Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Monika Pareek 
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers 
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Monika 
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): mpareek@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: {Empty}
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: {Empty}
FSU College (if applicable): Social Sciences and Public Policy
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Sociology 
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/9166/PNG%20image.jpeg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): {Empty}
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable): {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}

Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: "Finance in the Age of Influence: Decoding the Power and Prowess of Social Media's Money Mentors" (Tentative title)
Project Keywords: Digital Sociology, Financial Literacy, Influencer Economy, Digital ethnography, Financial behavior 
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 3
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
I would prefer majors from sociology, economics or communications but I am open to most social science and humanities related disciplinary backgrounds of the RAs. 

Project Location:: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: Partially Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 5-6
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
In the age of digital media, social influencers have emerged as key players in disseminating information on a wide range of topics, one of which is finance. This research seeks to qualitatively understand the role of finance influencers on social media platforms and the nature, accuracy, and social implications of the financial information they share. By analyzing content from leading finance influencers across major social media platforms, we aim to categorize the types of information disseminated, assess its quality, and evaluate its potential impact on public financial literacy and decision-making. Further, this study will explore the relationship between the credibility of these influencers, their followers' demographics, and the likelihood of their content influencing financial behaviors. By bridging the domains of digital media studies and economic sociology, this research aims to contribute to our understanding of digital financial culture and the broader implications for financial literacy in the modern age.

Research Tasks:
Literature Review: Find and review key literature in the area to identify existing theoretical and methodological ideas.  
Data Collection: Identify relevant platforms and influencers that could be studied based on the purpose of our project. 
Data Analysis: Identify tools/softwares best suited to the kind of analysis we undertake for this data. 


Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Note that these are all recommended skills, and they can all be learnt as we go through working on this project: 
1. Ability to conduct literature reviews, identify credible sources, and extract relevant information. 
2. Familiarity with qualitative research methodologies.
3. Knowledge of social media platforms and their analytics tools.
4. Ability to analyze and interpret data, identifying patterns, trends, and insights.
5. Familiarity with content analysis and coding techniques.

Mentoring Philosophy:
In my journey as a mentor, I view myself as a collaborative guide more than a directive leader. My philosophy is anchored in the belief that each mentee possesses unique strengths, aspirations, and experiences. Recognizing and celebrating these differences is my first step. I prioritize understanding their individual goals and dreams, ensuring that our collaboration is tailored to their personal and professional trajectory.
A cornerstone of my mentoring approach is the cultivation of a relationship grounded in mutual respect. This provides a safe space where mentees feel comfortable to voice their doubts, share their mistakes, and seek guidance without fear of judgment. Mistakes, in my perspective, are invaluable learning opportunities. Thus, I encourage mentees to embrace them as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.
Equally crucial is empowering mentees to take ownership of their work, fostering a sense of responsibility and promoting accountability. Creating an interactive environment, where learning is driven by inquiry, ensures that mentees remain curious and engaged. I invest time in discerning what motivates each individual, using it as fuel to propel them forward. By challenging them, I aim to stretch their boundaries, ensuring they grow beyond their comfort zones.



Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: monikapareek.cargo.site
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
My wider interests remain in studying debt and how it percolates into people's lives and how they subsequently deal with it. I am also interested in qualitative research methods and with this new project, I aim to explore the intersections of economic sociology and digital sociology using qualitative data. 


UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: {Empty}

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: Yes
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Year: 2023
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