Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Faxes, Emails, And Cad: A Case Study Of The Changing Landscape In Born-Digital Design Records, 1994-2006, Julia D. Larson

Journal of Western Archives

The article examines the technological changeover from analog to born digital design records in the mid-1990s, and is a case study in how one San Francisco Bay Area landscape architecture firm navigated the paradigm shift. The firm retained extensive documentation of the project management/construction administration for large scale projects, and this case study shows how archivists can utilize the analog documentation (like faxes and printed emails) to gain a greater understanding of how design firms began using Computer Aided Drafting and how CAD changed design and the process of archiving.

Intergenerational Transfers In A Tractable Overlapping-Generations Setting, James Feigenbaum, T. Scott Findley, Sepideh Raei

Economics and Finance Faculty Publications

Motivated by the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT) in the United States, we examine how varying estate tax rates by the heir’s age affects welfare. Methodologically, we introduce a parsimonious constant elasticity of substitution (CES) bequest utility that is markedly more tractable than the altruistic specifications commonly used in the literature, delivering closed-form optimal rules and transparent parameterization. Using this new framework, we provide a proof of concept showing how transfers from older to younger generations can enhance equilibrium welfare in a dynamically efficient economy à la Samuelson (1975). We embed the tractable bequest utility in a two-period overlapping-generations model with …

Deaf Parents’ Infant-Directed Touch With Their Hearing And Deaf Babies: Intuitive, Cultural, Or In Need Of Instruction?, Brenda C. Seal Ph.D.

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

No abstract provided.

Developing A Research Agenda In Partnership With Parents Of Deaf/Hard-Of-Hearing Children, Carrie A. Davenport, Ursula M. Findlen, Ann Schenk Mcalearney, Lisa Vaughn

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Background: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an excellent fit for understanding and addressing the unique and diverse needs of deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) children and their families.

Objectives: We describe lessons learned from a capacity building project initiating an academic-community partnership between a multidisciplinary research team and a small group of parents of DHH children. Trainings and focus group style discussions created a research agenda reflective of families’ priorities.

Methods: Processes are described related to the development and composition of a Family Advisory Council, training topics and methods, the process for generating and prioritizing topics, and evaluation procedures.

Lessons learned: …

Target Consumers For Bottled Mild Salsa, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

In the fall of 2024, researchers at Utah State University (USU) studied western U.S. consumer preferences and willingness to pay for regionally sourced processed food products. Researchers examined consumer preferences, purchasing habits, and pricing for three processed food products, one of which was bottled mild salsa (16-ounce bottle). This fact sheet describes the target market (consumer group) for bottled mild salsa. Target consumers were identified as those who consume salsa at least several times weekly.

U.S. West Consumer Preferences For Specialty Labeled Processed Foods, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

In the United States, consumer demand for specialty processed foods is increasingly centered on natural, organic, and local offerings that represent health and ethical values. This fact sheet provides an overview of a Utah State University study showing respondent preferences for specialty labeled processed foods. Specifically, consumer knowledge and familiarity with various specialty production and labeling programs, including organic, local, grass-fed, and non-GMO, were examined, along with specialty food consumption habits and attitudes. Finally, consumer pricing preferences for each of the three processed products examined are discussed. The information included in this fact sheet can be used by producers, food …

U.S. West Consumer Processed Food Preferences And Consumption Habits, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides an overview of study results, including respondent demographics, common lifestyle and food behaviors, product characteristics, labeling preferences, and processed food purchasing and consumption habits. Producers, food manufacturers, and processors can use the information included in this fact sheet to inform their decision-making related to product development, pricing, placement, and promotion. Additional fact sheets in this series examine consumer preferences and willingness to pay for specialty labeled foods, as well as the impact of providing labeling information. Three fact sheets discuss target markets or consumer groups for each of the processed products examined.

Target Consumers For Bottled Tart Cherry Juice, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

A study was conducted by Utah State University (USU) in the fall of 2024 to determine western U.S. consumer preferences and willingness to pay for regionally sourced processed food products. Researchers examined consumer preferences, purchasing habits, and pricing for three processed food products, one of which was bottled tart cherry juice (32-ounce bottle). This fact sheet describes the target market (consumer group) for bottled tart cherry juice. Target consumers were identified as those who consume tart cherry juice at least several times weekly.

