Research Assistants

Undergraduate Research Assistants Needed.

The major purpose for undergraduate research is to provide an opportunity for qualified undergraduates to obtain firsthand, supervised research experiences in psychology. Students may assist professors and/or graduate students with a research project by helping to prepare the study, collect data, and/or enter data into computers.

Students can obtain pass/fail elective credit for their assistance if desired, or they can serve as a research assistant voluntarily. Whichever option is selected, obtaining research experience can be a valuable asset when applying for graduate school or jobs after graduation.

Please read each project description carefully, and contact the professor or graduate student listed for further information.

Project: Research in Health Psychology

Date Posted: 11/04/11
Description: Several research projects will be conducted in the lab during Spring semester 2012, including: A survey examining the ability to select appropriate food portions and examining the impact of arousal on risk perceptions for HIV/STIs. There are also opportunities to become involved with data analysis of past projects.
Duties: Depending on the student’s goals for a research experience, there could be a number of duties that would be required. All students would be trained to run participants through a few experimental protocols, help with data collection, and occasionally data entry. Various other tasks may be assigned throughout the semester, such as helping with literature searches, or helping to code data sets.
Minimum requirements: The minimum qualifications are a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and students should have completed PSY315. Completion of PSY317 is preferred, as students will have had exposure to the research methods/questions that are being used and examined in the lab.
Research assistant positions open: We have approximately 4-5 research positions open, and the hours are scheduled based on student’s availability. There is some flexibility in hours as well.
Contact info: Please contact Danielle Dickens, Harman Lab Manager, at Danielle.dickens@colostate.edu.
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Applicants should be received by the end of the first week of classes, Spring 2012.

Project: Exploration of Workload in Autonomy Assisted Training

Date Posted: 1/3/2012
Description: This project will examine the relationship between autonomy and workload in the pursuit of optimum training efficiency for complex and challenging tasks. A variety of assessment instruments (portable EEG, subjective self reports, etc.) will be used to support this research.
Duties: Research Assistants (RAs) will be asked to collect, encode, and analyze data across a variety of variable manipulations. Only energetic, reliable, and self motivated students should apply for this position.
Minimum requirements: A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred along with successful completion of PSY100, and follow on course work such as An Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, Mind Brain and Behavior and/or Research Methods, etc.
Research assistant positions open: 10-20 RA positions are available under this project
Contact info: Email John Blitch at: jbcsu@colostate.edu
Additional information: Opportunities for co-authorship in research papers resulting from this research exist depending upon the level of commitment demonstrated by the student.
Application Instructions: Email the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: 5PM on 20 January 2012

Project: Dr. Gibbon's Lab

Date Posted: 1/23/2012
Description: Act as a trained assessor to provide developmental feedback for multiple projects
Duties: Learn to observe and evaluate behavior, develop assessment skills, give constructive and helpful feedback
Minimum requirements: Minimum qualifications (GPA, course completed, etc.)- Must be at least a sophomore and available 7-10 hours a week
Research assistant positions open: 8-10
Contact info: angela.bowen@colostate.edu
Additional information: Great opportunity for those interested in I/O or Counseling fields
Application Instructions: How to apply (including contact information)- e-mail Angela Bowen at angela.bowen@colostate.edu for an application.
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted no later than 5pm Wednesday, January 25th.

Project: Improving First-Year Intervention Strategies at Universities by Focusing on Meaning and Purpose in Life

Date Posted: 8/12/11
Description: Improving First-Year Intervention Strategies at Universities by Focusing on Meaning and Purpose in Life
Duties: Amount of work varies throughout the semester. Duties mainly include helping data collection (e.g., contacting participants, sending out emails).
Minimum requirements: Minimum requirements: Sophomore or higher. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Around 3-6 hours a week. Amount of work varies throughout the semester. Duties mainly include helping data collection (e.g., contacting participants, sending out emails).
Research assistant positions open: 1
Contact info: Joo Shin (shin.jooyeon@gmail.com)
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Deadline to apply: September 2nd

