Psychology
Undergraduate Advising
S105 Elliott Hall
75 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN
55455-0344

Map/Directions

Email: psyadvis@umn.edu
Phone: 612-625-8520
Fax: 612-626-2079

 

Research in Psychology

One of the many benefits of being a psychology student at UMN- TC is the unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the research lab of a distinguished faculty member. The activities of a research assistant may include data analysis, attending weekly lab meetings, running participants, learning about instrumentation, reading relevant articles, data entry, video coding and more. Lab duties vary according to the type of research being conducted and the current needs of the lab. Research lab experiences are optional, but are highly recommended for all psychology majors.

Here's why...

  • Earn academic credit toward the psychology major
  • Gain first-hand experience in a psych research lab
  • Develop transferrable skills, which can help you in securing future employment
  • Become a more competitive applicant for psych grad programs
  • Discover your strengths and explore your interests
  • Gather information that can help you make future decisions about graduate school

Here's how...

Most students arrange to earn academic credit for their lab experience (Psy 5993: Research Laboratory in Psychology- 3 credits). The academic component of a Psy 5993 experience most often includes a five page APA format paper.

  1. Identify a faculty mentor/topic of interest. In order to do this, you will need to spend some time reading about the different types of research being conducted in the department. Use the following links to explore:

  2. Send a personalized email to the Faculty or Adjunct Faculty member expressing interest in becoming a research assistant in their lab. Draw connections between your interests and the work of that faculty member, and list any relevant academic or work experience. You may need to go through this process more than once before finding a lab with an opening that is a good fit for you.

  3. Obtain an Undergraduate Research Contract from Psychology Undergraduate Advising (S103, S105, or S106 Elliott).

  4. Meet with your faculty adviser to complete the contract and obtain appropriate signatures. The contract is intended to clarify the academic components, specific tasks and responsibilities, and the method of evaluation for your lab experience.

  5. Bring the completed contract form to Psychology Undergraduate Advising and obtain approval from an adviser. You will either be given a permission number, enabling you to register online, or you will be directed otherwise.

Expect to spend three hours of work per week throughout the semester for each course credit earned (e.g. 3 credits = 9 hours/week). Summer session is shorter and requires a condensed workload.

Please Note: Psy 5993 is considered one of the Engagement Opportunities for Credit in psychology, of which a maximum of six credits may be applied toward the psychology major.

 

Also consider:

Updated 7/09