Human Services Student ResearcherAt — CSUF - College of Health and Human Development

This internship is geared toward students seeking experience conducting research in an academic setting. The primary focus of this research lab is to investigate the mental health needs for underrepresented students in college. The research intern will gain experience in quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, including the benefits and limitations of each for research on underrepresented college student populations. The research intern will be involved in multiple aspects of research, from the development of a problem statement and research questions, conducting a literature review, determining appropriate methodology, participating in data analysis and interpretation of findings, and preparation of findings as a manuscript for publication and conference proposals. The research intern will also support the instructor (primary investigator) with facilitating weekly virtual lab meetings and training other research team members as appropriate. A significant element of this experience will involve weekly self-reflection on personal and professional growth as an academic researcher.

The intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by developing a problem statement and research questions related to mental health needs for college student populations with emphasis on underrepresented students.

The intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by assisting the primary investigator in identification and written synthesis (literature review) of appropriate and current journal articles that support the research topic.

The intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by identifying and describing how to address ethical concerns as documented on a reflection assignment.

The intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by justifying through written reflection and training research team on the purpose and relevance of chosen research methodology.

The intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by assisting the primary researcher with analysis and interpretation of findings, and completion of a manuscript and conference proposal drafts.

The intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by documenting self-reflection on a weekly basis and developing a final 2-page reflection paper that highlights growth as a researcher by the end of this process.

Training:

To help the student achieve the learning outcomes, I will provide training on how to begin the research process, including identification of the problem statement, and selection of appropriate methodology. I will provide training and literature on the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, mixed-methods, and how to conduct research on underrepresented students from a social justice standpoint. I will also describe the ethics involved in conducting research with human participants. I will train the student on how to access peer-reviewed journal articles through academic databases, and how to identify those articles that are salient to the current research. Once methodology has been decided upon, I will train the student on the development of appropriate assessment tools, administration of such tools to participants and analysis and synthesis of results. I will train the student on how to prepare the findings for publication in an academic journal, including selection of appropriate journals. I will also help the student draft proposals to present findings at academic conferences. Lastly, I will train the student on the importance and execution of critical self-reflection as a tool to strengthen personal development and research objectivity.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to develop and distinguish between a problem statement and research questions.

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to conduct a literature review and synthesize prior research into a rationale for current study.

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to use research databases to obtain current research articles that relate to mental health needs for underrepresented college students.

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to identify ethical issues in conducting research with human participants.

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data and assist the primary investigator in writing results and discussion related to the findings.