Social and Behavioral Sciences
Reeducation or Genocide? The Hidden Torture of Millions of Chinese Citizens
Abdulla, Munawwar; Bovingdon, Gardner; Brophy, David; Cabras, Giulia; Dillon, Michael; Friedrichs, Jorg; Hess, Steve; Holdstock, Nick; Ingram, Ruth; Langfitt, Frank; Roberts, Sean; Schluessel, Eric; Shapiro, Ari; Smith-Finley, Joanne; Torrey, Zachary; Veselic, Maja; Yuan, Zhenjie; Zang, Xiaowei; Zhang, Shawn (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Larsen, Kirk (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History); Schill, Steve (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Geography)
The westernmost Chinese province of Xinjiang has in recent years become a hotbed of turmoil. The largest ethnic group in the region, the ethnically-Turkic Uyghur people, has been facing a systematic persecution by the Chinese government; most notably, this includes their forcible placement into "reeducation camps" across the province. Out of the more than eleven million Uyghurs in Xinjiang, it is estimated that up to a million are currently interned in one of these camps ("China's repression", 2018). One especially defining feature of the Uyghur people is their practice of Islam; it is said that they have traditionally practiced Islam since the 15th century, and mosques are prevalent across the cities of Xinjiang (Veselic, 2011; "Authorities in Xinjiang", 2017). The Uyghurs and religion of Islam are tied in such a tight ethnoreligious way that in this review the term Uyghur may generally be used to refer to a Uyghur Muslim in specific (Veselic, 2011). Islam, along with other defining characteristics, set the Uyghurs apart in stark contrast from the Han Chinese majority that makes up over 91% of China's total population (Zang, 2015; Roberts, 2018). In this presentation, I will look at a variety of factors that the Chinese government uses to justify the internment of the Uyghur people. I will also use ArcGIS Pro technology to examine satellite images and camp records to map the current extent of the reeducation camps, in an effort to follow what has already taken place and what the future will have in store for the Uyghur people.
Faculty Advisor: Larsen, Kirk (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History); Schill, Steve (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Geography)
The westernmost Chinese province of Xinjiang has in recent years become a hotbed of turmoil. The largest ethnic group in the region, the ethnically-Turkic Uyghur people, has been facing a systematic persecution by the Chinese government; most notably, this includes their forcible placement into "reeducation camps" across the province. Out of the more than eleven million Uyghurs in Xinjiang, it is estimated that up to a million are currently interned in one of these camps ("China's repression", 2018). One especially defining feature of the Uyghur people is their practice of Islam; it is said that they have traditionally practiced Islam since the 15th century, and mosques are prevalent across the cities of Xinjiang (Veselic, 2011; "Authorities in Xinjiang", 2017). The Uyghurs and religion of Islam are tied in such a tight ethnoreligious way that in this review the term Uyghur may generally be used to refer to a Uyghur Muslim in specific (Veselic, 2011). Islam, along with other defining characteristics, set the Uyghurs apart in stark contrast from the Han Chinese majority that makes up over 91% of China's total population (Zang, 2015; Roberts, 2018). In this presentation, I will look at a variety of factors that the Chinese government uses to justify the internment of the Uyghur people. I will also use ArcGIS Pro technology to examine satellite images and camp records to map the current extent of the reeducation camps, in an effort to follow what has already taken place and what the future will have in store for the Uyghur people.
Relationships Between Reflexive and Sustained Attention
Farstead, Brian; Williford, Tanner; Schow, Hunter; Muldowney, John; Stewart, Victoria (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Lundwall, Rebecca (Brigham Young university, Psychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Nueroscience)
Reflexive and sustained attention are important components of daily functioning, and those who exhibit attention deficits typically have problems in school, work, and relationships. Previous studies have measured sustained and reflexive attention using different tasks with disparate stimuli. Because the stimuli are different, it is unclear how reflexive and sustained attention are related. There are some indications in the literature that individuals tend to be better at one or the other type of task.
We measured reflexive and sustained attention in a sample (N=185) of children who completed two computer tasks that recorded response time and accuracy. We developed the two tasks so that all stimuli were identical, but the reflexive attention task used peripheral stimuli and the sustained attention task used central stimuli. Parents also completed questionnaires reporting demographics (e.g., age and sex) and the child's usual sleep habits, behavior at home, and behavior at school. Asking about sleep, home behavior, and school behavior allows us to identify predictors of individual variability in computer-task scores.
We anticipated that children who have a better reflexive attention (lower response times and higher accuracy) would score lower on sustained attention. Furthermore, we expect the relationship between reflexive and sustained attention would be moderated by aspects of behavior related to sleep, home-life, and school. Determining the relationship between different components of attention is important because it will help us to understand the underlying factors that contribute to different deficits in attention. Furthermore, it is important to understand how these different components of attention manifest by age, sex, behaviors at home and behaviors in school. Understanding the relationship between reflexive and sustained attention and their association with child characteristics could potentially contribute to interventions in individuals who have symptoms of attentional deficits.
