Major: Neuroscience||Psychology
Comp Advisor: Rodney Clark
The Effects of Pain on Wheel Running as Reinforcement
DSPACE Source
There is a phenomenon among athletes where they will continue to participate in their sport despite experiencing pain (Mayer et al., 2018). Exercise is known to be reinforcing, as wheel running functions as positive reinforcement in rats (Iverson, 1993; Pierce et al., 1986). Following a period of habituation, rats were exposed to a progressive ratio (PR) schedule with 60 seconds of wheel running as reinforcement. The ratio began at three and was incremented by three. The rats were then placed on a fixed ratio (FR) schedule reinforced with 60 seconds of wheel running and an overlapping variable interval (VI) 30-second schedule for each shock intensity: zero milliamperes (mA) and 0.2 mA. The ratio requirement for the FR schedule was dependent on the individual’s average breakpoint from the PR schedules. Response rates and running rates were recorded for each procedure. It was hypothesized that wheel running would function as a positive reinforcer in male Sprauge-Dawley rats and exposure to mild footshocks would lower the animal’s response rate and running rate. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in response rate or running rate with shock exposure; although there was a significant correlation between the rat’s average breakpoint from the PR tests and their change in response rate with shock exposure (p < .05). These results contradict findings from previous studies investigating other forms of overlapping reinforcement and punishment and further support the notion of a complex interaction between exercise and pain (Bouzas, 1978; Church & Raymond, 1967; Lima et al., 2017). The present study was designed to determine to what extent exercise may function as a reinforcing event and how acute pain affects the value of reinforcement. Future studies should address the mechanism behind this phenomenon.
Major: Neuroscience
Comp Advisor: Megan Bertholomey
Mechanisms Underlying Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DDD) in Multiple Psychiatric Conditions
DSPACE Source
Depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD) is a mental health condition where a person may experience a sense of disconnection from their body, environment, and emotions. It can be upsetting and anxious and tends to come and go over extended periods of time (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). My research backs up my theory that DDD is a common secondary symptom of mental illnesses like BPD, PTSD, and DID. This is due to the fact that DDD typically results from a reaction to a potentially fatal or dangerous situation, whereas all of these conditions are caused by stress and severe trauma. But as a condition, DDD is frequently misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed. This is due to the fact that one of the difficulties with DDD is that some patients find it difficult to articulate the feelings or emotions they experience during an episode. The patients frequently have trouble recalling specific memories and feel cut off from them. Additionally, patients may experience disorientation, dreaminess, or a glass wall separating them from their environment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Therefore, diagnosing a person with DDD can be challenging for qualified medical professionals.
To learn more about the brain processes underlying depersonalization and derealization, as well as the effects of the disorder, additional research is required on the pertinent neural networks and neurotransmitters. In order to support people with depersonalization-derealization disorder, it is imperative that we focus on developing more targeted and effective interventions as research into the relationship between brain function and DDD continues. Better mental health outcomes and a greater understanding of this complex disorder can result from recognizing and resolving the unique challenges that individuals with DDD face.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Lydia Eckstein
The Protégé Effect in Action: Can Teaching Promote Empathy and Compassion for Prisoners?
