Are you interested in gaining research experience? There are a range of ways to join the LabRATS:
Davidson College Students
- Volunteer Research Assistants: These academic-year positions require a minimum time commitment of 3-5 hours per week. Research assistants participate in weekly 1-hour lab meetings; additional lab responsibilities may include evening and weekend hours. Research experiences depend on student interest and current studies in the lab and may include internet-based or in-person participant recruitment, data collection, data management, and data analysis. Students who are interested in joining the LabRATS during the academic year should contact Dr. Sockol to discuss current research opportunities.
- Summer Research: Students interested in full-time research experiences during the summer can apply for funding to support summer research from a range of sources. Students interested in pursuing these opportunities should meet with Dr. Sockol to discuss potential projects during the fall semester.
- Independent Studies: Students interested in conducting research through an independent study (PSY 330) should contact Dr. Sockol to discuss your research interests. Independent projects are typically undertaken as a follow-up to studies begun through research methods courses (e.g., PSY 314), or in preparation for a senior thesis (PSY 400).
- Senior Theses: A senior thesis is a year-long, independent research experience (PSY 400) conducted in close collaboration with a faculty mentor. In Dr. Sockol’s lab, successful senior theses typically grow out of a student’s previous research in the lab. Students considering a senior thesis in psychology are encouraged to begin pursuing research experiences as early as possible. Dr. Sockol also strongly recommends potential thesis students take Research Methods in Clinical and Positive Psychology (PSY 314) during their junior year, or plan to enroll in the course while completing the thesis. Students who are interested in conducting a senior thesis with Dr. Sockol should meet to discuss their research interests as early as possible, and no later than the spring semester of junior year.
Students from Other Institutions
- Volunteer Research Assistants: Dr. Sockol occasionally has opportunities for current students and recent graduates to gain research experience in clinical psychology in the lab. These opportunities are typically unfunded, or may be funded through grants from your home institution. To discuss your research interests and potential opportunities in the lab, please contact Dr. Sockol.
- Current undergraduate students at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) may be eligible to apply for the Davidson College DRI for HBCUs. For more information about the program, research opportunities, and application process, please visit the program website.
Other Summer Programs
Davidson-Broughton Summer Study Program
Are you an undergraduate student who is interested in gaining further experience in clinical psychology? The Davidson-Broughton Summer Study Program is an 8-week collaboration between Davidson College and Broughton Hospital, a state psychiatric facility in Morganton, NC. Students in this program complete advanced coursework in clinical psychology and gain direct experience in a hospital setting. Learn more at the program website.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2020
Student Research Funding
Davidson College offers several funding mechanisms to support student research during the summer, including the Davidson Research Initiative and the Abernethy award program. Visit the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Opportunities page for information about specific programs, requirements, eligibility, and application procedures. If you are interested in pursuing an independent research project during the summer with Dr. Sockol, you should schedule a meeting to discuss your project and proposal as early as possible.
