Undergraduate research plays an important role in the Carroll College experience, giving students the chance to explore meaningful questions and apply what they have learned in the classroom. This fall, six senior Sociology majors demonstrated that spirit of inquiry as they presented the results of their original research projects.
Each student designed and carried out a study of their choice, under the guidance of Dr. Jamie Dolan, Associate Professor of Sociology, using methods such as surveys and in-depth interviews to gather insights on timely social issues. Some projects will be featured at the Student Research Festival in the spring, and senior Xzavier Ford has been selected to present his work at the Pacific Sociological Association conference in Long Beach in April.
The seniors explored a wide range of topics in their capstone research:
- Forrest Suero – African American Discrimination in the Housing Market
- Grace Arend – The Retreat from Marriage: College Students’ Perspectives on Marriage
- Lori Hansen – Unequal Parenting and Child Well-being Post-Separation
- Xzavier Ford – Perceptions on the Inclusion of Non-Jazz Artists at Jazz Festivals
- Janey Adair – Violent Video Games’ Impact on Youth America: A Meta-Analytical Examination of Psychological and Behavioral Impacts on Adolescents Aged 8–17
- Olivia Richardson – The Effects of Counseling Modality on Sense of Self
Their work reflects months of effort, thoughtful mentorship, and a shared interest in understanding the social issues shaping communities today.