The lab seeks highly motivated students who are early in their academic career or have already demonstrated an interest in the cognitive psychology of reasoning and decision making. Priority for limited positions (about 6 per year) is given to individuals who demonstrate success in Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 220), Psychology of Decision Making (PSYC 322), any quantitatively oriented Research Methods course, and Statistics (e.g., PSYC 200; SPSS statistical software). Strong computer programming (Psyscope, PsychoPy, LiveCode), critical thinking, and interpersonal skills are also needed.

Opportunities to participate in the lab take many forms including enrolling in the lab’s research course (PSYC 382) or an independent tutorial, serving as a lab assistant, or applying for a paid summer position.  For exceptional students, there is also the possibility of writing an honors thesis.  All lab members must commit a minimum of 6-10 hours per week to the lab.  The best way to find out about opportunities is to visit Professor Patalano during her office hours at least a semester before participation might begin.

To request a POI for PSYC382 (which you should do if you are interested in this lab, as the course is the “gateway” to being in the lab), please complete the Course Interest Form and send it to Professor Patalano by the end of the first week of preregistration (the course is typically offered one semester per year; see Wesmaps for details). Please note that to take this class you must also be able to attend lab meetings (during lunch time one day per week; day varies by term).