Negation And The Backfire Effect,
2026
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Negation And The Backfire Effect, Caden Fowler
Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses
Quick! Do not think of a polar bear. Did you think of a white bear? As Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote in his 1863 essay “Winter Notes on Summer Impressions,” “[when tasked to not think of a polar bear] you will see that the cursed thing will come to mind every minute.” The consequence of negation without context (i.e., unlicensed negation; Levine & Hagaman, 2008) is what has come to be referred to as the “backfire effect,” a phenomenon where correcting misinformation strengthens belief in that information rather diminishing it (Ecker, et al., 2020). Fake news and misinformation in …
A Vicious Cycle: The Interplay Between Anxiety, Perfectionism, And Indecision,
2026
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
A Vicious Cycle: The Interplay Between Anxiety, Perfectionism, And Indecision, Kaelyn G. Moran
Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses
Chronic indecisiveness is a pervasive issue that can negatively impact academic, occupational, and psychological functioning. Although prior research has identified anxiety and perfectionism as relevant correlates of indecisiveness, less is known about how these factors uniquely and jointly contribute to decision-making difficulties. The present study examined the relationships between trait anxiety, multidimensional perfectionism, and indecisiveness in a sample of 199 undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas. Participants completed self-report measures assessing anxiety (STICSA), perfectionism (Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), and indecisiveness (Revised Indecisiveness Scale). Zero-order correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate both overall and dimension-specific effects. Results …
Detection Of Changes In Short Narratives,
2026
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Detection Of Changes In Short Narratives, Presley Priddy
Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses
Narrativity and object association have been extensively researched in the past to determine how changes in a text impact reader interpretation. In this research, we attempted to establish a relationship between the relation of an object to a character situated in a particular narrative context and the detection of inconsistencies presented in the given story. Participants read texts that either associated or dissociated an object with a character, within a high or low-narrative context. Reading times were measured on critical sentences that were inconsistent with the placement of previously dissociated objects. When presented with object inconsistencies in highly narrative stories, …
Believe It Or Not: An Examination Of The Nature And Implications Of Evidence-Resistant Beliefs,
2026
University of Louisville
Believe It Or Not: An Examination Of The Nature And Implications Of Evidence-Resistant Beliefs, Jack Geruc
College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses
The aim of this thesis is to contribute to a growing body of academic research regarding the nature and origin of evidence-resistant belief systems and examine the influence that they have upon our lives. This examination of the origin of these beliefs draws on two intellectual disciplines: psychology and epistemology. A psychological approach examines the cognitive mechanisms that allow for the formation and persistence of these beliefs. The psychological approach focuses on the biological drives of belief formation and resilience. Furthermore, an examination of the psychology of identity shows an entanglement of one’s identity with belief systems that allows for …
The Role Of Executive Functions In Creativity,
2026
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
The Role Of Executive Functions In Creativity, Gavin R. Kyer
Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses
The present study investigates the relationship between executive functions and creativity, measured through divergent thinking. Literature review determines that there should be a positive correlation between executive functioning and creative idea generation, however, findings are mixed. This study tested the level of correlation/predictability between executive functions, specifically, updating, shifting, and inhibition, and creativity. Participants (N=112) completed tasks assessing updating (letter memory), shifting (number letter) and inhibition (Stroop). They also completed the Alternative Uses Task (AUT) that measures divergent thinking. Pearson’s correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine any individual or combined relationship between executive functions and creativity. Results …
The Role Of Cognitive Inhibition In Creative Problem Solving,
2026
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
The Role Of Cognitive Inhibition In Creative Problem Solving, James Schnoes
Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses
Creativity is a defining characteristic of human cognition and plays a central role in shaping our daily lives. In the literature, creativity is commonly conceptualized through two cognitive processes: divergent thinking, which involves generating multiple novel ideas, and convergent thinking, which involves arriving at a single correct solution by integrating all information available. (Cropley, 2006; Guilford, 1959; Runco & Jaeger, 2012). The present study examined how cognitive control, measured via the Stroop task (Stroop, 1935), relates to convergent creative problem solving as assessed by the Compound Remote Associates (CRA) task. Additionally, trends in alpha and theta power spectra during the …
Unmasking Emotional Labor: Visualizing The Challenges Experienced By Human Resources Professionals,
2026
Pace University - New York
Unmasking Emotional Labor: Visualizing The Challenges Experienced By Human Resources Professionals, Abigail (Abby) Leff
Honors College Theses
The field of human resources (HR) requires a complex balance of advocating for others and enforcing organizational policies, all the while managing its own emotional challenges. This dynamic demands that HR professionals engage in intense emotional labor without sufficient organizational support, the burden of which can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and psychological consequences. Despite the prevalence of these dynamics, the emotional experiences of HR professionals are under-researched. This literature review explores emotional labor and burnout HR professionals face, evaluates available resources in the field, and examines coping strategies that HR professionals use. The research is applied to an …
Some Equivalence Statements Are Metaphors,
2026
CUNY Hunter College
Some Equivalence Statements Are Metaphors, Malik A. Terry
Theses and Dissertations
Metaphors work best when topic and vehicle come from different domains. Glucksberg (2011) observed that same-domain statements ( "Cats are dogs") lack metaphorical interpretations, and Experiments 1 and 2 confirmed this. Prasada (in press) proposed that minority framing ( "Some cats are dogs") enables such metaphors. Experiment 3 confirmed this.
Negative Core Beliefs And Cognitive Fusion As Predictors Of Depressive Symptom Severity And Course,
2026
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Negative Core Beliefs And Cognitive Fusion As Predictors Of Depressive Symptom Severity And Course, Caila Flaemig
Honors Scholar Theses
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders among young adults, and its prevalence has continued to increase in recent years. Cognitive vulnerabilities are believed to play a significant role in the onset and maintenance of depressive symptoms. Thus, the present study examined the relationship between negative automatic thoughts and cognitive fusion as predictors of depressive symptom severity and course among psychologically vulnerable young adults. The study also explored how these constructs relate to the expression of negative core beliefs in participants’ open-ended written responses and whether these relationships differed by gender. Participants included 320 …
Perfectionism And Cognitive Flexibility: Comparing The Impacts Of Perfectionism Vs Excellencism On Cognitive Flexibility,
2026
Murray State University
Perfectionism And Cognitive Flexibility: Comparing The Impacts Of Perfectionism Vs Excellencism On Cognitive Flexibility, Lillian R. Blackburn
Honors College Theses
Perfectionism is often defined as “high standards of performance which are accompanied by tendencies for overly critical evaluations of one’s own behavior” (Frost et al., 1990, p. 450). Although striving for high standards is characteristic of perfectionism, it is also a central concept of the construct of excellencism, that is striving for standards that are both high and attainable. Research has made a distinction between the pursuit of perfection and pursuit of excellence, suggesting perfectionists strive for high unattainable standards, whereas excellencists strive for high yet reasonable standards with more areas of flexibility (Gaudreau et al., 2022). These differences have …
Utilizing Self-Determination Theory In Therapy For Veterans With Substance Use And Mental Health Disorders,
2026
California State University - San Bernardino
Utilizing Self-Determination Theory In Therapy For Veterans With Substance Use And Mental Health Disorders, Carlos A. Tinoc
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
Substance use disorder (SUD) has increasingly affected U.S. veterans, with rising misuse of alcohol and opioids. Many veterans also confront mental health issues, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To explore this issue further, the researcher will investigate the effectiveness of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in addressing substance use and mental health disorders (dual diagnosis) among veterans. Previous research on the implementation of SDT for dual-diagnosis patients has not sufficiently addressed the veteran population. The researcher will review existing systematic literature reviews on the topic of SDT implementation in the treatment of SUDs and mental health disorders among both civilian and veteran …
