Discussing academic research at an undergraduate level with Chloe Angyal, a graduate from 2009
In the heart of New York City, Chloe Angyal, the Deputy Opinion Editor at HuffPost, reflects on her undergraduate years at Princeton University, where she faced the challenge of deciding the focus of her senior thesis in Sociology.
Chloe's journey began during her sophomore year when she took a Medical Sociology class. This course sparked her interest in the subject, leading her to eventually major in Sociology. However, determining the appropriate scope of inquiry for her independent research projects proved to be a challenge.
To help navigate this challenge, Chloe followed some key tips for deciding the focus of a senior thesis in Sociology. She identified her genuine research interests by exploring recent journal articles, books, and literature reviews in sociology. This helped her find topics that excited and motivated her, ensuring she could sustain her engagement throughout the project.
Chloe also evaluated existing research to find gaps, unanswered questions, or underexplored areas where her thesis could contribute new insights. She narrowed her topic to a manageable and specific research problem, ensuring feasibility and relevance by selecting a topic that fit her skills, data accessibility, and aligned with her coursework and career goals.
Consulting her faculty adviser or thesis supervisor early and regularly was another crucial step in refining her topic and ensuring it fit within her discipline’s expectations and ethical guidelines. Chloe also considered practical experience such as internships or fieldwork when choosing a topic, as hands-on exposure could inspire and inform her research focus.
Chloe's senior thesis focused on young women working on Wall Street trading floors and how the experience of being a minority affected their behaviour at work. This research allowed her to create new knowledge and contribute to the store of human knowledge. Writing a senior thesis convinced Chloe that writing a doctoral dissertation wouldn't be too hard.
Chloe found the process deeply satisfying, as it allowed her to add her own knowledge to what she had absorbed throughout her education. Her thesis helped her to work for long stretches without any guidance, feedback, or praise, teaching her to celebrate small wins and be satisfied with a good day's work.
By combining personal interest, academic guidance, and realistic scope, Chloe defined a clear and compelling sociology thesis topic that was original and feasible within her senior year timeframe. Today, Chloe continues to make her mark in journalism, inspiring others with her work at HuffPost.
For those considering a senior thesis in Sociology, Chloe's journey offers valuable insights and lessons. By following these tips, students can embark on their own research projects with confidence, knowing they are well-prepared to contribute to the field of sociology.
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