Faculty Advisor: Lundwall, Rebecca (Brigham Young university, Psychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Nueroscience)
Reflexive and sustained attention are important components of daily functioning, and those who exhibit attention deficits typically have problems in school, work, and relationships. Previous studies have measured sustained and reflexive attention using different tasks with disparate stimuli. Because the stimuli are different, it is unclear how reflexive and sustained attention are related. There are some indications in the literature that individuals tend to be better at one or the other type of task.
We measured reflexive and sustained attention in a sample (N=185) of children who completed two computer tasks that recorded response time and accuracy. We developed the two tasks so that all stimuli were identical, but the reflexive attention task used peripheral stimuli and the sustained attention task used central stimuli. Parents also completed questionnaires reporting demographics (e.g., age and sex) and the child's usual sleep habits, behavior at home, and behavior at school. Asking about sleep, home behavior, and school behavior allows us to identify predictors of individual variability in computer-task scores.
We anticipated that children who have a better reflexive attention (lower response times and higher accuracy) would score lower on sustained attention. Furthermore, we expect the relationship between reflexive and sustained attention would be moderated by aspects of behavior related to sleep, home-life, and school. Determining the relationship between different components of attention is important because it will help us to understand the underlying factors that contribute to different deficits in attention. Furthermore, it is important to understand how these different components of attention manifest by age, sex, behaviors at home and behaviors in school. Understanding the relationship between reflexive and sustained attention and their association with child characteristics could potentially contribute to interventions in individuals who have symptoms of attentional deficits.
The Balancing Act: Does Relationship Quality Between Working Spouses Affect Work-Family Balance?
Birmingham, Wendy; Collier, Emily; Cressman, Mikel; Deichman, Conner; Fitzgerald, Joseph; Graff, Tyler (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Birmingham, Wendy (Family, Home, and Social Sciences, Family Life)
The body of research points to work-home balance having a negative impact on marital satisfaction and quality. However, literature on the quality of marital relationship's impact on work-home balance is limited. With various different factors contributing to marital dissatisfaction, the interaction of poor work-home balance affecting marital quality may work in the inverse direction. Additionally, with family roles shifting from their previous traditional roles to more progressive roles, it is of interest to investigate the interaction of marital quality and work-home balance between genders.
For this study, we used purposive sampling to recruit working mothers and their spouses using online and in-person flyers. In addition, participants were found using snowballing sampling techniques. Filtered by an eligibility study, only working and married mothers were included in the full study. Upon approval of eligibility, the mothers and their spouses came into the lab to complete additional surveys, which included measuring marital quality and work-family balance. Drawing from 220 participants, this study hopes to better define the potential relationship between marital relationship quality and work-family balance.
As family dynamics continue to change, we hypothesized that decreased marital relationship quality will have a negative impact on work-family balance. Additionally, we hypothesized that the impact of marital quality on work-family balance would be more prominent for the women, in comparison to their husbands.
A one-way between subjects ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of marital relationship quality on work-family balance in working husbands and wives. The data analysis revealed there was not a significant effect of marital relationship quality on work family balance at the p<.05 level (F(3, 216) = 1.66, p = 0.176). As the effect was not significant, it was not appropriate to run an effect size difference by gender. Contrary to the literature, our hypotheses were not supported. We theorize the directionality of our hypothesis may have impacted our results, which may have an indication that work-family balance has a significant impact on marital quality, but not vice versa.
Faculty Advisor: Birmingham, Wendy (Family, Home, and Social Sciences, Family Life)
The body of research points to work-home balance having a negative impact on marital satisfaction and quality. However, literature on the quality of marital relationship's impact on work-home balance is limited. With various different factors contributing to marital dissatisfaction, the interaction of poor work-home balance affecting marital quality may work in the inverse direction. Additionally, with family roles shifting from their previous traditional roles to more progressive roles, it is of interest to investigate the interaction of marital quality and work-home balance between genders.
For this study, we used purposive sampling to recruit working mothers and their spouses using online and in-person flyers. In addition, participants were found using snowballing sampling techniques. Filtered by an eligibility study, only working and married mothers were included in the full study. Upon approval of eligibility, the mothers and their spouses came into the lab to complete additional surveys, which included measuring marital quality and work-family balance. Drawing from 220 participants, this study hopes to better define the potential relationship between marital relationship quality and work-family balance.
As family dynamics continue to change, we hypothesized that decreased marital relationship quality will have a negative impact on work-family balance. Additionally, we hypothesized that the impact of marital quality on work-family balance would be more prominent for the women, in comparison to their husbands.
A one-way between subjects ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of marital relationship quality on work-family balance in working husbands and wives. The data analysis revealed there was not a significant effect of marital relationship quality on work family balance at the p<.05 level (F(3, 216) = 1.66, p = 0.176). As the effect was not significant, it was not appropriate to run an effect size difference by gender. Contrary to the literature, our hypotheses were not supported. We theorize the directionality of our hypothesis may have impacted our results, which may have an indication that work-family balance has a significant impact on marital quality, but not vice versa.
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.
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.
