Psych Scoop, 8/10/22

August 10th, 2022

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

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Psychology Advising Announcements

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1. Psych Student Advisory Council Application 2022-23

Are you a psych major interested in helping the psych department at the U make progress? Do you want to improve your experience and other students’ experiences in the department? The Psychology Undergraduate Student Advisory Council (SAC) is the perfect way to do that! We are looking for passionate psych students to serve as members of the SAC. The SAC meets with the department leadership at least once a semester to voice their concerns as undergraduates. (All meetings for fall will be held virtually.) The position is for the entire academic year (2022-23) with the option of renewing membership for the next academic year. If you are interested in the position, please fill out the Google Form by Wednesday, September 21st.

Courses of Interest

2. 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.

3. 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 socio-cultural 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.

4. 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. Gain valuable research experience

The Counselor Education Program in the Department of Educational Psychology would like to invite you to register for one of our fall 2022 Counseling Research Practicum courses! These courses will help you explore your research interests, and develop research skills that you can use in counseling, psychology, human service, and related fields. Graduate students and upper-level undergrads are welcome to enroll. Read more online.

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.

5. EPSY 5609: Infants and Toddlers with Delays/Disabilities: Family-Centered Approaches to Early Intervention - Fall 2022 (3 credits)

This course was designed to provide pre-service and current teachers as well as related service providers with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the dynamic ecosystems of families with a child with disabilities. Students will be introduced to the major methods, philosophies, and current research that emphasize effective family-professional collaboration in planning and service delivery for infants and young children with disabilities in home and community-based settings. More info and register.

EPSY 5609 is remote, Tuesdays 4:40 pm - 7:20 pm CST

Instructor: Brenna Rudolph (nolan225@umn.edu)

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

Research

6. 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.

7. *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 Veterans' phones, and provides 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.

8. *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.

9. *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.

10. *Credit or Volunteer* VA TBI Research

The Psychological Health and Social Engagement (PHASE) Lab, led by Dr. Jacob Finn, at the Minneapolis VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC) is looking for research assistants – either as a volunteer or for course credit. Current projects focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in service members and veterans. The PHASE Lab also collaborates with other Minneapolis VA rehabilitation teams. Research assistant duties can include screening and recruiting participants, scheduling research appointments, conducting interviews with patients and their families, administering cognitive and functioning measures, reviewing medical records, entering data, and collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. Dr. Finn expects research assistants to commit at least 8 hours per week to the lab. Due to the training commitment required, volunteers are expected to commit to at least two semesters (with time off between semesters if needed). PHASE research takes place in a medical rehabilitation environment, and as such, professional behavior and attire are expected. Ideal candidates will have a GPA ≥ 3.2, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office products. Per Department of Veterans Affairs policy, all research assistants must be U.S. citizens. Interested parties should send a copy of their transcripts and a curriculum vitae/résumé to Dr. Finn at Jacob.Finn@va.gov.

11. *Credit or Volunteer* Social Psychology Undergraduate Research Opportunity

Professor Marti Hope Gonzales is seeking undergraduate students who are interested in gaining experience in social-psychological research. As part of our research on homophobic epithets and the motives underlying their use, we are asking participants to briefly describe a time when they overheard the use of a slur used either derogatorily by straight men or appropriatively by gay men. This is where you come in! We need detail-oriented, thoughtful individuals to help us code these short responses so that we can learn how participants reacted to those real-world situations, what motives they ascribed to the people who used the slur, and what psychological factors influence participants' inferences and reactions. Ultimately, we hope to learn whether these factors will convert passive bystanders to active allies. Depending on schedules this may be a remote position, so you should be comfortable working independently and you should have solid computer skills. If you are interested in joining our research team and registering for our section (Section 009) of PSY 5993, please email Ian O'Dowd at odowd010@umn.edu. In your reply, please let us know (1) whether you have had research experience in psychology; (2) what psychology courses you have completed (preference will be given to students who have completed statistics, research methods, and social psychology, but this is not a requirement to register for this course; and (3) what you hope to learn by participating in research.

