Dr Rachael Molitor PhD, CPsychol, AFBPsS, FHEA
University Lecturer and Chartered Psychologist | Health and Behaviour Change | Enhanced DBS Checked
Research Assistant for the Day
Understanding Quantitative and Qualitative Research
7 Hours of Psychology Work Experience | Certificate of Completion | Delivered by a Chartered Psychologist
Psychology research usually happens behind the scenes within universities and research centres, making meaningful research work experience difficult for sixth-form students to access. Research Assistant for the Day brings that experience into the school or college.
Working with Dr Rachael Molitor, Chartered Psychologist, Health Psychologist and University Lecturer, students take on the role of Research Assistants for the day and experience selected activities involved in conducting a real psychological research project.
Rather than simply being taught Research Methods, students become part of the research process. They develop research questions, consider methodology, participants and ethics, collect their own data, analyse and interpret their findings and ultimately communicate their research to others.
The workshop condenses activities that Research Assistants might ordinarily contribute to across several weeks of a university research project into one structured day, providing students with an accessible experience of psychological research within their own school or college.
Working with Dr Rachael Molitor, Chartered Psychologist, Health Psychologist and University Lecturer, students take on the role of Research Assistants for the day and experience selected activities involved in conducting a real psychological research project.
Rather than simply being taught Research Methods, students become part of the research process. They develop research questions, consider methodology, participants and ethics, collect their own data, analyse and interpret their findings and ultimately communicate their research to others.
The workshop condenses activities that Research Assistants might ordinarily contribute to across several weeks of a university research project into one structured day, providing students with an accessible experience of psychological research within their own school or college.
What Will Students Experience?
Students experience the journey of a psychological research project from initial research question through to final presentation.
Working individually and collaboratively as Research Assistants, students experience both quantitative and qualitative research, contribute to collecting their own workshop data and work with the findings their group has generated.
Throughout the day they make research decisions, work with evidence, consider participants and ethical issues, analyse data, interpret findings and communicate their research.
The emphasis is on learning through experience: not simply being told what psychological researchers do, but undertaking selected activities associated with psychological research themselves.
Working individually and collaboratively as Research Assistants, students experience both quantitative and qualitative research, contribute to collecting their own workshop data and work with the findings their group has generated.
Throughout the day they make research decisions, work with evidence, consider participants and ethical issues, analyse data, interpret findings and communicate their research.
The emphasis is on learning through experience: not simply being told what psychological researchers do, but undertaking selected activities associated with psychological research themselves.
Before the Workshop
Students will be provided with short pre-recorded materials introducing some of the research knowledge they will need during the day.
This mirrors the preparation that takes place before beginning practical research work and allows more of the workshop itself to focus on students applying their knowledge as Research Assistants.
Key principles will also be revisited on the day so that all students can participate fully.
This mirrors the preparation that takes place before beginning practical research work and allows more of the workshop itself to focus on students applying their knowledge as Research Assistants.
Key principles will also be revisited on the day so that all students can participate fully.
The Workshop
Morning: Quantitative Psychological Research
The morning introduces students to the quantitative side of working within psychological research.
Afternoon: Qualitative Psychological Research
From Research Findings to Presentation
Research does not finish when the analysis is complete. Researchers must also be able to explain what they have done, what they found and why their findings matter.
Students therefore finish their research project by working collaboratively to create an academic-style research poster bringing together their quantitative and qualitative work.
They then present their research to the wider group, explaining their methodology, findings and conclusions and responding to questions about their work.
This gives students experience of another important aspect of academic and professional research and develops skills in academic communication, teamwork, presenting evidence and public speaking.
By this point, students have experienced a condensed research journey:
Research question → methodology → ethics → participants → data collection → analysis → interpretation → academic poster → research presentation
The morning introduces students to the quantitative side of working within psychological research.
- Students begin with a psychological research question and consider how it could be investigated scientifically.
