Student Sentiment on Immigration at the University of Nevada, Reno

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between particular demographics of students at the University of Nevada, Reno, (UNR) and their opinions regarding immigration in the United States. Specifically, the differences in sentiment between various demographics were compared. In addition, the general, student-wide sentiment on immigration was determined. The data used for analysis was collected by the means of an anonymous online survey, with questions regarding various aspects of immigration, as well as specific demographic questions. This survey was primarily distributed by tabling at student hubs around campus, such as the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center and Joe Crowley Student Union. A $50 Amazon gift card sweepstakes was used as an incentive for students to participate. To analyze data and answer research questions, an immigration sentiment index (IS) was calculated based on survey responses. This value ranges between 0 and 1, with 0 representing purely anti-immigration views and 1 representing purely pro-immigration views. The IS of each participant and demographic of interest was calculated, with all of the former being used to determine the overall immigration sentiment of UNR students. Furthermore, classical statistics were used to determine the significance in opinion differences between demographics. In particular, proportions of participants of various demographics with pro-immigration views were compared.