Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Learning Languages Through The Media: Toward An Understanding Of The Mediated Language Acquisition Process And The Motivation Cycle Of Mediated Language Acquisition, Kenneth F. Trent

Theses and Dissertations

Utilizing in-depth interviews and constant comparative analysis through a qualitative approach, this research study examined the development of second language acquisition of US immigrants via the mass media as a part of the acculturation process. Nine international students (or international spouses of students) of a major midwestern university participated in 25-60 minute interviews. Based on participant responses, the author formulated the mediated language acquisition process, or the process by which the participants acquired English as an additional language with the help of the mass media. Additionally, motivation was found to be the primary indicator of the rate of language acquisition. …

Let Me See My Feedback: A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Feedback-Receiving Process At A University Counseling Center, David Doty Dayton

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a phenomenological investigation of psychotherapists' experience receiving quantitative and evaluative feedback on job performance. Participants were licensed psychologists working at a university counseling center. They were given feedback reports that compared their clients' psychotherapy outcomes with the outcomes of their colleagues' clients. Psychotherapy outcomes were measured using the Outcome-Questionnaire 45 (OQ-45), a self-report outcome instrument designed for tracking client progress through repeated measurement. Feedback reports included data about where psychotherapists' outcomes ranked (in quartiles) in comparison to the rest of the counseling center. Interviews were conducted with participants to gain a deeper understanding of their experience receiving …

The Effects Of Acute And Chronic Nicotine On Gaba And Dopamine Neurons In The Midbrain Ventral Tegmental Area, Devin Hardy Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Nicotine (NIC) abuse involves activation of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons and NIC addiction involves neuroadaptive changes in the mesolimbic DA reward system. GABA neurons in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) express α4β2-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), whose activation increases GABAergic input to DA neurons. However, this initial effect is decreased after chronic NIC treatment (as in the case of smokers) by inducing nAChR desensitization. Thus, GABA neuron inhibition results in increased DA release in limbic structures such as the nucleus accumbens. To support this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of acute and chronic NIC on GAD-67 positive neurons in …

Valuing And Defending: A New Natural Law Approach To The Family, Stephen Wade Francis

Theses and Dissertations

Social science theories applied to the family make certain assumptions in the analytic categories of value-neutrality vs. value-ladenness, positivism vs. hermeneutics, and determinism vs. moral agency. New natural law, a different theory from the body of classical forms of natural law, provides a unique approach to the study of the family. New natural law provides a defense for the traditional conjugal family as well as provides difference conclusions and implications for empirical research.

The Origins Of The Maya: A Comparative Analysis Of Narratives, Thomasina Ilene Morris

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to document the changes in archaeological origin narratives concerning the lowland Preclassic Maya. This was accomplished by tracking the changes in four major narratives over several decades. These narratives include Herbert J. Spinden's Ancient Civilizations of Mexico and Central America; The Ancient Maya written by Sylvanus G. Morley, with additional editors, George Brainerd, Robert J. Sharer, and Loa Traxler; Michael D. Coe's The Maya, and Richard E.W. Adams's Prehistoric Mesoamerica. The specific parts of the narratives analyzed were the origins of agriculture, ceramic technology, writing, and monumental architecture. Changes in metaphorical language …

Somatoform Disorder: Treatment Utilization And Cost By Mental Health Professions, Lori Barker Morton

Theses and Dissertations

Somatoform disorder is a prevalent mental health disorder in the United States. This disorder costs the United States one billion dollars annually. Medical providers report somatoform disorder is difficult to treat. Previous studies have shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective at reducing symptoms of somatoform disorder. Unfortunately, little research has been done on treatment outcomes and cost of somatoform disorder, particularly by profession to reduce health care costs for somatoform patients and providers. Administrative data from CIGNA for 149 somatoform disorder cases were analyzed to determine the cost, number of sessions, dropout rates, and recidivism rates for somatoform …

Relational Diagnosis And Psychotherapy Treatment Cost Effectiveness, Adam Mousley Moore

Theses and Dissertations

Despite a call by researchers for estimates of the treatment clinical and cost effectiveness for relational problems, very little has been done to answer this call. The present study is an examination of actual treatment costs and recidivism rates for patients treated for a relational problem (either in individual or conjoint therapy sessions) in the CIGNA network. Despite the fact that this study compares treatment provider cost-effectiveness for treating relational problems, analyses do not control for average amounts paid by provider license type. Policymakers and third-party payers may use such clinical-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness data to make decisions regarding treatment of …

