Research Assistant: Financial Capability & Consumer Choice

Research Assistant in Financial Capability and Consumer Choice

URI’s Mental Accounting and Pricing Lab (MAPLAB) is currently accepting applications for one or more paid undergraduate research assistant(s) (RAs) for Summer 2017. The ideal candidate is a motivated undergraduate, or a recent graduate with a keen interest in financial capability, behavioral economics, social psychology, consumer choice, or marketing research. Prior research experience is desirable but not a necessity.

This role supports the research team on a project studying financial capability and financial decision making among college students. The primary needs are to 1) implement and test survey materials in Qualtrics, 2) develop and implement participant communications materials and processes, 3) analyze and summarize results, and 4) conduct literature review. The RA may also work with Dr. Atlas and the research team on other related research projects such as social preferences, impatience, mental accounting, framing, pricing, etc. Some recent lab projects are featured here: http://web.uri.edu/maplab/category/news/

Research experience through this lab provides a good experience for your resume. It offers excellent preparation for graduate school, particularly if you are considering a Ph.D. in business, economics, psychology or a related field. This is also a chance for you to learn the skills as a business analyst. Previous students affiliated with the lab have subsequently:

• -  Become employed after graduation with Brainjuicer, a top marketing research firm
  
• -  Pursued careers in academia (e.g. pursuing graduate study at Carey Business School, Johns
  Hopkins University; Hanqing Institute, Renmin University of China on Chinese National
  Scholarship).
  
• -  Been featured in the Providence Journal and other media outlets
  There is also the possibility for Directed Study Credit(s) or internship credit(s), if you are interested and qualify.
  
  Responsibilities may include:
  

1. Implement survey materials on financial literacy and consumer financial decisions among young adults (more info on the study here)
2. Design web-based surveys through Qualtrics including programming, developing, testing and implementation of online studies.
3. Participating in MAPLAB meetings, summary meeting memo
4. Collecting, cleaning, coding, and analyzing data, as well as writing up results
5. Develop and implement participant communications materials and process
6. Perform literature reviews and compile citations
7. Other administrative tasks as assigned (i.e. participant payments and reimbursements)
8. Help coordinate research projects for the Lab’s researchers
9. Interface with potential grant providers on applied research projects

The candidate must possess managerial and organizational skills, good communication skills, and the

ability to manage several concurrent tasks. Must be proficient in Qualtrics and MS Office (Word, Excel,

Power Point), and ideally have exposure to at least one statistical programming language (STATA

preferred). Must have experiences with designing, developing, and testing on Qualtrics. Must have the

ability to learn and adapt quickly, establish priorities, work independently, meet deadlines, and proceed

with objectives with minimal supervision. Experience with online research databases (JSTOR, Web of

Science, ABI/Inform) are preferred.

This opportunity is for Summer 2017, and research assistants must be able to commit at least 10 hours

per week from mid-May through August. The location is Ballentine Hall on the Kingston campus.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled, with a final deadline of May

12, 2017.

To apply: Email your 1) your resume or cv 2) a transcript (which can be unofficial), 3) a sample of your

best writing and 4) a cover letter discussing your interest, availability during Summer 2017, related

experience, and contact information for references, to atlas.studies@gmail.com.