Starting An Equine-Assisted Services Program, Makenna L. Pahlke

All Current Publications

Starting an equine-assisted services (EAS) program requires more than just access to horses and a passion for helping others. This fact sheet outlines the key considerations for communities and individuals interested in developing safe, sustainable, and impactful equine-assisted programs.

Digital Media And Political Engagement: Shaping Youth Environmental Attitudes And Behaviors In Four European Societies, Tyler Hansen, Chloe K. Taylor, Ryan T. Knowles

Psychology Student Research

This study investigates the relationship between students’ political engagement, civic knowledge, socioeconomic status, gender, and digital media use and their pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and Romania. To do this, we use data from the International Civic and Citizenship Study (ICCS:22) and employ hierarchical level modeling. We found that students with higher civic knowledge and greater confidence in their ability to be active citizens were more likely to report both pro-environmental behaviors and positive attitudes in every country studied. Socioeconomic status also showed positive links with environmental engagement. Digital media use was linked to more pro-environmental behaviors …

“Your Neighbors Are New Every Week”: Short-Term Rentals, Housing, And Community Wellbeing In High-Amenity Rural Places, Alexander Theophilus, Jessica Ulrich-Schad

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Student Research

Amenity driven in-migration, seasonal home ownership, and tourism are long standing processes impacting housing affordability and community wellbeing in high natural amenity rural communities. Short-term rental (STR) accommodations, such as Airbnb and Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO), are a relatively new phenomenon that can further limit housing options for full-time residents and members of the seasonal workforce. There is tremendous variation across communities in their efforts to regulate STRs. To assess the impacts of STRs on housing affordability and community wellbeing in a high-amenity rural place, we analyze and discuss interviews with 28 residents of the Bear Lake area in …

Changes To Utah State University's Open Access Fund, David Advent, Yassin Nacer

Library Faculty & Staff Presentations

Utah State University (USU) Libraries established an open access (OA) fund in 2012 with the goal of helping USU authors offset the costs of publishing OA articles. The fund proved to be enormously popular, and funds were expended quickly each year—most recently being exhausted in less than 72 hours. In recognition of this unsustainability, as well as concerns about the rapidly changing role of OA and copyright in scholarly publishing, USU Libraries initiated significant changes to the fund. This lightning talk will share how we identified and assessed challenges with the existing OA fund, the modifications we implemented, our plans …

Utahns’ Perceptions Of Risk Related To Poor Air Quality Differ By Demographics & Location, Bailey Hughlett, Sydney O'Shay, Cris Meier

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Air pollution poses a significant threat to Utahns’ health, shortening Utahns’ life expectancy by two years (1). Air pollution can cause and worsen many illnesses and conditions (1). Individuals’ perceptions of how susceptible they are to health risks related to air pollution and how severe these risks are for them vary across demographic characteristics. This study investigated demographic differences in Utahns’ perceptions of health risks related to air pollution in the state. Specifically, we examined differences in how Utahns perceive risk based on their political identity, gender, education level, geographic location, and disability status. Understanding how people perceive risk across …

The Nourished Initiative: Lessons From A Pilot Program On Food Access And Education, Palak Gupta, Cara Murray, Cindy Jenkins, Kristi Strongo, Macey Bunn, Lea Palmer, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

NourishEd addresses food insecurity in Utah through nutrition education, community partnerships, and the distribution of fresh produce. This article highlights program outcomes, volunteer insights, and strategies for expanding impact and sustainability.

Evaluating The “What’S Up Down South” Economic Summit: Accelerating Growth And Expanding Impact, Paul A. Hill

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the 2025 What’s Up Down South economic summit, a platform for regional economic development. Data were collected through an online exit survey with a 30% response rate (n = 176), incorporating quantitative ratings and open-ended feedback to assess learning outcomes and program quality. The evaluation examined attendees’ perceptions of keynote and breakout sessions, overall satisfaction, and suggestions for improving the event. Findings indicate that the summit delivered valuable economic insights and programming while citing opportunities to improve speaker diversity, event logistics, and data collection. These insights will guide future planning to sustain the summit’s …

What Motives Influence Parents’ Commitment To Their Children’S Sport Participation In The United States?, Katherine N. Alexander, Daniel J. M. Fleming, Mitchell Olsen, Travis E. Dorsch, Kat V. Adams

