Introduction to Interdisciplinary Problem-Based Research Impact Outcomes
Introduction to Problem-Based Research
Students in the Introduction to Problem-Based Research Lab, with help from ASU Library's myriad data collections and archives, gained exposure to interdisciplinary research through rigorous, minds-on collaborative work. Together, they approached some of the world's most pressing challenges like racial injustice by thoughtfully synthesizing data from several disciplines.
Makerspace Visit
The entire Intro to Problem-Based Research Lab team visited the Makerspace in the ASU Hayden Library to learn about resources that were available to them to create their impact outcomes.
Student Outcomes
Racial Justice throughout the United States in Public, Private, Technological, and Justice Sectors
A diverse team of five students from across ASU's colleges assembled around the research question of how racism impacts different generations in four different spheres: the public, the private, the technological, and the judicial. Seeking to raise awareness about their question's topic, they initiated a racial justice campaign at the Tempe and Downtown campuses with the Race Forward Conversation Series and conducted research on the student population's attitudes toward racism.
Race Forward Conversation Series
In the final weeks of the Spring 2022 semester, the team held a series of three interactive conversations with politicians, activists, scholars—anyone deeply involved in understanding the impact of racism. The conversations invited the public to contribute to discussions around a variety of topics with actionable opportunities ranging from jotting down experienced micro-aggressions on Post-It notes to engaging in macro-scale conversations on racism. Conversation guests included:
– Marcelino Quiñonez, a member of the House of Representatives and activist in Latinx communities.
– Dontá McGilvery, a Ph.D in Theatre and Dean's Fellow who works with the Graduate Experience at Arizona State on the Tempe campus.
– Timothy Summers, Executive Director of ASU's Third Horizons Initiative.
Research
Given that their original goal was to challenge preconceptions about institutional racism, the team sought to measure the change in attitudes toward racism their campaigns and conversations effected among ASU student population through surveys. Read their methodology here.
What's the Deal with Public Transportation?
Recognizing ASU's high dependence on private car transportation, a group of six students sought to answer the question of why ASU students prefer the car over public transit. They conducted an online survey and discovered that, as expected, the majority of respondents seldom take public transportation despite recognizing that it is effective at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. In response to these findings, they assembled infographics and flyers to encourage bus and light rail use.
Sexual Assault Resources
Another team queried about the effectiveness of sexual assault resources on college campuses and conducted a literature review of sexual assault statistics, disclosure practices, and resource use to determine the prevailing trends in the matter. Recognizing that survivors face difficulties reporting sexual assault or even accessing resources, they endeavored to design clear, inclusive, unaffiliated infographics on sexual assault statistics, campus services, awareness events, and ASU's mandatory reporting policy. View their infographics here.
Grants
In order to earn the funds needed to initiate these projects, Intro to Interdisciplinary Research students applied for and received the following grants:
– Agni Garduno, Justin Torres, Syncere Dixon, Brady Judson, Tayandre Wright were awarded an Amplifier Mini-Grant for their Racial Justice throughout the United States in Public, Private, Technological, and Justice Sectors.
"It is always thrilling to see the students tackle their projects. They learn so much about the research process while working on issues they care about."
– Monica Boyd, Intro to Problem-Based Research Humanities Lab Instructor
Students, particularly lower divisions students, do not have a great deal of experience with research. Many are unaware of the vast array of research that they can do. This Intro to Interdisciplinary Research Lab began as an opportunity for students to explore different kinds of research. Student teams then work collaboratively to determine a research question, design a research project based on which methodology best addresses their question, and then execute their projects. Students engaged in quantitative surveys, community-engaged public humanities and dived into library databases. In doing so, students acquired or strengthened their skills in critical thinking, ideation, time management and prioritization, detail level planning, and communication. It is always thrilling to see the students tackle their projects. They learn so much about the research process while working on issues they care about.
– Monica Boyd
Collaborative Partners
- Michael Simeone, Director of Data Science and Analytics Center
- Matt Toro, Director of the Map and Geospatial Hub
- Cary Lopez and Anca Castillo from ASU Spark Method
- Anali Perry, Head of the Learning Services Division and Student Success Librarian at ASU Libraries
- Victor Surovec, Program Coordinator for Makerspace
- Shannon Walker, University Archivist
- Nancy Godoy, Director of the Community-Driven Archives Initiative and Assoc. Archivist of the Chicano/a Research Collection
- Clinical Asst. Prof. Adair Landborn, curator of the Cross-Cultural Dance Resources Collection