Digital Commons Network^™

The Economic Motivations Behind Climate Change Denial, Eliza Daigle, Brooks Duprey

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Climate change denial is often driven by economic interests, particularly among corporations that profit from industries reliant on fossil fuels. This can lead to companies spreading disinformation, casting doubt on what is considered a consensus by scientists worldwide. Disinformation is generated with the goal of preventing government regulations that could threaten their profits. By funding disinformation campaigns and lobbying against climate policies these corporations are steering the public discourse away from environmental issues and concerns. Understanding the economic motivations behind climate change denial is crucial in addressing misinformation and ensuring that policy decisions are guided by science rather than profit.

Investigating The Reinforcing Effects Of Optogenetic Stimulation Of Lateral Hypothalamus Projections To The Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus And Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus In Mice, Jacqueline Moghadam

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Previous studies have shown that in both mice and rats, glutamatergic inputs from the Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus (LDTg) to the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) result in rewarding effects. Little is known about the role of afferent inputs to the LDTg in reward function. The Lateral Hypothalamus (LH) is a critical part of the brain’s reward circuitry and projects to the LDTg. We plan to test whether optogenetic excitation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) glutamatergic input to the LDTg is reinforcing in mice.

Unique Stress, Cultural Resources, And Psychological Resilience In Young African American Women: Insights For Effective Intervention And Cvd Prevention, Sparkle Springfield-Trice, Cara Joyce, Penny Williams-Wolford, Dinishia Wolford, Destiny Onyeise, Natalie Battles, Dionne V. Milton, Chineze Mogbo, Raigine Robinson, Dave Stovall, Lena Hatchett, Ursula M. Staudinger

Biostatistics Collaborative Core: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Objective: Psychological resilience, defined as one’s self-reported ability to bounce back from stress, is understudied in young African American women (YAAW). Guided by community feedback, this study examined the associations between resilience and the following three constructs from Staudinger’s 2015 resilience and aging model: perceived stress, non-psychological resources, and psychological resources. We aimed to identify cultural resources that can enhance resilience in the face of unique stressors.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 512 self-identified YAAW aged 18–35 years. Resilience was measured by the Brief Resilience Scale, ranging from one to five, with higher scores indicating greater resilience. We …

The Effectiveness Of A Race-Based Stress Reduction Intervention On Improving Stress-Related Symptoms And Inflammation In African American Women At Risk For Cardiometabolic Disease: Protocol For Recruitment And Intervention For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Karen L. Saban, Cara Joyce, Alexandria Nyembwe, Linda Janusek, Dina Tell, Paula De La Pena, Darnell Motley, Lamise Shawahin, Laura Prescott, Stephanie Potts-Thompson, Jacquelyn Y. Taylor

Biostatistics Collaborative Core: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background: In recent years, the prevalence of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) in African American women has risen; the risk also increases with age, in comparison to men. Evidence demonstrates that stressful life events, including experiences of racism and perceived discrimination, contribute substantially to inflammatory diseases, such as CMD. Despite this evidence, few evidence-based interventions are available to assist individuals from minoritized communities in coping with the chronic stress related to their racial or ethnic identity.

Objective: Our proposed randomized controlled trial will test a novel, race-based intervention tailored to African American women, called Resilience, Stress, and Ethnicity (RiSE).

Methods: In this …

Culture Trap: Male Educators Of Color And The Academic Role Deficit, Javin Cotton

School of Education Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project is to investigate the systemic barriers that limit the academic career advancement of male educators of color within the educational system, specifically highlighting School District 88. This study specifically addresses the disproportionate placement of Black and Latino male educators into disciplinary roles rather than academic leadership positions. Utilizing Implementation Science principles, the project outlines a multi-faceted intervention plan designed to dismantle implicit biases, enhance mentorship opportunities, and establish structured pathways for professional growth. By promoting equity- driven hiring practices, mentorship programs, and policy reforms, this capstone seeks to increase the representation of male educators …

