Department of Psychology

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Research Opportunities - Last updated 4-15-08

Faculty and Graduate Research Opportunities For Undergraduates

Please note some opportunities listed are held over from past semesters; please contact the individual researchers for information on future opportunities. Also, please note that this is not a complete list; you may also want to review the list of Faculty Research Interests and contact faculty whose interests correspond with yours.

NOTE: These ads are for undergraduate research assistants; compensation is research experience credit or work-study pay based on a financial aid award. These positions are not available to graduate students seeking stipend support.

You can either scroll through the entire list, or click below to go directly to the area in which you are most interested:

Biological/neuroscience
Clinical
Cognitive
Developmental
Industrial/organizational
Social

Non-department opportunities (good experience, counseling psychology credit available)

NOW RECRUITING FOR SPRING 2008

Are you a highly motivated and intellectually curious student? Do you want to have some research experience with children and families? Dr. Skowron’s Family Systems Lab in the Child Study Center is looking for 2-4 undergraduate students interested in research experience to join our NIMH-funded project, The FaMILY Study. Responsibilities include monitoring mother-preschool child interviews, cardiac vagal tone (i.e., ECG) and/or operating video cameras, along with some data entry & management. Training is provided. Students generally spend 8 to 10 hours per week in lab activities, and may receive counseling psychology independent study course credit. Interested students should visit our website at http://familysystemslab.psu.edu/ for more information about the lab and contact Dr. Sandra Gerstorf at sgerstorf@psu.edu

BIOLOGICAL/NEUROSCIENCE

Sheri Berenbaum

Now recruiting for Summer and Fall 2008

Description of Research: Why do girls & boys behave in different ways? If you’re interested in gaining research experience while learning about biological influences on the development of sex-typed behavior, we are currently seeking motivated & responsible undergraduate research assistants to help collect, enter, & analyze data.

Method of Compensation: Research assistants will receive Research Project credits (PSY 494). Generally, one credit is given for every 3 hrs of work per week, although actual hrs worked may vary. You will gain knowledge about gender development & hormone-behavior relations, as well as valuable research skills. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in learning more about human neuroscience or developmental psychology in preparation for graduate school.

Requirements/Qualifications: Students must be motivated, conscientious, & responsible. Candidates must be available for the weekly lab meeting on Mondays from 4:30 - 6:00 pm, give at least a 3-semester commitment to the lab, & be able to work at least 10 hrs/week (including 1 hour for a lab meeting). Preference is given to students who will be available to work in the summer. If you’re interested & want to learn more about the lab, please complete an application on-line at http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/s/a/sab31/application.html

Frederick M. Brown
863-1716, f3b@psu.edu

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008

Description of Research: Daily (circadian) rhythms of our daytime activity and nighttime sleeping affect all our basic behaviors and mental functioning. Some of these highly predictable rhythms are studied in our Human Performance Rhythms Laboratory (354 Moore). We have developed a Basic Language Morningness (BALM) scale that measures the time of day when people like to be active the most. Also, we have just developed a Sleep-Disruption Survey to determine how often, and for how long, people spontaneously wake up during the night, and what they do about it. We also study sleep-deprivation effects on practical issues like vehicle driving performance and working memory and are prepared to measure sleep deprivation using high-density EEG.

Requirements: Sophomore or Junior level with graduate school intentions; must have completed Psych 301 and Stat 200 (or its equivalent), and must be computer literate for data management and analysis. Because of the start-up training time especially for learning high-density EEG, we expect a student to remain in the laboratory for at least two semesters.

Method of Compensation: Although students can earn from 1-6 course credits per semester for Psych 294 or 494, 3 credits maximum is suggested for Psych 294 while training in the laboratory the first semester, and Psych 494 thereafter. The experience is excellent for learning several ways to collect data that measure effects of daily time fluctuations on our behavior. Several of our students have received laboratory externship and fellowship experiences beyond Penn State which have bolstered their applications for graduate and medical programs. Honors options are available that can become Psych 496 Independent Studies or Senior Thesis Research projects.

Dr. Doug Teti (HDFS)
dteti@psu.edu

We are looking for undergraduate volunteers, perhaps for course credit, to assist in a project that is investigating the neuroscience of emotion regulation in parents. We are using EEG techniques to assess mothers’ emotional responses and regulation to parenting and child-related stimuli. This is an innovative project that is on the cutting edge of the field. The goal of the project is to develop new procedures to identify parents at risk, which can be used both in research and applied settings.

Eligible undergraduates would be juniors or seniors next fall. We are interested in research assistants available to start this summer (if possible) and continue during the fall and spring. You will receive training in assisting with EEG lab visits, as well as home visits that include questionnaire and family observation.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Doug Teti (dteti@psu.edu). Please include your year of schooling as of next fall, your academic interests, GPA, and one or two references. Note: this opportunity is not available for PSYCH credit.

William Ray, Ph.D.
Psychophysiology Lab

SORRY, FULL FOR FALL 2007

Description of Research: We are interested in studying gender differences in the detection of deception. We have recently conducted an experiment in which female interrogators administered polygraph examinations to participants who either stole money from an office, or were innocent of the theft, to detect deception regarding guilty knowledge. We will now be running the same experiment with male interrogators so that we may investigate the effects of interrogator gender on the success of detecting deception.

