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An expected group of more than 100 students from 30-40 colleges across the region will present their research when Lafayette hosts the 21st annual Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges Undergraduate Psychology Conference at Oechsle Hall Saturday, April 22.
The conference will include student paper and poster sessions presenting results of empirical, data-based studies designed to contribute to basic or applied research. Paper presentations will begin 9 a.m., each lasting 15 minutes including questions. The conference will conclude at 5 p.m.
Joshua Aronson, associate professor of applied psychology at New York University, will give the keynote speech, “The Nurture of Intelligence,” explaining his research that revealed how stereotypes about the intellectual ability of certain minorities undermine their academic achievement. He will discuss how related social forces explain part of the achievement gap between minorities and whites as well as how to help students at risk for underperformance.
Robert Allan, one of the Lafayette professors organizing the conference, says students likely will attend from as far south as Delaware and Virginia and as far north as New York State and Connecticut. The event is one of the oldest undergraduate psychology conferences, he says.
“Students get the experience of reporting their research, which is something of course that the scientific community relies on for the spread of scientific findings and work,” says Allan. “By having this experience when they go to graduate school and do high-level research with professors and mentors, and attend professional conferences, these students are better prepared. It also gives them a chance to see what fellow students are doing and exchange ideas.
“A lot of research mentors go to the conference as well. It’s a great opportunity for people from different schools to get together and exchange ideas, having a good time together presenting research.”
“These conferences are fantastic,” adds Allan. “These kids aren’t competing for a prize; they’re doing this for the betterment of mankind generally — to find out how psychology works and how we can help to better human life.”
For more information about the conference, visit the conference web site or contact Allan at (610) 330-5291.