Complete Schedule
Developing an Authentic Research Lab Experience in a Capstone Course
Presentation Type
Mini-Presentation
Location
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, Room 218
Event Website
https://researchsymposium.ucf.edu/
Start Date
17-10-2026 10:10 AM
End Date
17-10-2026 10:40 AM
Description/Abstract
Recognizing that many students do not have the opportunity to work in a research lab, we developed a course that provides this opportunity. In our capstone course, psychology students gain hands-on research experience by designing and conducting a study based on a topic decided on by the group. Throughout a 16 week course, students participate in the entire research process including hypothesis generation, IRB application, data collection and analysis, and writing up a full APA style paper. Students are also given the opportunity to present this work at a local conference and/or submit a paper to a peer reviewed journal. Through this assignment, students gain experience in conducting research and develop critical thinking skills. As a bonus, students are able to put this research experience on their resumes which can help them in their post-baccalaureate plans. While this class format may seem challenging, it is not only doable, but fulfilling for faculty as well as for students. We hope to provide guidance to those who wish to develop a similar course.
Developing an Authentic Research Lab Experience in a Capstone Course
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, Room 218
Recognizing that many students do not have the opportunity to work in a research lab, we developed a course that provides this opportunity. In our capstone course, psychology students gain hands-on research experience by designing and conducting a study based on a topic decided on by the group. Throughout a 16 week course, students participate in the entire research process including hypothesis generation, IRB application, data collection and analysis, and writing up a full APA style paper. Students are also given the opportunity to present this work at a local conference and/or submit a paper to a peer reviewed journal. Through this assignment, students gain experience in conducting research and develop critical thinking skills. As a bonus, students are able to put this research experience on their resumes which can help them in their post-baccalaureate plans. While this class format may seem challenging, it is not only doable, but fulfilling for faculty as well as for students. We hope to provide guidance to those who wish to develop a similar course.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/researchsymposium/2026/CompleteSchedule/23