Method of Compensation: Undergraduate assistants may receive research experience (PSYCH 494) credits, or hourly pay can be arranged.

Requirements/Qualifications: We are looking for two highly motivated and responsible male undergraduate students who have an interest in learning about psychophysiology.

Contact Information: Interested students should contact Dr. Ray (wjr@psu.edu) for more details.

CLINICAL

Peter Arnett, Ph.D.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH LAB

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008

Contact information:
Fiona Barwick (fhb103@psu.edu)
Joe Beeney (jeb425@psu.edu)
Amanda Rabinowitz (arr200@psu.edu)

Description of Research: Our research looks at changes in cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning that result from brain injury or disease. We investigate brain injury in college athletes who have suffered mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) due to concussion. We also examine psychosocial factors, specifically depression, in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS), a common and debilitating disease of the central nervous system. Undergraduate research assistants will be trained to score standardized measurements, enter data, and use statistical software. They will also attend lab meetings and, depending upon interest and ability, participate in other lab projects. Experience in a research lab exposes students to research design and implementation, allows students to understand the clinical applications of such research, and provides students with advice and training that enhance their applications to graduate and medical school programs.

Requirements/Qualifications: We are looking for motivated, conscientious, and responsible undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.2 who are interested in research experience in clinical psychology. Interested students must be able to commit a minimum of 2 semesters to the lab, 6-9 hours per week during the semester. Preference is given to students with interests in pursuing graduate training in the mental health field, or medical training in neurology, neurosurgery, or psychiatry.

Methods of Compensation: Undergraduate research assistants receive 1 Independent Study (Psy 296) or 1 Research Project (Psy 494) credit for every 3 hours worked. Students can earn up to 3 course credits for 9 hours of work per week. Opportunities to continue work in the lab may be available over summers and beyond the current academic year. Honors options for Psy 496 Independent Studies or Senior Thesis Research projects may be available after 2 semesters of participation and satisfactory performance in the lab. Please contact one of the above graduate students for more details and to schedule an interview. In your email, include your current year of schooling, your major or academic interests, your GPA, and any prior research experience.

Sandra Azar

NOW RECRUITING FOR SUMMER AND FALL 2008

Description of Research: Dr. Sandra T. Azar’s research lab studies a variety of issues including inter-personal violence, at-risk child and adolescent populations, and parenting processes. Previous projects from the Azar lab have examined dating violence, child abuse, and peer aggression. Current studies in the lab focus on resilience to divorce, adolescent to parent violence, and maternal mental retardation and neglect. The diversity of projects in the lab allows for a wide range of experiences for undergraduate research assistants. Undergraduate assistants may be trained to score standardized behavioral rating scales, enter data, conduct literature searches, and gain experience with statistical software. Exceptional students may participate in home visits with study participants. In addition, weekly lab meetings provide a forum to discuss theory and clinical applications of the research, to address any questions that arise from work in the lab, and provide career guidance.

Method of Compensation: Undergraduate assistants may receive course credit (Psy 494) for 10 hours per week of work. To obtain course credit, students are required to complete readings, to attend lab meetings and to write a paper. Students who qualify for Work-Study are encouraged to apply, as you may be able to earn money working in our lab. Honors options for Senior Thesis research projects may be available after 2 semesters of participation and satisfactory performance in the lab.

Requirements/Qualifications: Due to the intensive training involved, we require at least a 2 semester commitment and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students find the extended commitment provides them with an opportunity to become involved in the work team as well as to get advice about jobs and graduate school, while having a substantive experience in a research lab. Preference is given to Sophomores or Juniors with interests in pursuing either graduate training in mental health or careers related to children.

Please note we can currently accommodate about 2-4 more enthusiastic and responsible undergraduates.

Contact Information: Please contact one of Sandra Azar’s graduate students: Yuko Okado (okado@psu.edu), Kristin Read (kxr257@psu.edu), or Stephon Proctor, snp134@psu.edu, for more details and to schedule an interview.

Pamela Cole

There are 4 projects in our lab that have research opportunities for undergraduate students. Each involves the integration of clinical and developmental psychology.
The Development of Toddlers Study (DOTS) is a longitudinal study of the early development of emotion regulation. The study began when our participants were 18 months old. In 2007 we completed data collection, when the children were 5 years old. We saw them 5 times in the lab and 4 times at home so we have a wealth of data. We are now working hard to (a) code video and audio records of the children at different ages, (b) complete data entry, and (c) analyze the data to see what we have learned. If you are interested in this project, contact Michele Kelly at mas70@psu.edu
The Development across Domains project (DAD) is a set of pilot studies examining the relation between developmental accomplishments in locomotor development and their association with other developmental changes. Our lab’s involvement focuses on how learning to crawl and to walk affects emotional development and how that in turn affects parent-child interaction. We have one project ongoing that involves interviewing parents about their child’s development during crawling or walking. This project is in collaboration with Dr Rick Gilmore and several other colleagues in the Psychology Department and affiliated departments. If you are interested in this project, contact Pamela Cole at pmc5@psu.edu

