Sociology Research Assistant

An image of a sanctuary policy Madison, WI.
Project is Not Currently Available

This project is not being offered for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Seeking advanced undergraduate to assist with a qualitative coding project by conducting content analysis of sanctuary policies in the United States. 

Project description

Job Description:

Seeking advanced undergraduate student to assist with a research project examining sanctuary policies in the United States. Sanctuary policies are commonly defined as local or state-level policy measures addressing federal-local immigration matters. Many policies restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in order to improve public safety and protect immigrant communities.

Responsibilities:

  • Review and code approximately 400 documents related to sanctuary.
  • Conduct guided and structured content analysis using qualitative software (preferred software: Dedoose, MAXQDA, R, or Python, NVivo).
  • Organize and maintain accurate records of coded materials.
  • Collaborate with the research team to receive training and ensure consistency in coding and analysis.

Time Commitment: Flexible, Spring 2026.
Compensation: $20-25/hour, depending on experience.

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

  1. Conduct content analysis of 400+ materials related to sanctuary in the United States since 1979 using qualitative software.
  2. Perform an inter-reliability coding check on research project data.
  3. Develop one project codebook using standardized coding guidelines.

Learning outcomes

  1. Learn to use qualitative software to conduct conduct analysis.
  2. Learn how to conduct inter-coding techniques.

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment To be determined by student/mentor
Start time Spring
In-person, remote, or hybrid? Hybrid
Level of collaboration Individual student project
Benefits Stipend
Who is eligible All undergraduate students with strong research skills and experience preferred. Experience with qualitative analysis software (Dedoose, MAXQDA, Python or R) is preferred. Students should demonstrate attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Project mentor

Isabel Anadon

Assistant Professor

Sociology and Criminology

Phone: (716) 645-2417

Email: ianadon@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Attending workshops and trainings
  • Watching relevant videos

Keywords

sociology, sanctuary, immigration, law, policy, coding, analysis