Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Introduction To The Issue, Craig S. Maher, Bruce D. Mcdonald Iii

School of Public Service Faculty Publications

This edition of Public Finance Journal brings together research exploring critical issues in public finance, from voter perceptions of fiscal health to the evolving landscape of municipal finance and intergovernmental grants. As governments at all levels navigate financial sustainability, transparency, and accountability, these studies provide fresh insights into how financial policies and practices influence governance and public trust. The articles examine the political consequences of municipal credit ratings, the practical challenges of public records laws, the complexities of managing federal grants at the local level, and the rise of green bonds as a financial instrument for sustainable development. This research …

Listening To Cursive: The Roles Of Regional Identity And Folk Beliefs In Perceptual Cue-Weighting, Stella Takvoryan

Theses and Dissertations--Linguistics

Listeners use knowledge acquired from experiences to weight phonetic-level cues to phonological contrasts. Phonetic knowledge is imbued with expectations about the contexts in which cues covary, speakers of a variety, and identity categories or constructs, so it can be challenging to distinguish expectations about variation from expectations about speakers. This study aims to explore the extent that expectations about iconic vowel quality variation in Southern American Englishes can drive cue-weighting. Listeners categorized stimuli with vowel qualities synthesized from an [ɛ]-[eɪ] continuum from a Southern and a non-Southern talker, with duration manipulated in tandem. Half of the participants saw a label …

Open Access And Citation Impact: Modality, Funding, Publisher, And Disciplinary Trends At The University Of Kentucky, Ben Rawlins, Mitchell Scott

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

As publishers and libraries attempt to align business models and collection strategies to an ever-increasing open access (OA) publishing landscape, both have found that the message of open access citation advantage (OACA) resonates with current and prospective authors. Despite its widespread promotion and acceptance, however, OACA is not universal and is subject to ongoing debate. This quantitative study contributes to the OACA debate and research with a longitudinal focus on citation data from journal articles published 2018-2021 by University of Kentucky affiliated authors. The article and citation data for University of Kentucky affiliated authors are supplemented with University of Kentucky …

Three Lesser-Known African American Poets, Authors, And A Publisher In Kentucky, Reinette F. Jones

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

This article highlights the work of some lesser known historical poets who were African American, including Frances Carter DeBerry, Lawrence Harris, Sr., and Phil H. Brown.

The Tiny Library And The Mini Library, Reinette F. Jones

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

Ask a librarian to describe a tiny library and a general answer will be a facility that is smaller than a small library. A more contem-porary description is a little library in a small wooden box that is attached to a stand and placed in a neighborhood to support reading and free book exchange. Both are good answers and added to these definitions is the centuries-old backstory when the tiny library was whatever an individual meant for it to be.

Framing Large Language Models: Teaching Foundational Concepts Of Generative Ai And Information Literacy For Critical Student Engagement, Isaac Wink, Jennifer Hootman

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

This chapter situates the emerging scholarly conversation around AI literacy within the established Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. We apply three frames in particular: 1) Authority Is Constructed and Contextual, 2) Information Creation as a Process, and 3) Research as Inquiry, considering competencies relevant to students encountering generative AI applications in educational contexts and addressing ways that both students and instructors may seek to engage productively with such tools.

This chapter primarily focuses on tools such as ChatGPT that are built atop large language models (LLMs)—systems trained on massive text corpora—rather …

Storage Media Prioritisation With Technical And Archival Appraisal, Andrew Mcdonnell, Megan M. Mummey

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

This spreadsheet tool is designed to provide archives and libraries a means of prioritizing the order in which data is migrated from physical media carriers and other sources in their collection in need of preservation. It is an adaptation of work from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Glasgow, who developed a methodology for prioritizing archival processing of digital collections stored in physical storage media.

The original tool (downloadable here: https://researchdata.gla.ac.uk/1634/ ) permits users to calculate a priority score by weighting the following factors: the DPC BitList Endangered Digital Media score, the age of the media, its …

Analysing The Us—China “Ai Cold War” Narrative, Yujia He, Richard Heeks

Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce Faculty Publications

Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) are gaining prominence in the recent revival of “cold war” narratives comparing US-China relations today to the historical rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union. Drawing on a review of existing academic and policy literature engaging with the “AI cold war” narrative, this paper examines how the narrative is justified, and numerous ways that it can be challenged. It finds that the framing is largely driven by the securitisation of AI, as state actors and policy pundits view AI innovations’ dual-use capabilities as key to national security and ideological competition. However, critics posit that …

Working Together, Making It Better, Reinette F. Jones, Kopana Terry, Taylor Leigh

Library Presentations

Communication and collaboration, answering questions, and accomplishing goals related to the history of Spanish-speaking people in Kentucky.

