Psychology Commons^™

Review Of The Whatifs By Emily Kilgore, Katie E. Gosman

Library Intern Book Reviews

No abstract provided.

Review Of Violet Shrink By Christine Baldacchino, Grace Kohler

Library Intern Book Reviews

No abstract provided.

The Problem Of Pornography, Morgann G. Hagar

The Idea of an Essay

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The Science Of Parenting Adopted Children, Nathanael Davis

Library Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Music Therapy On Individuals Suffering From Psychiatric Disorders: A Literature Review And Look Into Future Prospects, Zachary J. Krauss

Musical Offerings

Music therapy is a field of psychology and psychotherapy that exists under the broad field of study known as expressive arts therapy. This form of therapy is experiential in nature, and it gives participants vehicles through which they can tell their stories and share their emotions while actively exploring their thoughts. Music therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for a myriad of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia. In order to grant a base level of understanding, research was conducted examining the methods and approaches used in music therapy, along with the psychological and …

Should Twins Share An Elementary School Classroom?, Heather S. Amundson

Master of Education Applied Research Projects

In any child’s educational experience, there are positive and negative aspects. However, when jealousy and competition, identity and dependence, separation anxiety, and a host of other emotionally charged aspects of school life, are added to the situation, the elementary classroom becomes a minefield for all involved, especially for twins. It is this minefield that parents, states, and educational professionals walk students through, all while seeking each child’s best interest. However, there are conflicting opinions, research, and practices that mark the historical landscape of whether to educate twins in a shared elementary school classroom. The historical trend within the greater United …

A Qualitative Study Of The Motivations And Affiliation Dynamics Involved With A Firefighting Career, Michael W. Firmin, Kristin Dewitt, Heidi Gibbs Ellis, Lauren A. Smith, Nicole M. Tiffan

Psychology Faculty Publications

We explored the experiences of full-time firefighters in the present phenomenological qualitative study, having conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 male full-time firefighters. Their personal constructs of motivation and affiliation were explored and, within the constructs of motivation, three themes emerged. First, firefighters were motivated by a love of the excitement firefighting provides. Second, firefighters reported that the work schedule, which allows them more time at home, was a motivation. Third (and most emphasized by the firefighters) was an altruistic motivation to help others. Under the construct of affiliation, the firefighters reported a strong sense of brotherhood with their shift-partners, and …

Advocacy For Students With Autism: How To Best Engage And Equip Students With Autism To Excel In The Music Classroom, Mackenzie C. Kastelein

B.A. in Music Senior Capstone Projects

Within the educational system, students with autism are often misunderstood or overlooked, resulting in an inadequate educational experience. This research was conducted in pursuit of collecting information on students with autism so that current music educators might be better equipped to engage these students effectively within their classroom. Six current music educators were interviewed with a series of nine questions in order to gather a small sample of what is currently occurring in American school systems when it comes to the music education of students with autism. These educators discussed the inclusion of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within …

“Hello? Are You Still There?” The Impact Of Social Media On Self-Disclosure And Reciprocity In Interpersonal Relationships: A Literature Review, Clara D. Costello

Channels: Where Disciplines Meet

Social Media sites have become increasingly popular platforms for developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Although the usage of computer-mediated communication is normal in day-to-day life, the understanding behind how and why these relationships grow is scarce. This literature review considers relational elements such as self-disclosure and reciprocity, and how they are impacted by online elements such as an asynchronous context, controllability, and the disinhibition effect. Contrary to interpersonal relationships that develop in a physical context, the law of reciprocity is fulfilled and replaced by affirmation and recognition from relational partners, while self-disclosure continues to be a vital element within relationships. …

Music And The Brain: How Music Affects The Work Of The Brain, Chloé Anne Elois Lance

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Music is a part of everyday life for many individuals. Whether they are listening to it on their phone or the radio, or they are rehearsing a piece with an ensemble. If individuals are constantly around music and absorbing it, does it have any effect on their body? Yes, and more specifically, music has the greatest effect on an individual's brain. This paper will explore each part of the brain and how it reacts to music, the role that music plays with the intelligent individual's brain (ex. IQ levels), and how music interacts with the brain throughout everyday life. Music …

