Active participation in a research laboratory is one important way for undergraduate students to learn about the science of psychology.  It’s a good idea to become involved as early as possible in your undergraduate career because more experienced students are often rewarded with increased opportunities.  In the ideal scenario, a student who has become familiar with the ideas behind the research program and the methods being employed will go on to design his or her own project and then participate in the department’s honors program during the senior year.

Several undergraduate students participate in projects that are being conducted in the Personality Assessment Lab.  Their activities include everything from recruiting new participants to the collection, coding, and entry of data.  More advanced students are trained in conducting semi-structured interviews designed to collect information about personality traits and interpersonal problems. We are looking for responsible, energetic, and curious people who are able to work independently.

For more information about becoming involved in the Personality Assessment Lab, please contact the project coordinator, Merlyn Rodrigues.  Her e-mail address is: merlynrodrigues@yahoo.com.  The lab is located in Room 236 in the Psychology Building, and the phone number is 935-4323.

It is possible to register for academic credit by enrolling in Psy 500 (Independent Study).  You must receive approval from Dr. Oltmanns and complete the Petition to Enroll form. It is expected that 3-4 hours per week for 15 weeks will be devoted to aspects of the research for each unit of credit to be earned (e.g., 9-12 hours per week for 3 units of credit). This includes working in the laboratory, attending laboratory meetings, meeting with supervisors, and reading material related to the project. Students who enroll for academic credit will be expected to complete a small set of required readings and write a short paper about their experience (due two weeks before the end of the semester).

Further information on requirements and research opportunities is available in the Undergraduate Guide for psychology majors (http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~psych/pdf/2007/Undergrad%20Guide%20FINAL%20LEN82808.pdf).  Questions about this process can also be directed to Ms. Dru Koscielniak, the Undergraduate Coordinator, in Room 419BA of the Psychology Building (314-935-5169).  Her e-mail address: dkosciel@artsci.wustl.edu