Psych Scoop, 12/21/21

December 21st, 2021

The Psych Scoop is sent to all Psychology Undergraduate students and alumni every Tuesday throughout the academic school year. 

Share your news with psyadvis@umn.edu!

Psychology Advising Announcements

Feedback for the department? Check out our suggestion box.

1. PsyAdvis Wishes You a Safe and Relaxing Break

Finals are just a day away from being done and then you get a well-deserved break! Be sure to take care of yourself during this time, staying safe and healthy. Find some time for rest and relaxation. As always, we are available over winter break but otherwise, we look forward to helping you in Spring!

2. PsyAdvis Virtual Only December 22nd - January 7th

Over winter break, the PsyAdvis physical office will be closed from Wednesday, December 22nd through Friday, January 7th. You can always visit us again after January 7th. During those two weeks, we will have virtual appointments available and we will be answering emails. As a reminder, we do not have drop-in appointments during breaks.

Events

3. Personal Statement Consultations for International Undergraduates

happening now! through January 14, 2022
Cost: Free
Location: Online

Are you preparing an application for a graduate or professional school program? The Personal Statement is an important part of the application process, so we have arranged opportunities for undergraduates to get advice from experienced graduate students! Interested students can meet with a Personal Statement Consultant to have your statement reviewed in a consultation appointment. Appointments are 30 minutes, and they are available virtually. You can also request video recorded feedback and comments to review on your own time. The consultants are either current graduate students or staff who work in UMN Career Services. Personal Statement Consultations are available from December 13-January 14. You can visit a Personal Statement Consultant more than once. Reserve a time slot today!

Courses of Interest

4. EPSY 1281: Psychological Science Applied - Spring 2022 (4 Credits)

The course introduces students to applied psychology as a discipline and reviews fundamental principles of psychology through the lenses of applied and professional areas. We spend a lot of time building relationships and developing learning strategies that will help you thrive in this class and all of your other classes. Each topic applies concepts from psychology to real-world problems. The course serves as a foundation for future coursework in education, health sciences, and psychology. The course is designed to meet the Liberal Arts/Social Sciences core requirement. Learn more and registration instructions are online.

EPSY 1281 meets Mondays-Thursdays, various times

Instructor: Martin VanBoekel (vanbo024@umn.edu)

Note: this course does not count for Psychology majors or minors.

5. EPSY 3802: Contemporary Issues in School Psychology - Spring 2022 (3 credits)

Interested in working with children and adolescents in school settings? EPSY 3802 will help you develop a basic understanding of current social issues, scholarship, and professional opportunities in school psychology and related fields. This course is designed to give an overview of how psychological processes impact students, teachers, educational staff, families, and school communities through the use of data and research to inform school practices that promote safe, just, and healthy school environments, support students’ mental health, and meet the needs of unique learners. Topics covered include, but are not limited to bullying, LGBTQ+ victimization, mental health, school climate, social justice, structural oppression, trauma, and associated evidence-based school psychological practices. More info and register.

EPSY 3802 will meet in Peik Hall 155, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:45 am- 11:00 am CST

Instructor: Sarah Wollersheim Shervey

Note: this course does not count for Psychology majors or minors.

6. EPSY 5123: Programming Workflows for Psychological Research - Spring 2022 (3 credits)

How can researchers use open-source programming to create a reproducible and flexible workflow? This course teaches programming and computer-based skills that are increasingly important methods in psychological research, like fundamental programming concepts, data wrangling in R, online experiments and surveys with JavaScript, version control with git, using the Open Science Framework, and writing reproducible reports with R Markdown. It emphasizes open science practices and readily implementable skills for a more streamlined and automated research workflow. The course is taught with an active, hands-on approach to programming, including class discussions and group work. It is designed to be accessible to students without any prior programming experience. More info and register.

EPSY 5123 will meet in Peik Hall 155, Wednesdays from 2:30 pm- 5:10 pm CST

Instructor: Jeffrey Bye

Note: this course does not count for Psychology majors or minors.

