Psychology Commons^™

The Effect Of Visual Manipulations On Body Size Judgments, Anne Walk

Masters Theses

Body image has been studied sh1ce the early 201li t)entury and is relevant in tenns of how we manipulate objects (Brain, 1963) as well as being an important cultural construct (Fisher, 1968; Jourard & Secord; 1955). Hov.bJb tly schema is formed is debated in the literature (Craske, Kenny, & Keith1, 984i Ra.thachandran& Rogers-Ramachandran, iii 1996; Shontz & McNash, 1972), though sevetal illusion studies have been designed to investigate this issue (Botnivik & Cohen, 1998; Holmes, Snijders, & Spence, 2006). The present study uses visual manipulation to investigate the effect of visual information on perceived hand size. Participants were asked to …

Disparity Between Boys' And Girls' Academic Achievement, Laura M. Harris

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to the disparity between the academic achievement level of boys and girls in the school setting. Current literature indicates that while boys have historically outperformed girls in the area of math, girls have all but closed this achievement gap.

One hundred and twenty-four fourth and fifth grade students (71 girls, 53 boys, predominantly Caucasian) from a school in the Midwest region of the United States participated in the study. Gender and living with a male role model were found to have no relationship with academic achievement. These results …

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Athletic Identity And Academic Success Among Intercollegiate Athletes, Kimberly A. Garkie

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between athletic identity and academic success at a small, NCAA Division I institution. Two hundred and twenty-eight student-athletes (143 men, 85 women), representing 15 intercollegiate sports at Eastern Illinois University, completed the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS; Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993) and these responses were correlated with the student athlete's Grade Point Averages. Results indicated that no statistically significant relationship was found between athletic identity scores and self-reported Grade Point Average (GPA). Limitations of the current study, as well as a need for future research regarding …

Familial Factors And Attachment Styles Of Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Tiffany Marie Konz

Masters Theses

Substance abuse is a prevalent issue that has far-reaching implications for not only the abuser but also the family. Research on parental alcoholism and its effects on offspring have developed over the last several years. Following the lead of other researchers, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between parental alcoholism and attachment styles in adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and possible mediating or moderating effects of familial factors. A sample of 84 college students completed a series of measures on parental alcoholism, family satisfaction, family cohesion, parent-child attachment, and psychological and physical maltreatment. Participants were divided into two …

Reexamining Depressive Realism Using Estimates Of Real Life Events, Lindsay Babcock

Masters Theses

Early reports of the phenomenon known as depressive realism suggest the counter-intuitive notion that depressed people are more accurate in their perception of reality. These studies have been criticized for relying solely on judging control over laboratory tasks that do not relate to real life and for the use of deception. The present study investigates the relationship between depression, anxiety, locus of control, and accuracy of judgments with an emphasis on real world occurrences, as well as examining individuals' confidence in their judgments. While depression, anxiety, and locus of control were all found to be highly correlated, significant results were …

Conditional Reasoning In Depression, Niyati Sheth

Masters Theses

Most of the studies on reasoning have suggested that individuals with depression show poor performance on reasoning tasks (Channon & Baker, 1994). Previous researches and major theories attempt to explain the association between errors in reasoning process and working memory limitations (Braine, 1994; Gilhooly et. al., 1993; Johnson-Laird, 1983). Research also shows that working memory is impaired in individuals with depression (Channon, Baker & Robertson, 1993; Christopher & MacDonald, 2005). Hence, as per this view, depressed individuals perfonn poorly on reasoning tasks because of working memory limitation or preload rather than their ability to manipulate relevant infonnation (Channon & Baker, …

A Sex Difference In Facial Contrast And Its Exaggeration By Cosmetics, Richard Russell

Psychology Faculty Publications

This study demonstrates the existence of a sex difference in facial contrast. By measuring carefully controlled photographic images, female faces were shown to have greater luminance contrast between the eyes, lips, and the surrounding skin than did male faces. This sex difference in facial contrast was found to influence the perception of facial gender. An androgynous face can be made to appear female by increasing the facial contrast, or to appear male by decreasing the facial contrast. Application of cosmetics was found to consistently increase facial contrast. Female faces wearing cosmetics had greater facial contrast than the same faces not …

Downright Sexy: Verticality, Implicit Power, And Perceived Physical Attractiveness, Brian P. Meier, Sarah G. Dionne

