Faculty member

Chris Agnew, PhD, Professor, Social Psychology, RSVP Lab Director

Description of Research

We conduct research on interpersonal relationships and are particularly focusing on relationship processes that take place in virtual reality (VR).

Description of undergraduate participation

Research assistants perform a variety of tasks, including collecting data in our VR lab. You will be trained on how to conduct research involving participants who interact with one another within VR. We also design new VR studies together as a lab team. Lab team meetings take place weekly, either in person or via Horizon Workrooms in VR, with lab team members using lab-supplied Meta Quest headsets to attend. Team members also assist with relationship experiments and surveys not focused on VR.

Research setting

All work is completed in the Psychological Sciences building or in virtual space. Research assistants spend most of their hours working in the lab.

Number of assistants needed

We are recruiting up to 5 new undergraduate students to join the RSVP Lab in Fall 2023 to work alongside returning undergraduate research assistants. Research assistants are expected to work an average of 6 to 9 hours per week throughout the semester and receive 3 credits for PSY 39000.

How to apply

Send (1) your CV, (2) unofficial Purdue transcript, (3) statement of research interests, and (4) reasons for applying, as one PDF file via email attachment to Dr. Agnew at agnew@purdue.edu. Minimum 3.0 overall GPA required. Interviews for positions will take place via Zoom in April 2023.

Thx for your interest!

Faculty member or graduate student

Dr. Stephen B. Broomell
Global Risk and Individual Decision-making Lab

Description of research area 

Our lab is focused on understanding how individuals form judgments and make decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty. We leverage real world risks such as climate change, weather hazards, medical, or cyber risks and design experiments to investigate what features of the problem domain facilitate or hinder accurate judgment and effective decision-making regarding the risk.

Below are a few current research topics:

• Communication of uncertain climate projections.
• Developing and testing theories for how the form and presentation of information affects judgment.

Description of undergraduate participation

Students can be involved in all phases of research, including designing experiments, testing participants, analyzing data, and presentations and publications of study results. Students will also participate in regularly scheduled lab meetings and discussions of readings on relevant topics.

Research setting

The lab is located on the third floor in the Psychology Building.

Number of assistants needed

2-4 students. If you are interested in joining our laboratory, please fill out this survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06ckf18SPBDMv6S

If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Broomell using the email below.

Contact information

Email: broomell@purdue.edu

Faculty member or graduate student

Yu-Chin Chiu, PhD, Assistant Professor

Cognitive Neuroscience of Cognitive Control Lab

Description of research area 

Cognitive control is a psychological construct that refers to a collection of processes that allow us to orchestrate thought and action according to our goals. For instance, we are able switch from one task to another by implementing cognitive control over task sets. While cognitive control is crucial to our everyday behavior, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Our lab conducts behavioral and neuroimaging experiments that try to specify the neurocognitive architecture of cognitive control and how it interacts with perception, learning, and memory.

Description of undergraduate participation

Students will assist with running behavioral experiments in the lab and participate in lab meetings (journal club) to learn about the cognitive control literature. If they are interested in developing their own research ideas, they will also learn to program their own experiment and analyze data (not required).

Research setting

Our lab is located on the 3^rd floor of the Psychology Building (PSYC).

Number of assistants needed

1-2 students seeking to receive 3 credits (i.e., able to work for 9 hrs per week)

Contact information

Please submit the following materials under the subject line “PSY390 [FALL 2023]” to yuchinchiu@purdue.edu:

• Transcript
• What do you expect to learn from this experience? What is your longer-term goal?

Additional comments

• It’s best if you have already taken PSY 200 and/or PSY 201, 203.

Faculty member or graduate student

Dr. William G. Graziano, Professor – Social Psychology Regina Henares, Graduate Student – Social Psychology

Description of research area

Our lab conducts research broadly on personality and how personality motivates interpersonal interactions. Recently, research in our lab has focused on Person Orientation and Thing Orientation (POTO). POTO is a motivational mechanism that describes how interests in people and/or things guide human behavior. These two orientations are related to preferences for academic majors and even responsiveness to other people.

Over the last 25 years, in collaboration with graduate and undergraduate students, we formed research teams to specifically explore the interpersonal aspects of people orientation like attraction, cooperation, helping and conflict. These seemingly different topics can be linked through motivation. This has led us to also systematically investigate the Big Five dimension of agreeableness in terms of motivation to maintain good relations with others and helping behavior. These processes are linked to self-control and social accommodation, activities central to social living. We believe our studies show that persons who are motivated to get along with others, like more people, are less prejudiced, cooperate more with others, and give more help than do their peers.