7. HSEM 3511H: Science Court: Strengthening Democracy through Rational Discourse - Spring 2022 (3 credits)

An exciting course will be offered this Spring: "Science Court: Strengthening Democracy through Rational Discourse" (HSEM 3511H). This course aims to combat the polarization and gridlock that is gripping our society. Students taking the course study a controversial topic to determine the facts based on sound scientific research (from the social sciences and physical sciences), and then argue it within a mock-trial format in front of a jury of citizens recruited from the public. All aspects of the trial, from preparations to verdict, will be widely reported through a compelling podcast (developed by the students) and documented on social media and on a website to educate the public and to create a record of this unique one-of-a-kind class. This year Science Court is being offered in partnership with the Student Senate and will select a topic of interest to the UMN student community. If you are an Honors student, you can sign up for HSEM 3511H in the usual way. If you are *not* an Honors student and would like to take this course, fill in this form.

HSEM 3511H will meet in Mechanical Engineering 102, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 pm- 5:15 pm CST

Instructors: C.J. Sinner and Ellad Tadmord

Note: this course does not count for Psychology majors or minors.

8. CSPH 3211: Living on Purpose: An Exploration of Self, Purpose & Community - Spring 2022 (2 credits)

Looking for an elective this spring? Consider CSPH 3211 Living on Purpose: An Exploration of Self, Purpose & Community (2 cr). Define what "living purposefully" means to you. Weekly topics include personal values, strengths, contemplative practices, inner-ways of knowing, self-compassion, sources of happiness, and mindfulness. This is a blended course with three in-person classes that provide time for community and support. For more information, check out our website.

CSPH 3211 will meet in the Mayo Building 3 times, otherwise virtual

Instructors: Carole Anne Broad and Lisa Clark

Note: this course does not count for Psychology majors or minors.

Research

9. *Credit or Volunteer* I/O Psychology Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunity [VIRTUAL]

We are looking for motivated and responsible students to assist with a current research project in Professor Deniz Ones’ Corporate Social Responsibility Research Lab, headed by Phoebe Hessen, as volunteers or for credit in PSY 5993. The research project is focused on understanding the content of organizations’ socially responsible initiatives. RAs will work closely with a Ph. D. student to carry out responsibilities including conducting literature reviews and background research, reading and making judgments about critical incidents of socially responsible behavior from organizations’ sustainability reporting (i.e., coding), and data analysis. Weekly meetings will be held throughout the semester to discuss progress and answer questions (held virtually through Zoom). Prospective applicants should fill out a brief application here. Please contact Phoebe Hessen at hesse179@umn.edu with any questions or for more information. The deadline to apply for a Spring Semester position is January 3rd.

10. *Credit or Volunteer* Research assistants needed for a Spring 2022 online study

My dissertation is focused on the psychophysiology of social evaluation. A component of this research concerns the role of race and gender in social interactions. As such, we are seeking, in particular, woman-identifying, White-presenting RAs to facilitate some aspects of the study design. All work will be able to be completed virtually, provided some basic requirements, such as having a quiet, private place to work and stable internet connection. Must have afternoon/evening availability. Note: Because this experiment investigates the role of race and gender, woman-identifying, White-presenting RAs are needed for the available position, in order to ensure the scientific validity of findings. Please reach out to me with any questions. • Fully online, no in-person components • Afternoon/evening availability required, weekdays and/or weekends • White-presenting and woman-identifying • Experimenter role -- running participants through the Zoom session (administering questionnaires, running participant through online tasks, overseeing saliva collection, interviewing) • Must have a computer (i.e., not a tablet) that can record and download video from Zoom and strong internet access • Secondary tasks include data processing and qualitative analysis • Important to be meticulous and good at multi-tasking Any interested applicants should email Keira Leneman at lenem001@umn.edu to get more information about the study and research assistant roles. Please include a CV/resume.

