|
Undergraduate Research
Psychology
is an empirical science.
This statement means that Psychologists rely on formal, systematic
observations to provide our knowledge about behavior and the
physiological and cognitive processes that underlie behavior. Knowledge and
understanding of human behavior depends on scientific research.
The
methods of research used by Psychologists are introduced in PSYC
101 (Introduction to Psychology). As a Psychology Major, you
will learn how to use these methods of research in two core courses,
Research Methods (PSYC 200) and Research Seminar (PSYC
420, 430, and 440). In these courses, you will learn to read
scientific literature, design studies, write a research proposal,
conduct research with appropriate ethical procedures, analyze results
with statistics, and write a research report.
The
skills in critical thinking, information-gathering, information
technology, and statistical analysis which one develops in learning
to conduct empirical research and the writing skills involved in
producing a research proposal and report are important not only
for understanding Psychology, but also for career preparation. Competence
in reading, writing, computation, and computer use are among the
top eight skills employers seek.
Additional
Opportunities to Conduct Research
Additional
participation in research is strongly recommended
for students who plan to pursue a Master’s degree in any of
the research areas in Psychology (for example, human development)
or a Psy.D. (the professional degree in clinical psychology).
One's
likelihood of acceptance into a nationally competitive
graduate school program is enhanced by having a record of research participation.
Additional
research experience is necessary for students who
plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or Experimental Psychology.
Presentation at conferences is also recommended for students seeking admission to Ph.D. programs. Roanoke College Psychology majors have presented papers and posters based on their research at the Carolinas Undergraduate Psychology conference and the Annual Meeting of the Virginia Psychological Association. Financial support for conference presentation can be obtained by application to the Department or to Student Affairs.
Additional
opportunities for research experience are provided by the courses
Research Practicum, Independent Study, and Honors
Project in Psychology. These options are further
described in other sections of this website.
|
