Psychology students showcase and share their research during annual Poster Day

3:46 p.m., May 24, 2012--Students who worked on research projects in the University of Delaware's Department of Psychology this year shared their experiences and findings at the department's annual Poster Day on May 16.

Thirty posters were on display to showcase the research projects, with each poster representing the work of from one to six students, who were available to present their findings and answer questions from visitors.

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The students, all undergraduates, participated in research in a variety of roles, said Beth Morling, associate professor of psychology. Some were University Honors Program students enrolled in a research methods course, some had conducted and written about their research in order to earn degrees with distinction, and others assisted with projects as part of an independent study class.

"In the Department of Psychology, students can get involved in research at many different levels, from entering data to doing much more in-depth work," Morling said. "We really rely on our students to help with our research, and the students find it to be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience."

Poster Day, she said, not only gives the participants the additional experience of presenting their research in a formal way, but it also encourages other students who view the presentations to consider assisting with research themselves. The posters also help show the student researchers how their work fit into the bigger picture, she said.

"Students often tell me that they only saw the trees—their individual part of a research project—but that working with others on a poster presentation let them see the forest," Morling said. "They find that very valuable."

Photos courtesy of Samuel Gaertner