Project: V-WAN Career Study

Date Posted: 11/18/11
Description: V-WAN Career Study: This is a web-based study examining the impact of career assessments (with or without an accompanying in-person workshop) on various career outcomes for community college students. RA positions will begin Spring semester of 2012.
Duties: RAs will be involved in various tasks including: 1. Checking "Plans of Study" developed for Colorado community colleges. These Plans of Study contain information on occupations related to various academic programs at local community colleges, associated salary range, etc. 2. Helping to "link" Plans of Study to various occupations using Microsoft Excel. Checking links for consistency and accuracy. 3. Assisting with workshops (e.g., printing materials for workshops, giving feedback/suggestions). 4. Testing the V-WAN website for any glitches and giving feedback on usability. Also, testing various study surveys to make sure they work before we send them out to participants. 5. Attending biweekly (i.e. every 2 weeks) research team meetings. 6. Other administrative duties as needed. 7. Anything else you're interested in getting involved in on the project.
Minimum requirements: Student must have taken or be currently taking PSY250 or an equivalent research methods course. GPA of 3.0 or higher. Ability (preferably, demonstrated ability) to complete detail-oriented tasks highly preferred! Plans to obtain a graduate degree in psychology or another social sciences discipline that involves research is preferred.
Research assistant positions open: Course credit. 1-2 positions available.
Contact info: Email casey.onder@colostate.edu with your name and a copy of your resume or CV. Casey Onder Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program Colorado State University Office: Behavioral Sciences Building 332
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Jan. 16, 2012

Project: Adolescent Development

Date Posted: 12/21/2011
Description: Undergraduate research assistants would be working as part of a team on multiple research projects in the area of adolescent development. These projects may be in the areas of social, emotional, and cognitive brain functioning of adolescents, as well as adolescent risk behaviors, social networks, bullying, health and well-being, physical activity, and school engagement.
Duties: : RAs would be involved in various aspects of these projects, and duties would include organizing and programming surveys, contacting participants, data collection, entry, coding, and analysis, running labs, writing reports, and potentially assisting in the preparation of research presentations and publications. RAs may also be asked to attend lab meetings throughout the semester.
Minimum requirements: : Applicants must have a 3.5 overall GPA and have completed PSY 250. Additionally, RAs should be reliable, organized, self-motivated, and have strong goals to pursue their research interests.
Research assistant positions open: We are looking to fill 2-3 RA positions, at 2-3 credits (6 or 9 hours/week) each. 1-credit applications will not be considered.
Contact info: Please email Kristen Konkel (kristen.konkel@colostate.edu) or Sara Dieterich (sdieteri@rams.colostate.edu) for an application.
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: January 22, 2012

Project: International Suicide Research

Date Posted: 1/23/2012
Description: This project is a Master’s thesis which uses qualitative research to examine the attitudes and beliefs of Peruvian young adults regarding suicide. Participants were asked “What would make someone think about suicide?” and “What would make someone act on those thoughts?” The responses are being analyzed to look for common themes. The data were collected in Peru and are in Spanish.
Duties: : As part of a team and individually, the RA will read short responses and categorize them. About 4 hours of work per week are required, consisting of a 2 hour meeting and 2 hours of independent work.
Minimum requirements: GPA 3.0 or higher. Advanced Spanish reading ability. Study abroad experience or native speaker preferred. Should also be creative and self-motivated.
Research assistant positions open: 1
Contact info: Please contact Andrew Ogle at Andrew.Ogle@colostate.edu with a statement of interest (escrito en Español).
Application Instructions: Please contact Andrew Ogle at Andrew.Ogle@colostate.edu with a statement of interest (escrito en Español).
Application Deadline: January 26

Project: Dr. Canetto's lab is seeking 2 additional undergraduate research assistants.

Date Posted: 1/25/2012
Description: This National Science Foundation-sponsored study investigates psychological and social factors in the educational and career choices and experiences of students and professionals in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math), with a particular focus on Atmospheric and Geo Sciences.
Duties: Research assistants are typically trained and involved in various aspects of the study, including interview transcription, data coding and analysis, assisting in the preparation of research presentations and publications, and when appropriate or needed, interviewing. Research assistant credit is available, with each credit corresponding to three hours of work per week.
Minimum requirements: We are seeking students who are reliable, responsible, detail-oriented, organized and self-motivated. Students who have a GPA of 3.0 or greater and a background or strong interest in diversity studies (including gender, ethnicity and international studies) are preferred. Being willing and able to participate in a one-hour Monday lab meeting is also a plus.
Research assistant positions open: 2
Contact info: Carlie Trott at carlie.d.trott@gmail.com, Andrew Ogle at (adogle@rams.colostate.edu), Prof. Silvia Sara Canetto at silvia.canetto@gmail.com
Additional information: PSY496 Course credit (elective) is available and recommended. Research assistance work can also be used as part of an independent study project for students working towards their Women’s Studies certificate.
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: NA

