Psychology Commons^™

Development And Validation Of The Attitudes Toward Algorithms Scale: A Universal Scale To Measure Individuals Attitudes Toward Algorithmic Decision-Making, Nikolai Bock, Astrid M. Rosenthal-Von Der Pütten

Human-Machine Communication

Algorithmic decision-making (ADM) has become increasingly important across various fields, ranging from personal entertainment to criminal justice. While existing research has predominantly explored evaluative outcomes like individuals’ perceptions and interactions with these systems, there remains a significant gap in understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to these outcomes. Building on traditional behavioral intention theories, we identified attitudes toward algorithms and ADM as crucial determinants. In response to the lack of an appropriate measure for this construct, we developed and validated the Attitudes Toward Algorithmic Decision-Making Scale (ATAS), a novel instrument designed to assess core beliefs that drive attitude formation toward …

Socio-Technical Exchange With Machines: Worker Experiences With Complex Work Technologies, Cameron W. Piercy, Reaia Turner-Leatherman

Human-Machine Communication

Machines are now commonplace work partners and Human-Machine Communication (HMC) is part of modern work. Guided by the machine heuristic and Social Exchange Theory (SET) this paper uses interviews with 22 workers to explore the socio-technical relationships between humans and machines at work. Participants worked with complex machines across a wide variety of industries and roles and findings reveal participants see machines as part of the work ecosystem, develop everyday machine heuristics to guide repeated interactions with machines, and that elements of human uniqueness persist in evaluations of humans and machines. Discussion points emphasize situated and developing human-machine interaction scripts, …

Exploring Generative Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Applications In Fashion: Ethical Concerns In Human-Like Technology, Melissa Kathryn Gonzalez

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Link Between Relationship Status And Emotion Regulation Strategy Use, Abigail A. Echols

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Romantic relationships affect many areas of life and are important sources of interpersonal emotion regulation, yet little research has investigated whether relationship status influences emotion regulation strategy use and emotion dysregulation. Considering that the types of emotion regulation strategies individuals use significantly affect their well-being, understanding the link between relationship status and emotion regulation strategy use is important. This study compared single, partnered, and recently separated individuals’ emotion dysregulation and use of eleven intrapersonal and eleven interpersonal emotion regulation strategies in general (i.e., trait) and in a specific situation (i.e., state) through retrospective self-report scales and an autobiographical writing task. …

Cultural Barriers To Mental Health Support: Exploring Stigma In Childhood Trauma Survivors In Aruba, Ralitsa I.C. Hart

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study explored whether negative attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help among people in Aruba who reported experiencing childhood trauma were predicted by perceived social stigma and the intensity of the trauma. An online survey measuring childhood trauma, attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help, and perceived stigma was administered to 162 participants using a cross-sectional correlational design. To determine the predictive relationship among these variables, a multiple regression analysis was performed. Results showed that perceived stigma significantly predicted more negative attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help, while the severity of childhood trauma did not. Among the trauma subscales, emotional abuse …

Investigating The Consequences Of Workplace Violence Among Certified Nurse Assistants, Daniela Florez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Workplace violence is one of the most prevalent issues in healthcare, negatively affecting the physical and emotional well-being of nursing professionals. The present study investigated the role of workplace violence in adverse outcomes for Certified Nursing Assistants. Specifically, the research aimed to examine its association with six key outcomes: (1) turnover intention, (2) burnout, (3) compassion fatigue, (4) secondary traumatic stress, (5) job satisfaction, and (6) work engagement. A cross-sectional approach was used. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Professional Quality of Life Scale 5, the Compassion Fatigue-Short Scale, the Work Well-being Inventory, the Workplace Violence Scale, the …

Measuring Personality And Animal Treatment Attitudes With The Pet Scale, Zackery J. Hilton

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Previous research has looked at the association between personality traits and the proclivity, or history, of committing acts that are characterized as animal abuse or animal cruelty. Much research has also found that individuals who exhibit this type of behavior towards animals also tend to exhibit similar behavior towards other individuals, mainly in the form of domestic or child abuse. Previous studies have measured animal abuse using very explicit and extreme criteria, using acts that are without question blatant abuse or torture; however, there is some grey area where many may argue whether certain acts should be considered abuse, which …

Pregaming Behaviors And Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences In College Students, Natalie M. Lima

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study was conducted to examine the association between pregaming behavior (i.e., frequency and quantity) and negative alcohol-related consequences among college students. Specifically, it sought to replicate previous research demonstrating significant associations between pregaming behaviors and negative alcohol-related consequences in GenZ college students. While there are some recent studies on pregaming, many studies on pregaming were conducted approximately a decade ago, and pregaming behaviors may have changed within this timeframe. This project involved secondary analysis of data collected from a multi-site study in which college students completed an online survey that included questions regarding their demographics, pregaming frequency and quantity, …