Description of undergraduate participation

We hold weekly lab meetings where we discuss new research ideas and current projects. On top of these one-hour lab meetings, RAs will have the opportunity to be involved in hands-on experiences throughout the research process, including research idea development, programming studies into Qualtrics, and data analysis using SPSS and R. (Prior knowledge of these programs would be good but it is not required.)

Research setting

Labs in the Psychological Sciences building.

Number of assistants needed

4-6

Contact information

Regina Henares – rhenares@purdue.edu

Faculty member

Jeff Karpicke

Description of research area

In the Cognition and Learning Laboratory, we conduct basic and applied research on human learning, memory, and cognition. Our research sits at the interface between cognitive science and education. We are especially interested in applying the science of learning to improve educational practices.

Students will be involved in all phases of research, including designing experiments, testing participants, and analyzing data. Students will also participate in regularly scheduled lab meetings and discussions of readings on cognitive science, learning, and education.

If you are interested in PSY 390 in our laboratory, please click on this link Undergraduate Research Opportunities – Cognition and Learning Lab (purdue.edu).

Faculty member and other supervisors

Teri Kirby, PhD, Assistant Professor—Social Psychology Casey McMahon, Lab Coordinator

Junming Zhang, Graduate Researcher

Description of research area

Research in Dr. Kirby’s lab explores a range of topics related to diversity, inclusion, identity, prejudice, and discrimination. We most often focus on racial/ethnic, gender/sex, and LGBTQ+ diversity.

Recent topics of investigation include:

• Diversity ideologies: ideas about how to accommodate differences across ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation categories (e.g., multicultural and colorblind approaches to diversity)
• Diversity initiatives: intersectional approaches to diversity initiatives, how diversity initiatives shape sensitivity to discrimination, self-concept, stereotyping, and academic/workplace outcomes
• The co-opting of diversity by majority/privileged groups
• Cultural appropriation
• Intersectionality and feminism

Description of undergraduate participation

Research assistants typically gain experience running participants in experimental lab studies, recruiting research participants, programming surveys, collecting survey data, entering or analyzing data, reviewing relevant psychological literature, and helping to design studies. They also gain experience with software that can be useful for graduate school (e.g., Qualtrics, Zotero, SPSS, R and RStudio).

Research assistants attend research group meetings to discuss projects in the lab and learn more about the research process. Finally, more senior research assistants may have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects and mentor/train more junior assistants.

Research setting

Labs in Psychology Building

Number of assistants needed

1-4

Contact information

Please submit your application at: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tzVkWICaZbikMC

For questions, please contact Casey McMahon: cemcmaho@purdue.edu

Additional comments

• Must have completed PSY 120
• Completion of or enrollment in PSY 240 and PSY 203 preferred
• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
• Minimum commitment of 3 credits per term (9 hours per week) required, as well as two terms overall (those committing to three or more terms receive preference)
• Minimum commitment of 3 credits per term (9 hours per week) required, as well as two terms overall (or 2 credits for 3 terms). Those committing to three or more terms receive preference.

However, all interested candidates are encouraged to apply. We especially encourage people from underrepresented or marginalized groups to apply.

Laboratory Information

Kelleher Lab
https://kelleherlab.weebly.com/

Principal Investigator: Dr. Bridgette Kelleher Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior
Director, Purdue Autism Research Center

Primary Contact

Veronika Vozka (Peskova)
Senior Clinical Research Associate

Description of Neurodevelopmental Family Lab

Dr. Kelleher’s lab conducts research on the early development of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in order to identify early markers of risk and resilience . Kelleher lab methods include clinical assessments, behavioral observation, psychophysiological data collection (e.g. heart activity, EEG), use of wearable sensors, telehealth methods and ecological momentary assessments. Information about Dr. Kelleher’s broader research interests are available at kelleherlab.weebly.com.

Description of Research Area

The Kelleher lab is currently recruiting research assistants for Project WellCAST, a NIH-funded multisite clinical trial to identify telehealth-based supports that best meet the needs of rare disorder caregivers. Learn more about Project WellCAST here: Project WellCAST (weebly.com). Research assistants will help with a variety of tasks related to Project WellCAST, including recruitment, data coding, data analysis, and dissemination. Students will gain exposure to clinical psychology treatment, clinical trials execution, and data collection techniques such as ecological momentary assessment.

Positions are an excellent match for students interested in clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and data science fields.

Description of Undergraduate Participation

Undergraduate participation may involve a combination of the following:  

1. Recruiting, monitoring, and communicating with participants
2. Data management
3. Cleaning and entering data
4. Professional development activities, such as team meetings and didactics
5. Independent or team-based research projects and presentations

All students involved in the Kelleher lab complete a combination of lab-focused research tasks (~60% of time), professional development (~15%), and a research poster that is often completed in teams (~25%; if students do not elect to do a poster, this time is spent on research tasks). Students who join the lab in the spring frequently wait to join a poster team until the following fall.

