One of the many benefits of attending a community college is that you can become involved in research early in your educational career. Not only does this opportunity allow you to become familiar with the research process, but many students collect quality data that contributes to the body of psychological research. Furthermore, a primary focus of Psi Beta is to create opportunities for students to develop professional skills and recognize the outstanding work of our community college students. What better way than to create a journal to highlight the research efforts of our members.
Psi Beta’s Journal of Student Research is a journal that publishes briefs about psychological research conducted by members while attending a community college. The journal’s first issue appears in October 2021. There are many benefits of publishing in a student-supportive journal:
- facilitating interest in research,
- promoting diverse ideas,
- mentoring through the publishing process,
- adding to the body of psychological science,
- building a CV for graduate school,
- securing a research position at a university upon transfer,
- bringing recognition to the school and program,
- refining research communication skills,
- sharing a passion with a larger audience,
- boosting understanding of research through the peer-review process, and
- demonstrating psychology as a scientific discipline.
Not only does the journal publish the research from its members, but members also serve as editors for the journal. Currently, three student editors are helping guide the first publication of the journal: Alyssa Amirault (University of California Davis), Madison Linden (Cleveland State University), and Isabella Polito (University of California Irvine). Alyssa is completing her upper-division coursework while mentoring students through the research process. Her research has been recognized at regional conferences. Madison is planning on pursuing a career in research. Her experience includes tutoring students in statistics, carrying out various research projects, and participating in numerous conferences. Isabella has been an active member of Psi Beta by participating in both research and the Giving Away Psychology program, in turn, opening the door for conference presentations.
Serving as an editor helps students refine their skills in writing, data analysis and interpretation, APA style, and mentorship, preparing students for graduate school and a career. If you would like to publish in the journal or be an editor, check out this link for more details: Psi Beta Journal of Student Research | Psi Betaopens in new window.
About the author
Heather Schoenherr, MS, is passionate about introducing students to the research process and providing opportunities to recognize student success at the community college level. She actively mentors students through Psi Beta, club advising, and independent research projects. Schoenherr serves as the Rocky Mountain vice president of Psi Beta and on the editorial board for Psi Beta’s Journal of Student Research. She earned her degree in experimental psychology from Idaho State University and is a professor of psychology at the College of Western Idaho.