- Working as Research Assistants, they consider methodology, variables, participants, data collection and ethical issues before contributing to the collection of their own workshop data.
- They then work with the resulting dataset, experiencing how researchers move from raw data to statistical analysis, interpretation and conclusions.
- Students encounter different levels of quantitative analysis, from correlation and regression through to an introduction to how mediation and moderation can be used to investigate more complex psychological questions.
Afternoon: Qualitative Psychological Research
- The afternoon moves into another aspect of the Research Assistant role: qualitative psychological research.
- Students consider how researchers investigate people’s experiences and perspectives and how qualitative research questions differ from quantitative questions.
- They gain experience of developing research materials and considering how participants, data collection and ethical practice influence qualitative research.
- Students work with qualitative material generated through the workshop and experience the process of analysing it using thematic analysis.
- They then consider how their qualitative and quantitative evidence can contribute different perspectives to the research question they have investigated.
From Research Findings to Presentation
Research does not finish when the analysis is complete. Researchers must also be able to explain what they have done, what they found and why their findings matter.
Students therefore finish their research project by working collaboratively to create an academic-style research poster bringing together their quantitative and qualitative work.
They then present their research to the wider group, explaining their methodology, findings and conclusions and responding to questions about their work.
This gives students experience of another important aspect of academic and professional research and develops skills in academic communication, teamwork, presenting evidence and public speaking.
By this point, students have experienced a condensed research journey:
Research question → methodology → ethics → participants → data collection → analysis → interpretation → academic poster → research presentation
What Skills Will Students Develop?
Students leave having experienced different aspects of the work undertaken within psychological research rather than simply revising Research Methods.
Across the day they develop practical experience of research design, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, interpreting evidence, critical thinking and communicating research findings.
Working as part of a research team also develops transferable skills including collaborative working, problem-solving, decision-making, time management, academic communication, presentation and public-speaking skills, professional working and reflective practice.
For students considering Psychology at university, these experiences also provide an early insight into the type of research activity they are likely to encounter during undergraduate study.
Across the day they develop practical experience of research design, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, interpreting evidence, critical thinking and communicating research findings.
Working as part of a research team also develops transferable skills including collaborative working, problem-solving, decision-making, time management, academic communication, presentation and public-speaking skills, professional working and reflective practice.
For students considering Psychology at university, these experiences also provide an early insight into the type of research activity they are likely to encounter during undergraduate study.
Where Are Research Methods Used in Psychology?
Research Assistants support the development and delivery of research projects within universities, healthcare, psychology and other research settings.
Their work can involve recruiting and working with participants, supporting data collection, managing research information, working with quantitative or qualitative data, contributing to analysis and helping researchers communicate their findings.
The exact role varies considerably between projects, but research requires much more than knowledge of Research Methods. Researchers need to work accurately and ethically, collaborate with others, solve problems, critically evaluate evidence and communicate findings effectively.
The workshop gives students an age-appropriate opportunity to experience selected elements of this professional role within their own school or college.
Research skills underpin almost every area of professional psychology. The experience therefore provides insight not only into working as a Research Assistant or academic researcher, but into the evidence-based nature of careers including Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology and other psychological, behavioural science and healthcare roles.
Students also gain a clearer understanding of why Research Methods form such an important part of studying Psychology at university and how the skills they develop within education translate into professional research practice.
Their work can involve recruiting and working with participants, supporting data collection, managing research information, working with quantitative or qualitative data, contributing to analysis and helping researchers communicate their findings.
The exact role varies considerably between projects, but research requires much more than knowledge of Research Methods. Researchers need to work accurately and ethically, collaborate with others, solve problems, critically evaluate evidence and communicate findings effectively.
The workshop gives students an age-appropriate opportunity to experience selected elements of this professional role within their own school or college.
