Presentation Information

Submission Types

*see judging criteria for award submissions below.

Paper Presentations

1. Research Project

2. Class Assignment/Other Project

3. Community Engagement Project

Instructions: Click the "Submission Portal" link and submit the following information:

·       Cover Page: Include the author’s name, email, institutional affiliation, and undergraduate status (year of study), as well as the name and email of the student’s faculty advisor/sponsor. 

·       Category: Please indicate the proper category for your paper.

·       Abstract: An abstract of no more than 150 words must precede the body of the paper.

·       Synopsis: An approximately three-page, double-spaced description of the project which includes the research questions and major findings.

Poster Presentations

Posters are visual presentations of a research project. Posters will be displayed throughout the conference. During a designated time slot, presenters will stand with their poster and discuss their project with conference attendees and judges.

Poster Format: The standard size of posters is 3ft tall x 4ft wide. Posters should be readable from a distance of 2-3 feet and should include graphics and text describing your project. Visit the following links for tips on planning and preparing your poster:

https://www.posterpresentations.com/free-poster-templates.html

https://www.populationassociation.org/paa2024/presenter-information/guidelines-for-poster-presenters

https://convention.apa.org/presenters/posters

Instructions: Click the "Submission Portal" link and submit the following information:

·       Cover Page: Include the author’s name, email, institutional affiliation, and undergraduate status (year of study), as well as the name and email of the student’s faculty advisor/sponsor.

·       Abstract: An abstract of no more than 150 words describing the research or project.

·       Synopsis: An approximately three-page, double-spaced description of the project which includes the research questions and major findings.

Roundtable Discussions

Roundtable discussions are organized conversations about a topic. Scholars will have the opportunity to share their experiences, research, and projects in a less formal and smaller session. Both ongoing and complete projects are appropriate for roundtable discussions. The roundtable format provides a low stress opportunity to engage and share with others.

Scholars will make 3-5 minute presentations at the table, and a moderator will facilitate dialogue amongst the group. Presenters should come prepared with hand-outs, pictures, or other items needed to illustrate their activities.

The categories for student roundtable discussions are: 

1.     Research Project

2.     Class Assignment/Other Project

3.     Community Engagement Project

Instructions: Click the "Submission Portal" link and submit the following information:

·       Cover Page: Include the author’s name, email, institutional affiliation, and undergraduate status (year of study), as well as the name and email of the student’s faculty advisor/sponsor. 

·       Category: Please indicate the proper category for your submission.

·       Abstract: An abstract of no more than 150 words must precede the body of the paper.

·       Synopsis: An approximately three-page, double-spaced description of the project which includes the research questions and major findings.

Paper and Poster Awards Judging Criteria

Paper and Poster submissions will be scored by faculty using a rubric prior to the ISA conference. Poster submissions and the MSS–ISA Rising Scholar in Sociology Award will be scored at the conference.

1. Creativity. The paper addresses a unique or understudied sociological topic,or approaches an existing topic in a novel way.

2. Structure/Organization. Main elements are present: abstract, introduction, background, analysis/methods/results, discussion, and references.

3. Introduction/Background. The research question is clearly stated. The paper discusses and synthesizes previous research relevant to the research question.

4. Theoretical Rigor. The selection of theory and concepts used to guide the research question is appropriate and accurately explained.

5. Methodological Rigor. The method of analysis is appropriate and the execution of research methods sound. (1st/2nd year students: methods may be limited to a critical analysis of the literature and/or approach to a particular research topic).

6. Analysis and Results. The interpretation of the analysis and findings are accurate.

7. Discussion and Conclusions. The discussion highlights the study’s main findings; findings are discussed relative to the existing literature and within the theoretical context; the limitations of the study are noted; the findings are extended to other contexts; next steps are noted.

8. Overall Quality. The paper is well-written, well-organized, and free of grammatical and other errors.

Poster Presentations: The above content is abridged, highlighting main points. Language is clear and concise; Poster has attractive appearance. Presenter is knowledgeable and professional when explaining the project.