Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Measuring Changes In Motivation In Response To An Online Repeated Reading Intervention With Self-Monitoring, David N. Longhurst

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Reading is a complex cognitive process that is integral to learning, achievement, and future life outcomes. Students with reading disabilities struggle to obtain information and develop specific interests. Unfortunately, many students in the United States do not meet expected reading benchmarks. Also due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has presented multiple challenges for student academic reading growth. Motivation beliefs, such as self-efficacy, interest, and goal-directed behavior, play an important role in students’ education and development. This study examined whether motivational constructs change throughout the course of an online repeated reading intervention with self-monitoring. Five elementary students were selected …

Measuring Srl Differences During Mathematics With Srl Microanalysis, Aliya Halterman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is an essential skill for achievement and progress in several settings including academics. It is known that students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with SRL skills. However, this knowledge has been acquired primarily from self-report measures. While this has provided a solid foundation within the literature regarding SRL skills within the population with ADHD, there are a few limitations that these measures posit. These limitations can addressed with a measurement called SRL microanalysis. The purpose of this study was to use SRL microanalysis to measure SRL differences between students with and without ADHD symptomatology during a mathematics …

Let Us Live To Make Men Free: Locke And Aquinas On Toleration And Natural Law, Micah Safsten

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Tolerance is a difficult and controversial concept in political rhetoric. For many, tolerance requires the acceptance of what one believes is evil. Still, most of us feel as though we must accept the differences of others on some level. This thesis is an attempt to better understand tolerance. To do so, it uses the concept of natural law, or the idea that all law should justified through one, universal theory of good. This would seem contradictory, as natural law supposes that a single vision of the good life exists for all. Yet the natural law theory of one legal theorist, …

Early Sibling Play Interactions As A Source Of Developmental Support For Toddlers: Observation Of Young Children's Developmental Support During Play With Toddler Siblings, Tasha L. Olson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The sibling relationship is a unique and important context for infant and early child development. Despite the important role of siblings and the unique aspects of the sibling relationship, sibling interactions are largely overlooked by scholars as a resource of potential developmental support. Identifying and fostering developmentally supportive interaction (DSI) behaviors in sibling relationships may expand available supports for children’s early development and may also support family well-being.

This study used a sample of 15 child-toddler sibling pairs to identify DSI behaviors in interactions between young children and their toddler-aged siblings, determine if and how well DSI behaviors could be …

Maternal Education And Changes In Parenting Beliefs, Values, And Practices, Becca E. Richards

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Mothers’ education level has been an important predictor of life outcomes across many different areas. Higher education in mothers has been associated with outcomes such as higher reading levels and decreased chances grade repetition for their child. Due to gaps in the research, this study emphasizes the importance of mothers’ beliefs about parenting, the practices they use, the amount of closeness they have with their child, and how they change when mothers return to school. This study used new mothers and their newborn children across time to understand whether mothers’ beliefs, practices, and values change when mothers return to school. …

Family Perspectives On Developmental Monitoring: A Qualitative Study, Sarah Behrens, Evan Dean, Marisol Torres

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Developmental monitoring, an ongoing process to identify children at risk for developmental delays, is an essential component to the identification of a developmental disability in young children. In collaboration with families, medical professionals are expected to monitor the development of a child; however, current research focuses on screening with less attention on developmental monitoring and the role of the family. Here, we show the experiences of families with medical professionals specific to developmental monitoring and how families obtain and develop knowledge on child development. We analyze qualitative data from a sample of family caregivers using semi-structured interviews. With a thematic …

Collaboration Between Secondary Special Education Teachers And Community Rehabilitation Service Providers: A Focus Group Analysis, Tabitha L. Pacheco, Robert L. Morgan, Michelle C. Mcknight-Lizotte

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Collaboration by professionals across agencies has been identified as a research-based practice associated with successful post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. Succesful post-school outcomes include community employment, postsecondary education (such as involvement in two- or four-year college programs), and independent living for young adults with disabilities. Vocational rehabilitation counselors, special educators, and community rehabilitation providers (CRPs) must collaborate to increase the probability of successful outcomes, particularly given the advent of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Five core areas of Pre-ETS include: (a) job exploration counseling, (b) work-based learning experiences, (c) counseling, (d) workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent …

Experiential Learning Through Participatory Action Research In An Interdisciplinary Leadership Training Program, Jessica L. Franks, Stephanie D. Baumann, Marvin So, Angela M. Miles, Jorge M. Verlenden, Teal Benevides, Mark Crenshaw, Stephen Truscott, Daniel Crimmins

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Background: Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers, leaders in public health, and educators is essential to effectively address the diverse needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

Purpose: We describe three participatory action research (PAR) projects from an interdisciplinary training program, which used experiential learning to enhance leadership competencies and promote inclusive services. Trainees report their leadership growth as providers and advocates for children with I/DD using experiential learning through PAR.

