Undergraduate Research

Why become involved in research?

1. Research experience is extremely important for graduate school applications
2. Research enhances your understanding of concepts in psychology courses
3. Being in a lab helps you get to know other people who have similar interests
4. Research is challenging but rewarding!

Students are encouraged to become involved in research in the psychology department. These experiences give students great opportunities to work with faculty and graduate students in the research environment. There are many opportunities to join labs in each of our six areas of interest as either a volunteer or for credit (via PSY 490 or PSY 491).

There are many opportunities to join labs in each of our six areas of interest: Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Science, Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience, Ecological / Community Psychology, Social / Personality Psychology, and Organizational Psychology. To find out more about the labs in our department please click the photos below.

• How to Locate Research Opportunities

  There are opportunities in the Department of Psychology for students to get involved in a faculty member's research lab, either as a volunteer or for credit (via PSY 490 or PSY 491). The following are ways to identify these opportunities: 

  • Expand the AVAILABLE RESEARCH POSITIONS section (2 sections below) and review the postings for labs actively seeking new students.
  • Explore current research labs categorized by the six areas of interest.
  • Use the directory to search and learn about psychology faculty and their research interests.  Many of the lab websites include recent publications that students can read prior to contacting the faculty. After reviewing their information, students can contact those that most closely resemble their interests.

   

  Students should use the above methods to appropriately connect with faculty to show interest in joining their research lab. Some listings will offer an application process while others will require you to send a well-crafted email indicating your interest in joining a research lab.

  If accepted into a research lab or project the student should communicate with the primary investigator or lab manager about the opportunity to earn credit or continue as a volunteer. Please review the below options for more information

• Independent Studies: Research for Credit

  Independent Studies: Research For Credit 

  Independent studies are important for students planning to apply for graduate school. This experience gives students great opportunities to work with faculty in the research environment. Research credit can be earned through PSY 490 or PSY 491.

  PSY 490 Special Problems in Psychology (fall, spring, summer)

  Description: Students work under the direction of a faculty member on an experimental, theoretical, or applied problem. This is a graded course. 

  Restrictions: As specified by the faculty of record. A maximum of 1 - 8 490/491 credits can be taken in a semester with a combined total of 12 independent study credits for the degree. Needs instructor and departmental approval.

  PSY 491 Participation in Psychological Project (fall, spring, summer) 

  Description: Students participate in a psychological project under direction of a faculty member. This is a pass/no grade course (no grade, only credit). 

  Restrictions: As specified by the faculty of record. A maximum of 1 - 8 490/491 credits can be taken in a semester with a combined total of 12 independent study credits for the degree. Needs instructor and departmental approval.

  • Earning independent study credits through PSY 490/491 can count toward PSY elective credits and the College of Social Science Experiential Learning requirement (minimum of 3 credits needed).
  • Restrictions: As specified by the faculty of record. A maximum of 1 - 8 490/491 credits can be taken in a semester with a combined total of 12 independent study credits for the degree. Needs instructor and departmental approval.
  • Click here for Independent Study Form When filling out form rememember to include whether you will be participating in either 490/491 for course credit. 

   

   *NOTE College of Social Science Restrictions on Experiential Learning*:

  A maximum of 12 credits of independent study may be applied toward the degree.

  A maximum of 12 credits in internship, field experience, and practicum courses combined may be applied toward the degree.

  The total of independent study, practicum, internship, and field experience credits may not exceed 20 credits combined. Participation in PSY 371/372 (6 cr.) and PSY 381 (3 cr.) will NOT be counted against this limit. If you have any questions, contact your advisor.

  Volunteer:

  Being an undergraduate research assistant does not always require students to enroll in credits. Reasons students do not enroll for credits are:
  - Some labs require a multiple semester commitment before offering independent study credit.
  - Student does not need the credit for a degree requirement.