Bringing Different Disciplines And Competitions In Your Classroom, Eric Chan-Tin, Mohammed Abuhamad

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

It is well-known that cybersecurity does not belong only to computer science/engineering. Other disciplines such as Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Political Science can have a great impact in cybersecurity research and education. Students taking only courses are at a disadvantage and should be encouraged to participate in cybersecurity competitions to obtain real-world skills. This lightning talk will look at incorporating two aspects in an interdisciplinary cybersecurity program/curriculum: 1) different disciplines and majors such as Psychology, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Sociology into the cybersecurity program; and 2) including cybersecurity competitions as an integral part of the cybersecurity classroom and curriculum. …

Predictors Of Political Participation Of U.S. Social Workers: The Mediating Effect Of Confidence, Maria Wathen, Rachel A. Young, Amy Krings, Teresa Kilbane

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

What factors are associated with social workers’ political participation, and how does political confidence mediate those relationships? To answer this question, data were collected in 2020 through an original online survey of members of the U.S.-based National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Informed by self-efficacy theory, researchers conducted a structural equation modeling (SEM) path model with political participation as the outcome variable, and political confidence as a mediating variable. Exogenous variables included: one’s self-reported political orientation, belief that social work has a political mandate, gender, and knowledge about how to effectively participate in politics. Results indicate that high political confidence …

The Effects Of A Tier 1 Self-Regulation Intervention On Elementary Students’ Engagement And Reading Comprehension, Kaitlin Reichart, Hank Bohanon, Gina Coffee

Education: School of Education Faculty Publications and Other Works

As students’ emotional self-regulation impacts their engagement in learning, as well as their mental health, researchers have called for schools to implement systems of emotional support. However, because school resources are limited, and the demands on teachers’ time continue to grow, identifying emotional self-regulation interventions that teachers can easily implement within their classrooms can be beneficial for student well-being. This study examined the effects of a Tier 1 Self-Regulation Intervention on student engagement and reading comprehension. Within an A-B-A-B-A-B reversal design, a pilot self-regulation intervention was implemented in two classrooms over six weeks. The study’s results indicated that the intervention …

Are Descriptive Representatives More Successful Passing Group-Relevant Legislation? The Case Of Native American State Legislators, Elise Blasingame, Eric R. Hansen, Richard C. Witmer

Political Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Descriptive representatives often sponsor legislation that advances their groups’ policy interests, but it remains unclear how successful they are passing such legislation. Colleagues might defer and support group-relevant measures from descriptive representatives, perceiving them to have greater expertise and legitimate claims to address the issues than outgroup members. However, colleagues might also oppose those measures in an act of backlash against those groups (especially historically marginalized groups) making new claims on the political system. To answer the question of descriptive representative success, we review 3,401 pieces of legislation related to Native American issues introduced at the state level between 2010 …

Releasing The Imagination In Judiciary Education: Object-Based Inquiry In Civic Wellness., Seungho Moon

Education: School of Education Faculty Publications and Other Works

This paper incorporates an interview between a curriculum specialist and a court judge that examines the value and influence of integrating esthetic education, specifically through object-based inquiry (OBI), into judiciary education. Esthetic experiences, when combined with reflective and thoughtful discussions, enhance legal professionals’ imaginative capacities, promoting fair, ethical decision-making. This interview addresses how OBI has great potential to inspire legal professionals to enrich their perspectives on structural inequities. Through engagement with art and artifacts, legal professionals have been exposed to a deeper understanding of implicit biases and have learned to rethink the myth of objectivity in their judgments and practices. …

Miracles, Andrea Becerril

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This research is on miracles. My claim is that there are levels of miracles, and some impact the laws of nature more than others. The reason for this is that some miracles affect individuals, while others impact groups of people. Let's look at biblical cases: when Jesus fed over 5,000 with two fish and five loaves of bread, it had a significant impact, just like when Jesus turned water into wine. On a smaller scale in the Bible, we have the example of Jesus curing the blind, specifically the man in John 9. Now, in non-religious terms, let's think about …