Research skills underpin almost every area of professional psychology. The experience therefore provides insight not only into working as a Research Assistant or academic researcher, but into the evidence-based nature of careers including Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology and other psychological, behavioural science and healthcare roles.
Students also gain a clearer understanding of why Research Methods form such an important part of studying Psychology at university and how the skills they develop within education translate into professional research practice.
Psychology Work Experience – Research Assistant for the Day
Accessing meaningful Psychology work experience can be particularly difficult for sixth-form students. University research projects take place over weeks, months or even years, and opportunities for students to spend extended periods working within a research centre are understandably limited.
Research Assistant for the Day was designed to bridge that gap.
The workshop recreates selected elements of the experience a student might gain from spending time supporting psychological research within a university research environment, but condenses them into one structured day delivered within their school or college.
Students work directly with a Chartered Psychologist and University Lecturer, undertake practical research activities, work collaboratively as a research team and experience the progression of a psychological project from research question to final presentation.
It is therefore deliberately designed as Psychology Work Experience rather than simply an additional Research Methods lesson. Students completing the full workshop receive a Certificate of Completion recognising 7 hours of Psychology Work Experience.
Research Assistant for the Day was designed to bridge that gap.
The workshop recreates selected elements of the experience a student might gain from spending time supporting psychological research within a university research environment, but condenses them into one structured day delivered within their school or college.
Students work directly with a Chartered Psychologist and University Lecturer, undertake practical research activities, work collaboratively as a research team and experience the progression of a psychological project from research question to final presentation.
It is therefore deliberately designed as Psychology Work Experience rather than simply an additional Research Methods lesson. Students completing the full workshop receive a Certificate of Completion recognising 7 hours of Psychology Work Experience.
Turning Work Experience into UCAS Evidence
Completing work experience is valuable. Being able to explain what you learned from it is even more important.
The final part of the day helps students reflect upon their experience as Research Assistants: what they actually did, what they learned about psychological research and which academic, professional and transferable skills they developed.
Students then consider how they can use this experience as meaningful evidence within their UK personal statement, CVs, university interviews and future applications. Rather than Students simply writing they completed work experience, they leave better equipped to explain the research activities they experienced, the skills they developed and what the experience taught them about studying and working within psychology.
The final part of the day helps students reflect upon their experience as Research Assistants: what they actually did, what they learned about psychological research and which academic, professional and transferable skills they developed.
Students then consider how they can use this experience as meaningful evidence within their UK personal statement, CVs, university interviews and future applications. Rather than Students simply writing they completed work experience, they leave better equipped to explain the research activities they experienced, the skills they developed and what the experience taught them about studying and working within psychology.
Supporting the Gatsby Benchmarks
The workshop can contribute to a school or college’s wider careers provision and supports several of the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance.
- Benchmark 4 – Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers: students experience how Research Methods encountered within Psychology are used within real psychological research.
- Benchmark 5 – Encounters with Employers and Employees: students work directly with a practising Chartered Psychologist, researcher and University Lecturer.
- Benchmark 6 – Experiences of Workplaces: the workshop recreates selected activities and professional experiences associated with working within a psychological research environment, delivered within the students’ own educational setting.
- Benchmark 7 – Encounters with Further and Higher Education: students experience aspects of university-level psychological research and gain insight into Psychology within higher education.
What Students Will Take Away
Students leave with 7 hours of Psychology Work Experience and a Certificate of Completion, alongside practical experience of working through different stages of psychological research.
They will have collected and worked with their own data, experienced quantitative and qualitative analysis, interpreted evidence, worked collaboratively as a research team, produced an academic research poster and presented their findings.
More importantly, they leave with a clearer understanding of what working within psychological research actually involves and meaningful experiences they can draw upon when considering university study, Psychology careers and future applications.
They will have collected and worked with their own data, experienced quantitative and qualitative analysis, interpreted evidence, worked collaboratively as a research team, produced an academic research poster and presented their findings.