The Joys and Challenges of Parenting studies are a set of pilot studies, in collaboration with other a few Penn State researchers examining the best methods for studying emotion regulation in parents. Currently, we have one project called the Minds of Mothers (MOMS) involves coding parental emotion from video records and another involves data collection, using experience sampling method (ESM) to capture day to day emotions that parents have. If you are interested in this project, contact Lara Robinson at lrr14@psu.edu or Michele Kelly at mas70@psu.edu

Project SIESTA, in collaboration with Dr Doug Teti and other colleagues, will start up this summer. It involves the study of the role of parenting in infant development of self-regulated sleep. Our lab’s contribution is examining the functional effects of infant sleep quality on the infant’s daily emotional functioning. Involvement in this project will include getting the project up and running. If you are interested in this project, please contact Pamela Cole at pmc5@psu.edu

Students can receive course credit (PSY 494) for 10 hours per week of work. Because of the extensive training involved, we do require a 10 hour per week time commitment. In addition, we have only taken students who can work for at least 2 semesters. Students find the extended commitment provides them with an opportunity to become well known in the lab, to get adequate advice about jobs and graduate school, and to have a substantive experience in a research lab. The lab is a supportive environment where undergraduates are encouraged to get involved in projects that interest them. We also have weekly meetings, which include discussions about theory and research related to the study, questions and comments about the work in the lab, and career counseling (resume workshop, career pathways).

Cynthia Huang-Pollock

Now recruiting for Summer and Fall 2008

Description of Research: The Child Attention and Learning Lab is conducting an ongoing study to examine how neuropsychological and emotional processes are related to learning problems in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Research assistants in the lab will be trained to score common behavior rating scales, as well as to help with administrative lab tasks. In addition, exceptional undergraduate RAs may also have the opportunity to administer neuropsychological tests of IQ, achievement, memory, and learning, and will be able to work directly with children and their families in administering the tests. Weekly lab meetings provide a forum to discuss theory and clinical application of the research, to address any questions that arise from work in the lab, and career guidance.

Method of Compensation: Undergraduate assistants may receive course credit (Psy 494) for 10 hours per week of work. Honors options for Senior Thesis research projects are available.

Requirements/Qualifications: Due to the intensive training involved, we require at least a 2 semester commitment and a minimum GPA of 3.5. Preference is given to Sophomores or Juniors with interests in pursuing graduate training in mental health.

Contact Information: Please contact Julie Scott (jrs1087@psu.edu) or Sarah Karalunas (slk301@psu.edu) for more details and to schedule an interview.

Kenneth Levy, Ph.D.
Laboratory for Personality, Psychopathology, and Psychotherapy Research

NOW RECRUITING FOR SUMMER AND FALL 2008

Description of Research: Developmental psychopathology, attachment theory and research, mental representations, emotion regulation, personality disorders, and psychotherapy process and outcome research.

Requirements/Qualifications: I am looking for people who are bright, highly motivated, and responsible, seriously interested in pursuing doctoral level studies, and have sufficient time to commit to a project. In return I offer an opportunity to become involved in interesting studies that will provide in-depth research experience, allow you to develop your own interest within psychology, and enhance your applications to graduate school. Students must have a 3.4 GPA and be able to commit to a minimum of at least 9 hours per week during the semester and/or 15-20 hours per week during the summer, for at least two semesters. In addition, students must be able to attend a weekly lab meeting.

Method of Compensation: Research assistants will receive Research Project (PSY 294 or 494) credits or Work Study opportunities. Generally, one hour of credit is given for every three hours of work per week, although actual hours worked may vary. There are opportunities for work study if you are eligible, and paid positions are possible after a semester of participation. Honors options are available that can become PSY 496 Independent Studies or Senior Thesis Research (PSY 493). Advanced students may have the opportunity to be involved in writing of journal articles and presentations for conferences. Research assistants will also gain valuable research skills, bolster their applications for graduate and medical school programs, and have the opportunity to develop their interests within the field. They will gain knowledge about attachment theory and assessment, personality disorders, and psychotherapy research from a developmental psychopathology framework. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in preparation for doctoral studies in clinical psychology or related areas. Additionally, working on research with a faculty member gives faculty an opportunity to get to know you well enough to write an effective letter of recommendation. Finally, several students from our laboratory have received external laboratory fellowships and experiences beyond Penn State, and many students in the lab have been accepted into prestigious and competitive doctoral programs.

Contact Info: If you are interested in a position please visit the laboratory website at: http://levylab.psych.psu.edu to fill out the “Research Assistant Application Form” located in the “For Undergraduates” section. Please send your completed application to Dr. Levy at klevy@psu.edu

Amy D. Marshall, Ph.D.
Relationship Research Lab

NOW RECRUITING FOR SUMMER and FALL 2008

Description of Research: The mission of the research program being developed in the Relationship Research Lab is to determine causal mechanisms and contextual factors that contribute to the occurrence of psychological and physical aggression in intimate relationships. We focus on the examination of how psychopathology interacts with social information processing skills (i.e., individuals' ability to perceive and interpret social stimuli, then to generate, choose, and enact behavioral responses) to lead to aggression both in and outside of intimate relationships. This model includes the study of interpersonal processes (e.g., reciprocal and multiplicative communication patterns) and contextual factors (e.g., emotional arousal) that may contribute to changes in information processing skills that are particularly important to the maintenance of adaptive close relationships. Undergraduate research assistants may be trained to code couples’ videotaped conflict discussions, conduct recruitment interviews, search relevant literature, collect individual and couples’ data, develop study stimuli, manage databases, and generally use your skills and creativity to assist in the development of new studies. In addition, lab meetings provide a forum to learn more about the topic under study and future opportunities in the field.

