One Step At A Time: Does Gradualism Build Coordination?,
2019
Xiamen University
One Step At A Time: Does Gradualism Build Coordination?, Maoliang Ye, Jie Zheng, Plamen Nikolov, Sam Asher
Economics Faculty Scholarship
This study investigates a potential mechanism to promote coordination. With theoretical guidance using a belief-based learning model, we conduct a multi-period, binary-choice, and weakest-link laboratory coordination experiment to study the effect of gradualism – increasing the required levels (stakes) of contributions slowly over time rather than requiring a high level of contribution immediately – on group coordination performance. We randomly assign subjects to three treatments: starting and continuing at a high stake, starting at a low stake but jumping to a high stake after a few periods, and starting at a low stake while gradually increasing the stakes over time …
The Role Of Psychological Flexibility In Graduate Student Stress And Well-Being,
2019
University of Denver
The Role Of Psychological Flexibility In Graduate Student Stress And Well-Being, Aaron Hudyma
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Despite the prevalence of mental health concerns among graduate students (Evans, Bira, Gastelum, Weiss, & Vanderford, 2018), research on graduate student mental health lags behind that of undergraduates (Hyun, Quinn, Madon, & Lustig, 2006). This study utilized Lent's (2004) social-cognitive model of well-being to examine factors thought to contribute to graduate student well-being in a sample (N = 301) of graduate students in the United States. In particular, the role of the construct of psychological flexibility was examined for its influence on other factors in the model. Results indicated that the model demonstrated a good fit to the data …
Anti-Fat Bias And Attentional Capture,
2019
University of Denver
Anti-Fat Bias And Attentional Capture, Larissa Catherine Miller
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Explicitly-rated anti-fat attitudes are correlated with weight-based discrimination, which is rampant in society today as many countries grapple with soaring rates of obesity. Early perceptual processes, such as conscious awareness and visual attention, may be biased based on the weight of the perceived or the perceiver, or any number of individual perceiver characteristics regarding weight-biased attitudes and experiences. The three experiments presented used continuous-flash suppression (CFS) to mask body stimuli, thereby hoping to gain insight into attentional capture of unseen images and its relation to anti-fat attitudes. The pattern of findings in the three experiments presented suggest that what makes …
Psychotherapy Task-Based Assessment Of Therapists' Multicultural Orientation: A Measurement Development Study,
2019
University of Denver
Psychotherapy Task-Based Assessment Of Therapists' Multicultural Orientation: A Measurement Development Study, Shaakira Haywood Stewart
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Multicultural competencies (MCCs) have laid the foundation for therapists and researchers to strongly consider culture as an important factor in psychotherapy. More recently, Owen (2013) developed the multicultural orientation framework (MCO) to better explicate the MCCs for psychotherapy. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a Multicultural Orientation Performance Task (MCO-PT) and coding system with therapists-in-training. For the MCO performance task, participants responded to eight brief simulated therapy situations that centered on the intersection of various cultural identities. Responses were recorded and coded for multicultural orientation. Prior to administration, vignettes were vetted by experts in the field. Approximately 100 …
Commitment And Romantic Alternative Monitoring,
2019
University of Denver
Commitment And Romantic Alternative Monitoring, Lane Laurel Ritchie
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation examines cognitive and behavioral factors involved in the management of potential alternative partners. Two studies are described here, each in a separate paper. The first study investigates perceptions of potential alternative partners as presented in an experimental paradigm (Study 1) and the second study examines links between alternative monitoring and relationship outcomes, measured longitudinally in survey research (Study 2). In the first study, Perceptual Downgrading and Relationship Commitment, I use a well-established paradigm to test a novel series of questions: Do individuals in committed relationships perceive attractive others as less attractive than single people do? This phenomenon …
Assessing The Effectiveness Of Goal Setting In Group Treatment In A Correctional Institution,
2019
University of Denver
Assessing The Effectiveness Of Goal Setting In Group Treatment In A Correctional Institution, Marisa Kostiuk
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Incarcerated offenders represent a large proportion of the American population. Additionally, incarcerated offenders also have high rates of mental health disorders and psychological distress. Given that a significant number of incarcerated offenders also struggle with mental health concerns, providing effective treatment is crucial. However, the examination of outcome-based research has lagged considerably with this particularly vulnerable population. One notable aspect of an individual's adaptive and healthy functioning is the development and implementation of prosocial goals. Despite the well-developed literature base on the beneficial impacts of goal setting, the use of goal setting as a treatment intervention has been largely overlooked …
Mortality Salience And The Effects Of Autonomy On Death Anxiety,
2019
Cleveland State University
Mortality Salience And The Effects Of Autonomy On Death Anxiety, Dylan Earlin Horner
ETD Archive
