Middle Years Slump
Project Overview
A transdisciplinary team of undergraduates are in the process of studying the anecdotal evidence of a ‘slump’ in the sophomore/junior years of college. The IRB determined that this study’s findings will not be applicable outside of the Virginia Tech undergraduate body. A broad survey to measure burnout has been released and is accepting responses. During the Spring 2024 semester, the team hopes to analyze survey data and use that information to craft interview questions. The bulk of the semester will be spent conducting interviews and completing qualitative data analysis.
Objectives
- Complete data collection and analysis
- Draw a conclusion from the collected data
- Draft a conference paper discussing the slump
Major Tasks
The major tasks of the project are outlined below. These are nominal and are likely to change somewhat throughout the course of the year. These are meant to illustrate the general nature of the work that the position entails.
- Analyze survey data
- Create interview questions with survey results in mind
- Conduct at least 50 interviews
- Analyze interview answers
- Draft a paper
- Manage and report
Preferred Skills and Interests
- good communication, writing, and presentation skills
- literature research
- Social science
- Psychology
- Education, higher education
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Gray and by continuing/former researchers from the team. After a review of the application, our team will contact candidates to schedule a zoom screening interview. Review for positions will be conducted either during Summer (for Fall on-boarding) or Winter (for Spring on-boarding). Please complete the MS Form, uploading the following deliverables;
- A brief (~1 page) essay or cover letter explaining which of the projects you are interested in, and why you think you might be a good fit for that project (or those projects). If you are applying for multiple projects, extend your essay a little and describe your interest and qualifications for each position. Be sure to let us know your major and where you are in your academic career (sophomore, junior, etc.)
- A resume outlining your work experience and education
Please reach out to Dr. Gray (dagray3@vt.edu) if you have any questions or concerns.