Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Cognitive Habits And Memory Distortions In Anxiety And Depression, Paula T. Hertel, F. Brozovich

Psychology Faculty Research

When anxious or depressed people try to recall emotionally ambiguous events, they produce errors that reflect their habits of interpreting ambiguity in negative ways. These distortions are revealed by experiments that evaluate performance on memory tasks after taking interpretation biases into account—an alternative to the standard memory-bias procedure that examines the accuracy of memory for clearly emotional material. To help establish the causal role of interpretation bias in generating memory bias, these disortions have been simulated by training interpretation biases in nondisordered groups. The practical implications of these findings for therapeutic intervention are discussed; future directions are described.

Therapeutic Discourse And The American Public Philosophy: On American Liberalism's Troubled Relationship With Psychology, Clifford D. Vickrey

Honors Theses

I explore the main currents of postwar American liberalism. One, sociological, emerged in response to the danger of mass movements. Articulated primarily by political sociologists and psychologists and ascendant from the mid-fifties till the mid-seventies, it heralded the "end of ideology." It emphasized stability, elitism, positive science and pluralism; it recast normatively sound politics as logrolling and hard bargaining. I argue that these normative features, attractive when considered in isolation, taken together led to a vicious ad hominem style in accounting for views outside the postwar consensus. It used pseudo-scientific literature in labeling populists, Progressives, Taft conservatives, Goldwaterites, the New …

Family Ties: Mainstream Environmentalists' Understanding Of Radical Environmentalism In America, Zachary W. Ezor

Honors Theses

Environmentalism in the United States manifests itself in numerous ways. While American environmentalists have been grouped into broad camps over the years, observers have struggled to accurately classify the different components of the movement. Lately, environmentalists have been characterized based on their chosen modus operandi. Environmentalists who employ typical interest group tactics of policy advocacy and accept the notion of political compromise can generally be called 'mainstream.' Alternatively, those environmentalists who employ non-conventional strategies like direct action and take a no-compromise stance on environmental issues are typically described as 'radical.' Despite these distinctions, both radical and mainstream environmentalists are parts …

Erasing The Steps Of Kingdom: Indigenous Autonomy In Chiapas, Mexico And The Zapatistas' Re-Conception Of Power, Tara Brian

Honors Theses

Although the Zapatista rebellion in Chiapas, Mexico in 1994 emerged from a long history of guerrilla struggle in Central America, the indigenous movement offered something new: a bold re-conception of power and a novel approach to revolution that shifted the locus of struggle away from state capture to the realm of civil society, opened the revolution to previously excluded participants, and conceived of innovate means to manage power within Zapatista autonomous zones. In this thesis, I begin with a discussion of the ways in which the Zapatistas’ rhetoric of revolution and power has inspired theorists and activists around the world …

Revitalizing The Signaling Power Of Class Rank At Colby College, Nicholas Van Niel

Honors Theses

Consistent with trends at American colleges and universities nationwide, grades have been monotonically increasing at Colby College over the past decade while controlling for student aptitude. A rich data set that describes every Colby student over three cohorts is used to predict student performance. By comparing the mean predicted grade to the mean actual grade in a department, it is seen that some departments award mean grades that are significantly higher than predicted grades warranted by explainable factors. With some departments giving significantly higher grades than other departments, the current grading system is susceptible to awarding unwarranted higher grades to …

No, I’M Really, Really Bad At Math: Competition For Self-Verification, Alexandra E. Wesnousky

Honors Theses

In their theory of self-verification, Swann and Read’s (1981) postulate that people like feedback that is consistent with their self-concept. Researchers have yet to examine what happens when two individuals are both seeking feedback from each other to verify their self-concept on the same domain. When individuals are competing against someone to verify a similarly held self-concept, they should try to seek more polarized feedback, especially when the domain is highly important. In two experiments, participants expected to receive computer feedback on their responses to identity-related questions, either based on their own responses or on how they compared to the …

Continuity Of Fdi: Determinants And Effects On Growth, Loredana Popescu

Honors Theses

The literature on foreign direct investment (FDI) provides evidence on the relation from FDI to growth in the presence of some absorptive qualities such as existing level of development, financial market depth, trade policies and human capital thresholds. The analysis of FDI inflows in the literature so far does not include an investigation of discontinuity, or of lack of steady positive flows. Discontinuities are expected to depend on development levels and risk factors in the host country as they proxy for attractiveness of the target to the foreign investor. This paper investigates the continuity of FDI with its determinants and …

