Question about Research Experience

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I am interested in eventually applying to PhD programs in Clinical Psychology. However, I still need to take a course in Abnormal Psych and obtain more research experience before doing so (I have only worked with one professor for a semester on his research project during undergrad). Right now I am looking into trying to get a psychology research assistant position. My question is: Does that research experience need to be clinical? I ask this because I have found a few research jobs that are about the behavioral coding of children or sleep disorders in older patients. These jobs probably aren't what I want to focus on in my PhD degree because aren't very clinical. At the same time, though, research assistant positions are so hard to come by, and I am not sure if I could find something that is both clinical and the area I want to focus on (I am not even sure what area in Clinical Psych I would like to focus on at this point). So, should I apply to these jobs even though I am not sure of what clinical topic I want to pursue? Or do I need to have research experience that directly reflects the work of the professor who I am applying to work with in whatever program I decide on? Is psychological research experience valued in and of itself, or does it need to be targeted to the specific topic of your future clinical advisor? If the latter is the case, then would it be a better idea for me to apply to a master's in general psychology to hone in on a specific area? If so, is it too late too apply for this fall...it probably is, who am I kidding. I am just wondering what I should do in the meantime? Should I take an abnormal psych course at a local university and volunteer as a research assistant...or would it be a better idea to just apply to any psychology research assistant position I can find?

Thanks.

 

[erg923]

No, it deosn't have to be in your future area of interest. It doesnt neccesarily have to be clinically foucsed either, even if you are an aspiring for clinical programs. of course, it would never hurt if it is in your area of interest, but for now, reseasrch experience is resesrch experience. Just make sure it something more than entering data or acting as a confederate or something. That fine to start out, but you will want (need) more than that if you want to really learn something from your experience. Clincial program want to se that your were really involoved and that your really took soemthing from thew experience, whether that be stats, methodology, lit searching and writing, or working with human subjects.

 

[StacyTXLPC]

I am interested in eventually applying to PhD programs in Clinical Psychology. However, I still need to take a course in Abnormal Psych and obtain more research experience before doing so (I have only worked with one professor for a semester on his research project during undergrad). Right now I am looking into trying to get a psychology research assistant position. My question is: Does that research experience need to be clinical? I ask this because I have found a few research jobs that are about the behavioral coding of children or sleep disorders in older patients. These jobs probably aren't what I want to focus on in my PhD degree because aren't very clinical. At the same time, though, research assistant positions are so hard to come by, and I am not sure if I could find something that is both clinical and the area I want to focus on (I am not even sure what area in Clinical Psych I would like to focus on at this point). So, should I apply to these jobs even though I am not sure of what clinical topic I want to pursue? Or do I need to have research experience that directly reflects the work of the professor who I am applying to work with in whatever program I decide on? Is psychological research experience valued in and of itself, or does it need to be targeted to the specific topic of your future clinical advisor? If the latter is the case, then would it be a better idea for me to apply to a master's in general psychology to hone in on a specific area? If so, is it too late too apply for this fall...it probably is, who am I kidding. I am just wondering what I should do in the meantime? Should I take an abnormal psych course at a local university and volunteer as a research assistant...or would it be a better idea to just apply to any psychology research assistant position I can find?

Thanks.

Paper -

I am 10 years post-masters and thinking of applying to PhD and PsyD programs for fall 2010. As someone living outside academic circles for some time, I had to explore how to get RA experience. I began by looking at local universities' psych departments as well as a local military hospital. I emailed several professors about my needs, explaining very clearly what my goals are, and where I am in my career; not focusing on any particular clinical area, though you could do this if desired. I gave my permission to forward my request to any colleague they thought might be interested and I received many responses. I'll be meeting with them soon to discuss the opportunities.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[cara susanna]

It's not essential, no, but keep in mind that you may be up against people who do have research experience in not only clinical psych, but also the specific area of interest your POI studies.

 

[futureapppsy2]

I agree that if it's a paid psych RAship, take it, with the cavaet that not having research experience in your area *may* hurt you compared to other candidates. One of our grad RAs had 2/3 years (she applied twice) of paid RA experience in area X, but was applying to programs in area Q and said that she felt her lack of relevant experience hurt her compared to a lot of other candidates, who had experience in area Q. On the flip side, she had professors at the programs she applied to who worked in area X email her and ask her if she was *sure* she didn't want to apply to work under them. She did eventually end up getting several offers to programs under area Q PIs, though.

 

[aly cat]

Research is research. While I think it *could* help you to have experience in your particular area, sometimes its just not possible and I don't think it will really, really hurt you.

In my personal statement, I mentioned my one year of biology research experience because I was a biology major before I was a psyc major. I had psyc experience too, but that bio professor I worked under wrote me an awesome LOR that helped me get a fellowship. During my interview, my POI did ask me about the bio research and what I got out of it. As long as you can spin it to your (learning) advantage, I think it will be a good asset/experience for you.

 

[Choconerd]

Hi all, 🙂
I'm also trying to get into a PHD program for psychology, although I'm not sure in what field either. I'm also interested in diet, holistic health and someway that I can intertwine those into a mental health profession.
I'm looking for a research assistant's position in NY, and if you only look for those in the labs of schools it's very competitive.
Does anyone know how I could find research positions/interesting research going on in my area other than in colleges? Volunteer opportunities are of course welcome as well...