# Frequently Asked Questions ## expand\_more ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I reach out to a lab? expand\_more If the lab has posted on the UGO's [Departmental Research Opportunities](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/departmental-and-affiliated-research-labs#1) sheet, they will provide contact information and tell you what they are looking for from you (resumé, e-mail expressing interest, etc.). If you have explored their lab site and have not found any contact information, you are welcome to reach out to the faculty member or lab manager, usually via e-mail. In your e-mail, you should briefly introduce yourself (name, status as a Harvard undergraduate), and explain what areas of their research interest you. This means you should have done your homework and know what work is being done in the lab. Finally, you can politely ask if there are any openings for a research assistant for the coming semester. Be sure to clarify whether you are seeking course credit, volunteer work, or a paid position. [Here is a fantastic resource for e-mail etiquette](https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2020/02/scientist-s-guide-email-etiquette) you might want to consult before hitting "send"! ### How much time will I spend working in the lab? expand\_more If you’re working in the lab for [course credit](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/lab-courses#link2), you are expected to commit 8-10 hours a week to the lab. If you want to see what it's like to work in the lab without making a semester-long commitment, you might start by volunteering in the lab for a few hours a week or asking permission to sit in on a few discussion groups or lab meetings. Some labs are not able to accommodate this type of request, but will most likely be willing to meet with you and show you the lab. In general, faculty members are looking for people who seem interested and excited by their research and would be dedicated research assistants. Keep this in mind when inquiring! ### Can I change labs? expand\_more You certainly can! Sometimes students stay in the first lab they work in for several semesters or several years. Other students try out several different labs over the course of their time in the concentration. Some labs have commitment expectations - e.g., a two-semester minimum, and you’ll want to be sure you’re aware of this up front. You’re likely to have the most fulfilling research experience when you’re excited about the research ideas and work in the lab, and it may take time to find your true passion. Feel free to check in with your CA or the UGO for advice on changing labs, and keep the conversation open and honest with your supervisors as well! ### Will I come up with my own project idea, or will I be assigned to an ongoing project? expand\_more It depends! This will vary by lab – typically, you’ll be assigned to an ongoing project that a graduate student or postdoc is working on. If you’re pursuing a thesis project, however, you’ll take an independent role in developing the study and making an original intellectual contribution. It’s good to start by working on a project that the lab is already equipped to conduct – that way, you’ll already have ready access to subject pools, equipment, and lab members familiar with your topic and methods. ### Can I get Course Credit for Research? expand\_more There are many ways to receive course credit for research in Psychology! Below are some of the best paths to achieve this... - [Taking a lab course](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/lab-courses) - Most Department faculty have lab courses open to undergraduates! - [Taking PSY 910R](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/lab-courses#link2) - an independent research course designed to study under a [Board of Honors Tutors member](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/departmental-and-affiliated-research-opportunities#3) or Psychology faculty member who does not have a lab course. - Taking PSY 985, Junior Tutorial: Honors Thesis Preparation. - [Writing a thesis](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/book/honors-thesis) and taking PSY 991, Senior Tutorial: Honors Thesis. If you have more questions about research opportunities for credit, feel free to contact the department or your [Concentration Advisor](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/advisors).