Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The True Evolution Of Relations Between The United States And Europe, Marcus Ryan, Dr. David Bohn

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I have recently conducted a great deal of research suggesting that many nations are experiencing a period of decreased nationalism and that they are simultaneously moving toward greater acceptance of and perhaps imitation of the United States. The primary focus of my research was initially Argentina, and my study revealed that Argentine national sentiment is in fact less vibrant now than it has been in the past. After many days of content analysis of newspaper articles and political speeches I was able to demonstrate a definite trend away from anti- Americanism, Marxism, and the intellectual left. I am in the …

Perception And Reality In Japanese Politics: The Rural Vote’S New Relevance For The Ldp, J. Paul Mitchell, Dr. Ray Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

An analysis of urban and rural electoral trends in Japan reveals the important role of perceptions in politics. While the story from articles and books on Japanese politics tends to paint a scene of LDP (Liberal Democratic Party, Japan’s dominant political party since 1955) dominance in rural districts contrasted by failings in urban ones, actual electoral data show large relative declines in the rural areas. I tried to discover the causes of this particular misperception and then apply those findings to politics in general.

Revealing Identity Through Artifacts, Paul Reed Stavast, Dr. Marti Lu Allen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The first research objective was to study how personal, community, and culture area identities are portrayed through artifacts originating from Mesoamerica. The second objective was to integrate the research done on identity as a sub-theme into an exhibition at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures. The exhibition would include four other cultures areas from around the world.

Assisting Esl Students In Linguilical And Social Integration, Lisa Dione Booher, Dr. Julie Hartley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

With an ever-increasing immigrant population, schools across the nation are being forced to mold their programs to fit the needs of students who do not know the local language and culture here in the United States. These students’ future rests on their success in these matters. If they fail in their new schools, this failure will set the tone for the rest of their lives. Where they work, live, or continue their education all depend on their success at their new schools. For this reason, I chose to survey students, teachers, and tutors/translators to gather their opinions on how to …

Modeling Non-Normality In Econometric Regression, Robert Turley, Dr. James B. Mcdonald

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Traditional methods for estimating economic relationships assume the error between their predictions and their observations to be normally distributed. In other words, the random variable representing the error term is expected to follow the Gaussian distribution popularly known as the bell curve. In the case of a linear model, this is one of the justifications for the regression technique known as ordinary least squares (OLS). However, in many cases it appears the distribution of the error in economic models is peaked or skewed, suggesting that it may be inappropriate to assume normality.

The Politics Of Religious Pluralism In Palestine: Measuring Democracy Through The Eyes Of Palestinian Christians, Matthew D. Whitton, Dr. Chad Emmett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Despite recent events, the last ten years has represented an unparalleled opportunity for Palestinians and Israelis to resolve their many differences at the negotiating table. With the signing of the 1993 Oslo Accords, Palestinians received for the first time a level of autonomy that many hope will eventually accumulate in the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. The Palestinian Authority (PA) became the governing body of the Palestinians during an interim period designed to test the Palestinian leadership’s resolve to democracy and Israel’s security.

Land And Water Conservation In Tanzania: A Field Analysis, Lisette Borchert, Dr. Richard Jackson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

There is an increasing concern over environmental change on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro (Newmark 1992). For the Chagga, the indigenous people of this region, Mount Kilimanjaro is the source of all life. Primarily, they are dependent on the mountain for water, which is vital for their agricultural production and domestic needs. Historically, land has been passed down from father to son in these tiny African villages. However, as the population in the village increases, the sizes of each plot gets smaller and smaller until the plot becomes unusable. Likewise, as the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and Forest Reserve (KNPFR) continues to …

Measuring A Highly Religious Population: Development Of An Empirical Test For Brigham Young University Students, Marin Turley, Dr. Steven R. Thomsen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This research charts the development of a reliable scale that can discriminate differences in religiosity in a highly religious population. Approximately 99% of the more than 30,000 students at Brigham Young University are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presenting a highly religious and highly homogenous population (www.byu.edu). In such a population, a researcher needs a sensitive survey scale to generate a quantifiable measure of religiosity that will discriminate between members. This project applied considerations for defining and measuring religiosity empirically, using the BYU population as a case study. The goal and final product of this …

The Grass Is Greener: Cue-Mediated Deviations From Matching, Spencer C. Smith, Dr. Hal Miller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In human behavior study, the arena of choice distribution has become a topic of increasing interest. BYU’s Laboratory for Human Behavior Analysis has been looking, specifically, at variations of an already explored and documented “matching law.” This established theory offers a way to create and interpret predictable actions of an individual when given rewardproducing choices “[The matching law] states that relative responding matches the relative reinforcement produced by that responding” (Catania, 1998, p. 188). If a pattern of reinforcements is instantiated, the matching law suggests that the subject’s responses will match that pattern. Any deviations from this established pattern could …

