Two students stand in neuroscience lab holding pipettes and research equipment

Research

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One of the hallmarks of the psychology program is the collaborative research that happens between faculty and students.

Students gain initial exposure to research design in PSY 200 (Research Design & Statistics 1). Psychology majors then expand on those skills through required upper-level coursework (PSY 300: Research Design & Statistics 2 and Advanced Research Methods courses). Some students discover a particular passion for research and may choose to get involved in research in additional ways during their time at Davidson. 

Advanced Research Methods Courses

All Psychology majors get hands-on research experience through their two required Advanced Research Methods courses. These laboratory courses focus on the skills and procedures specific to each sub-area of psychology. Though each course is unique, all provide firsthand research experiences for students.

Summer Research at Davidson

Many Psychology faculty have grants that fund undergraduate research experiences within their labs. Additionally, Davidson College provides a number of opportunities for students to apply for research funding on self-designed projects. Psychology students have historically been successful at securing internal summer research funding for their projects. 

Explore summer research funding sources

The Psychology department also has specific summer research fellowships. All students who are interested in doing research are encouraged to contact Psychology faculty during the preceding Spring semester to discuss their interests and determine what opportunities might be available.

Psychology Department Summer Research Fellowships

In addition to the many funding opportunities provided by the College, the Psychology Department is fortunate to offer three summer research fellowships specifically for conducting psychological research at Davidson College over the summer. All three fellowships are generously funded by alumni and friends of the department. Interested applicants will develop a research project and form an agreement for supervision and support with a Psychology Department faculty mentor. The applicant and faculty mentor will negotiate the summer research plan between them. All three fellowships fund on-campus summer research, however they differ in the number of work hours funded. Please see below for important distinctions across the fellowships.

  • Hofmann Fellowship (2 Fellowships):
    The two Hofmann Fellowships each fund 240 hours ($15/hr + FICA) of flexible research (e.g., 6 weeks full-time, 10 weeks part-time, etc.) and provide modest funding for research supplies ($125).
  • Psychology Department Fellowship (1 Fellowship):
    The one Psychology Department Fellowship funds 400 hours ($15/hr + FICA) of full-time research for 10 weeks; it does not provide additional money for research supplies. 

The Summer Research Fellowship announcement is generally sent to eligible psychology students toward the beginning of the Spring semester. Interested prospective applicants should begin dialogue with a prospective Psychology Faculty mentor immediately upon receiving the announcement. 

Summer Research Programs at Other Institutions

In addition to summer research opportunities at Davidson, undergraduates can obtain paid positions in research labs at universities and institutions across the country. Competition for these positions is usually very tight, so students are encouraged to apply for multiple summer research opportunities. Application deadlines generally vary. 

  • NSF REU Programs 
    A list of institutions that have National Science Foundation funding—an excellent resource to begin your search for a summer research opportunity.
  • American Psychological Association
    A list of summer research programs in psychology at various universities

Research During the Academic Year

Many Psychology faculty have active research labs during the academic year, with students involved in research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and writing. The best way to get involved is to talk with individual faculty members about possible opportunities. Attend a professor’s office hours or email them to set up a meeting to talk about research interests and current projects. 

Explore some of the topics our professors research

Independent Study and Senior Thesis

Especially motivated and enthusiastic students may desire to pursue research through an independent study course. We offer three different types of independent studies:

  • PSY 195 Independent Study in Psychology – independent study in psychology under the direction of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic and determines the means of evaluation.
  • PSY 290 Practicum in Psychology – field work and/or data collection in an applied area of psychology.
  • PSY 330 Advanced Independent Study in Psychology – advanced independent study in psychology under the direction of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic and determines the means of evaluation.

All independent studies are closely supervised by a member of the Psychology faculty. Students work with the faculty supervisor to determine an agreed-upon plan of study. All students interested in an independent study should discuss possible opportunities with faculty well in advance of the desired course.

An additional option for advanced Psychology students is the senior thesis. This two-semester independent research project involves the student working closely with a faculty mentor to design and implement a research or applied project, as well as to present the project to a faculty committee and the full Davidson College community at the Verna Miller Case Symposium for Research and Creative Works.