The Relationship between Marijuana Laws and Risk Perception

For one of my classes, Introduction to Political Research (GOVT-310), I conducted a study on the effects of marijuana laws in certain states on their citizens’ risk perception of the drug. In my research paper, I discuss some of the literature that informed my research hypothesis and which data and variables are used in the study, as well as the statistical tests, results, and conclusions. This work sample demonstrates my research capabilities, statistical analysis skills, and ability to apply existing literature to my own study. I have been cultivating these skills throughout my high school and college careers in writing many annotated bibliographies, literature reviews, and research projects.

SPA Leadership Project

My time at American University has exponentially grown my abilities in research and analysis, especially through the SPA Leadership Program. In conducting a research project with a team of my peers during my first year, I was able to ease into the process and take part in each step. During my second year, I conducted another research and social action project about marijuana education on my own as part of SPA Leadership. The research question for this project was: What are the short and long-term effects of marijuana on the body and the mind? Additionally, how effective are school drug prevention programs? My research concluded that marijuana can cause physical and cognitive decline in the short and long term, and that drug prevention programs are most effective when they focus on specific drugs and target students who may use drugs as a coping mechanism. Based on this research, I implemented an updated drug education curriculum in June 2021 at the high school I attended. 

The convergence of these two projects on similar topics yet very different executions has allowed me to narrow my policy interests as a Political Science major and hone my research skills to work well within my chosen area of study.