Research Assistant Opportunities

From the Psychology Department Website:

"Research opportunities permit the student to become involved in ongoing
psychological research. In some cases, the student may receive academic credit by enrolling in Psych 500, Independent Study, after receiving approval from that person and completing the Petition for Supervision of Independent Study form (available outside rooms 221 and 207B). The student must have the form signed and completed by the sponsoring faculty and returned to Sharon Corcoran, Psychology Building room 207B. Ms. Corcoran will then register you for the appropriate section. The Petition form must be completed and brought to Ms. Corcoran before the add/drop deadlines. It is expected that 3-4 hours per week for 15 weeks will be devoted to aspects of the research for each unit of credit to be earned.

The following are some of the goals we hope are accomplished by engaging in
Independent Study:
(1) expose the student to various aspects of empirical research and the functions of a
psychology laboratory;
(2) provide the student with the opportunity to practice and refine research skills;
(3) give the student a deeper and fuller understanding of a particular topic or field of
psychological inquiry;
(4) promote and support research in the department and the discipline by providing
researchers with interested, qualified assistants;
(5) train students interested in continuing in psychology to be prepared and effective
in pursuing these goals and contributing to the scientific world.

To accomplish these goals, the following guidelines are suggested:
(1) Students are expected to devote 3-4 hours per week for 15 weeks to aspects of the research for each unit of credit to be earned. This includes working in the laboratory, attending laboratory meetings, meeting with supervisors, and reading material related to the project.
(2) The student should meet with the supervisor in charge at the beginning of the semester and establish what is expected from each side. The student should be informed as to which project(s) s/he will be involved, and in what capacities s/he is expected to assist.
(3) It is recommended that there be at least one assessment/feedback session during the course of the semester between the professor and student.

Assessment of the student's work and effort for the Independent Study and any additional requirements are the responsibility of the student's research mentor. Papers, presentations, and/or discussions of material are all possibilities that the mentor may require of the student. These expectations should be outlined at the beginning of the semester."