Digital Commons Network^™

“Jane Eyre: An Ancestor Heroine For Contemporary Young Adult Dystopian Literature”, Emmanuela Ann Bean

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Young women make up a majority of young adult dystopian fiction readers, and these female readers can’t get enough of the strong, independent, inspiring female heroines taking center stage in popular young adult novels like, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Divergent by Veronica Roth, but through scholarly research and critical analysis I argue that many of these young adult novels feature heroines who descend at least in part from a Victorian heroine named Jane Eyre.

An Examination Of Athletes And Non-Athletes Academic Performance At The Division Iii Level, Troy A. Lemke

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

This research examines athletes and non-athletes’ academic performance at the Division III collegiate level. The sample that was taken for this study was comprised of two groups of Division III college students. Athletes, that participate in intercollegiate athletics and non-athletes, that do not. Results of this study supports the following hypothesis: Division III college athletes have similar to lower academic success than those that do not participate in sports. A behavioral and demographic survey was administered to one hundred and sixty seven students and student-athletes (84 non-athletes and 83 athletes) at a Division III University, in the Midwest. A twelve …

A Verification And Extension Of Students' Motivations, Financial Orientation, And Identity Salience As Predictors Of Likelihood To Withdraw From A University, Matthew I. Quinn

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Broadly, this research examines a student’s likelihood to withdraw from a university based on the relationship between motivations, financial orientation, and identity salience. Specifically, this study empirically examines the relationship between extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, and apathetic motivation, perceived opportunity loss and lifestyle activities related to financial orientation, and satisfaction and reciprocity related to identity salience, as predictors of a student’s likelihood of withdrawing from a university.

A questionnaire was designed by extending scale items related to the constructs of interest. First-year students at a private university located in the upper Midwest were sampled. A hypothesized model was tested using …

Manipulation Of Same Sex Social Pair Bonds In Budgerigars, Melopsittacus Undulatus, Amanda M. Stilwell

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Same sex pair bonding can be found throughout various animal species. These relationships can be common in monogamous species, especially when there is a lack of members of the opposite sex. Budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus, are a socially monogamous species, which create strong pair bonds but are also known to engage in extra pair copulations. When looking at an all-male flock of budgerigars, the question arises, are these bonds easily broken or disrupted by a third party individual. After determining seven pair bonds in a flock of 32 males, these pairs were removed from an aviary and placed in separate …

The Effects Of Horseback Riding On The Gait Of Adolescents, Sarah L. Hayes

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the changes that occur in the gait of a set of subjects after they ride a horse. Eleven riders with a developmental disability were selected and included in an experimental group and nineteen “typical” subjects or those without a developmental disability were included as a second comparison group. The length of time the subjects were able to remain standing in a tandem stance and in a one-legged stance without becoming unbalanced was measured and recorded. The stride length of the subject’s second and third step from heel to heel was also …

The Impact Of A Community Garden On A Local Township, Mariah E. Reitz

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Due to increasing food insecurity and food deserts, community gardens can increase the accessibility for those under-served populations. These community gardens can help with the mental and physical health of the public. The goal of this research is to determine if a community garden will benefit a smaller community like that of a suburban Township and to use these trends to increase community health education and availability, social cohesion, and overall health behaviors and practices. A survey evaluated overall consumption of fruits and vegetables, affordability of healthy foods, and education on the consumption of these foods as well as assessing …

Hildegard Of Bingen: Visionary Woman Who Encouraged The Role Of Feminism, Melissa K. Treharn

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

This paper will discuss the life of Hildegard of Bingen and how her musical and lifestyle choices can be defined as that of a feminist. Hildegard was a nun during the mid 1100's who was given the gift of visions. These visions, sent from God, told her about how she should be living her life and the lessons she should be teaching her followers. However, as a woman during this time, Hildegard had no power or any opportunities to share these ideas with others without being shunned as stepping outside of her "gender role." It was not until she gained …

Factors That Affect Student Performance Among Ohio Leed Schools: An Examination Of Leed Credit Categories, Ieq Credits And School Typology, Ryan P. Thombs

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

This investigation examines the impact that LEED certification had on educational outcomes of K-12 school buildings in the state of Ohio during the 2012-13 academic year. The study focused on three goals. First, the overall credit categories of LEED were tested to determine whether or not they have an impact on educational outcomes, which were measured by the student performance index (SPI). The literature has generally shown that indoor environmental quality has a significant impact on academic performance. Second, the credits that are within the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category were tested to determine which individual credits had an impact …

Current Methods And Future Directions Regarding Working Memory Training Research, Emily G. Wright

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Cognitive training is the process through which individuals perform a series of computerized tasks over a period of weeks for the purpose of improving a variety of cognitive abilities. Cognitive training is important in commercial, clinical, and educational fields alike, considering the possibilities of improving and sustaining cognitive abilities in both typically developing and cognitively deficient populations. The present review assesses cognitive training paradigms targeting working memory. Working memory is a predictor of academic achievement and is closely related to mechanisms of higher cognition. In particular, the present review focuses past studies which have investigated the effects working memory training …

The Impact Of Stegastes Planifrons On The Resurgence Of Acropora Cervicornis, Zebulon Martin

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

This study examines resurgent patches of Acropora cervicornis in the “Coral Gardens” back-reef area of Ambergris Caye, Belize. The goal of this study was to understand the carbonate budget and ecosystem dynamics of this successful reef, with an emphasis on the role of Stegastes planifrons (the herbivorous threespot damselfish), on the health of the coral. Benthic survey data from photo-quadrats along six transects were supplemented with counts of S. planifrons, their chimney scars, and sea urchin (Echinometra viridis) to assess their impact on the reef. The data indicate a positive correlation between the density of Stegastes …

