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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™

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Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

2019

Articles 1 - 23 of 23

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Minimodal: Dimensional Domain Of Miniature Shipping Containers For Intermodal Freight Transportation, Lee Stapley Jul 2019

Minimodal: Dimensional Domain Of Miniature Shipping Containers For Intermodal Freight Transportation, Lee Stapley

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

This study explores the feasibility of miniature shipping container usage within existing intermodal transportation (IT) supply chains. Smaller intermodal container shipments may help realign freight shipments with the most efficient transportation mode, rail. These containers embolden the dimensional domain (DD) of shipping. The shipping container dimensional domain (container size variation and modal fluidity) is widespread and results in shipments that are often larger or more infrequent than needed. The DD impacts transport mode, shipping frequency, shipment velocity, intermodal supply chain accessibility, and regional shipping networks. This study suggests that container size impacts the DD and, therefore, mode choice. As miniature …

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Frankenstein’S Fixations: A Psychoanalytic Evolutionary Approach To Childhood, Sexuality, And Outsiders, Kaitlin Harris May 2019

Frankenstein’S Fixations: A Psychoanalytic Evolutionary Approach To Childhood, Sexuality, And Outsiders, Kaitlin Harris

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

By using Frankenstein as a case study, my project explores readers’ and characters’ experiences with others who might appear threatening. Furthermore, I intend to apply theories from psychoanalysis and evolutionary psychology to deconstruct the ambiguity of relations with others and the self in answering: can a psychoanalytic reading of Frankenstein display how evolutionary literary criticism, sublime, and the uncanny affect and inform us about human relations. My argument has displayed how castigating a living being away from society recapitulates an evolutionary cycle of unconscious abuse which the critics, themselves, have also encountered.

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Can Goal-Setting Improve Hospital Volunteers’ Intrinsic Motivation?, Genesis Orellana May 2019

Can Goal-Setting Improve Hospital Volunteers’ Intrinsic Motivation?, Genesis Orellana

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

With the objective of increasing volunteer retention, hospital administrators are interested in fostering volunteers’ motivation to continue working in the departments in which they have been placed. However, there is limited research on hospital volunteers’ motivation and whether setting goals affect their motivation. The purpose of my research was to examine whether hospital volunteers who set personal goals would increase their intrinsic motivation and tenure at a particular site. My research questions were: “Is there an effect on intrinsic motivation from a goal-setting intervention in hospital volunteers?” and “Will a goal-setting intervention help hospital volunteers set stronger goals?” Eight volunteer …

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Exploring Living Heritage Conservation: An Ethnography Of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, Adriana Trujillo Apr 2019

Exploring Living Heritage Conservation: An Ethnography Of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, Adriana Trujillo

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Taos Pueblo, a Northern New Mexico Pueblo, is designated as a World Heritage Site that continues to engage in traditional cultural practices. Because it is a living community practicing traditional customs, it is considered a living heritage site. Living heritage refers to the continuity of tangible and intangible heritage that is maintained by the core-community. Western conservation approaches have rarely integrated community-based strategies when protecting dynamic cultural sites. The purpose of this research is to explore conservation strategies at Taos Pueblo and how they reflect a living heritage approach. Using Rapid Ethnographic Assessment Protocol (Taplin, Scheld, & Low, 2002), I …

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Relationships Between Goal-Setting, Motivational Traits, And Job Performance, Charissa Samaniego Apr 2019

Relationships Between Goal-Setting, Motivational Traits, And Job Performance, Charissa Samaniego

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Ensuring employees are and remain motivated is an important issue for organizations. One problem regarding employee motivation is not everyone is motivated in the same way, thus affecting performance. Goal setting has shown to increase performance when specific and difficult goals are set. Moreover, newer research concerning motivational traits has sought to explain individual differences in motivation. This trait framework shows potential, but research on the relationship between job performance, goal-setting and motivational traits has not been clearly established. The goals of this correlational study were to (1) determine if a relationship exists between motivational traits and job performance, (2) …

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Experiences Of Lgbtq Male Students Of Color In A Predominantly White Environment, Alberto Gonzalez Apr 2019

Experiences Of Lgbtq Male Students Of Color In A Predominantly White Environment, Alberto Gonzalez

