HomePeopleResearch TeachingIn the News PublicationsLinks

Trial Research Seminar

Wednesday, 4:00 to 6:00 PM in Green 117

All graduate students are required to take a two-quarter Trial Research Seminar. One quarter is taken in the Spring of the first year, and one quarter is taken in the Autumn of the second year. The purpose of this seminar is to help students formulate and complete their trial research projects.  Students report regularly on the progress of their research at the Seminar.  The trial research project must be completed and formally approved by the faculty during the spring quarter of the student' s second year.

The initial presentation should describe the purpose, rational and context for the research. Describe the scientific issue to be considered, explain why the topic is worthy of study, and articulate what can be learned from your research. While there can be technical aspects of the presentation, be sure to include a description that an interested aunt or uncle would understand. Finally, place the work in the context of what is known already.

The second presentation should include a brief review and update of material covered in the first talk. Then describe your specific approach to advancing knowledge in the area. What specific hypotheses will be tested? What kind of data will be collected? What procedures will be used? How will the data be analyzed? Give possible outcomes and explain how they would elucidate the substantive issues.

A brief 500 word written description of your presentation is due at noon on the Tuesday before your talk. Plan a 20-minute presentation so there will be ample time for discussion and questions (time yourself in a practice talk). Another student in the class will be assigned the role of discussant for your presentation.

There will be three presentations at each class meeting. Everyone is expected to attend every class, and to read everyone's paper before coming to class.

Coordinating Faculty:

• Dr. Jean Decety, Kelly Hall, Suite 308-314
• Dr. Steve Shevell, Biopsychological Sciences Bldg, Room 129