American Women Composers In The Late Nineteenth And Early Twentieth Centuries: A Comparison Of The Social, Cultural And Personal Influences On The Lives, Career, And Music Of Amy Beach And Ruth Crawford Seeger, Lindsey A. Scarberry

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

A comparison of the lives and works of two American women composers, Amy Beach and Ruth Crawford Seeger, provides an interesting look at the role of women in music in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Amy Beach and Ruth Crawford Seeger were pioneers in American music during the time period after the Civil War through World War II. Both women performed professionally, composed, and innovated musical ideas and theories during a time when women’s compositions were not widely performed or published. Their professional and personal lives illustrate many differences that informed their works in different ways. Amy Beach …

Factors Associated With Youth Athletes Discontinuing Vs. Staying In A Sport, Jessica R. Shibko

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

This study investigated the factors that go into youth athletes deciding to drop out of a sport versus staying in the sport. To test this, current Otterbein University athletes and non-athletes took an online questionnaire that asked specific questions pertaining to their experience in sport participation. We tested the hypotheses that (1) those who began specializing in sports at a younger age will be less likely to continue participation, (2) parental pressure would be a reason for dropout and parental support would influence the athletes to stay in, and (3) those who continued participation in sports would perceive a healthy …

Investigating Sex Positivity: Does Education And Socialization Increase Sexual Satisfaction In Young Adults, Kendall Coffman

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate a proposed association between exposure to sexual education, positive information, and materials, and an individual’s level of comfort, sexual satisfaction, and willingness to discuss sexual topics. This study also looked at the influence of various other variables such as gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status. Undergraduates at a small, private Midwestern college were surveyed with questions regarding the context in which they were exposed to various sexual topics as well as their current levels of sexual satisfaction and willingness to discuss sexual material with a friend, family member, intimate partner, or a stranger. …

Low Back Pain: A Study On Which Demographic Characteristics Contribute, Sarah M. Uhlenbrock

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Abstract

This statistical study examined low back pain and possible contributing socioeconomic factors using the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention funds this biannual survey which documents everything from nutrition, physical activity, and overall health status of Americans. The survey uses a nationally representative sample of approximately 10,000 individuals from all races and ethnicities. Across the United States, it is well-known that minorities suffer from a higher burden of illness and disease compared to Caucasians. The goal of this study was to identify if low back pain is also experienced more by minority …

Empyreal Radiance: An Application Of Sonification In The Field Of Astrophysics, Ryan Loth

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Broadly, this paper discusses the application of sonification and its potential for increasing knowledge. The paper is broken up into three sections: the theory of sonification, sonification for artistic purposes, and lastly an extensive look at one process of sonification dealing with solar winds in space. Concerning the theory of sonification, the paper will divulge into the process of sonification and ask questions about the limitations of it as well. The second section discusses how sonification is a way to build the curiosity of not just scientists, but also the general public. The final section addresses my composition Empyreal Radiance …

Ayn Rand’S Rejection Of Environmentalism: Toward Challenging Right-Wing Inaction On Environmental Issues In The United States, Taylor M. Bailey

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Environmental protection has become a volatile political issue in the United States, especially within the past decade. This toxicity must be remedied to facilitate substantive reform. Anti-environmentalism on the part of the American Right can be partially traced back to the writings of the conservative philosopher Ayn Rand. In this paper, I aim to show that Rand fundamentally misunderstood the mainstream environmental movement in the U.S., and similarly her environmental philosophy, as well as her answers to solving environmental damages, are inadequate in providing answers to collective environmental problems (i.e. climate change). I argue that even in a framework as …

Shakespeare's Dictionary: One Playwright's Influence On The Modern English Lanugage, Jennifer Walton

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

William Shakespeare is considered to the be the father of Modern English, but what most people do not realize is that he influenced much more in English than just the language. The number of phrases and words he created is over-exaggerated, he borrowed from many other languages, and he was one of the first people to document modern medical disorders. Not to mention Shakespeare was writing during one of the most lexically innovative time periods, so he helped aid in the transition from using “thee” to using “you” when addressing another person. Moving away from language specifically, Shakespeare’s writing has …

The Perceptions Of Nsaid Use Among One Midwestern Diii Athletic Department, Katherine L. Cialella

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used amongst athletes for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this research is to compare the usage of NSAIDs among different athletic teams and to gain insight on Division III athletes’ views and opinions of NSAIDs. The population participating in this study would include one Midwestern DIII athletic department. The goal of this research was to identify statistically significant behaviors, perceptions, and knowledge of NSAIDs between various athletic teams and determine if the athlete’s’ perceptions and actions align with the appropriate use of NSAIDs.

Of the 77 athletes that took the survey, 47 …

2-Dimension Analysis Of Frontal Plane Projection Angle In Female Soccer Athletes, Kylee M. Tuchfarber

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Research has found a variety of mechanisms for ACL injuries. One mechanism that has been found is a decreased valgus control at the knee. One study found that that “the decreased active and passive controls of knee alignments may destabilize the knee and are purported to be measures related to increased risk of ACL injury in female athletes, as they mature” (Myer, Ford, Khoury, Succop, & Hewett, 2011, 248). The age of the subjects (12-16) is important because maturation may be a contributing cause of knee abduction moments (KAM). Three-dimensionalanalysis has been said to be the “gold standard” when analyzing …