announcement

The Society of Multivariate Experimental Psychology (SMEP) announces the fifth annual conference on Quantitative Training for Underrepresented Groups (QTUG) designed to acquaint individuals from underrepresented minorities with the field of quantitative psychology. It is hoped that some will find the field exciting and will choose to explore it further. Cooperation with American Psychological Association programs is enhanced by scheduling our conference immediately before APA’s annual convention in Boston this year (August 14-17), facilitating student attendance at both.

The full week of quantitative training and home base for the APA convention will be held on the campus of Northeastern University at Boston (August 11-17, with check-in allowed on

August 10^th, if needed). The three QTUG conference days (August 11-13) will expose participants to exciting work presented by outstanding scientists and give the participants ample opportunities to interact with these potential mentors. Some time will be devoted to instruction, oriented primarily toward understanding of quantitative methods and research. Participants will have some opportunities to present their own work for review and suggestions.

We have made arrangements for rooms at Northeastern University for those outside the Boston area. Participants should plan to stay for the QTUG conference August 11-13, 2008, and ideally stay for at least a portion of the APA conference that runs through August 17^th. Northeastern University is near the APA site and accessible from downtown Boston by subway via the Green Line, Red Line, Orange Line, and Silver Line of the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority).

Students selected for the conference will be assisted in meeting needed costs, which could include partial transportation, dorm lodging for the training and APA meetings, an evening banquet, and APA registration. We shall cooperate with students’ existing funding opportunities so as to maximize our very limited funds and the students’ benefits. Students will be expected to bear the costs of ordinary food and incidentals. Emphasis at APA will be, when possible, on Division 5 (Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics) programs and events.

Training is designed for individuals from underrepresented groups who are junior or senior undergraduate students or graduate students. Applicants with a Ph. D. who are from under-represented groups will also be considered.

Applications should be made on line by May 2, 2008 to: (http://qtug.smep.googlepages.com/home) providing (1) Background information, (2) a statement of interest on how you will benefit from the quantitative training and your future goals relative to quantitative research methods; and (3) a statement on how you are considered as coming from an underrepresented group. For planning purposes, please also state what days you would like to attend and any financial resources you might have to supplement funds we can offer. In addition, all applicants must submit a two-page resume (to: qtug.smep@gmail.com). As there is benefit in accruing ongoing quantitative training, applications will be considered from 10-20% of the students who previously participated in the QTUG/SMEP Minority Student Conference. Some preference will also be given for applicants from underrepresented groups who are from the local Boston area.

Applications should be made online (http://qtug.smep.googlepages.com/home) and submitted on or before May 2, 2008, along with a two-page resume submitted to qtug.smep@gmail.com.

For further information send email to qtug.smep@gmail.com. Decisions are expected in May/June.

Best wishes,

Lisa L. Harlow, Ph.D., Co-Director (with Dr. Herbert Eber, Director)

Quantitative Training for Underrepresented Groups