Mental Health Perceptions Among Caribbean Adults In The United States, Ambika Ramjawam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate mental health literacy (MHL) among Caribbean American adults and to assess the extent to which mental health perceptions (MHP) and acculturative stress contribute to variations in MHL. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey design was utilized to examine MHL, MHP, and acculturative stress among a sample of 138 participants. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to assess associations among MHL, MHP, acculturation, and age. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVAs were performed to examine demographics across key variables. Findings revealed moderate levels of MHL (M = 4.7, SD = .99) and a weak, positive correlation …

Comparing Interactive Versus Static Educational Images On Student Learning Outcomes, Noah Schwartz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Static images routinely accompany text in educational sources such as textbooks, articles, and websites to convey complex, educational information. These are generally effective; however, current technology allows for interactive images that seem to enhance engagement. How effective are these interactive images? The present study investigated whether an interactive image produced better learning outcomes compared to a static image using the same text. Specifically, this study examined whether interactive images affected comprehension, memory, engagement, and cognitive load differently than static images. In this study, data from 153 college student participants were analyzed. First, participants were assigned to read about the neuropsychology …

Urban Isolation In The Digital Age- Examining The Sociological Impact Of The Digital Divide On Civic Life In U.S. Cities, Delante Clark

Graduate Scholarship and Creative Works

The digital divide remains a persistent barrier to civic participation and social inclusion in urban America, particularly in historically underserved communities. This mixed-methods study investigates how digital lack of access affects civic engagement, social capital, and community cohesion in U.S. cities, with a focus on Chicago’s South Side, Harlem New York, St. Louis, and Orlando. Drawing on quantitative data from recent surveys and qualitative insights from peer-reviewed literature, the research applies four sociological frameworks, Urban Sociology, Social Capital Theory, Critical Race Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. These were used to examine the structural and interpretive aspects of digital isolation. Findings reveal …

Examining The Impact Of Resilience And Sense Of Community On Mental Health And Academic Performance, Samara B. Coleman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Within the United States, a third of college-aged young adults are diagnosed with at least one psychological disorder. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, has been shown to help mitigate the adverse effects of burnout and stress, and support academic performance in some cases. Additionally, a sense of community has also been shown to be crucial in buffering the negative consequences of adversity. The following research questions guide this study: 1) How significant a role does the community play in resilience and mental health? 2) How does resiliency relate to the academic performance of students experiencing varying levels …

A Kinder Panopticon? Examining Effects Of Fairness And Justice On Performance Outcomes Under Advanced Electronic Monitoring Systems, William F. Tang

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The adoption of Electronic Performance Monitoring (EPM) systems has increased with the prevalence of remote workers post-COVID. Research indicates EPM yields conflicting performance and behavioral outcomes. EPM-related behavior can be predicted by organizational justice (the extent to which workplaces are perceived as fair in nature); environments with higher justice ratings are less likely to induce issues like stress and distrust. However, advanced EPM like electroencephalograms (EEG) may modulate the relationships between perceived fairness, stress, and work performance. This study assigned 42 participants to a modified vigilance test (based on Temple, et al., 2001), which participants took under 3 placebo monitoring …

Florida Legislation, Sgm Identities, And Mental Health, Daniel G. Scott

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis intended to explore if and how recent restrictive Florida legislation has impacted the mental health of sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals. The laws focused on are HB 1557 and SB 1674, which restrict discussions of SGM individuals and bathroom options for transgender/nonbinary individuals. Prior studies suggest that restrictive legislation is associated with an increase in depression, concealment stress, and suicidality among SGM individuals (Dhanani & Totton, 2023; Rao & Mason, 2018). However, there is a dearth of literature regarding how legislation impacts identity among SGM individuals. Students (N = 297) completed an anonymous survey battery for …

Parents’ Perspectives On Emotional Regulation In Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Diana Stewart

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The current study’s main research question was whether emotional dysregulation of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects parental stress levels. This project examined various negative emotional reactions, such as anger, sadness, worry, anxiety, and tantrums that were present in children with an ASD diagnosis, ages 4 to 13. The research consisted of five psychological assessments with strong psychometric properties. The whole survey was supposed to be filled out by a parent or a caregiver of a child, since children are considered a vulnerable population when it comes to research. The first assessment was the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) …

Comparative Semiotic Analysis Of Non-Verbal Communication: Apis Mellifera Waggle Dance And Human Kinesic Signaling Systems, Nishtha Tikalal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