Human Development and Family Studies Student Research

Background: The public often places value on youth sport involvement in the United States due to its potential to foster positive outcomes for participants. Although sport parents are key socializers and provide access to appropriate participation opportunities for children, less is known about how their perceptions of their child’s motives influence their sport commitments. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to understand how parents’ perceptions of their child’s motives for sport participation were associated with time/travel sport commitments. Methods: Participants (N = 1250) were parents in the United States reporting on their child’s youth sport participation. Measures …

Seamless Transitions: Enhancing Information Literacy Through Collaborative Professional Development, Katie Strand, Jen Kirk, Paul Daybell

Library Faculty & Staff Publications

This paper presents a case study of an initiative to create an open dialogue between secondary educators and academic librarians through the establishment of the biennial conference “Bridging the Gap” (BtG). The conference fosters collaboration, promotes professional development, and enhances the continuity of Information Literacy (IL) instruction through three distinct tracks: IL, Primary Source Literacy, and Digital Resources. The IL track focuses on collaborative strategies to enhance IL instruction and address the challenges faced by first-year university students. The Primary Source Literacy track highlights the importance of primary sources and how to integrate them into coursework. The Digital Resources track …

Hybrid Conferences As The Standard Offering Of Archival Organizations, Portia Vescio, Regina Bouley Sweeten, Kathleen Dull, Dylan Mcdonald, Jonathan Pringle

Journal of Western Archives

This case study documents the effort to plan and execute a fully hybrid annual meeting for the Society of Southwest Archivists in 2023. By making the conference accessible to both in-person and virtual attendees, the society moved toward greater inclusivity and equity by offering a professional development opportunity that was affordable and within the ability of a volunteer organization. The case study provides a blueprint for any archival organization to follow in creating hybrid meetings.

A Cross-Sectional Study Of The Predictors Of Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy In Pakistan, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Rizwan Safdar, Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed

Sociology and Anthropology Student Research

Vaccine hesitancy, where individuals are reluctant to get vaccinated, is a significant issue, especially in the event of a pandemic, and poses a major concern. We explore a few predictors of vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan using a cross-sectional study. For this purpose, 562 respondents registered their responses through an online questionnaire from March 31, 2021, to May 28, 2021, during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cronbach’s Alpha was used for Internal Consistency Reliability, while Factor Analysis was used for Construct Validity. We applied bivariate linear regression analysis for hypothesis testing. Fear of COVID-19 was higher among respondents as …

Creating A Sense Of Belonging Through University Archives, Kelly Rovegno, Katie Strand, Katie Luder

Library Faculty & Staff Presentations

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Can University Archives be used to create a sense of belonging on university campuses?

What avenues were/could be available to connect students to campus history and university archives?

How do you assess a sense of belonging and impact of university archives?

Investigating Extension's Scope And Role In Outdoor Recreation In The West: Attitudes, Challenges, And Opportunities, Jake Powell

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Promising Practices To Address Healthcare Needs Voiced By Local Native Americans, Noelle Taylor, Mykin R. Higbee, Raiden Gaul

Transforming Communities

Purpose

To examine barriers and facilitators to nursing education among Native Americans and identify evidence-based strategies to increase the number of Native American nurses working in their local communities to address health disparities.

Background

Native Americans experience significantly higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, and lower life expectancies. Only 4% of registered nurses identify as Native American, with no growth despite increased funding for diversity in nursing education. This underrepresentation contributes to culturally insensitive care and persistent healthcare inequities stemming from historical marginalization and trauma.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, …

Perspectives On Water Policies And Alternative Land Uses Among Alfalfa Farmers In The Great Salt Lake Basin, Bryn Watkins, Stacia Ryder

Publications

Climate change threatens many resources necessary for life. In arid and semiarid regions like Utah, water represents one of the key climate-related conflicts (1,2). In Utah, a changing climate paired with human overconsumption has contributed to the drying of the Great Salt Lake. Rising temperatures will lead to greater evapotranspiration and decreasing headwater streamflow and groundwater storage, resulting in increasing dryness in the Great Salt Lake Basin regardless of human water consumption (3). This in turn threatens the ecosystems, economies, and cultures of the Great Salt Lake Basin, accelerating the local impacts of climate change (4).

