Research Intern Goals and Objectives Examples
Conduct literature reviews on assigned topics.
Assist in preparing research proposals.
Help design and execute research projects.
Collect data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
Perform data entry and coding.
Conduct statistical analysis using SPSS or other software.
Present findings at team meetings.
Prepare manuscripts for publication.
Attend academic conferences and present posters.
Develop a thorough understanding of relevant theories and concepts.
Compile annotated bibliographies.
Update reference databases.
Create visualizations to represent research findings.
Draft summaries of research articles.
Collaborate with researchers from other institutions.
Identify potential grant opportunities.
Prepare grant applications.
Manage project timelines and milestones.
Participate in lab meetings and discussions.
Help recruit participants for studies.
Communicate with study participants via phone or email.
Assist with ethical review board (IRB) submissions.
Analyze qualitative data using NVivo or other software.
Participate in writing grant progress reports.
Conduct quality control checks on collected data.
Help develop research-based interventions or programs.
Collect and organize archival data.
Participate in peer-review of manuscripts.
Analyze survey data using Qualtrics or other software.
Use social media to disseminate research results.
Develop coding manuals for new research studies.
Participate in community outreach initiatives related to research studies.
Identify and resolve discrepancies in collected data.
Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or programs using experimental designs.
Conduct pilot studies to test research design feasibility.
Write up findings in a clear and concise manner for stakeholders outside of academia.
Work collaboratively with other researchers to identify areas for further exploration or refinement of existing theories.
Teach statistical methods to undergraduate students working in the lab.
Attend professional development workshops related to research practices and methodologies.
Learn how to use specialized equipment like fMRI machines or physiological monitoring devices.
Monitor research budgets and expenses.
Help recruit and train new research assistants.
Track progress towards meeting research goals and objectives.
Help design and implement online surveys or experiments using Amazon Mechanical Turk or other platforms.
Use data visualization tools like Tableau or D3.js to create interactive visualizations of research results.
Learn how to code and analyze EEG data.
Create videos or podcasts to communicate research findings to wider audiences.
Explore alternative methods for collecting data, such as mobile apps or wearable technology.
Develop expertise in particular subject areas relevant to the lab's research agenda (e.g., addiction, development, education).
Learn how to conduct meta-analyses of existing research literature.
Develop skills in qualitative interviewing techniques, such as thematic analysis or discourse analysis.
Help prepare conference presentations or workshops related to lab research.
Participate in interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists outside of the lab's primary field(s) of study.
Learn how to use virtual reality technologies to investigate psychological phenomena.
Keep up-to-date with emerging trends and developments in research methodology and technology.
Develop proficiency in programming languages like R, Python, or MATLAB to perform complex statistical analyses or simulations.
Work with larger datasets and learn how to optimize queries for performance on big data platforms like Hadoop or Spark.
Learn how to use advanced analytical techniques like machine learning algorithms or network analysis tools.
Develop expertise in mixed-methods research designs that combine quantitative and qualitative methods.
Take ownership of specific sections of papers, grant proposals, etc., contributing original ideas.
Understand ethical implications of conducting certain types of research.
Develop interpersonal skills for effectively communicating with colleagues, mentors, and supervisors.
Manage competing priorities while maintaining quality work.
Be proactive by identifying potential issues before they become major problems.
Take initiative to develop projects beyond assigned tasks.
Work collaboratively within team settings and across different departments/disciplines.
Adapt quickly to new projects, protocols, or techniques.
Be detail-oriented when entering or analyzing data to ensure accuracy.
Use critical thinking skills when evaluating study design, data interpretation, or statistical methods.
Demonstrate excellent time-management skills, including working efficiently under deadlines.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information when working with human subjects or proprietary data.
Show willingness to receive feedback/criticism graciously and implement suggested changes.
Actively seek out opportunities for self-improvement, including attending trainings, seminars, or workshops related to research skills.
Be flexible when faced with unexpected changes or roadblocks during project execution.
Foster an inclusive culture by valuing diversity and respecting differences in perspectives/ideas.
Effectively communicate scientific concepts to non-scientific audiences such as policymakers or community members.
Develop a strong work ethic by demonstrating dedication and commitment to assigned tasks.
Contribute positively to lab culture by engaging in positive interactions with colleagues and promoting teamwork.
Show a willingness to go above-and-beyond assigned responsibilities by taking on additional tasks as needed.
Demonstrate professionalism at all times by adhering to lab policies/procedures and maintaining ethical standards for scientific conduct.