research opportunities in the perception-action lab
What it is that I do
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In general, I study perception & action — how it is that animals detect behaviorally-relevant stimulation patterns by means of their perceptual systems and how it is they use these stimulation patterns to control goal-directed behavior. Straightforwardly, the purpose of perception is to link the perceiver with the environment. The perceptual systems are the means by which a perceiver comes into contact with the world. For example, the gazelle pictured to the left may perceive the world in terms of forces required for jumping over a gap, or whether a surface provides support for locomotion. I have specific research interests in perception by touch and tool use, the improvement of perceptual skill with practice, and auditory perception. For a more detailed description of these interests as well as a list of my publications/ poster presentations in these ares click here.
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Why you might want research experience
Research experience is valuable for students for many reasons. First, research is how the "business" of psychology gets done. Anything you've ever read about or discussed in any of your psychology classes likely has its roots in someone's reserach lab. Collaborating on research projects will give you the opportunity to be a part of the business of psychology. Along these lines, some students have the opportunitiy to present their research findings at department, University, regional, or even national or international conferences.
For example, Jen Minarik, Kim Hopkins, Paul Pratapas, Amber Naroleski, and Kim Varju were undergraduate students working in my labduring the 2004-2005 academic year. They all presented research at the 2005 ISU Undergraduate Research Symposium. To see Paul, Amber, an Kim's poster click here. To see Jen and Kim's poster click here. In addition, Jen and Kim's work will be presented at the International Conference on Perception and Action. Kona Taylor is a graduate student working in my lab. Her work was published in Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied. Furthermore, she presented research at the 2004 ISU Graduate Research Symposium and at the 2004 American Psychological Society Convention in Chicago, IL. To see Kona's poster, click here.
Second, participation in research allows for practical application of the skills you have developed as a psychology major (or in classes you have taken in psychology or at ISU in general) including critical thinking, research design, data analysis, writing skills, and presentation skills.
Third, research experience is one of the most important (if not THE most important) aspect of admissions to graduate programs in psychology or other sciences. In addition to showing interest and conscientiousness, the faculty member you are working with will be able to write a more personal and more complete letter of recommendation than if you had not worked with them.
How to get involved
Students interested in discussion research opportunities in my laboratory can contact me by email (JeffreyWagman@ilstu.edu), phone (438-7888) or in person in my office in DeGarmo 420.
