One of the outstanding features of Southeastern’s program is that it provides students
with an opportunity to do real research under the guidance of our faculty. This is
a wonderful learning experience for two reasons: first, it permits faculty and students
to get to know one another in a working relationship, and second, it provides students
experience in critical thinking, improving skills in ability to define terms, refine
questions, search for evidence and draw conclusions that can stand the test of scrutiny
and evaluation by others.

Coursework

All Psychology majors take either Psyc 335 – Research Design and Analysis or Psyc
365 – Advanced Research Design and Analysis. Students in teams work on research that
has been designed by the faculty member teaching the course. After this introduction
to conducting research students have the skills necessary for the greater involvement
in the research process required in Psyc 449 – Individual Research in Psychology.
Students with the goal of going on to graduate school in Psychology are strongly encouraged
to take Psyc 449 with a faculty member conducting research in an area that is of interest.

Experience

In addition, all psychology majors are encouraged to join our departmental research
group RIPS (Research Incubator for Psychology Students). The aim of RIPS is to provide
students an opportunity to generate research ideas and to work together under the
supervision of faculty to design and complete research projects. Psychology major
Scout Savoy recently presented a RIPS research project at the annual convention of
the Louisiana Psychology Association and was awarded the best undergraduate research
poster. Students interested in learning more should email Dr. Varnado at [email protected] or Dr. Coats at scoats@selu.

Events

Finally, all major are invited to attend our annual end of year celebration of student
conducted research we call SPRS (Southeastern’s Psychology Research Showcase). This
end of the year event is held in April and is a great opportunity to learn about research
conducted by psychology students throughout the year. Students are also encouraged
to attend the convention of the Louisiana Psychology Association that takes place
June of each year.