2020 Abstracts
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Authenticating artifacts through non-destructive methods
Melgar, Emiliano; Calligaro, Thomas; Wendt, Carl; Delsescaux, Jeffery; Bernard, Henri; Robles, Alma; Claes, Pieterjan; Rojas, Miguel; GarcIa, Martha; Castillo, Sabrina; Garber, James; Kenneth, Hirth; Grove, David; Hoopes, John; Juarez-Rodriguez, Octavio; Argote-Espino, Denisse; Santos-Ramirez, Marco; Lopez-Garcia, Pedro; Manrique-Ortega, Mayra; Mitrani, A.; Casanova-Gonzales, Edgar; Jimenez-Galindo, L.; Ruvalcaba-Sil, Jose; Solis Ciriaco, Reyna; Curado, Jessica; Laclavetine, Killian; Cruz, R.; Manzanilla, Linda (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Forest, Marion (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Anthropology); Allison, Jim (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Anthropology)
The collecting of antiquities has been popular since Roman times. In recent years, however, this practice has become more and more disheartening for archaeologists as they try to piece together history. Private collections donated to museums often lack the provenience of the artifacts and include many fakes. Such is the case with the collection of greenstone artifacts privately donated to BYU's Museum of Peoples and Cultures starting in the 1970s. An analysis of this collection strove to develop a methodology of identifying the fake from the authentic artifacts through non-destructive methods. Initially, visual examination of the artifacts was completed including microwear analysis and recording the color and density of the stones. Further authenticating methods included microscopy, X-ray florescence, and SEM (scanning electron microscope). Through a thorough examination of the density and color of the stone as well as the elements present as shown by the PXRF scan, an endeavor was made to identify what stone the artifact was made of and its source. Using the resulting data, a detailed catalog was created of the artifacts. Employing these same analyses, museums everywhere can check the authenticity of donated collections and possibly source the artifacts.
Faculty Advisor: Forest, Marion (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Anthropology); Allison, Jim (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Anthropology)
The collecting of antiquities has been popular since Roman times. In recent years, however, this practice has become more and more disheartening for archaeologists as they try to piece together history. Private collections donated to museums often lack the provenience of the artifacts and include many fakes. Such is the case with the collection of greenstone artifacts privately donated to BYU's Museum of Peoples and Cultures starting in the 1970s. An analysis of this collection strove to develop a methodology of identifying the fake from the authentic artifacts through non-destructive methods. Initially, visual examination of the artifacts was completed including microwear analysis and recording the color and density of the stones. Further authenticating methods included microscopy, X-ray florescence, and SEM (scanning electron microscope). Through a thorough examination of the density and color of the stone as well as the elements present as shown by the PXRF scan, an endeavor was made to identify what stone the artifact was made of and its source. Using the resulting data, a detailed catalog was created of the artifacts. Employing these same analyses, museums everywhere can check the authenticity of donated collections and possibly source the artifacts.
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Structural Violence Against the Black Motherhood
Bostick, Aubrey; Hill, Huiying (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Hill, Huiying (Weber State University, Sociology and Anthropology)
Infant mortality rates for black women are significantly higher than white women. More specifically, during high risk pregnancies. These include pregnancies for women before the age of 20, and between the ages of 40-54. Through quantitative and qualitative secondary analysis utilizing conflict theory, the research indicates environmental and socioeconomic impacts derived from eugenicist practices that uniquely impact black pregnant women. Eugenicist practices are at the root of infant mortality rates for pregnant black women as a consequence of exploitation that formulates modern reproductive care. First, environmental factors to be explored include food deserts, gentrification, geographic location to healthcare centers, and pollution. These factors are essential to explore because they directly create internal factors. Which is why the second area of exploration is the stress of being a pregnant black woman. These factors include societal pressure, medical pressure, and a lack of preventative reproductive and post pregnancy care. Both environmental and internal factors stem from cyclical poverty, and produce chronic healthcare conditions that yield infant mortality. This research offers the unique consideration of diet, and disproportionate access to medical care while encompassing the history of modern reproductive care. This research has the capacity to create a dynamic approach to reducing infant mortality rates specifically for at-risk pregnant black women.
Faculty Advisor: Hill, Huiying (Weber State University, Sociology and Anthropology)
Infant mortality rates for black women are significantly higher than white women. More specifically, during high risk pregnancies. These include pregnancies for women before the age of 20, and between the ages of 40-54. Through quantitative and qualitative secondary analysis utilizing conflict theory, the research indicates environmental and socioeconomic impacts derived from eugenicist practices that uniquely impact black pregnant women. Eugenicist practices are at the root of infant mortality rates for pregnant black women as a consequence of exploitation that formulates modern reproductive care. First, environmental factors to be explored include food deserts, gentrification, geographic location to healthcare centers, and pollution. These factors are essential to explore because they directly create internal factors. Which is why the second area of exploration is the stress of being a pregnant black woman. These factors include societal pressure, medical pressure, and a lack of preventative reproductive and post pregnancy care. Both environmental and internal factors stem from cyclical poverty, and produce chronic healthcare conditions that yield infant mortality. This research offers the unique consideration of diet, and disproportionate access to medical care while encompassing the history of modern reproductive care. This research has the capacity to create a dynamic approach to reducing infant mortality rates specifically for at-risk pregnant black women.