Causes, Effects, And Possible Solutions To Blood Feuding In Albania, Gabe Cyrus, Kelly Fischer, Jessica Stricker, Abigail O'Neel, Celeste Davis

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to inform the audience about the causes, effects, and possible solutions of blood feuding in Albania, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 12,100 people since 1991. Albania contains one of the few remaining cultures that is still partaking in blood feuding. Blood feuding began in the 1600s and resumed after the fall of communism in the absence of a strong governing body. The Kanun sets forth the rules of blood feuding, but they are not always followed as they were intended. Cultural values influence the course of blood feuding and make it …

An Exploration Of International Students’ Institutional Experiences At Cedarville University, Jeffrey T. Jenks, Alexis D. Smith, Sung Woo Kim

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The purpose of this study was to understand the institutional experience of international students on the campus of Cedarville University. The study utilized a phenomenological qualitative method with a sample of 18 students who represented 14 nations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed, and the following themes were found: perception of academic challenges, programs that have been helpful/unhelpful in their adjustment to life at the University, and changes they would make that would be helpful to them. Our findings suggested that international students found the academics of Cedarville University to be more challenging than they expected, but the professors were …

The Doctrine Of Affections: Where Art Meets Reason, Sharri K. Hall

Musical Offerings

The Doctrine of Affections was a widespread understanding of music and musicality during the Baroque era. The Doctrine was a result of the philosophy of reason and science as it coincides with music. It aimed to reconcile what man knew about science and the human body, and what man thought he knew about music. It was a reconciliation of practical musicianship and theoretical music which had begun to rise in the time. Though it is generally understood as being apart from Enlightenment thinking, the Doctrine is a result of Enlightenment-style philosophy. As the Enlightenment sought to explain why things occurred …

2017 Symposium Overview, Cedarville University

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Click the "Download" button in the top right corner to view the abstract booklet.

The Lonely Scroll: The Impact Of Social Media On Loneliness In Introverts And Extroverts, Jessie D'Amico, Sarah E. Taylor, Elizabeth Hansford

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This study examined the impact that social media had on feelings of loneliness in introverts and extroverts. Each participant received a survey based off of the NEO Personality Inventory, the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Internet Behaviors Scale. The survey aimed to assess the relationship between social media and feelings of loneliness on different personality types. Social Media is a prevalent aspect of modern day culture. Therefore, this study aims to teach individuals how to prevent social media from negatively affecting them. The results supported our hypotheses that both loneliness and internet use, as well as, personality type and loneliness …

Stress And Sleep Quality: Mediating Effects Of Social Support, Felisha L. Younkin, Elizabeth A. Axtell, Chelsea R. Anderton

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Stress is defined as the “nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it” (Kohn & Frazer, 1986). Stress is among the top five threats to academic performance among college students (Pettit & DeBarr, 2011). The purpose of the study was to investigate whether stress affects perceived sleep quality, as mediated by social support, and to determine whether stress levels vary based on academic major. Using ANOVA in SPSS 24, we tested three hypotheses: stress and sleep quality are negatively correlated, social support mediates the relationship between stress and sleep quality, and stress levels will vary by academic …

Developmental Results Of Military Kids’ Upbringing: A Qualitative Analysis, Michael W. Firmin, Taylor E. Hobbs, Aubrey Gillette, Hannah Grammer

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In the present qualitative study, researchers focused on the similarities among college-aged military kids due to similar upbringings and shared experiences. The study was conducted through semi-structured interviews in which participants were asked to draw conclusions between past experiences and present attitudes. Researchers found major themes during the interviews and the themes of military pride, respect, and acculturation are the focus of the current presentation.