Migration, Food And Cultural Production Across Changing Afro-Ecuadorian Geographies, Amelia J. Swinton

Honors Theses

The human geography of Ecuador is changing. Urban Afro-Ecuadorians now outnumber those living in the two rural regions that have been the ancestral homelands of the population. This physical transformation assaults Ecuador's historically racialized geography, which conflated cities, modernity and white-mestizo identity. Though Afro-Ecuadorians living in the rural north had previously been physically and figuratively located outside of the national project, Ecuador’s new constitution has sought to reverse this institutionalized exclusion. National belonging has been reframed through the concept of interculturality, which recognizes diversity and equality at the same time. I conducted two periods of fieldwork in the north-central Chota …

The Emerging Civil Society In China And Its Impact On Democratization, Haolu Wang

Honors Theses

Recent years have seen an emerging civil society in an authoritarian China. The authoritarian embrace of civil society challenges the conventional wisdom that civil society is closely linked to democracy. In Beijing, the rhetoric of civil society linked less to democracy than to modernization. However, does civil society development have any impact on democratization in authoritarian regimes? The thesis tries to provide a tentative answer by studying civil society and democratization in post-Mao China. As a result of economic development and political reforms, gradual political liberalization has marked a shift of state-society relations that gives rise to a certain degree …

The “Lunatic Fringe” -- Barry Goldwater And The Conservative Revolution Of The 1960s --, Nicholas L. Bromley

Honors Theses

How did conservatives, who had become effectively ostracized by their party following the Great Depression and the societal reforms of the New Deal, regain leverage within the GOP during the 1960s? My hypothesis is two-fold. First, I contend that a small group of conservative activists led by F. Clifton White, in spite of a dearth of resources and manpower, managed to infiltrate Republican infrastructure and “hijack” the delegate- selection process. The distinctly conservative and recalcitrant disposition of the Goldwater delegates demonstrates that these activists succeeded. Second, I argue that in addition to temporarily overpowering the national convention in 1964, conservatives …

Optimal Estimation Under Nonstandard Conditions, Werner Ploberger, Peter C.B. Phillips

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We analyze optimality properties of maximum likelihood (ML) and other estimators when the problem does not necessarily fall within the locally asymptotically normal (LAN) class, therefore covering cases that are excluded from conventional LAN theory such as unit root nonstationary time series. The classical Hájek-Le Cam optimality theory is adapted to cover this situation. We show that the expectation of certain monotone “bowl-shaped” functions of the squared estimation error are minimized by the ML estimator in locally asymptotically quadratic situations, which often occur in nonstationary time series analysis when the LAN property fails. Moreover, we demonstrate a direct connection between …

Power Maximization And Size Control In Heteroskedasticity And Autocorrelation Robust Tests With Exponentiated Kernels, Yixiao Sun, Peter C.B. Phillips, Sainan Jin

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Using the power kernels of Phillips, Sun and Jin (2006, 2007), we examine the large sample asymptotic properties of the t -test for different choices of power parameter (τ). We show that the nonstandard fixed-τ limit distributions of the t -statistic provide more accurate approximations to the finite sample distributions than the conventional large-τ limit distribution. We prove that the second-order corrected critical value based on an asymptotic expansion of the nonstandard limit distribution is also second-order correct under the large-τ asymptotics. As a further contribution, we propose a new practical procedure for selecting the test-optimal power parameter that addresses …

Uniform Asymptotic Normality In Stationary And Unit Root Autoregression, Chirok Han, Peter C.B. Phillips, Donggyu Sul

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

While differencing transformations can eliminate nonstationarity, they typically reduce signal strength and correspondingly reduce rates of convergence in unit root autoregressions. The present paper shows that aggregating moment conditions that are formulated in differences provides an orderly mechanism for preserving information and signal strength in autoregressions with some very desirable properties. In first order autoregression, a partially aggregated estimator based on moment conditions in differences is shown to have a limiting normal distribution which holds uniformly in the autoregressive coefficient rho including stationary and unit root cases. The rate of convergence is root of n when |τ| < 1 and the limit distribution is the same as the Gaussian maximum likelihood estimator (MLE), but when τ = 1 the rate of convergence to the normal distribution is within a slowly varying factor of n . A fully aggregated estimator is shown to have the same limit behavior in the stationary case and to have nonstandard limit distributions in unit root and near integrated cases which reduce both the bias and the variance of the MLE. This result shows that it is possible to improve on the asymptotic behavior of the MLE without using an artificial shrinkage technique or otherwise accelerating convergence at unity at the cost of performance in the neighborhood of unity.