The Influence of Social Media on Impulsive Emotional Responses
Bergman, Kyle (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Smith-Johnson, Amber (Utah Valley University, English)
The number of social media users has risen dramatically over the past few years; since 2008, the number of monthly users of social media has risen from 222 million to 2.24 billion. Studies have recently suggested that a correlation exists between this dramatic increase in electronic social behavior and impulsivity. Research suggests that the concept of "Fear of Missing Out" and the desensitizing of exciting behaviors are both possible causes (Baumgartner et al). In addition to the rise in impulsive behaviors, there have been a host of other studies that have shown how social media exposure is affecting the cognitive capacities of developing minds. Among their findings assert that behaviors such as Increased anxiety, depression, narcolepsy, anger, agitation, and internet addiction are increasing at an alarming rate (Bilgin, Tas). I want to take this research further and study how social media usage can cause impulsive views of self-value and worth. To conduct this experiment, I will create a survey designed to measure the impulsive, instinctive responses of college aged students to certain situations that would be commonly found online or actuality. I predict that because social media platforms often contain incomplete information about a post, the questions from the survey that will contribute to either jealousy or lower self-worth will be ones similar to what they would find on these platforms. I hope that these findings will help parents understand the impulsive influences that social media can have on their children.
Faculty Advisor: Smith-Johnson, Amber (Utah Valley University, English)
The number of social media users has risen dramatically over the past few years; since 2008, the number of monthly users of social media has risen from 222 million to 2.24 billion. Studies have recently suggested that a correlation exists between this dramatic increase in electronic social behavior and impulsivity. Research suggests that the concept of "Fear of Missing Out" and the desensitizing of exciting behaviors are both possible causes (Baumgartner et al). In addition to the rise in impulsive behaviors, there have been a host of other studies that have shown how social media exposure is affecting the cognitive capacities of developing minds. Among their findings assert that behaviors such as Increased anxiety, depression, narcolepsy, anger, agitation, and internet addiction are increasing at an alarming rate (Bilgin, Tas). I want to take this research further and study how social media usage can cause impulsive views of self-value and worth. To conduct this experiment, I will create a survey designed to measure the impulsive, instinctive responses of college aged students to certain situations that would be commonly found online or actuality. I predict that because social media platforms often contain incomplete information about a post, the questions from the survey that will contribute to either jealousy or lower self-worth will be ones similar to what they would find on these platforms. I hope that these findings will help parents understand the impulsive influences that social media can have on their children.
Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for psychosis: A follow-up meta-analysis
Jonah Nicoll; Zach Clement; Hal Svien; Gary Burlingame (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Burlingame, Gary (Brigham Young University, Psychology)
Aims: Many practice guidelines place cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the gold-standard treatment for psychotic disorders. Our previous meta-analysis on group psychotherapy for schizophrenia (Burlingame et al., under review) employed a strict set of inclusion criteria (e.g., RCT, use of 2 measures, comparison groups, etc.) limiting the number of CBT studies applied to patients presenting on the psychosis spectrum. It found no meta-analytic evidence for group CBT (GCBT) ameliorating psychotic symptoms but only included 5 studies. This meta-analysis will be less restrictive to include more interventions under a broader GCBT umbrella to extend our earlier findings.
Methods: A literature search identified nearly 20 more randomized controlled trials that included in our previous analysis that evaluated some form of GCBT in treating psychosis. Three main outcomes will be assessed: schizophrenia-specific measures of psychotic symptoms, treatment-specific measures assessing treatment aims, and general measures assessing broad functioning.
Results: Preliminary results are still being calculated. Subgroup analyses will include Burlingame et al.'s (under review) CBT categorization and include interventions broadly focused on behavior and cognition, including social skills interventions that also emphasize cognition (viz., Granholm et al., 2005, 2007).
Discussion: Results will be framed in relation to Burlingame et al.'s (under review) meta-analysis. It is likely that the stricter classification of CBT resulted in an attenuation of the effects with a psychosis population. Furthermore, there is a general lack of agreement on what interventions should be labeled CBT (nb., Wampold et al., 1997; Wampold & Imel, 2015).
Keywords: group treatment, schizophrenia
Faculty Advisor: Burlingame, Gary (Brigham Young University, Psychology)
Aims: Many practice guidelines place cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the gold-standard treatment for psychotic disorders. Our previous meta-analysis on group psychotherapy for schizophrenia (Burlingame et al., under review) employed a strict set of inclusion criteria (e.g., RCT, use of 2 measures, comparison groups, etc.) limiting the number of CBT studies applied to patients presenting on the psychosis spectrum. It found no meta-analytic evidence for group CBT (GCBT) ameliorating psychotic symptoms but only included 5 studies. This meta-analysis will be less restrictive to include more interventions under a broader GCBT umbrella to extend our earlier findings.
Methods: A literature search identified nearly 20 more randomized controlled trials that included in our previous analysis that evaluated some form of GCBT in treating psychosis. Three main outcomes will be assessed: schizophrenia-specific measures of psychotic symptoms, treatment-specific measures assessing treatment aims, and general measures assessing broad functioning.
Results: Preliminary results are still being calculated. Subgroup analyses will include Burlingame et al.'s (under review) CBT categorization and include interventions broadly focused on behavior and cognition, including social skills interventions that also emphasize cognition (viz., Granholm et al., 2005, 2007).
