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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Biopsychology | Clinical | Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
Developmental | Education and Psychology | Health
Organizational | Personality | Social
Complete List
Project Director:
Denise Sekaquaptewa
Email: dsekaqua@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Gender Stereotypes and Math Performance
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Cognitive
Project Description:
Women tend to perform worse on mathematical tasks when their performance can be interpreted in light of gender stereotypes that favor men. Women may hold stereotypes at an unconscious level, and possession of these unconscious stereotypes may influence women's performance, interest, motivation to pursue math-intensive careers. We seek research assistants to help with a study measuring unconscious stereotyping in relation to math outcomes. The experiment involves testing paticipants in the lab and/or facilitating a web-based experiment.
Time commitment requested:
9-12 hours per week for at least one semester.
Qualifications of student:
Students who are motivated, reliable, interested in the subject, and who have high personal standards are encouraged. Students with prior lab experience are preferred but others who are motivated and have good academic records will be considered as well. Good communication and organization skills, and some basic computer skills are required. Knowledge of computer programming is a plus! We seek 1-2 research assistants over the summer, and will need even more help during the 2007-2008 academic year.
| Credit Offered: | yes | Money: | no |
| Experience only: | yes | Workstudy: | no |
Project Director:
Sandy Lim
Email: sandylim@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Students' Expectations of Teachers
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Cultural, Educational
Project Description:
Most of the past teaching evaluation studies focus on teacher’s teaching ability and personal characteristics such as leadership styles. However, we believe that a good teacher is in the eyes of his/her students. Students might have their own criteria to evaluate teacher’s performance and these criteria might influence the teacher’s actual performance. We will examine this relationship by conducting lab surveys and experiments. Research assistants have the opportunity to run studies, enter and code data, manage databases, recruit participants, and participate in research team meetings.
Time commitment requested:
10 hours per week (flexible)
Qualifications of student:
Organized, responsible, enthusiastic and detail oriented. Students should be interested in learning about the research process .
| Credit Offered: | no | Money: | no |
| Experience only: | no | Workstudy: | no |
| Submitted: 9/23/2003 |
Project Director:
Jinkyung Na
Email: jinna@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Cultural effects on self and cognition
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Social/Cultural/Cognitive
Project Description:
What role does culture play in people's behaviors and thoughts? Do people in different cultures and societies perceive themselves in the same way, or in different and unique ways? For example, our previous studies suggested that Americans tend to view themselves as an independent entity whereas Asians and Asian Americans tend to view themselves in relation to others. Our research program explores such cultural differences of selves and their effects on basic psychological processes. We conduct experimental studies primarily comparing people of various cultural backgrounds on a variety of tasks.
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours
Qualifications of student:
Research assistants will be involved in all phases of a project and take responsibility for (i) conducting studies, (ii) collecting data, and (iii) analyzing results. Research assistants are expected to attend weekly lab meetings. Research assistants should be responsible, punctual, and motivated to gain research experience.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | Yes |
Project Director:
Jinkyung Na
Email: jinna@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Jinkyung Na
Email:jinna@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Culture and Intrinsic Motivation
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Previous studies found people across culture have different sources for intrinsic motivation. For example, Americans have higher motivation when they choose their task or when they succeed in their task. In stark contrast, Failure and choice made by friends or family tend to boost one’s intrinsic motivation for East Asians. Is it possible to get the opposite result through the experimental manipulation? This project investigates the factor that can affect one’s intrinsic motivation and examine cross-cultural differences in the effect of those factors.
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
Students can participate in every phase of research ranging from data entry to data analysis. Any special skill is not necessary for participation. However, students should be reliable and responsible.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Tiffany Griffin
Email: griffito@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Richard Gonzalez
Email:gonzo@umich.edu, Phone: 763-5164
Overall Title of Project:
Intersectionality, Perceptions of Context, and Policy
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Our lab examines topics such as status, power, identity and discrimination. We explore the relationship between psychology and policy and consider context in all of our investigations. Students interested in issues of social class, race, gender, and policy are encouraged to consider this position. The research assistant will be responsible for 1) recruiting participants, 2) running subjects at scheduled lab sessions, and 3) coding and entering data.
Time commitment requested:
Flexible; 9 hours per week preferred
Qualifications of student:
Students should be highly motivated, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, responsible, punctual, and possess a genuine interest in gaining research experience while working on a team. It is also important for the student to feel comfortable interacting with people. All student research assistants will be trained. Students who wish to make a 2 semester commitment are especially encouraged to apply. Working in our lab would be a valuable experience to students interested in graduate school in psychology.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Brad J. Bushman
Email: bbushman@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Brad J. Bushman
Email:bbushman@umich.edu, Phone: 734-615-6631
Overall Title of Project:
Aggression and violence
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Violence and Aggression
Project Description:
Students will be experimenters in laboratory studies of violence and aggression.
Time commitment requested:
At least 2-3 credits
Qualifications of student:
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Norbert Schwarz
Email:
Alternate Contact:
Jesse Chandler
Email:jjchandl@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
The Influence of Body Movements on Thinking and Feeling
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Body movements are often thought of as expressing a feeling. People are amused, therefore they smile. However, recent research has also demonstrated that the reverse is true. Smiling makes people feel more amused. Our lab is exploring research related to this finding, particularly, how theories about what body movements mean influence the interpretation of the body movement. We are looking for dedicated research assistants to join the lab to work on this project. Responsibilities may include recruiting participants, collecting data and data entry. There are also regular lab meetings (weekly or biweekly) that research assistants are required to attend.
