FAQ
Student FAQ
1. I’m a student & I’d like to work in the Peer Lab. How do I do that?
During the semester: Every semester a 1-3 weeks before advising period, the psychology department will send out an application to apply to work as a research assistant (RA) in the department. You apply to all open labs at once, rather than one, but you will be asked to rank your preferences. Be sure to follow directions on the application and submit on time! Look out for the announcement on Earlham Today and via the Psych/Neuro student email list. If you aren’t on the email list, contact Amber Byers to be added.
During the summer: Most summers, the Peer Lab accepts members for a four-week internship directly following graduation. Students apply to the Earlham Summer Research program and rank their preferred labs. Rachael tends to accept the students who rank Peer Lab first, so if you want to work in the Peer Lab, be sure to rank it high!
2. When Does the Peer Lab meet?
During the semester: After registration period, participating lab members provide their schedules to Rachael and she selects a meeting time. Often we meet during lunch once a week, but some times we are able to find a meeting time that isn’t over the lunch hour.
During the summer: The Peer Lab meets daily.
3. How many credits do I get for the Peer Lab?
During the semester: Students receiving 1 academic credit work 3 hours per week; students receiving 2 academic credits work 6 hours per week; and students receiving 3 academic credits work 9-10 hours per week. Typically, Peer Lab members register for 1-2 credits. Usually only the lab manager registers for 3 credits.
During the summer: Students receive a stipend. The rate is set by Earlham. Students can contact Sara Paule with questions about summer research.
4. What kind of work would I do if I worked in the Peer Lab?
It really depends! Some semesters we primarily collect data from previously designed studies, some semesters we are focused on designing studies, some semesters we are focused on data analysis and presentation. Some semesters we work with adults (college students and/or adults online), some semesters we work with children, and some semesters both. Take a look at our current and previous studies to get an idea of the possibilities! (And check out the publications list under “Our Research” to get an idea of what and where students present.)
Participant Faq
1. Is your research ethical? Will my rights be protected?
Yes, we take participant rights very seriously in the Peer Lab. All of our studies are approved by Earlham’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). We take particular care to ensure that children know their rights and that they feel comfortable stopping their participation at any time. If you have questions about study approval or have concerns, please contact the Earlham IRB (see email in the linked page). Currently Rachael Reavis is the chair/convener of the IRB; however, if you have concerns about Peer Lab studies, they will be handled by another IRB member.
2. I participated and I want to know the results of the study. How do I find those?
We post all our new presentations and publications. Check under “Our Research” and see if data from your study has been published yet.
3. I would like a copy of your publication/presentation. How do I get it?
First check under “Our Research” — a number of them have links that will lead you to the full text. If you can’t find it there, please use the “Contact Us” form and we will get you a copy, free of charge!
4. I want to participate or I want my child to participate. How can I do that?
We don’t maintain a participant database. If you are a student, we post all our studies in Sona Systems. If you are a parent, feel free to contact us via the “Contact Us” form.
Other FAQ
I am looking for an expert to come and talk to my group. Would someone from the Peer Lab be willing?
Maybe! Contact us via the “Contact Us” form. Give us as much detail as possible about what you are looking for, the dates you need, and the compensation. We will get back to you as soon as possible!