2020 Abstracts

Richardson, Harriet (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: George, Daniel (Brigham Young University, Photography)

I am a Utah woman studying photography, and therefore many of my subjects are also Utah women. As I have gotten to research, interact with, and create art with so many unique women, I have come to learn of their stories and experiences. Woman are not only beautiful, but strong and capable beyond comprehension. In my little corner of Utah, many people come and go and presence can be fleeting. Despite this, the similarity between all these women, including myself, is that no matter how much or how little time we spend here, Utah becomes a part of our story and our womanhood. What we learn here, who we meet here, what we create here comes together to enhance us as individuals and the community as a whole. Whether it be through politics, arts, family, or just general life experience – being a Utah women sticks with us and our stories.

Sommers, Taryn; Veon, Raymond (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Veon, Raymond (Caine College of the Arts, Art and Design Department)

A literature search of research and academic journals suggests that there are few critical examinations of LDS visual culture in visual culture research. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the types of gender roles portrayed in contemporary LDS visual culture, the visual codes used to represent these gender roles, and the degree to which the representations of gender used in LDS visual culture align with findings in related visual culture studies. The result of this study will be a description of the current visual strategies used by the LDS church to represent gender roles, a thematic analysis of these visual strategies, and suggestions for future research into the ways that the LDS church visually defines gender in relation to existing trends and themes in visual culture research. The scope will include: “Mormon Ads,” images used in the LDS magazine, “Ensign,” and conference memes used during the years 2016-2019. This will contribute to the field of visual culture and gender studies by examining the visual codes used by the LDS church to portray the role and status of males and females as represented in current LDS visual culture, determining the strategies used in these representations, and discussing the potential research implications of these findings in light of themes in visual culture gender studies. Some research questions are: What visual codes are used in the representation of males, females, and mixed-sex groups in current LDS visual culture? What types of roles and status do these visual codes convey pertaining to the representation of males, females, and mixed-sex groups in current LDS visual culture? What extent do the results of investigating the above research questions align with other research findings in gender and visual culture studies? The methods used in this research will be 1) an inventory of discrete visual codes (e.g. color use, affect/expression, clothing/dress, setting, etc.) used in the LDS visual culture samples, and 2) a separate thematic analysis of the sample will also be conducted. The results of both methods will be compared, analyzed, and discussed in light of current trends in visual culture gender research. While the results of this research are expected to demonstrate that LDS visual culture will emphasize and reinforce traditional gender roles of females as mothers and homemakers and males as leaders and providers, it is hoped that this study will reveal strategies related to gender role representation unique to LDS culture.

Harrison, Jake; Romney, Alexander C. (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Romney, Alexander (Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Marketing and Strategy Department)

Narcissism in organizations is becoming increasingly prevalent, as evidenced by the growing number of CEOs that seek acclaim and dominance, often at the expense of others (Chatterjee, 2017). Narcissism is defined as "individuals for whom enhancing the positivity of the self (specifically, to achieve status and esteem) is overwhelmingly important" (Campbell, 2004), and most often wields a detrimental influence on organizations. Typically, narcissism within organizational leadership has shown to lead employees to view managers' behavior as self-serving, lowering perceptions of managerial trustworthiness and increasing the likelihood of employee silence (Hamstra, 2019). Additionally, scholars have empirically demonstrated that silence provokes specific emotions, with anger being a particularly common emotional consequence of silence (Kirrane, 2017). The main effect of narcissism seems to lie in a stronger arousal of anger (Laurenz, 2013), which in turn may energize employees to proactively change the situation (Lebel, 2016). Employees often generate awareness of specific dissatisfying aspects of work by means of prohibitive voice (Chamberlin, 2017), which emphasizes harmful, failing, or wrongful work practices or events that currently exist (Liang, 2012).
In this study, I hope to examine how a leader's narcissism could arouse anger in employees and energize them to engage in prohibitive voice. Specifically, I hypothesize that a higher level of anger derived from a narcissistic leader's actions will positively correlate to a higher frequency of employee voice.

