The Importance of an
Undergraduate Research Experience
for the Psychology Major
R. Eric Landrum
Department of Psychology
Boise State University
Midwestern Psychological Association
Chicago, IL
May 2, 2002
Psychology Degrees Conferred in
the United States, 1999-2000
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Doctoral: 4,310
– Men: 1,405
– Women: 2,905 (67%)
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Master’s: 14,465
– Men: 3,552
– Women: 10,913 (75%)
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Bachelor’s: 74,060
– Men: 17,430
– Women: 56,630 (76%)
Desired Bachelor’s Level
Abilities
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Work effectively with others
Ability to acquire and use information
Use technology to solve problems
Communication skills
Computational skills/numeracy
Problem solving skills
Flexibility
Proficiency in field of study
What Employers Want: Top 20
Qualities, Skills, and Abilities
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Listening skills
Ability to work with others as
part of a work team
Getting along with others
Desire and ability to learn
Willingness to learn new,
important skills
Focus on customers/clients
Interpersonal relationship skills
Adaptability to changing
situations
Ability to suggest solutions to
problem
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Problem solving skills
Ethical decision making
Critical thinking
Ability to see the big picture
Flexibility/shifting gears
Being able to identify problems
Working smarter to improve
productivity
Timely decision making
Time management
Problem-definition skills
Personality
Graduate School
Selection Criteria
 Primary: GPA, GRE, Letters of
Recommendation
 Secondary: (1) Research Leading to
Manuscript Publication, Match or Fit with
Program, (2) Research Leading to Conference
Presentation, (3) Member of Selection
Committee Showing Interest, (4) Clarity and
Focus of Statement of Purpose, (5) Research
Assistant Experience
Serve as a Research
Assistant. The Advantages:
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Acquisition of skills not
easily gained in the
classroom
Opportunity to work oneon-one with a faculty
member
Contribute to the
advancement of the
science of psychology
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Become familiar with
general research
techniques
Opportunity to practice
written and oral
communication skills
Cultivation of a mentoring
relationship with faculty;
helpful for letters of
recommendation
How to Negotiate a
Research Assistantship
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Do your homework on the instructor prior to
contact (e.g., PsycINFO author search)
Contact the instructor using his/her preferred
method (office hours, email)
Discuss the level of commitment expected
(hours/week, number of semesters)
Discuss up front any plans for conference
posters, papers, and order of authorship
Faculty Attitudes: What
Do RAs Achieve?
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Develop one-to-one relationship with professor
Participate in data collection process
Form relationship for letters of recommendation
Prepare for graduate school
Gain enthusiasm for research
Influences decision about attending graduate school or
not
Meet other students involved in research
Ability to code data accurately
Get to know faculty members in the department
Opportunity to enhance critical thinking skills
Acquire Lifelong Learning Skills
Via the Covert Curriculum
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Reading with comprehension and
the ability to identify major points
Speaking and writing in a clear,
organized, and persuasive manner
Writing in a particular style
Listening attentively
Taking accurate notes
Mastering efficient memory
strategies
Developing critical thinking skills
Submitting assignments on time
and in acceptable form
Behaving in a responsible,
punctual, mature, and respectful
manner
Managing stress and conflict
successfully
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Organizing the physical
environment to maximize
efficiency
Observing, evaluating the
attitudes and behaviors of role
models
Maintaining an accurate planner or
calendar
Working as a productive member
of a team
Interacting successfully with a
wide variety of people
Seeking feedback about
performance and using it to
improve future performance
Accepting responsibility for your
own behavior and attitudes
Utilize technology
How NOT to Receive Good
Letters of Recommendation
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Barely tolerate your instructors and classes
Be consistently late to class
Don’t ask questions of the instructor, even when asked
Don’t read assignments before class
Try to be the exception to the rule
Disagree with instructors in a condescending manner,
especially in public
Label assignments you do not understand as boring,
irrelevant, or busy work
Be the classroom lawyer
Never help plan or participate in departmental activities
Avoid using an instructor’s office hours
Strategies to Secure Strong
Letters of Recommendation
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Deal effectively with a variety
of people.
Display appropriate
interpersonal skills.
Listen carefully and accurately.
Show initiative and
persistence.
Exhibit effective time
management.
Hold high ethical standards
and expect the same of others.
Handle conflict successfully.
Speak articulately and
persuasively.
Work productively as a
member of a team.
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Plan and carry out projects
successfully.
Think logically and creatively.
Remain open-minded during
controversies.
Identify and actualize personal
potential.
Write clearly and precisely.
Adapt to organizational rules
and procedures.
Comprehend and retain key
points from written materials.
Gather and organize
information from multiple
sources.
For More Information
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Email: elandru@boisestate.edu
U.S. Mail:
– Eric Landrum
– Department of Psychology
– Boise State University
– 1910 University Drive
– Boise, ID 83725