The Research Assistantship Scheme in the School of Psychology and Social Work gives opportunities for students to join members of the School of Psychology and Social Work to assist with ongoing research projects and gain insight into state-of-the-art research. Students work together with a member of staff of their own choice, contingent upon availability of places on the scheme, and are involved in a variety of research activities, such as planning a study, constructing stimuli, conducting an experiment and helping to analyse data.
The Scheme is primarily aimed at students in their second year. Unlike final-year projects, the Research Assistantship Scheme will allow students to get involved in ongoing existing research projects. It is a great opportunity to become familiar with life as a researcher, participate in day-to-day laboratory activities (such as lab meetings), and discuss research with staff members. Where agreed with the researcher, it can also lead to a reference letter.
Research Assistantship Scheme FAQ
What is the aim of the scheme?
The purpose of the Research Assistantship Scheme is to provide undergraduate students in the School of Psychology and Social Work at the University of Hull with an opportunity to gain research experience within the school. The transferable skills obtained are likely to improve job prospects after finishing your degree, and may help you in your academic studies.
What does it involve?
Students taking part in the scheme are trained as research assistants and will conduct research with a member of staff within their research group. Research can involve various activities, such as construction of stimuli, experimental design, data collection, data coding, and data analysis. You will also be encouraged to read the literature in the research area to support your research activities.
Who can take part and when?
The scheme is primarily aimed at second-year Psychology students at the University of Hull. Taking part in the scheme is prestigious and competitive. When more than one student is interested in a particular assistantship project, the staff member responsible will normally select the student based on their application and short interviews.
When can you take part?
There is considerable variability depending on the staff member. Positions can be advertised throughout the year, but are most common in semester 1. Most research activities occur during semester time, but Research Assistants can sometimes be involved with research at other times, such as the summer. In some cases, you may be taken on to support a specific research project. In other cases, you will assist on various ongoing projects and research activities.
What is the time commitment?
It is important that an Assistantship should complement and not interfere with your studies; therefore, students would be expected to contribute no more than 6 hours a week. Before applying for an Assistantship, it is important to realise that taking part in the scheme involves a significant commitment and responsibility. If the student’s work is unsatisfactory, the Assistantship can be discontinued by the responsible staff member. Assistantships will typically last a semester, but can be renewed by mutual arrangement.
Why Year 2 students?
The second year is the best time to dive into a research area of one’s own choice. From their first-year studies, students should have a general sense of the different sub-fields of psychology. This background is helpful to make an informed decision about what type of research to be involved with. However, there is still sufficient flexibility at this stage and students are not yet occupied with the specialised topic of their final-year project. Applications may still be considered from first-year students depending on their suitability, and third-year students are not prohibited from taking part.
Why would a student want to take part in the Research Assistantship Scheme?
Students will find this scheme attractive for different reasons. Students who would like to get hands-on insights into ongoing research projects will find this a valuable opportunity. Those who seek to work on their methodological, analytic or literature-review skills will benefit from insight gained in dealing with a particular research question. Others who are considering postgraduate study, such as a Master’s degree or a PhD, may use this scheme as a testing ground for their own interests and strengths. Others may still be uncertain about a particular direction they want to pursue, and for those the scheme would provide an opportunity to clarify their interests.
What are the benefits?
The Research Assistantship Scheme will help develop research skills in psychology and the experience gained can help improve job prospects, both within and outside the academic world, enhancing a CV. Taking part in the Scheme also lets staff members get to know you and your skills better, which may lead to a valuable reference when you apply for employment. Finally, an Assistantship can provide an initial exploration of a research area which may lead to your final-year project. Often students go on to work in the research area of the Assistantship, though students are free to explore other research areas.
How to take part?
Psychology staff members will advertise Assistantships periodically by sending an email to the year group, and through adverts on the Research Assistantship Scheme section of the Psychology website. Students can apply for an Assistantship by sending their CV, which should include all university grades so far, along with a short statement on why they are applying and what would make them a good Assistant. However, if there is a particular staff member that you wish to work with but they have not advertised a place, you are welcome to contact them to register your interest.
For further questions, you can email the Research Assistantship Scheme Coordinators, Dr. Bethanie Richards (b.richards@hull.ac.uk) and Dr. Shane Lindsay (s.lindsay@hull.ac.uk).