The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament (CAT) Lab, led by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, is seeking undergraduate research assistants (URAs) to assist with data collection for the Parent-to-Child Anxiety Transmission (PCAT) Study for the Summer Regular Session. The PCAT Study examines how parent-child interactions affect children's socioemotional development. The study examines patterns of brain and behavioral synchrony in parent-child pairs as they complete puzzles together and other social activities over the span of 2 years. To do this, we collect data using fNIRS, EEG, ECG, mobile eyetracking, and video recordings. Participating families visit the lab 3 times to complete a series of parent-child tasks and independent tasks while wearing the equipment mentioned earlier.
Undergraduate research assistants will help with in-person data collection. Data collection tasks include conducting Zoom interviews with parents, setting up the testing space, equipment setup (e.g., fNIRS, EEG, ECG, mobile eye tracking), and interacting with families. Additional responsibilities may include posting flyers and making recruitment phone calls to families. URAs will receive training on data collection tasks and handling equipment. Because this study involves children, all URAs will be required to obtain the following background checks/clearances:
- PA Criminal Background Check
- PA Child Abuse Clearance
- FBI Clearance
All students are encouraged to apply, but we are particularly interested in those who can:
- Start Summer 2025 (Interviews and onboarding occur late April, training period occurs during May)
- Commit 6-9 hours per week
- Commit to 1-2 weekends per month
- Commit to at least 2 semesters
- Communicate effectively, follow instructions, and work with children
Students interested in working on the PCAT Study and/or joining the CAT Lab can complete this application: https://forms.gle/THKz7bM6o1npquho7
Note: At the end of the application, please indicate whether you are submitting a general application for the CAT Lab or if you would like to work specifically on the PCAT Study.
For questions, please email the CAT Lab (catlabpsu@gmail.com)