Family Science Student Research Shines at Symposium

Every year the Family Science 302 course, Research Methods and Family Science holds its undergraduate research symposium, but this year, "Your group across the board has done the best I've seen," Department Chair Elaine Anderson said.

Another milestone for the event: This was the first time it was held in the School of Public Health building, as the Family Science Department moved in this winter after the renovations were complete.

Under the guidance of Patty Fanflik this semester, third year doctorate student, students selected topics to research based in family science theory. Their projects culminated into today's event, where each research group presented a poster detailing their hypotheses, process and discoveries.

Allison Koch and Robyna Hill showcased their research of the effect of birth order on academics. They hypothesized that siblings' GPAs would decrease from oldest to youngest siblings, based on Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Lev Vygotsky theorized that "social interaction plays a fundamental role in the development of cognition." So therefore, Allison said, they believed the oldest would learn the traits of responsibility, etc. from their parents; the next siblings from the siblings above then, and so on.

Allison and Robyna didn't come to a solid conclusion, but they know how they would do things differently. If they conducted this research again, instead of surveying their classmates, they would compare sibling to sibling. They also would strive for a more diverse population, and consider difficulty level of academic programs.

The research was judged, and four projects were selected. I've asked each group to post a comment with the title of their research, the place they received and a brief summary of their hypothesis, research process and findings. Check back later for their comments!
The event was made possible by the Maryland Council and Family Relations. The department was also excited to have local high school classes show up.

Family Science students Allison Koch and Robyna
researched the possible effect of birth order on academics.

Students present their findings at Family Science Undergraduate Research Symposium. It was the first held in the School of Public Health building.

Dean Gold poses with students from Bladensburg High School.