Directed Research
Course Description
PSYC 192, 292 - DIRECTED RESEARCH (1-3 credits)
Students in this course will be involved in carrying out one or more empirical research projects currently being conducted by the supervising faculty member. Students will meet regularly with the faculty member, read relevant research articles, and collect data. Students may also participate in entering, coding, or analyzing data. Enrollment in this course is subject to approval of the supervising faculty member. Required application and recommendation forms for this course are available from the supervising faculty member or on the Psychology Department's website at: www.augie.edu/dept/psych/research.html.
NOTES: PREREQUISITES: AT LEAST SOPHOMORE STANDING. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED PSYC 271, AND WHO PLAN TO APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL.
OFFERED MOST SEMESTERS
Ongoing Faculty Projects
Dr. Babcock's research is on how cognitive abilities (such as memory, attention and learning) are affected by real-world task demands. She has investigated how selective attention can help avoid distraction on the Internet, and how to improve memory for names in real life situations. She conducts research with both college-aged students and older adults (aged 63+).
Dr. Lima's broad area of research interest is teaching and learning, as informed by the perspectives of cognitive, developmental, and educational psychology. She has investigated preschoolers' word learning in school settings, how classroom climate and relationships affect learning and development, and best practices for college-level instruction and mentoring.
Dr. Zell's research relates to social and positive psychology. Her research topics have included humility, forgiveness, self-control, how competition affects relationships, moral evaluations of deception, and how receiving praise affects people.
Application Information
Enrollment in directed research is selective, and space may also be limited. Therefore, if you would like to enroll in directed research, you must first apply and be accepted. Research teams will be filled on a "first come, first served" basis. The earlier your application materials are complete, the earlier you can finalize your fall registration plans.
To apply, you need to do the following:
- Complete the application form and return it to Dr. Babcock (MC 134).
- Give a copy of the attached recommendation checklist to two faculty members who are willing to recommend you. (One of those faculty recommenders should be from outside the psychology department.) Ask them to return the completed checklist directly to Dr. Babcock within one week.
- When we have received your completed application form and recommendations, we will review your application. We will contact you by email no later than one week after all of your application materials have been received, and inform you whether your application has been accepted.
- If your application is approved, we will let you know which faculty member you will be working with. You should talk with this faculty member about the number of credits that you should register for. This faculty member will authorize you to enroll in the course.