Student Diversity Research

Welcome to the Spotlight on Student Diversity Research!

Historically, a large number of student and faculty research projects conducted by the Auburn University Department of Psychology have included diverse populations.<ADD LINK TO STUDENT RESEARCH > A number of these studies have also investigated issues that are important to consider when providing clinical services to racial/ethnic minority individuals and families.

Danny Burgess, a 3rd year graduate student in the Clinical Program, recently conducted a study entitled “Vignette Study IV on Racial Bias in Diagnosing and Axis V.” Danny’s research mentor, Dr. Roger Blashfied <ADD LINK TO BLASHFIELD> has an active research program in the area of clinical diagnosis.

Vignette Study IV on Racial Bias in Diagnosing and Axis V

Abstract

In the practice of diagnosing and determining level of functioning, one variable that has been of interest for several decades is the influence of the client’s race. Past research on this highly sensitive issue has been inconsistent. Many findings suggest that the race of the client offers no bias in determining diagnostic features; whereas, a comparable number of studies reveal different forms of biases that influence diagnostic decisions. This current study teaches participants the Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) scale by using a training method that exposes them to different forms of racial biases. It is then of interest to see if the biases reveal themselves in making GAF ratings on case histories.

<ADD PICTURE>
The caption under the picture should read…”Third year student Danny Burgess is from Petal, MS. When Danny is not conducting research on racial bias, he enjoys going to the movies and spending time with his wife, Mandi.”

Questions about this page
Last updated on May 10, 2004