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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between registration and submission?
Everyone who plans to attend the convention must register and pay the $15.00 fee. In contrast, not everyone will need to submit. Only those who want to present research, either an oral presentation or poster presentation, will need complete the submission form.
Can I attend the conference even if I’m not presenting?
Yes! Particularly if you have not attended a research conference before, you can get a feel for what it’s like. You can also support other students who are presenting by attending their sessions and viewing their posters.
Your proposal will be accepted if you follow the instructions, submit before the deadline, and if your title and abstract are comprehensible. You are encouraged to submit well in advance of the deadline so that, if there is a problem with your submissions, we can contact you and rectify the problem.
Is it better to do a poster or an oral presentation?
This is really a matter of personal preference and of your development as a scholar. Many students like poster presentations because they do not have to stand up in front of a group of people and there is more one-on-one interaction. On the other hand, an oral presentation is over with more quickly! Talk with your faculty sponsor about which presentation format would be better for you.
What is the difference between empirical and non-empirical?
An empirical presentation is one where you present the results of a project in which you collected actual data. A non-empirical presentation is one where you are not presenting any original data, but you are reviewing and integrating previous studies that have been reported in the literature.
Can I submit my proposal even if I’m not done collecting data?
There is no “minimum” amount of data that you need for your presentation to be accepted. It is okay if you continue to collect data after you submit your proposal, but keep in mind that the deadline for the conference submissions is very close to the date of the conference.
What should I do at the conference?
If you are presenting, show up at the right time and the right place, and have some fun with your presentation. Use it as a learning experience. Attend other presentations and go to poster sessions, too. You can pick and choose what you want to see. You may want to attend your friends’ presentations to support them, but also look for presentations on research that you personally find interesting. We highly recommend that you attend the Friday night banquet and keynote speech, as well as the presentation by our distinguished speaker on Saturday. Also, use the opportunity to chat with students and faculty at other institutions.
There is no dress code for the conference (but please dress!). Some students will wear everyday casual clothing, just as they would while attending class. Other students prefer to dress professionally, in business attire or “business casual.” If you are presenting, you may feel more comfortable and confident if you are dressed professionally.
What do I need to know about conference etiquette?
Please be respectful of your fellow conference attendees. Use your common sense about what behaviors are appropriate. When attending an oral presentation session, please turn off your cell phone or pager and give your full attention to the speaker. Please do not enter or exit from an oral presentation room while a presentation is in progress; wait for the applause at the end before entering or exiting. Presenters at poster sessions and oral presentations appreciate questions, especially encouraging and thoughtful questions. Any criticisms or concerns you have about someone’s research can be phrased in a respectful and supportive manner. If you found someone’s research interested or if you were impressed by a poster presentation, tell that person so!
Do I need to attend the Saturday awards luncheon?
Attending the Saturday awards luncheon is optional. However, it is strongly encouraged you attend the luncheon, especially if you are presenting research.
What is the Journal of Psychological Inquiry?
Students who present their research at Great Plains are encouraged to submit manuscripts for publication in the Journal of Psychological Inquiry. This journal is dedicated to publishing undergraduate student research. For more information, see the JPI website.