Student examines effects of disabilities on families
February 20, 2009
Amanda Call, a recent graduate from the School of Family Life, was taking a research methods course when her professor, Susanne Olsen Roper, invited her to work on a study that examines how children with disabilities or chronic illnesses and their families function.
Researchers interviewed selected families, gave children diaries to write in, and asked parents to fill out questionnaires. “I analyzed the children’s diaries and the interview transcripts using specialized software. I became proficient enough that I trained our team, professors, and other researchers how to use the program.”
Call was one of 14 student researchers on this project. The experience taught her research skills and how to apply them. She says: “It increased my desire to work with children who have disabilities and their families. I have learned so much that will help me in the future.”
Call is now a master’s student studying occupational therapy at the University of Southern California.
