Publishing a Research Paper in Undergraduate Psychology: Possibilities and Realities

Many students and researchers wonder whether it's possible to publish a research paper while still pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology. The answer is not black and white but is indeed possible, albeit rare.
Is it possible to have a research paper published during a bachelor’s in psychology?

Common Beliefs and Realities

Contrary to some beliefs, there is no official rule that explicitly prohibits the publication of research papers by undergraduate psychology students. However, the frequency of such occurrences is relatively low. This raises the question of whether these publications are aberrations or feasible avenues for young researchers.
Is it not impossible? There is no rule against it.

Empirical Examples

To provide context, two notable examples of co-authors with strong external support and guidance have been highlighted in academic literature. For instance, Emily Rosa's research paper garnered significant attention, but it's important to note the substantial support she received from her parents.
The Wikipedia article on Emily Rosa’s paper points out there are reasons for believing she received large support from her parents and there are issues with some of the ways that the work was conducted.

Khairy's Case Study

An additional example is Khairy, who worked alongside his father’s research team. His work was significant, partly due to the considerable support he received as he conducted the research and published the paper. This case underscores the importance of mentorship and collaboration in undergraduate research.
The NEJM paper points out that Khairy worked alongside his father’s research team and had considerable support as he did the work and published the paper.

Key Insight: Seeking Training and Support

The most salient message from these examples is that if an undergraduate desires to publish a research paper, they need to seek training and support from experienced researchers. It is rare for someone to publish without significant guidance and mentorship. The idea of having a "good idea" and attempting to publish independently is not typically successful in the academic sector.
The clear message is that if you are young and want to publish, you will need to gain help with training and support from people who are already schooled in academic research and publishing.

Additional Success Stories

It's worth noting that even younger individuals have managed to publish research papers. For instance, some individuals have managed to get their undergraduate honors thesis published while they were on their way to graduate school. Post-graduation, these papers were reviewed and published, showcasing the potential of young researchers.
Yes, I submitted my undergraduate honors thesis for publication on the way to graduate school. It was published later when I was in grad school per the usual time-lapse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while publishing a research paper during an undergraduate psychology degree is not impossible, it is highly unusual and requires significant support and guidance. These stories of success emphasize the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and the mentor-student relationship in the academic writing and publication process.

Keywords: undergraduate research, academic publication, psychology