Psych Scoop, 7/26/22

July 26th, 2022

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

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1. Announcing the 2022 Diversity in Psychology Virtual Program

The University of Minnesota’s Diversity in Psychology Program is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the Fall 2022 virtual diversity program event (Friday, November 4, 2022). The program is designed for individuals who are historically underrepresented in psychology graduate programs and who are interested in earning their Ph.D. from the Department of Psychology, Institute of Child Development, or the Department of Educational Psychology, at the University of Minnesota. As a participant in the program, you will learn, through formal and informal experiences, how to construct a successful graduate school application. You’ll also have the opportunity to get a sense of the graduate school experience in our departments. If you are interested in applying for the Diversity in Psychology Program (or know someone who might be), please visit our website.

Psychology Student Group Announcements

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend! To learn more, visit our website.

2. Join the Chinese Psychology Student Association

The Chinese Psychology Student Association (CPSA) is currently recruiting new members and potential leaders for the organization. CPSA is an academic student association composed of Chinese students with a major in psychology at UMN. Our intention is to set a foundation to unite and provide a platform to communicate, share, and establish comprehensive information in the psychological field between alumni and students, including topics on academic discussions, research/graduate programs, career perspectives, etc. For more information, email Pengxiang Xia at xia00116@umn.edu.

Courses of Interest

3. PSY 4960 - 001: Advanced Topics in Quantitative Methods: R Programming - Fall 2022 (3 credits)

Conducting psychological research involves collecting data, but what happens next? Completing research projects involves more than just analyzing data! In this course, we will learn about the research pipeline and how to incorporate Open Science practices to generate reproducible and transparent analyses. Specifically, students will learn both basic and advanced R programming to carry out data cleaning, analyses, and visualization. Finally, students will learn how to share their code and data via GitHub. A large component of this course will involve hands-on programming that will culminate in an independent final project. It is strongly suggested that students take PSY3801: Introduction to Psychological Measurement and Data Analysis prior to taking this course, but it is not required.

PSY 4960-001 will meet in Bruininks 530A, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:45 am- 11:00 am CST

Instructor: Dr. Amanda Woodward

Note: this course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please email us at psyadvis@umn.edu about the course.

4. 5960-001: Socio-Cultural Psychology - Fall 2022 (3 credits)

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to general theories and methods in socio-cultural psychology. The course examines how social environment and culture shape psychological and physiological functioning, along with the cyclical nature of these relationships. Together, we will focus on specific topics that bridge sociocultural psychology and identity, including group and identity formation, stereotyping, prejudice, stigma, intergroup contact, and multiculturalism. We will also focus on how diverse aspects of humans’ day-to-day lives — including social relationships, cognitive processes, basic visual perception, judgments of morality, and mental illness — both differ and are constant across cultures. Last, we will place special emphasis on critiquing research methods and analyzing real-world treatments of culture based on topics covered in the course. This course has a significant and sustained emphasis on diversity, power, and justice issues. It is strongly suggested that students take PSY 3001W: Introduction to Research Methods prior to taking this course, but it is not required.

PSY 5960-001 will meet in Bruininks 530A, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30 pm- 3:45 pm CST

Instructor: Dr. Drexler James

Note: this course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please email us at psyadvis@umn.edu about the course.

5. PSY 5960-002: Brain, Reward, and Motivation - Fall 2022 (3 credits)

This course is aimed at providing an overview of the concepts of reward, motivation, learning, and decision making, and understanding the brain circuits and molecules that support these processes that are shared across species. To understand this, we will have a combination of lectures, readings, and discussions on our current scientific understanding of reward and motivation in animals and in humans, and compare this to pop culture depictions of the brain (for instance, lots of memes about dopamine) and motivated behavior (for instance, viral videos of cute and surprising antics of animals). The goal for students is to have a better understanding of how their own brains work, to provide perspective on decision-making and motivation challenges, and to use this knowledge to improve popular understanding of the brain, one meme at a time. It is strongly suggested that students take PSY 3061: Introduction to Biological Psychology prior to or concurrent with this course, but it is not required.

Instructor: Dr. Nicola Grissom

Note: this course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please email us at psyadvis@umn.edu about the course.

6. EPSY 1281: Psychological Science Applied - Fall 2022 (4 credits)

This 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. EPSY 1281 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.

EPSY 1281 is in-person, times and locations vary (Check Schedule Builder)

Instructor: Dr. Martin Van Boekel

Note: this course does not count as elective credit for the Psychology majors or minors.

7. EPSY 5122: Programming Fundamentals for Social Science Research - Fall 2022 (3 credits)

What is computer programming, and how can it be used to improve your research? This course teaches the fundamental concepts and techniques of programming using the open-source Python 3 language, while emphasizing a variety of applications to social science research, including data analysis, visualization, task automation, and retrieving data from the internet through APIs and scraping. You'll learn fundamental programming concepts, as well as software engineering topics such as writing robust code, testing, debugging, collaboration, version control, and working with file systems. The class takes 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.

