Assumptions regarding undergraduate psychology research conferences (UPRCs) are questioned: (1) that UPRC's are more suited to undergraduate schools than to larger research-oriented universities; (2) that senior faculty speakers are essential; (3) that speakers should never read their papers; and (4) that practice sessions should only have…

It is argued that undergraduate psychology research conferences (UPRCs) are more suited to undergraduate schools than to larger research-oriented universities, that senior faculty speakers are essential at UPRCs, that speakers should never read their papers, and that practice sessions should only have reasonable questions posed to the speaker. (RM)

Undergraduate psychology research conferences held at the regional levels provide students with opportunities to present their own work and learn about the work of others. Students' convention experiences would be enhanced if all convention presenters provided full abstracts or manuscripts of their work. (Author/RM)

Requiring less planning time and aimed at educating all students and the public, this model emphasizes the conference's student recruiting function, de-emphasizes research papers by scheduling paper sessions for only about 20 percent of the total conference hours, and makes a featured speaker, presentations, dinner, and films the main conference…

To provide undergraduate and graduate psychology students with exposure to a wide range of parenting perspectives, eight videocassette programs were produced focusing on the child rearing strategies of parents. Described are project background, rationale, activities, materials development, and program implementation and evaluation. (RM)

Sixty-five percent of the 499 U.S. colleges and universities surveyed have a practicum program. Age, size, and purpose of the programs, faculty issues (e.g., supervision, liability insurance), and student issues (e.g., course selection, grading) are discussed. If practicum is to survive, it must assume a more formal academic structure. (RM)

To determine characteristics of and opinions about undergraduate student research in psychology at small liberal arts colleges, 337 schools were surveyed via questionnaires. The return rate was 81 percent. Eighty-four percent of the respondents support such activity. A student research program is not related to number of students per faculty. (RM)

Characteristics of undergraduate psychology research conferences (UPRC) are discussed, the role of UPRCs in undergraduate education is examined, and guidelines for organizing such a conference are presented. (RM)

The blend of applied behavior analysis and on-site business experience, provided in the undergraduate seminar described here, is an excellent way for increasing the expertise and employment potential of undergraduate psychology majors as well as for involving the university with its surrounding community. (RM)

A method for evaluating undergraduate field experiences in psychology that takes into account attainment of individual goals and quality of supervision is evaluated. Results showed that the most satisfactory field placements are those in which there is a well-organized, explicitly structured training program. (RM)

A serious problem for large psychology departments is providing adequate advising for its majors. Described are unsuccessful attempts to establish effective advising at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in the past and the current system, which is regarded as the first successful advising system in the past 15 years. (RM)

Presented is a case study of a three-year comprehensive review and renewal of an undergraduate psychology department at a medium-sized urban university. Discussed are the antecedents or context of the review, method of review, the three stages of the renewal and revision procedure, and caveats culled from the experience. (RM)

Undergraduate theses are an excellent method of providing paraprofessional research experience for psychology students. Describes some of the problems (and their remedies) in conducting and advising baccalaureate psychology theses, many of which were published or read at professional meetings. (CS)

Research shows a trend toward increased fragmentation and specialization among graduate level and professional psychologists that is spreading to undergraduate education. To remedy the problem team teaching can be used in introductory courses, and a levels-of-analysis approach can be used in advanced courses. (AM)

A laboratory project introduced physiological psychology students to research by requiring them to identify an unknown drug given to laboratory animals. Students read material about drugs and animal drug studies, designed behavioral tests, constructed the testing apparatus, conducted the tests, and wrote progress reports. (SR)