• Available Research Positions

  (5-24-23) Seeking RA for Prenatal Stress Lab

  Description:

  · Conduct lab visits with research participants and collect data using questionnaires, interviews, and      behavioral observations of women and their babies.

  · Administer stress tasks to research participants.

  · Provide childcare for research participants during lab visits.

  · Assist with interview transcription and data entry.

  · Pick up saliva samples from participants’ homes.

  · Help with study recruitment via tabling and flyering in the community.

  · Attend weekly lab meetings with staff and graduate students managing the project.

  · Read scientific articles that pertain to the topic of prenatal stress and intimate partner

    Available for 8-10 hours per week

  Requirements:

  1. RAs (research assistants) must have availability between 11:00am and 4:00pm 2-3 days a week (including weekends).

  2. RAs must be able to commit at least 1 full year to the project (minimum 2 semesters and a summer, longer commitments are preferred). Preference will be given to those who can begin in summer of 2023 GOA.3. RAs must have a GPA of at least 3.5

  4. RAs must have completed introductory courses in psychology and have familiarity with basic research methods and issues of confidentiality.

  5. RAs will be required to work on the project for 8-10 hours per week for the duration of the semester.

  6. RAs will be required to attend a 1-hour research meeting per week held throughout the year, during which students may be required to read and discuss relevant psychological literature.

  7. We typically require enrollment in at least 1 credit of PSY 491 for both the Fall/Spring semesters, but we do not require enrollment for summer credits. Exceptions (e.g., you graduated but want to continue in the lab) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  Contact: baby@msu.edu, 517-432-2300

  Apply:  https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_07o9oOzG2d3xnVk  

   

  (4-21-23) Seeking RA for LINC Lab

  Description: The LINC Lab (https://linclabmsu.com/) is recruiting motivated undergraduate research assistants to help As a research assistant, you will help us prepare for and conduct study sessions.

  In general, your responsibilities could involve:

  • Assist with integrative research on personality
  • Assist with coding NASA Mission Control interviews
  • Assist data analysis for teams research project with Army Research Institute

  Being a research assistant is a time commitment. We expect a commitment of approximately 10 hours per week (note: this may fluctuate week to week).

  By volunteering in the LINC Lab, you can expect to obtain valuable research experience that will help you develop knowledge of research methods used to study teams. In addition, you’ll gain insight into real-world, applied research. Students who assist extensively with LINC Lab research can earn a letter of recommendation from Dr. Carter. Letters of recommendation are required for most graduate school and internship applications.

  Requirements: Preferred: psych major, diligent, interest in graduate school.

  Contact:  If you are interested in becoming an undergraduate research assistant with LINC Lab, please fill out the following survey with your contact information and availability. https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Zg8KP3GIm8sMUm

  *All who fill out the survey will be contacted with more details.

   

  (1-11-23) Seeking Research Assistant in Morality and Intergroup Relations Lab

  Description: Description: Research moral and political psychology with Dr. Navarrete. Duties include (a) Conduct experiments using physiological measurement equipment and virtual display devices. (b) Data entry and management. (c) Assist in creating questionnaires and other research materials.

  Requirements: 3.2 GPA, in-person and available 9 hours a week

  More information: https://mirlab.rocks/applylab

  Contact: cdn@msu.edu, Dr. Carlos Navarrete

   

  (11-16-22) Seeking Undergraduate Research Assistant 

  RA responsibilities in the lab vary based on need and training. RAs may be asked to help with recruitment, data entry, literature searches, videotaping participants in their school or home, and scoring or coding videotaped assessments. Students in their first year in the lab will be involved in an on-going project during which time they will be introduced to the type of questions we ask in the lab. Students who work for additional semesters may have the opportunity to become involved in the design of new projects, take a lead training role with new RAs, or help graduate students prepare publications. Many of our undergraduate RAs have completed research poster presentations, too!

