Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Examining Effects Of Arousal And Valence Across The Adult Lifespan In An Emotional Stroop Task, Samantha E. Tuft Jan 2018

Examining Effects Of Arousal And Valence Across The Adult Lifespan In An Emotional Stroop Task, Samantha E. Tuft

ETD Archive

As age increases, there is evidence that people tend to pay less attention to negative information, pay more attention to positive information, or both. There are many theoretical accounts that attempt to explain this positivity bias. In the current study, I examined positivity effects across the adult lifespan by evaluating competing predictions of two theories: Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, which is based in motivation, and Dynamic Integration Theory, which is based in capacity. Computer mouse tracking was used to examine effects across levels of Valence (negative, neutral, and positive) and Arousal (low, medium, and high) in an emotional Stroop task. Participants …


The Evaluation Of Non-Standard Accented English: An Intergroup Perspective On Language Attitudes, Doris Acheme Jan 2018

The Evaluation Of Non-Standard Accented English: An Intergroup Perspective On Language Attitudes, Doris Acheme

ETD Archive

The present study used social identity theory as a framework in examining the evaluation of non-standard accented speakers from India and Nigeria and whose first language is English. Social identity theory explains one’s awareness that he/she is a member of a certain social group and that such group membership is of value to the individual. Accordingly, the study investigated how social identity influences listeners’ perceptions of non-standard accented speakers’ status, solidarity, and dynamism. And also, if Standard American English (SAE), Indian and Nigerian accents are perceived differently by listeners. A 3 (SAE, Indian accented English, and Nigerian accented English) ¿ …


"I Warn You Ming, Stay Away From My Friends!”: The Language Of Superhero Mythology In Flash Gordon, R. James Buehner Jan 2016

"I Warn You Ming, Stay Away From My Friends!”: The Language Of Superhero Mythology In Flash Gordon, R. James Buehner

ETD Archive

The Flash Gordon (Stephani, 1936) serial is a profoundly important, indeed seminal superhero film that has not been granted the critical attention that it deserves within modern film scholarship. Its position at the beginning of the genre of the modern screen superhero is examined through its evident thematically mythic implications and its culturally centered historical aspects. The serial Flash Gordon is treated and analyzed as a self-standing text that provides clues to the ontological and genealogical foundation and conventions of the screen superhero that is dominant in the media landscape today. This analysis is conducted through the Freudian – Jungian …


Determining The Relationship Between Language And Attention In Elders With Nonfluent Aphasia, Amanda Wadams Jan 2014

Determining The Relationship Between Language And Attention In Elders With Nonfluent Aphasia, Amanda Wadams

ETD Archive

Researchers have questioned whether the occurrence of aphasia creates executive function deficiencies that result in cognitive-linguistic deficits. Aphasia is a breakdown in language comprehension and production caused by a focal lesion in the left hemisphere of the brain (Papathanasiou, Coppens, & Potagas, 2013). Executive function refers to a set of "higher order component functions required to control and coordinate performance on complex problem solving tasks" (Dick & Overton, 2010). Researchers have speculated that attention, an important part of executive function, may be compromised in addition to language deficits in persons with aphasia. The purpose of this exploratory multiple case comparison …