For interview: research methods and measures?

[slothh]

Hi everyone,

While I was preparing for my upcoming on-site interview, I was wondering if we are expected to know how to design an experiment or research project with exact measures and research methods we want to use. I've been realizing that I am pretty weak in that part, although I have plenty of good research questions and ideas. As a person with just an undergraduate degree, I feel like I am not yet capable of designing a whole experiment with an original research method. I do have a number of past research experiences, but they were all part of my coursework or lab assistance where basic framework of research methods and measures were pretty much already there. So it's really challenging for me if someone asks what research methods I would use for any of my research questions. Would that mean I'm not yet ready for the Ph.D.?  Once during my preliminary interview, my POI asked me this question, and I couldn't answer properly with details (although I got an invitation to interview weekend anyway). It would be really helpful if anyone could share their opinion or experiences! 

By the way, I'm a developmental psychology applicant! 

[bht]

Phd is a process of learning. If you were fully capable of designing an experiment from scratch, you would not need to become a phd student. Do not forget that it is a school and the goal is learning and becoming equipped. I would search what was done in the past research and what was used as a method. Nobody expects you to have fully designed ideas. Because even during the conducting a research your hypothesis can change.

Good luck!!

[PsychLu]

"Don't reinvent the wheel" was some of the best advice I got from my advisor when I started my independent research project. Basically, look at the literature. What's already been done? What sort of research methods (ie. theoretical frameworks, questionnaires, study design, etc.) have already been done with this topic/research area? Look at that and then determine what you can do to push the research further. You can use the same theory and framework, but take the research in a different direction.