There are many parallels between two seemingly disparate forms of non-verbal communication: the waggle dance of Apis mellifera (honeybees) and human kinesic signaling systems. Through a comparative semiotic analysis, this research aims to conduct a comparative semiotic analysis, investigating structural and functional similarities between these communication methods, challenging anthropocentric assumptions about meaning making in the natural world. This research employs a meta-synthesis approach, drawn from a methodological literature review to examine historical representations of bee-human relationships, semiotics of non-verbal communication, and the specific mechanisms of the waggle dance and human kinesics. This methodology involves systematic categorization and analysis of extracted …

A Survival Horror Video Game's Impact On Visual Attention, Alicia D. Sprague

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The current study’s main research question was whether playing a survival horror video game increases the visual selective attention of a player. This project examined how visual attention and anxiety levels differ after playing a survival horror video game and whether an individual’s gaming preferences affect these concepts. The research consisted of the preliminary evaluation of participants’ visual attention abilities and anxiety levels through psychological tasks. Participants then played Resident Evil 4: Chainsaw Demo, the selected survival horror video game for this study. After playing the demo, participants repeated the previous psychological tasks, and their results were assessed. Results …

The Association Between Parental Bipolar Symptoms And Offspring Identity Formation: The Role Of Parental Attachment And Emotion Regulation, Alexa D. Loonam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Identity development involves integrating various aspects of oneself into a unified self-concept; however, maladaptive identity formation can lead to negative mental health outcomes (Berman & Weems, 2016). Growing up with a caregiver exhibiting unpredictable behaviors may hinder this process, leaving children vulnerable during this critical stage (Schwartz & Petrova, 2018). The current study evaluated how bipolar symptoms among parents may impact one’s identity. College students (N = 399) completed an anonymous online survey battery for course credit. Results revealed that parental bipolar symptoms were positively correlated with ruminative identity exploration, identity distress, disturbed (unstable) identity, and lack of identity, …

From Vinyl To Viral: Evaluating The Mere Exposure Effect Through Music And Technological Advancements, Ariana R. Deboo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The Mere Exposure Effect (MEE) refers to a psychological pattern in which a person develops preference for a stimulus that has been repeatedly presented to them. The present study examined environmental influences of preference through repeated exposure to music. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Reels, and Shorts influence where people listen to music. The fast-paced consumption algorithm for new media is provided by quick, entertaining videos that allow users to scroll past content that does not keep their attention. A total of 406 participants (n=406) were involved in this study. The purpose for this study was to identify how …

The Impact Of Religiosity On Political Knowledge Among Youth Voters, Norah Sackett

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As political engagement trends among young voters have continued to shift in the United States' political atmosphere, understanding the cognitive factors that influence these decisions is becoming increasingly important. Political efficacy, or the feeling that individual political action can impact the political process, impacting their civic duties, has long been regarded as a key determinant of an individual's political engagement. This study investigates how young voters' understanding of prominent political arguments relates to their sense of political efficacy, with a specific lens on individual religiosity.

Through an examination of this relationship between religiosity and overall comprehension of political arguments, this …

Digital Recess, Screen Time Split: The Impact Of Online Schooling On Recreational Screen Time And Their Dual Impact On Anxiety, Meagan Allender

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study explores the influence of online schooling, anxiety, and recreational screen time in college aged students. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between screen usage and anxiety scores, assessing either online school or total screen time on anxiety. However, no study had looked at the correlation between online schooling and recreational screen time, nor had any study assessed both their effects on anxiety at the same time. Using a sample of 71 participants, a bivariate regression was conducted to evaluate the correlation of each type of screen time with one another, then another regression was run to assess …

Users' Trust Perceptions Of Ai Search Results, Leilani J. Cordoves

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Utilizing a repeated measure design, this experiment analyzes users’ perceptions of artificial intelligence embedded within search engines compared to traditional linked search engines in various contextual situations. The purpose of this study is to find the differences in confidence for differing search methods and the variables of trust that lead to these perceived differences. Using screenshots of AI overview search results and linked search results, we asked participants questions of confidence and human-computer trust to gauge their perceptions of the varying search methods. We find evidence of a significant interaction effect in confidence scores between the search method and the …

From Boredom To Purpose: How Self-Concept Can Affect Motivation In The Workplace, Norma I. Cintron

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The present experiment explored whether or not a positive self-concept influences how individuals manage boredom in the workplace. It was hypothesized that individuals with a positive self-concept would cope better with boredom and complete a dull task more accurately. However, these hypotheses were not confirmed, the study found no significant relationship between self-concept and boredom coping, nor between self-concept and task accuracy. In fact, individuals with higher self-concepts were slightly less accurate, though the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, the study analyzed participants’ written responses to questions about handling boredom using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software. The …

