Welcome to the homepage of the Department of Psychology’s Experimental Research Program (ERP). This graduate program places an emphasis on the experimental method, and trains students to use this approach to explore the underlying psychological processes that guide behavior and govern mental life.  Here at Cleveland State University, the focus of the Experimental Research Program is on strengthening basic and applied research skills, to be developed through an individually–tailored program of study that culminates in the completion of a thesis.  The goals of the program are for students to develop skills in research design and analysis, to gain a broad knowledge of substantive areas of psychological research, and to become an expert in a specified area of research.

Students are expected to become involved in research when they begin the program and are expected to continue their involvement throughout their course of study. Upon arrival at CSU, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on new or existing lines of research. Through coursework and experience in the laboratory, students will acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop expertise in a given domain. Under the supervision and guidance of faculty, students will be trained and prepared to successfully initiate and defend a thesis project that has the potential to make a substantive contribution to the field of psychology. 

“After I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in psychology, I wasn't sure of the specific direction I wanted to take with my career. So, I entered the Experimental Research Program at Cleveland State University. There, I was able to work with a variety of faculty with a wide variety of experimental research interests and explore my own interests. I had the opportunity to work in multiple research labs that were active, to work with other students interested in research, and was able to present at local and regional conferences. All of these allowed me to be far more prepared for a doctoral program in Social-Personality Psychology, where I am now able to begin research virtually on my own without having to be trained in how to plan an experiment, gather data, analyze data, and write a manuscript.” -Stuart Daman (CSU ERP Graduate)

For more information, contact:

Andrew Slifkin, Graduate Program Director
216-875-9752; Chester Building Rm. 102
Email: a.slifkin@csuohio.edu