The present research built on prior work suggesting that mortality salience (MS) can undermine psychological well-being and explored the previously-untested hypothesis that autonomy can mitigate that effect. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of primed autonomy on measured death anxiety following a reminder of mortality. Participants (n = 119) were randomly assigned to either an MS or control condition and then, following a delay, were primed with the concept of either autonomy or being controlled. Death anxiety was then measured. Results found that MS increased death anxiety among those in the controlled prime condition, but not among those in the …
A Behavioral Confirmation And Reduction Of The Natural Versus Synthetic Drug Bias,
2019
Gettysburg College
A Behavioral Confirmation And Reduction Of The Natural Versus Synthetic Drug Bias, Brian P. Meier, Amanda J. Dillard, Eric S. Osorio, Courtney M. Lappas
Psychology Faculty Publications
Research reveals a biased preference for natural versus synthetic drugs; however, this research is based upon self-report and has not examined ways to reduce the bias. We examined these issues in five studies involving 1,125 participants. In a Pilot Study (N = 110), participants rated the term natural to be more positive than the term synthetic, which reveals a default natural-is-better belief. In Studies 1 (N = 109) and 2 (N = 100), after a supposed personality study, participants were offered a thank you “gift” of a natural or synthetic pain reliever. Approximately 86% (Study 1) and 93% (Study 2) …
Efficient Identification Of Function: A Comparison Of Different Implementers During Functional Analyses,
2019
University of Kentucky
Efficient Identification Of Function: A Comparison Of Different Implementers During Functional Analyses, Katelyn E. Nicklow
Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education
Functional analyses (FAs) are a common tool used in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behaviors and often occur in the context of clinical settings with unfamiliar, trained staff. Previous research suggests that inconsistent outcomes can emerge when caregivers with an existing history of seeing their child’s challenging behavior are trained to implement the assessment in place of clinical staff. The purpose of the current study was to expand on existing literature by comparing FA implemented by clinical staff and caregivers in the context of a clinical setting. Results demonstrate that efficient identification of function and differentiated rates of …
Effects Of Naltrexone On Alcohol And Nicotine Use In Female P Rats,
2019
University of Kentucky
Effects Of Naltrexone On Alcohol And Nicotine Use In Female P Rats, Usman Z. Hamid, Sarah E. Maggio, Meredith A. Saunders, Kimberly Nixon, Mark A. Prendergast, Richard L. Bell, Michael T. Bardo
Posters-at-the-Capitol Presentations
The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the opioid antagonist naltrexone at reducing the consumption of EtOH and nicotine in female alcohol-preferring (P) rats. P rats have been selectively bred to have a genetic predisposition for alcohol abuse, which allows them to be used as an animal model of alcoholism. P rats readily self-administer i.v nicotine (Le et al., 2016), have EtOH consumption during adolescence that is similar to that seen in adulthood, and operantly respond for EtOH until they are impaired/intoxicated (Bell et al., 2006). Thus, P rats are a useful model for studying …
Generosity In Gaming: The Effect Of Prosocial Video Games On Charitable Donation Behavior,
2019
Claremont Colleges
Generosity In Gaming: The Effect Of Prosocial Video Games On Charitable Donation Behavior, Ethan Tom
CMC Senior Theses
Although the link between violent video games and aggressive behavior has received extensive coverage, there is growing evidence that prosocial video games can exert a positive influence as well. However, whether these effects generalize to costlier prosocial behaviors that help more distant recipients remains unclear. Here I propose an experimental study to examine whether prosocial video games can influence charitable donation behavior. College students will be randomly assigned to play 45 min of either a prosocial video game (Lemmings) or neutral video game (Tetris), followed by a 10 min filler task (mental calculation). Participants will then …
Reward And Punishment: The Neural Correlates Of Reinforcement Feedback During Motor Learning,
2019
University of Mississippi
Reward And Punishment: The Neural Correlates Of Reinforcement Feedback During Motor Learning, Christopher Mark Hill
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
‘By the carrot or the stick’ reward or punishment has been contemplated by instructors to motivate their pupils to learn a new motor skill. The reinforcements of reward and punishment have demonstrated dissociable effects on motor learning with punishment enhancing the learning rate and reward increasing retention of the motor task. However it is still unclear how the brain processes reward and punishment during motor learning. This study sought to investigate the role of reinforcement feedback in cortical neural activity associated with motor learning. A novel visuomotor rotation task was employed with reward punishment or null feedback as the participants …
The Influence Of Recall Instructions On The Verbal Overshadowing Effect,
2019
University of Mississippi
The Influence Of Recall Instructions On The Verbal Overshadowing Effect, Melissa Ann Baker
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The current study investigated the influence of recall instructions on the verbal overshadowing effect (VOE). Participants watched a video of a burglar breaking and entering, were asked to recall information about the burglar, and attempted to identify the burglar from a photo lineup. Recall instructions were varied between participants. In Experiment 1, participants in a ‘general recall’ instruction condition were instructed to provide a description of the burglar’s physical appearance. Participants in a ‘face recall’ instruction condition were asked to provide a description of the burglar’s facial features. A control group of participants, the ‘no recall’ instruction condition, were not …
Targeting Food Selectivity In Young Children In A Preschool Classroom Using A Multi-Component Treatment Package,
2019
University of Kentucky
Targeting Food Selectivity In Young Children In A Preschool Classroom Using A Multi-Component Treatment Package, Christina Challed Hesley
Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using a video model, graduated exposure (i.e., touch, smell, try, eat), and positive reinforcement to first increase food exploration, and then increase consumption of non-preferred foods in young children that exhibit food selectivity in a school setting. A multiple probe design across behaviors replicated across participants was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment package. The treatment package consisted of a video model of each target behavior (touch, smell, try, eat) and positive reinforcement which included preferred foods and materials. The results indicated that the treatment package was …
The Effect Of A Lag Schedule Of Reinforcement On Variability In Toy Play In Children With Autism,
2019
Central Washington University
The Effect Of A Lag Schedule Of Reinforcement On Variability In Toy Play In Children With Autism, Cloie Cornell
All Master's Theses
Variability is a dimension of behavior that is altered and learned through reinforcement contingencies (Neuringer, 2002). The lag schedule of reinforcement is one way to establish contingencies in order to increase variability in block formations built by children diagnosed with autism. Napolitano, Smith, Zarcone, Goodkin and McAdam (2010), and Miller (1012) found that a lag schedule of reinforcement increased the variety of block formations built by children diagnosed with autism, both studies used the discriminative stimulus (SD) “build differently,” during intervention phases. The current study used a lag schedule of reinforcement along with the SD “build something,” throughout each phase. …
Music, Video And Perception: An Investigation Into Shaping Attitudes Toward Fish And Their Natural Habitat,
2019
Central Washington University
Music, Video And Perception: An Investigation Into Shaping Attitudes Toward Fish And Their Natural Habitat, Kayla-Ann Hemmings
All Master's Theses
The current study investigated the influence of music and video on perceptions of fish, willingness to help aquatic conservation efforts, and attitudes about the marine environment. Participants were randomly distributed to one of six groups which varied by presenting information about marine life in a video format or through printed text (i.e., video or pamphlet) and on the background music that played during the presentation of that information (i.e., ominous, uplifting, or no sound). Participants, then, completed several counterbalanced measures, including rating how much six different words (i.e., three positive and three negative) applied to fish, Willingness to Conserve questions …
The Role Of Sensory And Affective Systems In The Semantic Processing Of Abstract Concepts,
2019
Northern Illinois University
The Role Of Sensory And Affective Systems In The Semantic Processing Of Abstract Concepts, Jane Elizabeth Neal
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
The role of modal, or embodied, systems in the semantic representation of abstract concepts, which are by nature not experienced by the senses, remains unclear. The experiments presented in this dissertation investigated the extent to which the activation of visual or affective systems may be modulated by context. Experiment 1 examined whether a verbal or visual memory load interfered with the semantic processing of abstract concepts paired with either a low or highly imageable adjective, and whether processing was similarly affected for concrete concepts. While the cognitive loads were effectively maintained, neither load type affected processing times for either concept …
Examining The Utility Of Behavioral Economic Demand In Addiction Science,
2019
University of Kentucky
Examining The Utility Of Behavioral Economic Demand In Addiction Science, Justin Charles Strickland
Theses and Dissertations--Psychology
The marriage of perspectives from behavioral economic theory and learning theory has the potential to advance an understanding of substance use and substance use disorder. Behavioral economic demand is a central concept to this interdisciplinary approach. Evaluating demand in the laboratory and clinic can improve previous research on the relative reinforcing effects of drugs by accounting for the multi-dimensional nature of reinforcement rather than viewing reinforcement as a unitary construct. Recent advances in the commodity purchase task methodology have further simplified the measurement of demand values in human participants. This dissertation project presents a programmatic series of studies designed to …
When And Why We Protect Our Honor,
2019
University of Kentucky
When And Why We Protect Our Honor, Brian Michael Enjaian
Theses and Dissertations--Psychology
Men from a culture of honor often use physical aggression in response to threats as a way of restoring lost honor. Threats can range from being called an offensive name to someone flirting with their romantic partner. On the other hand, women from a culture of honor are expected to be submissive and avoid situations that can result in harm to their reputation. However, a recent meta-analytic review of the literature suggests that women do not always avoid situations that can harm their reputation. Rather, women in a culture of honor also use physical aggression in response to threats. In …
Neurobehavioral Measurements Of Natural And Opioid Reward Value,
2019
University of Kentucky
Neurobehavioral Measurements Of Natural And Opioid Reward Value, Aaron Paul Smith
Theses and Dissertations--Psychology
In the last decade, (non)prescription opioid abuse, opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnoses, and opioid-related overdoses have risen and represent a significant public health concern. One method of understanding OUD is as a disorder of choice that requires choosing opioid rewards at the expense of other nondrug rewards. The characterization of OUD as a disorder of choice is important as it implicates decision- making processes as therapeutic targets, such as the valuation of opioid rewards. However, reward-value measurement and interpretation are traditionally different in substance abuse research compared to related fields such as economics, animal behavior, and neuroeconomics and may be …
