PSI CHI will be accepting membership applications until November 24th for the fall semester.
If you are unable to make the fall deadline, next semester PSI CHI will be accepting membership applications until March 23rd. The formal induction ceremony for both fall and winter new members will take place in April. You can obtain an application in Pryale Hall or download and print one here. Completed applications can be placed in PSI CHI's mailbox, also located in Pryale Hall. Please contact an officer if you have any questions.
On November 18, 2008, Kelly Burmeister, a current Oakland University student, will give a presentation on her research project, “Would you know Oprah if you saw her? The effects of familiarity on inverted face perception”. For more information, please click here.
On November 24, 2008, Come help PSI CHI raise money for The Baldwin Center. Baja Fresh, Rochester Hills is donating 15% of your bill to this worthy cause. For more information and to print the flyer, please click here.
Our second fall research colloquia went off beautifully on October 23rd, 2008. The room was packed with students ready to hear Dr. Sifonis give her talk on creativity and problem solving "How similarity comparisons affect creativity during analogical problem solving: Intriguing findings arising from assessing a research manipulation check" .
The research study, which many students on campus have participated in over several years, was explained in detail. The research showed that when people use allignable differences they are more creative in analogical problem solving than when asked to use nonallignable differences. In a cleaver example, Dr Sifonis summed it up nicely comparing apples to oragnes is much easier than comparing apples and cars.
Looking for writers! Do you want to get involved with PSI CHI or get to know other Psychology majors or the Psychology professors? We are currently looking for writers to submit articles for PsychMatters and the PSI CHI website. No experience is necessary! This is a great way to get your name out there, as well as a great experience to list on your curriculum vita! If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Kelley,
The Careers in Psychology workshop was held on Saturday, October 18 this year from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Thirty-five students came to hear Dr. Mary Lewis and Dr. Cynthia Sifonis give a presentation on the many career selections available and most importantly, strategies on how to acquire those careers. Cheyne LeVesseur, a psychology major who graduated from Oakland in May 2008, also stopped by and talked about the steps he has taken to become a Community Outreach Coordinator at Common Ground Sanctuary. Carol Anne Ketelsen from Oakland’s Career Services Center stopped by as well and gave valuable information on how to find internships in our community and the benefits of doing volunteer and unpaid internships.
On Thursday, October 9th, 2008, Psi Chi hosted the workshop “How to Become a Research Assistant and Do an Independent Project”. Oakland University Psychology majors and staff gathered to listen to Dr. Andrea Kozak’s presentation on the various upper-level courses that can assist a student in their future careers and/or potential graduate studies.
Dr. Kozak demonstrated the skills gained from independent project opportunities, including insight into how to conduct a literature search, data collection, data analysis, and creating a tangible product, as well as learning how to work well in a team and having the opportunity for recommendation letters. Dr. Sifonis and Dr. Taku, as well as current researchers, were able to contribute with pointers on what it takes to get involved in research with the faculty, and how it can better prepare one for the future. These experiences make a student a competitive candidate in both the workforce and as a graduate applicant.
Psi Chi and the Psychology Department’s third annual Starting off Right program proved to be another success this year. On Monday, September 29 and Tuesday, September 30 from noon to 1:00, psychology majors and people interested in the field came to Pryale Hall, home of the psychology department, to meet fellow students and the professors. Students enjoyed Jets pizza while getting information on not only the formal psychology curriculum but the invisible curriculum as well. Several students also inquired about getting involved in Psi Chi and becoming research assistants.
The events sponsored by Psi Chi and the Psychology Department are the first step in not simply being a psychology major at Oakland University but becoming a truly active member in the field. Starting off Right is about much more than asking a few questions or coming for free pizza. This event helps build a community of people with common interests from all different backgrounds. It gives people a chance to network and get recognized by their professors. I strongly encourage everybody to attend the rest of the events during this coming school year. Get up and step out from the rest of the crowd.
The events sponsored by Psi Chi and the Psychology Department are the first step in not simply being a psychology major at Oakland University but becoming a truly active member in the field. Starting off Right is about much more than asking a few questions or coming for free pizza. This event helps build a community of people with common interests from all different backgrounds. It gives people a chance to network and get recognized by their professors. I strongly encourage everybody to attend the rest of the events during this coming school year. Get up and step out from the rest of the crowd.