Undergraduate Research Assistantship - AI Chatbots

Serve as an undergraduate research assistant on the project: Talking to the Machine: AI Chatbots and the Changing Landscape of Psychotherapy.

As AI chatbots are increasingly marketed and used for mental health support, questions arise about their therapeutic potential, their limitations, and their impact on access to care. This study aims to examine therapeutic use of chatbots, as well as whether interacting with an AI chatbot functions as a bridge that facilitates individuals' access to human therapists, and whether it may inadvertently discourage or delay seeking care from trained clinicians.

The research assistant will:

• Attend weekly lab meetings, perform literature searches, development of study methodology, support of IRB proposal, participate in quantitative and qualitative data analyses, involvement in preparation of poster and/or paper for conference presentation.
• You must have Federal Work Study funding added to your awards BEFORE applying for this position. You are potentially eligible for Work Study if you are a US Citizen or permanent resident, have filed a FAFSA, are enrolled in at least 6 credits, and are in good academic standing.

This position requires the following:

• Must be Work Study eligible
• Time management
• Strong communication skills
• Basic knowledge of SPSS

Instructions to find your Work Study eligibility status:

• Log into your MyPacePortal and click on "Student Home" and then the "Financial Aid" box (middle of screen).
• Once in Financial Aid, select the "Award Offer" tab and the correct Award Year.
• Scroll down to "Options to Pay Net Cost" and take a screenshot of the funds that are allocated specifically to Work Study for the academic year. Make sure your name is captured in the screenshot, then upload the screenshot, and submit it along with your application.
• If these details are not available in the "Award Offer" section of your profile, you are NOT currently eligible for Work Study funding. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, and you have filed a FAFSA, you can open a Help Desk ticket with Financial Aid to determine your Work Study eligibility.

Exact schedule to be determined with the supervisor. The student will work 5-8 hours per week, with hours distributed weekly to ensure regular paychecks throughout the academic year 2026-2027.

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