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The Effects of Sex, Appropriateness, and Relevance of Instructor Self-Disclosure on Perceived Credibility
Dahl, AnnElise; Rich, Emily; Marchant, Amy; Baird, Todd (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Baird, Todd (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology Department)
The present research examines the effects of content relevance and appropriateness of instructor self-disclosure as well as the sex of the professor and the sex of the student on students' perceptions of instructor credibility (competence, goodwill, and trustworthiness). Participants, consisting of approximately 150 college students, filled out a survey which measured each of these variables. As data collection is in its preliminary stages, results are forthcoming. When gathered, the data are expected to be consistent with previous research in the field which show that appropriateness of instructor disclosure will be positively correlated with instructor credibility. Previous research has suggested that content relevance will be positively correlated with instructor credibility, that content relevance will be positively correlated with appropriateness of instructor disclosures, and that male students will perceive instructor disclosure to be more appropriate than female students. In addition, the authors expect male students to rate instructors as more credible than female students. Finally, students are expected to perceive female professors as more appropriate than male professors and to perceive female professors as more credible than male professors.
Faculty Advisor: Baird, Todd (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology Department)
The present research examines the effects of content relevance and appropriateness of instructor self-disclosure as well as the sex of the professor and the sex of the student on students' perceptions of instructor credibility (competence, goodwill, and trustworthiness). Participants, consisting of approximately 150 college students, filled out a survey which measured each of these variables. As data collection is in its preliminary stages, results are forthcoming. When gathered, the data are expected to be consistent with previous research in the field which show that appropriateness of instructor disclosure will be positively correlated with instructor credibility. Previous research has suggested that content relevance will be positively correlated with instructor credibility, that content relevance will be positively correlated with appropriateness of instructor disclosures, and that male students will perceive instructor disclosure to be more appropriate than female students. In addition, the authors expect male students to rate instructors as more credible than female students. Finally, students are expected to perceive female professors as more appropriate than male professors and to perceive female professors as more credible than male professors.
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Taking Breaks: Comparing the Impact of Mindfulness versus Social Media
Lotulelei, Tiffany; Darowski, Emily; Erekson, David (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Darowski, Emily (Brigham Young University, Harold B. Lee Library); Erekson, David (Brigham Young University, Counseling and Psychological Services)
Social media is becoming an increasingly popular means of communication and content sharing; this rise is especially prevalent among young adults, including university students. We are not aware of any research that has examined the impact, positive or negative, of using social media during study breaks. Current research has shown that mindfulness - defined as being non-judgmentally aware of the present moment - is negatively associated with social media use and is a common intervention for many of the negative outcomes that are associated with excessive social media use. It remains unknown, however, whether a brief mindfulness practice during a study break impacts university students, and how that effect compares to the effect of other study break activities, including social media use. The purpose of this research project was to compare the effect of three different types of study breaks: using social media, participating in mindfulness meditation, or simply sitting (control group). College students were placed in a setting where they were asked to complete a remote associates task (RAT). In the midst of the difficult task, they were given a break period and, depending on the condition, spent the break either practicing mindfulness, using social media, or simply sitting quietly. Pre/post ratings of mindfulness, stress, and anxiety were gathered along with performance measures on the RAT task. Preliminary data shows that the mindfulness break decreases feelings of stress and anxiety compared to the social media break. RAT performance was not affected, but this may represent a floor effect. These findings suggest that compared to social media, mindfulness is a more effective break in reducing anxiety and stress for university students. Students can use this knowledge to help them engage in more effective study strategies. More research is needed to determine whether using social media or practicing mindfulness impacts one's performance.
Faculty Advisor: Darowski, Emily (Brigham Young University, Harold B. Lee Library); Erekson, David (Brigham Young University, Counseling and Psychological Services)
Social media is becoming an increasingly popular means of communication and content sharing; this rise is especially prevalent among young adults, including university students. We are not aware of any research that has examined the impact, positive or negative, of using social media during study breaks. Current research has shown that mindfulness - defined as being non-judgmentally aware of the present moment - is negatively associated with social media use and is a common intervention for many of the negative outcomes that are associated with excessive social media use. It remains unknown, however, whether a brief mindfulness practice during a study break impacts university students, and how that effect compares to the effect of other study break activities, including social media use. The purpose of this research project was to compare the effect of three different types of study breaks: using social media, participating in mindfulness meditation, or simply sitting (control group). College students were placed in a setting where they were asked to complete a remote associates task (RAT). In the midst of the difficult task, they were given a break period and, depending on the condition, spent the break either practicing mindfulness, using social media, or simply sitting quietly. Pre/post ratings of mindfulness, stress, and anxiety were gathered along with performance measures on the RAT task. Preliminary data shows that the mindfulness break decreases feelings of stress and anxiety compared to the social media break. RAT performance was not affected, but this may represent a floor effect. These findings suggest that compared to social media, mindfulness is a more effective break in reducing anxiety and stress for university students. Students can use this knowledge to help them engage in more effective study strategies. More research is needed to determine whether using social media or practicing mindfulness impacts one's performance.
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The Border Wall
Black, Justin (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Smith-Johnson, Amber (Utah Valley University, English)
Many American's disagree on immigration policy, especially the southern border. Nobody can agree on what a secure border is, making the task to secure it impossible. When both sides adamantly oppose each other, refusing to compromise, or even listen, it's extremely difficult to compose a solution. Through my research, I hope to provide a realistic method to strengthen the border that would appease the differing views on the subject. The smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration are dire situations that demand action. However, a wall isn't the answer. Esteban Flores breaks down past successful border walls in Egypt, Spain, and Israel, comparing them to the projected wall in America. As proposed, history shows the wall alone will fail. Smugglers have proven capable of getting around the existing border. Whichever means employed, adding more won't deter them. We can learn this from Egypt's wall, which didn't impede contraband at all. Smugglers dug beneath it, until the government added twenty meters underground. Using Spain's wall, we can see that it won't stop those determined to get here. More drastic measures will be taken to bypass the extra security, resulting in an increase of fatalities. Most immigrants now get to America by plane as well. Two-thirds of illegal immigrants residing in America came on a Visa and never left. We don't have the time, nor money, to waste on a wall that history has shown will not work. I propose that we implement technology at the border. Drones, ground sensors, and cameras have the capacity to be more effective and less expensive than a wall. Combining this strategy at the border with new legislation that expands all quotas and caps, illegal immigration will go down, illegal activity at the border will be gridlocked, and lives will be saved.
