Preparation for Empirical Resarch & Community Placement Options for Psyc 470
 

 Considerable preparation is required of all students who would like to apply to conduct an empirical research project or who would like to do a community placement. Outlined below are the necessary steps that extend over two years: the exploratory year and the project year. In the year prior to conducting their final project, students weigh their preference for the type of project they wish to complete, identify faculty with whom they would like to work, and, in collaboration with faculty, brainstorm potential project ideas.
The following is the general timeline:

First semester of Junior Year, or 4 semesters prior to graduation:
Make appointments with individual professors to discuss potential project options. Professors will outline to students prospective projects, opportunities, and limitations. As you speak to each of the professors, take specific notes about each project type and the description of the potential projects. You will need this information to complete the Senior Project Application. Failure to meet to discuss potential topics with professors will greatly limit a student’s opportunities regarding the final project. You can find a list of faculty interests on the Psychology Department webpage:
http://www.westminstercollege.edu/apps/faculty/?dept=PSYC

Second semester of Junior year, or 3 semesters prior to graduation:
Submit a  PROPOSAL to the department chair.
(Note:  An application is considered pending if the student has not declared psychology as their major, as well as, if they have not completed, or are completing research methods.)

The Psychology Department makes final decisions about Senior Projects, and will notify students of acceptance by the end of the semester via email.

End of second semester of Junior year:
Meet or email with your Senior Project advisor to discuss the plan for the first semester of your senior project once you have received notification that your plan has been approved.