More importantly, they leave with a clearer understanding of what working within psychological research actually involves and meaningful experiences they can draw upon when considering university study, Psychology careers and future applications.
Workshop Information
Workshop: Research Assistant for the Day: Understanding Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Audience: Sixth Form / Further Education students
Format: Full-day, face-to-face Psychology Work Experience
Work Experience: 7 hours
Setting: University-style research experience delivered within the school or college
Experience: Quantitative and qualitative psychological research
Approach: Practical, interactive and research-based
Research Output: Academic research poster and group presentation
Pre-workshop learning: Short preparatory materials provided
Completion: Certificate of Psychology Work Experience
Delivered by: Dr Rachael Molitor, Chartered Psychologist and Health Psychologist
Audience: Sixth Form / Further Education students
Format: Full-day, face-to-face Psychology Work Experience
Work Experience: 7 hours
Setting: University-style research experience delivered within the school or college
Experience: Quantitative and qualitative psychological research
Approach: Practical, interactive and research-based
Research Output: Academic research poster and group presentation
Pre-workshop learning: Short preparatory materials provided
Completion: Certificate of Psychology Work Experience
Delivered by: Dr Rachael Molitor, Chartered Psychologist and Health Psychologist
Interested in Bringing This Workshop to Your School or College?
Research Assistant for the Day can be delivered within sixth forms and further education colleges, providing students with access to Psychology Work Experience without needing to secure individual placements within universities or research centres.
The workshop brings selected elements of a university psychological research environment into the school, allowing students to experience research in practice while developing skills and evidence they can take forward into university applications and future careers.
The workshop brings selected elements of a university psychological research environment into the school, allowing students to experience research in practice while developing skills and evidence they can take forward into university applications and future careers.
Workshop Costing and Fees
Full Day Psychology Work Experience Workshops are individually
costed based on Pupil Numbers and Location.
Limited places are available and on 'first come first booked' basis.
Bespoke Workshops available on request (from 1 or 2 hour talks / workshop / career sessions)
begin from £150 dependent on material creation, requests and travel.
costed based on Pupil Numbers and Location.
Limited places are available and on 'first come first booked' basis.
Bespoke Workshops available on request (from 1 or 2 hour talks / workshop / career sessions)
begin from £150 dependent on material creation, requests and travel.
Feedback from Students
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Exploring psychology careers through a session with a Chartered Psychologist expanded my understanding of the field. Researching different pathways has inspired me to pursue health or clinical psychology and develop the necessary skills for a career in this area. – Jaspreet
As part of my A-level Psychology studies, I had the opportunity to engage in a workshop led by a Chartered Psychologist specialising in behaviour change. This experience introduced me to Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based therapeutic approach, enhancing my understanding of how psychology is applied in professional settings. – Sarah
Through a workshop with a Chartered Psychologist, I was introduced to Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based psychological approach. Practising these techniques improved my communication skills and deepened my understanding of psychology’s role in behaviour change. – Ben
Discussing ethical dilemmas in psychology with a Chartered Psychologist helped me appreciate the complexities of real-world psychological practice. This experience strengthened my ability to critically evaluate ethical issues in research and therapy. – Supreet
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I designed and conducted a psychological research project investigating social media and addiction, applying research methods I learned from a Chartered Psychologist. This experience developed my analytical and ethical awareness, key skills for studying psychology at university. – James
Through a full day workshop, I gained insight into research methods, learning about both qualitative and quantitative approaches, which deepened my appreciation for the scientific foundation of psychology. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing psychology at university and developing my skills in research and psychological practice. – Sophie
Understanding Behaviour Change interventions in the real world has allowed me to think outside the box in a critical and complex manner. Understanding the successful techniques used in Commercial Weight Loss Programmes has helped me to gain insight into the Taxonomy of Behaviour Change and how this can support the general population with Health Promotion. Using these skills I am looking to follow a career in Psychology with Counselling. - Dana
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