Junetastic

I actually did a couple poster presentations in my undergrad concerning the uses of electronic response clickers (e.g., iclickers) as a tool to facilitate better memory retention and enhance memory for related information. I was also involved in other research comparing different versions of facial recognition software and how interference theory suggests more inaccurate identifications in one version over another due to the number of visual options provided when reconstructing faces from memory. If I were to narrow my own research interests, it would be something along the lines of optimal factors for learning, reliability and validity of technology-based measurements for problem solving, differential item functioning in standardized testing, and more generally differences in achievement and aptitude among students. Now I wasn't heavily involved in research with my personal mentor at CSU Fresno, but she did offer me opportunities to study advanced topics on psychometrics and run some experiments for her. Now that I'm at CSU Long Beach, a lot of my work done in undergrad probably flies under the radar of my current advisor. But it makes sense now that they feel a thesis would make me a more attractive and competitive applicant for PhD programs. I also didn't mean to imply I was dropping out, whoops! I meant to say that I would apply to PhD programs without conducting a thesis and opting for the comprehensive examination, in which case, would actually require me to take elective courses that could pertain to statistics and research methodology but unfortunately there are no measurement courses, other than the one I'm currently taking as part of the program, at this institution. Hey thank you for taking the time to respond. This whole exchange helps!

Hello! Here are my basic undergrad stats: 3.1 cumulative GPA / somewhere between 3.7-3.9 Psychology GPA GRE 1290 (550v/740q) Two letters of recommendations Two poster presentations Tons of research xp Not very strong, which was why I chose a safe graduate program in Educational Psychology. Now here's my dilemma: I'm about to complete my first year of a two-year program, and I do not have a thesis prepared. I have some ideas but nothing concrete. This is a terminal master's program that culminates in either a thesis or a comprehensive examination. I am seriously considering testing out because: 1) I do not like the program very much. I'm very much more interested in measurement, and it took a year in this program to come to that conclusion (actually I graduated from my undergrad institution with a love for stats and psychometrics but wanted to see if educational psychology would work).. 2) It doesn't seem likely that I will complete a thesis in the 2-year period of my program. I desperately want out. Now, I've talked to a number of professors here and at my undergrad and get conflicting messages. One professor told me that if this program wasn't for me that I should apply elsewhere regardless of whether I finish this program. My advisor and mentor have both told me that a thesis is the route I need to take. Another professor told me that not having a thesis wouldn't hurt my chances, but I'm assuming that it would help. So far I haven't done much in my program except work with my advisor on some program evaluation reports and literature reviews. My GPA is solid. I will have TA experience next semester. I'm just lacking research experience so far, which is very unfortunate. How's my outlook for getting into a funded PhD program in educational measurement (aka psychometrics aka quantitative methods ...)? Thanks!