Research Opportunities for Students
Research Opportunities for Students
Interested in joining Dr. Creasey's research team? The following points comprise just a few reasons why students at Illinois State University can highly benefit from getting involved in faculty research in the Department of Psychology:
Personal Growth? In my lab you learn a lot about yourself. Over time my students often think differently about their family experiences and learn the value of attachment relationships. In addition, you will learn a lot about how to deal with interpersonal conflict with family members, roommates, and romantic partners.
Research Training?I first teach my students the basics; thus, you will learn a lot about research ethics, how research is conceptualized, and basic experimental procedures. In addition, our methodologies are complex, and are training opportunities in themselves. For example, I use intensive interview and observational procedures. Thus, you can learn valuable clinical interview skills and you will become a better listener and observerÑimportant lessons for budding psychologists. Finally, you will also learn how to use video, audio, and computer equipment.
Research Credit? Most of my undergraduate and graduate students are either working for research credit (Special Projects; Independent Study) or getting paid. Regardless of whether or not you are getting paid, gaining academic credit, or volunteering, these experiences look great on a resume and are a must if you want to go to graduate school.
What
Undergraduates Should Expect: My undergraduate students
are vital cogs in my research projects. We have lots of interview and observational
data that needs to be collected, transcribed and coded. Because my students
have to handle sensitive, personal data, adherence to APA ethical guidelines
is a critical component of the learning process. I n addition, I believe
a lot of my students feel their research experiences in the lab are stimulating
because we rely so heavily on observational methods. We typically observe
amazing things that simply can not be measured on questionnaires. Not surprisingly,
many of my undergrads work with me for more than one semester and also
go on to great graduate programs.
What
Graduate Students Should Expect: Almost all of the graduate
students who work with me are enrolled in our Developmental
Psychology Graduate Sequence. My graduate students essentially coordinate
all aspects of my research and are responsible for data collection via
interview and observational procedures. My students get intensive training
in attachment theory and research. In addition, because Mary Main (the
developer of the AAI) has certified me to administer and score the Adult
Attachment Interview, this opens up the door for my graduate students to
receive more intensive training during their tenure at Illinois State University.
For example, there are currently three attachment research centers (University
of CaliforniaÑBerkeley, University of Minnesota, University of Texas) that
offer advanced attachment methodology training. This year, I have sent
one my graduate students to Minnesota and two will be attending a University
of Texas Attachment Institute next year. In short, graduate students in
our program have no problems gaining placement in prestigious doctoral
programs.