Project: Learning

Date Posted:
Description: Research assistant for projects looking at learning.
Duties: Help run subjects and code data.
Minimum requirements: Reliable, conscientious, self-motivated student. GPA of 3.5 or greater.
Research assistant positions open: Not Listed
Contact info: Ben Clegg Benjamin.Clegg@colostate.edu or 970.491-2211
Additional information: Ideal opportunity for students considering graduate studies in cognitive psychology.
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Ongoing

Project: Collaborative Learning in a Technology-Based Context

Date Posted: 10/31/2011
Description: In this study, we will manipulate different aspects of computer-based instructional design and examine the effect of these manipulations on the learning outcomes of older and younger adults.
Duties: Students will be responsible for recruiting older subjects, moderating participants’ online chatroom discussions, and grading participant tests.
Minimum requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.75.
Research assistant positions open: 5
Contact info: Contact Natalie Wolfson at newolfson9@gmail.com and provide an unofficial transcript.
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Ongoing

Project: Considerations in Child Custody Evaluations with Gay and Lesbian Parents: A Qualitative Study

Date Posted:
Description: Project will look at the special considerations that child custody evaluators make when conducting evaluations with gay and lesbian parents. The study is qualitative in nature and the data will be collected through an online anonymous survey.
Duties: Responsibilities will include minimal data entry; mostly transcribing and coding of data, and help in preparation of any presentations .
Minimum requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0. Required completion of Psy100 and research methods and/or stats class.
Research assistant positions open: 2
Contact info: Send resume/CV and brief statement of why you are interested in this project to Roxanne Rassti at roxanne.rassti@colostate.edu or rrassti@gmail.com
Additional information: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Until filled.

Project: CFERT

Date Posted: 12/15/11
Description: CFERT is community based nonprofit program at CSU which provides multiple parenting education programs across Colorado and also evaluates those programs.
Duties: Responsibilities would include data entry and help generating yearly government reports. Great position if you want experience with evaluation or if your research interests include positive parenting practices or prevention of substance use.
Minimum requirements: Sophomore or above with at least a 3.0 GPA (flexible). Need to be able to work at least 6 hours (2 credits) per week.
Research assistant positions open: 1
Contact info: Juliana Rosa at jdrosa@colostate.edu or (970) 691-0779
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Until filled.

Project: Project: Meaning in Life in Clinical Populations

Date Posted: 1/31/2012
Description: The purpose of this study is to administer the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger, 2006) among clinical populations from a large psychiatric hospital in the Midwest, United States. Results from this sample will be compared with data from a healthy control group. This study will utilize a mixed method design (quantitative and qualitative). The qualitative aspect of this study will involve the analysis of several open ended questions regarding how participants feel their disorders have shaped their understanding of themselves and the world.
Duties: This study is a year-long (two semester) project that will run from the Spring 2012 semester until the end of Fall 2012. Duties for the Spring 2012 semester will center around the literature review: framing research questions, searching academic databases for relevant material, collecting and cataloguing sources, writing summaries, etc. Data will be collected by the principal investigator during the Summer 2012 semester. The Fall 2012 semester will involve data analysis: qualitative data analysis of the open ended questions and entering scores from the completed questionnaire into SPSS. Actual hours per semester are flexible and will be individually negotiated. Interested students are welcome to participate on a per semester basis, or be involved for the entire length of the project.
Minimum requirements: Preference will be given to junior and senior psychology majors, but all psychology majors may apply. 3.0 GPA or higher, have good writing ability, be self -motivated, and have a strong interest in topics within positive psychology, social psychology, or counseling psychology.
Research assistant positions open: 1-3
Contact info: Jennifer Barenz, jennifer.barenz@gmail.com
Additional information: Independent Study Psychology course credit (elective) is available and recommended. Students who wish to be involved for the length of the project will have an opportunity for a publication credit.
Application Instructions: Email a brief statement of interest and CV to contact. Please state if you’d like to be involved for a particular semester, or for the length of the project. Preference will be given to students who want to be involved for more than one semester.
Application Deadline: Until filled.