Time commitment requested:
8-12 hours per week (3-4 credits)
Qualifications of student:
Research assistants should be flexible in the amount of time they can commit.
The demands of a research lab require a somewhat greater time investment in the middle of the term, and less at the end. Also, applicants should be willing to help out on other projects in the lab (if needed). Applicants should be responsible, organized and capable of working as a part of a team of researchers. They should be detail-oriented and invested in the project.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Nicholas Sorensen
Email: nsorense@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Culture and Intergroup Relations
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Have you ever wondered what we can do to improve relations between members of different groups social groups (e.g. race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation etc). The present research project explores psychological and communication processes to improve intergroup relations. In particular, we are examining the influence of communication expectations on cognitive and emotional processes that may be critical for reducing prejudice and discrimination and improving intergroup relations more generally. This project involves multiple components including laboratory studies, online studies and randomized field experiments across nine universities. Tasks and responsibilities vary for each available position. However, students may be responsible for administering a lab-based study to subject pool participants. Specifically, the student will recruit subjects from a predetermined list, schedule lab appointments with participants, book lab space, administer each study, debrief subjects and issue subject pool credit to participants. Additional opportunities will be provided to assist with data analysis and gain experience with SPSS.
Time commitment requested:
8-10 hours per week (negotiable)
Qualifications of student:
Students cannot be enrolled in intro psychology during the Fall 2009 term. Student must be dependable, punctual and motivated and have an interest in culture, diversity and intergroup relations. Academic credit can be earned through Psych 323 (credit/no credit), Psych 327 (graded credit) or Psych 423 (graded upper level independent study requiring a final paper). Because the identities of the laboratory experimenters are important for the present set of studies, we are seeking applicants who identify as African American men and women as well as White women. However, students from all backgrounds with an interest in this line of research are encouraged to express interest by email.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Francine Segovia
Email: segoviaf@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Francine Segovia
Email:segoviaf@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Solo Status and Common Identities
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Cognitive
Project Description:
Have you ever walked into a classroom and found yourself to be the only person of your social category, e.g., the only woman, the only African American, the only Latina(o)? Research shows that this experience, termed “solo status,” can actually undermine the academic performance of the person who is different from the rest of the group. In this project we will test an intervention, based on building a common social identity within the group, to reduce the negative effect of solo status on performance. Research assistants are needed to serve as laboratory experimenters, help create experimental materials, code videotaped footage of participants, and perform other laboratory tasks. This project would be a good choice for students interested in issues of stereotyping, race, academic performance, and social identity, and for students seeking a hands-on lab experience in preparation for graduate school.
Time commitment requested:
6-12 hours per week for one semester
Qualifications of student:
Students should be punctual, organized, responsible, mature, and hard-working. Willingness to take on a challenge will be beneficial, as training on a video-communication system, and mastery of a fairly complex experimental procedure are required. Familiarity with basic computer programs (Word, Excel) is required. Experience working with DVD video systems, including transfer of DVD footage to computer, is helpful but not required. Students who wish to make a 2 semester commitment are especially encouraged to apply. Students of color are especially encouraged to apply.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Xuezhao Lan
Email: xuezhao@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Cultural Differences and Gender Differences in Multi-tasking
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Cognitive
Project Description:
The studies compare performances of Easterners and Westerners while they are doing multiple tasks simultaneously. It is hypothesized that Easterners are better at attending to multiple tasks and picking up more information from each task than their Western Counterparts. Additionally, girls are hypothesized to have better multi-tasking performances.
Multi-tasking experiments will provide evidence for explaining cross-cultural differences in human perception, attention, and reasoning. Nisbett and Kitayama and their colleagues have produced substantial evidence indicating that Westerners perceive and reason in ways that can be called analytic, that is to say, they focus on some salient object, identify its attributes, categorize the object and adduce rules to model and explain the object’s behavior; rules employed include formal logic. In contrast, East Asians perceive and reason in ways that can be called holistic, that is to say, they attend to the broad field in which an object is located and the relation between the object and the field; relationships and similarities are used to organize the world, and dialectical reasoning substitutes for formal logic. We contend that the reason for these differences lies in the fact that Westerners are independent and have the luxury of focusing on some object with respect to which they have a goal whereas Easterners must attend to the complicated social worlds they live in. Multi-tasking experiments will further explain those cross-cultural differences.
Time commitment requested:
6-10 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Sasha Kimel (Faculty Advisor: Shinobu Kityama)
Email: skimel@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Culture and Choice
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Do people in different cultures see the world in the same way, or in different and unique ways? Our previous research suggested that European-Americans seek to maintain their independence from others whereas Asians and Asian-Americans value attending to others and fitting in. Broadly, our research program explores such cultural differences and their effects on basic psychological processes.
In this particular series of studies we focus on cultural differences in cognitive dissonance. When having made a choice between two equally attractive items, people
tend to justify their choice by increasing their liking for the chosen item and decreasing the liking for the rejected item. This "dissonance effect" is caused by one's unconscious effort to reduce the threat involved in making a choice. Choice may be threatening because it raises questions about the self, such as: "Was it stupid of me to choose A over B?" However, recent research suggests that this experience is not universal. East Asians participants only experienced the dissonance effect when appraisals by others were primed.
This series of studies will use a variety of methodologies including questionnaires, behavioral observations, computer-based tasks and fMRI. In taking part in the present research project you will learn how to conduct social and cultural psychological research as well as gain invaluable hands-on lab experience.