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

The limited literature on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people of color (LGBTQ-PoC) tends to focus on heterosexism in ethnic/racial communities and racism in white LGBTQ communities. This qualitative study, informed by Intersectionality, and Narrative Inquiry, expands on how to create spaces that are more inclusive for LGBTQ students of color on college campuses. This study documents and analyzes the stories of LGBTQ male college students of color regarding their academic and social interactions, and challenges encountered while navigating a predominantly white environment. Data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews. Questions focused on how participants’ identities developed, where they …

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Music Deserts: How Social Inequality Affects Accessibility To Music Resources Important To Actively Participating In Music, Everardo Francisco Reyes Apr 2019

Music Deserts: How Social Inequality Affects Accessibility To Music Resources Important To Actively Participating In Music, Everardo Francisco Reyes

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Recent findings in the cognitive neuroscience of music suggest that active participation in music has benefits such as increasing reading comprehension, soothing babies, and helping increase synapses which are beneficial in differentiating music and speech from noise. However, these benefits are not accessible to all communities. Department of Education (2012) research reveals that elementary and secondary schools with a higher percentage of poverty have fewer music teachers, music courses, dedicated rooms for music, and proper music equipment. In this research I examine how social inequality in the US correlated with a lack of music instrument stores (MIS). These areas can …

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Group Differences In Hot And Cool Executive Functioning Performance In College Students With And Without A History Of Child Maltreatment, Kady Barthelemy, Dr. Eric Peterson, Marilyn Welsh Apr 2019

Group Differences In Hot And Cool Executive Functioning Performance In College Students With And Without A History Of Child Maltreatment, Kady Barthelemy, Dr. Eric Peterson, Marilyn Welsh

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

We explored the degree to which a history of child maltreatment impacts performance in college settings. In recent studies, researchers have explored “hot” versus “cool” executive functioning (EF). Cool EF is comprised of cognitive processes in non-emotional settings and are known to play an important role in educational achievement. Hot EF is comprised of cognitive processes supported by emotional awareness. Given that child maltreatment is associated with emotional arousal difficulty, we explored the degree to which hot and cold EF tasks are differentially impacted by a history of child maltreatment. Our research approach involved modifying two traditional cool EF tasks …

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Self-Regulation In The Relationships And Educational Experiences Of University Students, Rebecca Artzer, Sofia Softas-Nall, Blake Karlin, Mckenzie Ruff Apr 2019

Self-Regulation In The Relationships And Educational Experiences Of University Students, Rebecca Artzer, Sofia Softas-Nall, Blake Karlin, Mckenzie Ruff

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

This research evaluates what effects self-regulation, motivation, and self-efficacy have on relationship satisfaction and educational success of university students. The ability to self-regulate is an important component in goal obtainment. Limited investigation has been done on self-efficacy and motivation along-side self-regulation within an educational framework, and only marginal research has been completed with the non-romantic relationships of college students and self-regulation. Data suggest level of motivation did not predict relationship satisfaction or self-efficacy toward school. Learning strategies (indicative of motivation) and self-efficacy did not predict school performance. A second form of motivation, goal orientation, correlated with self-efficacy. Data also indicate …

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Mcnair Scholars: Identifying And Overcoming The Obstacles In Academia Faced By Underrepresented Populations, Adrianna Smell Apr 2019

Mcnair Scholars: Identifying And Overcoming The Obstacles In Academia Faced By Underrepresented Populations, Adrianna Smell

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Using qualitative methodology, this study identifies obstacles faced by students underrepresented in academia (i.e., first-generation, low income, race/ethnic and gender minorities) participating in a high impact program, and how self-efficacy is maintained while combating obstacles. This study adds a new dimension to understanding the relationship between underserved populations in academia, self-efficacy and student success. Findings, based on interviews with nine McNair Scholars, identified multiple themes as both obstacles and benefits to their academic education e.g., minority status, support, knowledge, time/ organization, stability and community. A better understanding of the complex relationship between success and hardship for non-dominant identities in academia …

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The Externalities Of Sprawl Development, Rayvon Solomon Apr 2019