Method of Compensation: Undergraduate research assistants can participate on a volunteer basis, although preference is given to those interested earning independent research credit. Those eligible for work-study are also encouraged to apply. Research assistants will gain valuable research experience and faculty contact, especially helpful for those interested in pursuing graduate education.

Requirements/Qualifications: Highly motivated and responsible undergraduate students with an interest in clinical research are encouraged to apply. Students must have a 3.2 GPA. Preference is given to technologically competent students who are able to commit at least six hours per week to the lab (three hours of work for each hour of credit), as well as those who may be interested in continuing in the lab beyond the current semester.

Contact Information: Interested students should contact Lauren Sippel (lms455@psu.edu) for more information and to schedule an interview.

Aaron Pincus, Ph.D.

Full for Fall '08

Contact information:

Aaron Pincus: alp6@psu.edu, 863-1723

Description of Research: Research conducted in the personality psychology laboratory broadly applies personality theory and personality assessment methods to issues in clinical psychology. This includes: (a) personality disorders and alternative conceptions of abnormal personality, (b) clinical and personality assessment utilizing the Interpersonal Circumplex (IPC) and Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB), and (c) personality factors in psychopathology and psychotherapy.

Recent work has focused on new interpersonal conceptualizations of dependent and narcissistic personalities, interpersonal functioning in anxiety disorders, and the development of new circumplex measurement methodologies.

We are currently seeking several research assistants for Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 to help with multiple studies investigating personality, personality disorders, and interpersonal behavior. Studies are conducted in the Personality Psychology Laboratory and the Penn State Psychological Clinic.

Method of Compensation: Research assistants will receive Research Project (PSY 494) credits. Generally, one hour of credit is given for every three hours of work per week, although actual hours worked may vary. You will gain knowledge about personality disorders and personality assessment, as well as valuable research skills. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in learning more about personality and clinical psychology in preparation for graduate school.

Requirements/Qualifications: Students must be motivated, conscientious, and responsible. A minimum time commitment of at least 6-9 hours per week for at least two semesters is required. Students must be able to conduct research sessions in the early evening hours and attend a weekly lab meeting. If you are interested in a position please contact Dr. Pincus to schedule an interview.

José A. Soto
615 Moore Building
josesoto@psu.edu

LIMITED RECRUITING FOR FALL 2006

Contact Information: Please send an email to sotolab@gmail.com to request an application or for additional information.

Description of Research Project: Members of our lab will study how, why and under what circumstances culture exerts an influence on the emotion system. We will study emotion using various methods including self-report, coding of behavioral data, and collection of psychophysiological data. We will also study different aspects of the emotion system such as emotional reactivity or expressivity, emotion regulation, empathic understanding of other’s emotions, and emotion language. Finally, we will study how the interaction of culture with these processes affects the psychological and physical well being of the individual.

Compensation: Research assistants can work on a volunteer basis or can earn independent research credit (PSY 494). Those eligible for work-study may be paid for their work. Research assistants will also gain valuable research experience for those interested in pursuing graduate school.

Qualifications: We are looking for motivated, detail-oriented undergraduates. Duties may include any or all of the following: attend weekly lab meetings, develop stimulus materials, conduct literature searches, assist with study implementation, train to use psychophysiological equipment, run subjects through psychophysiological protocol, and enter data. Students with computer savvy and a love for technology are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students who can work 2 consecutive semesters for at least 6 hours/week.

COGNITIVE

Frederick M. Brown
863-1716, f3b@psu.edu

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008

Rich Carlson
613 Moore, 863-1736, racarlson@psu.edu

Sorry, full for Spring 2008; applications for Fall considered beginning in April

My research is concerned with conscious control and cognitive skill. Our focus this year is on the nature of errors in routine skills. Students assist in collecting data and in designing and planning experiments, and participate in a weekly lab meeting. Either independent study or work-study positions are possible. No prior experience necessary; I'm happy to hear from curious and responsible students with interests in any area of psychology. Please email or stop by for details.

Rick Gilmore
Email: rogilmore@psu.edu
Phone: 865-3664

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008

Research Description: The Gilmore lab focuses on basic questions in visual and cognitive neuroscience. The goal is to understand the development of perception, cognition, and action from infancy to adulthood using behavioral, computational, and neuroimaging techniques. The lab focuses on studies of normal development, and with colleagues at Hershey, development in children with visual or neurological disorders. A special focus in recent years has been on using steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) to measure patterns of brain activity in response to complex patterns of motion.

Method of Compensation: Students may receive PSY 494 research project credits or work study funds.