Hypotheses:
1. Perceived managerial narcissism will relate positively to employee voice.
2. Perceived anger will mediate the relationship between managerial narcissism and employee voice.
3. Employee status will moderate the relationship between managerial narcissism and employee voice.

This study is aimed to contribute to our understanding of the correlation between leadership and employee voice. I will test these hypotheses by recruiting 200 full-time employees to complete a survey. No identifying information will be collected.

Froberg, Matthew (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Asparouhove, Elena (University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business (Finance))

This research examines two fundamental topics of economics: accuracy of prices and the effect of market participation on individuals. In particular, it asks how security structure affects price and allocational efficiency through the equilibration process.

Security structure is defined as the payoff correlation structure between tradable assets. Economists agree that the markets they are studying are in equilibrium and also that there are equilibration forces that will drive markets towards equilibrium if they are not already there (see, for example, Arrow and Hahn (1971)). There is much less agreement, however, on what these equilibration forces are. Furthermore, it is very difficult to learn about these driving forces through the analysis of historical data because not enough is known about the fundamentals (wealth, human capital, and preferences of individuals) of past markets. This represents a great opportunity for experimental finance, where markets can be created in a laboratory setting allowing researchers to know, control, and change the fundamentals of the markets they create. This research examines what asset structures yield the most efficient allocations as a result of imposed fundamentals. The trading platform is Continuous Double Auction and is implemented in a software called Flexemarkets (flexemarkets.com). The main hypothesis is that markets consisting of securities that correlate negatively will exhibit the highest allocational efficiency. Data collection with human traders will be collected in the months of November and December. Pilot sessions with humans suggest that negatively correlated assets aid price discovery but more data is needed to address allocational efficiency.

The question regarding asset structure and its effect on financial well-being is especially relevant given the increasing popularity of index funds (see Bogle (2016)), which are typically positively correlated. Results of the experiment could yield substantial policy implications concerning what types of security designs lead to optimal allocational outcomes.

Arthur, Staci (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Biolowas, Anne (Weber State University, Communication)

The United States is home to a vast range of diverse people, however even though there is so much diversity in society the idea of beauty is pretty still very limited. Body image issues and discrimination are especially prevalent in minority groups including the plus size community. According to G.M. Eller fat people have a harder time obtaining jobs, college education, and just making a good impression on people than skinnier people solely based on their body size. These discriminations are argued to be deeply rooted in American culture and the best way Eller suggests to combat it is through educating people on the realities of obesity and not just the often harsh, outdated judgements. This paper is a textual analysis that utilizes Muted Group Theory in relation to the 2019 motion picture, Isn't It Romantic to unpack discrimination against the plus size community. Concepts from Muted Group Theory such as assimilation, separation, and accommodation are discussed. This paper argues that the movie is a positive step forward into making the plus size community's voice fall under the accommodation concept in Muted Group Theory rather than assimilation or separation especially in relationship to the dominant group in society.

Westover, Jonathan; Hardy, Danielle; Arvizu, Annie; Johnson, Jace; Powell, Spencer (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Westover, Jonathan (Woodbury School of Business, Academic Director, Center for Social Impact)

Purpose - The purpose of this presentation and paper is to explore work-life balance predictors of job satisfaction across various generations, using international sample of workers across 37 countries. The four generational cohorts included in the analysis include Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennial.

Design/methodology/approach: This study provides a comparative analysis of work-life balance indicators of overall job satisfaction across generational cohorts, utilizing data from the 2015 Work Orientations IV Wave of the International Social Survey Program (including stratified random samples of employees across 37 different countries).

Findings: Initial analyses indicate statistically significant differences in work-life balance related indicators of employee job satisfaction across generational cohorts. Additional analyses will be performed to clarify these relationships and further explore the causes behind the differences.

