Independent Studies provide an excellent method to work individually with faculty members. This can be one of the best learning experiences in Psychology. The courses vary from intensive directed readings on a particular topic, to laboratory research, which is, in some cases, publishable. All Independent Studies culminate in a substantial paper. The possible general topics are listed with the descriptions of faculty. At the most, only one such course may count toward the major "area" requirement, and only two may count toward the major. At least one hour of contact per week with your mentor is required and most students meet more than one hour.

The way into Independent Studies is rather straightforward. It usually derives from discussions between a student and a faculty member in a small class; an interesting topic comes up between them which appears to be worth further intensive study. Together, they write a proposal, which they submit to the Director of Undergraduate Studies as the topic for study.  All Independent Study proposals must be approved by the DUS before permission to register will be granted. Students should have planned their Independent Study course in advance with their faculty advisor and should have enrolled the class prior to the start of the semester. In exceptional circumstances, however, a student may be permitted to enroll in Independent Study during the Drop/Add period. Independent Study Proposal forms are available in Room 242 or on-line. Independent Studies derive from interactions with a faculty member, rather than from initial application to the Director of Undergraduate Studies. The closer the topic is to an area of common interest between the student and professor, the greater are the chances of a meaningful educational experience.

The Undergraduate Research Support Program offers semester awards (up to $300/semester) for students engaged in research with Duke faculty. Students and their faculty research advisors may apply for assistantships (toward salary for a non-credit research experience) or grants (to defer expenses connected with research as part of independent study enrollment). When presenting a paper at a regional or national professional meeting, students may also apply for a URS grant to cover travel, lodging, and registration expenses. Information and application information is available on the Web at http://www.aas.duke.edu/trinity/urs/.

Research Practicum

If the area of research has not been worked out with your mentor in detail, consider taking our Practicum (PSY 103 B, C, D, or P) which is less structured than Independent Study and serves as an introduction to a professor's work and laboratory. Practica are half credits pass/fail, and require permission of instructor. Proposal forms are available in the Undergraduate Psychology Office, Room 242 or on-line.

Other Research Opportunities

In addition to Independent Study, there are always a variety of opportunities available to undergraduates wanting to gain research experience through working on ongoing research projects. These are posted on the bulletin board labeled, "Opportunities for Psychology Undergraduates", across from Room 242.

A WARNING REGARDING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: Strict Federal laws apply to all research performed with humans and animals and, like any researcher at Duke, you may be required to obtain prior approval from the university committee that oversees research with human subjects or animals. In general, research you may be conducting as part of a class requirement, e.g., surveying students in your dorm about their sleeping habits to obtain information about a term paper, does not require prior approval. However, research that you hope will contribute to generalizable knowledge, e.g., you intend to publish it or present it at a conference, does require review and approval before you can begin. As a general rule, you should consult with your professor or with one of the Directors of Undergraduate Studies before beginning a research project involving human or animal subjects so that they can advise you whether official approval is required. For more information about research policies at Duke, visit the Office for Research Support's web site at http://www.ors.duke.edu.