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours per week (2-3 credits)
Qualifications of student:
We are looking for research assistants with a range of experiences and qualifications. You should have an interest in psychological science and an interest in pursuing graduate studies in psychology. You do NOT need to have previous research experience; however, research assistants will start with responsibilities and duties that match their previous experiences in research. You should be intellectually curious, diligent, and conscientious; be interested in cultural psychology; work well with others; and be able to make the requisite time commitment. Because we use multiple methods in our research, we are also looking for research assistants who have training in computer programming, who speak different languages, and who have backgrounds in anthropology, physiology, or biology.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Alternate Contact:
Laura Ramsey
Email:lrramsey@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Stereotyping Processes and Implications
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
What kinds of stereotypes do people hold? How are people (both those stereotyped and those holding stereotypes) affected by these stereotypes? These kinds of questions are obviously important socially and scientifically, and we are planning and executing a variety of studies to address these issues. Various topics include stereotype threat, descriptive and prescriptive stereotypes, self-objectification, and the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Time commitment requested:
Between 6 and 12 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
This project provides a great opportunity for students who are interested in learning more about the research process, as we are looking for research assistants who can help with all phases of the project, including preparing research materials, administering the study to participants, organizing data, and participating in occasional group meetings. We seek research assistants who are motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented. Basic computer skills are necessary, and previous research experience and knowledge of statistics are certainly a plus. Males are especially encouraged to apply (in order to control for an unintended gender effect), as are students who are willing to make a 2-semester commitment, but all applicants will be considered.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Diana Betz
Email: dibetz@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
(1) Meta-Sexist Jokes: Laughing at, not with, Sexism; (2) Seeing Race; (3) Femme Science Role Models for Teen Girls
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
I have three projects running within the broad field of stereotypes and prejudice.
A brand new set of studies will examine "meta-disparagement humor," a term we are using to describe the faux-politically-incorrect jokes favored on shows like The Colbert Report and 30 Rock. Although such sarcastic/ironic disparagement jokes have a different intention than straightforward disparagement jokes, they trade on the same stereotypes. Thus, would a "meta-sexist" joke activate negative female stereotypes just like a straightforward sexist joke would? Two studies will attempt to answer this question.
A second, ongoing study asks when people of different races are most likely to "see" race as an influential factor in everyday situations. We believe that it depends on whether the event is good or bad, on whether it happens to a Black or White individual, and what kinds of attitudes the perceiver holds (e.g., an awareness of white privilege).
A third study in the final data analysis stages looks at whether a specific "type" of woman makes for a better science role model. Science skills and femininity are often seen as incompatible: would teen girls express more interest in and identification with science if exposed to a stereotypically feminine yet math-competent role model? I collected data on this question during Summer 09 and hope to find the answer in its analysis.
Time commitment requested:
6 - 9 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
Research assistants are needed for Fall 09, and preferably will stay on for Winter 2010. RAs will participate in multiple levels of research, including doing background research, preparing experimental materials, coding and managing data, and recruiting & running participants. They will also be able to collaborate in individual and lab meetings. Assistants should be interested in learning about the psychological research process, from early steps like literature reviews to the actual process of data collection and analysis. Motivation, interest in the topic at hand, reliability, and flexibility are encouraged, and familiarity with Word and Excel are required (knowledge of statistics [e.g. SPSS] and any previous research experience are a plus).
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Norbert Schwarz
Email:
Spike Lee
Email: spikelee@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Dirty Socks, Dirty Talk, Dirty Thoughts: Psychological Cleanliness and Morality
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Lady MacBeth had the compulsion to keep washing her hands--perhaps for good reasons. Recent psychological research shows that hand washing reduces moral guilt (Zhong & Liljenquist, 2006). It literally means that physical cleaning and moral cleansing are effectively similar, both of which make you feel "cleaner". Indeed, we often use words such as "dirty" and "disgusting" to stress our derogation of moral transgressors or transgressions (e.g., "I don't do any dirty stuff", "you're a disgusting person") and their need to be "cleaner". Our current project aims to establish this concept of "psychological cleanliness/dirtiness" at physical, moral, and symbolic levels. Physical examples include actual dirts, mud, and vomit; moral examples include bribery and cheating; symbolic examples include money and aesthetics. Experiments will be run in lab to test how these levels relate to each other. Popular media will be reviewed to deepen our understanding of these concepts and their psychological effects. Indeed, personal experience would be of paramount importance too in refining such understanding and developing hypotheses to be tested in experiments.
