(not to be confused with Research-Designated courses)

Participation in one on-going research project within the Psychology and Sociology Department is strongly encouraged and is a useful, informative, and interesting means of enhancing your understanding of psychology. If you choose not to be a participant, the alternative project described below will need to be completed.

The traditional route to fulfilling this requirement—participating in an experiment—will typically involve less than one hour actively in the research laboratory, and another hour preparing a brief report of your experience. (NOTE: You must be at least 18 years old to participate. If that is not the case, see your instructor.) 

Participants should turn in a one page, double-spaced, accurately typed description and evaluation of your experience within one week of completing your participation near the end of the semester. Identify the student researcher, the purpose of the study, the hypothesis, any dependent and independent variables, and your reaction to your participation.

Current research in the Department of Psychology is primarily in the area of social psychology and learning, and at least three separate studies will be offered in which you may take part near the end of the semester.  Participation in any study is voluntary, and you may withdraw from any experiment at any time even after your role in the study is completed.

You will not be subjected to any painful or uncomfortable experiences. Investigators are obligated to treat you with respect and dignity, as a colleague in research. You will be given a brief description of the study when you arrive at the laboratory, and you may decline to participate without penalty or prejudice. Your behavior during the experiment and any information you provide will be held in confidence.

If you feel that you have been mistreated in any way as a result of this research requirement, you are encouraged to make your feelings known to the Department Chair or Associate Dean. If they are unable to settle the problem to your satisfaction, they will refer it to the Academic Dean.

Upon completing your participation, you are entitled to a full explanation of the study and of your role in it. You may ask questions, and you may expect a truthful answer. Occasionally, the researcher may wish to delay answering some of your questions—if this is the case, you will receive another opportunity at a later time, probably during a regular class session, if not immediately after your participation.

Alternative assignment:  If for any reason you do not wish to participate in any experiment, you may elect one of these alternatives without penalty or prejudice:

1. Read two articles from any one psychological research journal. Write a synopsis of each. Total expected length:1.5- 2 pages.

2. Write a descriptive summary of two different experiments currently underway in the department of psychology: 2-3 pages

3. Outline the design of an experiment you would enjoy conducting, in any area of psychology: 2-3 pages.

4. Propose any similar assignment to which your instructor agrees.

Fulfillment of any of the other assignments above yields course credit equal to research participation.