The Effects Of Parental Support, Best Friend Support, And Parental Psychological Control On Loneliness In Latino Adolescents, Denhi Hortensia Chaney

Theses and Dissertations

The current study examined the relationship of parental support, parental psychological control, and best friend support among Latino adolescents and loneliness using self-esteem as a mediating variable. The sample included 839 Hispanic (primarily Mexican) 9th – 12th graders from west Texas area school districts who were given a self-reported survey to assess parental behaviors and adolescent depression. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), findings indicated that neither maternal nor paternal support was found to be significantly related to loneliness in girls. Only maternal support was found to be significantly related to loneliness in boys. On the other hand, neither maternal nor …

Portrayals Of Relational Aggression In Popular Teen Movies: 1980-2009, Halie Ann Foell Stout

Theses and Dissertations

The media is littered with various portrayals of aggression. This aggression has been shown to influence the attitudes, beliefs, and subsequent behaviors of its viewers (Bushman & Anderson, 2001). Relational aggression is a newer concern for researchers and has become more prevalent in recent research. Relational aggression is prevalent in the lives of adolescents. Using social cognitive theory (Bandura 2002), information processing theory (Huesmann, 1988), and the general aggression model (Anderson & Bushman, 2002) to justify how adolescents might be developing these relationally aggressive behaviors, this study seeks to expand the literature by evaluating the portrayals of relational aggression in …

A Quantitative Analysis Of An Eating Disorder Prevention Program, Jennalee Murray

Theses and Dissertations

Eating disorders affect millions of people in the United States alone. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a preventative curriculum for eating disorders called Eating Disorders: Physical, Social, and Emotional Consequences, A High School Curriculum about Anorexia, Bulimia, and Compulsive Eating (EDPSEC). Participants included an experimental group of 27 students in their ninth grade health class and a control group of 21 students. The research examined the integrity of the curriculum administration and changes in participating students' attitudes and behaviors. The outcome measures used were students' scores on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the Eating Survey (ES). …

Emulating Gossip Girl: Aggressive And Prosocial Material In Adolescent Novels And Associations With Behavior, Laura Ann Stockdale

Theses and Dissertations

Decades of researchers have found that exposure to aggressive content in multiple forms of media is associated with both physically (Bushman & Anderson, 2001) and relationally (Coyne, Nelson, Graham-Kevan, Keister, & Grant, 2010) aggressive behavior. Similarly, other researchers have found that exposure to prosocial content in multiple forms of media is associated with increased prosocial behavior (Mares & Underwood, 2008). While these associations have been studied in a variety of media, books as a form of media have received less research attention. The current study examined the associations between the content of adolescents' favorite novels and their normative beliefs about …

A Comparison Of Male Athletes With Teenage Peers In Popular Teen Movies, Jason M. Beck

Theses and Dissertations

Teen films generally highlight typical high school stereotypes, with jocks being one of the most prevalent characters. Through a content analysis, this study seeks to determine the portrayal of male athletes in comparison with their fellow teenage characters in the top-grossing teen films from the 1980s through the 2000s to help understand the role of films in reinforcing stereotypes. The study found that male athletes are significantly more likely to be portrayed as more physically or verbally aggressive, unintelligent and popular than their peer counterparts. They were not depicted to be any more sexually active, illegal substances users, or physically …

Fathers Of Flourishing Families, Daniel H. Erickson, Randal D. Day

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Researchers have found that father involvement is a critical part of healthy child development. Fathers’ perspectives and qualities greatly influence and affect children. Researchers’ findings tell us that father involvement is correlated to positive outcomes in children, including increased cognitive competence, increased empathy, less sex-stereotyped beliefs, a greater internal locus of control, and acting out less often. The purpose of this study is to advance the extant literature by showing how father involvement over time impacts child self-esteem, depression, perseverance, hope, and leadership in the lives of 500 teens.

