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Case Western Psychological Sciences faculty conduct cutting edge interdisciplinary research on the brain, memory, behaviors, speech, swallowing, clinical disorders, learning, expertise, play, perception, and many other topics. We encourage students to become involved in research, especially those who plan to go on to graduate school in psychology. Research experience provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the scientific process and to get to know faculty members and graduate students in the department better. Additionally, research assistant experience provides opportunities for faculty to know you and write letters of recommendation on your behalf. Some research experiences can even sometimes result in student authorship on papers and conference presentations, both of which are helpful if one wants to pursue graduate school.
To learn more about faculty members’ research topics, please see their profiles.
Research Methods Class
We recommend that all psychology and communication sciences majors take Research Methods, PSCL375 during their time at CWRU. This course teaches you foundational information about conducting a literature search, evaluating the scientific merit of existing research, creating hypotheses, and designing studies. The course is offered in a small seminar and involves a large number of exercises and experiential learning. Research Methods is also a pre-requisite for many of the department’s Capstone courses.
Research Assistant Experience
If you are interested in becoming more involved in research, please look at the faculty profiles and contact professors whose research interests you via email. Please send professors your unofficial transcript and CV/resume if you have one. Due to the large number of students who want to serve as a research assistant, it sometimes takes several semesters to find a lab with available research assistant slots. Don’t give up! We highly encourage you to take this opportunity to learn more about research
Looking to be a participant in research?
Please see the SONA system for students in PSCL101 and PSCL375.
Research News
PTSD depression research study offering therapy
The PTSD Treatment and Research Program at Case Western Reserve University is looking for people ages 18-65 who have experienced a stressful life event and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or depression. Such stressors might include loss of a job, sexual assault, end of a serious relationship, physical assault, or loss...
Research Study Opportunity: Understanding Parent-Child Connections in Autism
The Neurodevelopment Research Lab at CWRU is inviting caregivers to participate in a research study at CWRU focused on understanding how families of children with autism interact, connect, and support one another. Help us learn what makes families stronger – and how we can better support yours. Participants: Parents &...
PTSD depression research study offering therapy
The PTSD Treatment and Research Program at Case Western Reserve University is looking for people ages 18-65 who have experienced a recent sexual assault and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or depression. Common symptoms of PTSD and depression include distressing memories, sadness, feeling numb, and sleep problems. The study...
Can Doing Crosswords, Puzzles, and Other Games Really Help You Stay Sharp?
Health: Angela Hein Ciccia, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, said brain games only benefit cognition if they’re truly challenging. Once a task becomes easy, the effect fades. She recommended learning new games and playing consistently—ideally several times a week...
Connecting—With and Without Words Fostering communication and community for people with neurogenic disorders
Every Monday, nearly 35 people come together for a program on the edge of campus, drawn by camaraderie, a compassionate environment and a desire to communicate better as they live with a nervous-system disorder that makes speaking difficult. For years, many members of this Case Western Reserve University program, known...
Lauren Calandruccio receives 2025 CAPCSD Excellence in Diversity Award
Professor of Communication Sciences Lauren Calandruccio and her collaborator Jessica Sullivan, assistant professor at Hampton University, have been named recipients of the 2025 Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) Excellence in Diversity Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of communication sciences and disorders,...