Psychology Faculty Publications

Grounded theory proposes that abstract concepts (e.g., power) are represented by perceptions of vertical space (e.g., up is powerful; down is powerless). We used this theory to examine predictions made by evolutionary psychologists who suggest that desirable males are those who have status and resources (i.e., powerful) while desirable females are those who are youthful and faithful (i.e., powerless). Using vertical position as an implicit cue for power, we found that male participants rated pictures of females as more attractive when their images were presented near the bottom of a computer screen, whereas female participants rated pictures of males as …

Methodological Note: On Using Personal Digital Assistants (Pdas) For Survey Administration In The Study Of Youth Development, Mona M. Abo-Zena, Amy Eva Alberts Warren, Sonia S. Isaac, Dan Du, Erin Phelps, Richard M. Lerner, Robert W. Roeser

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Applied developmental scientists face the challenge of identifying research methods that enable the efficient collection of data from youth of diverse social backgrounds (e.g., ethnic. racial, religious, economic) and varying levels cognitive-linguistic and attentional skills. In addition, because access to youth during school time is often limited by educators’ desire to preserve instructional time, finding methodologies to collect data from youth that are highly efficient, and also those that are feasible in less structured settings, are needed. This article outlines some of the benefits and limitations of using a voice enhanced survey delivered on a personal digital assistants (PDA) as …

Building The Evidence Base For Family Drug Treatment Courts: Results From Recent Outcome Studies, Beth L. Green, Carrie Jeanne Furrer, Sonia D. Worsel, Scott W. M. Burrus, Michael W. Finigan

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Results from at least four studies of FDTCs found evidence for their effectiveness in assisting and supporting parents in entering, remaining in, and completing substance abuse treatment so they could be reunited with their children; however, different program models achieved different outcome patterns. The Pima County (Arizona) study found positive effects for treatment completion, family reunification, and reduced times to permanent placement. Two other programs showed consistent positive treatment and child welfare outcomes. Neither of these two sites produced reduced time to permanent placements. The two most successful sites were longstanding FDTCs whose models aligned closely with the core program …

Differences In Visual Field Bias In Emotional Attribution Tasks Between Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders And Typical Development, Rachelle Hansen Brindley, Erica L. Schmidt

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by social deficits in emotional comprehension. Since typical emotional attribution improves when using the left visual field, effects of lateralization on facial affect assessment were compared between children with ASD, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and typical development (TD). The ASD group showed significantly lower percent accuracy, longer response time and slower pulse rate than the TD group. Within the ASD group, there was a significant right visual field bias in emotional attribution tasks, which contrasted with the left visual field bias seen within the TD group. The PDD-NOS group demonstrated no …

Fighting Conflict: Violent Splits Or Healthy Divides?, Katerina Bezrukova, Chester Spell

Psychology

In this study, we develop a theory to understand how groups with strong divisions may, paradoxically, help members to cope with conflict and injustice. We test our theoretical predictions using a survey methodology and the data from 72 work groups across different industries. Consistent with our hypotheses, we found that group faultlines weakened the positive relationships between injustice and psychological health.

Happy Or Sad: When People Face The Threat Of Social Exclusion, Adam W. Stivers

Psychology Faculty Scholarship

The following study examined the relationship between the threat of social exclusion and cooperativeness in a group setting for individuals with different social value orientations. Rational behavior predicted by economic theory suggests that individuals will allocate chips based on their self interest to accumulate the most chips possible. In this experiment, I introduce social exclusion as a potential factor that may cause participants to settle for fewer chips in order to ensure the approval of their partner. Because the feedback is independent of the partner’s contributions, the participants should not view social approval as a means to acquire more chips. …

Using Language To Navigate The Infant Mind, Laura Wagner, Laura Lakusta

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

How do infants represent objects, actions, and relations in events? In this review, we discuss an approach to studying this question that begins with linguistic theory—specifically, semantic structures in language. On the basis of recent research exploring infant cognition and prominent linguistic analyses, we examine whether infants representations of motion events are articulated in terms of the components proposed by Talmy (1985; e.g., path, manner) and whether infants’ event representations are defined in terms of broad semantic roles (agent, patient, source, goal) as proposed by Jackendoff (1990) and Dowty (1991). We show how recent findings in infant cognition are consistent …

Spouse Beliefs About Partner Chronic Pain, Annmarie Cano, L. R. Miller, A. Loree

Psychology Faculty Research Publications

While research has shown that patients’ beliefs about their pain are related to pain adjustment and treatment outcomes, little is known about the beliefs of their significant others. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of pain beliefs in significant others and to examine the correlates of these beliefs. Participants were 104 married couples in which one partner reported chronic pain. Spouses completed an amended version of the Survey of Pain Beliefs (SOPA) [14]. The scale development procedure described in Jensen et al.[12] was used to select appropriate items for the significant other version of the SOPA. …