We are looking for students dedicated to generating knowledge through research. We offer training and research experience that pave the way for writing an Honors Thesis or applying to graduate school. Joining this project means you will
(1) collaborate with the project director to design experiments
(2) run experiments
(3) review popular media
(4) review scholarly literature
(5) analyze media, literature, experimental data, and personal experience
You will learn:
(1) how to turn a thought ("my insight") into an experiment ("my project")
(2) how to to deepen understanding of a concept
(3) how to use personal experience to inform research ideas
(4) how to apply research ideas to daily experience
(5) practical skills necessary for research at both undergraduate and graduate levels (e.g., measurement of human characteristics, statistics, conceptualization)
(6) graduate school application
Time commitment requested:
8-12 hours per week (3-4 credits; negotiable
Qualifications of student:
Students should be psychology majors who are highly motivated, organized and reliable, detail-oriented, hard-working, passionate about the topic, genuinely interested in gaining research experience, and capable of working as a part of a team of researchers. Students who want to make a 2-semester commitment are especially encouraged to apply. Some previous research experience is preferred.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Leah James
Email: leahej@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Jane Hassinger
Email:jahass@gmail.com, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Women on Purpose: Identifying cultural resiliency factors in South African women
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
This project examines cultural resiliency factors in South African women exposed to trauma. This summer, our research team completed interviews with women identified as particularly resilient due to their long-term achievements in working at paper-making workshops throughout South Africa. Interviews aimed to identify strategies for coping with challenging circumstances such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, racism, and domestic violence. Students interested in issues of gender, race, culture, and resiliency are encouraged to consider this position. The research assistant will be responsible for 1) transcribing interviews, 2) helping to develop a coding scheme and participating in thematic coding of interviews, and 3) entering data.
Time commitment requested:
Flexible
Qualifications of student:
Students should be motivated, responsible, and organized and possess an interest in gaining research experience in the fields of psychology, women’s studies, and social work. Training will be provided. There may be opportunities to participate in other programs related to Africa and mental health.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Hyunjin Song
Email: hyunjins@umich.edu, phone: 734-717-8757
Overall Title of Project:
Morality and Health
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
In our everyday life, we use metaphors to explain our feelings and thoughts. The present research particularly deals with how people use metaphors related to morality. We investigate how immorality is often compared with diseases, and how these metaphors affect people’s health and food related decisions. The research will investigate people’s perception of morality, how bodily feelings can be used in these judgments, and practical applications in marketing settings. The experiments will include paper and pencil studies and behavioral measures. RAs will participate in web search to help design experiments, running studies in labs and surveying on campus, and coding and interpreting data.
Time commitment requested:
6-12 hrs/wk
Qualifications of student:
Research assistants participate in all phases of this project and take responsibility for data collection. It is important that you are comfortable with approaching students on campus to ask them to fill out questionnaires and with meeting people in labs to run experiments. In addition, basic computer skills are helpful.
| Credit Offered: | yes | Money: | no |
| Experience only: | no | Workstudy: | no |
Project Director:
Leah James
Email: leahej@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Daphna Oyserman
Email:daphna@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Effects of future uncertainty on productive and destructive behavior choice
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
This lab consists of several ongoing projects concerning the effects of uncertainty about the future on productive behaviors such as goal-setting and potentially self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse and risk-taking. Related research concerns the influence of cultural factors on resiliency to trauma. Students interested in laboratory experimentation and the application of such research intervention development to help at-risk and traumatized populations are encouraged to consider this position. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of research methods, including online survey experimentation using subject pool, collection and analysis of secondary data concerning behavior before and after large disasters, and participation in a field-based deception study. An alternative research area focuses on the role of nostalgia as a coping mechanism and students will also be invited to participate in data collection on this topic.
Time commitment requested:
Flexible; minimum 6 hours per week.
Qualifications of student:
Students should be motivated, responsible, and organized and possess an interest in gaining research experience in the field of psychology. The research assistant may be responsible for 1) recruiting subjects, running experiments, and assigning credit for subject pool studies, 2) organizing and coding previously collected data, 3) acting in a deception study in real-world contexts, and 4) attending weekly meetings. Prior research experience is appreciated but not required. Training will be provided. Experience gained in the position can be beneficial in applying for graduate studies in the fields of psychology and social work.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Alternate Contact:
Jennifer Crocker, Ph.D.
Email:crocker.admin@umich.edu, Phone: 734-615-3626
Overall Title of Project:
Contingencies of self-worth, egosystem vs. ecosystem goals, stress, adjustment to college
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
The Self and Social Motivation research laboratory explores the costs and benefits of adopting goals to construct and maintain desired images and goals to support others for relationships, learning, motivation, self-regulation, and mental health. The goal of our research is to provide a framework, grounded in psychological research and theory, to understand how people inadvertently create what they don't want in their lives when they are driven by the ego or self-esteem concerns, how shifting to a different framework focused on what they want to create, contribute, or learn can help people clarify what they want and don't want in their lives, and empower them to create what they want by putting those choices into action. Ultimately, our research aims to provide conceptual and practical tools that can help people clarify and accomplish their most inspired and inspiring goals, in a sustainable way that is good for others as well as the self. In doing so, we hope to help people become more healthy, constructive, and effective human beings, connected to their inner resources, to other people, and to their passion. Several research projects examining these ideas are ongoing in our laboratory. The projects use a variety of methodologies, from laboratory experiments, to web-based surveys, to daily report studies. Students can participate in many ways, including recruiting participants and running experiments, coding, entering and analyzing data, and participating in lab meetings. If you are interested in researching with us, please visit our lab website for more specific information on our current projects and for the application:
http://rcgd.isr.umich.edu/crockerlab/RA%20Recruitment/research_ops.htm
Time commitment requested:
At least 6-9 hours a week
Qualifications of student:
Upper-level psych majors with 3.0 GPA or higher preferred. Must be highly motivated, reliable, detail-oriented, organized, and have a genuine desire to learn more about the research process.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Alternate Contact:
Dr. Terri Conley
Email:conleyt@umich.edu, Phone: 5-3895
Overall Title of Project:
Intergroup Perceptions
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Psychology of Women
Project Description:
This is a series of interrelated projects designed investigate intergroup perceptions that have not normally been studied. We address non-White groups’ perceptions of White women, various Asian American subgroups’ (e.g. Chinese Americans, Vietnamese Americans) perceptions of one another, ethnic minority groups perceptions of lesbians and gay men, and Latinas/os’, Asian Americans’ and African Americans perceptions of Whites and of each other. Most of these data have already been collected; the research assistants would be involved in data cleaning and analysis. This project would be especially suitable for a senior thesis or senior honors thesis. Provides an opportunity for a relatively independent research experience which could lead to conference presentations or publications.
