Research

One of the hallmarks of the psychology program is the collaborative research that happens between faculty and students.

Students gain initial research experience in each of the research methods classes that are required for the major. Many students choose to expand that knowledge through the numerous opportunities to get involved in research both during the academic year and over the summer.

Senior Thesis

Psychology students have the opportunity to participate in more in-depth research by conducting a senior thesis. Visit our Senior Thesis page for more information.

Summer Research Opportunities

Many Psychology faculty have grants that fund undergraduate research experiences within their labs. Additionally, Davidson College provides a number of opportunities for students to apply for research funding on self-designed projects. Psychology students have historically been successful at securing internal summer research funding for their projects. For information on available funding sources, visit the College's Undergraduate Research information page. The Psychology department also has a specific summer research fellowship (see details below). All students who are interested in doing research are encouraged to contact Psychology faculty to discuss their interests.

Psychology Department Summer Research Fellowship

Thanks to an anonymous benefactor, the Psychology Department offers a Summer Research Fellowship for conducting research in residence at Davidson College for ten weeks during the summer (sometime between Commencement and First Year Orientation). Interested applicants will develop a research project and form an agreement for supervision and support with a Psychology Department faculty mentor. The applicant and faculty mentor will negotiate the summer research plan together. The student will receive a stipend in the amount of $4,000.

The Summer Research Fellowship announcement is generally sent to eligible psychology students toward the beginning of the spring semester. Interested prospective applicants should begin dialogue with a prospective Psychology Faculty mentor immediately upon receiving the announcement. While proposals are judged on merits of research ideas, quality of expression, and feasibility of the proposed work, the proposal is not intended to be highly labor intensive. For more information, contact Prof. Mark Smith at masmith@davidson.edu.