Training undergraduate researchers is a central aim of the psychology department at Hillsdale College.
Research Methodology
Students complete a rigorous sequence of courses in inferential statistics and research methods usually during their first year after declaring psychology as their major and they proceed through these courses in a cohort.
These coursesĀ help students build strong relationships with peers who share their love of psychology and are at similar stages in the learning process.
The research methods course culminates in a personal research project for which students prepare a professional report and presentation they deliver in a departmental conference.
Independent Research Project
Following their training in research methods, psychology majors have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project.
Those who choose this opportunity review relevant published research, develop an empirically testable hypothesis, and a method for evaluating it. They also gather and analyze data and report their findings. Students receive guidance from faculty mentors throughout the semester in one-on-one meetings and receive feedback from classmates in group discussions.
The projects culminate in a professional report and oral presentation that is delivered just prior to the end of the semester.
LAUREATES Program
An important means by which students can further their research skills is by collaborating with faculty on research projects. This can be done through the LAUREATES program or by enrolling in PSY 597 for course credit.
Such partnerships provide students experience as apprentices, which mirrors the working relationship between students and mentors in graduate school.