Examining The Relationship Between Executive Functions And Resilience,
2026
CSU, San Bernardino
Examining The Relationship Between Executive Functions And Resilience, Joseph W. Toland
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
The direct and indirect associations of executive functions (EF) and resilience hint towards a strong association between these variables, however there are still gaps in the literature. The current study aims to explore the relationship between EF's (inhibition, shifting, and updating) and resilience. We hypothesize that EF's scores will generally correlate with resilience. Specifically, we hypothesize that inhibition scores will positively correlate to resilience scores. That shifting scores will positively correlate to resilience scores. That updating scores will correlate positively with resilience scores. Finally, the strength of the association between EF's and resilience will change depending on which EF's is …
Between Chronicle And Legend: A Two-Scene Environment And Visual Effects Examination Of Physical Accuracy And Emotional Exaggeration On The Honey Creek Bridge Collapse,
2026
Clemson University
Between Chronicle And Legend: A Two-Scene Environment And Visual Effects Examination Of Physical Accuracy And Emotional Exaggeration On The Honey Creek Bridge Collapse, Alison R. Gaddy
All Theses
This thesis explores how truth and dramatization intersect in digital storytelling by comparing realistic and stylized simulations of the Honey Creek bridge collapse within the context of the Kate Shelley animated short. At the core of storytelling lies a tension between factual accuracy and dramatic stylization. We investigate that tension by examining how narrative truth is conveyed, distorted, or enhanced through visual dramatization by focusing on the psychology of audience perception and the motivations behind creative embellishment. The practical contribution of this research is the development of two distinct digital scene setups depicting the same Honey Creek bridge collapse event. …
Brief Virtual Reality And Mixed Reality Mindfulness Breathing Exercise For Emotional Well-Being And Cognitive Functions In University Students: Within-Subjects Experimental Design Study,
2026
Singapore Management University
Brief Virtual Reality And Mixed Reality Mindfulness Breathing Exercise For Emotional Well-Being And Cognitive Functions In University Students: Within-Subjects Experimental Design Study, Zoey Khai Yee Eun, Charmaine Jiali Koh, Hwajin Yang, Adalia Yin Hui Goh, Meilan Hu, K Tennakoon Appuhamillage Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Andree Hartanto
Research Collection School of Social Sciences
Background: Mindfulness has been shown to enhance emotional well-being and cognitive performance, yet much of this evidence stems from interventions requiring prolonged practice, making them time-consuming and less accessible. Recent studies suggest that brief mindfulness sessions may also yield positive outcomes, but the effectiveness of such interventions in virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) remains underexplored. Objective: This study investigates the effects of brief mindfulness breathing exercises delivered through VR and MR on attentional and emotional restoration and self-control capacity. Methods: Using a within-subjects experimental design, 102 undergraduate participants (n=83, 81.4% female; mean age 20.87, SD 1.89) completed a …
Language Control Over Structural Representation In Bilinguals,
2026
University of Texas at El Paso
Language Control Over Structural Representation In Bilinguals, Anahy Barragan-Diaz
Open Access Theses & Dissertations
In daily life, bilinguals sometimes speak each of their languages in situations where the other language cannot be understood. To avoid saying words in the wrong language in such situations, bilinguals inhibit lexical representations from the non-target language (Green, 1998). But do they inhibit structural representations? This study investigated how inhibitory control operates over structural representations in English-dominant Spanish-English bilinguals via a picture description task. An experimental group was asked to describe dative-eliciting pictures in English (Baseline Phase), followed by dative pictures in Spanish (Manipulation Phase), and once again dative pictures in English (Target Phase), while a control group followed …
The Restorative Effects Of Nature Exposure Via Virtual Reality On Well-Being, Self-Control, And Working Memory,
2026
Singapore Management University
The Restorative Effects Of Nature Exposure Via Virtual Reality On Well-Being, Self-Control, And Working Memory, Zoey K. Y. Eun, Hwajin Yang, Nicole R. Y. Chen, Andree Hartanto
Research Collection School of Social Sciences
