Summer Science Institutes Unveil Newest Seminar

In July 2004, the APA will hold an advanced seminar in statistics at the University of Maryland, College Park. This new program, the Advanced Statistical Training in Psychology (ASTP) program, will be an intensive, 9-day, hands-on seminar in which students learn about psychological statistics and research methods in a dynamic setting that emphasizes the skills it takes to analyze and interpret real data. This seminar will be co-taught by award winning instructors Keith Maddox (Tufts University) and Brett Pelham (SUNY, Buffalo) who have each taught statistics and/or research methods at major research universities.

ASTP will target students from traditionally underrepresented groups in psychology. The definition of underrepresented groups for this program is broad. The seminar will undoubtedly include students who are members of ethnic minority groups, but it will also include first generation college students and students who have had to overcome other kinds of social or economic barriers on the road to academic excellence.

ASTP will focus primarily on statistics and research methods. However, the program will also include a professional socialization component, in which students will learn about important topics such as maximizing one’s chances of being admitted to graduate school and maximizing one’s chances of being happy and successful once admitted. Several prominent guest speakers have already been lined up for these special lectures. The co-instructors describe the program as a chance to develop the kind of sophisticated skills that one actually uses as a researcher. It also represents a chance to learn more about overcoming barriers to professional success. Finally, it provides talented students a chance to get to know some of the other talented students who will shape the future of psychological research.

Those accepted into the program, which will take place July 10 - 18, will pay a $200 registration fee and provide for their own travel. APA will cover the cost of room, board, lectures, and labs. Financial need should not be a barrier to participation. Thus, for those with financial need, scholarship support is available. We expect ASTP to be very competitive. Eligibility is limited to college students (senior class of either 2004 or 2005) who have firm plans to attend a graduate program in psychology after college, and who plan to pursue research careers. The application deadline for summer 2004 is Tuesday, February 17, 2004. Application materials are available online at www.apa.org/science/astp.html.