Discussion: Results will be framed in relation to Burlingame et al.'s (under review) meta-analysis. It is likely that the stricter classification of CBT resulted in an attenuation of the effects with a psychosis population. Furthermore, there is a general lack of agreement on what interventions should be labeled CBT (nb., Wampold et al., 1997; Wampold & Imel, 2015).
Keywords: group treatment, schizophrenia
A qualitative meta-analysis of� sexual assault and hook-up culture at faith- based universities.
O'Grady, K.A., PhD; Yirenya-Tawiah, Abena; Stewart, Mason (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: O'Grady, Kari (Brigham Young University, Nutrition Dietetics and Food Science)
In light of recent high profile cases of sexual assault on university campuses, BYU's Organizational Psychology and Societal Resilience Lab explored aspects of sexual assault at faith-based universities. The unique climate of faith-based universities provides insight into the influence of gender role stereotypes and religious expectations on women's vulnerability to sexual assault within the hook-up culture. The lab conducted a qualitative meta-analysis of 25 articles about sexual assault at university campuses, sexual assault at faith-based universities, hookup culture and the roles dating apps play in encouraging hook up culture. Themes were analyzed for their consistency, intersectionality and cross-variability. Emerging themes indicated that hookup culture reinforces masculine stereotypes and hyper-masculinity. These sterotypes are associated with higher endorsement of rape myth beliefs. The anonymity and prevalence of dating apps on college campuses creates an avenue for sexual assaults to take place. The location aware aspect of dating apps also presents the opportunity for users to find those in close proximity, thus making hook-ups more convenient. These apps give users the opportunity to present themselves in socially desirable ways. There is a stark difference between the way women at faith-based universities tend to utilize dating apps than their male counterparts.
Faculty Advisor: O'Grady, Kari (Brigham Young University, Nutrition Dietetics and Food Science)
In light of recent high profile cases of sexual assault on university campuses, BYU's Organizational Psychology and Societal Resilience Lab explored aspects of sexual assault at faith-based universities. The unique climate of faith-based universities provides insight into the influence of gender role stereotypes and religious expectations on women's vulnerability to sexual assault within the hook-up culture. The lab conducted a qualitative meta-analysis of 25 articles about sexual assault at university campuses, sexual assault at faith-based universities, hookup culture and the roles dating apps play in encouraging hook up culture. Themes were analyzed for their consistency, intersectionality and cross-variability. Emerging themes indicated that hookup culture reinforces masculine stereotypes and hyper-masculinity. These sterotypes are associated with higher endorsement of rape myth beliefs. The anonymity and prevalence of dating apps on college campuses creates an avenue for sexual assaults to take place. The location aware aspect of dating apps also presents the opportunity for users to find those in close proximity, thus making hook-ups more convenient. These apps give users the opportunity to present themselves in socially desirable ways. There is a stark difference between the way women at faith-based universities tend to utilize dating apps than their male counterparts.
Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism is not Equally Effective Across Trauma Types
Jorgensen, Leteasha; Hinkson, Kent; Brooks, Malisa; Bryan, Craig (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Hinkson, Kent (Utah Valley University, Behavioral Science)
Alcoholism has become a large concern for the United States military, beginning decades ago. With the abundance of challenges faced by service members (e.g. multiple deployments, being away from social support for longer periods of time, injury and death, etc), alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism during these times and continues after they have left the military. Veterans are at increased risk of comorbid substance use disorder and other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. With the prevalence of several different types of traumas occurring in and around military service, the question was raised if the type of trauma a veteran experiences results in different rates of alcohol consumption. The hypothesis was that certain subpopulations (based on type of trauma) within a sample of veterans would have higher rates of alcohol consumption than others. Data was collected on the amount of alcohol that is consumed, as well as trauma the types of trauma participants may have experienced including categories such as assault, natural disaster, sexual assault, and exposure to war zone. Analyses of the data suggested that interpersonal traumas were associated with increased drinking when compared to non-interpersonal traumas, with the exception of sexual assault which is non-significant. Further inspection identified that when sexual assault is split between inappropriate touching or non-penetrative assault, coercive rape, and forcible rape, the associations between trauma type and alcohol use vary significantly with coercive rape having a strong negative relationship with alcohol consumption. One possible explanation for this is that those who survived a coercive assault desire to remain focused and cognitively capable of avoiding such a situation again. With veterans having such higher rates of trauma exposure, understanding how this relates to alcohol consumption can help facilitate mental health treatment in a variety of ways.
