Current Students

Undergraduate Research Assistants

The Early Experiences Lab supports undergraduate RAs who are interested in engaging in research on a deeper level by completing an Honors Thesis, participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, or completing an independent project. These research experiences offer the opportunity to gain a more in-depth and hands-on understanding of the scientific research process, acquire experience using statistical analyses to answer research questions and presented their findings at local, regional, and international research conferences.

At times, a high number of students are interested in pursuing these research projects. Dr. Raby wants to ensure he can effectively mentor students, so limits on the number of students who are pursuing these projects are necessary at times. In other words, involvement in the lab does not guarantee that Dr. Raby will agree to mentor your Honors Thesis or UROP project. If you are interested in one of these research opportunities, please review the following requirements and if you believe you are a good fit, contact Dr. Raby.

Requirements

• Be a top performing RA in the lab
• A strong GPA (3.7 in Psychology courses)
• Regular attendance at weekly lab meetings
• Submit a mentorship request at least 3 months before the deadline for their project

Timelines for an Honors Thesis and UROP Project:

• Honors Thesis: These are typically completed during the last two semesters of one's undergraduate education. The initial proposal is due two semesters before student begins work (e.g., the spring of student's 3rd year if the student is graduating the spring of the 4th year). For more information, review the Psychology Honor's website.
• UROP: The initial proposal is typically due halfway through the semester before beginning the project (e.g., middle of the Fall semester for UROP project during the following Spring semester). For more information, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research's website.

How to develop an idea for a research project?

• Consider the general topics or questions that interest you about Psychology and made you want to get involved with the Early Experiences Lab.
• Generate a list of potential questions you could possibly address with a research project by drawing on information you learned in your classes, by being a member of a research team in the lab, and discussions at the weekly lab meetings. If you have a lengthy list, select the one or two questions that interest you the most.
• Once you generate a research question, Dr. Raby will help you fine-tune it.

Earning Research Credit (for Honors or for Major)

• The first semester of a student's involvement as a RA is volunteer only. This allows students and lab manager the time to decide whether the lab is a good fit for the student.
• After the first semester, students can register for 1-3 credits per semester. Keep in mind that 42 hours of lab work are required for each hour of credit.
• Regular attendance at weekly lab meetings
• Honors students only: 6 hours of research credit are required for the Honors program. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply to be involved with the lab as early as possible in order to have time to complete the research hours and to develop the research skills and knowledge needed to complete an Honors Thesis.