Just What Is Equity And What Is It Doing In A Nice Field Like Assessment, Julene Jones, Glenn Phillips, Ciji Heiser

Library Presentations

This presentation outlines a literature review on equity and assessment, drawing from the article Making a Grand Contribution: Professional Development Resources for Leveraging Assessment Data to Advance Equity. The review will explore how assessment practices can promote equity, identifying professional development strategies that support equitable data use in higher education. The findings will inform institutional leaders, faculty, and assessment professionals on embedding equity within assessment processes. This session will engage participants in discussions about the history of equity in assessment and its current uses, equipping them with tools to advance equitable assessment practices and institutional change.

From Data To Action: Leading Assessment In Polarizing Times, Julene L. Jones, Ciji Heiser, Renée Delgado-Riley, Heather Strine-Patterson, Kevin Wright

Library Presentations

In an era of increasing political and social polarization, assessment professionals lead within complex landscapes to ensure data is used to drive meaningful change. This session features a panel of professionals exploring how to move from data collection to organizational change while leading assessment efforts with integrity and impact. Participants will answer a series of questions focused on current and evolving challenges, examples of their practice, and strategies they use to center student and organizational success in the assessment journey.

Unreadable, Unfindable, And Incomplete: Evaluating Prea Information In State Correctional Handbooks, Jessie L. Krienert, Jeffrey A. Walsh, Caitlyn Donnelly

Faculty Publications - Criminal Justice Sciences

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was enacted in 2003 to prevent sexual abuse in correctional settings through a zero-tolerance framework. While all states formally acknowledge PREA, the accessibility, clarity, and completeness of the information provided to incarcerated individuals remain uncertain. This mixed-methods study evaluates PREA-related content in 62 state correctional handbooks from 49 states, assessing three core dimensions: readability, findability, and substantive content. Grounded in compliance theory and institutional betrayal, the analysis focuses on how correctional institutions communicate PREA protections, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures. Results reveal that most PREA content exceeds the literacy levels of the intended audience, …

Se Habla Aba: Four Mexican Women Promoting Behavior Analysis, Varsovia Hernandez Eslava, Berenice De La Cruz, Sanchez Enriquez Sanchez Enriquez, Mariana De Los Santos

All Faculty Scholarship (Archived)

In this paper, we, four Mexican women in the field of behavior analysis, share our personal journeys, collaborative efforts, and the establishment of a professional organization focused on promoting standards for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Mexico. With diverse backgrounds, three of us with doctoral degrees and one of us currently enrolled in a doctoral program, and a collective clinical and/or research experience ranging from 13 to 23 years, we have overcome barriers and joined forces to contribute to the advancement of ABA. We explore the common values, goals, and motivations that brought us together in our mission to advance …

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Parenting Behavior, And Parenting Self-Efficacy In African American Families With Low-Income, Maleek Holmes

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Early trauma is linked to adverse adult outcomes, including parenting deficits. While prior research has emphasized specific trauma types and severe parenting deficits, less is known about how cumulative trauma shapes normative parenting behaviors. Parenting self-efficacy (PSE) has been proposed as a potential mechanism linking early adversity to later parenting practices, though under-researched. This study examined the relationships between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), PSE, and positive parenting behaviors in a sample of 56 caregivers of preschool-aged children enrolled in Head Start. PSE was significantly associated with greater use of limit-setting, positive behavior support, and proactive parenting strategies, reinforcing its role …

Information Monopoly: Analyzing The Implications Of Media Consolidation For Chilean Democracy, Kalina Kulig

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

This paper examines the characteristics of the Chilean media landscape between 1990 and 2023, focusing on implications for democracy. Beginning with a literature review, I will discuss previous research regarding government threats and economic pressure on Chilean media. I will then argue that although the country has a history of strong investigative reporting, the Chilean press landscape risks undermining democracy due to concentrated ownership and a lack of public trust. I conclude by discussing several factors that could improve the quality of Chilean media.

Introduction, Kyle Giardine

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

It is with great excitement and anticipation that I introduce to you the Spring 2025 edition of Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs. Our final issue in the second volume, the following research pieces cover international and domestic political issues that will continue to advance academic discourse and, importantly, preview a new generation of social scientists.

