Honors College | Session 1
Why do immigrants change behavior based on interaction?
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Economics and Finance
Minor
Political Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
David Eaton and Martin Milkman
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
For my thesis, I plan on discussing the reason behind why immigrants change behavior based on who they are interacting with. I have noticed that as an immigrant, I have adjusted my behavior depending on who I am interacting with and I intend to see if this is the same with other immigrants. In one Psychology Today study, the authors found that the environment one is in and the culture that is around them that causes people that are bilingual to change behavior when speaking with people from different backgrounds. However, I have discovered that it does not seem to matter whether an international student is bilingual.
In addition, there is no denying that it is possible that the Trump administration can have an effect on the behaviors of international students. I would like to assess how the current climate regarding immigration has affected international students at Murray State’s campus in terms of their interactions with other students and how it impacts their decision to finish their education here or go back to their home countries. So far, most of the articles I have found pertain to people from Spanish-speaking countries and their experiences in the United States. There is not a lot of work on people from other countries, specifically African countries, and their schooling experiences before this current administration and during. As far as data collection, there is a large international community on Murray State’s campus as well as sub groups within the community. They can be asked to rate their experience at Murray State, whether they feel a sense of belonging on campus, and other questions.
Spring Scholars Week 2018 Event
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentation
Why do immigrants change behavior based on interaction?
For my thesis, I plan on discussing the reason behind why immigrants change behavior based on who they are interacting with. I have noticed that as an immigrant, I have adjusted my behavior depending on who I am interacting with and I intend to see if this is the same with other immigrants. In one Psychology Today study, the authors found that the environment one is in and the culture that is around them that causes people that are bilingual to change behavior when speaking with people from different backgrounds. However, I have discovered that it does not seem to matter whether an international student is bilingual.
In addition, there is no denying that it is possible that the Trump administration can have an effect on the behaviors of international students. I would like to assess how the current climate regarding immigration has affected international students at Murray State’s campus in terms of their interactions with other students and how it impacts their decision to finish their education here or go back to their home countries. So far, most of the articles I have found pertain to people from Spanish-speaking countries and their experiences in the United States. There is not a lot of work on people from other countries, specifically African countries, and their schooling experiences before this current administration and during. As far as data collection, there is a large international community on Murray State’s campus as well as sub groups within the community. They can be asked to rate their experience at Murray State, whether they feel a sense of belonging on campus, and other questions.