Time commitment requested:
9-10 hours/week for at least two semesters
Qualifications of student:
Must have previous research experience, some knowledge of statistical methods and familiarity with SPSS. Less experienced participants may contact the project director about other ways to get involved in the project.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | |
| Experience only: | | Workstudy: | |
Project Director:
Dr. Terri Conley
Email: conleyt@umich.edu; Phone: 5-3895
Overall Title of Project:
Gender Differences in Perceptions and Experiences of Sexuality
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Psychology of Women
Project Description:
This is a series of interrelated projects designed investigate when and why women and men differ in their perceptions or experiences of sexuality—as well as finding instances in which those differences do not exist. We will examine differences in the experiences of monogamous and non-monogamous, couples (e.g., those in polyamorous relationships, open relationships, and “swingers”) differences in the acceptance of casual sex offers, and the negotiation of sexuality in the context of the aging process. We generally will consider both the experiences of heterosexual and lesbian and gay couples.
Time commitment requested:
6 hours/week; prefer at least a two- semester commitment
Qualifications of student:
Experience with SPSS preferred but not required. Experience with online data collection software (i.e., surveymonkey.com) is a plus. Students must have taken or be taking Dr. Conley’s course on the Psychology of Human Sexuality to be considered for the project.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Seda Yilmaz
Email: seda@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Colleen Seifert
Email:seifert@umich.edu, Phone: 763-0210
Overall Title of Project:
The cognitive processes in innovative design
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Cognition & Perception
Project Description:
Our research examines fundamental questions about creativity. How does a designer create something never seen before? What cognitive processes are involved in design decisions? How does a designer know when they are done? And, can creative processes be taught? Data analysis includes expert and student designer studies, and conducting sessions with introductory psychology's subject pool.
Time commitment requested:
10 hours per week for a full semester.
Qualifications of student:
Knowledge of MS Excel and Word is required. Some experience in using SPSS is preferred, but not required.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Domink Mischkowski
Email: mdominik@umich.edu; 734-763-3292
Alternate Contact:
Ethan Kross
Email:ekross@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Psychological and physiological processes involved in provocation, self-distancing, and displaced aggression
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Neuroendocrinology
Project Description:
This project interconnects different research lines regarding displaced aggression after provocation, rumination and self-distancing, as well as work about hormonal processes involved in aggression. I am looking for responsible and motivated undergraduates who are interested in gaining experience in preparing experiments (including creating materials, copying, etc.), running experimental sessions (maybe even taking saliva samples), and data-analysis during the spring and summer semester. R.A.s will work together with other undergraduates in a team and attend weekly lab meetings. If you are interested, send me an email. Please attach a transcript (unofficial is OK) and your resume. Then we can schedule a meeting.
Time commitment requested:
At least 6 hours/week
Qualifications of student:
| Credit Offered: | yes | Money: | no |
| Experience only: | yes | Workstudy: | no |
Project Director:
Alternate Contact:
Kristen Elmore
Email:kelmore@umich.edu, Phone: 919.612.5991
Overall Title of Project:
Gender in the Classroom
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Why do girls and boys behave differently within the context of school? This project examines this topic through two lines of inquiry. The first is to determine whether student behaviors within classrooms are affected by the content of salient images of one’s gender. For example, are girls more likely to work hard at school in response to the suggestion that school achievement is a ‘female’ pursuit? Is the opposite true when it’s suggested that school success is a ‘male’ domain? The other line of study is the role of perceptions of power in the classroom and whether boys and girls perceive the hierarchical structure of the classroom differently. Are boys acting out in class more than girls as a display of personal autonomy? These topics will be explored through the use of priming techniques and experimental design. The project involves both laboratory studies at the university and field experiments with adolescents. Student responsibilities may vary, but include administering lab-based studies to subject pool participants (e.g., administering the study, debriefing participants, and assigning subject pool credit), assisting in school-based data collection, and data entry.
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours/week
Qualifications of student:
Students should be reliable and organized, as well as motivated to learn more about the topic and about the research process. Academic credit can be earned through Psych 323 (credit/no credit) or Psych 327 (graded credit).
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | |
| Experience only: | | Workstudy: | |
Project Director:
Jonathon Schuldt
Email: jschuldt@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Thinking about the environment
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
How do people think about environmental issues (e.g., climate change, overconsumption of natural resources)? What kinds of information and mental shortcuts lead some people to decide that the world is spiraling uncontrollably toward environmental catastrophe and others to conclude that there is little cause for concern? How do these thoughts affect actual pro-environmental behaviors (e.g., recycling, conservation)? Amidst looming climate crises, these are big questions that the science of social psychology can help shed light on. Specific topics addressed may include determinants of individuals’ belief in climate change, the influence of emotions on environmental attitudes, and beliefs about more eco-conscious food production (e.g., organics, locally-produced, etc.).