11. *Credit or Volunteer* PSY 5993 “How polygraph tests contribute to false convictions” with Professor Iacono

For this directed research opportunity, we will be reviewing case files from individuals who, following a polygraph test, confessed to a crime they did not commit. The case material comes from the Innocence Project and the National Registry of Exonerations and consists of legal compendiums, court records, and news accounts that cover the investigation, conviction, appeal, and exoneration of these individuals. The information we use is available online, and any study meetings we have will be over Zoom, some of which will be on Thursdays, from 3:30 to 5 PM. Students will be tasked with finding files, carefully reading these narrative files, and conscientiously coding information that documents the characteristics of these individuals, the nature of their interrogation by the police, and the role polygraphs played in the elicitation of their false confessions. Students will be expected to analyze these data and write a brief paper on their findings. This directed study focuses on one application of forensic lie detection, an area of applied psychology that intersects with law and public policy. If you are interested in learning more about this section of PSY 5993, please e-mail a copy of your transcript, a resume, and a paragraph explaining your interest in this topic to Dr. Iacono at wiacono@umn.edu. Put in the subject line: 5993 polygraph and false convictions.

12. *Credit or Volunteer* Seeking Male Research Assistant for CPSY 4994

The Gunnar Lab in the Institute of Child Development is looking for male student research assistants for spring 2022. Our research focuses on stress and the effects of early life experiences in children. We have a research study that conducts a stress task in which adolescents give a speech in front of two judges, one male, and one female. We are looking for male students to fill in the judge role. Students must be available for 1.5-2 hour shifts between 2:30-8:30 pm on multiple days, including weekends. Reliable internet and a good camera with recording capabilities are required as these research sessions will occur over Zoom. Students may volunteer or can earn between 1-2 credits for CPSY 4994. Preference will be given to those who can commit to two or more semesters in our lab. To learn more about this position, please send your CV/resume and a short introduction to Bao Moua at moua0066@umn.edu to be considered.

Grad School

13. UCI’s Post-Baccalaureate Program in Psychological Science

UCI’s Post-Baccalaureate Program in Psychological Science is a certificate program that combines psychology coursework with research and/or internship experience. It is designed for people who have a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline), are interested in a psychology-related graduate program, career development, or career change, and could benefit from additional coursework, research, and/or real-life work experience in psychology. Those interested in a Doctoral-level or Master’s degree program in a range of areas of psychology (including clinical/counseling psychology, social/personality psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, psychology & the law, and school psychology) or health (e.g., public health, medical school) can strengthen their graduate school applications by completing our program, which offers an individualized course of study based on each person’s qualifications and goals. Apply and learn more. Applications are due on February 15, 2022, for Fall 2022 admission.

Resources

14. Thinking Ahead to Spring - Save Money on Textbooks with the Help of the Libraries!

The Libraries may have your spring textbooks and readings. In partnership with the University of Minnesota Bookstores, the University Libraries provides you with a list of free U of M required books. Check the list below to see if the library already has books and materials for your course online. All books are free for U of MN - Twin Cities’ students to read online and to checkout. Check out the list today!

Jobs/Internship Opportunities

IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source.

15. Global Mental Health Summer Intern

The Columbia University Global Mental Health Programs represent a network of faculty and programs focused on research and capacity building around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the number of mental health professionals falls far from meeting the needs of communities. In partnership with global colleagues, we are developing, supervising, disseminating, supporting, and implementing evidence-based programs that have real impact. The Columbia GMHP Summer Internship Program is an eight-week Summer Internship that has supported five cohorts of undergraduate students thus far, whose intellectual curiosity, passion, and empathy drives them to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of mental health care. The internship positions are selected on a competitive basis and open to rising senior undergraduate students interested in global mental health. Applications are now open, please visit our website for more information.