Infant Social And Emotional Development: The Emergence Of Self In A Relational Context, Katherine L. Rosenblum, Carolyn Joy Dayton, Maria Muzik

Social Work Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Multi-Model Assessment Of Stereotype Content Of Three Latino Groups, Sandra Villalpando

Master's Theses

The proposed research study deals with Latino groups' stereotypes, the content that makes up those stereotypes, and the effects the stereotypes have on Latinos' general well-being. This project investigates the origins of stereotype content using a general theory of stereotype content that is composed of two theories: social role theory (Eagly et al., 2000) and the stereotype content model (Fiske et al., 2003; Fiske et al., 1999). Short questionnaires on three different Latino groups in American society were completed by non-Latino respondents in the Chicago area, and an extended questionnaire on Latino groups was completed by Latino respondents in the …

Core Conditions In Student-Centered Learning, Margaret Ann Hartford

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study explored core conditions in student centered educational settings by utilizing an ethnomethodological design to examine the experiences of self-selected educators throughout the United States. Through surveys and follow up interviews, educators reported their professional experiences regarding the core conditions in student centered learning as outlined by Carl Rogers and the impact these conditions played in the quality of educational experiences for the educators and their students in diverse settings. This study was also concerned with educators' self reports regarding their training and education regarding core conditions in student centered learning environments. This paper shares with readers a literary …

The Effect Of Facial Resemblance On Alibi Credibility And Final Verdicts, Claudia Ochoa

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine an extra-legal variable that may affect the credibility of a defendant and the alibi corroborator's testimonies. In this study, the facial appearance of the alibi corroborator was manipulated to resemble the defendant or the trial judge to different degrees using facial morphing software. Participants serving as mock jurors provided verdicts for a trial summary and rated the credibility of an alibi corroborator. It was hypothesized that as the facial resemblance shared between an alibi corroborator and a defendant increased, the less credible the alibi corroborator's testimony would be perceived, resulting in an …

Development Of The Video Suggestibility Scale For Children: Spanish-Language Version, Claudia Ornelas

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Video Suggestibility Scale (VSSC). A cross-cultural validation with a sample of 3-5 year old Spanish speaking children was performed to evaluate its psychometric properties (N = 79). The development of the VSSC Spanish language version (VSSC-S) is described. The new version was created using the translation-back-translation process to increase the instrument‟s equivalence. Internal consistencies were satisfactory. Construct validity was assessed by using factor analysis and the Varimax procedure. As expected, the VSSC-S items loaded on two separate factors. Overall, results suggest that the VSSC-S taps into similar constructs …

Animals In The Classroom: Implications And Implementation, Christen Lynn Robinson

All Graduate Projects

The role of animals in the classroom through Animal Assisted Therapy is examined. The benefits and risks are outlined and discussed. Specific measures to decrease related risks are given. A look at Animal Assisted Therapy from the perspective of the animal itself is also explored. Does the practice exploit animals? The research suggests that it depends upon the type of animal used. A Power Point presentation explaining the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy is provided. The target audience for the presentation is educators interested in implementing an Animal Assisted Therapy program within the school setting. The presentation clearly outlines the …

Social Experiences Of Adolescents With High Functioning Autism (Hfa) And/Or Asperger Syndrome (As) - Their Perceptions And Their Views Of Their Caregivers: An Exploratory Study, Patricia Anne Kunz

Dissertations

This study used the Grounded Theory methodology to investigate, through an exploratory manner, the social experiences of adolescents with High Functioning Autism (HFA) and/or Asperger's Syndrome (AS) as shared by the adolescents themselves, and the views of their parent/caregivers regarding this experience. In addition the adolescents and parents shared their thoughts on having and managing a diagnosis of HFA/AS and the current adaptive behaviors of the adolescents.

