Zoom Lab: A Memoir (University of Michigan, Methods Hour, Winter 2021)

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many researchers to quickly move lab operations online. For many, this was a first foray into working with participants remotely. Throughout the past year, there have been articles, webinars, conference sessions, and informal discussions centered on issues related to online research, including how to streamline recruitment and data collection practices to mirror those used in lab settings. This presentation will provide an overview of helpful resources demonstrating best practices for online behavioral research (particularly with children) and highlight ways online studies can complement those conducted in more traditional lab settings. Discussion topics will include: 1) the trades offs made when moving research online, 2) the extent to which online research can support multi-site recruitment and reproducible science efforts, and 3) opportunities to evaluate the limits of what we can and cannot do via online (synchronous and asynchronous) research.

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Finding Your Writing Community In-Person and Online (SRCD 2021 Professional Development Session)

Abstract: Though writing is a critical component of research, formal training in and community building around this skill is often lacking. The purpose of this professional development session is two-fold: 1) To showcase the efforts of scholars at different levels and institutions who have participated in and created in-person and online writing communities, and 2) To arm attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to initiate their own writing communities. Session participants include: Barbara Sarnecka (professor and author of The Writing Workshop), Jasmine DeJesus (assistant professor), Morgan Jerald (assistant professor), Margaret Echelbarger (postdoctoral researcher), Meltem Yucel (doctoral candidate), and Margarett McBridge (doctoral student). The types of writing communities discussed will include those centering the needs of doctoral students and early-career faculty, those centering the needs of underrepresented and marginalized communities, as well as those facilitating connections across disciplines. Specific questions to be discussed include: 1) How can I find regular time to write? 2) How can I know what type of writing community is best for me? 3) How can I connect with others at my institution to form my own community? 4) What does a good writing community look like? 5) How can I leverage social media to find others with similar writing goals and community needs? Attendees will leave this session with an understanding of the range of writing communities available, learn how to identify which type of community meets their present needs, and know the next steps they need to take to start their own community.