SoP: Should I mention possible research ideas?

[PosPsy]

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Hi! A friend of mine recommended this web site to me, and I found it very helpful.

I am applying to graduate school now, and am starting the statement of purpose.
I have a concrete research idea in my mind that I haven't shared with others yet. I am not sure whether or not to include this in my SoP. On one hand, I am afraid my idea will be viewed as naive or immature, so I don't want to include it. On the other hand, this idea stems from my honors thesis and is related to the area that i am applying to.

Also, my honors thesis is on cognitive psych, and i am applying to social psych. Somehow, i am worried that describing this research idea would make my interests seem unfit with the interests of the prof that i am applying to.

Should I include this idea in SoP? or, How in depth should I discuss it?

Should I just point out the gap in the literature?
Should I briefly and concisely describe what my research plan and methodology is?
Should I discuss in depth with its theoretical implications?

I kind of have a whole research agenda that I developed based on this research idea. Should I go so far as to describe my whole plan as my possible dissertation topic?

 

[cara susanna]

I wouldn't discuss the methodology, just areas you'd like to explore or in which you're interested. That's what I did. Like, "I am interested in studying depression. Specifically, I would like to explore the role of cognitive factors in rumination, and how that contributes to maintaining negative mood."

I totally just made that up, but something like that.

 

[psyed4clinPhD]

Hi!
I am applying this year too and I am currently working on SoP. Here is my advice:

"I am afraid my idea will be viewed as naive or immature, so I don't want to include it. On the other hand, this idea stems from my honors thesis and is related to the area that i am applying to. " Ask a professor and/or recommender to look your idea over.

"Also, my honors thesis is on cognitive psych, and i am applying to social psych. Somehow, i am worried that describing this research idea would make my interests seem unfit with the interests of the prof that i am applying to." Is there any way to find a connection between the two? If not, it is OK to have more than one interest; just explain why you changed, what prompted your interest in this subject, etc.

"Should I include this idea in SoP? or, How in depth should I discuss it?" If you can relate it, maybe mention it, but don't go into depth.

"Should I just point out the gap in the literature?" Yes
"Should I briefly and concisely describe what my research plan and methodology is?
Should I discuss in depth with its theoretical implications?" NO to both

I kind of have a whole research agenda that I developed based on this research idea. Should I go so far as to describe my whole plan as my possible dissertation topic?[/QUOTE]

Hope this helps some, but as I mentioned I am also applying, so am not in anywhere yet, for what it is worth 🙂

 

[OlliePsych]

Hey, so thought I would give you my perspective. See the comments in pink

Hi! A friend of mine recommended this web site to me, and I found it very helpful.

I am applying to graduate school now, and am starting the statement of purpose.
I have a concrete research idea in my mind that I haven't shared with others yet. I am not sure whether or not to include this in my SoP. On one hand, I am afraid my idea will be viewed as naive or immature, so I don't want to include it. On the other hand, this idea stems from my honors thesis and is related to the area that i am applying to. Share the idea with a professor and peers, see what they think of the idea. Get feedback on how to frame it

Also, my honors thesis is on cognitive psych, and i am applying to social psych. Somehow, i am worried that describing this research idea would make my interests seem unfit with the interests of the prof that i am applying to. I think it's important to make clear what you want to convey - In this case, perhaps it's not so much about an in-depth discussion of your thesis but conveying that you know how to conduct a research study, how to write up a thesis, etc... Showing your skills is one of the important things.

Should I include this idea in SoP? or, How in depth should I discuss it? It would be worth mentioning, but I wouldnt go into great detail about it.

Should I just point out the gap in the literature?
Should I briefly and concisely describe what my research plan and methodology is?
Should I discuss in depth with its theoretical implications?

I kind of have a whole research agenda that I developed based on this research idea. Should I go so far as to describe my whole plan as my possible dissertation topic?

The professor will not expect you to know your dissertation topic at this point - It's important that you describe your interests and how they match with that person. Also, describe your skill set and what you can bring to the table