Why do people think the way they do? What shapes our opinions? And what makes us see the same situation differently? For Madison Small ’27, these aren’t just interesting questions. They’re the foundation of her academic journey at Valparaiso University — and now, the inspiration behind a nationally recognized research project!
Madison, a senior student double majoring in psychology and sociology with a concentration in criminology, was selected for the competitive Access Path to Psychology and Law Experience (AP) Program through the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS). The award provides $4,000 in research funding and an additional $1,000 to support her participation in the society’s annual conference, where she plans to present her findings.
The program helps students from groups underrepresented in psychology and law gain hands-on research experience, build connections with mentors, and prepare for graduate studies. For Madison, it’s an opportunity to explore questions she’s been asking for most of her life. “I’ve just always been interested in the why. Why do people do things? Why do people behave this way? Is there a way to change behavior or attitudes?” Madison wonders. “I really enjoy everything about the why — why people think the way they do and why they do the things they do.”
Growing up in Knox, Indiana, Madison saw firsthand how prejudice and bias could influence the way people treated one another. As a member of one of the few Black families in her community, she witnessed acts of discrimination that left her wondering why people form certain beliefs and how those beliefs shape their actions.
Those experiences helped inspire her interest in psychology, sociology, and criminology. Today, they’re also helping shape her research.
Madison’s project explores how framing influences public opinions about immigrants and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She’s especially interested in whether people’s views change based on a person’s background or country of origin. For example, would someone view an immigration arrest differently if the individual came from Mexico rather than England? Would the circumstances seem more or less justified?
Madison hopes her research will help answer these questions and encourage people to take a closer look at their own assumptions: “I think if people can be confronted with their biases and ask, ‘Wait, why did I choose that versus that if virtually everything else remains the same?’ maybe they can look inside themselves and do some introspection,” she explains.
With survey development and early testing underway, Madison is preparing to collect responses and begin examining the results. She hopes to share her findings at the AP-LS annual conference in spring 2027, along with Valpo’s own research events, SORCE and PsychFest.
And while Madison is leading this research, she hasn’t been doing it alone! It was Valpo faculty mentor Holly Cross, Ph.D., who first encouraged Madison to apply for this national opportunity. Professor Cross recognized her potential, shared the application, and helped her turn a broad interest in prejudice and human behavior into a focused research proposal. “Not only did I think it was a good fit, but the fact that she thought I was a good fit and that I had a chance of actually winning it was the nail in the coffin,” Madison remembers.
The two now meet regularly to discuss research questions, plan their next steps, and prepare for Madison’s future. Holly is even helping her navigate graduate school applications. “She’s been helpful in narrowing down exactly what I need to do and helping me with the timeline,” Madison says. “She has been an amazing mentor in this process. I could not ask for a better one.”
That personal connection is exactly what drew Madison to Valpo in the first place. She wanted a university where professors would know her name, notice when she needed help, and encourage her to grow.
That support goes beyond the classroom, too. From faculty-guided projects to independent studies, Valpo students have opportunities to explore their interests through hands-on research. It’s part of a larger commitment to academic discovery that has earned the University national recognition, including a place in Forbes’ 2027 rankings.
Madison has made the most of her time at Valpo! She’s served as a resident assistant (RA), worked as a teaching assistant (TA), and helped found SCRIM Club –a student organization focused on sociology and criminology. She even pushed herself far outside her comfort zone to study abroad in Cambridge, England.
In fact, she was studying in Cambridge when she received the email announcing her selection for the AP program. Her first move? Call her mom, of course! Then she immediately shared the exciting news with Professor Cross.
“Personally, it showed me that I can do things — that not only do I believe I can accomplish these things, but other people do too,” Madison says.
Now, as she prepares to graduate in May 2027, Madison has her sights set on graduate school, a future in research, and eventually becoming a professor herself. She hopes to inspire the same curiosity and confidence in others that her Valpo professors have helped build in her. Her advice to fellow students who are considering research opportunities or competitive awards is simple: “Do it. Don’t think — well, think a little bit. But do it. You won’t regret it. The worst they can say is no.”
Interested in exploring the questions behind human behavior? Learn more about Valparaiso University’s psychology program and discover how Valpo students turn their interests into meaningful research opportunities.
