Dr. Cutting's Psycholinguistics Laboratory

Currently, I am working on several research projects.

• Lexical Access: Selecting our words
• Figurative Language Use: using idioms and metaphors
• Long Distance Dependencies: subject-verb and subject-pronoun agreement processes
• Negative Priming: a non-language research project, looking at attentional mechanisms

Students who work in my lab typically receive the many of the following valuable experiences: Computer skills: most of my experiments are presented by Machintosh computer. Undergraduate researchers typically receive computer training necessary to run subjects and code data. Reading and understanding journal articles: at (schedule permitting) lab meetings with other students we discuss articles related to the projects that are being conducted in the lab. Training in research ethics: necessary for running subjects Writing skills: Some of the students will be required to write a summary paper of the project at the end of the semester (primarily Pscyh 287 students). Training in experimental research methods: students are responsible for understanding the design of the study, the purpose of the study, and expected results of the study Data coding and analysis techniques: students help code and analyze the data at the completion of a study Research presentation skills: some students who have worked in my lab have chosen to present the research project at the ISU undergraduate research symposium or at national conferences - these experiences are excellent additions to a resume, vita, or graduate school application Interesting knowledge about how we use language: through discussion of a study, students gain an understanding of current knowledge about psycholinguistics.

• SPECIAL PROJECTS: Psychology 290.01:Students will be involved in several aspects of psycholinguistic research in the laboratory. Duties may include participant testing, construction of stimuli, design of experiments, and data entry. In addition to the laboratory duties, the students will participate in discussions of readings which provide background information relevant to the research projects in which he/she is involved.

• INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECTS: Psychology 287:The experience is similar to that described above for 290, but it is a more intensive experience. Students will be involved in the planning, implimentation, and presentation of apsycholinguistic research project in the laboratory. Either a written paper or a presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium is required.

• ADVANCED RESEARCH APPRENTICESHIP : Psychology 390: Similar to the 290 but the students will be expected to be even more involved in the research process. This course presupposes that the students have already participated in the lab (enrolled for 290.01 for 3 credits). In addition to laboratory duties, students will produce a final paper or presentation (e.g., present a poster at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

• HONORS CREDIT: Some students elect to participate in my lab for honors credit in either my statistics (psy 138 or 340) or research methods classes (psych 231 & 331). This may also be appropriate for other classes that I may teach (but also may NOT be an appropriate experience for others).

• VOLUNTEERS: Some students have also just volunteered their time in the lab to gain some research experience.