DSPACE Source
There are almost 2 million people held within the criminal justice system in the United States and so thinking about how we are treating and interacting with this population is very important (Wagner et al., 2023). Empathy is a big part of this and is known as being the experience of feeling what you think others are feeling while (Batson 2009). The overall purpose of this study was to take a deeper look into empathy and compassion, and specifically the methods of increasing someone’s empathy and compassion towards people who have gone to prison. It was hypothesized that if someone taught a small lesson about empathy and compassion they would have higher levels of empathy and compassion, higher levels of negative emotions, and would be more willing to donate their time. The results of the study were not in line with these predictions, finding that there was no statistical difference between these two groups for any of the different measures.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Christopher Normile
Verdicts and Victim Blame: The Impact of Victim Race and Sexuality
DSPACE Source
Much of the current literature on the impact of victim identity characteristics on jury decision-making has observed that when victims are Black, sentences are more lenient for defendants in comparison to cases with White victims. Additionally, studies have shown that victim blaming decreases in hate crimes and sentence severity increases. However, there are contrasting results on the impact of victim sexuality on jury decisions, and few studies examine the combined impact of race and sexuality. The current study aimed to bridge this gap using an intersectional approach. Approximately 73 undergraduate students acted as mock-jurors and were presented with a one-page case summary describing a murder in which the race and sexuality of the victim varied across conditions. They were asked to read the transcript, evaluate the culpability of the victim, determine if the crime was hate-based, give a verdict, and rate their confidence in that verdict. No significant impact of race or sexuality of victims on sentence was observed, and victim blaming did not moderate the relationship between victim race or sexuality and sentence. Further, there was no significant difference in sentence severity between those who perceived hate-motivation and those who did not. Future research should investigate the impact of race and sexuality saliency, expand on current variables, and further study the impact of crime severity.
Major: Neuroscience||Psychology
Comp Advisor: Jeff Hollerman
The Effects of Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure on Social and Sensorimotor Behaviors in Sprague Dawley Rats
DSPACE Source
The rising prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in recent years has made it relevant to learn more about the factors that increase the risk for the development of the disorder. In recent years, prenatal exposure to acetaminophen has been associated with the occurrence of ASD. The effects of prenatal exposure on offspring need to be studied to understand the existing relationship between ASD and the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. The goal of the present study was to observe the effects of prenatal acetaminophen on the social and sensorimotor behaviors of Sprague-Dawley rats. After being prenatally exposed to acetaminophen, rats completed a three-chamber social interaction task and an open-field test. The behaviors of rats that were prenatally exposed to acetaminophen, were compared to a control group and a VPA group. A VPA group was included because it is the model commonly used to study ASD in rodents. Results indicated that prenatal acetaminophen exposure did not have an effect on sensorimotor behaviors and that exposure had minimal effects on social behaviors. After prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, rats displayed decreased social exploration, and no other significant effects on social behavior were observed.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Monali Chowdhury
The Perception Of Healthcare Provider Bias By White Students and Students of Color
DSPACE Source
Medical racism and discrimination are one of the many disparities people of color have to go through on a day to day basis (Horowitz et al. 2019). There have been many reports pertaining to the different types of racial discrimination specifically against people of color in medical environments by healthcare providers, one being healthcare provider bias (Heath et al. 2022). This study examines perception of healthcare bias by White students and students of color through qualitative thematic analysis. Twenty-two undergraduate students from Allegheny College were recruited on the SONA platform and reported their experiences within healthcare. One questionnaire was a Demographic Questionnaire, which recorded the participants’ identities. The open ended questionnaire labeled Healthcare Provider Bias questionnaire (HPBQ), which was created and inspired by research on medical racism by Health et. al (2021), Obsorne, (2007), Tanne et. al (2002) and Abdou et al.(2010); Giscombé & Lobel, (2005). The study aimed to measure participants’ experiences in the medical field with their provider and health disparities they may have experienced. There were two participant groups, White participants and participants of color with responses being coded by question and racial identity. Several overarching themes, using thematic analysis coding (Braun & Clarke, 2006), emerged including that in the importance of familiarity, trust and comfort being important factors when having a healthcare provider. Results from each data set provided partial support of the hypothesis by some questions from the HPBQ directly supporting the hypothesis and some questions indirectly supporting the hypothesis.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Monali Chowdhury
The Relationship Between Parental Stress and Maladaptive Behaviors in Neurotypical Children and Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
DSPACE Source
This study examined levels of maladaptive behaviors in children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDDs) and those who are Neurotypical (NT) along with the parental stress experienced by primary live-in caregivers of those children. The study aimed to achieve three main objectives: (1) determine if children with NDDs exhibit more maladaptive behaviors compared to their NT peers, (2) assess whether parental stress is higher in caregivers of children with NDDs compared to those with NT children, and (3) examine if higher parental stress is correlated with increased maladaptive behaviors. For this study, forty-two primary live-in caregivers residing in the United States were recruited through Amazon MTurk Services. Two identical surveys were posted on the platform, with one exclusively available to caregivers of children aged 5-10 diagnosed with an NDD as per DSM-5 criteria, and the other available to caregivers of NT children in the same age range. “Neurotypical” was defined as children exhibiting cognitive processing and developmental milestones consistent with cultural norms and without a developmental disability diagnosis. Both surveys included the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) (CORC, n.d.), to measure parental stress and Section 3 of the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form (NCBRF) (The Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form, 1995), to assess maladaptive behaviors in children. After running Welch t-tests, the study did not find significant differences in maladaptive behaviors between children with NDDs and NT children t(15.66)= -0.25, p= .40, nor did it find significant differences between parental stress in primary live-in caregivers of NDD children and children who are NT t(17.80)= -0.61, p = .27. However, in support of the third hypothesis, a Pearson correlation indicated a significant association between higher parental stress and maladaptive behaviors r(41)= 0.707 (p=.001).