Research setting

For this position, all research tasks will be completed in person in Dr. Kelleher’s laboratory. Option to complete some tasks remotely will be based on amount of research credits registered.

2 credits = 6 hours (1 hour might be completed remotely)

3 credits = 9 hours (2 hours might be completed remotely)

Number of assistants needed

5

To apply

• Complete our lab application at https://kelleherlab.weebly.com/future-team-members.html. Here, you can also view a syllabus from past 390 courses.
• Email your application to Kaleb Emerson at emerson5@purdue.edu.
• Indicate you are interested in the WellCAST Team within your email and application.
• Kaleb will provide additional information about virtual interviews.

Additional comments

Due to the advanced training involved with joining the lab, a minimum 2-semester commitment is required. Preference will be given to students who plan to remain in the lab for 3+ semesters. Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to apply.

Our lab is an inclusive space for students with a variety of research/academic backgrounds, including students with limited prior exposure to the research process. We provide substantial mentorship to support students in developing skills over time. Mentorship includes both peer-to-peer supports, engagement with graduate students and staff, and group and individual meetings with Dr. Kelleher. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our lab’s mission and values. We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and valuing environment to all students, faculty, staff, and guests, consistent with Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. All are welcome at our lab table, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.  Moreover, we fully believe that working in an environment that includes and centers diverse perspectives benefits us all as scientists, practitioners, and humans.

Research Team

Principal Investigator: Franki Kung, Assistant Professor, I-O Psychology
Graduate Investigators: Sharon Li, Rick Yang, and Dante Bruno
Lab Manager and Researcher: Carmen Huang

Description of Research Area 

At the Conflict and Mindset Collaboratory, we conduct research to help people and organizations effectively manage:

• Culture and Diversity (e.g., diversity policies, cultural mindset, immigrants)
• Conflict Resolution (e.g., negotiation, feedback effectiveness)
• Multiple Goals (e.g., self-regulation, goal conflicts)

Description of Undergraduate Participation

We design the lab experience to prepare our undergraduate research assistants for graduate school and jobs in the fields of I-O and social psychology, management, human resource, and organizational behavior. Students will join a community of peers, researchers, and mentors passionate about the studies of diversity, conflict, and goals. Besides individual project team meetings and tasks, students attend lab meeting weekly to learn and discuss related issues and enjoy other social events throughout the semester (e.g., lunch, escape room, mini golf).

Junior research assistants will have the opportunities to

• learn how to conduct online surveys, literature reviews, behavioral experiments, and qualitative analysis (e.g., picture coding, focus group analysis)
• develop scientific thinking and presentation skills in weekly lab meetings
• attend research and professional development workshops (e.g., literature review, survey design, data analysis)
• honors contract or scholarly project

Senior research assistants (typically 1+ year experience) will have the opportunities to

• manage participant recruitment and lab schedule
• conduct training sessions
• develop their own research ideas and design studies
• present findings in academic conferences

We support and encourage student involvement in our lab through scholarship programs such as Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, OUR Scholars, and Summer Stay Scholars.

Research Setting

Our research takes part mostly in our lab space (in the Psychological Sciences building) and some part of the work can be carried out remotely (e.g., from home).

Number of Assistants Needed:

5+

Contact Information

To Apply, please fill out this form and supply related documents.

Contact Dr. Kung at frankikung@purdue.edu if you have questions. Twitter: @ConflictMindset

Additional Comments

Preference is given to students who major or are interested in Psychology, Business, or related fields. Application is reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the semester – if you are interested, apply now!

Faculty member or graduate student

Dr. Margo Monteith, Distinguished Professor—Social Psychology

Liz Noland, graduate student, —Social Psychology

Description of research area 

Research in Dr. Monteith’s Intergroup Relations and Inclusion  lab explores issues related to stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination.

Topics of investigation include:

• Implicit or unconscious biases and their effect on people’s perceptions, evaluations, and behaviors in relation to outgroups (e.g., White people in relation to Black people)
• The self-regulation of biased behavior
• Confrontations of bias (e.g., how people react when they are confronted; how to make confrontations more effective)

Description of undergraduate participation

The lab experience is designed to provide students with hands-on experience with the research process.

Research assistants engage in weekly one-hour research group meetings will be held to discuss various projects in the lab and to help undergraduate assistants to learn what the research is all about. Additional time will be spent on planning and execution (e.g., data collection) of the research projects. Scheduling is flexible.