Faculty Advisor: Smith-Johnson, Amber (Utah Valley University, English)
Many American's disagree on immigration policy, especially the southern border. Nobody can agree on what a secure border is, making the task to secure it impossible. When both sides adamantly oppose each other, refusing to compromise, or even listen, it's extremely difficult to compose a solution. Through my research, I hope to provide a realistic method to strengthen the border that would appease the differing views on the subject. The smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration are dire situations that demand action. However, a wall isn't the answer. Esteban Flores breaks down past successful border walls in Egypt, Spain, and Israel, comparing them to the projected wall in America. As proposed, history shows the wall alone will fail. Smugglers have proven capable of getting around the existing border. Whichever means employed, adding more won't deter them. We can learn this from Egypt's wall, which didn't impede contraband at all. Smugglers dug beneath it, until the government added twenty meters underground. Using Spain's wall, we can see that it won't stop those determined to get here. More drastic measures will be taken to bypass the extra security, resulting in an increase of fatalities. Most immigrants now get to America by plane as well. Two-thirds of illegal immigrants residing in America came on a Visa and never left. We don't have the time, nor money, to waste on a wall that history has shown will not work. I propose that we implement technology at the border. Drones, ground sensors, and cameras have the capacity to be more effective and less expensive than a wall. Combining this strategy at the border with new legislation that expands all quotas and caps, illegal immigration will go down, illegal activity at the border will be gridlocked, and lives will be saved.
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Speech perception of various acoustic structures in children with speech delay with and without dyslexia
Ipsen, Melannee; Allen, Audrey; Urness, Katherine; Thacker, Melinda; Cabbage, Kathryn (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Cabbage, Kathryn (McKay School of Education, Communication Disorders)
Speech delays affect up to 12% of children and are the most common communication disorder treated by speech-language pathologists (Lewis et al., 2006). Furthermore, approximately 18% of preschool-aged children with speech delay will develop dyslexia or other reading impairments (Lewis et al., 2011).
Current research agrees that both children with SD and those with dyslexia have deficits in phonology---the underlying system responsible for processing and organizing speech sounds (Anthony et al., 2011; Snowling, 2000). Both children with SD and children with dyslexia have specific deficits in speech perception (Lof & Synan, 1997; Rosen, 2003). It is unclear the degree to which these groups differ in underlying aspects of phonology, such as speech perception. Prior research suggests that these children may display distinct speech perception patterns based on their SD or dyslexia status (Cabbage, Hogan, and Carrell, 2016; Johnson et al., 2011). Speech components that cause speech perception difficulties for children with SD may be different from those that cause difficulty for those with dyslexia. Specifically, children with SD have been shown to have more difficulty perceiving the rapid temporal aspects, or spectral structure, of speech (e.g., formant frequency transitions) while those with dyslexia have been shown to have more difficulties perceiving the more global structure of speech (e.g., amplitude envelopes, syllabic cues) (Cabbage, et al., 2016; Goswami, 2011; Johnson et al., 2011).
The current study compares speech perception abilities in children with SD, children with SD+dyslexia, and typical peers in speech modified in spectral and global acoustic structure. We expect children with SD or SD+dyslexia will show poorer perception for spectral speech tasks and only children with SD+dyslexia will show poorer perception for global speech tasks. These findings will be used to help detect which children with SDs are at a higher risk for developing dyslexia.
Faculty Advisor: Cabbage, Kathryn (McKay School of Education, Communication Disorders)
Speech delays affect up to 12% of children and are the most common communication disorder treated by speech-language pathologists (Lewis et al., 2006). Furthermore, approximately 18% of preschool-aged children with speech delay will develop dyslexia or other reading impairments (Lewis et al., 2011).
Current research agrees that both children with SD and those with dyslexia have deficits in phonology---the underlying system responsible for processing and organizing speech sounds (Anthony et al., 2011; Snowling, 2000). Both children with SD and children with dyslexia have specific deficits in speech perception (Lof & Synan, 1997; Rosen, 2003). It is unclear the degree to which these groups differ in underlying aspects of phonology, such as speech perception. Prior research suggests that these children may display distinct speech perception patterns based on their SD or dyslexia status (Cabbage, Hogan, and Carrell, 2016; Johnson et al., 2011). Speech components that cause speech perception difficulties for children with SD may be different from those that cause difficulty for those with dyslexia. Specifically, children with SD have been shown to have more difficulty perceiving the rapid temporal aspects, or spectral structure, of speech (e.g., formant frequency transitions) while those with dyslexia have been shown to have more difficulties perceiving the more global structure of speech (e.g., amplitude envelopes, syllabic cues) (Cabbage, et al., 2016; Goswami, 2011; Johnson et al., 2011).
The current study compares speech perception abilities in children with SD, children with SD+dyslexia, and typical peers in speech modified in spectral and global acoustic structure. We expect children with SD or SD+dyslexia will show poorer perception for spectral speech tasks and only children with SD+dyslexia will show poorer perception for global speech tasks. These findings will be used to help detect which children with SDs are at a higher risk for developing dyslexia.