Approach: Trainees discuss their engagement with organizations serving children with I/DD and ways that experiential learning supported leadership skill development, …

Assessing Need And Acceptability Of A Youth Mentoring Intervention For Adolescents With Autism By Adults With Autism, Kai Y. Gunty, Lindsey Weiler, Angela Keyzers, Rebekah Hudock

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Background: Adult mentors can positively influence development, yet youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have too little access to adult mentors who can provide role modeling, guidance, and support. Furthermore, neurotypical adult mentors (i.e., adult mentors without ASD) may not understand the day-to-day realities that youth with ASD face and the social world they navigate. Therefore, it is possible that adults with ASD may be particularly well-suited as mentors for youth with ASD.

Method: Six semi-structured focus groups of four to seven people each explored the need for a mentoring program to bridge the gap between the supports youth with …

Is Gender Diversity Enough? Exploring The Impact Of Women’S Representation On The Professional Careers Of Women Of Color, Rana Abulbasal

Student Research Symposium

While existing approaches to workplace stratification illuminate how relational and demographic processes impact workplace inequalities, little research has sought to disaggregate the experiences of professional women at the intersection of race and ethnicity. This study explores how workplace demography intersects with relationships among women to shape the experiences of women of color in professional careers. Relying on a mixed methods study of barriers to advancement among women lawyers, we find that the presence of women in an organization has no effect on the token pressures women of color experience in predominantly white-male organizations, however, it reduces the experience of racial …

Return Migration, Reintegration, And The Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence From Kyrgyzstan, Saeed Ahmad

Student Research Symposium

The disruptions to migration caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly notable in the former Soviet Union, because before the pandemic the region experienced levels of circular and labor migration, and comparatively lax restrictions on international mobility. Kyrgyzstan and other FSU states are heavily dependent on migrant remittances from Russia, making the border closures and other restrictions during the pandemic a major source of hardship. This paper draws on 20 interviews with citizens of Kyrgyzstan who returned from Russia after March 2020. We ask how individuals and families made the decision to return to Kyrgyzstan in the chaotic and uncertain …

Ukraine And Nato, Josh Bowcut

Student Research Symposium

My research and objective was to find out more information on the Ukrainian and Russian war going on in Ukraine right now. Conflicts have always been very interesting to me and I will be serving in the army when I’m done with school, so I feel it is important to be informed on current events such as that. I also believe that it is important the the US does more to support and uphold freedom of other countries from our enemies. So my whole argument was that Ukraine should have been accepted to NATO long before the threat of the …

From Art To Science: How Chess Engines Have Influenced The Game, Matthew Richey

Student Research Symposium

The development of chess engines has affected nearly every facet of the game, including approach to study, gameplay, and spectating. This has caused considerable controversy in the chess community. This paper aims to show the changes effectuated by these engines have been largely beneficial to the game. Research was conducted by reviewing scholarly articles, interviews with top chess players, and analyzing chess games. While there have been some changes that can be considered harmful to the art form of chess, the popularization and accessibility provided by these engines led to greater changes within the chess community.

How Is Covid-19 Impacting Student Mental Health And Academic Outcomes A Year Later: A Follow Up Study, Janice Snow

Student Research Symposium

In April 2020, we examined the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduates, mental health distress, and decreases in grades during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic via a national online survey. The current study is a follow-up to this survey a year later in April 2021. Undergraduate students were recruited for a survey both years (two independent random samples) via instructor announcements, email, listserv, or social media. In spring 2020, higher depressive symptoms, general anxiety, and academic distress were associated with a reported decline in grades. Perceived grade declines were also correlated with higher financial concerns and risk for …

Examining The Impact Of Community Racism And Classism On Human Service Organizations, Nadene Kimball, Erin Nielsen

Student Research Symposium

Racism and classism have been substantial social problems across history and are still prevalent today. Human service nonprofit organizations (HSOs) play an important role in helping people who are affected by racism and classism and are often the most marginalized, oppressed, and vulnerable in communities. A recent study encountered rural nonprofits in the South region of the U.S. that indicated racism and downward classism negatively affected their ability to provide services in their communities (Walters, 2020). To our knowledge, no studies have examined the impact of racism and downward classism on human service organizations and their operations. Thus, the current …

