The project investigates how humans learn semantic categories (e.g., food, strawberry, appliance, fridge) from visual experience. Drawing inspiration from distributional approaches to language learning, we examine how objects tend to occur in the naturalistic, first-person experience of infants. The long-term goal is to better understand the ways in which everyday visual input contributes to the emergence of structured conceptual knowledge.
Undergraduate research assistants will work in the lab on image labeling, helping build large, carefully curated datasets of object categorization....
Below are the currently available research positions within the psychology department. Many positions will give you the choice to either work in the lab for course credit (PSYC 290) or on a volunteer basis. Always double check with the individual lab. Labs will often update their postings near the beginning or end of a semester, so if you don't see many postings listed currently, please check back soon. You can also visit the research by labs webpage for more information about the topics they research.
How to apply: Check the specific posting(s) you are interested in, and make sure you follow all instructions. To apply for a position, many labs will ask you to complete and send the PSYCH 290 Information Form to a contact email. Additional information and an example email can be found on the guidance for emailing about a PSYC 290 position webpage.
Position posted: February 20, 2026
Post set to expire: March 4, 2026
Post set to expire: March 4, 2026
Contact: rozcan2@illinois.edu | Website | More Info
Position posted: December 9, 2025
Post set to expire: May 7, 2026
Post set to expire: May 7, 2026
The Meaning and Motivation Laboratory is recruiting research assistants Research Assistants in the M&M Lab help run CREATIVE studies on topics varying from meaning in life to motivation to emotions and intuition. Students interested in a future in personality, social, or clinical psychology, as well as those interested in business administration, human resources, and social work can gain experience in this lab that will greatly benefit these goals. Students interested in learning more about...