Research Internships Opportunities for summer 2014
Canterbury Christ Church University
The Research Internship Scheme gives CCCU students experience of real research projects with high quality
research outcomes. As an intern you will gain a tremendous amount from this opportunity, not only will you
get to experience research ‘first hand’ but you will also acquire a range of transferrable skills which can help
you to secure that graduate job or post graduate place. You will also be paid. Research projects run for 10
weeks over the summer break, completing by the end of August.
Project Information:
REF: RI 6 Name: Dr David Vernon
Department: Psychology, Politics & Sociology
Research Area: Thinking and Creativity
Project Title: Creative problem solving techniques: how effective are they and what problems are they based
on?
Applicants are invited to apply for the role of research intern on the following project: ‘Creative
problem solving techniques: how effective are they and what problems are they based on?’
Creative problem solving involves three key stages. Initially, there is a problem finding stage,
followed by an idea generation stage, and finally an evaluation stage where the best possible
response(s) are identified. Throughout each of these three stages, a number of techniques (e.g., the
Six Thinking Hats; Duncker Diagrams) may be used to help improve the effectiveness of the process
as well as the originality and usefulness of the ideas put forward. However, it remains unclear which
specific techniques can improve performance across the various stages of the problem solving
process. It is also likely that the complexity or novelty of a problem influences the outcome.
As such, this project requires two interns. The first will work on a systematic review of the empirical
evidence/literature of the various techniques. The aim here is to find out what techniques are being
used in the field (e.g., as part of creative problem solving training programmes) and identify what, if
any, empirical evidence supports such use. The second intern will work on creating a corpus of
problems based on those currently used in the field, which will feed into further on-line studies.
Criteria:
Essential criteria• Ability to work in a self-motivated manner under own initiative.
• Clear understanding of how to access/search archives/library databases, on-line resources.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and coherently
• Excellent IT skills
Desirable Criteria
• Knowledge/understanding of creative problem solving tools/techniques
• Understanding of basic statistics and psychological research methods
Canterbury Christ Church University, Research & Enterprise Development Centre (RED)
Research Internship Scheme 2013
•
•
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Previous experience of Qualtrics or other on-line research software (most relevant to the second
internship)
Application Process:
To apply for this opportunity, please complete the application form below.
Successful applicants will be called for a short interview; you will be told if you are to be awarded the internship
shortly after the interview
CCCU Undergraduate Research Internship Application Form 2014
Last Name:
First Name:
Address :
Date of Birth:
National Insurance Number:
Email (CCCU student email address):
Preferred contact email (if different from above):
Telephone and/or mobile:
University course attending:
Year:
CCCU Student number:
Are you an International Student?
YES / NO
If Yes, please provide details of your current Visa:
Do you require a Work Permit:
Which Internship would you like to apply for (circle one):
1.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
2.
ON-LINE PROBLEM CORPUS
3. BOTH
Canterbury Christ Church University, Research & Enterprise Development Centre (RED)
Research Internship Scheme 2013
Demonstrate how you meet the criteria for the project and explain why you are interested in this research
area (600 words max):
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence? YES/NO
(Delete as appropriate)
(Your attention is drawn to the fact that under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 you may be entitled to
answer 'no' to this question even if you have, in the past, been subjected to criminal proceedings resulting in
conviction(s). However, certain types of employment are excluded, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974 (Exemptions) Order, 1975, from the protection of the Act. It is therefore, suggested that you take the
appropriate advice if you are in any doubt as to the correct answers to give).
If yes, please specify date of conviction, Court, nature of offence and sentence imposed:
Declaration:
I certify that the information given on this form is correct.
I understand that any wilful omission or falsification may lead to the disqualification of this application or
dismissal if appointed to the post applied for:
Signed:
Date:
Please email this form to red.businessdevelopment@canterbury.ac.uk by 31st March 2014.
FAQ:
Q. Can I apply to this scheme if I am a final year undergraduate student?
Yes. If you graduate this year you are still eligible to apply
Q. Do I have to be a student at CCCU in order to apply?
Yes. Only current CCCU students are eligible.
Q. How will I be paid? And will it be subject to tax?
You will be paid £200 a week for up to 10 weeks. This will be paid in monthly instalments over the summer.
Canterbury Christ Church University, Research & Enterprise Development Centre (RED)
Research Internship Scheme 2013
This may be subject to tax depending on your circumstances.
Q. When will the internship run?
Most of the internships will begin on the 19th May and finish on the 25th July (10 weeks). There are a few
exceptions to this, but this will be stated in the project advertisement.
Q. Who do I ask to find out more information?
If you want to find out more about an individual project you should contact the member of staff responsible for
running that project. General queries should be directed to red.businessdevelopment@canterbury.ac.uk
Q. When will I find out if my application has been successful?
All students will be informed if they have successfully progressed to the next stage in the application procedure
or not in April 2014.
Q. I am planning to go on holiday over the summer, will this affect my application?
Possibly. Students will be paid for 10 weeks work in total. Small amounts of time can be made up at the start of
the internship, if the members of staff working on the project agree. A two week break in the middle of the
internship may be impractical and difficult to make up. Students are advised to clearly state any holiday plans in
their application.
Q. Is it ok to apply for an internship in a different faculty?
Yes. As long as you meet the essential criteria for the project you are welcome to apply for it.
Q. What if I have a part time job already? Can I still apply to be an intern?
The internship scheme is a big commitment over the summer months; however the actual pattern of work can
be negotiated between the member of staff running the project and the student intern. A weekend or evening
job probably wouldn’t be a problem. If you are on a student visa you cannot work more than 20hours in total.
Q. Will I be supported?
Yes! You will be invited to an induction event and have a Personal Development Plan and opportunity to meet
with other interns to record all of the transferable skills and knowledge that you will develop. You will also
work closely with the lead researcher.
Q. Will I have to complete a final report?
You will be given the opportunity to produce a final report or presentation in partnership with your academic
lead; it forms part of your contract as an intern.
Canterbury Christ Church University, Research & Enterprise Development Centre (RED)
Research Internship Scheme 2013