Reciprocal Communication As A Form Of Nonverbal Communication: A Qualitative Approach, John Christian Penrod

Theses and Dissertations

The current state of psychological research in nonverbal communication is briefly summarized and several problems are noted. Reciprocal communication (RC) is suggested, defined, and qualitatively investigated as a way of describing the experience of emotional compatibility in communication, with an emphasis on form, degree, and timing as fundamental aspects of nonverbal communication. Support for three different levels of emotional compatibility (fully, partially, and nonreciprocal) is found. Variation in the interpretation of nonverbal communication when communication is perceived as either intentional or unintentional is noted, and a system of categorizing reciprocal communication is suggested. Further patterns in nonverbal communication are observed, …

Time Management Practices Of Brigham Young University Students, Jessica Mae Scott

Theses and Dissertations

The use of, and attitudes towards, time management among undergraduates at Brigham Young University (BYU) was examined. Data were collected using two online surveys and an electronic time log tool. The data from the surveys were analyzed using canonical correlations, multiple regressions, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), factor analysis, and multivariate graphical methods. Pilot survey results showed freshmen who were concerned with time management and organization had lower GPAs than those who asserted they were spontaneous and successful without time management. The main survey produced contradictory evidence, showing positive correlations for both freshmen and sophomores between GPA and students who …

Ethnic Identity And Well-Being: A Meta-Analytic Review, Lynda Rae Silva

Theses and Dissertations

This meta-analysis provided a synthesis of the research examining the relationship between the construct of ethnic identity and global well-being, variously measured. The aims of this systematic review were to ascertain the overall magnitude of the association between ethnic identity and well-being, as well as to explore the impact of moderating variables on the association. A total of 184 studies were analyzed, resulting in an omnibus effect size of r = .17, suggesting a modest but statistically significant relationship between these two constructs. Younger participants demonstrated a stronger relationship between ethnic identity and well-being. Participants in the low acculturation category …

Book Review, Laina Farhat-Holzman, Isaac Tseggai, Norman C. Rothman, Anthony M. Stevens-Arroyo

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Relational Aggression Among Students, Ellie L. Young, David A. Nelson, America B. Hottle, Brittney Warburton, Bryan K. Young

Faculty Publications

Some types of bullying are harder to spot than physical aggression, but they still damage students' self-esteem and impede academic success.

Students Studying Students: An Assessment Of Using Undergraduate Student Researchers In An Ethnographic Study Of Library Use, Allyson Washburn, Sheila C. Bibb

Faculty Publications

This paper reports on the use of undergraduate students enrolled in an Applied Anthropology course as researcher for a library use study at Brigham Young University's (BYU) Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL). This is a common practice at BYU, but has not been reported extensively in the literature. The study was carried out by the authors with the assistance of undergraduate students, the students being the researchers and was conducted in order that the HBLL could determine student ideas for reconfiguring some newly opened space in the Periodicals room. Using students assisted the library as well as met a curricular …

Culture, Timothy B. Smith, Melanie Domenech Rodríguez, Guillermo Bernal

Faculty Publications

This article summarizes the definitions, means, and research of adapting psychotherapy to clients’ cultural backgrounds. We begin by reviewing the prevailing definitions of cultural adaptation and providing a clinical example. We present an original meta-analysis of 65 experimental and quasiexperimental studies involving 8,620 participants. The omnibus effect size of d 5 .46 indicates that treatments specifically adapted for clients of color were moderately more effective with that clientele than traditional treatments. The most effective treatments tended to be those with greater numbers of cultural adaptations. Mental health services targeted to a specific cultural group were several times more effective than …

The Effects Of Color On Visual Short-Term Memory, Taelynn Johnson, Zachary Burk, Kassandra Larson, Annalisa Ellsworth

Student Works

This experiment examined the affects of the color of images on the short-term memory of participants. We hypothesized that naturally colored images and unnaturally colored images had differing effects on short-term memory not affected by gender and favorite colors.

Better Late Than Never? Reduced Psychophysiological Response To A Human Intruder In High-Functioning Autism, J. Dee Higley, Mikle South, Paul Chamberlain, Oliver Johnston

Student Works

Background: In addition to core impairments in social communication, many individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience severe and debilitating symptoms of anxiety. Characterization of both shared and distinct neural mechanisms in ASD and anxiety may give insight into the neurodevelopmental course of ASD and improve the specificity of intervention techniques. Our aim was to measure both physiological and behavioral responses to an anxiety-provoking situation where a stranger intrudes on the environment. In monkey studies and in the wild, such situations tend to be accompanied by increased vigilance but decreased physical activity in order to avoid detection.