EPSY 5122 is in-person, Ford Hall B10, Wednesdays 2:30 pm - 5:10 pm CST

Instructor: Jeffrey Bye

Note: this course does not count as elective credit for the Psychology majors or minors.

Research

8. Research Poster Session & Undergraduate Research Poster Competition - Black Doctoral Network

The Black Doctoral Network welcomes current undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, students of professional degree programs (e.g. medical, law, dental, pharmacy), and postdoctoral scholars of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to participate in our poster session at the 10th Annual Black Doctoral Network Conference themed: Black Excellence, Brilliant Minds: The Power of Diversity to be held on October 27-29, 2022 in Atlanta, GA. If you have a research project, thesis, or dissertation you would like to present as a poster at a professional conference, the poster session is a good opportunity for you to showcase your academic work and receive feedback from scholars in a friendly and engaging environment. Undergraduate students are invited to participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition. Learn more and submit online! The priority deadline is August 31st, 2022.

9. *Credit or Volunteer* RA Position with a Real-Time Study of Substance Use

Dr. Britt Stevenson in Addiction Recovery Services at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System is looking for a student research assistant for Fall 2022. RA will be integral in launching a pilot study to examine the daily life experiences that contribute to substance use in Veterans who are receiving substance use treatment. The study uses ecological momentary assessments (EMA), i.e., measures these factors via real-time surveys on Veteran's phones, and provide Veterans with individualized graphs of their responses. RA will assist Dr. Stevenson in setting up EMA surveys, recruiting participants, and monitoring/assuring high-quality data collection for the study, as well as soliciting Veterans’ feedback about how we can improve the EMA methods. Dr. Stevenson will provide mentorship and career development guidance. Opportunities to present a poster or practice scientific writing may be available. RA must be available at least 9 hours per week. Students can earn between 1-3 credits for PSY 4993. Preference will be given to those who can commit to both Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 in the lab. To learn more about this position and to be considered, please send your CV/resume and a short introduction to Britt Stevenson at Brittany.Stevenson@va.gov. Students from historically underrepresented groups in science are strongly encouraged to apply.

10. *Credit or Volunteer* Neuropsychology Research Experience Opportunity

Dr. Nicholas Davenport is looking for volunteer research assistants to work at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Volunteers will have the chance to assist with projects investigating the long-term neurologic effects and treatment outcomes related to traumatic brain injury and stress disorders in military service members. The research combines clinical assessments with biological techniques, including electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic analysis. Responsibilities are specific to assisting with participant prescreening, recruitment, scheduling, material preparation, and data entry. This opportunity is eligible for PSY 4993 credit. We require a commitment of 10 hours per week and preference will be given to applicants who are available for multiple semesters. Successful candidates typically have a 3.5 GPA or higher, have junior or senior level credits, and may have an interest in pursuing a higher degree in psychology or related fields. If you are interested, please send a copy of your cover letter, CV/resume, and unofficial transcripts to Cassie Nelson at Cassandra.fleming@va.gov and Sloan Davidson at Sloan.Davidson@va.gov.

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

We are looking for several motivated and responsible students to assist with a current research project on corporate social responsibility in Professor Deniz Ones’ Corporate Social Responsibility Research Lab, headed by Phoebe Hessen. Research assistants can participate in the lab either on a volunteer basis or for credit in PSY 5993 in Fall 2022 (applicants who plan to take the lab for credit will be preferred). The research project is focused on understanding the content of organizations’ social responsibility reporting. RA’s will work closely with a Ph. D. student to carry out tasks including conducting literature reviews and background research, collecting critical incidents of socially responsible behavior from organizations’ sustainability reporting, reading and making judgments about these incidents (i.e., coding), and data analysis. The program will begin with intensive onboarding the week of August 29th-September 2nd (~20 hours, 5 synchronous and 15 asynchronous). Weekly meetings will be held throughout the semester to discuss progress and assist with any difficulties (held virtually through Zoom for the entirety of the semester). Prospective applicants should fill out a brief application. Please contact Phoebe Hessen at hesse179@umn.edu with any questions or for more information. The deadline to apply for a Fall semester position is August 22nd, but applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

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.