Requirements/Qualifications: Highly motivated undergraduates with strong science, math, or computer backgrounds and at least 6 hours per week (typically in the mornings) to devote to research are encouraged to apply. The ability to work with participants in a lab setting is necessary, as electrode placement on participants will be performed. A commitment of at least one year (two consecutive semesters) is required. To apply, complete the on-line application: http://babylab.psych.psu.edu/RA.app.html

Judith Kroll - Cognition and Language Lab:
Learning and Using a Second Language
641 Moore, 863-0126, jfk7@psu.edu

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2007

My graduate students and I are conducting research on the cognitive processes that support the acquisition and proficient use of a second language. We are looking for a few enthusiastic undergraduates who would like to work in the lab with us on new projects. Our research investigates how bilingual speakers manage to speak words in one language at a time, how adult learners of a second language acquire new vocabulary, and what information is available when proficient bilinguals read in one or both of their two languages. There is no requirement to speak a second language yourself, just to be interested in gaining research skills and in being part of an interactive lab group.

Independent study (Psychology 494 or Linguistics 496) and work study positions are available for undergraduate students who are eligible. Note that the only positions for pay are for undergraduates with work study awards.

Our lab is located in Room 623 in the Moore Building (phone 863-7392). Please feel free to contact any of us for more information:

Graduate Students:
Susan Bobb: scb207@psu.edu
Cari Bogulski: cari.bogulski@gmail.com
Jared Linck: jal447@psu.edu
Tyler Phelps: tep144@psu.edu

Visitor:
Dr. Taomei Guo: tug4@psu.edu

Judith Kroll: jfk7@psu.edu and 863-0126 (office: 641 Moore)
Liberal Arts Research Professor of Psychology and Linguistics

Frank Ritter
316G IST B, 865-4453, frank.ritter@psu.edu

Students can run usability experiments. Those who can program can help build cognitive models or HCI interfaces. Either independent study or work-study positions are possible. Students with programming experience are preferred. Please call or email to set up an appointment in the afternoon (Wednesday is best) for details. Previous projects include, besides the above, related work with video editing, eye-tracking, interface building, and web site design. We can also run a learning experiment to validate a model of learning.

David Rosenbaum
642 Moore, 863-1991, dar12@psu.edu

Our lab is concerned with the psychological substrates of skilled (and not such skilled) performance. We do research on topics relevant to human factors, performance arts, athletics, and medicine (physical and occupational therapy and diagnosis of perceptual-motor disorders). Our current projects pertain to action control. We use video and computer technology, including a modest virtual-reality setup for recording movement patterns of the hands and arms. Many students who have worked in the lab have chosen to stay on for several semesters. We try to have fun while also doing (or trying to do) top-notch research. No prior experience is necessary because the point of all this is to help you get experience. We are looking for students who are curious, responsible, and seeking opportunities. Independent study and work-study positions are available. Please don't hesitate to contact me. The lab is located in 351 Moore.

For more information, go to http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/d/a/dar12/

Dan Weiss
Comparative Communication Laboratory

Description of research: The goal of my lab is to use a comparative approach to the study of cognition and communication. To that end, we study 3 populations: human infants, human adults, and cotton-top tamarin monkeys. All of the research is behavioral (nothing invasive). I'm particularly interested in language and the early mechanisms underlying language acquisition. Recently, I've also begun some research in motor planning as well. For more details, visit my website at http://psych.la.psu.edu/weisslab/ . I'm interested in recruiting enthusiastic, conscientious, responsible, and bright students who are interested in assisting in the human and/or monkey research.

Method of compensation: Independent study and work study positions are available for undergraduate students who are eligible.

Requirements/Qualifications: Because of the nature of and training required for this type research, students should have a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 and be able to make a commitment of 2 semesters. Students should plan to spend 9 hours per week involved in lab-related activities, although the actual hours may be higher or lower in any given week.

Contact me at djw21@psu.edu if you are interested.

Michael Wenger
mjw19@psu.edu
863-6023

Now recruiting for Summer 2008 and Fall 2008

The Vision, Memory, and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory is looking for research assistants to get involved with our work investigating interactions between visual perception and memory. Current projects include research on the perception of faces and the development of perceptual skill. We are also working on developing computational models of neural circuits in the visual system that are involved in perception and memory, and testing the predictions of those models using EEG and event-related potential (ERP) methods. Students in the laboratory work on designing and planning experiments, data collection and analysis, and participate in a weekly lab meeting. If you are interested in any area of psychology, would like to know more about how research in psychology is done, and would like to gain experience that will help you if you are considering graduate training in psychology, we would love to talk to you. No prior experience is necessary, and you can find more information about our work at http://www.personal.psu.edu/mjw19. And if you'd like to learn more, or be considered for a position in the lab, please send me a note (mjw19@psu.edu).

DEVELOPMENTAL

Sheri Berenbaum

Now recruiting for Summer and Fall 2008

Kristin Buss
Emotion Development Lab

NOW RECRUITING FOR SUMMER and FALL 2008

Contact Information: Kristin Buss: kab37@psu.edu

Description of Research: Research interests in the lab involve developmental affective neuroscience, individual differences in emotional reactivity, regulation, and temperament, the dynamics of behavioral and biological expression of emotion, and the effects of context on emotional behavior and physiological reactivity. The current project is designed to explore the roles of temperament and fear reactivity in social-emotional development and contains elements that probe maternal awareness and parental influence during toddler development. Research assistants will be involved in conducting laboratory visits with toddlers and their families both as experimenters and technicians. Undergraduate assistants will also be trained to discriminate affective behaviors and code and enter data.

