Theories are tools used to identify and solve problems and should consider the role of racism when conducting anti-racist research. Andrea Murray-Lichtman will explore the current debate about centering race and racial equity in research, policy, and practice. The engaging conversation will encourage participants to evaluate the implications of their research, policy, and practice goals in light of history and the current climate. She will end by exploring a path forward and determining possibilities gained by centering race and racial equity in research, policy, and practice.

Measurement in research is critical as it lays the foundation for a more accurate understanding of the magnitude of a phenomenon, the impact of an intervention, or other causal relationships that will translate into practice models and policies that have real-life implications on people’s lives. In this panel, Kirsten Kainz will provide a brief review of recommendations for social science measurement from the National Research Council (2011) and reposition those recommendations within a systems science worldview for the purpose of proposing anti-racist measurement practices. Underlying the presentation will be the assumption that not all system science is anti-racist, but anti-racist science will require systemic framings. A set of critical questions to guide anti-racist measurement practice will be discussed. Melissa Villodas, LMSW, will be presenting on a study that used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to investigate the empirical and theoretical meaningfulness of the modified Neighborhood Cohesion Index within a population of African American youth living in public housing. Michael Lambert will present on the theoretical and empirical methods of item response theory (IRT), which can permit antiracist measurement across different socioethnic groups.

Although we have learned of the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on BIPOC, we are yet to understand the full extent of the impacts as investigators provide evidence. Rachel Goode will present on the effects of COVID on the specific impact of the pandemic on Black women reporting disordered eating behaviors. This innovative study focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the eating behaviors of Black women. Anjalee Sharma will present on a study that assesses stress, coping, and anxiety among essential workers of color during COVID-19. Specific mechanisms of coping assessed will include binge eating and substance use. Other factors assessed will explore anxiety levels and perceived stress during the pandemic. Sharon Parker will present a qualitative analysis on the impact of COVID-19 and the intimate partner relationships of Black women attending an Historically Black College and University and predominately White University in the Southern United States. We will explore how COVID-19 impacted partner communication and sexual behavior.