If you would like to apply as a research assistant, please email me with your interests and skills. Usually, I will ask the PhDs and postdocs whether they are looking for any help at that time, or I might have independent projects.

Research Assistant (RA) Activities

  1. Brainstorming and idea generation (usually not RAs)

  2. Literature search

  3. Planning methods and materials

  4. Submitting Institutional Review Board (IRB) application (usually not RAs)

  5. Building study materials on paper or online

  6. Running participants

  7. Data entry

  8. Verifying and cleaning data (usually not RAs)

  9. Statistical analysis (usually not RAs)

  10. Sharing the results in a poster, talk, or manuscript (usually not RAs)

Your involvement in these processes will depend on your skills and motivation. The more responsible and responsive you are, the more interesting tasks you will receive.

Study Materials

We primarily use Qualtrics to build and deliver studies. I may ask you to edit surveys there.

Data Entry

Data entry is when you are adding to existing data files, either from a log or a questionnaire. Usually, you will enter numbers into a spreadsheet in preparation for analysis. I will train you in this process and introduce you to the software. We mostly use Google Docs, Excel, and R. Accuracy is paramount. Go slowly and be aware that your work will be checked.

Papers

Sometimes, I will ask you to complete additional assignments as part of your research training. I would like you to pick activities that are useful for you. If you don’t like any of the below, propose something else. Possibilities include:

  1. Read a relevant research article and write a related research proposal of 3 or 4 pages.

  2. Write a complete job description and CV (curriculum vitae) or resume. Pick two "pretend job positions" to which you are applying and briefly describe it at the beginning so I know the goal of your CV/resume. These should be two different positions you are applying for when you submit either a CV or resume (different jobs require each). You could use any of the careers you described above, but realize that the positions you pick should correctly reflect your understanding of the difference between when a CV vs. resume is appropriate. A CV is an "academic resume" and has different content. A resume, on the other hand, is for more professional positions and requires more description of duties. Both should include all relevant experience you'd had up to this point as an undergraduate, but don't worry if you don't have too much experience to report.

  3. Career Research: Research different careers. Pick at least 1 "research" position and 1 "applied" position. It doesn't have to be in psychology, but it obviously should be a career where you can use your Psych BA. For each position, address in 2-3 pages each of the following: summarize the career you envision specific to your interests (beyond the general description provided on that website), how you can start catering your undergraduate to prepare and gain experience for this position, and the training and credentials required after undergraduate (i.e. grad or professional school) to obtain this position. You might have to do some outside research on your own to learn more about these careers. In the essay, please provide links back to the website for each career so I know which ones you picked.