Method of Compensation: Research assistants can apply on a volunteer basis or for PSY 494 course credit. Students eligible for work study may be able to work in the lab for pay. Participation provides a valuable experience and reference base for those considering graduate studies. Opportunities are also available for those interested in completing a Senior Honors Thesis.

Requirements/Qualifications: Because of the nature and training involved with the study, we ask for a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 and a commitment of 2 semesters. Students should plan to spend 10 hours per week involved in lab-related activities, although actual numbers of hours may be higher or lower in any given week.

To apply or for more information, please contact Ben Deweese bnd106@psu.edu or tikes@psu.edu

Rick Gilmore
Email: rogilmore@psu.edu
Phone: 865-3664

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008

Method of Compensation: Students may receive PSY 494 research project credits or work study funds.

Lynn Liben
450 Moore Building, 863-1718, liben@psu.edu

Now recruiting for Summer and Fall 2008; Spring 2009

Description of Current Research The current projects in our lab concern basic research on cognitive and social development, and on how findings from this work apply to education. We cover infancy through young adulthood.
A few of our current projects are exploring parent-child interactions. One study is looking at parents and children at a museum exhibit on maps. Students are helping to code parent and child behaviors from video recordings. A second study involving parent-child interactions looks at how parents talk to their children about gender and social group stereotypes. Students will be helping to collect data and code behavior. Another large research project is investigating the skills required for success in the geosciences as well as how those concepts can be taught better. Students are currently helping to collect data and will also be involved in coding. Lastly, our research on photography is focused on children’s and adults’ aesthetic responses to images and to their own photographs.

Requirements/Qualifications. I prefer students who can devote about 10 hours weekly to the lab (3 credits) and who can commit to at least two semesters, although exceptions are sometimes made with respect to both. I also prefer students who have had a course or practical experiences related to developmental psychology (e.g., PSY 212; babysitting experience) and evidence high levels of responsibility and enthusiasm. Students may be involved through Independent Study (PSY 494) or Work Study, either of which provides excellent experience for graduate school or professional work with children and adolescents.

Contact/Application Information. If you would like to explore becoming involved in the lab, please request an application form from Lacey Hilliard (ljh195@psu.edu) and return the form via email to her or to my mail box (113 Moore) as soon as possible if you wish to be involved during Summer, 2008.

Jenae Neiderhiser
jenaemn@psu.edu

Now Recruiting for Summer and Fall 2008

Description of Research: We are looking for undergraduates to join a longitudinal adoption study interested in disentangling the effects of genes, prenatal drug exposure, and parenting on child outcomes. Lab activities include coding of medical records (prenatal and delivery) of birth mothers enrolled in the study; editing videotapes of young children and their adoptive parents; and participating in lab meetings with faculty and graduate students.

Method of Compensation: Research assistants may work on a volunteer basis or receive credit for PSYCH 294 or 494. Students eligible for work-study may also be hired for pay. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in developmental or clinical psychology, human development, biology, or medicine.

Requirements/Qualifications: We are looking for undergraduate students (with a minimum GPA of 3.0) to work at least 10 hours per week. A commitment of 2 semesters is preferable, but students who can only commit to 1 semester may still be considered.

Contact Information: If interested, please contact Jenae Neiderhiser (jenaemn@psu.edu) or Nastassia Hajal (njh159@psu.edu)

Family Life Project (Note: HDFS credits are elective credits for Psychology majors)
Cynthia A. Stifter
Clancy Blair

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2007/SPRING 2008

Contact Information:
HDFS Graduate Assistant
Kristin Voegtline: kmv152@psu.edu

Description of Research:
The Family Life Project is a five year collaboration between researchers at Penn State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The overarching goal of the project is to develop an understanding of the unique ways community, employment, family economic resources, family contexts, parent-child relationships, an individual differences among children influence development and competencies in children during their first three years of life.

Method of Compensation: Research assistants will receive HDFS Independent Study credits. This experience offers an opportunity to learn about infant emotional development and behavioral coding systems. Skills learned through a research assistantship are wonderful preparation for graduate school or research-oriented employment opportunities.

Requirements/Qualifications:
We ask that students commit for one year, enrolling in 2 to 3 credits per semester. Two credits carry a 6 hour per week time requirement and 3 credits carry a 9 hour per week time requirement. Hours are flexible. We are looking for motivated and responsible students!

We look forward to hearing from you! If you are interested in a position, please email Kristin.

Hoben Thomas

Now Recruiting for Fall 2008 and Spring 2009

Contact Information: Hoben Thomas hxt@psu.edu

Description of Research: I do mathematical modeling, largely within the framework of probability theory. The psychological content area is child or developmental psychology. The specific topics of focus are varied, but always focus on problems of individual differences, most recently infant differences. Most of the work I do is analytical, building probability models, evaluating the models in data, and exploring their consequences. Research assistants would assist in model evaluation, using real data from an infancy project, as well as artificial data to explore model properties. Computation is important.

Requirements/Qualifications: I am looking for one or two motivated, responsible and dependable undergraduate students with some mathematical background (at least calculus). Students must have taken statistics at least at the level of Stat 200 or Psych 200. The free software package R is the main computer software program students would use. A two semester commitment is desired. Students will learn skills and research approaches not generally introduced into the undergraduate curriculum.