Originality/Value: While many studies have been performed on job satisfaction, very few studies have explicitly examined job satisfaction levels and its indicators across generations. Additionally, while many studies have examined the role of work-life balance saliency on job satisfaction across generational cohorts, and no research has previously been done examining these relationships cross-nationally.

Keywords Job satisfaction, Generational Differences, Work-life Balance, Cross-national

Purpose/Hypothesis:

We hope to supply statistical evidence that there are differences in the saliency and impacts of work-life balance variables on job satisfaction across generational cohorts. Specific hypotheses include:

H1: There are statistically significant differences in the mean scores of job satisfaction and work-life balance variables across generational cohorts.

H2: One's age (generational cohort grouping) has a positive statistically significant impact on job satisfaction.

H3: One's age cohort has a statistically significant impact on the determinants of job satisfaction.

H4: There are statistically significant cross-national differences in the impact of generational cohort on job satisfaction.

Calzado Real, Tamara; Blair, Ariel; Tenney, Elizabeth (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Blair, Barbara "Ariel" (David Eccles School of Business, Management)

The purpose of this study is to understand how racial dissimilarity affects people of color's voice behavior in a student or class group. In a group where a person's social category is underrepresented, they become more aware of that social identity and their ability to perform at their full potential reduces because they are more focused on monitoring their performance and suppressing negative thoughts and feelings than improving group performance. However, in situations where people are more identified with the group, they are more likely to feel committed to or express themselves in a group. Additionally, in groups where people of color don't perceive themselves as different from all or most of the other group members, subgroups and division among team members is less likely to occur. In order for people of color to contribute in meaningful and innovative ways, having the confidence to speak up and express new ideas is crucial. We will run a survey where participants recall groups that they have been a part of and rank their voice (participation) in the group, their perceived racial dissimilarity of the group, and the importance of race on their personal identity. Afterwards, they will placed in an online student group chat with high or low dissimilarity and will be asked to reflect on their experiences. In line with previous research we expect that the importance of race on their personal identity will be positively related to perceived racial dissimilarity and therefore, we expect peoples' voice behaviors to decrease when they are in a group where racial dissimilarity is high.

Colbert, Jeffrey (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Schramm, Katherina (Weber State University, Botany); Hillbig, Bridgette (Weber State University, Botany); Walker, Edward (Weber State University, Chemistry)

Hemp is a multimillion-dollar industry; however, it is only grown in a few states in the US. In prehistoric time, there was a brackish lake that covered the valley of Utah�s Wasatch Front. Because of this lake and different drainage events, the soil chemistry and composition changed depending on the depth and salts concentration of the lake.
This study tested soils from three different locations along the Wasatch Front for their potential to support healthy growth of hemp plants. Mg, Ca, N, P, K concentrations were tested along with pH in soils from different geological strata. In an outdoor environment hemp was grown in five-gallon containers to determine if those soils will support hemp growth yielding high fiber content and quality. Potting soil was used as a control. The same soil characterization tests were conducted after the plants were harvested to show what amendments are needed for a successful crop in following seasons. Mature plants� inflorescences were tested for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD) levels by Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). All plants contained less than 0.3% THC. Fiber quantity was measured using confocal microscopy techniques and compared against the different soil collection locations. Water retting was conducted to extract fiber from stalks. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was conducted confirming UDAF�s findings of THC and CBD.

Mary Lay Schuster, Mary Daly (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Edenfield, Avery (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)

