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Honors Theses

2016

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms

The Effect Of Posture On Classroom Participation, Janine Cerutti Jun 2016

The Effect Of Posture On Classroom Participation, Janine Cerutti

Honors Theses

Past research suggested that students with low self-esteem participate less in class than students with high self-esteem. Separately, prior research investigated the effects of nonverbal behavior on different variables such as confidence and performance. In the current research, we explored the effect of posture on the level of class participation (i.e. the number of times participants raised their hand to participate during a question-answer session). First, participants were asked to take a self-esteem questionnaire before participating in a simulated lecture. Next, participants were randomly assigned to either a slumped or upright posture condition. During the lecture, participants watched a short …

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Children's Perceptions Of Bullying Situations: Factors Influencing Peer Interventions, Allison Minchoff Jun 2016

Children's Perceptions Of Bullying Situations: Factors Influencing Peer Interventions, Allison Minchoff

Honors Theses

Previous research is inconclusive as to whether racial biases are prominent in elementary school children and whether gender influences the children’s perceptions of a bullying situation. Since both bullying and racial discrimination are of increased concern, I investigated how children perceive ambiguous situations that could be considered deliberate bullying or an accident, as a function of the gender, race, and reputation of the potential bully. Participants were asked to read three brief scenarios, each accompanied by a picture of the potential bully, and completed a questionnaire regarding how positive they would rate the actor, how negative they would rate the …

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The Effect Of Color In Advertising Among Low And High Self-Monitors, Anne Reardon Jun 2016

The Effect Of Color In Advertising Among Low And High Self-Monitors, Anne Reardon

Honors Theses

Prior research on self-monitoring has indicated high self-monitors will moderate their behavior based upon their environment, whereas low self-monitors listen to internal cues to make behavioral decisions. Within the consumer research, there appears to be individual differences in product evaluation. Self-monitoring orientation has emerged as one explanation for variance in product assessment. High self-monitors have indicated to be more receptive to image-based advertising. Conversely low-monitors have shown to be drawn to quality-based advertisements. Thus, other attributes such as product design, specifically color, appear to be moderators in product assessment among high and low self-monitors. The current research examined the possible …

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Union College Smokers: Hurting Themselves But Helping Others? Mixed Research On The Relationship Between Smoking And Volunteering, Cameron Robertson Jun 2016

Union College Smokers: Hurting Themselves But Helping Others? Mixed Research On The Relationship Between Smoking And Volunteering, Cameron Robertson

Honors Theses

This mixed methodology research project analyzes the relationship between smoking cigarettes and volunteer participation rates utilizing an empirical analysis of 2006 and 2010 Current Population Surveys (CPS), as well as a qualitative analysis on the perception and behaviors of Union College student smokers. Existing studies have indicated a negative association between smoking cigarettes and social participation, yet little research has been done on the specific relationship between smoking status and volunteer participation. Utilizing CPS supplements on tobacco use and volunteering, this empirical analysis finds that smoking cigarettes has a significant association with decreased volunteer participation rates. This research also includes …

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The Psychology Of Romantic Relationships, Darby Dietrich Jun 2016

The Psychology Of Romantic Relationships, Darby Dietrich

Honors Theses

Prior research on self-monitoring suggests that high self-monitors are more likely to choose a romantic partner based on status and appearance. Conversely, low self-monitors put a greater emphasis on shared values and interests. In the current research, we examined the self-monitoring differences in both dating relationships and marriages. Participants were given a survey in which they answered personal questions, questions about their past relationships, qualities that are important in potential dating and marriage partners, and the Snyder and Gangestad (1986) 18-item Self-Monitoring scale. Trends were consistent with previous research, such that high self-monitors were more likely to divorce than low …

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Using Focus Groups To Identify Ways To Reduce Infant Mortality In Kalamazoo, Leah Dries Apr 2016

Using Focus Groups To Identify Ways To Reduce Infant Mortality In Kalamazoo, Leah Dries

Honors Theses

Study goals were to explore maternal perceptions of possible ways to reduce infant mortality in Kalamazoo County, with specific regards to the infant mortality rates of non-Hispanic African American babies versus non-Hispanic Caucasian babies. Two focus groups were conducted of voluntary, anonymous, participants from the YWCA domestic violence shelter and clients of home visiting services provided by the Kalamazoo County Department of Health and Community Services. The focus groups were guided allowing women to voice their opinions about ways to prevent infant mortality in Kalamazoo. Women were also asked to respond to the goals created by a community planning committee …

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