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Ryan Pickering
Digesting Media: Food Marketing and its Influences on Adolescent Eating Habits
DSPACE Source
No abstract is available.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Ryan Pickering
Perceived Stigma and Sense of Belonging in Students with ADHD Symptoms
DSPACE Source
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder classified by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Individuals who have ADHD are at high risk of being stigmatized because their behaviors fall outside of the social norm (Mueller, 2012). While there is ample evidence for the presence of ADHD in adulthood, research on adult populations with ADHD and the stigma they face is scarce (Masuch et al., 2019). This study examined perceived stigma and sense of belonging in students with and without ADHD symptoms. A sample of 30 students were asked to fill out part 1 of the Adult ADHD Symptom (ASRS-v1.1) in order to be sorted into the High ADHD Symptoms group (14 participants) and Low ADHD Symptoms group (16 participants). Next, they answered questions adapted from the Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC-12) and the Sense of Social Fit Scale (SSF), and had their responses compared. Results demonstrated that the High ADHD Symptoms group had higher scores of perceived stigma than the Low ADHD Symptoms group, and lower scores of belongingness than the Low ADHD Symptoms group. Higher scores of perceived stigma were correlated with lower scores of belonging for both groups. Findings revealed that Higher ADHD symptoms are associated with higher rates of stigma, and showed a trend that ADHD symptoms could negatively impact sense of belonging. Higher rates of stigma also decreased likelihood of belonging.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Rodney Clark
Benefits of Involvement in Extraciricular Activities in College Athletics
DSPACE Source
Musicians are ones who aim for perfectionism to be the best in their craft or the best as they could be but not much research is on how that affects them or how to help deal with the behaviors they pick up over the years of learning their instrument and push themselves to their limit similar to athletes. In this paper a reanalysis of data from the NCAA during the 2005-2006 academic year with 19,786 athletes participating in the survey to look at the effects of high involvement on students in athletics during the college experience along with how the student’s mental and physical health while also proposing future research to be done based on this 2006 study in how comparing between involved groups could help to find a difference between the extracurricular activities effect on students academic performance.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Monali Chowdhury
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Anxiety and Depression Across Different Age Groups
DSPACE Source
The readings and findings in the comp were supposed to focus on the impact the pandemic had on anxiety and depression among different age groups across the entire world. The readings and findings that were found and used in the comp are focused on North America. All of the readings and findings except one are focused in America, with the one focused in Canada. There are six chapters in the comp. The first chapter introduces the comp by talking about the importance of what is being researched and studied, and also lays out the format of the comp. The second chapter talks about depression and the different types of anxiety, and ends with discussing the effects it has on people. Chapter three discusses how children are affected by depression and anxiety by discussing the literature found on this topic. Chapter four looks at how adolescents and young adults are affected by anxiety and depression by discussing different literature on the topic. The fifth chapter discusses how anxiety and depression affects older adults based on the literature that is found regarding the topic. The final chapter provides a synthesis and conclusion of the comp. There are four highlights that have been found based on the findings in the literature and writing done in the comp. These four highlights are prevalence rates, calls to action, risk factors, and signs of increase. To elaborate on the calls to action, there are three of these based on the information that has been gathered in the comp. These are allocating more resources to help those affected by mental health, restructuring the current mental health system, and continuing to promote the importance of mental health. The four highlights and elaboration on the calls to action will be discussed more later on in the comp.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Ryan Pickering
How Sports Affect Female Athletes’ Self-esteem and Body Image
DSPACE Source