Faculty Advisor: Hinkson, Kent (Utah Valley University, Behavioral Science)
Alcoholism has become a large concern for the United States military, beginning decades ago. With the abundance of challenges faced by service members (e.g. multiple deployments, being away from social support for longer periods of time, injury and death, etc), alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism during these times and continues after they have left the military. Veterans are at increased risk of comorbid substance use disorder and other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. With the prevalence of several different types of traumas occurring in and around military service, the question was raised if the type of trauma a veteran experiences results in different rates of alcohol consumption. The hypothesis was that certain subpopulations (based on type of trauma) within a sample of veterans would have higher rates of alcohol consumption than others. Data was collected on the amount of alcohol that is consumed, as well as trauma the types of trauma participants may have experienced including categories such as assault, natural disaster, sexual assault, and exposure to war zone. Analyses of the data suggested that interpersonal traumas were associated with increased drinking when compared to non-interpersonal traumas, with the exception of sexual assault which is non-significant. Further inspection identified that when sexual assault is split between inappropriate touching or non-penetrative assault, coercive rape, and forcible rape, the associations between trauma type and alcohol use vary significantly with coercive rape having a strong negative relationship with alcohol consumption. One possible explanation for this is that those who survived a coercive assault desire to remain focused and cognitively capable of avoiding such a situation again. With veterans having such higher rates of trauma exposure, understanding how this relates to alcohol consumption can help facilitate mental health treatment in a variety of ways.
Attention and Reading Correlation Differences in School Aged Children with ASD and School Aged Children without ASD
McClain Verdoes, Maryellen; Ha, Jennifer (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: McClain Verdoes, Maryellen (Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services, Psychology Department)
This research will assess whether there is a significant difference in the correlation of attention and reading levels of school aged children that have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the correlation of attention and reading levels of school aged children that do not have ASD. I will be looking at data from two populations: school aged children with ASD and school aged children without ASD. Most of the participants for this study will come from Cache County, Utah, so that limiting factor of sample demographics should be taken into account.
Considering the meager amount of research that has been done on the attention and reading achievement of children with ASD, the purpose of this poster presentation is to (1) display the methodology, data, and findings of this research project and (2) discuss any implications this may have and where to go next. Depending on the results, if they are significant, this project may be built upon and further developed to examine possible factors that may affect or lead to significant results.
The CONNERS 3 assessment was administered to evaluate the attention levels of school age children six to twelve years of age. This assessment is generally used in helping diagnose ADHD (Connors, Pitkanen, & Rzepa, 2008;Pearson, 2008). It takes into account the social, home, and school setting of the child. The GORT 5 assessment was also administered to those same subjects to assess their reading ability at the time (Wiederholt & Bryant, 2012). SPSS was used to run analyses and results were exported in tables from the program.
Faculty Advisor: McClain Verdoes, Maryellen (Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services, Psychology Department)
This research will assess whether there is a significant difference in the correlation of attention and reading levels of school aged children that have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the correlation of attention and reading levels of school aged children that do not have ASD. I will be looking at data from two populations: school aged children with ASD and school aged children without ASD. Most of the participants for this study will come from Cache County, Utah, so that limiting factor of sample demographics should be taken into account.
Considering the meager amount of research that has been done on the attention and reading achievement of children with ASD, the purpose of this poster presentation is to (1) display the methodology, data, and findings of this research project and (2) discuss any implications this may have and where to go next. Depending on the results, if they are significant, this project may be built upon and further developed to examine possible factors that may affect or lead to significant results.
The CONNERS 3 assessment was administered to evaluate the attention levels of school age children six to twelve years of age. This assessment is generally used in helping diagnose ADHD (Connors, Pitkanen, & Rzepa, 2008;Pearson, 2008). It takes into account the social, home, and school setting of the child. The GORT 5 assessment was also administered to those same subjects to assess their reading ability at the time (Wiederholt & Bryant, 2012). SPSS was used to run analyses and results were exported in tables from the program.
Awareness about Environmental Issues among Undergraduate Students in Utah
Mauchley, Olivia; Kamimura, Akiko (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Kamimua, Akiko (Social and Behavioral Science, Sociology)
The purpose of this study is to examine awareness about environmental issues among undergraduate students in Utah. As climate change and environmental problems have, and continue to negatively affect the future, it is pertinent that students stay up to date and aware of these issues. Misinformation or lack of information has harmful effects to the environment and sustainability policies. College students are the next generation to formally work on these problems, and have an important role to play in climate change activism and solutions.
A self-administered paper survey was collected from undergraduate students attending social science classes at the University of Utah in September and October 2019. There were 450 total surveys collected. The results found showed that participants were more likely to agree with the following statements: "Solving environmental problems depends on actions by each and every one of us" and "Environmental problems must be solved through international co-operation." More than 40% of the participants reported environmental problems influenced their daily life a lot/very much. The top 3 serious environmental issues noted by the participants included lack of access to clean water, ocean pollution, and air pollution. The most common behavior implemented to protect the environment among the participants was to "Turn off the lights and other electronics when you leave a room." As for climate change, the participants tended to agree "Climate change will be serious in the world."
From these results we can conclude that undergraduate students are most aware of environmental problems that directly affect their daily lives and problems that receive the most attention on social media. Ultimately most undergraduate students in Utah are aware of the severity of climate change, though few seem to be focused on what they can do about it directly.
Faculty Advisor: Kamimua, Akiko (Social and Behavioral Science, Sociology)
The purpose of this study is to examine awareness about environmental issues among undergraduate students in Utah. As climate change and environmental problems have, and continue to negatively affect the future, it is pertinent that students stay up to date and aware of these issues. Misinformation or lack of information has harmful effects to the environment and sustainability policies. College students are the next generation to formally work on these problems, and have an important role to play in climate change activism and solutions.
