Lab Policies

 

Access to the Laboratory

  • In order to access the laboratory you will need to punch an access code followed by the * sign. You will then see a green light on the door's access keypad that will unlock the entry door. To obtain an access code you need to talk to the current VIU research assistant coordinator.
  • Undergraduate students' access codes operate from 8 AM – 10 PM. If you need to access the laboratory outside these hours let us know. If you are entering the building after 5 PM also let us know because you will need a key to the building. If you forget your access code contact us.
  • Graduate Students/Postdocs/Visiting scientists' access codes operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

 

Participating as Observers in Studies

  • The studies in our laboratory are generally part of research grants from National Agencies such as the Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, NASA, etc. Your performance in the studies is a key and perhaps most important component of our research. That is why your focus and concentration is crucial in obtaining reliable results. You were probably selected as an observer from a large pool of people because we believe you have the focus, motivation and responsible attitude needed for our studies.
  • If anything comes up that could compromise your performance in the study please let us know. Remember if you are tired some day (e.g. had a midterm the previous day or stayed up till late having fun) it is better not to run than do a bad job!
  • Signing up for a study. Once you have been scheduled for a particular study you will have to sign up to reserve times and days for the workstation with that study. Currently, you will have to talk to the person in charge of your study to do so.
  • Daily hours observing for the studies. Most of the studies involve 2 hours of work time. Please restrain from working more than 2 hours per day (e.g. trying to make up for some hour you did not work another day) unless you have talked to the person in charge of your experiment. You should be taking a break between the first and second hour or whenever you feel you need a break. We expect you to work efficiently but not overwork. The computer keeps track of the hours you have worked and number of sessions completed in that day.
  • Keeping track of what you have done. Please mark the conditions you have completed in the paper as you go along also write a date next to the first condition you run each day.
  • Canceling your slot for the day. If for some reason you need to cancel your slot you should inform the person in charge of your experiment or follow whatever procedure for scheduling you have agreed upon with your supervisor.

 

Psych 199 Students

In addition to participating in the experiments we will give you some papers to read and get a feel of the field related to the study you are participating in. You will also attend two or three lectures on topics related to your research. If you are taking the 199 course for a letter grade, you will have to write a term paper that is usually related to the study you conducted at the end of the quarter. We will meet with you to provide background knowledge and guidance for the term paper (see term paper details below).

 

Term Paper (required if taking the 199 course for a letter grade)

  1. Returning students who choose to take the course for a letter grade must write a 5 page, double-spaced paper that usually is a combination of summarizing the work you did in the lab over the quarter and a research article related to that work. Your supervisor will help you choose an article; often, we assign one from the 199 Reading List, found on the right side of the page linked here. However, students may choose other papers pending their supervisor's approval.
  2. The paper should not be a heavy burden, but should tie in the article with the work the student has done in the lab during the quarter.
  3. The most common paper for first-timers is Signal Detection Theory by Wickens. The lecture series should help make sense of the article so a coherent summary can be written.
  4. The paper is due on the last day of Finals week. One copy should be given to the 199 coordinator, and one should be given to the main Psychology office.

 

Keeping the Lab a Nice Place

  • Food and Drink. No food or drinks are allowed in the experiment area (dark rooms)! Drinks are allowed in the main lab area (but please clean up immediately if you spill coffee).
  • As you might notice our laboratory looks a little different than the typical research lab at UCSB. This is because a number of people put a great effort to make the lab a nice-pleasant and interesting place to work. I therefore urge you to try to maintain the laboratory. (No feet on the walls or marking tables or walls with your pen. Be careful when you move chairs as not to smash walls. Your care is greatly appreciated!)

 

Letters of Recommendation

If you want to obtain a letter of recommendation be aware that we require three quarters participation as a minimum. Also remember that the more you get involved, the more we know you, and the more you surprise us with your wit, the better letters we can write for you.

 

Work Study Students

You are responsible to update your own time sheet on a daily basis. The time sheet is to be turned in to the current VIU research assistant coordinator before the 15th of each month. They will then obtain a signature from Prof. Eckstein. Also, remember to pick up a new time sheet for each month. Time sheets can be obtained from the Psych Office. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask us.