Community Organizations, Immigrants, And Air Pollution Risks In Utah, Nowrin Fatema, Kirsten Vinyeta, Erin Hofmann

Publications

Over the past 25 years, Utah’s Wasatch Front, a metropolitan region along the Western flanks of the Wasatch Mountain Range that includes Salt Lake City, has emerged as a new international immigrant gateway (1). While in Utah, immigrants may find economic opportunity and safety relative to their home countries, they may also experience notable life-altering disparities, including disproportionate exposure to the region’s worsening air pollution. As some of the first and few institutions interacting with newly arrived immigrants and refugees, non-governmental community organizations are well positioned to serve as information hubs regarding regional air pollution risk. Yet our research, in …

Utahns’ Understanding & Support Of Environmental Equity & Justice, Dallin Johnson, Jordan Rowley, Stacia Ryder, Jennifer E. Givens, Avery C. Edenfield, Harley Thomas

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Utah faces its fair share of environmental problems. Top concerns among residents are issues of drought, air quality, and the drying of the Great Salt Lake (1). However, research suggests that the impacts of environmental issues like disasters, pollution, resource overuse and climate change are not shared equally across society (2). This is a challenge for environmental justice, which maintains the need for fair treatment and outcomes for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, and class, with respect to the enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies (3). Put more simply, everyone is entitled to a clean and healthy environment …

The Effects Of National Elite Signaling On Ranked Choice Voting In Utah, Mathew Woodman

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) is a voting method used in few cities in the United States. There has recently been an increase in interest in adoption of the voting method in other cities using pilot programs, much like the one introduced in Utah. Ranked-Choice Voting has become a topic of contention with strong disapproval coming from opponents of the voting system. The questions are why there is disdain for Ranked-Choice Voting, and why such disdain seems to exist more heavily in Republican camps. Public opinion polling from “likely and confirmed Utah voters” in Salt Lake, Utah, and Grand Counties, conducted by …

Do The Theoretical Frameworks Surrounding Union Wage Negotiations Align With Empirical Data?, Sajid Bin Hasnat

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This paper investigates whether the strategic bargaining models developed in game theory align with outcomes observed in laboratory and field settings. We aim to synthesize theoretical literature with experimental and field data to assess the predictive power of game-theoretic models in labor-union wage negotiation contexts. We analyze Rubinstein's bargaining model and its extensions, focusing on how relaxed assumptions affect equilibrium behavior, gains from trade, and dispute occurrence. The theoretical analysis reveals that many bargaining failures stem from asymmetric information between both parties, where delay, transaction costs, deadlines, and reputational effects lead to distinct equilibrium predictions. To test these theoretical predictions, …

Wild Water: Hydrosocial Dislocation, Dispossession, And The Symbolic Geographies Of The American West, Leonard Alexander Henderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This dissertation investigates how the confluence of community change and water politics in the American West shapes a discussion about a Wild and Scenic designation for the Crystal River on Colorado’s Western Slope. Ideas about the “Wild West,” influence how many people think about wilderness and small mountain towns, driving growing populations, housing prices, and, as a result, social inequality in many of these areas. At the same time, many people on Colorado’s Western Slope feel that region’s water is taken away by both the state’s more populous Front Range or more politically and economically powerful states like California. Climate …

Gender-Diverse Individuals' Mathematics Self-Efficacy, Aliya Halterman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Many factors influence how well someone learns and achieve in school and daily living, with motivation being especially important. One key part of motivation is something called self-efficacy, which refers to how much someone believes they can successfully do a specific task (Bandura, 1986; 1997). Research has shown that self-efficacy plays a major role in how well people do, and the quality of their efforts (Pintrich & Schrauben, 1992; Weinstein & Mayer, 1986; Zimmermann, 2000). Additionally, mathematics skills are tied to better outcomes in school, careers, and in daily life. Mathematics also has also had a complex history when it …

Political Violence, Electoral Behavior, And Their Interaction With Identity, Zeeshan Saeed

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The research takes Pakistan as a case-study to explores how political violence shapes electoral behavior by focusing on two forms of violence: terrorist interventions by non-state actors and political repression by state institutions. Analyzing multiple elections and regional contexts, the study investigates how fear inflicting non-state violence can discourage voter participation, while state sponsored violence can drive communities by triggering anger, particularly those with strong ethnic identities leading to a higher voter turnout. Overall, this work highlights how different types of violence have varying effects on voter participation, and how these effects are conditioned.