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Teaching and Enforcing Burnout Among Grade School Students
Mattei, Dustin; Angell, Emma; Truman, Savanah; Wood, Kyle; Holiday, Pam; Gonzales, Veronica; Price, Ashton (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Oxley, Robert (Dixie State university, Applied Sociology)
This presentation analyzes the teaching and acceptance of burnout within the societal contract for children in the Washington County school district in Utah. This study, from the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at Dixie State University, as part of the Quality of Life Initiative, seeks to evaluate burnout among children ages 5-18 in the Washington County School District. Through the literary review, it is suggested that our society creates a culture of burnout, which is taught and accepted at young ages. Such teaching creates a life-long subconscious contract of acceptance of burnout among affected members within our society. Some symptoms of burnout can include; anxiety, depression, headaches, chronic stress, insomnia, forgetfulness, etc. Furthermore, seeking help for burnout symptoms has been frowned upon by society, until recently with the emergence of Wellness Rooms. This response to burnout among children in Washington County School District shows that acceptance has been established. The ISR team has developed a survey instrument currently in circulation at Dixie State University. We expect our data to correlate with the preparatory research conducted by the Institute of Social Research.
Faculty Advisor: Oxley, Robert (Dixie State university, Applied Sociology)
This presentation analyzes the teaching and acceptance of burnout within the societal contract for children in the Washington County school district in Utah. This study, from the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at Dixie State University, as part of the Quality of Life Initiative, seeks to evaluate burnout among children ages 5-18 in the Washington County School District. Through the literary review, it is suggested that our society creates a culture of burnout, which is taught and accepted at young ages. Such teaching creates a life-long subconscious contract of acceptance of burnout among affected members within our society. Some symptoms of burnout can include; anxiety, depression, headaches, chronic stress, insomnia, forgetfulness, etc. Furthermore, seeking help for burnout symptoms has been frowned upon by society, until recently with the emergence of Wellness Rooms. This response to burnout among children in Washington County School District shows that acceptance has been established. The ISR team has developed a survey instrument currently in circulation at Dixie State University. We expect our data to correlate with the preparatory research conducted by the Institute of Social Research.
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Surviving Structure: Intersections of USU Administrative Articulations & Campus Sexual Assault Survivor Spaces
Candiloro, Taelor (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Glass-Coffin, Bonnie (College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Department)
Over the past ten years, a growing national discourse about the issue of campus sexual assault has led to an increase in quantitative studies that analyze its prevalence on campus as well as the effectiveness of campus policies that have been institutionalized in order to address the systemic issue. Policies that have emerged to describe sexual assault may use specialized vocabulary that appears distant from the terms used by survivors when self-identifying, which may result in unintended consequences when policies are implemented. Using Utah State University's campus resources as a site of inquiry, this study examines language used by Title IX officers at Utah State University as they describe sexual and interpersonal violence among themselves, when addressing the student body, and among sexual assault survivors. Developed as part of a course in Ethnographic Methods at Utah State University, this qualitative study attempts to provide insight into this dynamic. Through a mixed-methods approach including ethnographic interviews, auto-ethnographic accounts of the author's experiences attending and interacting with various campus institutions, and analyses of contemporary tools of data collection, a network of identity emerges that contributes to a better understanding of how sexual assault policies might be improved to articulate alongside survivor experiences.
Faculty Advisor: Glass-Coffin, Bonnie (College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Department)
Over the past ten years, a growing national discourse about the issue of campus sexual assault has led to an increase in quantitative studies that analyze its prevalence on campus as well as the effectiveness of campus policies that have been institutionalized in order to address the systemic issue. Policies that have emerged to describe sexual assault may use specialized vocabulary that appears distant from the terms used by survivors when self-identifying, which may result in unintended consequences when policies are implemented. Using Utah State University's campus resources as a site of inquiry, this study examines language used by Title IX officers at Utah State University as they describe sexual and interpersonal violence among themselves, when addressing the student body, and among sexual assault survivors. Developed as part of a course in Ethnographic Methods at Utah State University, this qualitative study attempts to provide insight into this dynamic. Through a mixed-methods approach including ethnographic interviews, auto-ethnographic accounts of the author's experiences attending and interacting with various campus institutions, and analyses of contemporary tools of data collection, a network of identity emerges that contributes to a better understanding of how sexual assault policies might be improved to articulate alongside survivor experiences.
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Spatial Relationships and Sex in Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata)
Goodrich, Ellie; Seaboch, Melissa (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (University of Utah, Anthropology)
Alouatta palliata (the mantled howler monkey) form large, cohesive multimale multifemale groups. Within these groups there are prominent male dominance hierarchies and both males and females disperse from natal groups. Although A. palliata groups are cohesive, interactions among individuals are rare. Spatial relationships in primate groups aren't random and are often telling of the underlying social structure within a group. This project compares three adult dyads in the A. palliata groups of La Selva Biological station, Costa Rica, to examine group cohesion and if there is variation in spatial patterns between the dyads. The dyads include male-male, female-female, and male-female. Data were collected from May 11-May 22 , 2017 and May 11- June 19, 2018. Instantaneous scan samples were taken at two-minute intervals, and for each scan the sex of each individual, the nearest neighbor's sex, and proximity to closest neighbor were recorded. Proximities were visually estimated to the nearest half meter and sex was determined by body size and the presence or absence of scrotum. The data showed that males maintained closer distances with females than with other males, and females maintained closer distances with females than males. The average male-male distance was 4.2 meters, female-female 1.51 meters, and male-female 2.68 meters. The results suggest that sex plays a role in the spatial organization of a group. In A. palliata adult males have been found to rarely interact with other males and will often employ avoidance strategies, explaining the distances observed between males in this study. Female-female dyads tend to maintain closer and more affiliative proximities due to the presence of infants and the lack of competition for mating and food resources. There are also more females present in A. palliata troop than males, increasing the likelihood that males would be in proximity to females rather than other males.