Assessing Accessibility: An Investigation Into Variations In Ada Compliance Across The Us, Stephanie A. Bird

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

Departing from prior research focused on employment and legal interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this research examines the impact of demographic, economic, disability prevalence, and political factors on state-level variations in physical accessibility (PA) and mental healthcare accessibility (MHA) across the United States. PA is operationalized using the National Center for Access to Justice's Disability Access Index, which evaluates state adoption of 29 essential policies. MHA is measured by the ratio of residents to mental healthcare providers from the 2020 County Health Rankings. Using multivariate regression analysis on data from sources such as the US Census Bureau …

Telling Their Story: A Proposed Social Group For Autistic Teenagers, Bailey Hull

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Typically developing adolescents go through many transitions and learning experiences from ages 13 to 18. Autistic adolescents also develop through these transitions and learning experiences. This unique group of adolescents can have a much more difficult time with these involvements, however, due to societal standards, learning, and growing within a neurodivergent mindset. As social isolation, bullying, and a lack of friendship opportunities continue to persist within the neurodivergent adolescent community, the lack of appropriate, affirming interventions must be addressed. This doctoral specialization project aims to provide licensed and student-level clinicians with a treatment manual to guide them through a social …

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (Act) For Appalachains: Cultural Additions To Act, Jessica E. King

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

This project examined the potential application of cultural additions to various aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This project is specifically focused on cultural adaptations of ACT for the Appalachian population. The ACT adaptations were devised based on a review of research on Appalachian culture, including the region’s geography, history of exploitation, cultural values, and clinical considerations for working with Appalachian populations. An overview of ACT and treatment effectiveness of ACT is included. It is important to note that this project is intended to be a supplement to ACT, and should be used in tandem with an ACT workbook …

Doge's Matrix Structure And Presidential Power, Jason Marisam

Faculty Scholarship

At the start of his second term, President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a novel White House entity tasked with reshaping the federal bureaucracy. Far more than a traditional advisory commission, DOGE employed a matrix structure that embedded staff across executive agencies, establishing dual reporting lines to both agency heads and the White House. This essay argues that DOGE’s organizational design represents a structural innovation in presidential control and an evolution of the longstanding “czar” model. Drawing on organizational and principal-agent theories, the essay explores how the matrix structure enhanced the President’s capacity to monitor agency behavior, …

Fair Play Or Financial Power? Examining The Competitive Impact Of Foreign Investment In European Football, Emma M. Fogg

Scripps Senior Theses

Football is not only the most popular sport in Europe but also fundamental to driving local and international economies due to the heavy influence fans have on driving ticket sales, team merchandise purchases and media rights. In the last twenty years, it has become increasingly popular for wealthy capital groups or businessmen from outside Europe to buy clubs and give teams a large influx of capital. Fans and players alike have grown worried that this type of new ownership will change the football world for the worse because teams with foreign investment can outspend their opponents for the best players. …

Optimizing Decision-Making In A Cerebral Palsy Model Using Reinforcement Learning, Richard Ampah

Pitzer Senior Theses

This study presents an original interdisciplinary investigation into how reinforcement learning (RL) can model motor and cognitive defects and potentially improve motor and cognitive functions in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), a non-progressive neurological disorder that impairs movement and adaptability. Integrating computational neuroscience and machine learning, the research applies policy gradient methods and Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) to simulate adaptive learning in agents with and without CP-related constraints.

The central aim is to compare the cumulative rewards of optimal policies, derived from value iteration, and human-like learning policies using the REINFORCE algorithm, both with and without the Bellman baseline. The …

The Arts And Student Engagement: Correlational Insights For School Accountability Of Low Income, English Learners, And Foster Youth, Paul Treesuwan

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the relationship between students’ engagement in the arts and their engagement in both academic classes and the broader school community within a diverse, urban, public charter high school. Using survey data from 251 students in grades 9–12, analyses explored whether arts engagement was associated with academic and school-community engagement and whether these relationships differed across English Learner (EL), low-income (F/R), and foster-youth subgroups. Results revealed that arts engagement was moderately and positively correlated with both academic engagement and school-community engagement confirming consistent cross-domain associations. ANOVA analyses detected no statistically significant differences in engagement levels by EL, …

