The Power of Diversity in Research: Building Bridges, Broadening Perspectives

Zane Zheng, Lasell University, Psi Chi

In the scientific community, the importance of diversity in research has become increasingly recognized. Diversity matters not only in terms of who conducts the research but also in the composition of participants - the people behind the data.

One of the reasons diversity is so vital is generalizability: the ability to apply findings to broader populations. Without diversity, research findings can lack reliability, trustworthiness, and meaningful impact. Equally important is the role of perspectives - diverse researchers and participants bring varied viewpoints, fostering innovation and creativity. If science aims to benefit all, it must also include contributions from all.

Despite its significance, much work remains to enhance diversity in research. For instance, a study from the University of Wisconsin revealed a striking paradox (Passmore et al., 2021): while 87% of researchers acknowledge diversity’s importance, only 38% prioritize it in their own work. This disconnect underscores the barriers we face in addressing this issue.

Engaging Students: A Starting Point

One crucial avenue to improve diversity in research is by increasing student engagement, both in research design and participation. Existing initiatives often focus on providing training and education but overlook the social elements needed to create a sense of belonging in the academic community. Academia is, after all, a social system. Students need more than academic competence - they need a supportive community that values their contributions and encourages active participation.

To address this gap, we launched the Diversity in Research Brown-Bag Series, generously funded by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) Teaching Development Grant. This initiative unites faculty and students from diverse disciplines and institutions to engage in meaningful conversations about diversity in research, recent advancements, and best practices for addressing these challenges.

A Threefold Mission

The Brown-Bag Series aims to achieve three interconnected goals. First, it creates a welcoming and supportive space that fosters a sense of belonging among diverse students and faculty, helping to break down barriers to full participation in the academic community. Second, the series inspires students to delve into the psychological study of diversity while building their research and advocacy skills, empowering them to actively contribute to advancing these critical issues. Lastly, by engaging in research or advocacy, students internalize the importance of addressing social challenges related to diversity. This experience cultivates a deep sense of responsibility and motivates them to drive meaningful change within and beyond the academic landscape.

Looking Ahead

The series has already sparked enthusiasm among participants, with students gaining valuable insights and expressing greater interest in diversity issues and research. As Psi Chi’s Research Director, I have long recognized that a lack of diversity can hinder progress and compromise research practices. This realization drives our efforts to leverage platforms like NICE to enhance representation on a broader scale. However, grassroots initiatives such as this Brown-Bag Series, which directly engage faculty and students, hold strong promise in delivering immediate and tangible outcomes in advancing the conversation around diversity in research. Therefore, I’m deeply grateful to SPSSI for supporting this project and enabling us to connect with the community. Together, we will make progress toward a more inclusive and representative future for research, one step at a time.

Reference

Passmore, S.R., Kisicki, A., Gilmore-Bykovskyi, A., Green-Harris, G., & Edwards, D.F., (2021) “There’s not much we can do…” researcher-level barriers to the inclusion of underrepresented participants in translational research. J Clin Transl Sci, 6(1): e4.