiry and Research will inform the College and Academic Counselor (CAC) that you have been approved to take SIR as a course; CAC will then add SIR to your official course list.
How will adding SIR to my current course load affect my weekly class schedule?
Your existing schedule of classes should be unaffected by adding SIR. IMSA's weekly calendar typically includes an entire day (usually Wednesday) about 3 times per month for students to pursue self-directed learning experiences. Students are expected to conduct SIR investigations on these Inquiry Days (I-Days); with few exceptions, regular academic classes are not held on I-days.
My planned course load makes a two-semester investigation impossible. Can I register for SIR for just the fall semester or just the spring semester?
No. While interested students are encouraged to create and conduct investigations of any duration, to register and receive credit for SIR during the academic year the student must participate in a two-semester investigation. If you would like to earn SIR credit but seek a shorter timeframe, consider registering for summer Student Inquiry and Research. Note that summer investigations are expected to be equivalent to typical two-semester experiences and must meet the same program requirements that are specified for the academic year program. Contact the SIR Coordinator for the registration deadline for summer SIR.
I learned about Student Inquiry and Research after the deadline for proposals. Can I still participate in SIR this year?
Only in very special cases is it possible to begin Student Inquiry and Research after the late September deadline for proposal submission has passed. Speak with the Coordinator of SIR about investigation work that you have already done and what potential advisor may be willing to work with you. If a Student Inquiry and Research investigation begins after the proposal deadline, the student will have to be extremely dedicated in order to complete all program requirements in the time remaining.
What if my original investigation idea does not work out? Will I have to drop SIR?
No, you will not have to drop SIR. Students are encouraged to forge ahead: often the best learning experiences occur when ideas don't work out as expected. It is likely that you will be able to adapt your investigation and continue with it to some meaningful endpoint. Be sure to engage your advisor in this adaptation process and keep the SIR Coordinator informed of major problems.
My investigation has no ethical implications. How do I complete that section of my proposal?
Ethics come into play in all investigations: research ethics include both general and specific considerations. While we typically think of ethical treatment of humans and animals as the hallmark of needing special ethical consideration, one must all also consider plagiarism, citing sources fairly, attributing ideas, and so forth. One should also consider the impact that the work might have in the future on society, or has had on society in the past. Consult your advisor for additional input on ethical considerations that may be unique to your investigation.
Can I be reimbursed for SIR investigation expenses?
There are limited funds for out-of-pocket expenses created by SIR investigations. Approval is needed prior to the expense, however, to guarantee reimbursement.
How do I present and/or publish my investigation work and results?
In addition to IMSAloquium, the annual on-campus showcase of student investigations held in April, there are many additional opportunities for communicating the results of your investigation - including competitions and journals which specifically solicit student work.
How is my final SIR grade and credit determined?
Your grade is based on the quality of your work (e.g. how well you conduct the investigation) and the extent to which you meet SIR program administrative requirements such as deadlines and attendance. Your advisor will recommend a grade strictly for the quality of your work and efforts in the investigation. The final grade is determined by the Coordinator of Student Inquiry and Research using both the advisor's recommendation and the extent to which you met SIR program administrative requirements.
What are the SIR attendance requirements?
SIR is scheduled for at most one day per week (Inquiry Day). Students are expected to attend every SIR session. Missing multiple sessions will disrupt progress on and success of the investigation. Absences can have severe consequences to the student's grade; for details on allowed absences, see the SIR attendance policy.
What if I can't find an answer to my question on the SIR web site?
If you have been unable to find the detailed answers you seek within the Student Inquiry and Research Program web pages, please contact the SIR Program Coordinator.