Research Focused Honors

Research Focused Honors - FAQ

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The Research-Focused Honors Program (RFHP) is designed for students interested in developing independent research skills. This three-semester program combines a structured learning environment with one-on-one mentoring by a faculty sponsor so that students can design, conduct, and analyze their own research project.

Description of the Program

Q: How does participation in this program work?

A: The program consists of 13 credit hours across three semesters beginning the spring semester of the junior year and ending the spring of the senior year. During this time, students take a sequence of seminars and independent study courses culminating in a senior research thesis. The seminars (PSY 40400 and PSY 40500) provide a structured learning experience to help students further develop research skills initially learned in the statistics (PSY 20100) and research methods (PSY 20300) courses. The independent study component (PSY 39100H and 49800H) teaches students to apply these skills to the design and execution of their own research study under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The project results are presented in poster format at our annual Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference during the last semester of the program.

Q: When does the program start?

A: A new RFHP program begins each January (the spring semester of a student’s junior year). Pre-registration for eligible juniors begins in October of the previous (fall) semester.

Q: Can I satisfy my other requirements and still participate in this program?

A: Yes. The program was developed with awareness of other major requirements.

Q: What makes it an "honors" program?

A: It is an honors program because of the GPA eligibility requirements (e.g., 3.5 in PSY) as well as the high level of academic rigor it entails.

Q: What will the final product of my efforts be?

A: Students who complete this program and who continue to satisfy the GPA requirements through the fall of their senior year will receive a certificate signed by the department Head designating that they have received "Distinction in Research Psychology". Students write a senior honors thesis based on their research project and present their research at our annual Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference poster session in spring semester of their senior year. The conference is open to all students who conduct an independent research study (i.e., including those not in the RFHP). The senior student deemed to have presented the best research by a set of faculty judges receives that year’s Hadley Award.

Benefits & Challenges

Q: What can I expect to learn from participating in this program?

A: Students can expect to learn a considerable amount about the “ins” and “outs” of conducting psychological research. An independent research project is a unique opportunity to see how all of the "pieces" of the research puzzle fit together.

Q: Will participation in this program help me get into graduate school?

A: It will and, more importantly, it will prepare you for graduate-level research. Most graduate programs view independent study experiences very favorably when evaluating applicants, especially those that culminate in a senior honors thesis. The specific research topic you choose is often not as important as the research experience itself because research skills generalize broadly across topic areas.

Q: How valuable is this program if I don’t intend on going to graduate school?

A: Research skills are valuable for almost any job where you will be expected to think critically and write clearly. Data analytic skills are also extremely valuable for many types of jobs. In fact, what often distinguishes psychology majors from those in other majors is their knowledge of statistical and methodological techniques.

Q: What is the most difficult part of this program?

A: Students vary in their strengths and interests so different students may be challenged by different aspects of the program. Some may find research difficult because it requires a great deal of focused commitment to a narrow topic; others may be challenged by the fact that research does not always go smoothly (e.g., due to equipment malfunction, “no-show” participants, less than informative data, etc.) Those who can persist in the face of such challenges are most likely to enjoy and learn from this experience.

Preparing for the Program

Q: How can I know whether this is something I want to do?

A: Your experiences in PSY 20100, PSY 20300, and a PSY 39000 will give you some indication about the various aspects of the research process. However, the statistics and research methods courses are designed to teach you basic techniques, designs, and concepts and do not provide a real opportunity to put these skills to use. Similarly, PSY 39000 experiences give students only a glimpse of part of the research process (often the more routine parts at that). If you want to see how all of these pieces fit together in the context of your own project, this program may be for you.

Ask yourself, too, if you enjoy digging deeply into a topic to learn as much as you can about it. If so, then chances are you’ll enjoy this program. If not, you’re likely to find the program more burdensome than enjoyable. An essential ingredient to success in and enjoyment of the program is an ability to sustain a commitment to it and your project over three semesters.

Q: What should I do now to have this option available to me when I am a junior?

A: Nothing very much different than what is currently suggested for all majors: 1) Follow the course planning suggested by your academic advisor so that you will meet the course prerequisites, 2) Enroll in a PSY 39000 to become involved in research, and 3) Be a conscientious and committed student so that you will have the knowledge preparation and GPAs necessary for admission into the program.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements?

A: Eligible students must have completed the three courses required of all majors and for entry in the majors (PSY 12000, PSY 20100, and PSY 20300) with a grade of C– or better plus two additional PSY courses not including PSY 39000 or PSY 39100. (Although not required, PSY 39000 experience is strongly recommended. In addition, grades of B– or higher in PSY 20100 and PSY 20300 are preferred.) A minimum GPA of 3.5 in PSY and an overall GPA of 3.0 are also required. Program participation also depends on the willingness of a faculty member to supervise your research (see below).

Q: How do I find a faculty member to serve as my advisor/mentor?

A: This is something for which you must lay the groundwork well in advance. Begin by spending some time before your junior year (the sooner the better) learning about the research being conducted in the department. A hint of this can often be obtained in the courses you take with various faculty members. Another source of information can be found on the departmental homepage (psych.purdue.edu). Most faculty include on their homepage a few references to their published research. Also, find out about the PSY 39000 opportunities available each semester and during the summer and take advantage of them. It is also important to be a conscientious and committed research assistant when enrolled in a PSY 39000.

Q: What if I can't find a faculty member doing research on the topic I want to study?

A: While your own interests should play a part in selecting a topic, it is advisable to consider other potentially interesting topics to maximize the chances of finding a faculty sponsor. One way to do this is through the PSY 39000 mechanism (and from students you may know who have done a PSY 39000 with a particular professor). Please realize that not all faculty are available for a PSY 39000 in any given semester because of prior commitments to other students. But make yourself known to them, nonetheless, for a possible PSY 39000 in a future semester. Also, it is wise to find out if a particular faculty member is willing to supervise honors students for this program. Ultimately, the decision to collaborate is a mutual one that is rewarding to both parties.

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