Writing Workshop: The IDP (Individual Development Plan)

Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. 

-old military adage, cited by Dwight D. Eisenhower

Writing Workshop: Introduction

Writing Workshop: List of Posts

REDCap Geek Out!

So the latest thing I'm geeking out about is this free software called REDCap. It looks like the answer to a lot of pesky problems my lab always grapples with, in the areas of data collection and data management. Thanks to Francesca Trane of the UCI Working Memory and Plasticity Lab (P.I. Susanne Jaeggi) for telling us about it. When REDCap changes your life, you can thank Francesca. (And Vanderbilt.) (And the NIH.)

Talking About Registered Reports

Since my earlier blog post about registered reports, I've found myself having quite a few conversations about them. I thought it might be useful to share some of the most common points people have raised, and my thoughts on them.

Why I Love Bayesian Statistics for Developmental Research

"Have you heard about Bayesian statistics?"

Let's start by acknowledging one thing: People who say you should use Bayesian statistics are super annoying. The first few times some guy at a conference told me I should really be using Bayesian methods, I treated him like a Jehovah's Witness handing me a copy of The Watch Tower. "I'll think about it," I'd say, and mentally slam the door in his face.

The Real Barrier to Registered Reports

Figure showing a range of problems (in red) that are addressed by Registered Reports

Registered reports (RRs) are a way of doing science where researchers submit their introduction and method sections (including a detailed plan for data collection and analysis) and pilot data (if any), for peer review before they start collecting the actual study data. Authors get feedback from expert reviewers on whether the question is interesting and well-grounded in the literature, and on whether the methods make sense. The reviewers check that the study will have enough power, that the statistical analyses are the right ones to use, and so forth. Sort of like how a grant proposal would be reviewed, if reviewers had the time and expertise to go through all the methods in detail.

'Tis the season for presenting undergraduate research...

Denise, Justine and Linnea at UROP, presenting their poster on toddlers' understanding of social hierarchies. 

This is the time of year when our students present the work they've been doing in the lab since last fall. Many of our students present at two conferences: The first is the UCI Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) conference, which took place this year on May 19.

Congratulations, Ashley!

This week we learned that the postdoctoral fellowship proposal conceived and written by our very own soon-to-be-PhD Ashley is very likely to be funded by the National Institutes of Health! It all depends on the federal budget, but things are looking good. We celebrated by decorating the room for our lab meeting with huge signs saying "Congratulations Ashley, We are So Proud of You!"

Our Work Featured on Let Grow

Let Grow is a nonprofit organization devoted to challenging the idea that

kids today are somehow more physically, emotionally and psychologically fragile than any generation before. Their projects help people see for themselves how capable kids can be.

This week the Let Grow blog featured some writing by Prof. Sarnecka, talking about what we can do to help people see reason. (Yay, Reason!)

Welcome, Village Montessori Families!

Julissa, Kelsy and Amy meeting new families at Village Montessori 

Today, research assistants Julissa, Kelsy, and Amy visited Village Montessori to tell families about our lab and sign up families who want to participate. We gave out lots of slinkies and coloring books. It was lots of fun, and we look forward to working with all of the new children!

First things first

Here at UCI, it's the end of our winter quarter and the beginning of spring. Time once again to make our term plans.

Rejection Party!

To our rejections!

We did it! We reached 100 rejections on our shared Rejection Collection and had a party to celebrate! Apologies for the slightly blurry photos, but everyone was having too much fun to pose for a picture. Our next goal: 200 rejections! (We already have 120, so I think we'll be having another party before too long.)