16. Research Fellowships - Yale ACE and SANA

The Yale Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) and Yale Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism Program (SANA) will select one or more highly qualified college graduates for research fellowship positions at the Yale Child Study Center (CSC). The Yale CSC is a leading institution for clinical diagnostic services and multidisciplinary research on ASD involving behavioral neuroscience, physiology, neuroimaging, molecular genetics, and early intervention. Both research fellowship positions will support the design and implementation of research protocols focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders. Research fellows have opportunities to be involved in aspects of each study ranging from implementation of novel behavioral, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging experiments, to participating directly in subject characterization by conducting structured parent interviews and assessing participants, to data processing and analysis. Fellows will receive training in the development of novel behavioral, eye-tracking, and psychophysiological sensing technologies. Additionally, fellows will be given an opportunity to prepare their own conference abstract from the point of data collection through data analysis and abstract submission.

17. Summer Camp Internship Opportunity Working With Neurodivergent Population

Camp Akeela and Beyond Akeela are coed New England summer camps for children/teens between 4th-12th grade, structured in a way that develops social skills, confidence, and independence in a socially immersive community. We are seeking energetic students and recent grads who will use their knowledge and experience in youth development to facilitate an enriching, safe, and fun camp experience for their campers. Our campers are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or a similar social communication disorder. Counselors are the heart of the camp. Counselors guide campers through the day-to-day life at camp, ensuring their emotional and physical well-being, and serving as a role model. They build strong relationships with campers and leverage those relationships to provide social guidance and facilitation while helping campers work through conflicts with peers and other stressors appropriately. The position challenges counselors to develop and exercise professional skills that are essential for the clinical or educational workplace, all while having an incredibly fun and life-changing summer experience. All staff receive a week-long training before camp and have continuous support from a professional leadership team throughout the summer. Ready to join the Akeela family? Apply here!

18. Direct Care Professional - ACR Homes

ACR Homes is hiring psychology students to become Direct Care Professionals! Get some experience this school year and apply today. Everyone gets a Hiring/Placement bonus, $500-2000! Start now or anytime in the next 6 months! (we are even NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER START DATES!) You would work in a home setting alongside a co-worker to care for 4 people who have disabilities (amazing ratio!). You will get the chance to gain direct patient care hours by caring for the medical, emotional, and physical needs of the residents as well as enjoying fun activities with them on your shifts. ACR is VERY flexible for students (only min. 12hrs/week, and we work around your schedule), pays starting up to $15/hr, offers paid training (no experience needed), tuition assistance program $, and we have locations near campus, and you don't even need to have a car! We even offer custom research-based INTERNSHIPS that end with a letter of recommendation from our CEO who is a licensed psychologist! Contact Kayla Wildes at wilde177@umn.edu if you are interested in applying!

19. Student Researcher – Anishinaabe Artisan Market - Job ID 345006

The student researcher will work with the Anishinaabe Artisan Market project team and participate in artist member conversations to understand project research needs, priorities and deliverables. With guidance from the project team, the student will research Indigenous arts websites, online markets, website maintenance, and upkeep best practices, and related online presence models to present “what’s out there” to the artists and project team. Through reviewing existing models, holding further discussion, and with direction from the artists and the project team, the student will outline a website design for review and input. Finally, the student will build a website and online marketplace. Questions? Contact Molly Zins at zend0007@umn.edu. To apply, go to the UMN Job Search Site and search for the Job ID 345006 or keywords in the title.

20. Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions Available - Department of Family Medicine and Community Health

This undergraduate position will provide assistance to an ongoing clinical research project. The clinical research project is collecting data from marijuana users and control participants to better understand the role of marijuana use in stress and cognition. Specific duties include data entry, preparing study materials, conducting telephone interviews, and collecting data from participants at research visits. Experience with REDCap is preferred but not required. Students need to be able to work independently and meet deadlines, have some afternoon and/or early evening availability, and have good time management and organizational skills. This position will be interacting with a diverse community of research participants. Having the ability to build rapport and communicate clearly and effectively will be important. Some customer service or interview experience is preferred but not required. Hours are flexible but able to work up to 20 hours/week. The starting pay for this position is $18 an hour. Please contact Kat Harrison at 612-624-5377 or harr0644@umn.edu if you are interested.

Share on: