Get Involved in IXP

One of the most enjoyable aspects of social psychological research is the collaborative process of studying mental processes and behaviors. Following an existential philosophical tradition, we are particularly passionate about learning how the fundamental human condition can affect social behaviors, as well as applying what we learn to better understand the nature of various cultural beliefs and behaviors.

As an IXP researcher, you can directly contribute to some cutting edge research in existential social psychology. You can expect to work closely with a knowledgeable team of researchers who will provide you with training, guidance, and resources to conduct empirical experimental research studies. The research skills you will learn in this lab can be generalized across a broad range of disciplines that employ the psychology research methods and may serve you well in a variety of fields of research. Additionally, working in a productive research lab looks great on your resume and potential graduate school applications, can prepare you for a future research position, and… it can be fun!

Information below will provide you with more details about joining the IXP either on a volunteer basis, as a formal member, or even as an IXP network officer. We look forward to working together with you!

 

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are welcome to join us at any time, and at any level of involvement for any duration of time as their schedule permits. Simply contact any current members or officers for more information about getting involved, and we will be happy to assist you in getting started. Participating as an IXP researcher helps advance psychological science, looks great on your resume, and the IXP can provide certification to officially recognize your valued contributions with the group. More detailed information can also be found in the SPEAR IXP Handbook.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Members are IXP researchers who make noteworthy contributions to IXP research projects and thus qualify for noteworthy recognition. Members are eligible for authorship on journal article research reports, and are eligible to request formal letters of recommendation from the IXP network officers (e.g., Research Director, President).

Membership is free of charge, and any IXP volunteer researcher who meets the recommended qualifications can apply for membership. More detailed information can also be found in the Handbook.

 

OFFICER

Members are also encouraged to become involved as officers in the IXP network. Recommended qualifications for holding an IXP office are: membership, relevant aptitudes, and willingness to perform the functions of the available offices described in the Handbook. Officers are eligible to request formal letters of recommendation from the IXP network, they receive practical experience in a key role of the IXP, they get to work closely and network with other research colleagues in various parts of India and the USA, and – of course – they help fuel the continued effective functioning on the IXP network which benefits everyone involved.

Key offices are: Vice President; Secretary/Clerk; Treasurer; International Liaison; Grants and Awards Officer; Regional Research Supervisors; Membership and Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator.

Interested readers are encouraged to consult the Handbook.

 

GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH IN THE USA

IXP researchers interested in working with Dr. Vail in his Social Research Laboratory, at Cleveland State University (USA), are encouraged to contact Dr. Vail to discuss possible shared research interests and to apply to the American graduate program.

• The Cleveland State University psychology department offers existential psychology graduate training with Dr. Vail in two areas: a PhD in Adult Development and Aging (ADA) and a Masters in the Experimental Research Program (ERP).
• The ADA area is a 4-year PhD program and the ERP area is a 2-year Master's degree program; each involve academic training based on the apprenticeship-model: only a few students are admitted each year, and each student is matched to a faculty advisor whom will serve as the student's mentor, research advisor, and provide general support.
• With acceptance to the program, you would be matched with Dr. Vail as your advisor, and it would be expected that you would work closely together to a) train in both content and methodology, b) actively build your academic record (i.e., research), and c) position you for admission into a strong PhD program or academic career by the time you graduate.

More information about submitting an application to ADA PhD or ERP Master's degree can be found here.