UROP Project

How does the Science of Virtue Measure It?

character, virtue, morality, character education
Research Mentor: Casey Timbs,
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: timbs@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: The development of one’s character and virtue shapes how individuals think, feel, and behave across moral domains such as their performance and intellect. Therefore, the study of character and virtue has been a key focus across diverse topics in psychological research—from academic success and job performance to individual personality traits, overall well-being, and life satisfaction. But across these various topics, how is character and virtue actually being measured? Our goal is to review the scientific literature on character and virtue to understand how it tends to be measured, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these measurements, and to assess the most common associations within the character literature. Research in the lab building on this work entails the empirical study of moral virtue and character, providing opportunities to engage with participants via data collection. Through this research, one will learn how character is measured in the field, what the most common outcomes and predictors are in character literature, and what limitations are important to address.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 9-11, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable

Project Description

The development of one’s character and virtue shapes how individuals think, feel, and behave across moral domains such as their performance and intellect. Therefore, the study of character and virtue has been a key focus across diverse topics in psychological research—from academic success and job performance to individual personality traits, overall well-being, and life satisfaction. But across these various topics, how is character and virtue actually being measured? Our goal is to review the scientific literature on character and virtue to understand how it tends to be measured, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these measurements, and to assess the most common associations within the character literature. Research in the lab building on this work entails the empirical study of moral virtue and character, providing opportunities to engage with participants via data collection. Through this research, one will learn how character is measured in the field, what the most common outcomes and predictors are in character literature, and what limitations are important to address.

Research Tasks: Data collection/Running participants
Literature reviews
Skimming and extracting data from research methods and results sections
Entering data into database
Writing
Presenting

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Familiarity with Microsoft and Google Drive (specifically excel/google sheets; required)
Experience in creating APA style literature reviews
Understanding how to read basic research papers(recommended and can be taught)
Conscientiousness, communication, and eagerness to learn new skills

Mentoring Philosophy

The Maranges lab values hands-on research experience and fosters opportunities to engage in all parts of the research experience. We prioritize identifying research assistants’ goals and working toward them while growing the understanding of the research process and the theoretical content and constructs of their studies. New research assistants work closely and develop collaborative relationships with the graduate students and more senior lab members to learn and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://heathermmaranges.com/