What is Psychology Day?
Psychology Day is an opportunity for students from all class years to present and discuss findings from the research or internship projects they have conducted that semester or year. New majors can look ahead to the types of research conducted in Research Methods, Advanced Lab, Research Apprenticeships and Independent Studies. More senior majors can look back, note their own intellectual development, and mentor younger students. The student presenters are practicing valuable communication skills. Most of all, students (from any major) and faculty join together as colleagues to celebrate student research.
Conducting Research
Learning how to conduct empirical research is central to the education of the psychology major. Through research experiences, psychology students strengthen their critical thinking skills and develop systematic, rigorous ways of thinking about people.
Research in Courses
Students are introduced to research in Introductory Psychology. This foundation continues through the rest of the major, including Research Methods and Advanced Lab. In these courses students develop a unique hypothesis and design a research study to test it. They then follow through by running, analyzing and presenting the study.
Research Apprenticeships
Many students (first-year through seniors) work with faculty members as research assistants and collaborators. After an apprenticeship, students also often develop their own research ideas and go on to Independent Research of Senior Theses.
Independent Research
We encourage juniors and seniors in particular to consider Independent Research. Students work closely one-on-one with a faculty mentor in developing and implementing their ideas. Seniors looking for year-long, intensive experience are encouraged to pursue a senior thesis. Any type of research, but especially independent theses such as these are very positive additions to a graduate school application.
Internships
An internship is a work experience characterized by intentional learning. During this experience, the student assumes a responsible role in an organization and actively reflects on what he or she is observing and learning. Psychology students have held internships in many different settings.
