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If he's serious about research, look for schools where he will actually be able to get his hands dirty and do some kind of thesis or head a study. Many schools will talk about "research experience" opportunities that really just end up being professor's research assistant positions that involve nothing more that entering numbers into the computer. While this kind of experience can also be valuable, nothing prepares you better for graduate studies like actually doing a year-long, self-directed study and presenting it at a conference and/or getting it published. At Pepperdine, the psychology program has a competitive undergraduate research program that has students conceive, design, and execute a study that must be defended in front of the faculty and presented at a national conference such as APA. It's a great way to ensure you really love research before heading off to a 6-year program.
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