Psychological Science Research Experiences

At KSU, students in psychology courses have ample opportunity to learn about, participate in, and even collaborate on research topics such as stress and cognitive function, mental health disparities, interpersonal violence, resilience after trauma, workplace motivation, brain dynamics, captive animal welfare, infant emotional development, and more!  
 
Explore the many benefits of undergraduate research below.

 

  • Deepens understanding of the psychology field 
  • Strengthens critical thinking and analytical skills 
  • Enhances academic performance through intellectual engagement
  • Develops foundational research methods and data analysis skills
  • Encourages innovation, curiosity, and hypothesis-driven thinking
  • Promotes collaboration with faculty and peers in scholarly communities
  • Boosts career readiness through hands-on research experience 
  • Strengthens graduate school and fellowship applications 
  • Expands professional network through mentorship and academic events
  • Offers opportunities to present at conferences or publish research 
  • Builds confidence through tangible accomplishments 
  • Demonstrates initiative, discipline, and academic dedication

Research Opportunities

Psychology Research Experience (PREX) for PSYC 1101 Students

We believe that truly understanding psychology comes from doing – not just reading. PREX, or Psychology Research Experience, gives students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and explore the empirical basis of psychological science early in their college careers.  
 
Students enrolled in Introduction to General Psychology (PSYC 1101) earn a portion of their final course grade through participating in PREX activities. Review the sections below to learn how to get started.

  • Psychological research informs many important aspects of life – from healthcare and education, to workplace policies and social programs. Through PREX, students help researchers collect meaningful data that shapes these real-world issues. 
     
    PREX is all about: 
    • Learning how research is conducted 
    • Understanding its impact in everyday life 
    • Getting students involved early in their psychology journey 
  • SONA is the platform used by the Department of Psychological Science for research participation. It’s where students fulfill their PREX requirements by: 
    • Participating in studies 
    • Completing alternative research-related activities

    PSYC 1101 instructors will outline these expectations in PSYC 1101 course syllabi. 

  • SONA access begins the week after the add/drop period ends. 
    To log in: 
    • Go to kennesaw.sona-systems.com
    • Sign in using KSU student credentials  
    • Complete DUO authentication to access the SONA dashboard 
  • Option Who Can Participate  What Is Involved  When to Participate 
    Research Participation  Students age 18+ and not dual enrolled  Involvement in active studies led by faculty or student researchers  Availability of specific research studies varies across the semester 
    Alternative Activities  Open to all students  Research-related activities that may include readings, videos, demonstrations, questions (not used for research data)  Available for the full duration of the PREX period
  • Once signed into SONA, select “View Available Studies.” Each listing includes: 
    • A description 
    • PREX credit value 
    • Format (in-person or online) 
    • Filters to view activities with open time slots

    Tip: Alternative options begin with the title “Alternative Credit:”

  • Credits for PREX activities vary by activity format and length: 
    • PREX activities are worth different amounts of credit. Credit is based on the time it takes to complete the PREX activity, as well as whether the activity is in-person or online. PREX activities that take more time are worth more credit, and in-person studies are worth more credit than online studies. 
      • For in-person studies, students earn 1.5 credits for each 1 hour of participation.  
      • For online studies, students earn 1 credit for each 1 hour of participation.  
    • Information about a study's modality (in-person or online) and PREX credits along with each study description is provided in SONA. 
  • PREX typically makes up 5–10% of the final grade in PSYC 1101. Course syllabi outline: 
    • The number of required credits 
    • The percentage applied toward the grade 
  • To successfully complete PREX requirements: 
    • Begin activities around Week 4 
    • Complete at least half of the required credits by the semester midpoint 
    • Check SONA periodically to if new studies of interest have been added 
    • Wrap up by the last day of classes

    Tip: As the semester progresses, availability of studies may decrease – early planning is recommended.

  • A small percentage of students have reported timing issues while completing Alternative Activities. To resolve: 
    1. Review the PREX Troubleshooting Guide 
    2. Follow the recommend steps 
    3. If the issue continues, email psychologyresearch@kennesaw.edu for support 

  • Psychology Research Experience (PREX) Instructions - Word

    Psychology Research Experience (PREX) Instructions - PDF

Psychology Directed Study & Volunteer Research Experiences

Explore ways to get involved in research as a Psychology major! Whether students are looking to earn course credit, volunteer, or complete an Honors Capstone, there are multiple paths to gain valuable research experience!

