Senior psychology major Xavier Bishop noticed that his classmates seemed more willing to discuss race in relaxed social settings than in class. He decided to explore the topic further.
So he approached his mentor, sociology professor Melissa Weiner, with an idea for an independent study. Bishop wanted to find out what factors affect students' opinions on racial issues.
The two worked closely through the Fall 2009 semester to design an original research study using focus groups and a questionnaire. The survey will be conducted on campus this spring.
In the study, participants will be divided into small groups and asked to discuss one of three questions: a neutral question about campus life, such as whether they took part in the annual "Hall Wars" competition; a general question about race; or a question about a controversial topic related to race, such as affirmative action. Participants then complete individual questionnaires. Weiner and Bishop's hypothesis is that students who discuss the neutral campus life question will respond more positively to questions about race in the written survey than those who discuss more divisive topics.
Weiner researches race and class issues and is the faculty adviser to the Black Student Union student organization. "I'm astounded by her grasp of knowledge. It's really inspiring," says Bishop, BSU's vice president. "Talking to her is like opening a history book. It really made me want to delve into my research."
Weiner welcomed the opportunity to devote time to close student interaction. "I get to take my love of working with students who share academic interests with me to a new level," she says. "Quinnipiac really encourages these mentor relationships."
Weiner says she enjoyed introducing Bishop to the process of designing a research study using human subjects. "You think it's easy, but it's not," Bishop says. "She had endless patience with me."
Bishop's involvement with the BSU spurred his interest in this research topic. He helped plan the group's student panel discussion on diversity and a student performance showcase. He believes these types of events encourage dialogue between students of different backgrounds. "Knowledge about other communities is essential," he explains.
Bishop and Weiner hope their study's findings could help shape diversity training programs at Quinnipiac and beyond. Weiner says the experience also will prepare Bishop for graduate school.
"Now you're a researcher, not just a student," she tells him.