DIS OPPORTUNITIES


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Listed below are DIS opportunities for undergraduate students. You can also contact individual faculty members that are doing research you find interesting. If you go back to our main page www.psy.fsu.edu, click on “people” and then “faculty,” you will see a listing of faculty by area (clinical, cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, social). The number and type(s) of DIS that you should participate in will depend on your career goals. For more information, contact a faculty member in your area of interest, or contact Dr. Barbara Licht, the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Psychology blicht@psy.fsu.edu

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DIS OPPORTUNITY IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY:
INTERGROUP RELATIONS

Dr. Ashby Plant is accepting new DIS students for the Spring 2010 semester.

This competitive DIS opportunity offers hands-on experience conducting social psychology research as well as important support to prepare for graduate school.

Research in Dr. Plant’s lab includes issues related to stereotypes and prejudice. The lab’s DIS students are directly involved in conducting research on these topics. To learn more about Dr. Plant’s research, visit her Web page at http://www.psy.fsu.edu/faculty/plant.dp.html.

Requirements:

·       GPA of 3.0

·       Sophomore, Junior, or Senior

·       Be able to attend a weekly meeting (Friday 1:30 PM).

Contact:

·       If you are interested in a DIS in the Plant Lab, please contact Celeste Doerr at doerr@psy.fsu.edu

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DIS in the Bernat Lab:
Understanding Impulse Control Problems

Research shows that impulse control problems contribute to aggression, substance use, and criminal behavior. Our lab examines the physiological bases of these problems, and is, therefore, relevant to students interested in various areas of psychology, such as clinical, cognitive, forensic, physiological, social, developmental, etc. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of important measures that can help us assess the underlying bases of impulse control problems. These include: self-report and interview measures, and physiological measures including EEG/ERP, MRI, skin conductance, heart rate, EMG, and startle blink. No prior training in these measures is required. We are most interested in students with a 3.5 GPA (within major area OK) and who are highly motivated for graduate study. Students who have two or more years to develop a strong research record for graduate school applications are especially encouraged to apply -- for example, we are very interested in having sophomores apply.

·       If you are interested, please contact Dr. Ed Bernat at ebernat@psy.fsu.edu

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Research Opportunity in Applied Psychology:
Pedestrian and Intersection Safety!

Research assistants needed for The Intersection and Pedestrian Traffic Safety Research Project for spring and summer 2009. DIS students working on this project will help us:

· Recruit and screen participants
· Collect and enter data
· Assist in preparing materials for experiments

You will:

· Work in a casual and friendly environment
· Earn valuable research experience
· Have the opportunity to work with older adults
· Gain experience in applied research
· Visit exotic, off-campus test sites
· Share in the adventures associated with collecting data outside of the lab

For additional details on the project:
http://www.psy.fsu.edu/~charness/fdot/project.html

Contact Mark C. Fox (fox@psy.fsu.edu) or Ainsley Mitchum (mitchum@psy.fsu.edu) if you:

· Are motivated and reliable
· Have a GPA higher than 3.0
· Are curious and detail-oriented
· Are interested in learning how psychology is applied to real-world issues

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DIS Opportunity in Cougle Lab

Our work focuses on different aspects of anxiety disorders with an emphasis on obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and compulsive hoarding. We are also conducting research exploring what makes people act courageously. Students will gain valuable research experience to help prepare for graduate school.

Requirements:

·       Minimum 3.3 GPA

·       Commit to 9 hours per week for lab work

·       Attend weekly lab meetings

·       If interested, contact Kirsten Hawkins: hawkins@psy.fsu.edu

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DIS Opportunity in the Ericsson Lab

Prospective students: You may apply to our DIS by e-mailing ericssonlab@psy.fsu.edu.

Cognitive Expertise: This project investigates how training and IQ affect the improvement of skill in a given domain and how the cognitive mechanisms explaining skill can be described. Methodological approaches to measurement of skill are also investigated.

Intelligence: This project reviews and investigates IQ tests and applies novel approaches to understanding what these tests measure and what they might or might not predict. One example is the relationship between the Tower of Hanoi task and Raven's APM.

Minimum requirements for DIS students involved in any of the above projects
:
3.0 GPA or higher
Completion of PSY 3213C with a B or better
Attend scheduled work hours (9 per week for 3-credit students; 6 hours for 2-credit; 3 hours for 1-credit), including lab meetings and subject appointments.