  • Earn 1-3 credit hours by assisting a faculty member or completing a supervised independent research project. 
    • Requirements: 
      • Completion of PSYC 2500 (Research Methods) 
      • Minimum 3.0 GPA 
      • Approval from instructor and departmental chair via an application 
      • Some faculty may have additional requirements (e.g., a specific course grade) 
    • How it works: Students should... 
      • Meet with a PSYC Advisor in the Radow College Advising Center to discuss how this research experience fits into their degree progression 
      • Find a Psychology faculty member who will supervise their research experience 
      • Consult with the faculty member to define expectations, learning objectives, and coursework prior to applying
      • Apply the semester before the experience begins 
      • Complete departmental training once they are approved for the course 
    Visit Student Requests & Application for deadlines and application instructions (Link to Advising page) 
  • Assist faculty members as a Volunteer Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) without earning course credit. 
    • Requirements: 
      • Approval from instructor and departmental chair via an application 
      • Some faculty may have additional requirements (e.g., a specific course grade) 
    • How it works: Students should... 
      • Find a Psychology faculty member who will supervise their research experience 
      • Consult with the faculty member to define expectations, learning objectives, and coursework prior to applying
      • Apply the semester before the experience begins 
      • Complete departmental training once they are approved for the course 
    Visit Student Requests & Application for deadlines and application instructions (Link to Advising page) 

Honors Capstone Senior Proposal (HON 4497) & Project (HON 4499)

Earn credit and met criteria for completing Honors coursework by completing a supervised research project.

    • HON 4497: Honors Senior Capstone Proposal 
    • HON 4499: Honors Senior Capstone Project 
    • Admission into the Honors Research Scholar Program or Honors in the Psychology Major (Pathway I) 
    • Meet the Psychology Capstone Experience prerequisites if seeking to substitute HON 4499 as their Capstone Experience
    • Visit the KSU Journey Honors College to learn more about Honors programs 
    • Meet with an Honors Advisor and/or Academic Advisor in the Radow College Advising Center to discuss how this research experience fits in their degree progress and the application process 
    • Find a Psychology faculty member who will supervise their research experience 
    • Consult with the faculty member to define expectations, learning objectives, and coursework prior to registering for HON 4497 or HON 4499 
    • Visit Student Requests & Application for deadlines and application instructions to learn the steps for initiating the course substitution process for HON 4499 as a Psychology Capstone experience 
    • Register for HON 4497 and/or HON 4499 

Capstone Integrative Project (PSYC 4500)

Earn 3 credit hours in a project-based research course designed to apply research methods and statistical knowledge in a hands-on, collaborative setting.

    • Work with an assigned course instructor and other students on a research project 
    • Topics vary by semester based on the instructor’s area of expertise 
    • Emphasis on real-world application of psychological research skills 
    • Completion of PSYC 4100: Advanced Laboratory 
    • Completion of one course from each of the psychology curriculum areas (one grouping may be taken concurrently with PSYC 4500 
    • Minimum institutional GPA of 3.0 
    • Approval from instructor and departmental chair via an application 
    • Regularly in Spring 
    • Occasionally in Fall 
    • Meet with a PSYC Advisor in the Radow College Advising Center to discuss how this research experience fits into their degree progression 
    • Apply the semester before the experience begins 
    Visit Student Requests & Application for deadlines and application instructions (Link to Advising page) 
     
  • There are several ways to connect with faculty for research opportunities: 
    • Monthly PSYC Email: Watch for Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) openings 
    • Current Courses: Ask instructors if they’re recruiting 
    • Word of Mouth: Talk to peers, attend Psi Chi or Psychology Club events 
    • Faculty Webpages: Review bios and publications, then reach out 
    • Current Research Projects Page: Some faculty post openings here
     TIP: Before contacting a faculty member, students attempt to... 
    • Read faculty bios and recent publications 
    • Know what courses the faculty member teaches 
    • Talk to students who’ve worked with the faculty member 
    • Be ready to explain why they interested in the faculty member's work 
    • Be ready to talk about how this research experience aligns with their professional goals and what they hope to gain 

Office of Undergraduate Research

KSU’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) offers a variety of programs and resources to help students get involved in meaningful research experiences across disciplines.

  • A welcoming community for students interested in research! 
    • Open to all KSU students 
    • Offers professional development, peer networking, and faculty mentorship 
    • Hosts regular meetings on research topics and skill-building 
  • An early research experience designed for first-year students. 
    • Pairs participants with faculty mentors 
    • Provides guidance on research methods and academic inquiry 
    • Encourages exploration of academic interests and development of research skills 
  • A long-term, team-based research model involving students, faculty, and staff. 
    • Focuses on real-world, interdisciplinary projects 
    • Encourages multi-semester participation 
    • Builds leadership and technical experience 

Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research website for more information about these programs, upcoming events, and how to get involved.

Beyond KSU – Research Opportunities