loyola university new orleans

psyc a499
independent studies
dr. kim ernst


Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psychology A499?
In brief, PSYC A499 provides opportunities for students interested in developing research skills and experience by actively engaging in research with me.  As such, PSYC A499 can also broaden students' understanding of specific psychological concepts and topics.

I welcome highly motivated students to work with me on both experimental and survey research projects.  Psychology A499 has allowed students to coauthor papers with me for presentation at regional and national conferences.  Students have also traveled with me to present our findings at these meetings.  Funding for student travel has been generously supported by the Student Government Association and the Richard Frank Grants.

What are the course prerequisites?
Ideally, students should have completed Psychology A301 (Introduction to Research) with a final letter grade of B or better.  It is beneficial if students have also completed Psychology A303 (Statistics and Methods).

How much time will I be expected to devote to research?
A weekly time commitment from students is expected.  The number of hours expected is determined by the number of credit hours enrolled.  Typically, a student enrolls for 3 credit hours.  The credit hour to time commitment ratio is 1:3; 3 credit hours translate into a 9-hour commitment pert week.  This course can be repeated, and a two-semester commitment is preferred.

What kinds of activities will I be doing?
Students can expect to be involved in any or several aspects of the research process.  That is, you may be responsible for conducting library research and literature reviews, recruiting research participants, running experiments, data coding and management, and preparing conference presentation materials.

How can I get more information?
Students should contact me about the possibility of enrolling in PSYC A499 the semester before they are interested in taking it.  Students can also complete an application before meeting with me.  My office is 430 Monroe Hall, or you may contact me by phone (504.865.3560) or e-mail kernst@loyno.edu.

Note.  Several sections of PSYC A499 are available; each have different objectives.


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Psychology Department

Loyola University


Last Update: 2003-08-30