Developmental Psychopathology Lab
Project Details
The Developmental Psychopathology Lab conducts research to understand how children develop behavior problems as well as positive adjustment. We have been particularly interested in externalizing behavior problems, such as aggressive, disruptive, and noncompliant behavior. We focus on the development of self-regulation skills and the consequences of children’s self-regulation skills (or deficits) for their school readiness. The goal of our lab is to improve understanding about how children develop behavior problems from a very early age (3–7 years). We focus on the early
development of behavior problems to improve the early identification of at-risk children before later, more severe, and more stable behavior problems develop, which may lead to improved intervention and prevention approaches.
To study the development of self-regulation and behavior problems, we follow children and families longitudinally over time and we examine multiple levels of analysis, including how biological, psychological, and social-contextual processes relate to the development of behavior problems. For instance, we examine brain development (as measured by EEG/ERP), sleep, stress, parenting, temperament, and language skills in relation to the development of behavior problems. For even more information, please visit our website: https://psychology.uiowa.edu/developmental-psychopathology-lab
Position Details
Research assistants will gain experience with many lab procedures (e.g., collecting data during child lab visits, data management, and video coding of parent–child interactions). There are also opportunities to complete honors theses for students who are interested and who have been in the lab for a while. Positions in our laboratory may be particularly interesting and greatly beneficial for students who plan to enter graduate programs in clinical psychology or developmental psychology. A two-semester commitment for three credit hours (9 hours/week of working in lab, plus 1 hour weekly
lab meeting) each semester is preferred. Experience with young children is highly desirable. Completion of introductory courses in research methods and
statistics is desirable but not required.
Qualifications
Experience with young children is highly desirable. Completion of introductory courses in research methods and statistics is desirable but not required.
Time Commitment
A two-semester commitment for three credit hours (9 hours/week of working in lab, plus 1 hour weekly lab meeting) each semester is preferred.
Start Date
Fall semester
Spring semester
Summer semester
Project Duration
Ongoing or potential to be a continuous position
Compensation
Volunteer (Optional 0-credit hour course for transcript recognition)
Academic Credit (1-4 semester hours)
How to Apply
Submit the following application. If you have questions, please contact the Developmental Psychopathology Lab at: devpsy-lab@uiowa.edu.