How Athletics Affect An Athlete’S Academic Performance, Rachel D. Cordle, Anna Forcelle

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Involvement in both a collegiate sport and education can be overwhelming and stressful and has the potential to result in sacrificed educational advancement and attainment. Due to the lack of research done concerning this topic, limited knowledge is known regarding specific stressors encountered by athletes and their coping strategies used. As a result, there is little understanding about how to best support college-level student athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to gain insight from university students as to how athletics affect their academic performance, and to battle against the stereotype of college athletes being average or just below …

Personal Frustrations Of A Full-Time Firefighting Career, Michael W. Firmin, Ruth L. Markham, Nicole Tiffan, Heidi Gibbs, Lauren Kuhlwein

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In this phenomenological qualitative study, we explored the professional and personal frustrations of being a full-time male firefighter. Themes emerged through analyzing the transcripts of the 26 semi-structured interviews that we conducted. Questions specifically focused on the stress and experiences encountered while on the job and the potential effects that their job has on their personal life, including hobbies, health, and personality. Themes included perceived verbal and physical abuse by the community of the fire service and its services, firefighters’ increased awareness of the environment and how this affects their daily life and the negative/positive implications of the media portrayal …

Say It Again: A Case Study On Improving Communication In An Autistic Adolescent, Olivia P. Seymour

Linguistics Senior Research Projects

Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have increased significantly in recent years, necessitating a deeper understanding of its symptoms and how to improve on the resulting deficits in communication and social skills. This study examined the possibility of improving the communication of a thirteen-year-old boy with ASD. Within eight sessions, several methods of improving communication were tested, including using a computer to type messages, using pictures to guide conversations, and using simple, open-ended questions. Despite predictions that his communication would improve with the help of focused efforts to communicate and the implementation of these strategies, the participant’s communication skills did …

Draws And Drawbacks Of An Oxford Study Abroad Experience, Michael W. Firmin, Kailee M. Lenczycki, Ruth L. Firmin, Whitney Muhlencamp Wood, Jordan C. Wood

Psychology Faculty Publications

Using qualitative research methodology, we interviewed 23 American students participating in a study abroad program at Oxford University in the U.K. Results showed four primary draws to participating in the study abroad program and two perceived drawbacks. Positively, Oxford’s first appealing dynamic related to the tutorial system and students’ expanded range of options for specialized topics as well as in-depth study. Next, participants highly valued Oxford’s academic rigor, which accompanied the university’s unique approach to education. Third, Oxford’s location in England appealed to our participants. Finally, students reported hopes that future benefits would result from their decisions to attend Oxford …

Effects Of Olfactory Sense On Chocolate Craving, Michael W. Firmin, Aubrey L. Gillette, Taylor E. Hobbs, Di Wu

Psychology Faculty Publications

In the present study, we assessed the effect of the olfactory sense on chocolate craving in college females. Building on previous research by Kemps and Tiggemann (2013), we hypothesized that a fresh scent would decrease one’s craving level for chocolate food. While the precursor study only addressed the decrease of chocolate craving, we also hypothesized that a sweet scent would increase one’s craving level for chocolate foods. In the present experiment, participants rated their craving levels after viewing images of chocolate foods and inhaling essential oils: one fresh (Slique™ essence), and one sweet (vanilla). Results supported both of the hypotheses: …

Music And Athletics: An Inseparable Bond, Alisha Symington

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Music is so deeply ingrained in nearly every part of our culture, it sometimes passes by unnoticed. However, if one were to remove music from its typical appearance, the resulting silence can be deafening. For example, in a film, such as Star Wars, if the main theme did not exist, the anticipation of the film and the overall reaction to the plot would be far less appealing. If clothing stores did not play spunky electronic music, would consumer’s shopping habits be altered? A strongly universal and historic aspect of culture that a lack of music would dramatically is the world …

Associations Of Religious Involvement And Mortality: A Critical Review, Thomas Fisher

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In this review we address the conflicts of previous research on associations between religious involvement and longevity. We will also discuss causes of conclusional variance within these studies. Our study of inconclusive research will equip individuals with insight about sources of disagreement and origins of variance within empirical studies on religiosity and longevity. A wide variety of sources were selected to represent the diversity of findings. Most selected studies identified psychosocial elements of religiosity and proposed a positive, negative, or no correlation with longevity. We reviewed the validity of each study and analyzed the proposed association with longevity. Numerous methodologically …