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (University of Utah, Anthropology)
Alouatta palliata (the mantled howler monkey) form large, cohesive multimale multifemale groups. Within these groups there are prominent male dominance hierarchies and both males and females disperse from natal groups. Although A. palliata groups are cohesive, interactions among individuals are rare. Spatial relationships in primate groups aren't random and are often telling of the underlying social structure within a group. This project compares three adult dyads in the A. palliata groups of La Selva Biological station, Costa Rica, to examine group cohesion and if there is variation in spatial patterns between the dyads. The dyads include male-male, female-female, and male-female. Data were collected from May 11-May 22 , 2017 and May 11- June 19, 2018. Instantaneous scan samples were taken at two-minute intervals, and for each scan the sex of each individual, the nearest neighbor's sex, and proximity to closest neighbor were recorded. Proximities were visually estimated to the nearest half meter and sex was determined by body size and the presence or absence of scrotum. The data showed that males maintained closer distances with females than with other males, and females maintained closer distances with females than males. The average male-male distance was 4.2 meters, female-female 1.51 meters, and male-female 2.68 meters. The results suggest that sex plays a role in the spatial organization of a group. In A. palliata adult males have been found to rarely interact with other males and will often employ avoidance strategies, explaining the distances observed between males in this study. Female-female dyads tend to maintain closer and more affiliative proximities due to the presence of infants and the lack of competition for mating and food resources. There are also more females present in A. palliata troop than males, increasing the likelihood that males would be in proximity to females rather than other males.
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The Collegiate Optimism Orientation Test
Braithwaite, Scott; Bingham, Emilia; Deichman, Conner; Esplin, Charlotte; Evans, Libby; Hileman, Rachel (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Braithwaite, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Clinical Psychology)
No test has yet been developed to measure academic optimism among college students. This is a critical oversight given the correlation between levels of optimism, mental health, and academic success. In the last 12 months, approximately 40 - 60% of undergraduates have felt anxiety and/or depression to the point of impairment. This distress impacts academic performance, retention, and graduation rates. Students who consider themselves pessimistic are more likely to drop classes. Optimism appears to be protective against the stress of college. Anxiety, depression, and stress have shown negative correlations with optimistic thinking. Measuring academic optimism may bring awareness to students and counselors and be used to determine who may benefit from tertiary interventions.
The Collegiate Optimism Orientation Test (COOT), is a 14-item 4-point Likert scale measure of academic optimism. 437 participants were recruited through a national sample through Mturk.com. Data analysis is pending and will be completed by November 2019. A preliminary analysis of the COOT administered to 142 college students revealed good reliability (α = .85) and two extracted factors (eigenvalues=4.42 and 1.09). In addition to presenting our full findings from our replication of the pilot, we will discuss the potential implications of our measure in clinical settings for college students.
Faculty Advisor: Braithwaite, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Clinical Psychology)
No test has yet been developed to measure academic optimism among college students. This is a critical oversight given the correlation between levels of optimism, mental health, and academic success. In the last 12 months, approximately 40 - 60% of undergraduates have felt anxiety and/or depression to the point of impairment. This distress impacts academic performance, retention, and graduation rates. Students who consider themselves pessimistic are more likely to drop classes. Optimism appears to be protective against the stress of college. Anxiety, depression, and stress have shown negative correlations with optimistic thinking. Measuring academic optimism may bring awareness to students and counselors and be used to determine who may benefit from tertiary interventions.
The Collegiate Optimism Orientation Test (COOT), is a 14-item 4-point Likert scale measure of academic optimism. 437 participants were recruited through a national sample through Mturk.com. Data analysis is pending and will be completed by November 2019. A preliminary analysis of the COOT administered to 142 college students revealed good reliability (α = .85) and two extracted factors (eigenvalues=4.42 and 1.09). In addition to presenting our full findings from our replication of the pilot, we will discuss the potential implications of our measure in clinical settings for college students.
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Sleep Sites of the Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata) in Costa Rica
Hoopes, Holly (Salt Lake Community College)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (Salt Lake Community College, Anthropology)
Documenting primate sleep sites is a useful way to census troop composition because recording the troop's arrival to and dispersal from a sleep site can offer a better understanding of the whole troop, especially for species that are fission-fusion foragers. My goal was to understand sleep site selection by Alouatta palliata. Past studies suggest that howler monkeys (genus Alouatta) sleep in or near food-source trees. Alouatta species are the most folivorous of all Neotropical species with a preference for trees in the Moraceae family (e.g. Brosimum, Ficus). I predict Alouatta palliata will sleep most often in trees in the Moraceae family. This research took place at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. La Selva consists of 1,600 ha with both primary and secondary forests. This research was conducted at the start of the wet season (May and June) in 2018. I followed A. palliata to their nightly sleep site and recorded the trees they were sleeping in, at the Family level. The Family of the tree was identified with the use of the online OTS Plant Database in combination with the physical samples in the herbarium archives. I was able to record 27 nocturnal sleep sites with a total of 47 trees used for sleeping. Of the 47 trees, 18 were in the Fabaceae family (38%) and 11 were in the Moraceae family (23%). They also slept in Myristicaceae, (4%) and Malvaceae trees (2%). Fifteen sleeping trees were unidentified. Thus, my hypothesis that howler monkeys would sleep most in Moraceae, was refuted. However, Fabaceae trees are a commonly known food resource for howler monkeys, so my results are similar to prior research which found they sleep in or near food-source trees. Interestingly, I never observed them eating in the trees in which they slept.
