The honors thesis engages students in every step of the research process. Students select and refine a research question, design an empirical study to address the research question, collect (or select) and analyze data, communicating findings in a formal written thesis, and present an oral defense before a thesis committee.
The Psychology Department considers research to be an integral part of the learning experience for every Psychology major. All majors take part in significant research experiences through required coursework and advanced labs. Then, there are additional opportunities to gain research experience through the EXCEL Scholars program, independent study (PSYC 391/392), and advanced research (PSYC 491/492) classes. One of the most significant educational experiences that students can have at Lafayette is to conduct year-long Honors Thesis research. PSYC 495/496: Thesis provides the student with an opportunity to work closely with a faculty supervisor on a program of research designed by the student that culminates in an empirical research paper (see this link for a summary timeline of the honors thesis process).
The quality of some of these projects is such that they are presented at disciplinary conferences or become published in professional journals.
Expectations
The primary goal for the Honors Thesis is for students to be fully engaged with every step of the research process. While under the mentorship of a faculty member, this extensive research project is first and foremost the student’s experience. From conception (selecting and refining research questions), to design (employing appropriate empirical methodologies to address those questions), to data collection (or selection) and analysis, to communicate findings (writing and revising multiple drafts), and ultimately to the oral defense; the student is primarily responsible for this year-long project. A summary timeline for the project can be found here: LINK
Original empirical research in psychology can take on different forms, given the field of topic the student pursues, and the faculty supervisor’s expertise. Discussions about the different approaches to designing and conducting empirical research should be held with the faculty supervisor. Collecting new data (either in the context of a replication study or addressing a novel research question) or analyzing existing data to address novel questions are both acceptable. Systematic reviews of extant literature or meta-analysis are also acceptable formats. Original topics developed by the student or subcomponents of the faculty supervisor’s ongoing research are also both acceptable.
Note: Faculty availability for Honors Thesis mentorship changes from year to year. In addition to teaching responsibilities, faculty supervise students in Advanced Research, Independent Study and EXCEL Scholars. Faculty members also have scholarly and service obligations outside of teaching responsibilities. In any given year, faculty may be away on research sabbaticals or other leaves. Not every faculty member is necessarily available every year, and it is important to plan ahead.
Preparation
Discussions about pursuing honors should be held with faculty well in advance of the senior year. Students who hope to become candidates for departmental honors in Psychology must register for courses PSYC 495/496: Thesis during the senior year (or, in some cases, during spring of their junior year and fall of their senior year). Like all courses at Lafayette, each semester of Honors Thesis requires at least 180 hours of work. Students should reserve at least 12 hours per week in their schedule to devote to their thesis. Work in these courses will be supervised by a faculty member and will be graded in the usual way. A final grade of A is required for 495 in order to enroll in 496 and a final grade of A is required in that course to earn departmental honors for graduation; The transcripts of students who do so bear the legend Honors in Psychology with Thesis.
Candidates for honors must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and GPA of 3.20 in Psychology. It is recommended that candidates have completed at least one 300-level psychology lab course prior to conducting Thesis research. Students planning to do a Thesis in Psychology will require the permission of a faculty supervisor and the Department Head to enroll in PSYC 495/496.