QuantCrit: Equity and Statistical Methodology

My research focuses on advancing the application of QuantCrit in developmental science, working to bridge critical theoretical frameworks with rigorous quantitative methods. This work spans both methodological innovation and practical application, with the goal of making critical quantitative approaches more accessible to researchers studying youth development.

My work demonstrates how QuantCrit can enhance our understanding of youth development, particularly through advanced statistical methods like mixture modeling. In my dissertation research, I explored distinct patterns of critical consciousness among youth of color, revealing how different experiences of critical consciousness relate to positive youth development outcomes. This work exemplifies how quantitative methods can be used to illuminate the complexity and diversity of youth experiences while maintaining a critical lens.

I am currently developing a comprehensive framework to guide researchers in applying QuantCrit principles to statistical analysis in developmental science. Drawing from design thinking principles, this work addresses common challenges researchers face, such as working with small sample sizes while maintaining methodological rigor and theoretical integrity. The framework aims to make QuantCrit approaches more transparent and practical for researchers across the field.

My research contributes to the growing body of work that demonstrates how quantitative methods can be employed in service of critical inquiry. By focusing on practical implementation and methodological guidance, I aim to help researchers navigate the complexities of applying critical frameworks to quantitative research design and analysis.

This work is particularly relevant for scholars studying marginalized populations, where traditional quantitative approaches may fail to capture the nuance and complexity of lived experiences. Through QuantCrit, we can develop more equitable and representative research practices that honor the experiences of diverse communities while maintaining scientific rigor.

Relevant publications:

Sara Suzuki, Stacy L. Morris, Sara K. Johnson

Journal of Adolescent Research

September 2021