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (Salt Lake Community College, Anthropology)
Documenting primate sleep sites is a useful way to census troop composition because recording the troop's arrival to and dispersal from a sleep site can offer a better understanding of the whole troop, especially for species that are fission-fusion foragers. My goal was to understand sleep site selection by Alouatta palliata. Past studies suggest that howler monkeys (genus Alouatta) sleep in or near food-source trees. Alouatta species are the most folivorous of all Neotropical species with a preference for trees in the Moraceae family (e.g. Brosimum, Ficus). I predict Alouatta palliata will sleep most often in trees in the Moraceae family. This research took place at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. La Selva consists of 1,600 ha with both primary and secondary forests. This research was conducted at the start of the wet season (May and June) in 2018. I followed A. palliata to their nightly sleep site and recorded the trees they were sleeping in, at the Family level. The Family of the tree was identified with the use of the online OTS Plant Database in combination with the physical samples in the herbarium archives. I was able to record 27 nocturnal sleep sites with a total of 47 trees used for sleeping. Of the 47 trees, 18 were in the Fabaceae family (38%) and 11 were in the Moraceae family (23%). They also slept in Myristicaceae, (4%) and Malvaceae trees (2%). Fifteen sleeping trees were unidentified. Thus, my hypothesis that howler monkeys would sleep most in Moraceae, was refuted. However, Fabaceae trees are a commonly known food resource for howler monkeys, so my results are similar to prior research which found they sleep in or near food-source trees. Interestingly, I never observed them eating in the trees in which they slept.
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The Connection Between Service-Connected Disability and Suicide Ideation and Behaviors
Davis, Justin; Hinkson, Kent; Brooks, Malisa; Bryan, Craig (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Hinkson, Kent (University of Utah, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences)
Suicide is currently the tenth leading cause of death in the United States (Heron, 2019), and poses a public health crisis which many organizations are attempting to understand, decrease, and altogether prevent. While military service has historically functioned as a protective factor against suicide, the year 2008 marked a turning point with veteran suicide exceeding the demographically-matched rate for that of civilians in the US (Schoenbaum et al., 2014). In 2016, US veteran rates of suicide were 150% higher than civilian rates after adjusting for age and gender (US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2018). Physical and psychological service-connected disabilities such as PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and ambulatory issues influence rates of suicidal ideation, behavior, and attempts. The main aim of this study was to understand which categories of service-connected disability, if any, correlate with increased or decreased rates of suicidal ideation, attempt, and behavior. The findings of this nationwide study involving 487 student veterans suggest that the type of disability is indeed related to not only rates of suicide, but also severity of ideation and behaviors. Additionally, academic accommodations for these disabilities were found to be related to a significant reduction of suicide risk. These findings provide significant implications for the screening and treatment of at-risk individuals, specifically those on campus. Other aims include understanding limitations of this method of inquiry, future directions for research, and potential implications of findings for targeted interventions of physical and psychological disorders specific to the veteran population.
Faculty Advisor: Hinkson, Kent (University of Utah, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences)
Suicide is currently the tenth leading cause of death in the United States (Heron, 2019), and poses a public health crisis which many organizations are attempting to understand, decrease, and altogether prevent. While military service has historically functioned as a protective factor against suicide, the year 2008 marked a turning point with veteran suicide exceeding the demographically-matched rate for that of civilians in the US (Schoenbaum et al., 2014). In 2016, US veteran rates of suicide were 150% higher than civilian rates after adjusting for age and gender (US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2018). Physical and psychological service-connected disabilities such as PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and ambulatory issues influence rates of suicidal ideation, behavior, and attempts. The main aim of this study was to understand which categories of service-connected disability, if any, correlate with increased or decreased rates of suicidal ideation, attempt, and behavior. The findings of this nationwide study involving 487 student veterans suggest that the type of disability is indeed related to not only rates of suicide, but also severity of ideation and behaviors. Additionally, academic accommodations for these disabilities were found to be related to a significant reduction of suicide risk. These findings provide significant implications for the screening and treatment of at-risk individuals, specifically those on campus. Other aims include understanding limitations of this method of inquiry, future directions for research, and potential implications of findings for targeted interventions of physical and psychological disorders specific to the veteran population.
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The Hour of Hegemonic Masculinity
Ashton, S. Jeramy (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Mizell, Karen (Utah Valley University; Philosophy, Ethics)
This presentation will be based off of the Social Construct Theory and more specifically hegemonic masculinity. After expounding upon the Social Construct Theory being a destructive form of gender norms and exploring how men and women are to act, I will be sharing a slam poem featuring many elements of my experience as a rape survivor and the tie between rape and masculinity. The presentation will begin with exploring how time is owned by hegemonic masculinity and throughout the presentation that power will shift, strength will be found and it will become evident in the conclusion �that this is our finest hour.
Faculty Advisor: Mizell, Karen (Utah Valley University; Philosophy, Ethics)
This presentation will be based off of the Social Construct Theory and more specifically hegemonic masculinity. After expounding upon the Social Construct Theory being a destructive form of gender norms and exploring how men and women are to act, I will be sharing a slam poem featuring many elements of my experience as a rape survivor and the tie between rape and masculinity. The presentation will begin with exploring how time is owned by hegemonic masculinity and throughout the presentation that power will shift, strength will be found and it will become evident in the conclusion �that this is our finest hour.
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Social and Economic factors: The Influencers of Contraceptive Effectiveness
Geist, Claudia: Rodriguez, Johnny (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Geist, Claudia (Sociology, Gender Studies)
Previous research has demonstrated variation between racial and ethnic groups in the patterns of access to, and use of highly effective and long-lasting contraception. There has been a lack of research on how race and ethnicity interact with social and economic predictors of contraceptive method use. Specifically, this research project identifies the variation in the effect of social and economic factors on contraceptive use patterns across ethnic/racial groups. We use data from the HER Salt Lake initiative, a prospective study that provided family planning clients in the state of Utah with various contraceptive choices, while also removing cost barriers. We first summarize social and economic characteristics, potential barriers, and ethnic/racial group. We next replicate existing research that predict usage of effective and long-lasting contraception (IUD and Implants) as a function of social, economic, and demographic characteristics, and more importantly, whether the impact of social and economic factors on contraceptive choice varies across racial and ethnic group. In a final analytic step, this project looks at how the impact of pregnancy intentions on contraceptive method choice varies across racial/ethnic group. Preliminary findings suggest that women of color face significantly higher health care barriers (both social and economic), yet there are no significant differences in the usage of IUDs and implants. By acknowledging social and economic factors as possible barriers to health care more broadly, and contraception specifically, and highlighting racial and ethnic variation in the impact of these factors, we hope to increase access to a wide range of contraceptive choices for all consumers.