Spirituality In Place: Assessment Of Spirituality, Place Attachment, And Locus Of Control In College, Chloe Armand

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to explore how spirituality in place shapes college students’ cognition. While spiritual development is recognized as an important aspect of student affairs, its influence on cognitive factors such as locus of control and place attachment remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between spirituality, place attachment, and locus of control, as well as students’ perceptions of spiritual design elements on UCF’s campus. To assess these perceptions, a Quality of Place Questionnaire for Spirituality was developed. This instrument aims to measure humanity, sensuality, and sustainability in the built environment. This research uncovers the connections between …

The Relationship Between Autistic Features And Identity Development Processes Among College Students Through An Intersectional Lens, Alejandra Santana

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Research on autistic features and identity development has indicated that autistic traits are positively associated with identity disturbance (Ratner & Berman, 2015). Characteristic attributes of autism, including circumscribed interests and impairments in social relatedness, align with self-rumination and hardships engaging in the components of identity formation (Gotham et al., 2014). Nonetheless, research on this topic remains scarce. The present study analyzed the association between autistic features and identity formation processes while considering sociocultural factors, such as gender conformity and social camouflaging. A sample of college students enrolled in a large metropolitan city (N = 427) was recruited to complete …

The Role Of Social Media And Acculturation In Body Comparison, Body Dissatisfaction, And Eating Pathology Among Hispanic And Latinx Individuals, Mariana Ortega

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Eating disorders are a group of mental health conditions that are characterized by complex etiologies. The development of eating disorders varies across each individual and their personal background. The current study examined the relationship between levels of acculturation and daily social media use on the presence of body comparison, body dissatisfaction, and eating pathology in Hispanic and Latinx individuals. The aim of this study is to investigate how these factors may lead to a unique etiology of disordered eating, specific to this ethnic group. The current study consisted of two phases. The first phase determined participant eligibility by confirming ethnic …

Resilience As A Protective Factor For Parents Of Young Children With Adverse Childhood Experiences And Socioeconomic Challenges, Hennys Torrealba

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and socioeconomic challenges can be related to mothers’ and fathers’ ability to parent their children effectively. Subsequently, these factors are related to children’s emotional and behavioral functioning. Children from families who have experienced these challenges are more likely to display behavior problems. Another important factor to consider is parents’ resilience, which can equip parents with the ability to better navigate through challenges. Parents who are resilient can provide a nurturing environment for their children despite challenges and use protective factors (e.g., effective coping strategies) more effectively. The current study examined the relationships among …

Investigating The Effects Of Binaural Beats On Encoding Efficiency And Working Memory Performance In College Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Traits, Megan Daza

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Binaural beats (BB) have been increasingly explored as a non-invasive cognitive enhancement tool, particularly in populations with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study investigates the effects of beta-frequency binaural beats on encoding efficiency and working memory performance, specifically verbal-spatial working memory, in college students with ADHD traits. Using a 2 (ADHD/Neurotypical) × 2 (Low/High Cognitive Load) mixed ANOVA design, participants will complete an N-back working memory task under baseline, binaural beats, and control (white noise) conditions. Key research questions examine whether binaural beats improve working memory accuracy and reaction time, whether their effects vary across cognitive load …

Disconnected Minds: Exploring Nomophobia And Adhd's Impacts On Driving Hazard Perceptions Among College Students, Stephanie Zheng

Honors Undergraduate Theses

An increasing psychological concern in the 21st century is the development of the fear of being unable to access one's mobile phone, also known as nomophobia. However, its impact on individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) remains largely unexplored. Given ADHD’s association with impulsivity, attentional difficulties, and emotional dysregulation, those with the condition may be particularly vulnerable to nomophobia, which can affect every aspect of their daily lives, ranging from interpersonal relationships to their academic success and overall physical and mental well-being. This study aims to answer four questions: how does ADHD impact the severity of nomophobia among college students, do …

Mental Illness Identity And Social Media Use In Generation Z, Tobey Smith

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The present study investigated factors that predict a high degree of mental illness identity among Generation Z college students. Specifically, the author aimed to evaluate social media use and other psychosocial factors, including social isolation, self-esteem, well-being, discrimination, and attitude toward recovery. Two-hundred and seventeen participants were recruited using SONA and social media. Participants completed scales to measure the variables of interest: Illness Identity Questionnaire - Mental Health, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, Hope and Coping in Recovery Scale, Cornwell Perceived Isolation Scale, Stigma Scale, Social Media Use Scale, and a set of demographic questions. Pearson bivariate correlations, …