Research Assistant Position: Approach and Avoidance of Threatening Information

Research Assistant Position: Approach and Avoidance of Threatening Information
Dr. Hayley Dorfman and Prof. Elizabeth Phelps, Phelps Lab, Psychology/FAS
fall 2024
 

The Phelps Lab studies how emotion influences learning, memory, and decision-making processes. Our lab uses a variety of techniques to manipulate and measure these processes, including fMRI, computerized behavioral experiments, pupillometry, electric shock, computational modeling, and stress inductions. The current project is interested in looking at how people decide whether to seek out or avoid information about threatening contexts. For example, some people with anxiety choose to seek out information about negative outcomes in order to feel better, while others make themselves feel better by avoiding thinking about negative outcomes. This study will explore how people differ in this behavior, and what traits might be influencing these differences. The study will use mild/safe electric shock to experimentally manipulate anxiety-like feelings in human participants and then test whether there are certain types of information they choose to avoid or seek out. Responsibilities: RAs will be responsible for data collection, which would involve training on consent processes, eye-tracking/pupillometry techniques, and electrodermal stimulation (electric shock) techniques. Interested RAs will also have the opportunity to learn about hypothesis generation, analysis methods, and computational modeling.Requirements and Expectations of RA position (including hours per week and previous experience required or desired, if any): RAs in the Phelps Lab are required to commit to at least 10 hours/week of in-lab work. Once trained, data collection can take place during any hours of the day that are convenient for the RA (including evenings and weekends). RAs are required to attend a weekly lab meeting (1 hour) and a weekly meeting (1 hour) with their supervisor. Additional Information (including if position is paid or available for course credit, lab location if not on Harvard Square campus, lab website url – for fall semester, please also note whether position is virtual or in-person): This is an in-person position at the Northwest Lab Building located at 52 Oxford Street. This position is available as a paid position or for course credit. Please indicate in your email which type of position you are interested in. You can learn more about the Phelps Lab at https://www.phelpslab.com. To Apply: To apply, please email your resume/CV to hdorfman@g.harvard.edu. (posted 8/24)