Independent Research Projects
Perspectives from students who have worked on advanced, independent research projects in Social Psychology labs:
Click on each question to read students’ responses!
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- “I attended the McNair Summer Institute and was paired with a faculty advisor for an independent research project.” – Vanessa H., completed an honors thesis and McNair Research project, SSI-VR Lab
- “A Ph.D. student recognized how our research interests aligned and asked if I would be interested in applying for a research grant. We met repeatedly to develop a proposal and course of action if approved. We continued our extensive work post-approval to ensure that everything was completed in a timely manner.” – Thomas H., completed an Aresty, CRIS Lab
- “I become involved with independent research after reading more about the lab’s previous publications, getting an idea to pitch to one of the grad students I was working with at the time. The key was to have a good amount of research interest overlap with the grad students available to assist with the project, while also adding something new enough that would be valuable to explore. After emailing a few thoughts, we had met to discuss the study design and proposal deadlines. From there, we developed a rapport so that we kept on track with research deadlines that realistically fit both our schedules (Cooper final report submission deadline). It’s important to be honest about what you don’t know or what you’re struggling with so that you can be advised accordingly, as I had learned. It was a good balance of learning the ropes while also being taught how to think like a researcher.” – Izilda P., completed a Cooper, Aresty, and honors thesis, CRIS Lab
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- “The best part of working on an independent project is the opportunity to contribute to work that has the potential to make a meaningful impact by expanding existing research in social psychology. Knowing that the data, analyses, paper, and poster I developed may benefit a community and help amplify their voices has been a constant source of motivation throughout the entire process.” – Jenna S., completed and honors thesis and Aresty, CRIS Lab
- “Working on my independent projects fostered a love for research that influenced my decision to pursue a PhD in psychology. I learned more about the research process in general and how to think like a scientist to come up with new research ideas and tie the research that I was conducting into a broader social context. Conducting research myself also helped me learn how to be a better consumer of research and how to think critically about other studies and papers.” – Jessica P., completed a Cooper, Aresty, and honors thesis, CRIS Lab
- “I have learned a great deal about workflow management and developing the theoretical foundations of a theory or research project. In these research positions, I was also exposed to types of analytical methods, and had the opportunity to apply what I learned to the Cooper Fellowship and Honors Thesis project.” – Nicholas Z., completed a Cooper and an honors thesis, CRIS Lab
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- “Apply to a lab as early as possible! This will give you time to investigate different subjects before you must focus in on one for an independent project.” – Megan R., completing an honors thesis, Nicolas Lab, RAMP Lab
- “I would tell them to be ambitious and to try and be involved in and hands-on with the whole process as possible to really learn and understand more about the research process and your specific study. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of the fact that you have so many incredible mentors. They have a lot of knowledge and great advice about research and helping you get ready for grad school or a career after graduation.” – Jessica P., completed a Cooper, Aresty, and honors thesis, CRIS Lab
- “My mentor gave me advice I still use to this day: whatever time you think something will take you, allow yourself double the time to work on it. Having conducted an independent research project while working, attending classes, and helping out with family definitely required setting consistent time out of my schedule to work productively.” – Izilda P., completed a Cooper, Aresty, and honors thesis, CRIS Lab
- “Make sure you are genuinely interested in the thesis topic or else it won’t feel as rewarding or exciting.” – Allison E., completed a Cooper and an honors thesis, RAMP Lab
Rutgers Psychology students presenting their independent research!