Relational And Social-Cognitive Correlates Of Early Adolescents’ Forgiveness Of Parents, Katherine J. Christensen, Laura M. Padilla-Walker, Dean M. Busby, Sam A. Hardy, Randal D. Day

Faculty Publications

This study examined how mother and father–child relationship quality and marital forgiveness were related to early adolescents’ forgiveness of mothers and fathers. Adolescents’ social-cognitive skills (empathy and emotional regulation) and parents’ forgiveness of child were examined as mediators. Mother, father, and child self-reported questionnaires and observational data were taken from Time 1 and Time 3 (two years later) of the Flourishing Families Project, and included 334 two-parent families with an early adolescent (M age at Time 1 = 11.24; 51% male; 76% Caucasian). Using path analyses via structure equation modeling, mother–child relationship quality and adolescents’ own social-cognitive skills were …

Game On. . . Girls: Associations Between Co-Playing Video Games And Adolescent Behavioral And Family Outcomes, Sarah M. Coyne, Laura M. Padilla-Walker, Laura Stockdale, Randal D. Day

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Video game use has been associated with several behavioral and health outcomes for adolescents. The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between parental co-play of video games and behavioral and family outcomes.

Method: Participants consisted of 287 adolescents and their parents who completed a number of video game-, behavioral-, and family-related questionnaires as part of a wider study. Most constructs included child, mother, and father reports.

Results: At the bivariate level, time spent playing video games was associated with several negative outcomes, including heightened internalizing and aggressive behavior and lowered prosocial behavior. However, …

Exploratory Factor Analysis Of Human Infant Temperament In The Rhesus Monkey, Daniel B. Kay, Michael Marsiske, Stephen J. Suomi, James Dee Higley

Faculty Publications

The triadic model of human infant temperament, involving Negative Affectivity, Orienting/ Regulation, and Surgency/Extraversion factors, was applied to the rhesus neonate using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Replicating and expanding earlier work in rhesus monkeys, the three factor solution produced latent constructs comparable to human neonatal temperament.

Has A New Way Of Measuring Religion Uncovered A Religious Left?, Matthew Frei

Library Research Grants

Research typically reveals that religious voters tend to be conservative and Republican. However, a new survey question used on the American National Elections Study (ANES) was recently developed to separate individualistic Christians from communitarian Christians by asking whether they try more to help others or to avoid sin. Scholars have used the question to claim that religious communitarians lean to the political left. This analysis shows that the new ANES question is correlated with partisan identification, but should not be interpreted as evidence of a religious left.

Importing Trust: An Experimental Analysis On The Fiscal Behavior Of North Korean Refugees And Indian Citizens, Dane Thorley

Library Research Grants

No abstract provided.

Qr Codes And The Library: The Library Audio Tour, Michael J. Whitchurch

Faculty Publications

How do new college students learn about the library? What information do librarians provide to help connect them with the library, its resources and its importance to their academic success? How can we encourage student engagement with the library and all the information available to them, both print and online? All of these are questions to which college and university libraries struggle to find answers. Finding answers to these questions will increase usage of library space and resources, as well and improve the research abilities of the students. One method is through an introduction to or tour of the library. …

Social Capital And Language Acquisition During Study Abroad, Dan P. Dewey, M Smith, Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier, D. Gore

Faculty Publications

We study the role of social capital in language acquisition during study abroad. Using data collected from 204 participants in Japanese study abroad programs, we show that students who leverage social capital through bridging relationships feel they achieve higher levels of language improvement. Furthermore, an analysis of the topics participants discuss with locals suggests that there are significant differences between students who have a tendency to build close-knit networks and students who cast a broader net.

Seeking For The Lost: A Papyrological Search For Luke Fifteen's Lost Economics, Erik Yingling

Student Works

This paper draws upon Egyptian documentary papyri in order to show more fully the quantitative purchasing power of items of economic significance in Luke 15. Specifically, the stories of the lost drachma, lost sheep, and prodigal son each mention economic items which—when compared with the papyrological data—can more fully elucidate areas of economic import which have not been looked at before. In doing so, the article builds upon, and supports, the framework of Roman economic "middling groups" as posited by Longenecker (2009). Furthermore, a close look at Luke 15 when compared with the Egyptian papyrological data suggests the possibility of …