Please contact Ericsson lab through e-mail: ericssonlab@psy.fsu.edu or phone 644-9850.

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DIS Opportunity in Clinical Psychology:

Dr. Brad Schmidt is looking for motivated and enthusiastic DIS students to join our research team for the Fall 2009 semester.

Projects will focus broadly on how certain aspects of people's personalities and behavior are related.

DIS students will gain valuable exposure to all stages of research in clinical psychology, with specific emphasis on Anxiety Disorders.

Requirements:

·       Motivated, enthusiastic, and works well independently

·       Team player

·       Minimum 3.5 GPA

·       Able to commit to 9 hours per week in the lab

For more information about the lab, please visit : http://www.psy.fsu.edu/~schmidtlab/index.php

If you are interested in a DIS in the Schmidt lab, please contact Melissa Mitchell at: mitchell@psy.fsu.edu

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Research on Applied Cognition & Expertise (ACE)

Individuals who join the ACE lab will assist in research related to expert cognition and superior performance that answers questions such as:

· How did David Beckham learn how to bend it?
· How do expert law enforcement officers know when to shoot?
· Why is one medic more likely to save your life in an emergency than another?
· Why are some children smarter than others?

Location:

·       Psychology Department - PDB- A414 (Campus) or the Human Performance Laboratory (Innovation Park)

Requirements:

·       Minimum 3.0 GPA

·       Sophomore, Junior or Senior Psychology (or related field) undergraduate

·       Previous research experience/coursework in cognitive psychology and/or interest in 'expertise' and 'skilled performance'

Opportunities available Fall 2009 & Spring/Summer 2010.
Please contact: acelab@psy.fsu.edu

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D.I.S. in Social Psychology for Spring 2010

The Self & Social Judgment lab has openings for responsible, enthusiastic students who want to gain hands on experience with social psychology. We are currently working on several projects looking at the self and social judgment. One of these projects looks at the effects of the Confederate flag on interracial interactions (when seeing the flag, are people more likely to show aggression toward a Black person, when compared to a White person?). Another of our projects looks at how a person's theory of intelligence will impact their behavior after they do poorly on a task (will they want to do another task, or try that one again in an effort to improve their performance?). Another project looks at the decision making process when selecting a product; will people who spend a lot of time to get the best possible product feel better or worse about their decisions when compared to people who do not spend a lot of time and consideration in their decisions? A fourth project is looking at what potential psychological factors can impact weight loss. More specifically, how do self-control and a person's theory regarding weight loss (is it possible to lose weight and keep it off, or are you stuck with your weight no matter what you do?) impact how much weight is lost and if it is kept off?

For more information on these and other projects, check out the Lab website at:
http://www.psy.fsu.edu/~ehrlinger/Self_&_Social_Judgment/Main.html

If you are interested in applying for a DIS or volunteering in the lab, email Kyle Conlon (conlon@psy.fsu.edu), or download the application on the website!

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Exciting Research Opportunities in Charness Lab!

Research assistants needed for projects on intelligence, problem solving, and aging for spring and summer 2009 to help us:

· Discover why some people score higher than others on intelligence tests.
· Determine whether age-related declines in cognitive ability are more the result of biological   factors or differences in strategies.
· Provide an explanation for why speed at very easy tasks predicts scores on intelligence tests.

You will:

· Work in a casual and friendly environment.
· Earn valuable experience for a future in research.

Contact Mark C. Fox (fox@psy.fsu.edu) or Ainsley Mitchum (mitchum@psy.fsu.edu) if you:

· Are motivated and reliable
· Have a GPA higher than 3.5
· Are curious and detail-oriented

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Video Game Research in the Boot Lab!
Spring/Summer 2010

Are you interested in how video games can improve or prolong cognitive abilities? Dr. Walter Boot is currently testing several different video games to evaluate their impact on the cognitive abilities of older adults.

This study is in its beginning stages. This greatly increases the opportunity to be a part of decision-making and gain an insight into the research process.

Benefits of joining the Boot lab include:

· Hands-on experience administering cognitive ability tests.
· Exposure to applied research dealing with community members.
· Gaining knowledge about the entire research process from start to finish.
· Being able to tell your friends that video games really are good for you!

Requirements to join the lab:

· Minimum 3.25 GPA
· Junior or Senior standing
· Ability to work as a team, as well as on your own.

If you are interested in being a DIS, contact Dr. Boot (boot@psy.fsu.edu) for more information.

