Psychology Undergraduate Research Lab
The COCC Undergraduate Research Lab provides undergraduates opportunities for professional development beyond the classroom. This lab focuses on social, cognitive, or replication studies since these types of projects have higher odds of coming to a conclusion in a community college setting. In the UGRL students will assist with designing and conducting research, creating materials, participant recruitment, data collection, data entry and data analysis. After students gain experience, they will be invited to develop their own research projects or potentially serve as co-authors on ongoing research.
Outcomes
- Apply psychological content and skills to career goals
- Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation
- Refine project-management skills
- Enhance teamwork capacity
- Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation
Who Should Join?
- Motivated, reliable, hard-working students who are eager to develop professionally and are ready to embrace learning skills that will prepare them for a successful transfer to a 4-year institution or a psychology related career.
- Open to any student interested in the field of psychology or the research process. All majors welcome to apply. No prior research experience necessary-we will train you!
Commitment/Credit
- Minimum 2 hours a week in-person for at least one term.
- Class meets on Fridays from 10:00-12:00.
- Students may enroll for 1 credit (P/NP). Student who enroll for credit will be expected to complete assignments, attend classes, and submit a final reflection.
Research Assistant Levels
To be accepted into the lab, student must submit applications for consideration and be selected and approved by the faculty mentor. There is limited availability. Only 10 students are accepted a term. Application are due by Week 9 of Fall term for Winter Enrollment and Week 9 of Winter term for Spring Enrollments. Contact awoodell@cocc.edu for more information or to request an application.
Level 1 Research Assistant: first term in the research lab. In the first term, students
will be taught how to conduct research. Trainings will be in the form of lectures,
discussions and hands-on-exercises designed to immerse you in the process. Students
will work in a team on a replication study either in progress or will assist with
the launch of a new study.
Potential Topics Covered Throughout Term
- Replication Crisis
- Literature Searches and Reading Articles
- Research Design
- IRB, Ethics and Pre-registration
- How to Positively Interpret Critiques and Feedback
- Understanding Basic Stats and Data Analysis
- Developing Your Vitae for the Future
- In addition, students will assist with development, data collection, data entry and data analysis of current ongoing studies.
Level 2 Research Assistant: Two or more terms in the research lab. Must have completed all parts of Level 1 training.
- Level 2 Research Assistants will assist with data collection, analysis, project design, and training of Level 1 Research Assistants
- Level 2 Research Assistants are eligible to propose or design new studies to be conducted.
- Level 2 Research Assistants will be eligible for co-authorships on studies they have made significant contributions.
- Additional Skill Development: Submitting completed projects to conferences or possible publications. How to present/teach research to varied audiences. Possible basic programming skills used in psychological research.
Benefits to You!
- Leadership, teamwork and research experience
- Networking
- Professional Development
- Hopefully, it is fun!