Assessment Of Cingulate Gyrus Integrity In Patients With Alzheimer’S Disease, Michael J. Larson, Dr. Ramona O. Hopkins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurogenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, language impairments, impaired visuospatial skills, poor judgment, and mood changes. The pathophysiology of AD is typified by a loss of cholinergic cells in the basal forebrain, development of neuritic plaques in the cerebral cortex, neurofibrillary tangles that start in the temporal lobe and progress to other cortical regions, and generalized cerebral atrophy (Kolb & Whishaw, 2001). Increased atrophy is associated with increased severity of dementia (Fox, Scahill, Crum, & Rossor, 1999; O’Brien et al., 2001). The neuropathology and associated atrophy in AD progresses systematically, starting in the …

Tracking Change Patterns For Severely And Persistently Mentally Ill (Spmi) Patients: An Analysis Of The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Expanded (Bprs-E), Elizabeth Richardson, Dr. Gary Burlingame

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study was conducted to determine differential item sensitivity of The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Expanded (BPRS-E) with an SPMI population. Using item sensitivity information, we tested different factor solutions of the BPRS-E to assess how predictive these are of patient improvement. Although I originally planned to compare BPRS-E scores with scores from the Life Status Questionnaire (LSQ) in this report, I will focus on item sensitivity only. As observed by Vermeersch, Lambert, & Burlingame (2000), while it is important to achieve high levels of reliability when constructing a measure of psychological traits, measures designed to assess patient change need …

I Get Mad Just Thinking About It: Comparing Students’ Emotions And Beliefs Evoked By Anger In Mozambique And At Brigham Young University’S, Ryan Curtis, Dr. Matthew Spackman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

An emotion consists of many things. Research in emotion has been a constant debate between those who believe that emotions are more biologically based, and those who believe emotions are more culturally based. Cross-cultural studies of emotion have been used from the beginning of this debate to assess the effect of culture on emotions. The purpose of this study was to help determine the role of culture in emotions. Specifically, it studies 1) the effect of culture on the appraisal of anger, and 2) the effect of culture on the experience of secondary emotions that come from remembering an anger …

The Effects Of Status Factors On Women’S Decision-Making And Personal Autonomy In Bolivian Families, Tina J. Gregory, Dr. Renata Forste

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As economic and social changes continue to reshape familial relationships and processes in Latin America, there is much debate over whether these changes are increasing or decreasing the family’s quality of life. Some researchers argue that as individual roles within the family are redefined – especially in terms of traditional parental gender roles – family stability is disrupted. Others who are more reform-oriented assert that development, with its emphasis on providing more opportunities for women’s education and employment, is beneficial for families because it is beneficial for mothers. However, both theoretical camps agree that because of autonomy’s implications for familial …

Female Occupational Complexity And Marital Happiness: Relationship And Results, Jared A. Lyle, Dr. Mikaela Dufur

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Does the complexity of a woman’s occupation have a direct influence on her marital happiness? If so, what are the implications on her family and community?

Doctor-Patient Relationships In Mexico, Carl J. Smith, Lynn England

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Carl J. Smith Doctor-Patient Relationships in Mexico Faculty Mentor: Lynn England, Sociology In biomedicine, doctor-patient relationships are considered crucial in providing good health care. Studies have shown that specific aspects of good doctor-patient relationships impact patient perceived recovery in non-life-threatening disorders. One of the major determining factors for successful doctor-patient relationships is the level of communication and information exchange achieved during the consultations. As a developing nation, Mexico has shown an increase in reliance on technological medicine as apposed to physician clinical skills. Some feel that Mexico may suffer from a de-emphasis on the importance of doctor communication skills.

