My Research Participation Scheme Experience

As a Human Neuroscience student, I participated in the Research Participation Scheme (RPS). This program offers first and second-year students the opportunity to engage in ongoing psychology and neuroscience studies across the university. Later, in my third year, I could use RPS to recruit participants for my own dissertation research, allowing me to take on a new role based on my experiences. Participation in RPS is not only a valuable opportunity, but it also earns important credits and enables students to engage with active research in their areas of interest.

Through RPS, I gained valuable experience as a participant in various research studies. I underwent magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography, providing me with a clearer understanding of these techniques and their processes. Not all studies rely on high-tech equipment; I also learned a great deal from projects that employed interviews or questionnaires. My excitement for research has made it enjoyable to be a part of such diverse studies. Additionally, RPS allowed me to network with students from different years and meet academics outside of my coursework. I found participating in research so rewarding that I continue to volunteer as a participant in studies beyond the course requirements, engaging in research on pain in sports science and virtual reality air travel in engineering.

I developed valuable skills through my involvement in RPS. My ongoing participation led me to meet a PhD student whose work and journey captivated me. This connection allowed me to shadow them. I practised electroencephalography and learnt about the complexities of research procedures. These experiences significantly improved my own final year research project. The time spent learning alongside the PhD student sparked my curiosity and boosted my confidence in research and communication skills.