10 Psychology Research Opportunities for High School Students
As a vastly interesting discipline, psychology also presents many compelling research opportunities. A common problem students face is sifting through the long lists of research opportunities only to be unable to find those that apply specifically to their interest in psychology. In this discipline specific list, we present 10 research opportunities in the field of psychology for high school students. While some of these programs charge tuition, others are free.
Here are 10 research opportunities in the field of psychology for high school students:
This 3-week long program is for rising juniors and seniors. Students will learn how to design and execute research projects and attend seminars in psychology coursework. The program involves working in teams to design and carry out your own experiments under the supervision of BU instructors. Teams collect and analyze data in the field, and at the end of the program, present their findings to peers and faculty members.
Cost: $6,775 (residential); $5,368 (commuter)
This virtual program takes place over 5 days, rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible. This year, the dates are July 11-15th, 2022. The program is designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and involves approximately 17.5 hours of live sessions via Zoom. Students will spend most of the week in small groups, complemented with a few larger whole camp sessions. Each session will involve lectures, discussions, activities, and demonstrations. Instructors will answer questions about college, careers, and research.
Cost: $350
In EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience, students explore the tools used by psychologists for diagnosis, and learn from leading experts on the role of psychology in the interrogation of criminal suspects. They also complete an original research project and receive feedback from psychologists and industry experts in fields such as clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, criminal, and organizational psychology. At the end-of-session Brain Summit Symposium, students present their findings to professional clinicians, who provide feedback. The program is open to students in grades 10th to 12th.
Cost: $3,250
The 8 week pre-college course is taught by SU faculty and instructors, and classes are structured like real college classes. The program is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The course is an introduction to social psychology and its experimental approach. Students will attend classes and explore research on topics such as social influence, conformity, social perception, attitude changes, small groups, and collective behavior.
Cost: $695
The Summer Science Institute offers opportunities to participate in research investigations in psychology. The institute is open to students entering grades 10-12. In addition to their field, students will learn about collecting data, testing hypotheses, using statistical software, writing code, etc.
Cost: $20 Registration Fees
The goal of HiSTEP is to expand the pipeline of students interested in biomedical and healthcare careers by expanding opportunities for high school students. The program is open to current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. HiSTEP students will explore the breadth of the scientific enterprise, the importance of biomedical research, and many STEM-M careers. Students will receive a stipend of $2150 for the 5 week program.
Cost: None
The Recruitment & Training Program for Under-represented Populations is an intramural program that provides training opportunities for students who are interested in the scientific basis of drug abuse. The program prioritizes students from under-represented communities, who attend classes and learn research practice as part of the Intramural Research Program (IRP).
Cost: None
In this program, students will be introduced to the field of psychology, including basic psychological principles, overarching theories, and simple research design. Students will engage in a week-long project where they have the opportunity to collect data, conduct statistical analyses using Jamovi software, and present their findings to classmates. They will also have the chance to meet and learn from current Illinois Tech graduate students and faculty with unique specialties. The program is open to rising 10th to 12th graders.
Cost: $795
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is an intensive summer program offered by Stanford University. Students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school are eligible. Participants will attend a two-week session which provides introductory exposure to fascinating topics in neuroscience, psychiatry and psychology plus an opportunity to complete a collaborative research project.
Cost: $2590
The University of Chicago offers immersive preview courses in the discipline of and research in the field of Psychology. The course is 10 weeks long, and open to students who are currently in their freshman, sophomore, and junior year of high school. Students must be 14 years old at the time of application. The program offers courses in developmental psychology and the psychology of learning.
Cost: $7,775
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in a selective, structured research program, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers. The program pairs you with a full-time researcher to develop your own independent research project, in any discipline of your choice. Last year over 1500 students applied to 500 slots in the research program! You can find the application form here.