Are you looking for hands-on research experience as an undergrad?
Undergraduate students are always encouraged to apply for a position as a research assistant for the Social Cognitive Development (SCD) Lab. The SCD Lab is committed to providing the best research experience for students. We’re interested in working with students from all levels (Undergraduate and Graduate students). All research assistants will be trained on the processes of recruitment, the conducting of experiment procedures, data analysis, along with the dissemination process of the experiment outcomes. The training and experience in SCD Lab emphasize both the theoretical understanding of the field and the rigorous methods for conducting psychological research.
Note: If you are interested in receiving credit for the work that you would do in this lab, you would enroll in PSYC 391 (Pass/Fail) or PSYC 392 (Letter grade). You would be encouraged to sign up for either 2 (6 hours/week) or 3 (9 hours/week) credit hours. You must receive approval from Dr. Youjung Choi before enrolling in her section. You can contact her at youjung.choi1@siu.edu.
Are you a current (or aspiring) graduate student at SIU?
Graduate students (especially those in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences program at SIU) are encouraged to apply for a position at the SCD Lab. Graduate students will be trained on the processes of recruitment, the conducting of experiment procedures, data analysis, along with the dissemination process of the experiment outcomes. Graduate students will also have the opportunity to take the lead on some of their own studies under the supervision of Dr. Youjung Choi. This would also be a great opportunity to conduct research for your thesis and/or your dissertation.
What does a typical study look like at the SCD Lab?
Our research primarily involves working with children who range from the age of 3 months to 13 years old. Here is an example of the procedures for one of our studies:
- We check in the child and his/her caregiver in the waiting room. Here, they will fill out any necessary paperwork before we may proceed with the study.
- The child will be escorted into a lab space and seated in front of a small stage, TV monitor, or seated with an experimenter. *Note: Depending on the child’s age, the caregiver may need to have the child be seated on their lap throughout the study.
- The experimenters will administer the stimuli to the participant. This may be through the form of a puppet show, a video, storytelling, or through the distribution of toys.
- During the administration of the stimuli, the child’s reactions and behaviors will be captured live through cameras that are placed around the lab space. Experimenters will observe these live reactions/behaviors and code them accordingly.
- Once the administration is complete, an experimenter will debrief the caregiver of the child about the experiment and then escort them out of the lab space. The experiment would then be complete.
If you are interested in working with the lab, please fill out one of the Google forms linked below. If you have any questions regarding the currently available positions or the tasks you would be expected to complete as a research assistant, please contact youjung.choi1@siu.edu. We’re excited to receive your application!
Application for Research Assistant Position:
Undergraduate Students Apply Here
(We are taking applications for research assistants for Fall 2024 semester.)
Graduate Students Apply Here