The Externalities Of Sprawl Development, Rayvon Solomon

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

With total population and urban development ever increasing in the United States, economists must consider the environmental impact of human infrastructure before it is too late. This research project examines the feasibility of urban sprawl within the United States from an ecological standpoint. Sprawl is “…defined as a pattern of urban and metropolitan growth that reflects low-density, automobile-dependent, exclusionary new development…” and is a significant economic factor that has social, political, and cultural repercussions (Squires, 2002). Land conservation, farming efficiency, and other sustainability efforts have been discussed in great detail by scholars across various disciplines, yet most major cities lack …

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The Long-Run Effects Of The Olympics On Host Cities, Frank Stephens Apr 2019

The Long-Run Effects Of The Olympics On Host Cities, Frank Stephens

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

This research project explores the extent to which cities that host the Olympics end up not benefiting as much as anticipated. Being a host city for the Olympics can be very pricey, as it costs to bid for the Olympics. Along with bidding for the event, there are additional infrastructure costs for the influx of people attracted to the event. Cities can typically spend $50 million to $100 million in fees for consultants, event organizers, and travel related to hosting duties. After this, if they actually win the bid, cities will usually add roads, build or enhance airports, and construct …

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The Name Of The Game: Does A Person’S Name Contribute To Socio-Economic Success?, Cameron Morford Apr 2019

The Name Of The Game: Does A Person’S Name Contribute To Socio-Economic Success?, Cameron Morford

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

When a person is born, the first gift they receive is their name. Names are powerful. They represent family, culture, and personality. Names are as diverse and complex as the people who bear them. But do names really matter? Do different names establish a foundation for social and economic success in a child’s future? Furthermore, do people who possess traditionally ethnic names experience more discrimination than those who don’t? Academic literature identifies large amounts of discrimination against individuals who possess distinctively African-American or Hispanic names. However, this study tests the assumptions and behavioral economic theories associated with society’s view of …

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Unskilled Labor Shortage In Housing Development Industry, Beck Baird Apr 2019

Unskilled Labor Shortage In Housing Development Industry, Beck Baird

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Shortage of unskilled labor in the housing construction industry is going to have an adverse effect on the housing market. The purpose of this study is to identify what is causing this shortage of unskilled labor as well as what problems are anticipated to arise in the near future. The first problem outlined in the research is the extremely low unemployment rates that the United States currently has. Low unemployment rates throughout the entire economy cause high unemployment rates in less desirable jobs such as the housing construction industry, since this an inferior industry to workers. The next problem discussed …

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Dacamented: Latinx Youth Immigrant Struggle, Activism Through Images, Nicole Rivera Apr 2019

Dacamented: Latinx Youth Immigrant Struggle, Activism Through Images, Nicole Rivera

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Many social changes have transpired since Chicanx youth walked out of their classrooms during the 1968 grassroots mobilizations demanding equal access to education. Currently, young people continue to lead different social movements around the country, transforming activism and advocating for equality. In this new era of activism, Latinx youth immigrant communities have utilized digital photography and social media networks as platforms to promote changes in immigration policies. More importantly, their activism has brought visibility to the lives of immigrants, especially DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients. Although previous research has examined the pivotal connection between Latinx youth activism and …

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Living Dead In The United States: Felon Disenfranchisement And White Privilege, Amber Fletcher Apr 2019

Living Dead In The United States: Felon Disenfranchisement And White Privilege, Amber Fletcher

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

The purpose of this study is to re-examine the policy of felon disenfranchisement through an analysis of its historical lineage from the Jim Crow Era to the contemporary era of Black Lives Matter and identify the influence of White Privilege in its development. The disenfranchised population in the United States is disproportionately Black. This research attempts to better understand the role of White Privilege in the policy of felon disenfranchisement. Review of previous research indicates a racial bias in the early implementation of felon disenfranchisement intended to prevent Blacks from exercising the right to vote as well as racial motivations …

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Larimer County, Colorado: A Dasymetric Analysis Of Population Density, Nathaniel Penrod Apr 2019

Larimer County, Colorado: A Dasymetric Analysis Of Population Density, Nathaniel Penrod

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

This project is a dasymetric analysis of population density in Larimer County, Colorado. While the general practice for mapping population density is to use a choropleth map with arbitrary boundaries such as county lines or census block groups to generalize conditions across the surface, the goal of this dasymetric analysis was to produce a map that more accurately reflected the distribution of population density across Larimer County. Using a traditional choropleth mapping method with census block groups as the aggregation level for data, the population density of Larimer County in 2010 was determined to be 112.50 people per square mile. …