  Requirements: 

  • 3.2 GPA or higher
  • Freshman or Sophomore status preferred
  • Ability to speak Spanish preferred
  • Experience with kids preferred

  Responsibilities:

  • Drive to multiple cities in the state
  • Interact with studyparticipants
  • Video Editing
  • Video Coding
  • Toy cleaning
  • Attend monthly meetings

  Questions: Email: autlab@msu.edu
  Website: https://autismlab.psy.msu.edu/
  Recruitment Flyer 

  (9-19-22) Seeking RA positions for CBCC Lab 

  Are you a current Michigan State undergraduate student? Are you interested in working in a research lab? Undergraduate research assistants in the Computational Basis of Cognitive Control Lab will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of research activities and learn firsthand how research is conducted, offering great learning experiences for undergraduate students. The CBCC lab’s mission is to understand the computational principles that allow us to encode new memories and search for existing memories. We are looking for students with computer programming experience to help develop computer models of memory using behavioral and EEG data.
  
  Requirements:
  ·       Minimum GPA: 3.5
  ·       Experience in programming in Python or Matlab
  ·       5 hours a week time commitment for 2 semesters
   
  Questions:
  If you have any questions, email Dr. Karl Healey: khealey@msu.edu
   
  Apply:
  To apply, visit our website: https://cbcc.psy.msu.edu/join

   

  (8-31-22) Seeking Undergraduate Research Assistant for Cognitive Control Neurolab

  Description: Members of the Cognitive Control Neurolab investigate how attention improves working memory using both behavioral and neural methods.  Current projects include assessing how well people calibrate their attention to information they are supposed to remember and how different forms of attention improve memory. We also use EEG to “decode” what information people are holding in working memory. Participating in the lab is a great way to get research experience and can be taken for 490/491 credit to count towards your experiential learning requirement.

  Responsibilities:Primary responsibilities include recruiting, consenting, testing, and debriefing participants in computerized experiments. There are also opportunities for data analysis and learning how to perform EEG studies. Assistants are expected to attend a lab meeting for an hour every other week. Undergraduate assistants must exhibit professional behavior including being punctual for appointments, respecting participants, and cooperating with others in the lab.

  Requirements: We are looking for undergraduate assistants who can dedicate 9 hours per week to the lab for two semesters, have a GPA of over 3.3, and have taken at least one relevant psychology course. Psychology majors are preferred as all the projects require some psychology background.

  Contact: If you are interested in joining the lab, please send a resume with your GPA and relevant experience to the lab director, Dr. Susan Ravizza at ravizzas@msu.edu. 

   

  (08-26-22) Seeking Research Assistant for Clinical Psychophysiology Lab

  Description: Our lab utilizes experimental psychophysiological methods to understand emotion and cognition in healthy individuals and to uncover emotional and cognitive differences in anxious and depressed individuals. RAs work in a fun, inclusive, and motivating environment with other students who have similar interests. Primary RA Duties include: running participants through online or in-person research study protocols, running play-therapy camps with child participants in the lab, data entry and coding, organizational duties, which could include assembling research materials, making copies, etc. Benefits of Becoming a RA: In-depth research experience that includes working directly with participants and understanding how the research process works. You may also receive PSY 490/491 or NEU 490 credit after you complete one full semester (prior approval from Dr. Moser needed). A letter of recommendation (if you successfully complete your year commitment). Exposure to graduate school and what it is like – you are welcome and encouraged to meet with any of our graduate students to discuss grad school, research projects, or post-graduation plans. Opportunities to attend and give presentations on research findings. The depth of your experience in the lab is entirely dependent on your personal interest and motivation to seek out opportunities to become more involved in the research process.

  Requirements: We ask for at least a one-year (two full semesters — fall & spring semesters) commitment as well as an average of 8-10 hours/week commitment. Must have weekend availability to run sessions with participants in the lab. Would not work on Football game days. RA’s will receive $14/hr for time worked on the weekend running participants

  Apply: Our application form is open and will close on September 18th. For access to the form or more information, visit our lab website: https://cpl.psy.msu.edu/.