12. *Credit or Volunteer* Health Disparities and Social Psychology Research Experience Opportunity

Dr. James is looking for detail-oriented UMN Psychology Undergraduates who are interested in studying stigma (racism, homophobia), biological race essentialism, and health equity/disparities among racial and sexual minority populations. Students, based on interest and skills, will be involved at almost all stages of the research process: literature review, participant recruitment/data collection, data analysis, and manuscript write-up. If publishable findings emerge from projects, students will—based on prior agreements and their level of input—have their names on any resulting conference presentations or journal papers. Students can either volunteer or work for credit. Students who want to work for credit can earn 3 credits for PSY 5993 for Fall 2022. Preference will be given to those who can work for credit and/or commit to both Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. Weekly meetings will be held throughout the semester to discuss progress, as well as research, academic, and career goals. Interested students should fill out this brief application. Please contact Dr. James (djames@umn.edu with any questions or for more information.

Graduate School

Find Diversity Weekend programs - includes Fall, Spring, and Summer programs. Updated frequently.

13. NC State Lifespan Development Graduate School Application and Visitation Information

NC State Lifespan Developmental Psychology Ph.D. Program: Faculty recruiting students: Jason Allaire, Daniel Grühn, Kelly Lynn Mulvey, and Shevaun Neupert. Research areas: healthy aging, stress, and well-being across the lifespan, social development, broadening participation in STEM, bullying, daily diary methods, cognition and emotion, and everyday cognitive functioning. TA and grant-funded positions available; Deadline December 1st, 2022. Apply here. Funded Visitation Program.

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.

14. 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.

15. 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 weekdays, and 1 pm- 6 pm weekends. Please reach out to Info@centralcareservice.com with a copy of your resume if interested!

16. 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.

17. 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).

18. 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 on 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!

19. 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.

20. Research Professional 1 - PARKS Study

The PARKS study is hiring fluent Spanish speakers for recruitment and data collection. This study uses fee waivers and family outreach to promote youth use of park and recreation programs that support physical activity. It is a partnership between the University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis and St. Paul Park systems, and parks serving lower-income diverse youth and families. We need one or more friendly people to help us recruit and collect data from Spanish-speaking parents and children. Recruitment involves attending community activities to share information about the study. Data collection includes obtaining consent (explaining the study process) and doing surveys in English and Spanish. Late afternoon hours will be common. Hours are flexible and can range from 1 afternoon/wk up to full-time. Benefits are available starting at 30 hours/wk. Benefits include tuition discounts, health insurance, retirement, and paid vacation. The pay range is $20-$24/hr. Interested? Please contact Reed Mitchell by email at mitc0186@umn.edu or read more online.

21. IHS Worker - Genus Services

Genus Services is hiring both part-time and full-time positions in Minneapolis and South St. Paul for their supportive housing role. We are looking for talented Psychology majors who are wanting to gain hands-on experience working with people with a variety of mental health diagnoses. You will be able to work with clients to support them in achieving their daily living and long-term goals, learn to manage their emotions, provide emotional support, and accompany them into the community to socialize and engage in purposeful activities. This is a great role for aspiring Psychology majors who are looking to help those with mental health diagnoses, as well as looking for experience in the mental health field. Schedules can be built entirely around your class schedule and other commitments. If you are interested, please apply here or send an email to Olivia at oliviaa@genusmn.com stating your interest.

22. Afterschool Program Mentor

We are looking for college (undergraduate and master's level) students interested in serving as mentors to middle and high school students in a local school district (~6 miles from the UMN campus). The after-school program is a part of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded research study, led by Drs. Katie Arlinghaus, Barb McMorris, and Nancy Sherwood at the Schools of Public Health and Nursing. This project will focus on integrating social-emotional learning into a physical activity and nutrition afterschool program for high school and middle school students. This opportunity will include training on communicating health messages to youth, youth development, trauma-informed social-emotional skill development, and community-based research. Upon successful completion of training, college students will be responsible for being mentors to middle and high school students and engaging in afterschool activities with students at least once a week. Mentorship in this program includes being comfortable with self-disclosure, modeling physical activities, and sharing personal stories related to curriculum content. College mentors will also attend an in-person weekly training session with research staff on the Twin Cities campus. Faculty are open to discussion about supporting Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) applications, honors thesis projects, and/or opportunities for this experience to count for course credit as appropriate. Apply online.