Where Purpose Meets Profit: The Impact Of Firm Size On The Relationship Between Esg Performance And Corporate Financial Performance On Firms In The Technology Industry, Riya Hariharan

Scripps Senior Theses

This study evaluates the impact of firm size on the relationship between ESG performance and corporate financial performance of firms within the technology industry. Specifically, this study uses OLS analysis to assess the relationship between ESG, measured using Morningstar Sustainalytics ESG risk scores, and return on assets, using firm market cap as a proxy for firm size. Data was compiled into an original dataset consisting of 254 firms. Results were significant, finding that increasing ESG practices in small and medium firms increases ROA. These findings highlight the economic value of social responsibility efforts in technology firms, particularly in small and …

Achieving Public Goals Using Private Tools: Build-Operate-Transfer Projects In Southeast Asia, Angela J. Niederberger

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis investigates the infrastructural challenges impeding economic development in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on the energy and transportation sectors. It examines how Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models, a form of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), have emerged as viable mechanisms to address the region’s persistent infrastructure deficits. Drawing from six case studies across Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia—including successful and unsuccessful BOT initiatives—this research evaluates the financial, political, and administrative constraints that affect project outcomes. It further explores the role of institutional frameworks, international organizations, and legal reforms in enhancing BOT performance and mitigating risks such as corruption, capacity gaps, and public …

Essays On The Effectiveness Of Diversion Programs In The United States Criminal Justice System, Tairy Ayon

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The United States criminal justice system is at a transformative time, with growing public support for reforms that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. In response to this shift, prosecutor-led diversion programs are being introduced in areas where they were previously absent and expanded with increased resources in regions already established across the United States. This dissertation measures the effectiveness of these programs in three ways and uses data from six diverse U.S. jurisdictions. In the first chapter, I focus on how age-based eligibility criteria shape participation in diversion programs and its effectiveness in reducing recidivism. To do this, I examine data …

Integrating Play Into Work: Top-Down And Bottom-Up Approaches To Building Work Engagement Through Play, Jordan Hamilton

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Evolving expectations of what work should look like among employees have inspired companies to revisit working conditions and find a balance between driving organizational outcomes and creating a positive work environment. Work engagement is a positive outcome for organizations and individuals (Bakker et al., 2020). However, interventions centered around driving engagement often are isolated programs that remove individuals from their typical work experience. Integrating play into work offers a strategy to develop employee resources, assisting in actualizing organizational goals and cultivating a positive workplace culture through enhancing work engagement. In this mixed methods dissertation, which involves interviews with leaders (Study …

Abortion On The Ballot: How Direct Democracy Shapes Abortion Policy Post-Dobbs, Serena E. Klebba

Honors Theses

Since the return of abortion policy to the states following Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), sixteen states have considered ballot measures addressing core questions of abortion access. Distinct from pre-2022 initiatives, these recent measures present binary choices on issues such as viability-based access, six-week bans, and the existence or repudiation of a right to abortion in state constitutions. Although existing scholarship generally frames initiatives and referendums as mechanisms that enhance congruence between public opinion and policy outcomes, this focus overlooks the broader effects of direct democratic processes on voters. I hypothesize that there is something unique in the …

The International Transracial Adoption Effect: Measuring The Well-Being Of Korean Adoptees Vs. Non-Adopted Korean Americans, Grace H. Jones

Honors Theses

In this study, I examine the differences in well-being and long-term outcomes between adopted and non-adopted Korean Americans. The vast majority of adopted Korean Americans are placed with white, heterosexual couples, positioning them in a unique position in American society. While they are raised in white families and often disconnected from Korean culture, they are still perceived and treated as Asian by society. Scholars refer to this tension as the transracial adoptee paradox. This study explores how that paradox affects both economic and non-economic outcomes. The analysis finds that adopted Koreans tend to earn higher incomes than their non-adopted peers, …

The Value Of A Vote: Vote Pivotality Information And Its Impact On Voter Willingness To Accept, Nicholas J. Sickinger

Honors Theses

A variety of factors influence the decision to participate in a democratic election or not. This paper explores one of these factors: an individual’s perceived pivotality. I explore how people assess the value of their vote when they are informed about the likelihood that their vote will be pivotal. To do so, I conduct an online voting experiment where subjects participate in three different stylized elections: a marginal election, a landslide election, and an uninformed election (where the voter distribution is unclear to participants). I elicit participants’ vote valuations and compare them across election conditions and demographic groups using both …