Join the Research Team
Working with faculty on research can have a profound effect on students. The laboratory provides an active learning environment for students to gain understanding of behavioral science as they assist faculty with their research. Read on to learn how you can join the dynamical research team working in the lab under the supervision of Dr. Mize.
What is Directed Study (DS)?
In a 1 to 3 credit DS students are given the opportunity to work closely with faculty in research or other scholarly activities. As a Research Assistant in the EDP Lab, you will learn about conducting psychological and neuroscience research. There are two main research groups in the lab: (1) Bonding and Beyond group and (2) TEAKA group. The Bonding and Beyond team generally focus their time on infant and child development projects. The TEAKA team focus on everything else. When feasible, your work in the lab will be aligned with your interests and educational goals.
What are the benefits of doing a DS?
- Learn more about topics that interest you such as development, emotions, social interactions, parental investment, neural degeneration, physiology, and genetics.
- Get hands-on experience conducting scientific research.
- Participating in research enables student to develop critical thinking skills and gain self-confidence as they learn to integrate theory and practice.
- Gain experience that can improve your chances of getting into graduate school and will benefit your future job searches.
- Research experience facilitates students in finding a career path that will bring them joy and meaning.
- Build a mentoring relationship that can lead to a strong letter of recommendation.
- Have the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed directly to the scientific knowledge base in psychology.
Who is eligible for a DS?
Undergraduate students who have taken introductory courses in psychology, statistics, and research methods are eligible to take DS credits. DS students are required to work between 3 - 9 hours per week, depending on the number of credits for which they enroll. Engaging in a DS is like having a job. You are expected to be responsible and professional in your attitude toward your work in the lab. It is necessary to have approval from the professor to register for a DS course. Contact Dr. Mize to determine if a DS with her lab is right for you.
What is an Honors Thesis?
Completing an honor's thesis project will allow you to experience research in more depth than a DS and it may give your graduate school applications an edge over your competition. As an honors thesis student, you will be intensely involved in managing your own research project and writing a scientific paper. Students who wish to complete an honors project in psychology need permission from the Honors College and they need to identify a Faculty Mentor from the Department.
How much work is involved?
The time needed to complete an honors thesis varies based on the project. Additionally, honors students thesis students they need to complete a sequence of courses along the way.
- Introductory Research courses
- PSY 3213 Research Methods in Psychology & Lab is normally taken before deciding to complete a thesis
- IDH 3930 Honors Showcasing Knowledge
- Can be taken to help a student determine if they want to complete an honors thesis or immediately after getting approval from the Honors College and the students chosen faculty mentor.
- IDH 3910 Honors Directed Research under supervision of the faculty mentor
- Formal research proposal is written and the IRB application is submitted for ethical review
- IDH 4975 Honors Thesis
- Student writes their formal thesis paper and undergoes an oral defense process
Please talk to Dr. Mize if you are a current Honors student and wish to complete an honors thesis project under her supervision.
How Do I Sign Up?
If you are interested in opportunities to work on the TEAKA or Bonding & Beyond Research Teams, email Dr. Mize.