Become a Psychologist

Many of the courses offered by the Psychology Department include a component of research experience. Students in Psychology 1001 are required to earn four points of research credit; students in Psychology 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2101 are required to earn three points of research credit for each of these courses in which they are enrolled. Instructors of other courses may require their students to earn a certain number of points of research credit, or they may allow students to do so on an extra credit basis. Check with your instructor if you aren't sure which situation applies in your course.

You can earn research points in two ways: 1) You can write reports about articles that describe psychological research or by participating in research studies. For every acceptable (guidelines for reports are provided below) report submitted at the end of the semester, you will receive one point of research credit. 2) You can participate in psychological studies. Credit for participation in such studies accumulates in half point increments. For every half hour of participation, you will receive half a point of research credit. If you participate for less than half an hour, you will receive half a point of credit. If a study requires that you attend multiple sessions, you will receive credit based on the total amount of time that you spend participating in the study. For example, if a study required that you attend two half-hour sessions and one forty-five minute session, you would receive two points of credit for participating. Whichever option you choose, the research requirement is designed to give you some hands-on experience with psychological research. Most of the concepts and facts that you've learned in your psychology courses have been tested through research. This is your chance to contribute to that process and learn more about it.