Student Casual - Research Summer Intern Unraveling the Psycho-Cognitive elements of the IKEA Effect - Birmingham Business School - Grade 2 - 900342
Student Casual - Research Summer Intern Unraveling the Psycho-Cognitive elements of the IKEA Effect - Birmingham Business School - Grade 2 - 900342
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Job Description
Position Details:
School or Department: Birmingham Business School
Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK
Grade/Band: Grade 2
Hourly rate: 12.69 per hour plus holiday entitlement
Casual contract from: 30/06/2025 6/8 weeks
Advert closing date: 11/05/2025 23.59 p.m.
Number of positions available: 2
Please note that this vacancy may be taken down early depending on the number of applications received. We advise you to submit your application promptly.
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do.
The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years andweare equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond support them to succeed and celebrate their success.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we areand how we work.
The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus including main bus routes and a train station on campus we have a stateoftheart sports centre with pool shopsplaces to eat and drinkour own art gallery museum and botanical gardens.
Find out more about thebenefits of working for the Universityof Birmingham
Background to the internship
Birmingham Business School (BBS) is offering paid research internships for Business School undergraduates interested in gaining experience as research assistants on projects being undertaken by BBS academics. There are 8 research projects available to apply to all of which are listed on Worklink (please visit each individual advert is see the full details of the project). You can apply to more than one if you are interested in multiple projects.
Research interns will work closely with the relevant academic(s) and will be supported to undertake a range of research tasks. Depending on the skillset of the selected students and the needs of the projects such tasks may include assisting with literature searches and literature reviews; assisting with the collection and/or analysis of primary research data; analysing data from existing data sets creating and maintaining one resources; summary project results etc.
If specific training is required for the internship this will be provided and delivered by the lead academic.
There will be additional skills/experience requirements for some specific opportunities are particularly suited to students who feel they might wish to pursue a career in academic research or are curious about academic research BBS UG students (including finalists) can apply for these are however particularly keen to receive applications from students from backgrounds underrepresented in academia.
Background to the Academic Researcher providing the project
Dr Grigorios Lamprinakos is an Assistant Professor in Marketing at the University of Birmingham. Prior to his current position Grigorios worked as a postdoctorate researcher in the Centre for Responsible Business. He holds a dual PhD from Athens University of Economics and Business (Marketing department) and Autonoma de Madrid (psychology of Psychology).
His main research interests involve mechanisms underlying attitudinal and behavioural change. Specifically Grigorios investigates the cognitive and metacognitive processes that drive sustainable consumption and socially responsible behaviour. He has published his experimental research in academic journals such as the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 4* Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 4* Journal of Business Research 3* European Journal of Marketing 3* Information Technology and people 3* among others
Role Summary
- This project experimentally explores the relationship among early impressions of a product derived from product reviews the work put into assembling a product and customer satisfaction and sustainable behaviour.
- Based on the IKEA effect which suggests that increased consumer effort raises perceived value this study questions the notion that effort always results in higher levels of satisfaction.
- We aim to both replicate but also reverse wellestablished behavioural research by applying a cognitive perspective that will identify conditions where responsible behaviour will either befacilitated or attenuated based on the highlighted mindset.
Main Duties
- The study is part of an eightstudents package that we aim to publish in the most prestigious consumer psychology academic outlet Journal of Consumer Psychology.
- The student will gain insights into cognitive and behavioural psychological mechanisms that drive socially responsible and sustainable consumer behaviour. Moreover and taking into account the operationalization of the study the student will have the chance to be involved in the experimental design data collection and analysis advancing both critical thinking skills but also quantitative analysis skills in an applied manner.
- By including cognitive aspects as a moderating variable in the IKEA effect the findings provide important theoretical contributions and show that effort can either increase or decrease satisfaction.
- The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) theory is expanded upon in this study which contends that effort results in deeper cognitive processing and reinforces initial perceptions whether favorable or unfavorable. These observations cast
Person Specification
- An undergraduate student at the University of Birmingham
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail methodical approach to work
- Research and analytical skills
- Problem solving
- Interest in marketing/consumer psychology
Support provided for the internship
As a mentor Ill provide a supportive and structured environment for the exploration of the Ikea effects cognitive impact on socially responsible behaviour. Well begin by clearly defining the research question and establishing achievable goals for the design and conduct of the experimental study. Ill guide the student through the process of designing the experiment including selecting appropriate metrics and ensuring ethical considerations are met.
Ill emphasize a collaborative approach encouraging your active participation in every stage from literature review to data analysis. Well delve into the psychological underpinnings of the Ikea effect exploring its relevance to behavioural economics and social psychology. Ill help the refinement of the students understanding of cognitive biases and how they can be leveraged to promote positive change.
Ill provide constructive feedback on the work presented fostering critical thinking problemsolving and statistical analysis skills. Well regularly discuss findings addressing any challenges and exploring potential solutions. Ill encourage documentation of the process meticulously ensuring transparency and reproducibility. Well also explore ways to effectively communicate research findings including presentations and potential publications. Ultimately my goal is to empower the student to develop research skills and contribute meaningfully to the understanding of how cognitive biases can drive socially responsible behaviour applying a personalized journey based on the students interests.
For any informal queries please contact Kam Manku
View our staff values and behaviourshere
Valuing excellence sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.
The University of Birmingham restricts all students to working up to 20 hours per week during term time. If your application is successful and your course does not follow the usual academic term timetable (e.g. PGT PGR or PhD student) you and your supervisor must formally agree vacation periods if this role exceeds 20 hours per week. In addition to this please be aware if you are an International student you will be required to apply to the Registry for the appropriate Authorised Absence.
You are only eligible to apply to this role if you are a current University of Birmingham student. If you are not a University of Birmingham student your application will not be considered.
To work you will need to carry out a right to work checks will need to be completed prior to work commencing.
Required Experience:
Intern
Employment Type
Part-Time