Leverage Causes Fat Tails And Clustered Volatility, Stefan Thurner, J. Doyne Farmer, John Geanakoplos

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We build a simple model of leveraged asset purchases with margin calls. Investment funds use what is perhaps the most basic financial strategy, called “value investing,” i.e., systematically attempting to buy underpriced assets. When funds do not borrow, the price fluctuations of the asset are approximately normally distributed and uncorrelated across time. This changes when the funds are allowed to leverage, i.e., borrow from a bank, which allows them to purchase more assets than their wealth would otherwise permit. During good times funds that use more leverage have higher profits, increasing their wealth and making them dominant in the market. …

Examining Industry Concentration In The Plant Biotechnology Sector, Heather Renee Williams

Masters Theses

The core focus of this research is to recognize industry concentration in the plant biotechnology sector. The literature review examines institutional dynamics affecting the industry - discussing the importance of innovation, and how the government can influence the industry to remain competitive. An examination of a few key firms' history and evolution helps explain the structure of the plant biotech industry. The research also provides examples of what crops are being altered using biotechnology, and why companies are willing to spend money to gain the rights to this research. This article compiles plant biotechnology US field trial data from 2000 …

An Examination Of The Environmental Kuznets Curve For Methyl Bromide, Jordan D. Pepper

Masters Theses

This study investigates the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis with respect to methyl bromide consumption by examining a sample data for 92 countries between the years 1990-2001. The study concludes that methyl bromide consumption does not appear to exhibit an EKC type relationship, and that a number of variables significantly impact methyl bromide consumption.

Oral Reading Fluency And Maze Selection For Predicting 5th And 6th Grade Students' Reading And Math Achievement On The Illinois Standards Achievement Test, Samuel Whitley

Masters Theses

This study sought to examine the relationship between two reading curriculum based measures ( oral reading fluency and MAZE) and the reading and mathematics subsections of the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISA T) at the 5th and 6th grades. It was predicted that MAZE would be better at predicting who would pass the ISAT than oral reading fluency. Bivariate correlations were conducted between each curriculum based measure and each subsection of the ISA T. Simple linear regression analyses were also conducted to derive cut scores for predicting ISAT performance. The ability of each curriculum based measure to predict student performance …

The Big Five Personality Traits As Predictors Of Academic Maturity, Ryan W. Althoff

Masters Theses

Big Five measures of personality have long been used to assess the relationship between personality and academic performance. The Academic Maturity Scale (AMS), a 101-item instrument designed to identify the skills, strategies, and motivations that are shared among successful students, has been shown to be correlated with academic performance (Addison, Althoff, & Pezold, 2009). In the present study, I assessed the relationship between personality characteristics and academic maturity, specifically which personality characteristics are the best predictors of academic maturity. I administered the Big Five Inventory (BFI; John, Donahue, & Kentle, 1991) and AMS to 163 students from introductory and upper …

The Best Predictors Of Self-Reported Depressed Mood In Adolescents, Melissa H. Wineberg

Masters Theses

The present study examined multiple predictors of depression simultaneously in order to determine which variables best predict self-reported depressed mood in adolescents. Although the current literature has identified several individual variables and their relationship to depression in adolescents, few studies have investigated multiple variables at the same time in relation to depression. Participants included 4,693 high school students from a Midwestern state. Of these students, 4 7% were girls, 4 7% were boys, and 6% did not indicate their gender. These students attended various high schools across seven counties and were recruited for a health prevention program called I Sing …

The Role Of Remedial Work: A Look At Re-Offending, John M. Koth

Masters Theses

Many studies have evaluated the usefulness of remedial work ( apologies, excuses, and justifications) after a transgression or injustice has been committed. The present study tested the effectiveness of remedial work after a first, and then a second transgression. One hundred and sixty undergraduates read a vignette describing a social transgression. This was followed by either an apology, an excuse, a justification or no remedial work. After completing variables rating their reactions to the vignette, participants were asked to read a second vignette and to answer the same questions. During the analyses, two justifications used in the study were found …

Social Anxiety And Problematic Drinking In College Students: The Influence Of Alcohol Expectancies And Gender, Jackie Kuhn

Masters Theses

Problematic drinking among college-aged students represents a serious problem. Research has focused on predictors of problematic drinking, including cognitive distortions and alcohol expectancies. In addition, symptoms of social anxiety have been · related to college student drinking. This paper reviews the literature on the link between social anxiety and problematic drinking and describes a study examining this link. Specifically, this study expanded on the existing literature by testing the mediating ability of positive alcohol expectancies as well as assessing depressive symptoms and their relationship to drinking behaviors. The main model in this study incorporated social anxiety and problematic drinking with …