A self-administered paper survey was collected from undergraduate students attending social science classes at the University of Utah in September and October 2019. There were 450 total surveys collected. The results found showed that participants were more likely to agree with the following statements: "Solving environmental problems depends on actions by each and every one of us" and "Environmental problems must be solved through international co-operation." More than 40% of the participants reported environmental problems influenced their daily life a lot/very much. The top 3 serious environmental issues noted by the participants included lack of access to clean water, ocean pollution, and air pollution. The most common behavior implemented to protect the environment among the participants was to "Turn off the lights and other electronics when you leave a room." As for climate change, the participants tended to agree "Climate change will be serious in the world."
From these results we can conclude that undergraduate students are most aware of environmental problems that directly affect their daily lives and problems that receive the most attention on social media. Ultimately most undergraduate students in Utah are aware of the severity of climate change, though few seem to be focused on what they can do about it directly.
Burnout: A Social Contract
Angell, Emma; Wood, Kyle; Holiday, Pamela; Price, Ashton; Gonzales, Veronica; Mattei, Dustin (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Oxley, Robert (Dixie State University, Sociology)
As part of the Dixie State University Quality of Life Initiative, the research topic proposed by the Institute for Social Research (ISR) is the social contract of burnout in society. The World Health Organization recently recognized burnout as a serious syndrome. It is also apparent that individuals in numerous workforce or school settings have dealt with it in some way. However, many do not fully understand what burnout is and how to properly deal with or treat it. What is burnout? Burnout has many definitions but the most common is that it is a condition, either physical or mental, caused by an individual being overworked or stressed. Burnout can lead to exhaustion, loss of motivation, anxiety, depression, procrastination, etc. The ISR team asks the question, "How has burnout been accepted into societies contract?" It is described as a social contract because we as members of society have implicitly agreed to accept burnout as a social norm. We will also take a look at Robert Merton's strain theory and how the pressure of society to achieve goals relates to this concept. The Institute for Social Research dives further by using data that has already been researched on burnout and has conducted a survey for students and faculty at Dixie State University. The ISR team will also take a closer look at technology and how it has affected an individual's work week.
Faculty Advisor: Oxley, Robert (Dixie State University, Sociology)
As part of the Dixie State University Quality of Life Initiative, the research topic proposed by the Institute for Social Research (ISR) is the social contract of burnout in society. The World Health Organization recently recognized burnout as a serious syndrome. It is also apparent that individuals in numerous workforce or school settings have dealt with it in some way. However, many do not fully understand what burnout is and how to properly deal with or treat it. What is burnout? Burnout has many definitions but the most common is that it is a condition, either physical or mental, caused by an individual being overworked or stressed. Burnout can lead to exhaustion, loss of motivation, anxiety, depression, procrastination, etc. The ISR team asks the question, "How has burnout been accepted into societies contract?" It is described as a social contract because we as members of society have implicitly agreed to accept burnout as a social norm. We will also take a look at Robert Merton's strain theory and how the pressure of society to achieve goals relates to this concept. The Institute for Social Research dives further by using data that has already been researched on burnout and has conducted a survey for students and faculty at Dixie State University. The ISR team will also take a closer look at technology and how it has affected an individual's work week.
Listening to Bird Sounds and Spending an Equal Amount of Time in Undisturbed Silence May Have an Influence on Attention Restoration
Mulliniks, Charlotte; Nate, Haley; Smith Julianne; Gudino-Cuevas , Loraine (Westminster College)
Faculty Advisor: Ellis, Lesa (Westminster College, Neuroscience)
Directed attention is an important process involved in cognitive functioning. Mental fatigue from daily tasks often leaves a persons directed attention depleted. According to Attention Restoration Theory (ART), exposure to natural stimuli can restore directed attention. Although many studies have investigated the ability of natural visual stimuli to restore attention, research exploring the restoration provided by natural auditory stimuli is lacking. With an abundance of sounds found in nature, bird sounds are among the most prevalent. This study aimed to investigate the differences in restoration experienced after listening to sounds from different avian species compared to a control of listening to silence. It was expected that different species would provide varying measurements of attention restoration due to differences in the sounds each species makes. Two species of birds, the common house sparrow (P. domesticus) and the black-billed magpie (P. hudsonia) were selected based on their perceived restoration potential (PRP) score determined by Ratcliffe et al. 2016. All participants first took the sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) to place a demand on attention. Participants then listened to a recording of one of the two species or silence and immediately took the Attention Network Test (ANT) to measure the restorative effects on directed attention. Another group of participants took the ANT to serve as a baseline measure. There was no significant difference of attention interference observed between groups who listened to bird sounds or silence however, the group who only took the ANT exhibited greater interference from distractions that the group who sat in silence. These results indicate that listening to bird sounds may have a positive influence on attention restoration and spending an equal amount of time in silence may have a similar effect.
