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Independent Research
We encourage students who are
especially interested in psychology to do independent research with a
faculty member. You can get credit for this by registering for PSYC 397
or PSYC 490.
PSYC 397 (Research Experience
in Psychology) provides opportunities for research experience under direct
supervision of a faculty member. The student serves as a research assistant
in an ongoing project, but generally is not responsible for the entire
scope of an experiment (e.g., design, execution, data analysis, and preparing
a manuscript). PSYC 397 can only be taken pass/fail, and may be repeated
for up to 6 credits; it is an excellent way to learn about research “from
the inside.” If you find this course of interest, be sure to read
the section in this website on “Current
Research Opportunities for Undergraduates.”
Students taking PSYC 490 (Independent
Research Project or Independent Reading in Psychology) play a more active
role in every phase of a research project, and students often take primary
responsibility for an entire experiment. PSYC 490 can be repeated for
up to 9 credits, but only 6 credits can be used for meeting major requirements;
you can take a maximum of 3 credits per semester with a given instructor.
Details of course requirements must be worked out in advance with the
instructor; typically, PSYC 490 activity involves research with a faculty
member, but alternatives (e.g., extensive library reviews) have also been
successful.
Students taking either PSYC
397 or PSYC 490 usually start by taking a course with a faculty member,
and then asking him or her about the possibility of independent research.
The instructor must authorize registration before you are able to register
for either PSYC 397 or PSYC 490.
Students may also receive academic
credit for structured practical experience in psychology by taking either
PSYC 398 (Applied Psychology Internship) or PSYC 399 (Cooperative Education
in Psychology). Check the catalog for details, and then discuss the possibilities
with your advisor.
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