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PSY 357 “The UT Experience!”
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECT
Faculty:
Kim Fromme, Ph.D.
Contact:
Amee Patel amee@mail.utexas.edu 471-8993
Description:
We are looking for bright, talented, and motivated undergraduates to join our research team in the SAHARA Lab. Our research focuses on the study of alcohol use and other risk-taking behaviors (e.g., risky sex, aggression) among college students. We have several research projects underway, utilizing a variety of experimental methods. “The UT Experience!” is a 5-year study evaluating alcohol use and behavioral risks among college students throughout their college careers. During Spring 2006, we will be running participants for “The UT Experience!” using web-based survey assessment as well as lab-based structured assessments. Additionally, a study evaluating the use of internet "chat rooms" in observing group dynamics will begin this spring.
We encourage research assistants to become involved in the research process, including the exploration of your own interests through the academic component of the course. During your first semester, you will be given articles related to current projects on a weekly basis. Each week, you will be asked to write a brief reaction paper and participate in a group discussion about the article with other research assistants and graduate students. During your second semester in our laboratory, you will have the opportunity to independently research an alcohol-related topic of interest to you and lead a group discussion on your topic at the end of the semester. The topics for the weekly articles span the field of alcohol research, and have included diverse topics such as memory, sexual assault, and self esteem.
In general, our past and current research assistants have found our lab to be an exciting and beneficial place to work. Many of our former research assistants have gone on to graduate programs in both clinical and non-clinical psychology programs, as well as medical school, social work, etc. Several students with excellent academic credentials have also conducted their own research in our lab, through the honors program or to prepare them for graduate school.
Qualifications:
We require a commitment of 10 hours per week for 2 consecutive semesters from all research assistants; some research assistants may be asked for a 3 semester commitment depending on their research responsibilities.
Duties:
Research assistants with the "The UT Experience!" will have the opportunity to be involved in one or more areas of this research project, and expected responsibilities will include structured training in the administration of experimental protocols (including administration of cognitive and neuropsychological assessments). Research assistants working on the study with chat rooms may conduct focus groups, interact with participants in chat room settings, and administer survey assessments. Spring 2006 will provide a great learning opportunity for research assistants, who will have the opportunity to get involved with experimental, survey-related, and administrative aspects of the SAHARA Lab.
Other Information:
For more information, visit our website at: http://www.saharalab.com
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