There have been recent developments in reproductive technologies that are staking claims to better the lives of women. The invention and development of reproductive technologies alone is not enough to classify them as technologies aiding women, however. Ultrasound, IVF, and breast reduction technologies specifically can be as helpful to women as they were intended. Ultimately, the way they are put into practice, viewed by society and used by professionals can inadvertently make women feel more marginalized. A woman's agency is diminished by ultrasound technology as she is debating having an abortion; a woman's involvement in her own IVF-aided pregnancy can be positive or negative depending on the outcome; a woman's breasts can contribute to her femininity so long as they fit societal standards. As a technical communicator, I feel a responsibility to bridge this gap between technology and humanity because the two need to function together without one negatively impacting the other. Through my research I will prove this by drawing on the work of Mary Daly and her theory of a rhetorical foreground and background (spaces where women are oppressed and spaces where the oppression is removed, respectively) while analyzing the findings presented by Mary Lay Schuster in her article "The Rhetoric of Reproductive Technologies." Throughout this analysis, I would like to not only point out the problems women are currently encountering with different reproductive technologies, but also to suggest ways to amend the situation moving forward. Mary Lay Schuster points specifically in her article towards the practice of midwifery, and so one of my solutions would include utilizing modern medicine in combination with midwifery.

Webb, Kortney (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Jeffreys, Mark (Education, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences)

This paper applies Imagined Interaction Theory to the dramatic monologue. Imagined Interaction (II) refers to a cognitive state in which people daydream about social interactions.
These II's can be used as practice for an actual conversation with a person. There are six functions of II's self-understanding, compensation, catharsis, rehearsal, conflict-linkage, and relational maintenance. Each of these functions shows why an individual would participate in imagined interactions. There are also mental ways II's represent themselves including self-talk, daydreaming, focus on organization of thoughts, and II can also be used as a therapy tool. How does this theory relate to the dramatic monologue? II's aspects are visible in how a dramatic monologue is displayed. Although II happens inside the head, the actors have to bring their internal monologue into speech through dramatic monologue. Here, II theory applies when performing a dramatic monologue directly in II form. Despite the controversy around the definition of the dramatic monologue, II aspects can be seen through the criteria and how the dramatic monologue is displayed. For practical application this research will apply findings to the dramatic monologue by performing a monologue(s) in II form. This research is significant because this topic is not researched sufficiently and it shows how the performance of the dramatic monologue in theater can mimic real world communication in various situations.

Stevens, Shaylee (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Bialowas, Anne (Weber State University, Communications)

Since they were originally published, the Harry Potter books have become a cultural phenomenon that connects people from all around the world through its relatable characters and real-world themes. This paper examines the Harry Potter books through the lens of Cultural Studies to explain the connections in the books to the real world and how the theory can be applied to real life experiences. Previous literature related to Cultural Studies and the Harry Potter books provided a foundation for the analysis. The books were analyzed by applying three key concepts in Cultural Studies to various situations and themes in the stories. The three concepts used in the analysis were ideology, economic determinism, and hegemony. The concepts were used to explore the beliefs and values of different characters within the books, as well as the power dynamics and social structures of the wizarding world. These key themes and concepts highlight the parallels that can be drawn between the world of Harry Potter and the real world, and they show the ways in which Cultural Studies can apply to our daily lives.

Tooley, Sarah (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Powell, Jake (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Landscape Architecture and Environment Planning Department)

The dry, arid climate of Utah makes water a limited and precious resource. However, Utahans are the second largest per capita water users in the nation, with over 60% of that water used on outdoor landscapes. High landscape water use in the face of limited availability is a complex socio-cultural phenomenon reaching back to when pioneers first settled Utah. Settlers were from places with cultural perceptions of landscapes and climates much different then what they found when they arrived. Their desire to create a place that felt like home established a cultural landscape vernacular where Utahan's prefer a landscape more lush and green than we have water to support. With the projected increase in Utah's population, the traditional Utah landscape is quickly becoming unsustainable. As an Extension service I designed 5 landscapes following established water wise design principles which are: planning and design, plant selection and hydro zones along with practical turf areas. The purpose of these designs was to demonstrate that water wise designs can both be water efficient as well as functional, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. The results of these planning and design efforts are currently being installed into residences in two Utah communities. I will share the design and implementation methods and results of these designs and visitor feedback data from one of the sites. This design research showcases a potential method others in Utah can use to make their landscapes more water wise and begin to redefine the vernacular landscape in Utah and the Intermountain West.

