You Too Can Do Research!
With higher education ever-looming over your head, you have most likely heard the word “research” thrown around a lot. I know for sure because I was once in that exact same position; back when “research” was something big and fancy that I thought I could never be involved in because it was reserved for the top seniors in the hardest STEM classes.
While looking into what opportunities the collegiate life had in store for me, I knew universities like UCI were considered “top research universities.” But the question always remained… Could I ever get involved in research myself?
This thought lingered with me during my first quarter at UCI. My fixed mindset initially stopped me from exploring the world of research—that is until my Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC) tutor, Jose, opened my eyes to an entirely new world of possibility.
My LARC Tutor Jose had introduced me to the world of research!
Because of my excitement for the field of psychology, I had often stayed after LARC tutoring sessions to ask Jose more about various topics we discussed in lecture. Jose, having been involved in research himself, recommended that I look into it. This struck me as something very odd at first, as I had never previously considered that such was even plausible. Why was Jose telling me to get involved with research, when I am only a first year and not even studying a STEM subject?
But alas, my misconceptions were debunked right then and there as he explained to me that research is for anybody who is dedicated to their field of interest, no matter what they may be studying.
From that point on, I began searching all over UCI’s websites for types of research available not only to “the big and the fancy,” but also to individuals like me.
Jose’s encouragement was the spark that ignited the flame that is my passion for the world of research. After getting accepted into my first research lab (my top choice!), I was able to witness the life of psychology studies first-hand—from their conception, to their application, and even their findings!
I got the chance to present findings from lab to friends, peers, professors, etc. at the end of my first year!
I joined my first research lab, the Sarnecka Cognitive Development Lab, in winter quarter of my first year (W19). Not only does the topic of cognitive development leave me enamored, but I also could not appreciate more the fact that we get plenty of hands-on experience with data entry, survey creation, data collecting, presenting, and so much more thanks to the guidance of outstanding graduate students and an amazing professor!
The process of joining a lab was intimidating at first, but the faculty and graduate students, as well as my fellow undergraduate researchers, all welcomed me with open arms right off the bat. I could not have asked for a better start to my path within the world of research, as I can now confidently find mentors in each of the brilliant minds that I work with to this day.
Professor Sarnecka, the Principal Investigator (think “lead researcher”), also teaches an upper division core psychology course that I cannot wait to take this upcoming year! If you are interested in learning about the research that I have been involved in, feel free to explore the lab’s website. Professor Sarnecka has incredible blogs and writing that serve as wonderful insights into different aspects of research, and graduate students Emily, Jeff, Paulina, and Bobby have been researching various topics that serve as a perfect representation of the range of diverse subjects within the field of psychology. From decision making to concept formation, it seems the lab always has something new and interesting brought up at every weekly meeting.
With all of that said, I won’t deny that many students partake in research simply due to the resume boost that may come with it. While it’s true that research looks good on a resume, I would encourage you to get involved for more genuine reasons, as doing so with such in mind will prove to be infinitely more worthwhile!
When you’re looking for a research lab to join, make sure that you enjoy the topic being studied and know what’s going to be expected of you. These are incredibly important factors to take into consideration when deciding whether a lab is right for you!
If you are passionate about a field of study and would like to delve further into a topic than you believe you would be able to in the confines of a classroom, then research may be something to look into. Or, if you find yourself with the desire to expand the world’s knowledge on an interest of yours or shine a new light on an aspect you feel has been under-explored, then consider what research has in store for you!
Silvia, Daria, and I worked on the same project under the guidance of Jeffrey Coon and Professor Barbara Sarnecka!