Tribalism, Science Denial, And Its Violation Of Stephen J. Gould's Noma Model, Annelise Northcott

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation explores how tribalism fuels science denial by breaching Stephen J. Gould’s Non-Overlapping Magisteria model, which distinguishes empirical science from value systems. Tribalism leads to group polarization, imposing ideological beliefs on the realm of science and dismissing evidence that threatens group identity. Case studies, like the leaded gasoline controversy of the 20th century, demonstrate how loyalty to identity distorts scientific discourse. Psychological factors, such as confirmation bias, exacerbate this issue. By recognizing these violations, the presentation highlights the importance of interdisciplinary strategies to restore trust in science while respecting Gould’s framework, offering hope in combating science denial.

A Review Examining The Factors Contributory To The Socialization Of A Culture Of Environmental Stewardship, Colby Nixon

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Environmental stewardship is an ambiguous but significant term meaning that responsibility for the environment — and its quality — is shared between all individuals who interact with it. As a culture-wide phenomena, it is correlated with a mutualistic relationship with nature and the Earth. My study responds to a question as to which and how variables contribute to a societal mindset of environmental stewardship. This review synthesizes numerous studies across diverse cultures and contexts to examine trends therein. In doing so, I discovered that religion, policy, human development, linguistics, and economic roles play a part in socializing environmental stewardship into …

A Computational Analysis Of The Effect Of Hard Choices On The Individuation Of Values, Norberto M. Grzywacz

Psychology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background/Objectives: Experimental studies show that when an individual makes choices, they affect future decisions. Future choices tend to be consistent with past ones. This tendency matters in the context of ambivalent situations because they may not lead to clear choices, often leading people to make “arbitrary” decisions. Thus, because of choice consistency with the past, people’s decision-making values diverge. Thus, hard choices may contribute to the individuation of values. Methods: Here, we develop a Bayesian framework for the effects of cognitive choice consistency on decision-making. This framework thus extends earlier cognitive-science Bayesian theories, which focus on other tasks, such as …

Perceptual Complexity As Normalized Shannon Entropy, Norberto M. Grzywacz

Psychology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Complexity is one of the most important variables in how the brain performs decision making based on esthetic values. Multiple definitions of perceptual complexity have been proposed, with one of the most fruitful being the Normalized Shannon Entropy one. However, the Normalized Shannon Entropy definition has theoretical gaps that we address in this article. Focusing on visual perception, we first address whether normalization fully corrects for the effects of measurement resolution on entropy. The answer is negative, but the remaining effects are minor, and we propose alternate definitions of complexity, correcting this problem. Related to resolution, we discuss the ideal …

Improving The Measurement Of Gender In Surveys: Effects Of Categorical Versus Open-Ended Response Formats On Measurement And Data Quality Among College Students, Dana Garbarski, Jennifer Dykema, James A. Yonker, Rosie Eungyuhl Bae, Rachel A. Rosenfeld

Sociology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

While researchers have some recommendations for measuring gender identity in surveys based on research and other sources that are summarized in a series of working group and panel reports, we continue to refine our understanding and practices. Gender identity is usually measured in surveys using a categorical selection response format with a small number of response options (e.g., "female,""male,""nonbinary") and an open text response field to capture additional responses ("not listed, please tell us"). There is limited research guiding researchers on the use of other response formats. This study reports results from a between-subjects experiment embedded in a campus climate …

Identifying Cyberbullying Roles In Social Media, Manuel Sandoval, Mohammed Abuhamad, Patrick Furman, Mujtaba Nazari, Deborah Hall, Yasin N. Silva