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Research on Early Literacy and Behavioral Development at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR)

Get involved in new projects investigating the development and instruction of vocabulary in preschool children, and in the development of young children's approaches to learning and motivational, and behavioral development. D.I.S. work will include field work in area preschool classrooms.

REQUIREMENTS:

·       Minimum GPA:     3.2

·       Strong communication skills

·       Interest in early childhood education, schools, professional development, and or reading

Variable credit hour options available: 9 hours per week for 3-credit; 6 hours for 2-credit; 3 hours for 1-credit) Preferred candidates have 2-3 mornings available for DIS, and have reliable transportation.

Opportunities available Spring 2010, Summer 2010, and Fall 2010. Please contact Dr. Beth Phillips at: bphillips@fcrr.org

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DIS Opportunity in the Learning, Memory, and Language Lab

For Summer 2009, Fall 2009, and Spring 2010, there are DIS openings in the Learning, Memory, and Language Lab directed by Dr. Kaschak. Typically, students participate in our lab by running experiments and attending lab meetings. The lab meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the analysis and interpretation of our data, and to participate in the design of new experiments.

Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA. We would prefer that students be able to commit more than one semester to the lab, but this is not required.

Please contact Dr. Kaschak (kaschak@psy.fsu.edu) if you are interested.

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Research on Teacher Quality at the Department of Educational Psychology & Learning Systems

We are currently conducting research on professional development for teachers related to effective instruction and motivation. Interested and qualified students will primarily support faculty and graduate students in conducting literature reviews and writing up results. When we obtain funding for our newest project, we will also be developing a new professional development program and collecting data from teachers.

Requirements:

·       Minimum 3.0 GPA

·       Strong communication skills

·       Interest in schools, teachers, students, and/or effective instruction and motivation

Opportunities available for Spring 2010, Summer 2010, and Fall 2010
Please contact Dr. Alysia Roehrig at: aroehrig@fcrr.org

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DIS in Cognitive or Developmental Psychology
Fall 2009/Spring 2010

Are you wondering exactly what your eyes are doing as you are reading this DIS ad? Or how your brain tells your eyes when and where to move as you process each word?

Join the Radach Lab and learn about Eye Movement Research!

As a DIS student, you will:

·       learn how to collect eye movement data

·       run interesting studies in the lab, schools, and clinics

·       create materials for new experiments

·       search for and review journal articles

·       participate in weekly lab meetings and monthly socials

Ongoing work includes "ADHD and attention" and "developmental reading problems".

Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, two semester commitment.

For more info contact Ashley Greene at: greene@psy.fsu.edu
or visit our lab website: http://www.fcrr.org/vip_lab

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DIS Opportunity with Preschoolers in the Lonigan Lab

You will work directly with preschoolers in the community doing early mathematics skills assessments and behavioral assessments.

Requirements:

·       Minimum 3.0 GPA

·       Reliable transportation

·       Must have morning availability

Contact David Purpura for details: purpura@psy.fsu.edu

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C.R.E.A.T.E. !!!

The Florida State University Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement, under the direction of Prof. Neil Charness, seeks DIS students for the Spring and Summer 2010 semesters. Our projects examine how computer technology can be successfully designed and effectively taught to adults across the lifespan, with an emphasis on improving technology use and acceptance among older adults.

Benefits of enrolling in the C.R.E.A.T.E. include:

· Hands-on experience administering neuropsychological and cognitive ability tests.
· Exposure to applied research projects with practical outcomes for everyday computer users.
· Opportunities to learn a variety of different and valuable psychology research skills.

We train our DIS in every aspect of running a research project, with plenty of responsibility and room to move up if desired.

Current projects include:

· Focus Groups to test a new computer setup geared toward more usability for older adults.
· Preliminary trial of a videoconferencing system for home health nurses and their patients.
· Observation and interventions to improve memory and understanding during new technology training.

Requirements for enrolling:

· Minimum GPA of 3.0.
· Sophomore, Junior, or Senior class standing.
· Ability to closely follow instructions and work both independently and as part of a team.

Preference will be given to students who can stay for multiple semesters!
For more information, contact Patty Hamilton
(hamilton@psy.fsu.edu).

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DIS Opportunity in Bilingual Literacy
Lonigan Lab for Spring 2010 and Fall 2010

Research assistants will be directly involved in a project assessing preschool children's reading skills in both English and Spanish, recruiting participants, literature review, as well as helping with data entry and management. Flexible hours. Bilingual Students preferred.

