Students conduct novel research projects with professors on topics such as testing the working memory capacity of older adults or young children, examining cardiovascular reaction to stress, examining how religious schema influence social interactions, testing basic learning capacities in insects, and examining the biochemical and genetic basis of alcohol addiction. About 30 psychology students conduct novel research projects each year, and many of these receive paid fellowships to conduct research during the summer. Over the past two summers, thirty-three students worked with faculty members on research projects at Furman and another seven students were at laboratories across the country. The department knows of no liberal arts college in the country that can match this record of summer research opportunities for undergraduates. Students planning independent study must have the approval of a supervisor, who will assist the student in forming a committee of faculty who will oversee the program.
Students write a one-page research proposal which they distribute to the committee.
If it is approved, the student may register for PSY 85. A more extensive proposal follows, with the research rationale and methodology spelled out. At the conclusion of the research, the student will write a paper, following APA format, and then present it to the committee and other invited faculty members. The student s grade is awarded by the faculty supervisor.