The Effect Of Social Capital On 8th Grade Academic Achievement, Curtis Child, Dr. Mikaela Dufur

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Social capital is a theoretical concept that has been the subject of much research and debate. Because of its abstract nature, it is difficult to define. James Coleman defines social capital in this way: “Social Capital is defined by its function…Like other forms of capital, social capital is productive, making possible the achievement of certain ends that in its absence would not be possible…Unlike other forms of capital, social capital inheres in the structure of the relations between actors and among actors” (1988). Whereas physical capital refers to physical resources that individuals, communities or nations possess, and human capital refers …

Accessioning The Krenutz Collection, Corinda Kelly, John Clark, Shane Baker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In the Fall of 2001 the Museum of Peoples and Cultures (MPC) located at BYU received a donation of a very highly valued collection of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican artifacts as well as several artifacts from the ancient Middle East. According to the American Association of Museums (AAM), one of the main responsibilities of a museum is to “have a formal and appropriate program of documentation, care, and use of collections” (http://www.aamus. org/infocenter/infor01.htm). My project at the MPC involved providing appropriate documentation, care, and use of the objects. Providing accurate documentation on a large collection such as this required many painstaking efforts. …

Fighting Families: Personal And Relationship Factors Associated With Domestic Violence In Latin America, Dallan F. Flake, Dr. Renata Forste

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Violence against women is one of Latin America’s most pressing social problems. Over the past twenty years, it has come to be recognized not only as a significant public health concern, but as a human rights issue as well. Latin America is notorious for its high rates of political and social violence. Much less understood is the violence that occurs behind closed doors—between husbands and wives, parents and children. With so much attention centered on Latin America’s corruption, crime, and political instability, it is easily overlooked that the family is perhaps this region’s most violent social institution.

Effect Of Harmony And Dissonance Is Auditory Evoked Potentials, James Daren Pack, Dell P. Dunn, Donovan Fleming, Dr. Scott Steffensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the study of the brain’s electrical activity. It has been used extensively as a research tool as well as in clinical settings. When sensory stimuli are presented and EEG is recorded electrical potential is evoked. The most widely studied of these evoked potentials is called the P300–a large positive wave that occurs about 300 milliseconds after the stimulus is presented. A P300 can be elicited and recorded using any sensory modality. A similar evoked potential is the N450 which occurs about 150 milliseconds after the P300 and is negative in amplitude. Our experiment examined the effect of …

The South African Family: Attitudes Leading To Unmarried Xhosa Mothers, Oertel Sparks, Dr. Carol Ward

Journal of Undergraduate Research

To increase understanding of the family structure of one group in South Africa, I conducted this field study in East London where almost all of the blacks belong to the Xhosa tribe. Family is an important unit of socialization in all societies and is a key element to studying any culture or group of people. Through study, I found that many Xhosa women choose to be single mothers. Therefore, my research question was: Why are many Xhosa mothers choosing to remain unmarried?

Family, Peer, School, And Community Capital: The Compensating Effects Of The Family On Juvenile Delinquency, Benjamin Gibbs, Dr. Stephen Bahr

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I have sought to examine the effects of social capital (family, peer, school and community) on delinquency and to measure the buffering effects of the family when negative peer influence is high. Further understanding of the factors causing delinquency is essential for policy makers and community members. Although millions of dollars are spent by federal, state and local governments to prevent delinquency, a clearer understanding of which forms of capital are the most influential will maximize limited funds and contribute to the most effective solutions.

Seasonality Studies And Research Questions For Faunal Remains At The Coombs Village Archaeological Site In Boulder, Utah., Jennifer Taylor, Dr. Joel C. Janetski

Journal of Undergraduate Research

“The goal of zooarchaeology is to gain a better understanding of the relationship between humans…and other animal populations” (Reitz and Wing 1999:1).

With this in mind, I set out for the Coombs Village archaeological site at Anasazi State Park in Boulder, Utah during the Olympic Break of February 2002. Animal bone, often the only surviving evidence of animals found in the archaeological record, tells a limited story of faunal life in and around areas inhabited by prehistoric humans. Just the species of animal found in an archaeological site offers understanding of the human/animal relationship. Specialized areas of zooarchaeology take further …

The Validation Of The Outcome Questionnaire As A Tool Of Measurement For Change On The Native American Population In A College Counseling Center, Kärstin L. Slade, Elizabeth Richardson, Dr. Michael J. Lambert

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In recent years there has been an increasing demand for psychotherapy outcome measures, which can be attributed mainly to the changing health care industry. This, in turn, affects the subsequent demands by corporate purchasers, those in the insurance industry, and government agencies, for evidence of the efficacy of psychotherapy. Although hundreds of therapy measures exist, there are limitations of their use as outcome measures within the managed care system. Most instruments that measure psychotherapy’s efficacy have a very narrow focus while others are designed to address a wider range of clinical issues, and are long and tedious for both clients …