Then And Now: The Evolution Of The Psychology Undergraduate Program At Utah State University, Abigail Hamblin, Amy Mackliet, River Mckinlay

Student Research Symposium

The history of Utah State University’s Psychology Department has significantly influenced the current activities and goals of the department, and this presentation will exemplify how that is so. Throughout the Psychology Department’s history, a common theme was focusing on research, teacher education programs, and instructing the individual undergraduate student to be more prepared for their life after graduation (USU Mission Statement, n.d.). This theme has continued on today through the department’s mission. For instance, the program strives to inspire scientific inquiry and critical thinking, which is done through various courses, including both undergraduate and graduate courses that focus on research …

Violence Experienced In Immigrant Communities, Katherine Flores

Student Research Symposium

Violence is sadly not a new concept to those in immigrant communities. Many immigrants leave their home country for the United States in hopes of finding a better life, not just for themselves but for their families as well. Sadly, what awaits them here, in many cases, is the same thing that they were running from. Violence takes many faces, such as street gangs and domestic violence, and immigrants experience more injustices such as racism and economic struggles. Through these narratives, one can see the struggles of what it means to be an immigrant in the United States and the …

How Childhood Emotional And Verbal Abuse Influences Future Adult Relationships, Kinlee Meade

Student Research Symposium

Abuse is a societal issue all around the globe especially emotional and verbal abuse whereas it has the least amount of awareness and no clear definition. My research had the sole purpose of studying how childhood emotional and verbal abuse affects the victims' future adult relationships. My research looked into the long term effects abuse has on the psyche and behavior, including various primary source studies that applied the concepts into environmental situations, and how they influence relationships. It has been discovered that emotional and verbal abuse received during childhood create or worsen pre existing mental health conditions such as; …

Digital Beauty: Social Media And Body Image, Dulce Tena

Student Research Symposium

Social media has created unrealistic standards of what a woman should look like through posts, videos, or ads. Research has shown that social media influences body image and poor self-esteem. Social media is known for being a platform where you can share posts that can include photos of yourself. The problem: Since women are affected by body image because of social media, they don’t feel confident in being able to share photos of themselves. Instead, they resort to long periods of scrolling through other posts and fall victim to social comparison. This project seeks to answer the question as to …

Research In Focus: How Does Urban Development Impact Carbon Emissions From Transportation?, Matthew Mccarthy

Student Research Symposium

This research delves into the issue that America is defined by three large issues. The United States is characterized by high automobile dependence, and community development is characterized by high sprawl and suburbs. These characteristics have allowed the transportation sector to account for the largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions in our nation. In searching for solutions to this problem, the research and work of professors Robert Cervero and Kara Kockelman is presented. Through many papers and research, their nicknamed 5D's and presented. These are 5 principles of design and transportation, that when utilized reduce the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) …

The Effects Of Snapchat On Young Adults, Mckena Morrison

Student Research Symposium

In my research, I was trying to find out the good and bad effects of Snapchat on young adults. I wanted to know the effects it could have on me so I could reassess my daily use of this popular app. This research aims to show that the effects of Snapchat depend on how you use it. When used in a good way the benefits on young adults’ communication and other aspects in their life, outweigh the negative outcomes. In my research, I looked at articles from primary and secondary sources, interviewed some friends and family to get their opinion …

“Me Adjacent”: Alternate Personas And Virtual Worlds, Nichole Bresee, Katie Snow, Whitney Hall, Gracie Wilkinson, Leah Downey

Student Research Symposium

Research shows that people who engage in role-playing games (RPG), from video games to tabletop games, can derive feelings of achievement, as well as social and immersive experiences which can help them reach eudaimonic and hedonic states (Snodgrass et al. 2019). However, gaming has also been linked to negative emotions related to “problematic” and “addictive” play, related to toxic communities and compulsive gameplay. In this project, we examine how avatars — digital and imaginary representations of players — shape emotional states. Through free listing and pile sorting interviews, our results show how gamers relate to their avatars, and how these …

Is Parental Encouragement (As Measured By Piccolo) During Toddlerhood Correlated With High-Risk Behaviors In 5Th Grade? Are These Correlations Different For First-Born Children Versus Children With Older Siblings?, Jocelyn Meyers

