Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Reinforcer Preferences Of Liberty University Professors, Sarah Stoker

Senior Honors Theses

Prior research in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) has found positive reinforcement effective for increasing work performance when rewards are reinforcing to the individual. Research also supports the efficacy of stimulus preference assessments (SPAs) in identifying reinforcers. The purpose of this study was to identify reinforcers for faculty at Liberty University. The hypotheses were, in a sample of faculty in Liberty University’s School of Behavioral Sciences (1) potential reinforcers other than monetary reinforcers will be identified as high-preference items and (2) tangible items will be identified as low-preference items. Hypotheses were tested using an online survey with Likert scales and written …

Effect Of Mood On Humor, Virginia Randall

Senior Honors Theses

Humor is a social tool that has been documented for hundreds of years with a plethora of studies being produced to attempt to piece together a comprehensive definition of the concept. Among these studies, there have been several analyses regarding the psychological, cognitive, psychobiological, and neural effects of humor, and how they are outwardly manifested. Additionally, several social contexts have been considered. In analyses of humor, several theories have been produced, many based off of figurehead concepts within the field of psychology.

Primary interest of this research study was in whether these studies and theories can support whether there is …

Perspectives Of Indian Internationals On Mental Illness And Christian Missions, Morgan Margerison

Senior Honors Theses

When psychology is integrated with Christianity as a form of missions, it is vital that the destination country’s cultural perspectives be considered in the practice of these fields. This phenomenology obtained Indian cultural perceptions and experiences of mental health, as well as their perspectives and experiences regarding the integration of psychology and Christianity. The participants framed mental and emotional health in the context of relationship, addressed it with faith practices and values, and evaluated it based on cognitive functioning and lack of positive emotions. They expressed cultural concerns with victim mentality, stigma, and shifts in moral values. Regarding the integration …

A Study Of Music: Music Psychology, Music Therapy, And Worship Music, Jessica Whittemore

Senior Honors Theses

There are three specific fields related to music: the psychology of Music and how it affects human brain and functions, the methodology of Music Therapy and how it affects individuals undergoing treatment, and the psychological effects of Worship Music and how it can be used in music therapy. Music therapy is a growing field in which the therapeutic outcomes greatly benefit the patients. The overall purpose is to create a greater understanding of music and music therapy in order to a provide a system for introducing group worship services into music therapy to ultimately bring spiritual healing to individuals.

Behavioral Finance And Its Impact On Investing, Jordan Fieger

Senior Honors Theses

The field of behavioral finance has seen incredible growth over the past half century as it has explored the effect that cognitive psychological biases can have on investors’ financial decisions. Behavioral finance stands in stark contrast to the efficient market hypothesis, as it attributes market inefficiencies to investors who are not perfectly rational human beings. It offers a solution to the observed 3.5% gap that active equity investors miss out on in the market compared to passive index funds, which it attributes to their emotions and psychological biases. These common human biases can be grouped into five major categories: heuristics, …

A Critical Approach To Rap Music, Kristen Porterfield

Senior Honors Theses

People have used music to tell stories and share ideas for ages, making it an influential means of communication (Delaney, 2007). Rap music in particular came on the scenes in the late twentieth century in New York and continues to be a popular form of expression into the 21^st century (Blanchard, 1999). However, many remain divided on whether rap music should have a place in society. Some claim rap is harmful and promoting of violent lifestyles (Richardson & Scott, 2002). Others, however, believe rap is useful in education and counseling settings for promoting discussion about life choices (Silvera, 2015). …

Establishing A Solid Foundation Through An Identity In Christ, Matthew S. Pedersen

Senior Honors Theses

An identity in Christ is the only solid foundation on which adolescents or adults can build their life. Identity is a major building block in a person’s life. Individuals with an unhealthy identity as a result of the culture will need to make many changes to this foundation in order to keep an accurate view of their lives. The definition of identity can show examples of negative consequences of an unhealthy identity. An identity based on the views of culture can show areas of weakness. Examining what the Bible says about man before and after a relationship with Christ will …

Machines And Agency: Understanding The Ai Ethics Problem, Addison T. Rahn

Senior Honors Theses

Mankind has long been interested in the unique, the strange, and the new; perhaps nothing more fully encompasses this interest than recent work on developing Artificial Intelligence (AI). With this research, however, comes a great many questions. Are AIs alive? Are AIs moral agents? Can machines be held legally culpable for their actions? These questions, and more, continue to be a topic of much debate in the academic community, and will no doubt remain of interest for years to come. It is the purpose of this research project, however, to investigate the far-reaching effects of this academic debate. While the …

Typothesis: A Study Of Warde's Crystal Goblet, Leeuwen's Typographic Meaning And How It Relates To The Bible, Ryan Mercer

Senior Honors Theses

The way readers interpret the written word is changing. We look for information almost as much in between the lines as we do in the words themselves. The internet and its tools offer ways for readers to engage the text like never before — can the printed word keep up? This thesis will look at the history of print through the eyes of typography and decide if multimodal methods of arranging type are appropriate or even possible in the modern book. Specifically, it will look at the Christian Bible and it’s already present use of multimodalism. This study will bring …