Pursuing this option will help you decide if this is the career path you wish to follow. This is an opportunity to gain experience by working closely with a professor to help facilitate learning in the psychology classroom. This is also a path to gain knowledge in an area of interest or practice psychology related skills. This may enhance your potential for getting a teaching assistantship to help pay for graduate school should you choose this option. Research experience provides a student with the opportunity to work closely with a professor in his or her area of interest.
Individuals gain valuable knowledge about potential areas of specialization.
You also gain experience designing, conducting, and interpreting research. You may assist a professor on his or her research, or conduct your own research under the supervision of the professor of your choice. Ask a professor if he or she has room for you in a research position more than a semester before you hope to work with him or her. Professors may limit these positions to a few per semester, so you will want to reserve a spot as soon as possible. After approval you should meet with your professor on a regular basis to plan and organize your project.