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How can I get research opportunities from psychology professors as a 10th grader?
I am seeking research opportunities, particularly those related to autism and social interactions in school and with peers, as well as the psychological impact of these interactions.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shourya !
It is wonderful that you have an interest in Psychology and want to get experience doing research while you're in high school. You have an interest in adolescent social and behavioral patterns as well as autism, so let's see what may be available for you to begin your journey.
The first chance you have in high school, and if it's available, take a Psychology class and continue taking as many that are offered at your high school or online. You'll need an introduction to Psychology at first and then taking specific subject classes will help you understand a few things before you begin your research.
They are doing research at the University of Chicago Education Lab that you may be interested in, so visit their campus and inquire if they would have teens participate in the research that happens there. There are some online opportunities for teens to do research also. You can explore The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Polygence, The Horizon Academic Research Program, and Pioneer Academics. In addition to the University of Chicago, explore other Universities and colleges near you because it seems as though many universities have a special research program for students in high school.
You can also start doing independent research on your own for the subjects you're interested in. To gain practical experience, consider doing volunteer work at local mental health clinics, hospitals, or community autism organizations. Remember to apply for university summer research programs, too. As a high school student, once you are done with your research, you can publish your findings/report on some websites. Some of these are The Concord Review, The Journal of Emerging Investigators, The Columbia Junior Science Journal, The Journal of Student Research, The International Journal of High School Research, The Journal of High School Research, and the Journal of Student Research. There are many websites that can guide you on what is needed in order to write your paper and an online search can help you with how to organize research.
Be sure to be very specific about what you'll be researching and that it is something rather unique that many people have not studied yet. Establish why your research is needed. Read as much as you can about Psychology if there are not enough psychology classes offered at your high school. Start reading Psychology Today to become familiar with various topics and information.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward with your research !
It is wonderful that you have an interest in Psychology and want to get experience doing research while you're in high school. You have an interest in adolescent social and behavioral patterns as well as autism, so let's see what may be available for you to begin your journey.
The first chance you have in high school, and if it's available, take a Psychology class and continue taking as many that are offered at your high school or online. You'll need an introduction to Psychology at first and then taking specific subject classes will help you understand a few things before you begin your research.
They are doing research at the University of Chicago Education Lab that you may be interested in, so visit their campus and inquire if they would have teens participate in the research that happens there. There are some online opportunities for teens to do research also. You can explore The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Polygence, The Horizon Academic Research Program, and Pioneer Academics. In addition to the University of Chicago, explore other Universities and colleges near you because it seems as though many universities have a special research program for students in high school.
You can also start doing independent research on your own for the subjects you're interested in. To gain practical experience, consider doing volunteer work at local mental health clinics, hospitals, or community autism organizations. Remember to apply for university summer research programs, too. As a high school student, once you are done with your research, you can publish your findings/report on some websites. Some of these are The Concord Review, The Journal of Emerging Investigators, The Columbia Junior Science Journal, The Journal of Student Research, The International Journal of High School Research, The Journal of High School Research, and the Journal of Student Research. There are many websites that can guide you on what is needed in order to write your paper and an online search can help you with how to organize research.
Be sure to be very specific about what you'll be researching and that it is something rather unique that many people have not studied yet. Establish why your research is needed. Read as much as you can about Psychology if there are not enough psychology classes offered at your high school. Start reading Psychology Today to become familiar with various topics and information.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward with your research !
Updated
James’s Answer
In addition to psychologists, reach out to Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics departments at local children's hospitals. These are the physicians who manage autism and other conditions common in childhood. There also may be not-for-profit organizations that support this population that may allow internships and volunteer opportunities.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Shourya,
For a 10th student, that's an amazing goal. Getting started early will pay off later. Since teachers usually don't include high school students in formal research without some preparation, it's important to show genuine interest and curiosity while maintaining reasonable expectations.
Here are a few things you could try:
- Start with your school resources. Speak with your psychology or science instructors, a school counselor, or the administrator of a gifted program. They may be aware of nearby instructors or labs that allow volunteerism for high school students.
- Look for outreach programs: High school students can volunteer, intern, or participate in summer research programs offered by numerous hospitals and institutions, particularly in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and autism research.
-Reach out politely to professors: Send a polite, brief email introducing yourself, explaining what you find exciting about the work of professors who study autism or social development, and asking whether they are aware of any chances for kids your age, such as online projects or job-shadowing.
- Build your own foundation: Reading books, attending lectures, or enrolling in free online courses on psychology and autism (such as those offered by Coursera or edX) can help you to communicate with researchers in an informed manner.
Even if a lab is unable to hire you immediately, every email and chat creates connection and shows your dedication. Doors will start to open if you continue to learn and reach out; the fact that you're considering this now already makes you stand out.
Best wishes!
For a 10th student, that's an amazing goal. Getting started early will pay off later. Since teachers usually don't include high school students in formal research without some preparation, it's important to show genuine interest and curiosity while maintaining reasonable expectations.
Here are a few things you could try:
- Start with your school resources. Speak with your psychology or science instructors, a school counselor, or the administrator of a gifted program. They may be aware of nearby instructors or labs that allow volunteerism for high school students.
- Look for outreach programs: High school students can volunteer, intern, or participate in summer research programs offered by numerous hospitals and institutions, particularly in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and autism research.
-Reach out politely to professors: Send a polite, brief email introducing yourself, explaining what you find exciting about the work of professors who study autism or social development, and asking whether they are aware of any chances for kids your age, such as online projects or job-shadowing.
- Build your own foundation: Reading books, attending lectures, or enrolling in free online courses on psychology and autism (such as those offered by Coursera or edX) can help you to communicate with researchers in an informed manner.
Even if a lab is unable to hire you immediately, every email and chat creates connection and shows your dedication. Doors will start to open if you continue to learn and reach out; the fact that you're considering this now already makes you stand out.
Best wishes!