Project: Considerations in Child Custody Evaluations with Gay and Lesbian Parents: A Qualitative Study

Date Posted:
Description: Project will look at the special considerations that child custody evaluators make when conducting evaluations with gay and lesbian parents. The study is qualitative in nature and the data will be collected through an online anonymous survey.
Duties: Responsibilities will include minimal data entry; mostly transcribing and coding of data, and help in preparation of any presentations
Minimum requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0. Required completion of Psy100 and research methods and/or stats class.
Research assistant positions open: 2
Contact info: Send resume/CV and brief statement of why you are interested in this project to Roxanne Rassti at roxanne.rassti@colostate.edu or rrassti@gmail.com
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Until filled.

Project: Cognition in Unmanned Systems Control

Date Posted: 12/7/2011
Description: This is a research project that focuses on novice training and ability correlates of unmanned systems control. We are working on adapting a program that MIT has developed called RESCHU for studying cognition in controlling unmanned systems.
Duties: This position requires that you have at least moderate experience or knowledge of Java programming. I want the program to be developed to be useable as a research tool – the portion that remains is programming in ways to build scenarios, save data from the simulation, and organize this data into usable formats. You will be expected to make progress towards these goals over the course of the semester.
Minimum requirements: I need a programmer who knows Java. If you know Java I'd be excited about bringing you on; if you also have an interest in applied psychology (human-computer interaction, human-robotic interaction, etc) this is definitely the position for you! Preferred GPA 3.5 or above in your major.
Research assistant positions open: 1
Contact info: robert.gutzwiller@colostate.edu
Application Instructions: Please send an email to robert.gutzwiller@colostate.edu identifying your programming skills in Java, and a bit about yourself and your degree/career goals (you do not have to have a psychology interest or be a psych major, for this position).
Application Deadline: Until filled.

Project: Third-generation Training

Date Posted: 12/13/2011
Description: The purpose of this research project is to compare two forms of training design. A classical approach to training design (1st generation approach) will be compared to a Social consturctivist approach to training design (3rd generation approach). It is hypothesized that a 3rd generation approach, in which employees learn through social interactions with fellow trainees, will result in deeper learning and improved training transfer compared to a 1st generation approach.
Duties: The students will be expected to put in 5 hours of work per week during Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 Semesters. Actual hours will be flexible. The research assistant will gain experience in running research studies, administering survey’s, leading discussions, entering and analyzing data, and assisting in background research. This project offers research experience applicable to the areas of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Social Psychology, and Human Resource Management.
Minimum requirements: 3.3 GPA, Psychology major, Junior or senior preferred, completion of PSY 440 (Industrial Psychology) preferred, responsible and detail oriented.
Research assistant positions open: 2
Contact info: Send a brief statement of interest to tristqnelson@gmail.com or call 435-279-0156 for more information.
Application Instructions: Email or call the contact for this project.
Application Deadline: Until filled.

Project:

Date Posted:
Description: The Industrial/Organizational Psychology Team is researching what affects the training a person receives. The project will be underway in Spring and Summer 2012 and will focus on virtual training.
Duties: The students will be expected to put in 6-8 hours of work per week for most of the Summer and Fall 2011 Semesters. The specific hours will be flexible. The research assistant will gain experience in running research studies, administering survey’s, entering and analyzing data and assisting in background research. The research will be especially useful for those interested in Social or I/O Psychology as a career or for those who may wish to do research in these fields in future semesters, whether as part of a lab team, independent research, or honor’s thesis project.
Minimum requirements: The successful applicant should be reliable, organized, and detail-oriented. A commitment of around 6 hours a week for most of the weeks of the Summer and Fall 2011 semesters is required. A GPA of 3.3 or higher strongly preferred. No previous research experience or knowledge is necessary.
Research assistant positions open: 6
Contact info: Rachel Marsh at Rachel.marsh@colostate.edu.
Additional information: PSY496 course credit is available and recommended and would be applied in the Spring or Summer 2012.
Application Instructions: Interested applicants should e-mail a brief statement of interest to Rachel Marsh at Rachel.marsh@colostate.edu.
Application Deadline: Until filled.