Seven adolescents and their respective parent/caregivers participated in video-taped paired interviews. The themes emergent from the interviews regarding the diagnosis of HFA/AS for the parents were: rejection, feeling blamed, emotional toll and management …

The Coevolution Of Networks And Political Attitudes, David Lazer, Brian Rubineau, Carol Chetkovich, Nancy Katz, Michael Neblo

Working Papers

How do attitudes and social affiliations co-evolve? A long stream of research has focused on the relationship between attitudes and social affiliations. However, in most of this research the causal relationship between views and affiliations is difficult to discern definitively: Do people influence each other’s views so that they converge over time or do they primarily affiliate (by choice or happenstance) with those of similar views? Here we use longitudinal attitudinal and whole network data collected at critical times (notably, at the inception of the system) to identify robustly the determinants of attitudes and affiliations. We find significant conformity tendencies: …

The Epidemiology Of Soccer Heading In Competitive Youth Players, Christin M. Salinas, Frank M. Webbe, Trent T. Devore

Psychology Faculty Publications

We administered neurocognitive batteries to 49 youth soccer athletes (9–15 yr), who were selected from competitive soccer teams in Central Florida. We collected observational data on soccer heading, self-reported soccer heading, as well as demographics, including school, medical, and soccer history. Both the frequency and intensity of heading the ball in soccer was low in comparison with adolescents and adults. In our sample, the vast majority of soccer headings were of low to moderate intensity and direct (i.e., the incoming flight of the ball was perpendicular to the forehead). Age significantly correlated with frequent heading. Parents were reliable observers of …

Boston Naming Test Performance In Young Adults : An Investigation Of Ethnocultural And Educational Factors In Performance And Emotional Response, Julie Elizabeth Horwitz

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The rapidly growing ethnic minority population and increasing focus on cultural awareness and sensitivity within psychology have led to calls for expanded research on minority and cross-cultural issues. Despite this recognized need, ethnic minority and cross-cultural research within neuropsychology continues to lag behind similar research in other areas of psychology, and those studies published have generally utilized older adult samples. In addition, although research in this area has predominantly focused on performance differences between different ethnocultural groups, recent discussion on various neuropsychology listserves has focused on the emotional salience of the noose item on the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Therefore, …

An Assessment Of The Positive Aspects Of Depression, Lisa H. Dulgar-Tulloch

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Whether described as positive reappraisal coping, benefit-finding, or adversarial growth, perceiving benefits in physical illness has been associated repeatedly with positive long-term results. However, little research has explored whether those with mental disorders perceive similar benefits from their illness.

The Effects, Brain Targets, And Mechanisms Of Estradiol For Affective Behavior, Alicia Ann Walf

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Although estradiol (E2) has numerous effects in the central nervous system, this review will focus on addressing the effects of E2 on behaviors related to mood in women and animal models and include recent findings from our laboratory related to this topic. E2's anti-anxiety and anti-depressant-like effects may depend upon many factors (e.g. age, reproductive history/status, time in E2 deficient state before initiation of E2 therapy, regimen and dosing of E2, neuropsychiatric/stress history). First, evidence of how factors may alter responses to E2 in people and in animal models will be discussed. Second, interactions of E2 with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis/stress …

Cue Reactivity In Smokers, Gamblers, And Smoking Gamblers, Kristin Kay-Kelchak Harris

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

A large number of problem gamblers also smoke cigarettes, and data suggest that gamblers who smoke may be prone to experience more problems than non-smoking gamblers, including higher severity of gambling problems and stronger urges to gamble. Given such mounting evidence, an improved understanding of this relationship is greatly needed. The theory of cross-domain cue reactivity may account for this relationship. This theory posits that repeated pairings of cigarette and gambling cues result in these cues acquiring conditioned stimulus properties that elicit cravings for the immediate as well as the associated substance. Thus, the sight of someone smoking may induce …

The Effect Of Family Allocentrism And Acculturation On The Tendency To Foreclose In Second Generation Indian College Students, Komal Dutt

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Vocational literature on Asians Indians in America is plagued by such major problems as a severe dearth of theory-driven research to explain career process variables such as the process of committing to a career choice. During this process, individuals should ideally proceed through a sequence of stages or phases in which they progress from a relative absence of commitment to a phase in which their level of commitment to a career choice is strong (Super, 1957). However, individuals from Asian cultures may not progress sequentially through these stages, and might choose a path to career development which entails committing to …

Competitiveness And Addictive Behaviors : Exploring The Role Of Competitiveness And Gender In Exercise Dependence, Disordered Eating, And Alcohol Use, Holly Felicia Serrao

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The current study explored whether or not trait competitiveness existed as an underlying factor contributing to the higher rates of exercise dependence, disordered eating, and alcohol use among athletes. Additionally, the study examined whether certain gender differences occurred, such that the relationship between competitiveness and disordered eating would be stronger for female athletes, the relationship between competitiveness and alcohol use would be stronger for male athletes, and the relationship between competitiveness and exercise dependence would be gender neutral.