Behavioral Mediators And Moderators Of Adolescent Victimization And Suicidal Behavior, Brett J. Litwiller

Masters Theses

This study examined the relationship between victimization and suicide in adolescents. It was hypothesized that substance use, violent behavior, and risky sexual behavior would all increase adolescent suicide risk and mediate the relationship between adolescent victimization and suicide. It was further hypothesized that parental support, dietary nutrition, and physical activity would decrease suicide risk and moderate the relationship between adolescent victimization and adolescent suicide. To test these hypotheses, selfreport surveys were administered to 4,700 public high school students. Regression analyses of data indicated that the amount of victimization significantly predicted the amount of suicidal behavior reported. Similarly, substance use, violent …

Facial Recognition System Screening Evaluation Methodology For Complexion Biases, Harold Harris

Masters Theses

Over the years, facial recognition systems (FRS) have come under scrutiny from watchdog groups who voice their complaints concerning the potential existence of FRS biases towards certain cultures of people when deployed in security screening situations. Psychology has used the term "other-race effect" to describe this occurrence in humans. Researchers of FRS have used the theory behind the other-race effect to describe the occurrence of bias associated with algorithms tested during the Face Recognition Vendor Test of 2006. In this thesis, we develop a scientific methodology based on the factors of illumination, distance, and angle to evaluate whether or not …

A Comparison Of The Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children Third Edition And The Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children Fourth Edition, Alyson M. Taylor

Masters Theses

There are no specific guidelines to determine when or why intelligence tests should be revised; however, revisions typically occur every 10 to 15 years to keep up with the moderate change in IQ over time, known as the Flynn effect (Flynn, 1984, 1987). Revisions also eliminate and update outdated items, content, and materials; extend age ranges, floors, and ceilings; as well as incorporate new theoretical changes. To assess cognitive abilities the Wechsler Scales are frequently used by clinical and school psychologists. Previous studies comparing versions of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) found significant correlations (.80s and .90s) and …

Bridging The Digital Divide: Framing Whiteness, Martha L. Wilkinson

Masters Theses

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed by President Obama established the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) for the purpose of building and strengthening broadband infrastructures. (National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 2010). In the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois efforts were made by a local Broadband Access Committee (BAC) to obtain funding for various projects. One project involved installing fiber-optic rings to connect buildings including schools, hospitals, and police/fire departments, along with other vital agencies. Additionally, this money would also be utilized to bring fiber to the home (FTTH) to neighborhoods indentified as underserved. Additional grants …

Publisher's Welcome, Colby B. Jubenville

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Publisher's Welcome.

Eco 104 Marx, Anwar Shaikh Phd

Archives of Anwar Shaikh

This collection includes.

• Anwar Shaikh. (n.d.). File folder notes for ECO 104: Marx on value, money, and price [Unpublished handwritten notes on file folder]. Author.

• Smith, H. (2010, February 7). Super-wealthy investors move billions out of Greece. The Guardian. Guardian News & Media.

• Moudud, J., Nell, E., & Shaikh, A. (2010, February 7). Sovereign debt defaults [Email correspondence].

• Shaikh, A. (1986, August). Surplus value [Unpublished manuscript prepared for The New Palgrave (final)]. Author.

• Shaikh, A. (2009, January 15). Basic structure of the classical theory of price (GECO 104) [Unpublished course document]. Author.

• …

Play And Adversity: How The Playful Mammalian Brain Withstands Threats And Anxieties, Stephen M. Siviy

Psychology Faculty Publications

Most mammals play, but they do so in a dangerous world. The dynamic relationship between the stresses created by their world and the activity of play helps to explain the evolution of play in mammals, as the author demonstrates in evidence garnered from experiments that introduce elements of fear to rats at play. The author describes the resulting fearful behavior and quantifies the fluctuation in play that results, and then he investigates how these are modified by increased maternal care or the use of benzodiazepines. In conclusion, he discusses how such research can help shed light on the neurobiology underlying …

Review Of Core Technology Competencies For Librarians And Library Staff: A Guide, David Lodwick

Michael Schwartz Library Publications

Review of Core Technology Competencies for Librarians and Library Staff: A Guide

A Note About The Book Reviews In This Issue Of Technical Services Quarterly, Glenda A. Thornton

Michael Schwartz Library Publications

Review of A Note about the Book Reviews in This Issue of Technical Services Quarterly