12. Research Coordinator Position at the University of Minnesota

Dr. Bob Krueger and Dr. Glenn Roisman of the University of Minnesota, Co-Principal Investigators on two coordinated five-year NIH-funded grants to follow up the large Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study (SIBS) and the Minnesota Twin Registry (MTR) cohorts into late life, seek to hire a Research Coordinator (8352P2: Researcher 2) responsible for coordinating field studies by recruiting participants and coordinating research assistants (e.g., scheduling participant visits). The Research Coordinator will review data to assure quality and prepare data for analysis and publication, as well as maintain records and assist with communication with the UMN IRB and the research sponsor (NIH/NIA). They will ensure that components of the project are completed in an ethically and scientifically rigorous manner. These duties require knowledge and experience with health research, including knowledge of relevant regulations and reporting requirements and procedures. In addition, the Research Coordinator will serve as a key resource to the PIs and other staff regarding regulatory compliance, including identification of potential issues and working to resolve issues in collaboration with the PIs and other project staff. The Research Coordinator will work closely with the SIBS and MTR research participants, co-investigators, and RAs, so a bachelor’s degree is required and research experience, knowledge, and skills plus outstanding communication and problem-solving skills are preferred. Search for Job ID 348894 on the UMN Human Resources page.

13. Overnight Resident Assistant - Vail Place

Do you want to work for a mission-driven agency that works together to create connection, opportunity, and purpose? Are you looking to jump-start your career in Human Services? Start by joining as a Resident Assistant today! What does the Resident Assistant do? The Resident Assistant supports the individual recovery goals of Vail House residents in coordinating services, such as crisis prevention and intervention, medication monitoring, attending to group supports, and independent goals. Vail House is staffed 24 hours a day; this position's regular scheduled hours are Fridays and Saturdays, 11 PM-7 AM. Resident Assistants may be asked to help cover shifts and must be available to remain on shift until relieved by a replacement. All Resident Assistants may be required to work weekend, holiday, and overnight hours based on schedule & coverage needs. Apply online.

14. Behavior Technician - Central Care Services, Inc.

Central Care Services, Inc. (located on 3355 Hiawatha Ave., Minneapolis, MN) is hiring Behavior Technicians! This is a great opportunity for those with majors/minors in Developmental Psychology or related fields to get first-hand experience working under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. previous experience and training are preferred, but not required, as you will be trained after hire. Behavior Technicians work one-on-one with children on the autism spectrum, using ABA therapy to help clients reach their individual goals. Goals include skills such as social communication social interaction, motor skills, Self-care skills, etc. Starting pay is $18-20/hour, and preference is given to those who can work about 25-40 hours per week. Hours of operation are from 9:30 am- 6 pm on weekdays, and 1 pm- 6 pm on weekends. Please reach out to Info@centralcareservice.com with a copy of your resume if interested!

15. Community Outreach Advocate - Women's Advocates

Women's Advocates is a non-profit located in St. Paul, Minnesota that is dedicated to walking with victim-survivors and our community to break the cycle of domestic violence. We are currently hiring two full-time Community Outreach Advocates who will be doing both direct advocacy in the community with survivors and violence prevention education! Pay is $22/hour. We’re especially looking for applicants who speak Spanish, Hmong or Somali- but this is certainly not a requirement, and we absolutely welcome English-only speaking applicants! To learn more and apply, please visit our website. Please email Brenisen at bwheeler@wadvocates.org with any questions.

16. CSCI Dept Student Services Office Assistant

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has been on the cutting-edge of education, research, and outreach for decades. The legacy continues as the department continues to grow and expand its curriculum, research, and outreach. You are invited to join our team as an Administrative Student Worker in our CS&E Student Services Office. Duties include staffing the student services front desk, special projects, supply ordering, and other duties as assigned. Must be a registered UMN undergraduate student with knowledge in email, word processing, and spreadsheets. We would prefer to hire non-CSCI majors or minors. Freshman and sophomore students are strongly encouraged to apply! Apply online through the University of Minnesota Job Search Site (job ID: 349296).

17. Undergraduate Student Research Position - Writing Across the Curriculum

This position will work with Writing Across the Curriculum staff in support of two university-wide programs, Writing-Enriched Curriculum (wec.umn.edu) and Teaching with Writing (writing.umn.edu/tww). The mission of both programs is to support the meaningful integration of effective writing instruction into the University of Minnesota’s curricula. WEC-related responsibilities include corresponding with faculty and instructors to coordinate the collection of student writing samples from classes in a variety of majors and colleges in the Twin Cities and both de-identifying (via Adobe Pro) and archiving student writing artifacts. Occasional TWW-related responsibilities include data entry and assisting with event-management logistics (copying, printing, assembling materials, set up, check-in, etc.). Approximately 10 hours per week expected time commitment (ability to increase to 15 hours at the end of the semester and early summer). Apply online!

18. Career Services Administration is Hiring a Graphic Design Office Assistant

This position helps produce the Career Backpack and the Handshake Newsletter in addition to print and digital marketing material. They will also assist with web management and office work. It is a great opportunity for students interested in graphic design, communications, and social media. See Handshake for a full position description.