Student Research Symposium

Children need support through healthy, positive relationships with adults, but they also need room to grow, learn, and slowly gain independence. The PICCOLO User's guide defines Encouragement as an “Active support of exploration, effort, skills, initiative, curiosity, creativity, and play” (Roggman, et.al., 2013). Parental support and encouragement of autonomy is correlated with better development of self-regulation and brain development, and can even influence executive functioning and parent-child relationships (Bernier, et al., 2010). Studies have already shown that proper encouragement in early childhood is linked to healthy development, Ispa, et al. (2004) found that maternal intrusiveness or lack of encouragement and …

A Content And Sentiment Analysis Of Facebook Posts Regarding Wild Horse Management, Libbie Anderson

Student Research Symposium

Controversy surrounding wild horse populations and public lands use has directly affected 177 herd management areas over 26.9 million acres across 10 western states, and grasped the attention of thousands across the nation. As a topic that impacts agriculture, public land use policy, and sparks public conversation, there is a need to understand how wild horse management is being communicated and perceived. The purpose of this study was to better understand public sentiment and current conversations on Facebook regarding wild horse management practices, including fertility control, roundups, and adoption. This was done by conducting a quantitative content analysis and social …

Adapting To Survive, Building To Thrive: A Single Case Study Of A Housing Nonprofit In Rural Kentucky, Amber Post

Student Research Symposium

Rural nonprofits work to combat social and economic challenges their communities face by providing vital support and resources. Rural nonprofits provide jobs, support local businesses, help meet the basic needs of individuals, and advocate for vulnerable populations. Organizations face challenges when operating in rural areas including difficulty finding funding, retaining qualified employees, lack of resources, and limited opportunities for forming partnerships. In this single qualitative case study, the HOMES, a housing nonprofit, impact on social and economic development of Letcher County, Kentucky was examined. HOMES has utilized creative methods to bolster the economy of Letcher County including providing energy-efficient rental …

The Need For Gender Neutral Spaces, Ainsley Statham

Student Research Symposium

An ongoing problem all over the country are universities and the lack of gender-neutral spaces. Students all over are asking for safe and welcoming spaces so they do not have to fear for their safety while on campus. Over the last 10 years, universities have started to adapt their already built spaces to accommodate the needs of their students and faculty by making them gender neutral. I started to research what universities in the country are going above and beyond to make sure their students are safe in contrast to the not-so-great campuses that choose to ignore their students needs. …

Would Free College Tuition Detriment Or Benefit Our Future Society?, Alexee Bambrough

Student Research Symposium

College tuition costs are becoming increasingly more expensive. My research was to understand if eliminating college tuition would benefit or detriment our future society. In conducting my research I used library databases to find primary and secondary sources. I focused heavily on statistics and first hand experiences. From these sources I was able to discover that the college tuition costs are contributing to large amounts of student debt, bigger gaps in equality, and a less educated society. It can be argued that eliminating college tuition costs would overall benefit our future society.

Attribution Of Discrimination To The Self In Racial Minorities And Adolescent Females, Natalie Rust

Student Research Symposium

Discrimination among marginalized groups has been shown to affect individuals’ view of themselves (Yang & Gao, 2019; Strehlow et al., 2021; Rivera, 2021). This study seeks to observe self-attribution rates in minoritized groups, specifically in people of color and adolescent females. From a Qualtrics survey, researchers observed adolescents’ experiences with and attributions of discrimination. Respondents had the opportunity to attribute discrimination as resulting from race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, weight, immigration status, or “other”. For adolescents who chose “other”, they were allowed to describe an additional attribution in their own words. Specifically for this study, only participants who chose “other” as …

Rural Nonprofit Fundraising Capacity: What Can We Learn From Current Practices?, Janice Snow

Student Research Symposium

Rural nonprofits in the U.S. strive to maintain and improve the quality of life in rural communities, but in many cases are lacking the resources to be effective. Rural nonprofits often have larger services areas while operating with less funding. Little is known about rural nonprofit fundraising and grant writing capacity because previous research has focused on nonprofits in general or urban nonprofits. With differences in organization size, community demographics, and geographical contextual issues, rural nonprofits may need to use different strategies to achieve financial health and stability. Further, rural communities in the U.S. were differentially affected by the COVID-19 …

The Importance Of Sleep, Julio Arronte

Student Research Symposium

Many people nowadays struggle with sleep. Research has shown that 22% of people struggle with sleepand out of those, 66% have a sleep disorder. This shows how complicated the sleep process is for the vast majority of people. My research was organized in many stages, first I wrote down what I already knew about sleep (which was nothing compared to the amount of things I found after my research). Secondly, I started looking at a lot of research projects led by the best scientists and organizations about sleep. I found that sleep is divided into many sections and what happens …