We are always looking for highly motivated students at UIUC to assist with our research projects. Our lab examines the neural basis of memory and language, mainly using event-related potentials (ERPs).
Main Task: Help conduct experiments
Helping to collect clean, quality data from participants is the most important job our undergraduate assistants perform. You would be trained to set up electrodes (typically with another assistant) and to monitor the ongoing electroencephalogram (EEG) as is it being recorded. Responsibility, good interpersonal skills, and attention to detail are required to perform such task. An EEG experiment typically lasts 2-3 hours, including preparation. The lab also runs behavioral studies, which last about an hour.
Additional Tasks: Help prepare stimuli and process data
Our graduate students may ask you to help them organize materials, using Word and Excel, or process data using our ERP software (on which you would receive training).
Optional Joint Lab Meeting
Graduate students and post-doctoral researchers present their projects on a weekly basis. If it fits your schedule, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about the psycholinguistic and memory research conducted in the Cognition and Brain Lab, the Language and Brain Lab, and the Language Acquisition Lab.
Research Credit: PSYC 290 or PSYC 494
Undergraduate students may receive class credit while they are assisting with research in a lab. Students can sign up for 1 to 3 credit hours of PSYCH 290 each semester. For every 1 class credit hour you take, you are required to complete 3 hours each week in the lab. We conduct experiments throughout the year, i.e., Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. If you can make a commitment of two or more semesters, you will have more opportunity to experience the research process and conduct independent research.
To apply to become a research assistant in our lab, please provide a brief summary of your background, interests, and experience along with a CV. You can email Dr. Kara Federmeier to apply or to inquire about the position.