The Associations Between Social Relationships And Scholastic Achievement, Brandon Q. Jones, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Brandon Q. Jones The Associations between Social Relationships and Scholastic Achievement Faculty Mentor: Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Psychology Any college student could tell you that their social environment influences their scholastic achievement. But what are the factors involved? Do different types of relationships help or hinder our achievement? And in what ways do they help or hinder it? In this experiment, I studied the effects of certain types of social relationships on scholastic achievement by analyzing the degree to which stress and rumination (or time spent thinking about an issue) is associated with these relationships. Originally, I hypothesized that relationships did have …

A Construct Validity Investigation Of Therapeutic Mechanisms In Group: An Analysis Of The Gcq And Cci, Shelby L. Ferrin, Dr. Gary M. Burlingame

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Group psychotherapy is a growing field of both psychological research and clinical application. Credit for this growth has been ascribed to a variety of factors, among them the efficiency of seeing multiple clients at one time. Previous research has demonstrated that group therapy is as efficacious in the treatment of many disorders as individual therapy while also being more timeand cost-efficient. The efficacy of small group therapy is frequently attributed to the unique properties of group involvement (e.g., cohesion, avoidance, or engagement). However, researchers find it difficult to measure these properties. Even in research areas where many studies have been …

Recent Research Has Reveled That Exposure To Media Can Influence People’S Attitudes To Move In The Direction Of The Messages Endorsed By That Media. This Concept Has Come To Be Known As The Cultivation Effect.1 Currently The Research Literature On The Specific Effect That Popular Media Has On Individual’S Perceptions Of Ideal Loving Relationships Is Wanting. Reason Leads One To Believe That Popular Media With Its Many “Love” Messages Would Cultivate Society’S Attitudes In Regarding Love. In An Article On Relationships B. Livermore Classifies Four Different Love Styles And Their Correlation To Relationship Satisfaction Or Dissatisfaction. Using This Information The Present Study Was Designed To Test The Hypothesis That High Exposure To Popular Media Would Correlate To Egoistic And Dependent Perceptions Of Ideal Love While Low Exposure Would Correlate To More Healthy And Perceptions Of Love, Especially Altruistic Perceptions., Jeremy Bartz, Dr. Matt Spackman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recent research has reveled that exposure to media can influence people’s attitudes to move in the direction of the messages endorsed by that media. This concept has come to be known as the cultivation effect.¹ Currently the research literature on the specific effect that popular media has on individual’s perceptions of ideal loving relationships is wanting. Reason leads one to believe that popular media with its many “love” messages would cultivate society’s attitudes in regarding love. In an article on relationships B. Livermore classifies four different love styles and their correlation to relationship satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Using this information …

The Environmental Attitudes Of Byu Students, Chad D. Hill, Dr. Joann Valenti

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Environmental issues have become hot political topics in recent years. Many voters now consider the environmental policies of political candidates. The formation of environmental attitudes has been the subject of many studies. In this research, I measured the environmental attitudes of students enrolled in spring term classes. To learn more about the formation of these attitudes, I correlated those attitudes with knowledge of environmental issues, political party affiliation, media use, involvement in outdoor activities, and their religious beliefs.

Effects Of Multicultural Training On Counseling: A Meta-Analysis, Todd Wilson Dunn, Dr. Tim Smith

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The past two decades have seen a proliferation in the amount of publications on multicultural counseling. For example, over 1000 published reports investigating multicultural counseling and the cultural contexts of psychology have appeared in psychological literature since 1995. Many of these studies have identified serious flaws in traditional methods of helping minority populations with emotional or psychological disturbances, while demonstrating that alternative “culturally sensitive” methods can improve treatment outcomes. Although the sudden proliferation of literature on multicultural counseling clearly indicates growing popular interest in the topic, responsible scientific practice dictates that any body of literature should be systematically evaluated and …

Emotional Competence In Children With Specific Language Impairment, Jennifer George, Jessica Berg, Dr. Martin Fujiki

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Children with SLI (Speech Language Impairment) have difficulty with the comprehension and expression of language. SLI is distinct and separate from intellectual ability and children with SLI have non-verbal IQs within the normal range. Many children with SLI have not only language deficits, but social deficits as well.

Measurement Issues With Couple-And Family-Level Data, Dean M. Busby, Franklin O. Poulsen

Faculty Publications

Early in my (D.B.) training as a family therapist, I did some co-therapy with a clinical psychology student who wanted to learn how to work with couples. The couple we were working with was quite volatile, and it was not uncommon for the dialogue between the spouses to get heated. While it was challenging enough to keep the interactions between the partners moving in a productive direction, my co-therapist was quite uncomfortable with conflict and would emotionally "check out" of the session as soon as things became intense. Each time a session was challenging and conflict became intense, my co-therapist …