Application for Independent Study
In my lab,
we conduct a combination of experimental and survey research on how individuals
are affected by negative stereotypes. In one line of studies, we have
been looking at how gender stereotypes affect women’s math performance.
Our research shows that simply reminding womeabout gender stereotypes
leads them to do more poorly on a math test than they would otherwise.
We are examining the cognitive and affective variables that account for
this effect.
In another line of research, we are examining conditions
under which people feel ashamed or guilty for the negative actions of
others. For example, we have been looking at the extent to which White
college students feel a sense of shame or guilt when they observe another
White student act prejudicially. We are interested in testing what specific
types of behaviors this emotional response elicits.
These are just some of the questions that we are exploring
in our lab. We wouldn’t be able to do any of our research without
the help of independent study (IS) students. Each semester, we have about
12 independent study students in the lab who are supervised by two graduate
students. IS students are involved in many different aspects of the studies
we run. Typical responsibilities include running experimental sessions,
phone recruitment of experimental participants, debriefing participants
about the purpose of our research, acting out a role in an experimental
paradigm, data entry, and training in ethical research. We require an
8 – 9 hour a week time commitment (for 3 credits), but all of this
is hands-on activity. Because most of the work is done Mon – Fri
between 9 and 6 pm., we look for people with flexible daytime schedules.
IS students work in small project groups and meet
with the supervising graduate student to learn about the goals of the
research and give periodic updates on the progress of the study. Because
the completion of a study involves a high degree of coordination and efficiency,
we look for students who have great communication skills, work well as
team, are responsible and prompt, and are willing to learn new things.
Research experience is the most important qualification for graduate school,
and we can offer lots of advice in choosing a graduate program that’s
right for you.
The strongest applicants are those who are sophomores or juniors interested in more than one semester of IS, who have flexible daytime schedules, have a GPA > 3.0, and are interested in going to graduate school. However, because these aren’t the only criteria we use, I encourage you to apply even if you don’t fit this profile. We typically make our decision just before the semester begins.
If you have any further questions or want to check on the progress of your application, you can contact me at schmader@u.arizona.edu
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