Welcome to the Group Processes Lab

The Department of Sociologys Group Processes Laboratory conducts social science experiments conceptualized, designed and carried out by undergraduate and graduate students working closely with faculty members. These students and faculty also study and publish the resulting data to share the findings with the academic community and the public. Research participants are primarily undergraduate student volunteers, who are paid for their time. The lab is directed by Professors Long Doan and Jeff Lucas, who also teaches courses on social psychology and research methods.

Participate in a Study

Thank you for your interest in participating in our studies. Before you sign up for a study, here’s a few things you should know:

Directions

The Art-Sociology building can be difficult to navigate. Here are some instructions for navigating to our lab through the front entrance (the double doors across from the water fountain in the main courtyard).

Once you enter the building, you should see an elevator to your right. Take this elevator down a level (select 1F). Now, exit the elevator and take a right. Proceed to the end of the hall. You should now start seeing Group Processes Lab messages directing you to the lab, which you’ll find just to the left of Seminar Room 1117. The lab is located in room 1120B.

No-Show Policy

In order to ensure that everyone who’s interested in participating gets a chance to participate, please be aware that if you sign up for a study and can no longer make it to the study, you have to cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before your appointment. Our scheduling program will easily allow you to do this. If an emergency comes up and you have to cancel last minute, send us an email to let us know.

If you are a no-show twice for a study, you will no longer be able to sign up for any studies. Please come on time for your appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your scheduled appointment, you will be considered a no-show.

Extra Participants

Depending on the particular study, we may allow several extra sign-ups per session in order to make sure we have enough people. If we’ve already filled a session before you arrive, you will be given the option to complete an alternative study for compensation. We encourage you to reschedule your appointment for the original study that you’ve signed up for in these cases.

Now that you’re aware of our policies, please click the “Schedule an Appointment” button below and you’ll be taken to our scheduling page. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments. Thank you again for your interest in participating.

Become an RA

The Department of Sociology is looking for motivated, hardworking undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience while earning course credit in sociology. Research assistants primarily help conduct small group and laboratory studies on a broad range of topics studied within the Department of Sociology. Undergraduate research assistantships offer the chance to play a meaningful, hands-on role in the research process, and offer excellent preparation for graduate school. Are you a UMD undergraduate interested in working as a research assistant? This is a great way to learn more about research and apply what you are learning in your classes. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Fill out an application by clicking here
  2. All research assistants are required to complete their CITI training before they can help conduct research. To complete CITI training, make an account at: www.citiprogram.org
    • Affiliate with the University of Maryland College Park
    • Click “Add a Course,” then select “Social & Behavioral Research Investigators”
    • Complete the Required Modules in the “Social & Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher” course.
  3. Email the lab director at groupslab@umd.edu to set up an appointment to discuss your application. Include a copy of your CITI completion certificate in this email.

We appreciate your interest and look forward to working with you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Data from Past Projects

This section includes data from completed projects in the lab. As we update our website, more project data will be posted here.

Social Structure and Cognitive Orientation Project
Data