Faculty Advisor: Ellis, Lesa (Westminster College, Neuroscience)
Directed attention is an important process involved in cognitive functioning. Mental fatigue from daily tasks often leaves a persons directed attention depleted. According to Attention Restoration Theory (ART), exposure to natural stimuli can restore directed attention. Although many studies have investigated the ability of natural visual stimuli to restore attention, research exploring the restoration provided by natural auditory stimuli is lacking. With an abundance of sounds found in nature, bird sounds are among the most prevalent. This study aimed to investigate the differences in restoration experienced after listening to sounds from different avian species compared to a control of listening to silence. It was expected that different species would provide varying measurements of attention restoration due to differences in the sounds each species makes. Two species of birds, the common house sparrow (P. domesticus) and the black-billed magpie (P. hudsonia) were selected based on their perceived restoration potential (PRP) score determined by Ratcliffe et al. 2016. All participants first took the sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) to place a demand on attention. Participants then listened to a recording of one of the two species or silence and immediately took the Attention Network Test (ANT) to measure the restorative effects on directed attention. Another group of participants took the ANT to serve as a baseline measure. There was no significant difference of attention interference observed between groups who listened to bird sounds or silence however, the group who only took the ANT exhibited greater interference from distractions that the group who sat in silence. These results indicate that listening to bird sounds may have a positive influence on attention restoration and spending an equal amount of time in silence may have a similar effect.
Mental Well-being in Poverty
Nye, Brandt; Fellows, Anthony (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Chapman, Heather (Weber State University, Psychology)
Child hunger is a prevalent problem America is currently facing — or not facing. According to Merriam Webster, hunger is defined as: "a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food". Naturally, a child whose basic need is going unmet is likely to experience difficulty with other aspects of life: Schooling, recreation, sleep, etc. To make matters worse is the fact that some of these children are starving needlessly, going without food when such resources are available in the very area they live in. Furthermore, Lynn Mclntyre and Jeanne Williams found child hunger to be a "robust predictor of depression and suicide ideation" amongst children as they grow into adolescence and adulthood. Children are of course powerless in this situation, as they depend upon parents for their needs.
Perhaps those equally experiencing the negative effects would be the parents — those who are solely responsible to provide for their children. It's a maternal instinct for a mother to feed ones child. When this instinct is frustrated or damned, a variety of feelings can result in the parent themselves. Feeling such as depression, failure, anger, sadness, hopelessness, and fears become prominent when such an occurrence takes place. If left unresolved, feelings within parents can escalate to: "Uncontrolled weeping, fierce crazy anger, and lashing out even at those who may be of assistance". (Lou-Marie Kruger, Marleen Lourens). Unfortunately, such feelings only tend to worsen the situation as it develops into a vicious cycle, failing to break the routine.
This being the case, we will be conducting a survey on parents to measure the beneficial effects that take place within their mental well-being as a result of being able to access the food pantry at their childrens schools.
Faculty Advisor: Chapman, Heather (Weber State University, Psychology)
Child hunger is a prevalent problem America is currently facing — or not facing. According to Merriam Webster, hunger is defined as: "a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food". Naturally, a child whose basic need is going unmet is likely to experience difficulty with other aspects of life: Schooling, recreation, sleep, etc. To make matters worse is the fact that some of these children are starving needlessly, going without food when such resources are available in the very area they live in. Furthermore, Lynn Mclntyre and Jeanne Williams found child hunger to be a "robust predictor of depression and suicide ideation" amongst children as they grow into adolescence and adulthood. Children are of course powerless in this situation, as they depend upon parents for their needs.
Perhaps those equally experiencing the negative effects would be the parents — those who are solely responsible to provide for their children. It's a maternal instinct for a mother to feed ones child. When this instinct is frustrated or damned, a variety of feelings can result in the parent themselves. Feeling such as depression, failure, anger, sadness, hopelessness, and fears become prominent when such an occurrence takes place. If left unresolved, feelings within parents can escalate to: "Uncontrolled weeping, fierce crazy anger, and lashing out even at those who may be of assistance". (Lou-Marie Kruger, Marleen Lourens). Unfortunately, such feelings only tend to worsen the situation as it develops into a vicious cycle, failing to break the routine.
This being the case, we will be conducting a survey on parents to measure the beneficial effects that take place within their mental well-being as a result of being able to access the food pantry at their childrens schools.
Sex & Gender Attributes in Rock Art in Six Counties in Utah
Shipley, Samantha (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Stevenson, Dr. Mark (Social & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology & Anthropology); Arkush, Dr. Brooke (Social & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology & Anthropology); Yoder, Dr. David (Social & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology & Anthropology)
This study evaluates the ways that gender and women's roles are interpreted in Utah rock art. Over 750 rock art images in the following six counties in Utah were evaluated: Box Elder (47 images), Carbon (488 images), Juab (16 images), Millard (100 images), Tooele (33 images), and Utah (73 images). Along with a review of relevant literature, the study drew on rock art site forms to review any indication of sex/gender attributes. Though some rock art can be more easily interpreted, most is open to interpretation and requires extensive knowledge on the culture and ethnographic analysis. There were not many panels that displayed gender attributes. However, we cannot be sure that anthropomorphic figures did not represent both males and females. Though some rock art motifs can be more easily interpreted, most require extensive knowledge on the culture and ethnographic analysis to reach a probable conclusion. Identifying sex and gender within rock art motifs can be difficult without understanding the cultural construction as we oftentimes have biases and cultural assumptions of our own. Understanding social roles in native Utahn populations is beneficial for furthering anthropological research in the area.
