Overview of Research

  • Working in a research lab benefits your coursework. It provides you with a different lens through which to view the material you are learning in class.
  • It helps you develop your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
  • It's a first step in writing and defending a PSYC/NRSC Departmental Honors ThesisÌı(see below)
  • It can help you determine if you like research and want to engage in it as a part of your future career and/or graduate program.
  • Research experience is critical for some types of graduate and professional degree programs, particularly Ph.D. programs and other programs with a research focus.
  • It is a great way to get to know babyÖ±²¥app members better.
  • It helps build your resume!
  • In some cases you can be paid for your research work or earn credit towards your degree.
  • Learn about research happening in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department by reviewing the babyÖ±²¥app research lab page.
    • Check the lab's website to see if there are specific instructions to follow and/or an application to submit to indicate your interest in joining the lab. If this information is not provided, it is appropriate to contact the babyÖ±²¥app member overseeing the lab and/or the lab manager.
    • To increase your changes of obtaining a research position, it is helpful to contact more than one lab. We encourage students to be open-minded about the type of research they'll do, especially if they're just starting out.
  • Check out our Announcements page to see if any recent research opportunities have been posted.
  • Review the On-Campus and Off-CampusÌıresource pages for resources to help you locate other research opportunities. Just because you are a psychology and/or neurosience major does not mean you must do psychology and neuroscience research!

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How does research in a PSYC/NRSC lab relate to an honors thesis?

Honors can be a great cumulation for the valuable experience you gain in a research lab. For students considering research for the purpose of graduating with Honors (GPA above a 3.3), below is a suggested timeline on when to start research in a Psychology or Neuroscience labÌıto allowÌıtime to write and defend a Departmental Honors Thesis. Learn more on the Honors page.

Please note this is a suggested timeline based on a 4-year plan; transfer students are still eligible to do departmental honors through research! Meet with your Academic Advisor to create a customized plan.

Psychology and Neuroscience Honors Timeline, First Year- Think about research topics, read about topics of interest, read honors getting started handout, Second Year- Ask Faculty and advisors about honors, reach out to research labs, get research assistant position, third year, start or continue research in a lab, conduct own research, prepared paperwork for honors thesis, Last year - write thesis paper, submit honors paperwork, defend thesis
Honors Thesis Getting Started Handout

PSYC/NRSC Research Labs

Honors Thesis Paperwork

PSYC/NRSC Department Honors WebsiteÌı

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Paid/Volunteer Research Participation

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has numerous opportunities to participate in research as a paid or volunteer subject.

Research Announcements