Bilingual and socioemotional development of children in immigrant families - YEDI Affiliated Project
Qing Zhou, Professor
Psychology
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
Professor Qing Zhou’s Family and Culture Lab (https://zhoulab.berkeley.edu/) aims to investigate cultural, contextual, and temperament influences on socio-emotional/mental health, academic, executive function, and language development from childhood to young adulthood, with a particular focus on children/youth of immigrant families. We have multiple ongoing research projects investigating: (1) bilingualism and socioemotional development in typically-developing dual language learners (DLLs) and DLLs with speech and language impairments; (2) long-term impact of childhood child, family, and cultural risk and protective factor for mental health and academic development of Chinese American immigrant youths; and (3) grandparent involvement in childrearing in Chinese American immigrant families. We use a multi-method, multi-reporter approach in these studies, including questionnaire reports by parents, teachers, children, and peers, structured interviews, behavioral observation in laboratory and naturalistic settings, and neuropsychological testing. Accepted research assistants will be assigned to different project(s) based on their research interest, experience, skill, and availability.
In addition to filling the URAP application, interested students are encouraged to fill out the lab's application form at the following link: https://calberkeley.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ddph3Hk21EadEOO
Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews.
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For some of these research projects, you will be given the opportunity to join the Youth Equity Discovery Initiative (YEDI) program. YEDI is a research apprenticeship and mentorship program that supplements your URAP research work with weekly workshops in both Fall and Spring semesters. YEDI creates a cohort of undergraduate scholars (usually around 20-30, many from underrepresented backgrounds) that are working on youth equity research projects, such as this one. The year-long program utilizes cascading mentorship, skill-building workshops, and professional development to provide supportive pathways into research careers, service, and leadership addressing adolescent inequities and well-being. Scholars greatly benefit from (and enjoy!) the extra training and support, as well as the professional development opportunities (including faculty guest speakers, graduate student and practitioner panels). The program culminates in a research presentation at the end of the program. The 2024-2025 YEDI cohort will meet on Tuesdays from 4:30 - 6:00pm beginning September 24th. In order to take part in the YEDI program, you MUST be able to attend the workshops at this time. As a YEDI scholar, you will sign up for a PH198 class and receive 1 unit. This is in addition to the units you receive for your URAP research project. For any questions about YEDI, please contact Marieka Schotland at mschotland@berkeley.edu or visit our website here (https://i4y.berkeley.edu/youth-equity-discovery-initiative-yedi-program).
Role: RA responsibilities vary by projects, but can include:
1) recruiting research participants from local preschool programs, maintain contact with preschool staff in coordinating recruitment events;
2) receiving training in conducting child and parent assessments, data entry, and other lab tasks;
3) carrying out psychological and behavioral assessments of preschool-age children and their parents on Zoom;
4) administrative and management tasks to maintain smooth functioning of lab day-to-day activities;
6) maintain study databases using Box, REDCap and Excel;
7) participating in regular lab meetings and supervision meetings. Students can gain research experience in developmental psychology, psychology questionnaire instruments for youths and parents, IRB compliance, handling of protected data, and cultural psychology research.
Student's Role (including hours per week for each task)
● complete in-person or Zoom training to learn assessment procedures (1-3 hrs/wk)
● recruit participants and perform assessments online (4-6 hrs/wk)
● complete data entry and manage database (1-2 hrs/wk)
The mentorship team consists of PIs, graduate students, postbac students, and project coordinators. Mentors will provide group training, individual coaching, supervision on lab procedures through regular team meetings and training sessions. Our lab organizes workshops on graduate school application and career development and an annual undergraduate student research conference in spring semester.
Qualifications: Prior experience in psychological research is not required.
Although not a requirement, students with Cantonese/Mandarin or Spanish language skills (verbal, reading, and writing/typing), and familiarity with the Chinese or Latino culture are especially welcome to apply;
Prior coursework in Research Methods, Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Developmental Psychopathology is desired but not required;
Students must have weekend availability (attend training workshops and conduct home assessment) and availability during weekdays (attend training sessions and/or conduct assessment at preschools);
Students who can committee to the lab for both Fall 24 and Spring 25 semester are preferred, due to extensive training involved;
Experience in conducting interviews and behavioral assessments with young children and families is desired but not required;
Prior work experience in early childhood education programs (e.g., Head Start preschools/state funded preschools/elementary schools) is desired but not required; Familiarity with audio-visual and camera equipment desirable;
General computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva and SPSS desirable; Ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications;
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills;
Ability to interact and work effectively with culturally diverse children, families, and research team members desired.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Xinyi Chen, Graduate Student
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Note that our lab procedures will be hybrid (remote assessments/in person office hours) during the school year.
Related website: https://zhoulab.berkeley.edu/
Social Sciences Biological & Health Sciences