FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions   

• What does being in a lab entail?/What do I do in a lab?
  • It depends on the lab, but some common tasks include:
    • Assisting with data collection
    • Entering or coding data
    • Editing or transcribing videos
    • Reading and summarizing research articles
    • Preparing or presenting articles to the lab
  • Each lab has its own workflow, so be sure to ask the faculty member what your role would look like in their specific lab

• How many hours do students typically volunteer for?
  • It varies based on your goals and the lab’s expectations. For example, students earning course credit may have higher hour requirements than volunteers, such that students are generally expected to spend 3 hours in the lab each week for each course credit.
  • Each lab may also set its own minimums, but as a general guideline:
    1. Undergraduate students should plan to commit at least 3 hours per week
    2. Graduate students should plan to commit at least 5 hours per week
  • If you're looking for more experience or aiming for a bigger role, more hours may be encouraged. Be sure to ask the faculty member about their expectations!

• Do I need previous experience?
  • No, there is no need for previous experience. While taking research methods, statistics, or a course in the research topic area for the lab you’re interested in joining can be very helpful, it isn’t required.

• Can I join more than one lab?
  • It depends on the lab and your goals. Some labs are open to students being in multiple labs, while others may prefer students who can fully commit to their team.
  • No matter how many labs you join, make sure you can contribute meaningfully. It’s better to be deeply involved in one lab than to stretch yourself too thin across several. Grad programs and employers are more impressed by things like conference presentations, publications, or strong letters of recommendation—all of which require time and dedication.

• Can I get paid for working in a lab?
  • These are almost always volunteer positions.

• What should I do if I don’t hear back after emailing a professor?
  • If you don’t get a response within a week, send a polite follow-up email. Faculty are often busy, and a gentle reminder is totally appropriate.
  • If you still don’t hear back after another week, it’s okay to move on and reach out to the next faculty member on your list.

• Can I join the lab if I am a first-year student?
  • Absolutely! The more research experience you have, the more competitive you will be for graduate programs and the more time you’ll have to build that experience.

• Does lab experience help with grad school applications?
  • Absolutely! Research experience is one of the most important things graduate programs look for
  • Being involved in a lab shows that you’re curious, motivated, and able to work as part of a research team. It also gives you the chance to:
    • Build skills in research design, data analysis, and academic writing
    • Contribute to conference presentations or publications
    • Form strong relationships with faculty who can write meaningful letters of recommendation
    • Explore your own research interests and potential thesis or dissertation topics
  • If you're planning to apply to grad school, especially in psychology or related fields, lab experience can significantly strengthen your application