Research setting

Labs in Psychology Building

Number of assistants needed

5

Contact information

Please reach out to Elisabeth Noland (a graduate student in the Monteith lab), enoland@purdue.edu  for an application

Additional comments

• Must have completed PSY 120
• Completion of or enrollment in PSY 240 and PSY 203 preferred
• GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred
• Minimum commitment of 3 credits per term (9 hours per week) required, as well as two terms overall

However, all interested candidates are encouraged to apply. We especially encourage people from underrepresented or marginalized groups to apply.

Faculty member or graduate student

Dr. Thekla Morgenroth (they/them/their), Assistant Professor—Social Psychology

Layla Dang (she/her), graduate student – Social Psychology

Kira Means (she/her), graduate student – Social Psychology

Casey McMahon (she/her), lab manager – Social Psychology

Description of research area 

Research in the UNICORN (UNderstanding Identity and the COntinuance of Roles and Norms) lab examines how and why people defend and maintain social categories and hierarchies.

Topics of investigation include:

• Stereotypes of different groups (e.g., based on gender/sex, sexual orientation, and social class)
• Opposition to policies that benefit marginalized groups (e.g., trans and non-binary people)
• The psychology of different feminist ideologies
• Gender and Sexuality

Description of undergraduate participation

The lab experience is designed to provide students with hands-on experience with the research process.

Research assistants have the opportunity to:

• Conduct research using a variety of research designs and methods
• Gain experience in software used for research (e.g., Qualtrics, SPSS)
• Engage with and code open-response data
• Read and analyze published academic articles
• Be active participants in weekly lab meetings and discussions about research

More experienced research assistants also have opportunities to:

• Engage in independent research projects, mentored by Dr. Morgenroth
• Present their results to the lab
• Train and mentor incoming undergraduate research assistants

Research setting

Work will be carried out in a joint lab space in person at specific times (depending on your schedule).

Number of assistants needed

1-2

To apply

Please fill out the following survey by March 31^st.Applications will be viewed on a rolling basis.

https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a8CUIaw5Qvcm7lQ

Additional comments

Members of underrepresented or marginalized groups are particularly encouraged to apply. In addition, individuals interested in pursuing careers in academic research and/or who may be interested in working in the lab for more than one semester are particularly encouraged to apply. Students should be able to commit at least 6 hours/week (2 credits).

Faculty member or graduate student

Robert W. Proctor

Description of research area 

We conduct research on basic attention and performance and applied human factors.  Much of the research focuses on factors that determine how fast and accurately a person can decide what action they are to take in response to a stimulus event.  Applications relate to interface design, training, and decision-making in applied contexts. We also conduct studies on applications of cognitive psychology to cybersecurity, AI, and driverless vehicles.

Description of undergraduate participation

The primary responsibility for most of the undergraduate research assistants is to help in collecting data.  You typically will work on several different experiments during the semester.  For each experiment, you will be instructed about how to conduct the study and will be responsible for testing participants.  We will explain to you what we are doing and why for the various experiments, so that you learn the reasoning behind the research being conducted.

Other research assistants may assist in organizing and coding data, including verbal answers provided by participants to open-ended survey and interview questions. You will learn the process by which such data are coded and analyzed.

Research setting

Most of the experiments are conducted in my laboratory, 3113 PSYC.

Number of assistants needed

6 students

Contact information

Robert Proctor

E-mail: rproctor@purdue.edu

Phone: 494 0784

Office: 3150 PSYC

Additional comments

I prefer students who have had or are taking PSY 201 and 203, and either PSY 200 or PSY/IE 577.

However, all interested candidates are encouraged to apply. We especially encourage people from underrepresented or marginalized groups to apply.

Faculty member or graduate student

Susan C. South, Ph.D.
Professor Clinical area

Description of research area

Research interests are romantic relationships, personality, and psychopathology. Particularly interested in the transactions between relationships (e.g., marital functioning) and individual differences in functioning. A primary focus of the lab is a new, NIH-funded study of relationships and mild cognitive impairment. Continuing research in the lab will examine: 1) the structure of personality traits and symptoms of mental illness, and 2) the association of relationship distress and psychopathology.

Description of undergraduate participation

Your responsibilities (and the skills you will acquire in the lab) will include:

• Testing subjects, collecting and scoring data
• Reading and presenting on research articles
• Creating and collecting materials
• Programming experiments
• Performing data analyses (using Microsoft Excel and SPSS)
• Literature searches in databases

Research setting

Laboratory in the psychology department

Number of assistants needed

4

Contact information

RMHlab@purdue.edu

Additional comments

Must have completed PSY 120, completion of PSY 350 is preferred. Ability to work evening hours appreciated.