The psychological benefits of nature exposure are vital for well-being in an increasingly urbanised world. While previous research has consistently demonstrated the restorative effects of natural environments on both physical and psychological health, findings on virtual nature simulations remain mixed, possibly due to the limited immersive quality of conventional displays. Virtual reality (VR), however, provides immersive visual and auditory engagement, making it a promising alternative for delivering nature-based experiences when direct exposure to real nature environments is unavailable. The present study examined the effects of VR-simulated nature on attentional and emotional restoration and self-control capacity, using a preregistered, within-subjects experimental …
Thinking Beyond Bias: The Confirmation Bias Index And The Cognitive–Motivational Predictors Of Accurate Headline Evaluation,
2026
Stephen F. Austin State University
Thinking Beyond Bias: The Confirmation Bias Index And The Cognitive–Motivational Predictors Of Accurate Headline Evaluation, Anthony Cantu
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Confirmation bias — the tendency to favor belief-consistent information over contradictory evidence — represents a central challenge in contemporary misinformation research, yet its behavioral measurement has remained inconsistent across studies. This study introduced the Confirmation Bias Index (CBI), a preregistered behavioral measure defined as the difference in accuracy between ideologically congruent and incongruent headline evaluations. Using a 3 (headline slant: Conservative, Neutral, Liberal) × 2 (veracity: True, False) within-participants design, 198 participants evaluated 36 validated news headlines for accuracy. Results supported a veracity main effect and a reliable group-level confirmation bias effect indexed by the CBI. Headline slant alone did …
Personality Meets Possibility: Exploring Cognitive Engagement For Older Adults In A Changing World,
2026
Clemson University
Personality Meets Possibility: Exploring Cognitive Engagement For Older Adults In A Changing World, Kalvry A. Cooper
All Theses
Engagement in cognitively stimulating activities (CSAs) is critical for maintaining cognitive health in older adults. While existing research has examined the benefits of CSAs, less is known about how factors such as personality traits, education, and technology proficiency influence engagement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore older adults' participation in online versus in-person CSAs during the pandemic and identify key predictors of engagement. Using secondary data from the EFIT and ENACT studies, this research investigates how variables like marital status, education, personality traits, and mobile device proficiency shape older adults' decisions to engage in online or …
Catalyzing Learner-Centered Ecosystems In Pennsylvania For A Future Of Human Thriving,
2026
Arcadia University
Catalyzing Learner-Centered Ecosystems In Pennsylvania For A Future Of Human Thriving, Danielle S. Shylit
Graduate Theses & Dissertations
School-centric education has failed to produce equitable outcomes for Pennsylvania's learners. Declining student engagement, widening opportunity gaps, and the demoralization of educators and leaders escalate an urgent need to shift systems, mindsets, and praxis from a school-centric to a learner-centric paradigm. This action research dissertation elevates what is learned at individual, group, and system levels through disciplined inquiry with aligned district public education leaders in Pennsylvania willing to co-create learner-centered ecosystems with community stakeholders for a future of human thriving. Grounded in Education Reimagined's definition of Learner-Centered Ecosystems, and the theoretical frameworks of Bryk et al.'s Networked Improvement Communities and …
Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Testing: A Behavioral Item Analysis Of The Party Subtest From The Muns Battery Administered To Argentinian And U.S. Participants,
2026
Loyola Marymount University
Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Testing: A Behavioral Item Analysis Of The Party Subtest From The Muns Battery Administered To Argentinian And U.S. Participants, Arwen A. Miranda, Alberto Luis Fernandez
Honors Thesis
In response to prevalent cultural bias in neuropsychological testing, cross-cultural tests (CCTs) were developed for accessibility across cultures through the use of “universal” stimuli. The Multicultural Neuropsychological Scale (MUNS) is a CCT developed to be appropriate across education levels, cost-effective and capable of assessing cognitive functions. The MUNS consists of seven subtests, including the Party subtest, which measures executive functioning by instructing participants to organize a party on a map. During this activity, participants purchase items such as food while remaining mindful of a 100-coin budget and minimizing travel distance. The present study examined whether the Party subtest functions comparably …