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Social media has revolutionized communication, allowing people worldwide to connect and interact instantly. However, it has also led to increases in cyberbullying, which poses a significant threat to children and adolescents globally, affecting their mental health and well-being. It is critical to accurately detect the roles of individuals involved in cyberbullying incidents to effectively address the issue on a large scale. This study explores the use of machine learning models to detect the roles involved in cyberbullying interactions. After examining the AMiCA dataset and addressing class imbalance issues, we evaluate the performance of various models built with four underlying LLMs …

The Utility Of The Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition For Children Suspected To Have Autism: Examining The Srs-2 In Light Of Children's Race And Ethnicity, Emma Healy

Dissertations

The shortage of autism specialists and lack of culturally sensitive autism assessment tools are helping to perpetuate racial and ethnic disparities in autism identification and treatment. Using DisCrit as a framework, this quantitative study examined the utility of one autism assessment tool, the Social Responsiveness Scale, second edition (SRS-2) for Black, Latine, and White students suspected of being autistic. Results suggest that there is low inter-rater agreement between parents and teachers on the SRS-2 and that the SRS-2 demonstrates low predictive validity across racial/ethnic groups. Implications for practice are provided highlighting the importance of culturally responsive approaches in addressing disparities …

The Experience Of Transition To Self-Management For Saudi Adolescents With Type I Diabetes, Aeshah M. Almulhim

Dissertations

In Saudi Arabia (SA), between 2011 and 2021, there has been a 108% increase in death rates due to diabetes. Every year, around 3,800 Saudi children and adolescents under the age of 19 are diagnosed with Type I Diabetes (TIDM). Saudi adolescents with TIDM have less glycemic control than adults and younger children. If left untreated, inadequate glycemic control may hasten the onset of diabetes complications and early death. As adolescents with TIDM grow older, they are expected to take on more independence in Self-Management (SM) of their diabetes. The poor clinical outcomes of adolescents with diabetes, the onset of …

The Association Of Interoception, Emotion, And Reasoning In Social Conflict And Moral Decision Making, Jackson Thomas Hassler

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Sympton Clusters In First-Time Ischemic Stroke Survivors Who Discharge From The Hospital To Home, Paula De La Pena

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine symptoms and relationships between those symptoms in first-time ischemic stroke survivors who discharge home after their initial stroke. Current measurement of recovery after stroke places emphasis on the physical aspects of recovery when current literature suggests that other, more subtle symptoms may be equally contributory to recovery. This descriptive, exploratory research study was conducted via a secondary analysis of both structured and unstructured data in a study cohort of 115 first-time ischemic stroke survivors from a tertiary academic medical center in the Midwest. Unstructured clinical notes were analyzed for the presence of …

Investigating The Role Of Out-Of-School Experiences In Racial And Ethnic Identity Formation For Black Youth Within An Ecological Model, Maureen Burns

Master's Theses

Racial and ethnic identity formation is associated with psychological well-being and this is especially true for youth of color, including Black adolescents. Currently, there is a dearth of literature examining influences on this facet of identity during adolescents, outside of parental socialization and school-related factors. Participation in organized out-of-school activities has been associated with positive outcomes, such as social and emotional well-being, which, in turn, is related to identity formation. The goal of the present study was to better understand the relation between out-of-school experiences and racial and ethnic identity among Black adolescents. Participants included Black identifying adolescents, ages 14-19 …

The Impact Of Race And Gender On Benevolent Sexism Endorsement, Kelsey Berryman

Dissertations

Research investigating the influence of race and gender conjointly on sexism endorsement is limited. Much of this existing research exclusively focuses on difference between Black and White women and men or have focused on race and gender as separate entities. The goal of this study is to investigate gender and race difference in benevolent sexism (BS) endorsement while considering relevant cultural factors for each race-gender group. A mixed-method design examined differences in endorsement of BS for Asian, Black, Latina/o, and White women and men. A meditational model using each race-gender group as independent variables examined difference in BS as mediated …

School Psychologists’ Experiences And Roles In Trauma-Informed Practices, Taylor Williamson

