SPARQlab

SPARQlab teaches new generations of students about how psychology can help change the real world. SPARQlab RAs gain valuable research experience and mentoring, and go on to graduate school as well as diverse career paths sparking change.

Research Assistant Activities

Research assistants provide very needed and valued assistance to the research process. As a research assistant, you will gain experience:

1. Conducting literature reviews for a new or ongoing study.
2. Designing and manipulating experimental stimuli for use in studies.
3. Constructing and modifying surveys and studies with specialized computer programs (e.g., Qualtrics).
4. Running lab studies and debriefing participants.
5. Collecting, coding, or entering data, and much more.

Research assistants also participate in weekly lab meetings to discuss psychological research, current events, research methods, and career development.

Research Assistant Requirements

Research assistants are required to work for a minimum of two consecutive quarters, and many RAs stay on throughout their time at Stanford (and may even pursue an Honors Thesis). RAs work 6 or 9 hours a week, which corresponds to 2 or 3 units of research credit. Stanford students who are eligible for federal work-study are also eligible to participate in the lab for payment. SPARQ is unable to compensate research assistants over the summer, however, we encourage interested students to apply via a summer research program such as PsychSummer (Stanford only), Leadership Alliance, or SPSP's Summer Program for Undergraduate Research.

Current Project Themes

• Media and Criminal Justice (multiple projects)
• Cultural Psychology
• Economic Mobility

How do I join SPARQ?

Applications for fall quarter undergraduate research assistant positions are now closed. Please check back in the winter quarter for new openings. 

Thank you for your interest!