Requirements:

·       Minimum 3.0 GPA

·       Good communication skills in both Spanish and English a plus

Contact: Cherie Guerrero (guerrero@psy.fsu.edu)

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Research in Social Psychology Looking for DIS credits for Spring or Summer 2010?
Interested in Social Psychology?

Join the Baumeister and Tice lab!

Check out our website at http://www.psy.fsu.edu/~baumeistertice/dis.html for more information and to download an application.

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DIS Opportunity in Kelley Memory Lab

Dr. Colleen Kelley is accepting new DIS students for the Spring 2010 semester.

Get hands-on experience conducting research in memory and cognition. DIS students help test participants in experiments and discuss research with other DIS and members of the lab. Opportunities available to move into more independent projects such as honors thesis.

Current projects include the creation of memory errors in memory for faces and pictures, the role of emotion in memory, processes during memory retrieval, and how people know how well they're doing when remembering or solving problems.

Requirements:

·       GPA of 3.3

·       Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing

For more information contact Ainsley Mitchum: mitchum@psy.fsu.edu
or Dr. Colleen Kelley: kelley@psy.fsu.edu

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Memory Research

DIS positions in Cognitive Psychology (Dr. Colleen Kelley’s lab): Spring 2010.

Learn about the effects of emotion on memory and gain valuable research experience! As a student in this lab you will mostly be involved in running participants, but you may also help with data analysis and literature searches.

Current projects include: memory for emotional materials, metamemory/metacognition (beliefs about memory and cognition), malleability of implicit racial stereotypes.

For more information, contact Cari Zimmerman: zimmerman@psy.fsu.edu

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Clinical DIS Opportunity in Postpartum Anxiety & Distress Prevention Program

Dr. Schmidt's research lab is looking for motivated and enthusiastic DIS students to join our research team this summer. The positions available will involve working on a post-partum anxiety prevention program for at-risk moms! Your work will involve contact with research participants and study personnel. You will be able to gain valuable research experience and have the opportunity to learn about anxiety and clinical research in general.

Requirements:

·       Motivated, enthusiastic, and works well independently

·       Team player

·       Minimum 3.5 GPA

·       Able to commit to 9 hours per week in the lab

To find out more, please contact Melissa Mitchell: mitchell@psy.fsu.edu

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DIS on Canine Epilepsy in Dr. Barbara Licht's Lab

Dr. Licht is conducting research on the inheritance of epilepsy in Poodles. These dogs have seizures that are very similar to those seen in humans. Thus, they serve as a naturally occurring animal model of human inherited epilepsy, as well as being important in their own right. DIS students will learn to help classify seizure types, prepare blood sample kits, help with clerical work, and possibly interview dog owners.

Requirements:

·       Minimum GPA of 3.2

·       Be reliable

·       Have interest in epilepsy

If interested, contact Dr. Licht at: blicht@psy.fsu.edu for an interview.

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Research on Antisocial Behavior (Taylor Lab)

We have a new project beginning at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, FL examining stress response in antisocial young men. Undergraduates are needed to help with:

  - Recruiting young men into the study
  - Administering some measures in the study
  - Coding data from criminal files
  - Data entry related to the project

General requirements:

  - Psychology major
  - 3.2 or better overall GPA

Specific requirements:

  - Available to go out to Dozier (in Marianna, FL) one full day a week
  - Able to pass an FDLE background check

Students must commit to one year in the lab - STARTING SPRING 2010 THROUGH FALL 2010 - under the PSY 4920 research topics mechanism. If interested, please contact Megan O’Leary at (oleary@psy.fsu.edu).

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Research in the Joiner Lab on Positive Thinking and Mood Disorders

The Joiner Lab is now accepting DIS applications for Spring 2010. Students will assist in conducting studies examining the relationship between positive thinking and negative mood. Responsibilities will include running participants through an involved experiment and conducting data management/entry related to the project. This would be a great way to gain research experience for future graduate study in psychology.

We are looking for:

  - Motivated, reliable, and organized students with an interest in clinical psychology research.
  - 3.3 GPA or higher
  - Available for Spring 2010; availability in the summer is a plus
  - Available to work for the lab 9 hours per week (3 credits; hours are flexible)

If you're interested in learning more, please contact Jen Hames: hames@psy.fsu.edu