Applied vs Bench Research

[konst]

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I'm currently a sophomore pursuing a B.S in Biology. As of recent, I've expressed an interest in switching to a B.A in psychology and adding a minor in bioethics. I was originally planning on speaking with one of my biology professors about getting involved in their lab and performing research with test tubes, cell cultures, pipettes etc. However, I wanted to stay in line with my planned major change, and I instead contacted my general psychology professor about any research opportunities within her lab. My psychology professor is involved in applied research primarily focused on direct service and social justice priority issues of underserved communities of color addressing inequity, disproportionality, and disparity issues. Quite frankly, I'm more interested in this participatory form of research. However, I expressed this interest to a family friend who is a college counselor, and she stated that bench ("wet lab") research is necessary and better for medical school. I have no problem getting involved with research on both ends, but I just wanted to get some second opinions on how heavily medical schools favor bench research over applied research.

 

[ihoop24]

Doesn't matter. Medical schools just want to see that you understand the scientific method and understand research in general. Pick the research you like.

 

[Lucca]

It doesn’t matter

 

[Goro]

I'm currently a sophomore pursuing a B.S in Biology. As of recent, I've expressed an interest in switching to a B.A in psychology and adding a minor in bioethics. I was originally planning on speaking with one of my biology professors about getting involved in their lab and performing research with test tubes, cell cultures, pipettes etc. However, I wanted to stay in line with my planned major change, and I instead contacted my general psychology professor about any research opportunities within her lab. My psychology professor is involved in applied research primarily focused on direct service and social justice priority issues of underserved communities of color addressing inequity, disproportionality, and disparity issues. Quite frankly, I'm more interested in this participatory form of research. However, I expressed this interest to a family friend who is a college counselor, and she stated that bench ("wet lab") research is necessary and better for medical school. I have no problem getting involved with research on both ends, but I just wanted to get some second opinions on how heavily medical schools favor bench research over applied research.

We don't care if you study cancer, or clams in the South Pacific. Just show us that you understand the scientific process.