The Action Research Project involves a collaborative and participatory inquiry undertaken by master's candidates to understand concerns that are close to them so that they can address a particular problem and influence change. The basic premise of action research in our department is that students will be more effective in their work when they build a capacity to reflect upon and examine their own practice.
To complete an action research report, students:
- Identify a problem preferably in his/her own organization, department or place of work;
- Decide upon a research question;
- Review relevant research and theories to inform the work;
- Design and conduct research; and
- Write up a paper based on his/her findings and the process as a whole; and present the work at the annual presentation event (held in May)
Action Research Projects from 2019
Recognizing Unconscious Gender Biases: Promoting Gender Equality in Performance Evaluation in Residential Life at USD, Mariana Ortega
Full of Pride: Improving Latino Engagement and Retention in USD's LGBT+ Community, Miguel Rios
Analyzing the Impact of Student Involvement and Leadership Development on Academic Achievement, Kalie Sabajo
Improving the Practice of Advocacy Among Student Leaders at the University of San Diego, Martel Serwenda
Empower to Strengthen Culturally Based Fraternal Organizations, Koua Thao
Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventures: How Gender Constructs Shape Engagement at the University of San Diego, Lauren Wong
Action Research Projects from 2018
Creating Meaningful Relationships Between New Members in Fraternity and Sorority Life, Elizabeth Aiello-Coppola
Increasing Participation and Promoting Value in Study Abroad Programs Among Engineering Students, Margaret Anderson
First year experience of Latino/a students at Southwestern Community College, Nina Bello
Understanding Hidden Diversity: The Third Culture Student Experience at USD, Bianca Chau
Promoting Community through Caring Leadership: An Action Research Project, Hazel Claros
Understanding Feminism at the University of San Diego, Aubrie Cook
Developing a Study Abroad Program for Student Veterans, Andrea Dame
Understanding Group Cohesion and Self-Advocacy in Student Leaders, Jordan DeSousa MA
Cross-Cultural Connections: Sense of Belonging and Mattering in Underrepresented College Students, Erin Fischer
Underrepresented Student Involvement with the Office of Sustainability, Jelitsa Fonseca
Summer for Success, Chantal Hernandez
Peer-to-Peer Leadership, Kalena Michalec
Fostering a Sense of Belonging: The Asian American Student Experience, Linh Phuong Nguyen
Understanding the Experiences of Students Identified as Uninvolved at the University of San Diego, Rama Sabano
The Peer Coach Lifecycle: Reframing Student Success, Kaila Shivers
Gender Norms Influence on Student’s Career Goals and Outcomes, Meagan Trudeau
Sponsored International Students, Chimchanbo Uk
Fostering Authenticity and Growth among Resident Assistants, Maria Villanueva
Best Practices to Assist California State University San Marcos TRIO Upward Bound Alumni Reach Degree Completion, Ebony Wiley
Reshaping What Emerges: Empowering Student Employees to be Authentic, Amber Williams
Cultivating Community Relations and Fostering Student Self-Efficacy with an Improved Clinical Placement Process, Amy C. Wright