I see the term “PI” and “RA” everywhere. What’s a “PI?” What is an “RA?”
That stands for “primary investigator.” This will most likely be the professors who runs the lab. “RA” stands for “research assistant” (that’s you!)
I want to do research but I don’t know how. Should I just wait until I have more skills?
Most of our labs do not expect you to have any special skills. They will train you. In cases where special skills are necessary, they will be listed in the description on our website.
Do I have to have taken stats and/or research methods?
Usually labs do not require either of these classes before joining.
I am only a first year student. Does that matter?
Many of our labs welcome students in any year of study. Read the descriptions and be in contact with the lab to see if they are looking for specific qualifications before you apply.
I am not a psych major, but I am really interested in psych research. May I still do research in a lab?
Probably. Many of our labs have aspects that interest engineers and future health-care workers. Read the descriptions and be in contact with the lab to see if they are looking for specific qualifications before you apply.
I want to do research, and I found a lab that looks interesting. Now what?
I recommend you contact the person listed in the description via email. Give a brief introduction (what year you are and what your major is and why you are interested in being a part of that lab).
When should I contact a lab about joining?
The timing is different for all labs, but sending an email too early or too late can mean a delay in PIs getting back to you. These are very general guidelines for when to send an email:
- August: Ideal for immediate start, right before classes begin
- Late October to early November: Best for planning ahead for the Spring semester
- Early April: Optimal for securing a spot for the following Fall semester
Can I earn credit or will I get paid?
Some labs pay RAs but most often students earn credit for their work. If pay is an option, students may either receive pay or earn research credit for their work in a lab during a given semester, but not both simultaneously.
I want to do work in a medical lab that does research relevant to psychology. How does that work?
Students interested in earning PSYC 485 credit for work done at the Texas Medical Center (TMC) should meet with the TMC undergraduate research liaison, Dr. Bryan Denny, to discuss requirements. (bryan.denny@rice.edu, BRC 761)
Can I do an honor’s thesis?
Absolutely! You can earn credit for doing this, and we highly recommend that you do a thesis if you are interested in graduate school. Read about the process online and contact our thesis supervisor, Dr. Fred Oswald, if you have questions. (foswald@rice.edu, Sewall 429 F)