Faculty Advisor: Stevenson, Dr. Mark (Social & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology & Anthropology); Arkush, Dr. Brooke (Social & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology & Anthropology); Yoder, Dr. David (Social & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology & Anthropology)
This study evaluates the ways that gender and women's roles are interpreted in Utah rock art. Over 750 rock art images in the following six counties in Utah were evaluated: Box Elder (47 images), Carbon (488 images), Juab (16 images), Millard (100 images), Tooele (33 images), and Utah (73 images). Along with a review of relevant literature, the study drew on rock art site forms to review any indication of sex/gender attributes. Though some rock art can be more easily interpreted, most is open to interpretation and requires extensive knowledge on the culture and ethnographic analysis. There were not many panels that displayed gender attributes. However, we cannot be sure that anthropomorphic figures did not represent both males and females. Though some rock art motifs can be more easily interpreted, most require extensive knowledge on the culture and ethnographic analysis to reach a probable conclusion. Identifying sex and gender within rock art motifs can be difficult without understanding the cultural construction as we oftentimes have biases and cultural assumptions of our own. Understanding social roles in native Utahn populations is beneficial for furthering anthropological research in the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Multidimensionality of Infant Prosocial Behavior: An Investigation of Type, Target, and Emergence
Peter J. Reschke, Laura M. Padilla-Walker, Laura A. Stockdale, Chicago Kylin Cox, Hailey Holmgren, Jeffrey L. Hurst, Kjersti Summers, Sarah M. Coyne, Gyuyi Kang (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Reschke, Peter (Family, Home, and Social Science; Family Life)
After the first birthday, infants begin to help and share (Dunfield, 2014). However, there is little known about infants' selectivity in helping and sharing and whether these behaviors emerge due to socialization influence or natural tendencies. In this study, 230 infants (109 female, Mage= 1.47 years, SD =.27. Range = .95 years to 2.19 years) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) Instrumental helping (caregiver) and sharing (experimenter) or (2) instrumental helping (experimenter) and sharing (caregiver). Infants observed a target person (caregiver or experimenter) demonstrate a need (dropped pen = instrumental need; lack of sticker = material desire). Infants were given 60 seconds to respond and their prosocial behaviors (e.g. returning the pen, sharing stickers) were coded using a 5-point scale (see Vaish et al., 2009). Infants engaged in significantly more instrumental helping behaviors (M = 3.37) than sharing behaviors (M = 2.23) t(144) = 7.85, p < .001, 95% CI [0.85, 1.42], d = .87. Infants were also significantly more prosocial toward caregivers (M = 3 .22) than strangers (M = 2 .38). Infants helped the caregiver (M = 4.09) significantly more than the stranger (M = 2.65), t(310) = 7.49, p <.001, 95% CI [1.06, 1.81], d = 1.17. However, infants' sharing towards the caregiver (M = 2.35) and stranger (M = 2.11) did not differ, p =.32, 95% CI [-0.23, 0.71], d = .16. These results suggest that infants are selective in their helping behaviors but not their sharing behaviors in the second year of life. A multidimensional framework of prosocial development will be discussed.
Faculty Advisor: Reschke, Peter (Family, Home, and Social Science; Family Life)
After the first birthday, infants begin to help and share (Dunfield, 2014). However, there is little known about infants' selectivity in helping and sharing and whether these behaviors emerge due to socialization influence or natural tendencies. In this study, 230 infants (109 female, Mage= 1.47 years, SD =.27. Range = .95 years to 2.19 years) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) Instrumental helping (caregiver) and sharing (experimenter) or (2) instrumental helping (experimenter) and sharing (caregiver). Infants observed a target person (caregiver or experimenter) demonstrate a need (dropped pen = instrumental need; lack of sticker = material desire). Infants were given 60 seconds to respond and their prosocial behaviors (e.g. returning the pen, sharing stickers) were coded using a 5-point scale (see Vaish et al., 2009). Infants engaged in significantly more instrumental helping behaviors (M = 3.37) than sharing behaviors (M = 2.23) t(144) = 7.85, p < .001, 95% CI [0.85, 1.42], d = .87. Infants were also significantly more prosocial toward caregivers (M = 3 .22) than strangers (M = 2 .38). Infants helped the caregiver (M = 4.09) significantly more than the stranger (M = 2.65), t(310) = 7.49, p <.001, 95% CI [1.06, 1.81], d = 1.17. However, infants' sharing towards the caregiver (M = 2.35) and stranger (M = 2.11) did not differ, p =.32, 95% CI [-0.23, 0.71], d = .16. These results suggest that infants are selective in their helping behaviors but not their sharing behaviors in the second year of life. A multidimensional framework of prosocial development will be discussed.