Nye, David; Winner, Langdon (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Edenfield, Avery (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)

The purpose of this research project is to examine the interplay between psychotherapeutic mobile applications, such as Calm and Headspace, and the people that use them. Using Langdon Winner and David Nye's discussions on technologies and the discourses surrounding them, I aim to synthesize the existing literature, which primarily investigates the effectiveness of these mobile technologies as forms of psychotherapy, with the concept of technology as an identity-forming tool. I hope to address how these psychotherapeutic technologies can both enable and disallow users, and how users, through their engagement with these mobile applications, are challenging prevailing definitions of psychotherapy and technology. Through a thorough analysis of current literature, together with Winner and Nye's work and my own evaluations of public online reviews of psychotherapeutic mobile applications, I intend to advance the research that considers how technologies affect people and how people affect technologies.

Harrison, Jake; Bartkus, Kenneth; Marlowe, Byron (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Bartkus, Kenneth; Marlowe, Byron

The use of genetically modified organisms in the production of food products in the U.S. appears to be pervasive. For example, it is reported that 90 percent of corn, soy and other crops grown in the U.S. are currently genetically modified and 75 to 80 percent of food products contain GMOs or GMO components. Unfortunately, a gap exists between what scientists and consumers believe with regard to the health safety of GMO foods. Specifically, it has been reported that while "Nearly 9 out of 10 scientists from the American Association for the Advancement of Science say GMOs are 'generally safe' to eat, more than half of general public believe it is not a good idea." This presents a challenge for restaurants. That is, should they continue to use GMO food products given assurances from the scientific community or should they respond to consumer concerns and begin the process of adopting a non-GMO policy? The purpose of this research is to address this question by proposing a framework that helps explain why a restaurant might decide to adopt (or not adopt) a non-GMO policy. Based on an adaptation of Roger's Characteristics of an Innovation, the framework has five constructs: (1) Relative Advantage, (2) Compatibility, (3) Complexity, (4) Trialability, (5) Observability. An exploratory application of the model to U.S. restaurants suggests that the framework can provide meaningful and systematic insights into the perceptions of U.S. restaurants with regard to the adoption or non-adoption of a non-GMO policy. Recommendations for further application of the framework, along propositions for additional analysis are provided. Implications for decision making are also presented.

Tyler Hacking, Jonathan Wasden and Dr. Michael Stevens (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Stevens, Michael (Science, Biology)

Abstract:

Plant growth can be affected by both genes and the environment. To test genetic effects on growth we used two varieties of lettuce. To test environmental effects on growth, we used four different water treatments. We were interested in the main effects of genes and the environment and also in their interaction. In other words, is the effect of water treatment different across two lettuce varieties? Two varieties of Lactuca sativa were cultivated in a growth chamber in pots using vermiculite as the growth medium. The two varieties were treated with four types of water: tap, tap-aerated, reverse osmosis, and reverse-osmosis-aerated throughout the experiment. Aeration was accomplished using both surface aeration (waterfall and vortex) and sub-surface aeration using submerged waterstones. All plants were fertilized using 8-15-36 (N-P-K) water-soluble lettuce fertilizer powder plus trace minerals by Greenway Biotech, Inc. The plants were harvested and dried to a constant weight for analysis of biomass. We observed varietal differences in growth with the Buttercrunch variety producing 145% more biomass than the Butterhead variety (p < 0.001). The water treatments affected growth, with the plants watered with tap water producing 31% more biomass than the plants watered with reverse-osmosis water (p < 0.001). The other two water treatments (tap-aerated and reverse-osmosis-aerated) were intermediate between the tap-watered plants and the reverse-osmosis-watered plants in terms of biomass. Finally, we observed a variety-by-environment interaction such that the Buttercrunch showed a marked response to water treatment whereas the Butterhead was only minimally affected by water treatment (p < 0.001). The Buttercrunch produced more biomass than the Butterhead because of its shorter life cycle. By the end of the experiment, the Buttercrunch plants were already bolting and producing flowers. This could also explain why the Buttercrunch was more responsive to differences in water treatments.

