RESEARCH PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This research study is designed to study the effects of a yogic breath based meditation intervention study on cognitive functioning in undergraduate students. For 6-weeks, participants will attend weekly meditation classes primarily focused on yogic breathing, held by the primary investigator, Patricia Voege, M.A. We will assess cognitive functioning as well as relevant biological and physiological markers before and after the intervention and examine whether the intervention had an effect on any of these outcome measures.

RA RESPONSIBILITIES

RAs’ responsibility will include assisting in the set up and administration of the weekly meditation classes. Further responsibilities will include assessing physiological and biological variables before and after the intervention as well as data entry. All RAs are required to attend weekly lab meetings and participate in one training session. In order to receive 196A credit, RAs are required to dedicate 8 hours per week to the project. This breaks down to attending the weekly lab meeting (1 hour), running research participants (app. 3-5 hours), and some light data management tasks (app. 1-2 hours). This break down may vary depending on the current stage of the study.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

1. I am looking for motivated and dedicated students who are interested in learning about health psychology and the feasibility of meditation practices to promote cognitive functioning and general well-being. While prior research experience is a plus, it is not necessary. Students will receive thorough training.

2. You must be able to commit to Winter 2012 and Spring 2012 in order to become an RA for this study. Being able to commit for June and July 2012 is a plus!

3. You may receive research units OR volunteer as an RA.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested, please email Patricia Voege, M.A., at patriciavoege[at]ucla.edu, for an application.

The UCLA Anderson School of Management Behavioral Lab is recruiting a research assistant who has a work-study award for the 2011-2012 academic year. The position is available for both Winter and Spring quarters (5-10 hours per week). They will work with your schedule and can be flexible whenever you need more time to study for classes. As an RA, you will run lab studies, collect and enter data, conduct literature reviews, assist in designing study materials, and facilitate research in other ways.  They are looking for dependable students, who have previous research experience and computer skills. Training will be provided for all software to be used and for each lab study. This is an amazing chance to work in a lab that is involved in diverse research projects conduced by a dozen of Anderson’s Behavioral faculty. If you are interested in applying, please email mariam.hambarchyan[at]anderson.ucla.edu for an application.

$11 an hour.

The UCLA Addictions Lab is looking for volunteer research assistants to help with several projects, related to addiction.

-Research Assistants will gain valuable experience working directly with clinical population.

-It’s a great opportunity for those interested in clinical psychology or medical school.

-RAs will receive course credit (Psych 196).

Applicants must have an interest in psychology, a strong academic record, and be willing to commit 10-12 hours per week for a minimum of 3 quarters.

For more information and to download an application, please visit their website: http://addictions.psych.ucla.edu.

Please email your completed RA application to raylab[at]psych.ucla.edu and write “Research Assistant Position” in the subject line.

October 18th, 2011

1. Announcements: Out of Darkness Walk is this Saturday! Please RSVP on the Facebook event page by Thursday. Please register with the official Out of Darkness Walk website by Friday. Carpool/bus/meeting locations will be announced in a mass email by Thursday.

2. Activity: Get to know fellow Psi Chi members! Pick a candy, answer a question, share schedules to form study groups.

3. Suggestions box: New pink suggestions box implemented. Members can write suggestions, comments, and even ask questions (may be anonymous if preferred). Things mentioned in the suggestion box will be discussed during following meetings.

Psi Chi Point Tracking Cards were not available at this meeting. Please buy or pick up old cards at the next general meeting!

Those who are not receiving Psi Chi emails, please let us know.

October 4^th 2011

1. Officer introductions

2. Introduction to Psi Chi

• -Purpose of the international honors society
• -Mission statement
• -How to be inducted
• -Requirements for different ranks (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
• -Points tracking card
• -Research opportunities

3. UCLA Psi Chi Chapter

• -Meetings are every other Tuesday 5-6PM in Franz A279 (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10).
• -Coming up next meeting: Kaplan guest representative for an application workshop.
• -Coming up this quarter: GRE practice test (Saturday October 15^th @ 10AM), Show & tell (Sharing research labs & research interests), Bake sale (Either during 4^th or 7^th week TBA), Beach bonfire

4. Psi Chi in the Past

• -Lab research fair (Usually in Winter or Spring)
• -Originally hosts of PURC: Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference

5. Fundraising

• -Bake sale every quarter in Franz lobby (Earn points!)
• -Kaplan Auctions for prep classes
• -TV show tapings

6. Community Service

• -Out of Darkness Walk in Santa Monica: October 22^nd (Saturday) hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

7. Social Events (*Extra points given to drivers)

• -Group dinners
• -Horseback riding
• -Hiking
• -Diddy Riese
• -Initiation ceremony
• -Laser Tag

8. Membership

• -Check online for details
• -There are three levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold
• -Must attend two meetings in two quarters (total of 4)
• -Must be a declared Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Psychobiology major
• -Initiation is in the Spring

9. Resources

• -Website: www.uclapsichi.org
• -Facebook group: UCLA Psi Chi
• -Email: Psichi@ucla.edu