Method of Compensation: Research assistants will receive 1 credit of Research Project (Psy 294 or Psy 494) for every 3 hours worked per week. There may also be the opportunity to receive summer salary support through NSF's undergraduate research support system.

INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL

David Harrison (Management Department)

Contact Information: Please contact Jennifer Diamond (jad440@psu.edu) if you are interested.

Description of Research Project: This project is a collaborative effort among researchers in IO Psychology and Management and Organization. The study examines how diversity impacts team processes and team performance. We are conducting a field study of research teams at PSU in order to investigate diversity effects as they unfold over time. Multiple types of diversity will be examined including race, ethnicity, gender, personality and social network ties. The project will take 2 semesters to complete. The spring semester will be devoted to planning and pilot testing the study. The fall semester will be devoted to data collection.

Compensation: Students will earn course credit (MGMT 494 Independent Study) for their involvement in this study. This project will also offer students an opportunity to learn about the process of conducting empirical research on IO Psychology/Organizational Behavior topics. This experience may be especially valuable to students seeking to pursue graduate work in these fields or those planning to do an honors thesis.

Qualifications: We are looking for thoughtful, motivated students who are interested in learning about the research process. Preference will be given to students who can work 2 consecutive semesters, but all are encouraged to apply. During the first part of the spring semester, research assistants may be asked to attend meetings and do small tasks to help prepare. Later in the semester, research assistants may be involved in creating study materials, recruiting subjects, and conducting interviews.

SOCIAL

Social Vision and Interpersonal Perception Lab:
Reg Adams

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008

Contact information: Please contact Dr. Reginald Adams (radams@psu.edu) for more information.

Description of research project: Our lab focuses on the study of social vision. More of the human brain is dedicated to visual processes than all other sensory modalities combined. This anatomical fact reflects in large part the central importance vision plays in both establishing and navigating us through our social worlds. In our work we recognize the interplay of visual and social processes both in terms those which are innately prepared and those which have emerged as the product of individual variation and cultural learning. Our focus is on the study of Compound Social Cues. More specifically, we study how social and emotional meaning is extracted from the human face given the multiple social messages it conveys (e.g., emotion, gender, race etc.). We utilize behavioral, neuroscientific, and cross-cultural methods to accomplish this work. We are currently seeking RAs who are interested in helping examine: 1) the language of the eyes, 2) ingroup/outgroup influences in social perception, and 3) human attraction. Our goal is for RAs to experience all phases of the research process from idea generation to stimulus and program preparation, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. All interested students are encouraged to apply.

Compensation: Students will earn 3 hours of course credit by enrolling in Psych 494 (independent study). Working in a research lab is invaluable to those seeking to pursue graduate work in research psychology. Gaining early experience in a lab is also helpful for those who anticipate doing an honors thesis.

Requirements/Qualifications: We are looking for motivated, reliable, detail-oriented students with a strong work ethic and creative instinct.

Karen Gasper
437 Moore, kxg20@psu.edu

RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008 WILL BEGIN IN AUGUST 2008

Description of Research Project : Our lab is searching for a couple of motivated students who are interested in learning about how moods and emotions influence everyday activities. Some questions under investigation will be:

How do people differ in their understanding of emotional experiences? Are some individuals more aware of their experiences than others?
How do feelings influence judgment? For instance, do sad individuals always view the world more negatively than those who are happy? Under what circumstances does this change?
How do our feelings influence information processing? For instance, are happy individuals more creative than sad individuals?

You will gain some valuable experience in using appropriate scientific methods, in running and conducting experimental sessions, and in analyzing and interpreting data.

Method of compensation: Independent Study Opportunity.

Requirements/Qualifications: Knowledge of computers would be a plus, but it is not required. We are looking for responsible, creative, and articulate people with an interest in psychology. For more information and an application form, please go to:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/k/x/kxg20/lab/lab.html

Phillip Atiba Goff
441 Moore Building
philgoff@psu.edu

NOW RECRUITING FOR SUMMER 2008

Contact Information: Please contact Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff (philgoff@psu.edu)or Elizabeth Loftus (egl119@psu.edu or 814-863-6659) for additional information.

Description of Research Project: Interested in race, gender, and social justice? Come find out how to contribute to these areas. Generally, our research team is interested in how social identities help and hurt people. As a member of our lab, you will be working on specific projects that attempt to answer the following questions:
1) How are our identities connected to issues of social justice?
2) In what ways do our gender and racial identities intersect?
3) How can we make interracial dialogues more productive?
4) When do we not conform to gender norms?
5) In what ways do we use cultural forms of expression (i.e. Music) as a means to communicate self-defining characteristics?
6) How do legacies of negative social representations continue to impact people today?
In the summers lab members will be trained in data entry and analysis. To this end, we are specifically interested in people who are detail oriented, hard working and looking to explore ideas of social justice.

Benefits: Research assistants can earn course credit (independent research credit) for working in our lab. Additionally, working in our lab provides opportunities for first-hand experience with psychology research. We encourage students interested in issues of identity, social justice, and social psychological research to apply.

