Social Networks and Political Accountability
Columbia University
Eligibility
Undergraduate Only
Accepts Applications Until
Dec 20, 2025
Project Duration
Flexible
Description
This project explores how disparities in voters’ exposure to information through social networks impacts how well the government serves different communities (in the US). I examine how the level of alignment between social networks and congressional boundaries impacts (1) how familiar voters are with their congressional representatives, (2) representatives’ effort, and (3) federal funding.
Required Skills
This project is ideal for students interested in political economy, networks, and/or social media. The RA’s primary task will be to assist with collecting, assembling, and analyzing data on surveys of voters, representative effort, federal spending, and media markets. Experience with Stata and/or Python is required.
Additional Information
Selected RAs will need to register for a Research Course. Students registered for research course GU4996 will receive either 1 or 2 college credits and be charged for those chosen credits (relevant only to students who pay by the credit). GS (General Studies) students have the option of participating in a research project at no cost by instead registering for GU4995 for 1 credit, for which they will not be billed. However, in the case of GU4995, the 1 credit may not be used to fulfill the minimum credit limit of a Columbia degree.
In both cases, students will receive a letter grade on their transcript for their work as an RA. However, in either case, research credit may not be used as a substitute for elective or seminar requirements in the major.