Mary Daly, Tina Fey, Erin A. Frost (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Colton, Jared (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)

The TV show 30 Rock has been described as many things; laugh-out-loud funny, immature, witty... but is it feminist? The show's main character makes claims to feminism in almost every episode, and several episodes cover the topic in various ways. However, she often falls short in her feminism, and the argument can be made that this is intentional. For my presentation, I'll be analyzing the show through the rhetorical lens of Mary Daly's theory on foreground/background spaces. Spaces where women are oppressed and free of oppression, respectively; for example, in the show, the characters are creating a sketch comedy TV show, a place where women have traditionally been marginalized by mainstream media - in contrast, the writers' room is a place where they can speak their minds freely about any topic of their choosing. Through my analysis, I'll also be looking to see if this can be a space for second and third wave feminists to meet. Many third wave feminists are doing things that would be considered "traditionally feminist" without identifying themselves with the term "feminist". There are a few characters in the show who identify as such, and the main character, considered to be a traditional second wave feminist, learns to work together with them. As a result of my analysis, I want to be able to present 30 Rock and other similar spaces as a middle ground for all feminists to meet and agree on, in order to be able to move forward as a movement.

West, Bethany (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Van Gilder, Bobbi (Weber State University: Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities, Communications)

Gendered language, and the way it dictates societal norms, has been a topic of interest for feminist scholars since the 1970's. However, gendered language and its connection with rape culture has yet to be explored, presenting a substantial gap in research. I researched the ways that language may influence and perpetuate rape culture by analyzing #MeToo stories, which are victim's accounts of being sexually assaulted. I focused on the specific language victims used to describe their sexual assault, such as sexist or gendered language. By analyzing the language used in sexual assault victims' stories, I drew connections between rape culture and gendered language. Many female victims emphasized that power differentials between them and their male attacker, such as being viewed as subordinate in their relationship with their attacker, played a significant role in their abuse. Other victims emphasized that social discourse normalized rape for women, and placed blame on victims rather than attackers. Victims also indicated that social norms regarding sexual assault asserted that only heterosexual women were victimized, silencing marginalized victims such as men and members of the LGBTQ community. Socially implicated stereotypes regarding gender and rape were found to create situations in which assault victims were silenced and further abused. By understanding and challenging the discourse regarding language, gender norms, and the roles that they play in sexual assault, society may be able to combat rape culture and those who are at risk for victimization.

Alder, Jacob (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Tainter, Joseph (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Enviroment and Society Department); Robert, Davies (College of Science, Physics Department); Fjeldsted, Paul (Jon M. Hunstman School of Business, Economics and Finance Department)

Abstract: Have you ever wondered why economists always talk about a growing economy? Modern economists today rely on several fundamental assumptions in the same way physicists rely on laws governing energy and motion. Economists use growth—ideally unrestricted growth—as the key assumption upon which we build models and policy recommendations. The central economic theory explains that growth will enhance individual well-being over time. However, every known physical system has boundaries beyond which it will collapse, and the observed reality is that economic growth cannot be separated from physical resource consumption. As a result, many societies are overshooting physical, ecological boundaries.

This project focuses on outcomes generated by a few of those complexities in a growth-oriented economy in Northern Utah. It analyzes the ways traditional economic models prioritize growth as the primary means of improving quality of life. It explores several positive and negative impacts of limits to growth, whether they are elective policy measures (like paying a carbon tax) or reactions to a collapsed system (like depleted natural gas deposits). It draws on electricity data from two electricity utility providers and compares trends with interconnected behavioral and technological changes.

Ultimately, this project develops a case study to assess ways in which society could thrive without traditional economic growth. By using axioms from physics, primarily the first and second laws of thermodynamics (energy and entropy) this project assesses population projections and increased resource consumption, drawing connections between a growing population, a growing economy, and growing energy use.