We invite you to explore our Making Research Personal series which features 10 video interviews with outstanding researchers in the field of psychology. These leading researchers, from diverse fields and backgrounds, share insights on the world of research. In a time where in-person events are not being held, these videos serve as a bridge between leading psychology researchers and curious learners.
About the Project
Did you know that undergraduate students report negative views of science and research and only about a third feel that they belong in the science field1? This finding alarms us, as we deeply believe in the importance of scientific research. Guest speakers can help combat these limiting views. The energy and personal narratives of researchers in the field help increase student interest in a subject, model transferable skills (such as public speaking), expose students to career selection considerations, and increase awareness of jobs in the field. However, the COVID-19 pandemic limits (and possibly eliminates) guest speakers due to health concerns.
We were inspired to begin the Making Research Personal project as a way of bringing guest speakers into the remote classroom while addressing the need for a more positive view of scientific research in psychology. On this site, you’ll find 10 video interviews with outstanding scientists who represent diverse research areas and backgrounds. They express common themes- such as a passion for the field of psychology, curiosity about the world, and a desire to support and encourage others. There are key differences, as well, such as their early experiences that led to this career; views on the roles of research, policy, and activism; and ways to establish a rewarding personal and professional life. Each video is about 20 minutes long. On each researcher's page, you'll find links to the video interview, suggested class activities, the researcher's website, and recommended course matches. Here are our featured researchers:
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Multicultural Psychology; History & Systems; Research Methods; Neuropsychology; Psychopathology; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Personality Theories; Multicultural Psychology; Research Methods; Social Psychology; Neuropsychology; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
· Dr. Katherine (Katie) Ehrlich
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Multicultural Psychology; Life Span Development; Research Methods; Trauma; Health Psychology; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Research Methods; Family Dynamics; Psychopathology; Life Span Development; Trauma; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Research Methods; Social Psychology; Life Span Development; Positive Psychology; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Counseling Techniques; Research Methods; Family Dynamics; Psychopathology; Trauma; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Personality Theories; Research Methods; Social Psychology; Motivation; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
· Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Levy Paluck
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Multicultural Psychology; Research Methods; Social Psychology; Behavior Modification; Gender; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Multicultural Psychology; Research Methods; Life Span Development; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
Recommended course matches: Introduction to Psychology; Multicultural Psychology; Research Methods; Social Psychology; Educational Psychology; Senior Seminar/ Capstone
We hope you share our enthusiasm and find these materials useful!
Warmly,
The Making Research Personal Project Staff
© 2021 All content on this site is the property of the Making Research Project. To use for educational purposes, please credit appropriately.
1 Berdan Lozano, J., & Tilman, T.S. (2016). Research Brief: 2016 College Senior Survey (CSS). Retrieved from https://www.heri.ucla.edu/briefs/CSS/CSS-2016-Brief.pdf