Psychology 410 Reflection Paper

v. Applicant(s) ability to carry out the project

Mac: I am a psychology major with a large interest in research. I strive to carry out this project for I have an extreme interest health/behavioral knowledge. I have previously taken psychology 246: Research Methods. Research Methods taught me, step-by-step, how to create and complete a research project. I have had the opportunity to create, run, and write an entire research project in this class. Aside, I am currently involved in Psychology 410 with Dr. Erin Hill. This class allows for students to partner with a professor to either aid them with his/her current research or for the professor to guide the student with his/her own personal research. Dr. Hill

currently guides me in my research of antibiotic resistance. I am a current member of Psi Chi, Dean’s List student, and have a strong grade point average proving my commitment to the field of psychology.
Casey: I am currently a Psychology major, who is also looking to pursue minors in Professional Education and in Literature.

Through my background in an internship in the Penn State Psychological Clinic, as well as the various psychology classes taken in West Chester, I have developed a firm understanding of the commitment and rewards of research. Furthermore, my membership in the West Chester Honors’ College, the Dean’s List and Psi Chi Honors’ Society are a reflection of my commitment to quality research within the psychological field. The Psychology 410 class provides continued support and guidance from Dr. Hill.

vi. Likelihood of completion

Considering the data collection has already been completed, the data analysis will be completed for Psychology 410. Our abstracts have been submitted to the Eastern Psychological Association by for review to present at the upcoming March conference. We are currently waiting on our hopeful acceptance into the conference. Presenting at the conference specifically requires the funds which we

request.

vii. Contribution the project will make to the student’s educational or professional development
Mac: Planning to attend graduate school, research experience remains vital for acceptance. Conducting personal research and presenting at the Eastern Psychological Association in New York will not only help me with the application process, it will allow for me to meet multitudes of individuals with similar interest in the field of psychology broadening my horizons within the field.
Casey: Participating in this project and presenting at the Eastern Psychological Association conference in New York will promote a higher level of academic participation. This presentation will also assist in pursuing my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. By gaining experience in the research field prior to admittance into a Ph.D. program, I will be better equipped to succeed as I already will possess some of the experience and skills required.

viii.

Ethical Considerations. Does the proposed research involve human or animal subjects?

If the proposed research involves human subjects, does the proposal conform to the Ethical Guidelines for research at West Chester University? WCU Research Compliance

The research does involve human participants. The West Chester Institutional Review Board has already approved the project. Attached below is a copy of the IRB approval letter. The proposed research does conform to the Ethical Guidelines for research at West Chester University. Before the data was retrieved from Mechanical Turk, the study had been approved by the West Chester Institutional Review Board. The information is considered ethical in its approach.

Please specify what actions the researcher will take to ensure the proposed research conforms to the ethical guidelines established by West Chester University.

The information for these studies was extracted from a larger study Dr. Hill ran through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Therefore, there are minimal risks for this study. In order to adhere to the ethical guidelines established by West Chester University, the researchers will ensure that the identity of all participants remains

anonymous.

III. Faculty sponsor letter of support. A letter of support by the faculty sponsor endorsing the proposal and confirming the student’s eligibility for the award (including current GPA) must be included. The letter should outline how the faculty sponsor will participate in, supervise, or advise the student about his or her project. If the proposed research includes human or animal subjects, the faculty sponsor should affirm the project’s adherence to West Chester University's guidelines for ethical research. The faculty member's department chairperson’s endorsement is also required on the cover sheet (signature only is sufficient endorsement).
Proposals will be evaluated on how well they respond to these guidelines for content and format. Applications and letters of support should be submitted electronically via email to Dr. Carolyn Sorisio ([e-mail]). The electronic application should include all requested information and the faculty sponsor letter of support. Student proposals without the faculty member's supporting letter and chairperson's endorsement will not be accepted. Any additional attachments will not be accepted. Late submissions will not be accepted. Deadlines are November 1 (Fall) and March 1 (Spring) (Note: when the 1st of the month falls on a weekend, the due date is the next following Monday). Revised:9/16/15