Time commitment requested:
6 to 12 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
This project provides a valuable opportunity for students who are generally interested in learning about the scientific research process and would be an especially good fit for those interested in environmental issues. Responsibilities include collecting data, managing databases, running experiments through laboratory protocols, and participating in occasional meetings. Students must be motivated and able to work independently as well as a member of a small group, and be willing to take on all sorts of tasks, including those that are sometimes longer and less engaging (e.g., data collection and entry from internet sources). Experience with Microsoft Excel, or similar software package, is highly advantageous. Hours are very flexible, and students often are able to work the majority of hours from home or elsewhere on campus.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Robert Smith
Email: robwill@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Metacognitive inference and word-of-mouth
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Imagine that you are hearing about an experience your friend had at a restaurant that you are thinking about going to. You notice that your friend remembers her experience at the restaurant extremely well. What does this mean? Why does your friend remember it so well, and how does this affect your opinion of the restaurant? In this research project, we consider questions such as these. So far, it seems that when someone remembers an event very well and over a long period of time, people infer that they must have had a particularly extreme experience. This, in turn, influences their own opinions and intentions.
In a related project, we will explore the issue of what it means when a charity or nonprofit cause is well-remembered. Early analyses of this issue imply that charities that are well-remembered are inferred to be more relevant, and this can increase donations.
Time commitment requested:
4-8 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
The student will be involved in all stages of the research project, including the development of materials, data collection, and analysis and the design of follow-up studies. An interest in social cognition research and consumer behavior is desirable. Moreover, you should be comfortable approaching people on campus, and asking them to participate in studies. Some studies may be conducted as web surveys and you should be computer literate (but programming skills are not required).
| Credit Offered: | yes | Money: | no |
| Experience only: | yes | Workstudy: | no |
Project Director:
Aleah Burson
Email: aburson@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Shame on Me: The Role of Self-Compassion in the Reduction of Self-Awareness Avoidance
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Most people react in ways that are destructive for themselves and their relationships with others when characteristics that they use to construct a story of who they are (e.g. “I am intelligent”, “Other people generally like me”) are attacked or perceived as threatened. My research focuses on how harmful consequences due to self-threats, such as negative emotion (particularly shame), impaired self-control, desire to escape from awareness of the self, and increased stress hormones, can be prevented or at least reduced. I am conducting two separate studies that investigate potential ways to avoid negative consequences and maintain psychological well-being after threat. One looks at increasing people’s compassion for themselves and the other examines taking a self-distanced perspective on negative experiences and emotions. I am looking for responsible and motivated undergraduates who are interested in gaining research experience. If you are interested or would like more information, please send me an email, and we can schedule a meeting.
Time commitment requested:
6-12 hours per week (2-4 credits) during AU ’09 semester (and hopefully continue on during WI ’10)
Qualifications of student:
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Alternate Contact:
Jiyoung Park
Email:pjiyoung@umich.edu, Phone: 734-417-9655
Overall Title of Project:
Cultural Difference in Neural Correlates of Social Orientation (Independence vs. Interdependence)
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Social/Cognitive/Cultural
Project Description:
The last two decades of research has shown considerable cross-cultural variation in many aspects of social orientation (i.e., independent vs. interdependent orientation). Researchers have used various behavioral measures of social orientation and found that North Americans are more independent (or less interdependent) compared to East Asians. To move the field forward, however, we believe that it is necessary to explore the underlying neural mechanisms of cultural differences. It is increasingly important to address whether culture influences brain mechanisms. The purpose of the present work is to investigate cultural difference in social orientation by focusing our attention on Event-Related Potential (ERP) measures. In our experiments, participants’ brainwaves will be monitored and recorded by using electroencephalography (EEG) while they perform various tasks that aim to assess their social orientation. Then, we will examine if several indexes of participants’ brainwaves (e.g., size, or latency of certain event-related potentials) would correlate with measures of social orientation. Research assistants will participate in all phases of this project from literature search, recruiting, running subjects, and entering data to analyzing data. They will be asked to participate in a couple of training sessions in order to learn how to run an EEG experiment (e.g., attaching electrodes, recording waves etc.).
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours (2 or 3 credits)
Qualifications of student:
This research project is a great opportunity to expand your experience. If you are interested in cultural psychology, it will be a valuable experience. No special skills are expected, but students must be punctual, reliable, and motivated.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Dominik Mischkowski
Email: mdominik@umich.edu; (734) 763-3292
Alternate Contact:
Jennifer Crocker
Email:jcrocker@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Effects of Social Exclusion on Intellectual Performance and Working Memory Capacity
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Cognitive Psychology
Project Description:
Almost everybody knows how it can be: Others seem not to like you and cast you out. Being rejected or even excluded by friends or peers is not just a hurtful experience, but can severely impair cognitive functioning, including intellectual performance. This project tries to identify cognitive factors that make social exclusion so harmful for performance and motivation. If you are interested in that topic and eager to get some research experience, please e-mail me. Please attach a transcript (unofficial is OK) and your resume. Then we can schedule a meeting.
Research assistants in my lab will gain experience in preparing experiments (including creating materials, copying, etc.), running experimental sessions, and data-analysis. R.A.s will work together with other undergraduates in a team and attend bimonthly lab meetings.
Don’t hesitate to contact me, because you think you don’t have enough qualifications yet. One of my main goals is to teach you the skills required to conduct research (especially your own projects). As a consequence, even freshmen and juniors - especially when interested in a longer collaboration – are highly welcomed to apply for this lab position.