Faculty Advisor: Geist, Claudia (Sociology, Gender Studies)
Previous research has demonstrated variation between racial and ethnic groups in the patterns of access to, and use of highly effective and long-lasting contraception. There has been a lack of research on how race and ethnicity interact with social and economic predictors of contraceptive method use. Specifically, this research project identifies the variation in the effect of social and economic factors on contraceptive use patterns across ethnic/racial groups. We use data from the HER Salt Lake initiative, a prospective study that provided family planning clients in the state of Utah with various contraceptive choices, while also removing cost barriers. We first summarize social and economic characteristics, potential barriers, and ethnic/racial group. We next replicate existing research that predict usage of effective and long-lasting contraception (IUD and Implants) as a function of social, economic, and demographic characteristics, and more importantly, whether the impact of social and economic factors on contraceptive choice varies across racial and ethnic group. In a final analytic step, this project looks at how the impact of pregnancy intentions on contraceptive method choice varies across racial/ethnic group. Preliminary findings suggest that women of color face significantly higher health care barriers (both social and economic), yet there are no significant differences in the usage of IUDs and implants. By acknowledging social and economic factors as possible barriers to health care more broadly, and contraception specifically, and highlighting racial and ethnic variation in the impact of these factors, we hope to increase access to a wide range of contraceptive choices for all consumers.
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The Association Between Student Financial Well-Being and Life Management Skills at Utah State University
Walters, Sierra (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Lee, Yoon (Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services, Human Development and Family Studies Department); Johnson, Alena (Emma Jones College of Education & Human Services, Human Development and Family Studies Department)
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between student financial well-being and student life management skills. College is often the first experience individuals have living on their own and manage their own finances. If I can gather data and information regarding the financial understanding, habits, and confidence of students, as a university we can better cater to their financial needs. I will examine through non-experiential survey results how financial well-being such as financial attitudes, habits, behaviors, and knowledge of Utah State University students relate to their life management skills. This survey takes place on the Qualtrics platform. It is anticipated that the data will assess the financial well-being of Utah State Students and the relationship it has on their overall life management. As this study is not the first of its kind, it is exclusively focused on Utah State University. I am confident that this project will provide valuable and useful data for the university. Administrators and faculty members will be able to use this data to further assist the USU student population to develop healthy financial habits, learn management skills such as stress management and health management, and achieve academic success. I am currently in the data accumulation phase of my research. The survey will be closing mid-November, 2019. I will begin data analysis from that point to have the results prepared and ready to present come December 2019.
Faculty Advisor: Lee, Yoon (Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services, Human Development and Family Studies Department); Johnson, Alena (Emma Jones College of Education & Human Services, Human Development and Family Studies Department)
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between student financial well-being and student life management skills. College is often the first experience individuals have living on their own and manage their own finances. If I can gather data and information regarding the financial understanding, habits, and confidence of students, as a university we can better cater to their financial needs. I will examine through non-experiential survey results how financial well-being such as financial attitudes, habits, behaviors, and knowledge of Utah State University students relate to their life management skills. This survey takes place on the Qualtrics platform. It is anticipated that the data will assess the financial well-being of Utah State Students and the relationship it has on their overall life management. As this study is not the first of its kind, it is exclusively focused on Utah State University. I am confident that this project will provide valuable and useful data for the university. Administrators and faculty members will be able to use this data to further assist the USU student population to develop healthy financial habits, learn management skills such as stress management and health management, and achieve academic success. I am currently in the data accumulation phase of my research. The survey will be closing mid-November, 2019. I will begin data analysis from that point to have the results prepared and ready to present come December 2019.
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The Constitutional Context of Public Administration and Executive Orders
Blackburn, Dallas (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Green, Richard (College of Social and Behavioral Science, Department of Political Science)
For a long time, both executive orders and the administrative state have been controversial topics since for many they seem antithetical to the constitutional principles that are at the center of American governance. Here I examine the relationship between executive orders and public administration in the context of four constitutional principles: representative democracy, separation of powers, federalism, and individual liberties, with special considerations of the use and abuses of executive orders within this relationship. I consider this relationship in the context of current instances of executive orders that affect the administrative state. For this analysis, I employ a framework based on a constitutionally-grounded theory of public administration developed by John Rohr that I refer to as the "administrative constitutionalism theory." Additionally, I present two different views on executive orders: one framed by the unitary theory of the executive, and the other by the three zones framework developed by Justice Robert Jackson in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer 343 US 579 (1952). Using that framework, I offer a critique of the unitary theory of the executive as an unacceptable rationale for executive orders in a governmental system built upon constitutional principles. I then present evidence and analysis that the three zones framework offers the proper guidance for the use of executive orders in a way that aligns with these principles, and which is compatible with Rohr's administrative constitutionalism framework. I argue for the use of executive orders in accordance with the three zones framework and administrative constitutionalism as a way of structuring and limiting the use of executive orders to constitutionally appropriate criteria.