Dissertations

Due to a wide breadth of training, school psychologists are uniquely qualified to provide indirect and direct services outlined by best practices, such as school-based mental health services, special education evaluations, and trauma-informed practices. Professional standards indicate that school psychologists are equipped to identify trauma response symptoms and provide evidence-based services when supporting students with trauma histories. However, an identified gap between best practices and the present realities of school psychologists' has been identified in the literature. The few studies that explored the experiences of school psychologists endorsed a lack of training and confidence with identifying trauma response symptoms and …

Like Teacher, Like Student: An Exploration Of Racial Matching On Black Student Identity Development In Secondary Education, Crystal Gloria Lennix

Dissertations

Research on racially matching teachers of color with students of color has demonstrated a plethora of benefits, whether it is in West-Indian teachers with West-Indian students (Warikoo, 2004), Mexicana educators with Mexicana students (Sosa-Provencio, 2019), or Black students with Black teachers (Brooms, 2017). Black teachers are warrior spirits, acknowledging education as a “racial, cultural, linguistic, and spiritual reclamation” for Black students (Sosa-Provencio, 2018). In this study, I sought to understand how the racial matching between Black teachers and Black students can impact Black students’ identity and achievement. Numerous studies say racial matching helps students, but only a few focus on …

The Impact Of Intersensory Redundancy On Face Processing In 12-Month-Old Infants: An Investigation Using Behavioral Methods And Erps, Aslı Bursalıoğlu

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Embodied Freedom: Nietzsche On Agency, Health, And Value, Nathan University Berthiaume

Dissertations

This study examines Nietzsche’s views on freedom to show how they inform a notion of human flourishing. I argue that while Nietzsche denies the existence of a metaphysical freedom in which the self is an unconditioned cause of events, he affirms an embodied freedom in which our consciousness can function as part of the causal explanation for action in virtue of its ability to alter the expression of bodily drives. However, I demonstrate that agential power in this sense can only function in conjunction with other causal factors that constitute constraints on freedom. As such, I argue that there is …

Open-Minded Cognition And Transmission Of Norms, Mia Jasmine Martinez

Master's Theses

This research aimed to explore general and general normative open-minded cognition, respectively, as shaped by prominent social figures (i.e., normative referents). The administered survey included two distinct measures in attempt to estimate the amount and/or severity of influence each referent possesses over the participants, GOMC (i.e., General Open-Minded Cognition) and GNORM (i.e., General Open-Minded Cognition as determined by normative standards). The research hypothesized the GNORM of the determinants: Caregivers, Teachers, Community Leaders, and Peers, have a statistically significant affect over both the GOMC and GNORM of the participants, due to the fundamental psychological authority each determinant maintains over the participant …

Rethinking The Relationship Between Capitalism And Environmental Sustainability: Locating Nigeria Within The Globe, Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Madu

Master's Theses

The relationship between capitalism and environmental sustainability and how problems arising from this relationship can be resolved globally and locally is vital for those with economic and environmental concerns. The environment that provides human beings with essential survival needs has to be preserved if these needs are expected to be available for future generations while also being enough for the present generation of human beings. One obstacle to protecting the environment is climate change due to global warming. What is responsible for global warming that ultimately leads to environmental unsustainability? This study pursues this question by rethinking the relationship between …

Examining The Sexual Identity Disclosure Process Among Black Queer Femmes And Their Families, Kaylah Denis

Master's Theses

Existing queer identity development theories often overlook the unique intersectional experiences of Black queer femmes (BQF), limiting their applicability and effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by this population. Traditional models typically emphasize "coming out" to friends and family as a key step towards identity integration and self-actualization. However, these frameworks may not adequately capture the complexities faced by BQF, who navigate tensions between their racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ identities. This study aimed to: 1) explore BQF experiences related to disclosing their sexual minority status to family members, 2) understand family members' responses to these disclosures, and 3) identify factors influencing …