Time commitment requested:
At least 6 hours a week
Qualifications of student:
| Credit Offered: | yes | Money: | no |
| Experience only: | yes | Workstudy: | no |
Project Director:
Orion Mowbray
Email: omowbray@umich.edu
Alternate Contact:
Orion Mowbray
Email:, Phone: 734-260-4730
Overall Title of Project:
Stereotypes in Academic Contexts: Strategies for Reducing Identity Threat
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Being the only representative of one’s group in an otherwise homogenous group (e.g. the only female in a group of men) is a harmful situation with powerful consequences. This phenomenon, known as solo status, can lead to increased feelings of distinctiveness, high levels of anxiety, and diminished academic performance in stereotype-relevant disciplines such as math and science. Our research investigates how to combat the consequences of experiencing solo status. One project we are currently conducting examines whether the creation of a common in-group identity can eliminate negative effects associated with solo status. For example, perhaps sharing a superordinate identity (such as sharing a specific problem-solving ability) can reframe group membership towards a more inclusive dynamic, independent of gender, race, or social class.
A second project we are conducting examines whether sharing a similar attitude towards diversity (e.g. embracing multiculturalism) with others can impact the effects of solo status. For example, perhaps learning that others in your group are open-minded and appreciative of diversity may produce a more welcoming environment, despite large group differences in terms of gender, race, or social class.
While some may argue that there are inherent abilities associated with one’s gender, race, or social class, our research confronts this belief and offers insight into how situational processes can influence group differences in academic disciplines.
Time commitment requested:
9 hours per week for at least one semester.
Qualifications of student:
Students who are reliable and have interest in stereotyping and prejudice are requested. Students with prior lab experience are preferred but is not necessary. Good communication and organization skills, and knowledge of some basic computer skills are also required. Students will be asked to participate in an introductory interview, prior to involvement, where they will be given the opportunity to express their qualifications, goals, and fit with the current research.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Irene Yeh, Jason Taylor
Email: ireney@umich.edu and umypsi@gmail.com - send emails to both contacts.
Overall Title of Project:
Mental Exercising Through Socializing
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
What is the relationship between our social and intellectual lives? Can socializing “exercise” our minds? Daily social interactions can powerfully influence how we think, feel, and engage in a variety of life events -- from decision-making and academic performance to conflict negotiation and prosocial action. Recent experiments in social psychology have shown that social exclusion and interpersonal interactions, for example, can impair or promote basic cognitive functioning. However, we still know little about the psychological mechanisms of social interactions that affect our lives in both positive and negative ways.
Our experiments examine how different social interaction conditions affect people’s basic executive functioning and decision-making. We further explore this new area of research by evaluating mediating psychological mechanisms, such as individual social skills and networks, empathy, and social coordination. With this research, we hope to understand the underlying mechanisms of interpersonal interactions that can enhance our basic cognitive functions.
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours per week for Fall and Winter 2009. We will hold mandatory lab meetings as needed.
Qualifications of student:
We are looking for students with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are interested in social psychological research. Prior lab experience and a strong academic record are valued, but the bottom line is -- if you’re interested and motivated, talk to us.
Research assistants will gain experience in multiple levels of the research process: from assisting with literature reviews and measures design to data analysis. Primary responsibilities consist of completing training and conducting experiments, preparing materials, and coding and entering data. Based on level of personal interest, RAs can also lead lab discussions, give presentations, and explore career and graduate school opportunities.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Jiyoung Park
Email: pjiyoung@umich.edu
734-417-9655
Email:
Overall Title of Project:
Cultural Difference in Choice/Preferences
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Cultural
Project Description:
The last two decades of research has shown considerable cross-cultural variation in many aspects of social orientation (i.e., independent vs. interdependent orientation). Studies have demonstrated that, for those with an individualistic background, the self is regarded as a relatively autonomous, self-sufficient entity that is imperatively independent from its surrounding interpersonal context. While for those with a collectivistic cultural background where the distinction between self and others are blurred, an individual secures an entity only in connection with others who are significantly important in the very definition of the self. The present project aims to investigate 1) if such cultural difference in social orientation could have a significant influence on individuals’ choice behaviors, and 2) under what situations, such cultural difference could be strengthened or diminished. Research assistants will participate in all phases of this project from literature search, recruiting, running subjects, and entering data to analyzing data.
Time commitment requested:
6-9 (2 or 3 credits)
Qualifications of student:
This research project is a great opportunity to expand your experience. If you are interested in cultural psychology, it will be a valuable experience. No special skills are expected, but students must be punctual, reliable, and motivated.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Shinobu Kitayama
Email: kitayama@umich.edu
734-647-6786
Email: asuka@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Cultural Difference in Temporal Contextual Sensitivity
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Social/Cognitive/Cultural
Project Description:
Previous behavioral studies have provided ample evidence that Asians paying more attention to temporal context, and North Americans paying more attention to the focal stimulus. The purpose of this present work is to investigate cultural difference in temporal contextual sensitivity by using ERP (event-related brain potential). ERP is an effective index to explore brain processing. In our experiments, participants’ performance and EEG (electroencephalogram) will be recorded while they perform some tasks. Then we will analyze amplitude and latency of P300 which is one of ERP component and reflects “context updating”. Research assistants will participate in all phases of this project from literature search, recruiting, running subjects, and entering data to analyzing data. They will be asked to participate in a couple of training sessions in order to learn how to run an EEG experiment (e.g., attaching electrode, recording waves, analyzing ERPs etc.)
