PSY 357 Exploring How Couples Behave in their Natural Environments: A View from the Inside
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECT
Faculty:
James Pennebaker, Ph.D.
Contact:
Rich Slatcher slatcher@mail.utexas.edu
Description:
Have you ever wondered why some relationships last, while others are doomed for failure? This question is nearly as old as human civilization itself but one which is just now beginning to be fully addressed by psychologists. Our research goes beyond self-report questionnaires to examine how couples behave behind closed doors. Specifically, we have couples a wear a miniature digital recording device called the Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR) for 6 days to explore how they act in their daily lives.
The primary goals of this project are to determine the extent to which couples’ daily behaviors predict relationship quality (how satisfied they are in their relationship, how committed they are to their partner, etc.) and relationship outcomes (whether couples break up or stay together).
As a researcher in our lab, you will play an important role in this project and gain valuable experience. In addition, we think you will have a lot of fun working in this exciting new area of research, one which has real-world implications for figuring out what makes relationships succeed or fail.
Qualifications:
Responsible, conscientious and motivated students with an interest in the psychology of romantic relationships.
Duties:
Help conduct a ground-breaking study examining the nature of romantic relationships. Primarily includes coding and rating couples’ recorded social life.
For more information about this research, please visit our webpage: http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/students/Slatcher/
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