Studies on Sexuality: Research Opportunities for Undergraduates for Spring 2024
Professor Charlene Muehlenhard’s Lab
charlene@ku.edu;
voice-mail: 785-864-9860
Professor Muehlenhard and her graduate students are seeking students interested in participating in research groups for spring semester of 2024.
Research assistants (RAs) help with studies in various ways. For a new study, RAs help design the survey; once we have data, RAs help identify themes in the data. RAs attend weekly research group meetings; between meetings, tasks can be done at the RAs’ convenience. The total time commitment would not exceed 9 hours a week.
Students can enroll for credit (for 3, 2, or 1 credits in PSYC 480, Indep Study; in WGSS 498, Indep Study; or, if data analysis is involved, in PSYC 481, Research Practicum), or they can participate as volunteers. Recent graduates can also volunteer. Sometimes, students participate during one semester and officially enroll the next semester.
Students of all majors and minors are welcome. Students of all sexual orientations and genders are welcome.
To apply, email the information below to me at charlene@ku.edu Mention “RESEARCH APPLICATION” in the subject line.
Applications will be read by me and the grad student(s) in whose group(s) you express interest. We will let you know quickly.
Research Groups for Spring Semester 2024
For spring of 2024, there will be three research groups:
FULL (or maybe one space open): Wednesdays, 5:05–6:25 pm, Lori Lentenbrink’s group: Lori Lentenbrink’s study people's experiences with faking (or pretending) orgasm. Several years ago, we studied college students' experiences with pretending orgasms. In that study, we found that 50% of the women and 25% of the men had pretended (Muehlenhard & Shippee, 2010, Journal of Sex Research).
Currently, we are finishing writing the survey and preparing to submit an application to KU’s institutional review board (IRB). We will then put the survey into Qualtrics and post it online. Research assistants (RAs) can help with any of these activities that we are still working on. Once data are collected, RAs can help identify themes in the data and coding the data.
We have been meeting in person. The meetings start after 5:00 pm so that students coming from off campus can drive onto campus and park behind Fraser Hall. It might also be possible for RAs to participate via Zoom.
____Thursdays, 2:30–3:45 pm, Lauryn Collins's group: Lauryn Collins's study is in the planning phase. It will probably explore whether feeling frustrated relates to increased acceptance of rape myths (false stereotypes about rape). RAs will help brainstorm about ideas for the study, find relevant articles, suggest wording for a survey, etc,
The group will probably meet in person in Fraser Hall. The study will continue into the summer and fall, but RAs are not obligated to continue beyond spring semester.
____Mondays, 2:00–3:30 pm: Hannah Clark’s group: Hannah Clark’s research group will be working on qualitative analysis of data from individuals who experience recurrent pain with sexual activity. They are analyzing themes related to several topics: patterns in sexual communication about painful sexual activity, partner responses to painful sexual activity, and individuals’ perceptions of their partner’s responses. RAs will participate via Zoom.
Research assistants will read participants’ qualitative responses and note the themes that participants mentioned to develop a thematic coding structure. We will be using qualitative analysis software (NVivo) for this process. Student licenses for this software will be purchased for you. Students will be expected to complete coding at a set date/time each week and send coding work prior to our weekly meetings.
________________________________________________________________
TO APPLY, email the following information to Prof. Muehlenhard at charlene@ku.edu. Mention “RESEARCH APPLICATION” in the subject line.
1. Your name:
2. Your email address (and phone number if applicable):
3. Your major (students from any major are welcome):
4. You can participate for course credit, or you can volunteer without registering. Which do you prefer?
• PSYC 480 Indep Study
• PSYC 481 Research Practicum
• WGSS 498 Indep Study
• Volunteering
5. In a paragraph or two, explain (1) why you would like to work with us and (2) your background and skills. (FYI, no previous research experience is required. Students from any major are welcome.)
6. Include some evidence of your academic performance. This could be your GPA, OR a copy of your Degree Progress Report emailed as a pdf attachment, OR anything that seems reasonable to you.
7. Any questions or comments?
Email the information above to Prof. Muehlenhard at charlene@ku.edu. Mention “RESEARCH APPLICATION” in the subject line.