Reverse Freshman Fifteen: A Qualitative Study, Ruth L. Markham, Taryn Viers, Ashley Laird, Ashley Dibert

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The decision to make lifestyle changes as related to health cannot be easily summarized as it involves multiple areas of an individual's life. To examine some of these issues 15 college women who had intentionally experienced significant weight loss during their college years were questioned using a semi-structured interview technique. The interviews contained questions concerning how factors such as identity, motivation, habits, availability of resources, and priorities affected their conscious choice to pursue a healthier lifestyle. Transcriptions were coded and analyzed to determine commonalities in factors related to these lifestyle changes. Three common themes emerged which included having an active …

The Relationship Between Music Preference, Moral Competence, And Spiritual Well-Being In Christian College Students, Elizabeth Stokes, Gabrielle Metzler, Chi-En Hwang, Di Wu

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In this survey study, we examined the effect of Christian music with lyrics versus secular music with lyrics (written as “Christian music” and “secular music”) on the moral competence and spiritual well-being of college students. These students were taken from the population of Cedarville University and were aged 18-25. We hypothesized that Christians who listen to mostly Christian music have higher moral competence and spiritual well-being than those who listen to primarily secular music. Tested through an online survey using the Moral Competence Test (MCT) and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWB), this study found no gender differences, therefore the subsequent …

Social Psychology Of Public Defenders: A Qualitative Study, Michael W. Firmin, Kari E. Barnhill, Hannah W. Foster, Ying-Ruey Chuang, D. Elise Lawrence

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The right to an attorney is a one to which all U.S. citizens are entitled, in conjunction with the constitution's sixth amendment. Difficulty arose when people who were unable to provide necessary funds to hire a lawyer and, subsequently, went into trial pro se. Resolution was met with the creation of the public defense system -- a system which is unfortunately understudied, and sometimes regarded in a negative light, including a negative perception that public defense is a broken system. This belief sometimes bleeds into the minds of potential clients who may believe a public defender is not sufficiently competent …

Effects Of Olfactory Sense On Chocolate Craving, Michael W. Firmin, Aubrey Gillette, Taylor E. Hobbs

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Chocolate has been referred to as one of the most socially acceptable addictions. It is one of America’s most craved foods, and women tend to crave it more frequently than men. Kemps and Tiggemann (2013) conducted an innovative experiment to reconcile the ideas of mental imagery, scent, and craving. After presenting images of sweet foods and having female undergraduate students smell a neutral scent, the researchers found that the neutral smell decreased craving for sweet foods.

In the present study, researchers sought to replicate many aspects of Kemps and Tiggemann’s design. This new study went one step further, though: in …

A Qualitative Assessment Of Military Kids: Instabilities & Constants, Michael W. Firmin, Taylor E. Hobbs, Aubrey Gillette, Hannah W. Foster

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In the present study, we addressed the following research question: Do college-aged military kids report similar patterns in affect, behavior, and cognition due to shared perceptions and experiences? The study was conducted through semi-structured qualitative research interviews on a selective, Midwest, private college campus. Participants were asked questions regarding their upbringing as a military child and were asked to identify any potential connections between their past experiences and their current beliefs and behaviors. We report qualitative findings relating to themes in the areas of family dynamics, adaptability, and lifestyles.

Perspectives On Adoption From Christian Adoptive Parents: A Qualitative Study, Ruth L. Markham, Kelley C. Pugh, Valerie A. Sohn, Emily N. Gentry

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Although adoption has long been studied, the rising current evangelical trend of adopting has brought about a new series of questions, mostly pertaining to, “What is it like to be a Christian adoptive parent?” The research goals were to understand how faith motivates one’s decision to adopt and the assimilation of the adopted child into the family, to examine the parallels between theological adoption and human experience adoption, and to see if parents have a qualitatively different kind of bonding or affection for their biological and adoptive children. This qualitative research study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with practicing Christians …