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Pre-Test Processing Differences Of Test-Anxious Students, Michelle Garcia Apr 2019

Pre-Test Processing Differences Of Test-Anxious Students, Michelle Garcia

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in persons with test anxiety (TA) compared to those without test anxiety to examine pre-test processing differences, specifically in terms of test preparation and study methods. This research is important to many individuals, as testing is a large part of education, and performance may affect a person's future opportunities. Further understanding of pre-testing differences in study methods of test-anxious students may lead to possible interventions to improve performance of those who experience TA. The research will collect data from 30 participants who will be administered the Cognitive Test Anxiety Inventory …

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Permeating Presence: Examining The Effects Of Mindfulness-Trained Supervisors On Employee Performance, Pearl Marquez Apr 2019

Permeating Presence: Examining The Effects Of Mindfulness-Trained Supervisors On Employee Performance, Pearl Marquez

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Mindfulness is a process that uses sustained attention (Bishop et al., 2004) to be aware of the surrounding environment (Langer & Moldoveanu, 2000) while holding a nonjudgmental orientation towards one’s self and others (Bergomi, et al., 2012). Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) teach mindfulness through different exercises, like breathing techniques to increase mindfulness. MBIs are becoming of interest to organizations due to the possibility of increasing job performance amongst employees (Shonin et al., 2014). MBIs have also been used to demonstrate the effects of trained mindfulness on intrapersonal relationships; however, these possible effects on interpersonal relationships have not been examined in an …

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Conquering Math Anxiety, Kendra Ellett Apr 2019

Conquering Math Anxiety, Kendra Ellett

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Mathematics is often perceived as a vigorous and demanding subject, and many students treat it as such, developing high affective filters that inhibit the process of learning math. This adverse reaction is the origin of math anxiety, a critical issue that plagues fifty percent of the U.S. population (Boaler, 2012). Much of the research on math anxiety suggests low test scores and feelings of disenchantment are direct consequences of math anxiety, and other literature goes further in asserting that students’ futures are put on the line (Boaler, 2012). There are a variety of innovative pedagogical methods designed to assuage the …

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The Relationship Between Food Addiction & Self-Worth, Madison Buhre Apr 2019

The Relationship Between Food Addiction & Self-Worth, Madison Buhre

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Disordered eating behaviors are defined as obsessive actions surrounding a person’s eating patterns, body shape, and weight (National Institute of Mental Health) and impact an estimated 21.5 million people (American Addiction Centers) in the United States. Food addiction is a phenomenon closely tied with disordered eating behaviors (Russell, 2013), where little research has examined the role of intrapsychological factors, particularly self-worth, in both the development of food addictive behaviors and the efficacy of treatment. Current research evaluates the role of self-esteem in individuals with food addiction; however, studies have found it as a less accurate portrayal of the self-concept due …

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Perceived Confidence Ability In Nutrition Counselors, Ryanne Hill Apr 2019

Perceived Confidence Ability In Nutrition Counselors, Ryanne Hill

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

The field of nutrition education and counseling is continually expanding. It is important for individuals who practice within this field to have confidence in their ability to relay nutritional advice. The University of Northern Colorado's ROTC program paired with dietetics and nutrition, seeking students to provide nutrition education and support. The goal of the ROTC Nutrition Program is to improve the nutritional knowledge of cadets as well as improve the interviewing and counseling ability of the nutrition or dietetic student involved. This program is beneficial to nutrition and dietetics students because most careers in their field include counseling or education. …

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Themes For Participation In Physical Activity Breaks In College Classrooms, Taylor Polson Apr 2019

Themes For Participation In Physical Activity Breaks In College Classrooms, Taylor Polson

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

It is well known that physical activity has many physiological benefits to the human body, but more recently the psychological effects have been examined. Research on the psychological effects of exercise has shown that physical activity can decrease depression. Specifically, the effects of physical activity in classrooms on the psychological health and academic performance of students has become a major area of focus, both in and out of the United States. Physical activity has recently been implemented into the class room in the form of physical activity breaks (P.A.B.s), in which students participate in short bouts of exercise during class. …

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