Research Assistant Opportunities
Research on Mother-Child Interactions
The main focus of this research is on the developmental processes of children raised by depressive mothers. We are particularly interested in examining the relationship between emotion regulation and attachment classification, in relation to maternal depressive symptomatology. Currently, we are in the process of evaluating and coding mother-child interactions and later child adjustment.
We are seeking responsible and dependable students, who are able to work independently, with background or interest in psychology. Research assistants will be asked to transcribe video taped conversations between mother and child, evaluate and code family and child functioning, and enter data. Students may register for credits under Independent Study (PSY 391).
Please contact Adriana Gonzalez at adriana@psych.rochester.edu, or at 275-2991 ext. 147 if interested.
Posted: 2007-06-04
Research in Goals and Motivation
This social psychology lab will be working on several studies of goals and motivation during the 2007-2008 school year. Specifically, we will be focused on how achievement goals are defined and the motivations and behavior changes involved in exercise participation. We are looking for undergraduate research assistants to assist with these projects and gain valuable experience in all phases of our research: research design, running subjects, and data coding. Research assistants will earn 4 credits and a grade for their role in the research process. We’re looking for assistants that are independent, reliable, meticulous, and able to devote 10 hours per week to research.
If you are interested, please contact Kelly McNelis:
Posted: 2007-04-11
Research in Motivation in Video Games and Virtual Worlds
The Self-Determination Theory Games Lab is starting a number of exciting projects in the upcoming fall 2007 semester in addition to our current research program. Our work focuses on the motivation for play and the psychological outcomes of engagement in video games. Recently our work was featured on the cover of the Democrat and Chronicle, and spoofed on SNL and Leno (that wasn't even the cool stuff we did this semester). We're looking for passionate undergraduate research assistants, gamers and non-gamers alike to work with us to advance science in this burgeoning field. Researcher activities can include game testing, executing experimental protocols and data collection. We're very flexible and value a good fit between personal and lab goals.
If you're interested, contact Andy Przybylski:
Posted: 2007-04-04
Research Assistants Needed For the Smokers' Health Project
The Smokers' Health Project is a National Institutes of Health funded project that investigates the health and eating habits of people who smoke in the Rochester community. Over 1000 participants have participated in this 18-month longitudinal study of health, eating habits, physical activity, and smoking behavior. Overall, we are interested in the behavior changes that take place when people choose to stop smoking.
Research assistants will be asked to do a variety of things including follow-up phone calls, filing, copying, data entry, data management, and other clerical tasks. Independent study positions require 9 hours of on-site work. An additional hour each week is devoted to discussion with the project manager regarding the theoretical basis of the study, and the mechanics of working with participants and data in a longitudinal design.
This is an excellent opportunity to become involved in ground breaking smoking research. Students will have the opportunity to learn about longitudinal studies in a community population, smoking cessation, and how motivation plays a role in both cessation and diet.
If you are interested, contact Laurie Pulver at 530-2050 or laurie_pulver@urmc.rochester.edu
Posted: 2006-10-18
Research in Developmental Neuropsychology of Autism
The Developmental Neuropsychology Lab is conducting several projects involving verbal and nonverbal communication, emotion, and neurological functioning in children and adolescents with autism. We are looking for research assistants to assist with these projects and gain valuable experience in all phases of our research: research design, running subjects, and data coding.
We are seeking students who have attention to detail and the ability to work with a research team. Students with backgrounds/interests in Psychology as well as other fields (e.g., Linguistics, Neuroscience, BCS) are encouraged to apply. Students can register for PSY 351 or PSY 352 (Research in Developmental Neuropsychology), or PSY 391 (Independent Study) to receive credit for their work. All research is supervised by Dr. Loisa Bennetto.
Please contact Bryan Harrison at bharriso@psych.rochester.edu if you are interested.
Posted: 2006-10-17
Research with Children and Families:
The main focus of this research is on examining why children who are exposed to high levels of family discord are at risk for developing psychological problems. We are particularly interested in understanding how children's coping strategies and reaction patterns to family stress which are thought to develop out of histories of experiences in family relationships may help to explain differences between children in their psychological adjustment. We have collected observational, interview, self-report, and physiological data from over 200 mothers, fathers, and school-age children over three measurement occasions spaced 1 year apart. The current stage of the project is aimed at evaluating and coding family and child adjustment. Therefore, we are seeking students who are interested in gaining valuable experience evaluating and coding family and child functioning. Students also have the option of supplementing the independent study experiences by attending weekly seminars that provide further information on the nature and implications of the research project.
Contact:
Patrick Davies
Posted: 2003-08-21