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours (2 or 3 credits)
Qualifications of student:
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Alternate Contact:
Jill Bennett
Email:jillbenn@umich.edu, Phone: (734) 763-4222
Overall Title of Project:
Alone and Threatened or Allies and Safe? The Effects of Gender and Racial Allies on Identity and Performance
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
Why do ethnic minority women view ethnic minority men as allies of race AND gender threats, but do not view White women as gender allies? My research will examine the effects that these gender and racial allies have on identity and performance.
This study essentially tests how gender solo status (being the only female in a group of males) intersects with racial identity. This study is designed to be a follow-up study to the original study that explored shifts in identity levels under social identity threat, and the relationship of those identity shifts to test outcomes. In the previous study, it was demonstrated that Black females show evidence of threat (i.e., identity distancing) when experiencing race solo status from both their racial as well as gender identity. So, the presence of other females (White women) does not seem to buffer the effects of threat. However, Black women showed much less evidence of threat (no identity distancing from gender or race) in gender solo status, which was perhaps due to the presence of fellow Blacks (Black men). Thus, it may be that minority women in gender solo status may feel kinship and identify with male members of the group who are also ethnic minority, and this can ultimately reduce gender identity threat for them. The proposed study will further explore this “solo ally effect” and examine whether it benefits performance under gender solo status for minority women and if other ethnic groups experience this effect (other ethnic minority groups, as well as Whites).
Time commitment requested:
6-12 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
Research assistants will be involved in all phases from conducting studies to analyzing results. Research assistants should be enthusiastic about the topic, reliable, and motivated to understand the research process.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Alternate Contact:
Denise Sekaquaptewa
Email:dsekaqua@umich.edu, Phone:
Overall Title of Project:
Stereotypic Attribution Bias among Women in Science & Engineering
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
A PROJECT MANAGER is needed for a multi-study project involving stereotypes and women in science and engineering. The project examines an unintended tendency for women in male-dominated domains such as science & engineering to implicitly discount their successes to external factors such as luck, but to attribute their set-backs to ability, as a result of stereotypes about women’s lower achievement and ability in these fields. The Project Manager will help to organize and manage all aspects of the project, including recruiting participants, developing experimental materials, running experiments, coding and entering data, and meeting with university faculty and administrators about the project. Because this is PAID position, research experience is a must. Because the project involves on-line studies, computer programming experience is a plus. This position would be good for a junior/senior level student who seeks research experience prior to applying to a psychology Ph.D. program.
Time commitment requested:
12 hours per week for two semesters
Qualifications of student:
The ideal candidate for this position will have research experience (e.g., working in a faculty member’s lab, or on an undergraduate thesis project), and will have excellent organizational and communication skills. We seek a person who can multi-task, pays attention to detail, and who has a professional demeanor and high personal standards. Experience in computer programming (e.g., Qualtrics, UM Lessons) is preferred. Applicants should have strong interest in the topic of the research. Recent BA/BS graduates may apply.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | Yes |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Emily Bonem
Email: ebonem@umich.edu Phone: (734) 763-5621
Overall Title of Project:
Incidental and Task-Related Emotions on Risk Assessment Tasks
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
What is the role of emotions in our decision-making processes? Does it matter if the emotions we are feeling are related to the decision at hand? How do different types of emotions affect our assessments of risk? These are some of the questions that we are examining in our current study on the affects of incidental and task-related emotions on risk assessment tasks. Students would be involved in participant recruitment, scheduling and running participants in experiments using E-prime software. Students may also be involved in data entry and some data analysis.
Time commitment requested:
6-12 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
Students should be highly motivated, responsible, organized and interested in both the topic and in gaining research experience in the field of psychology. Experience with E-prime or programming is appreciated but not required.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | Yes | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
David Lee
Email: dsjlee@umich.edu
Overall Title of Project:
Seeing Friendliness in Negative Feedback
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Project Description:
When people meet a stranger, they need to quickly distinguish whether that person is going to be a friend or an enemy, as connecting with an enemy can be disastrous. Because of this, we frequently try to obtain information about others to predict what they might be like. In this project, we investigate what kind of cues people use to assess friendliness in others. The experiments will include interacting with participants, administering paper-based surveys, and behavioral measures. Research assistants will be responsible for preparing experimental materials, running subjects, and entering and coding data.
Time commitment requested:
6-9 hours per week
Qualifications of student:
We are looking for students who are reliable, punctual, detail-oriented, and motivated to gain research experience. Good communication and organization skills and knowledge of some basic computer skills are also required.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | No |
Project Director:
Felecia Webb
Email: frwebb@umich.edu Phone 734-763-0058
Overall Title of Project:
Identity, Academic Performance, and Social Interactions
Major area of Psychology in which these projects are located:
Social
Major area of Psychology in which this project is located:
Personality & Social Contexts
Project Description:
This project is trying to understand how identity processes influence academic performance and social interactions within college students. Students can learn and participate in many ways, including recruiting participants and running experiments, coding, entering and analyzing data, and participating in lab meetings.
Time commitment requested:
At least 6-9 hours/week (2-3 credits)
Qualifications of student:
Researcher is seeking two research assistants. Students must be highly motivated, reliable, detail-oriented, organized, genuinely interested in learning more about the research process, have a flexible schedule, and feel comfortable interacting with people. Previous research experience is not required. We strongly encourage males and females to apply.
| Credit Offered: | Yes | Money: | No |
| Experience only: | No | Workstudy: | Yes |
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