  Contact: cplmsu@gmail.com or 517-432-4428

   

  (1-26-22) Seeking Research Assistant for Kid Power Project / Clinical Psychophysiology Lab

  Description: Running play-therapy camps with child participants in the lab, data entry and coding Organizational duties, which could include assembling research materials, making copies, etc.

  Requirements:We ask for at least a one-year (two full semesters — fall & spring semesters) commitment as well as an average of 10 hours/week commitment. Must have weekend availability to run sessions with participants in the lab. Would not have to work more than four weekend days per semester. RA’s will receive $14/hr for time worked on the weekend running participants. Highly recommended: Having an interest in physiology – our research utilizes a physiology-based method (electroencephalogram).

  Apply: Link with description and application form: https://cpl.psy.msu.edu/join/undergraduate-research-assistants/

  Contact: 517-432-4428 (Lab phone number)

   

  Seeking Undergraduate Position for Mental Health Research Connect

  Project Description: MSU Mental Health Research Connect is a program that seeks to alert community members about research studies that they might be interested in learning more about, hear from community members about what they think mental health research should focus on, and sponsor regular outreach activities that are geared towards both mental health researchers and community members. Students will have the opportunity to help organize outreach events, interview campus researchers, help develop website content, contribute to recruitment efforts, and analyse input from community members. Individuals interested in the community impact of mental illness and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the social sciences are especially encouraged to apply.

  Apply:Interested applicants should apply in an email titled “Undergraduate Research Assistant Application” to our lab manager, Jessica Fattal (fattalj1@msu.edu) and include all required application materials:

  1) One page letter of interest that describes your interest in joining this lab and any hardships or adversity that you have overcome that you would like to be considered

  2) CV/resumé

  3) An unofficial transcript

  4) Your availability for the fall semester Applications will be reviewed starting July 1st and continue until the position is filled. Any questions about the position may be directed to Jessica Fattal at fattalj1@msu.edu or Dr. Katy Thakkar at kthakkar@msu.edu.

• Funding Research

  The College of Social Science has various scholarships and grants that can assist undergraduates in furthering their research interests:

  Equity Research Scholars Initiative

  Leadership Council’s Sophomore Research Scholarship

  Provost's Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) Summer 2021

  Dean's Assistantship

  Andrew Undergraduate Fellowship

  Henderson Experiential Learning Award

   *There are occasional cases that research labs or projects have funds to provide undergraduate. If this is available it will be communicated by the primary investigator of the lab or project.

• Presenting Your Research

  There are plenty of opportunities for undergraduates to gain research experience in a lab and learn how to present research to a broader audience.

  Click here to learn more about the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) Office at Michigan State University. 

• Summer Opportunities

   Off Campus Summer Opportunities

  Summer research opportunities exist at institutions outside of MSU. Often, psychology faculty receive postings and flyers from colleagues at other schools and pass them onto the advisors.  These summer opportunities can help students get research experience for graduate school as well as help connect them to faculty outside of MSU.

  Check out the link to learn about programs that are available and learn how to apply.  Many of these programs will also be be available in future summers so if you are not ready to do them yet, you should still look these over!  

   

  Summer Research Opportunities Program

  

  The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities.

  Learn more about SROP here: https://grad.msu.edu/srop

   

• Post Graduation Research Positions 
  Click here to check out open research postions some in the post graduate category and others for undergraduates.
• UURAF

  In April each year, our undergraduate researchers present their work at MSU's Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF).

  UURAF SSHA Grand Prize Winners

  A group of four students won the UURAF Social Science, Humanities and Arts Grand Prize award for their research in Professor Devin McAuley's TAP Lab. Their project, “How Talker Rhythm Affects Speech Understanding in Noise", examined the role of talker rhythm in understanding speech under difficult listening conditions. The group consisted of spring 2019 Honors College graduates.