Faculty Advisor: Green, Richard (College of Social and Behavioral Science, Department of Political Science)
For a long time, both executive orders and the administrative state have been controversial topics since for many they seem antithetical to the constitutional principles that are at the center of American governance. Here I examine the relationship between executive orders and public administration in the context of four constitutional principles: representative democracy, separation of powers, federalism, and individual liberties, with special considerations of the use and abuses of executive orders within this relationship. I consider this relationship in the context of current instances of executive orders that affect the administrative state. For this analysis, I employ a framework based on a constitutionally-grounded theory of public administration developed by John Rohr that I refer to as the "administrative constitutionalism theory." Additionally, I present two different views on executive orders: one framed by the unitary theory of the executive, and the other by the three zones framework developed by Justice Robert Jackson in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer 343 US 579 (1952). Using that framework, I offer a critique of the unitary theory of the executive as an unacceptable rationale for executive orders in a governmental system built upon constitutional principles. I then present evidence and analysis that the three zones framework offers the proper guidance for the use of executive orders in a way that aligns with these principles, and which is compatible with Rohr's administrative constitutionalism framework. I argue for the use of executive orders in accordance with the three zones framework and administrative constitutionalism as a way of structuring and limiting the use of executive orders to constitutionally appropriate criteria.
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Social Media's contribution to burnout.
Mattei, Dustin; Angell, Emma; Truman, Savanah; Holiday, Pam; Gonzales, Veronica; Price, Ashton (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Oxley, Robert (Dixie State University, Applied Sociology)
As part of Dixie State University's Institute for Social Research, this paper will identify questions pertaining to burnout. Recently, the World Health Organization has deemed burnout as a recognized syndrome. Building off of this new information, the ISR is looking at the overall social acceptance of burnout and how, as a society, it teaches individuals to accept it. Through the lens of symbolic interaction, the ISR looks at how the modern age of technology is affecting this acceptance. Specifically, the modern reliance upon technology is something that is looked at as contributor. The transfer of culture through common symbols is now faster than ever with the emergence of social media platforms. These meanings are portrayed through language, pictures and even trends that reveal societies acceptance of the feelings and symptoms associated with burnout. A great example of this would be the famous picture of the "don't give up!" frog in the stork's mouth. Even though the frog is being eaten, it's still trying to choke the stork. This picture may change, but the point behind the message is always clear, one must keep going even if it seems they are done. This social acceptance of burnout through the means of social media content is one part of the multiple facets the ISR is researching under the subject of burnout.
Faculty Advisor: Oxley, Robert (Dixie State University, Applied Sociology)
As part of Dixie State University's Institute for Social Research, this paper will identify questions pertaining to burnout. Recently, the World Health Organization has deemed burnout as a recognized syndrome. Building off of this new information, the ISR is looking at the overall social acceptance of burnout and how, as a society, it teaches individuals to accept it. Through the lens of symbolic interaction, the ISR looks at how the modern age of technology is affecting this acceptance. Specifically, the modern reliance upon technology is something that is looked at as contributor. The transfer of culture through common symbols is now faster than ever with the emergence of social media platforms. These meanings are portrayed through language, pictures and even trends that reveal societies acceptance of the feelings and symptoms associated with burnout. A great example of this would be the famous picture of the "don't give up!" frog in the stork's mouth. Even though the frog is being eaten, it's still trying to choke the stork. This picture may change, but the point behind the message is always clear, one must keep going even if it seems they are done. This social acceptance of burnout through the means of social media content is one part of the multiple facets the ISR is researching under the subject of burnout.
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The Effect of Incubator Programs for Refugees on Community Economic Development
Kamimura, Akiko; Zhang, Cathleen (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Kamimura, Akiko (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sociology)
The role of immigrants and refugees in American economic communities has long been undervalued and degraded. In recent years, however, some businesses have shifted their focus towards serving and employing immigrants and refugees in hopes of building tolerance and integrating migrants into the local economy. One way community economic theory has been implemented has been through culinary incubator kitchens. Incubators offer training and employment to individuals who are often disadvantaged, such as women, people of color, and refugees or immigrants. In Salt Lake City, the International Rescue Committee has operated the S.P.I.C.E. Kitchen incubator since 2012. In this study, customer perceptions on the services that a culinary incubator kitchen provide are used to examine the relationship between the community, the staff at the incubator kitchen, and customers. Data is being collected through short one-on-one interviews with customers who pick meals up at an incubator, which are then transcribed and analyzed for trends. Preliminary findings have shown that while many customers choose to purchase from S.P.I.C.E. Kitchen in order to support the refugee community, not many know much about what the program does or how it prepares its participants for setting up businesses and contributing to the local economy. Many express a desire to know more about the chefs and the inner workings of the program. Examining these preliminary findings through the lens of the Community Economic Development model shows that the disconnect between customers of S.P.I.C.E. Kitchen and its staff could prevent better integration between the individuals receiving training on opening food businesses and their potential employees, customers, or supporters in the community.
Faculty Advisor: Kamimura, Akiko (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sociology)
The role of immigrants and refugees in American economic communities has long been undervalued and degraded. In recent years, however, some businesses have shifted their focus towards serving and employing immigrants and refugees in hopes of building tolerance and integrating migrants into the local economy. One way community economic theory has been implemented has been through culinary incubator kitchens. Incubators offer training and employment to individuals who are often disadvantaged, such as women, people of color, and refugees or immigrants. In Salt Lake City, the International Rescue Committee has operated the S.P.I.C.E. Kitchen incubator since 2012. In this study, customer perceptions on the services that a culinary incubator kitchen provide are used to examine the relationship between the community, the staff at the incubator kitchen, and customers. Data is being collected through short one-on-one interviews with customers who pick meals up at an incubator, which are then transcribed and analyzed for trends. Preliminary findings have shown that while many customers choose to purchase from S.P.I.C.E. Kitchen in order to support the refugee community, not many know much about what the program does or how it prepares its participants for setting up businesses and contributing to the local economy. Many express a desire to know more about the chefs and the inner workings of the program. Examining these preliminary findings through the lens of the Community Economic Development model shows that the disconnect between customers of S.P.I.C.E. Kitchen and its staff could prevent better integration between the individuals receiving training on opening food businesses and their potential employees, customers, or supporters in the community.
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