Qualifications: We are looking for energetic students who are eager to be engaged and enjoy working with others. Students who have a good work ethic that includes a close attention paid to detail are especially encouraged to apply. Lab members are required to work 6 hours a week (2 credits). Contact Elizabeth Loftus (egl119@psu.edu or 814-863-6659) to apply.

Mel Mark

NOW RECRUITING FOR SPRING 2007

Contact Information: Please contact Chris Gamble (cng120@psu.edu) or Dr. Mel Mark (m5m@psu.edu) if you are interested.

Description of Research Projects: Our lab examines judgments about events and social norms and how our core motives and cognitive makeup influence such judgments. We are also conducting research to potentially enhance dialogue between students and their advisers.

Compensation: Students will earn 3 hours of course credit (PSY 494 Independent Study) for working in our lab. Beyond course credit, working in a lab is the best way to learn about the process of conducting empirical research, a particularly beneficial experience for students interested in graduate school.

Qualifications: We are looking for thoughtful, energetic undergraduate students interested in learning about and conducting research. Research assistants will be asked to attend weekly lab meetings, conduct study sessions, enter data, perform literature searches and discuss ideas about ongoing and future studies. We especially encourage students to apply who plan to attend graduate school and are able to work at least 6 hours/week. Contact Chris Gamble (cng120@psu.edu) for an application form.

Stephanie Shields
514 Moore Building, sashields@psu.edu

Now recruiting for Fall 2007

Contact information: Please contact Stephanie Shields (sashields@psu.edu) or Matthew Zawadzki (mjz172@psu.edu) if you are interested.

Description of research project: Our lab focuses on the intersection between gender and emotion, especially as relevant to interpersonal settings. We draw out knowledge from the psychology of emotion, the psychology of gender, and feminist psychology. We are currently conducting a range of studies on evaluations of others’ emotions and emotion displays, evaluations of the evaluations of our own emotions, the self-reported physiological aspects of emotions and how these self-reports relate to emotion scripts dictating how one should feel, and the effect nonverbal behaviors, such as touch, on interpersonal interactions. The aim of this research is to learn more about when, why, and how emotion is felt and perceived in everyday situations, especially between individuals of differing power, and how these perceptions of emotion can change one’s judgment of competency and legitimacy. Please see Dr. Shields' lab web page for more detailed information: http://psych.la.psu.edu/shields/index.html.

Undergraduate roles include attending regular lab meetings, data collection, entry, and checking, developing stimulus materials, conducting literature searches, assisting Dr. Shields and her graduate students on individual projects, and providing their own creative voices throughout this process!

Method of compensation: Students can earn course credit by registering for independent study research (PSY 494). This is a great way to gain research experience for people interested in the psychology of emotion and gender.

Requirements/Qualifications: We are looking for 4 or 5 motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented undergraduates who are willing to work 6 to 9 hours a week for both the fall and spring semesters.

Janet K. Swim
515 Moore Building
jks4@psu.edu

NOW RECRUITING FOR FALL 2008

Contact Information: Please contact Eden-Renee Pruitt at erp134@psu.edu for an application.

Description of Research Project: Janet Swim is currently working in two primary areas. One area addresses individual’s judgments of and reactions to incidents that could be considered discriminatory and people who might be prejudiced. The second area is in environmental psychology where she is studying individual and situational features that constrain and facilitate individual’s tendency to engage in behaviors that mitigate global climate change.

Compensation: Research assistants receive course credit (PSYCH 494) that may count towards the 400 level credit requirement for psychology majors.

Qualifications: We are looking for motivated, detail oriented students who can give thoughtful feedback on experimentation. Our research assistants typically learn how to: be experimenters, enter and code data, and manage both the subject pool, and online surveys. While we will not turn anyone away on the based on background, males and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Theresa Vescio
438 Moore Building
tkv1@psu.edu

NOW RECRUITING FALL 2008

Contact Information: Please contact Maggie Thomas (mat294@psu.edu) for additional information and/or an application.

Description of Research Project: As a member of our lab, you will be working on projects that attempt to answer the following questions:
1) How do leadership styles influence perception and behavior? What consequences do the behaviors of leaders have for their subordinates?
2) How do people perform when threatened with negative stereotypes of their ingroups (for example, women in mathematics)?
3) How do people perceive others who have counter-stereotypic, stereotypic, and hyper-stereotypic physical and personality traits, and what are the consequences of these perceptions?
4) What beliefs, thoughts, and emotions are associated with antigay prejudice?
5) Social neuroscience: How do anger inspiring and discriminatory situations influence brain activity?

Compensation: Research assistants can earn course credit (independent research credit) for working in our lab. Additionally, working in our lab provides opportunities for hands on experience with research for those interested in careers or graduate programs investigating stereotyping and prejudice. This lab is a great opportunity for Honors Thesis work for students who are engaged in research for multiple semesters.

Qualifications: We are looking for creative, motivated, and detail-oriented undergraduates. Research assistants will be asked to attend weekly lab meetings, collect and enter data, develop stimulus materials, conduct literature searches, and provide thoughtful feedback on planned studies. Additionally, those students with computer programming skills (e.g., Visual Basic, e-prime) are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students who can work 2 consecutive semesters for at least 6 hours/week, but all are encouraged to apply.