This study’s aim was to identify if there was a correlation between self-esteem and body image among female athletes surveyed at Allegheny College. The original hypothesis sought after by the researcher was to see if there was a relationship between self-esteem and body image compared between female athletes and non-athletes on campus. The study switched to a correlation focus after insufficient participation numbers were collected from the non-athlete category. The sample size consisted of 17 female student-athletes at Allegheny College. Descriptive statistics compared the means to the national and global averages of the questionnaire broken down and separated into the original three surveys used. The surveys consisted of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Questionnaire, the Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and the Appearance Anxiety Inventory. A Pearson’s correlation test was run to test for any significance between the variables. A strong correlation was found between all three variables and found that self-esteem is strongly tied to body image. The current findings are important to help understand the relationship between self-esteem and body image and how it affects athletes’ overall well-being on Allegheny College campus. Limitations of the current study include a small sample size and the misleading title to possible non-athlete participants.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Christopher Normile
Perceptions of School and Custodial Interrogations
DSPACE Source
Juveniles are more susceptible to coercive interrogation techniques than adults. Most of the tactics, procedures, and methods used on adults in interrogations are implemented within schools in various ways. For example, schools use school resource officers and administrators in questioning of juveniles similar to police. Recent developments have found that these techniques lead to school criminalization and the school-to-prison pipeline. The main goal of this study was to examine general perceptions of custodial and school interrogations. This study also examined participants’ perceptions regarding parents as an essential safeguard within interrogations. The current study recruited 91 students from Allegheny College a small liberal arts institution, who participated in an online survey. The current study had three hypotheses in total. The first hypothesis was participants are more familiar with custodial interrogations than school interrogations and will view them as more coercive. The second hypothesis was participants will view juvenile protections such as parent’s presence as necessary in the custodial condition and not the school condition. The final hypothesis is, that participants generally viewed juveniles as more guilty within a school versus a custodial setting. Overall, there were no significant findings throughout four analyses. The results showed that participants viewed the interrogations as coercive and severe. Participants also answered that the juvenile was mainly guilty and that safeguards are important. Future research could benefit from examining this topic further. The current study aimed to aid in the lack of knowledge of school interrogations and people’s perceptions and judgments of these interrogations.
Major: Neuroscience
Comp Advisor: Megan Bertholomey
Effects of Sleep Deprivation in Adolescent Rats on Anxiety-Like Behavior and Alcohol Consumption into Adulthood
DSPACE Source
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a significant global health concern, contributing to millions of preventable deaths annually. Despite extensive research on AUD, the interplay between sleep disturbances during critical developmental periods, such as adolescence, and subsequent alcohol consumption and anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood remains inadequately understood. Chronic sleep deprivation in adolescence is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for heightened susceptibility to substance use disorders, as this period is crucial for neurodevelopment, marked by significant changes in brain function related to decision-making, emotional regulation, and reward processing. Disruptions in sleep during adolescence can disturb neurotransmitter balance and neurocircuitry, leading to lasting alterations in behavior and mental health. Thus, the intricate relationship between chronic sleep deprivation, alcohol use, and subsequent anxiety-like behaviors is crucial to study given the enduring impact of early-life experiences on long-term health outcomes. The present study explores the potential link between chronic sleep deprivation during adolescence and subsequent alcohol consumption and anxiety-like behavior in female rats during adulthood. Adolescent female Sprague Dawley rats underwent sleep deprivation or served as controls, followed by anxiety assessment using the elevated plus maze (EPM). In adulthood, rats were provided access to alcohol, and anxiety-like behaviors were retested post-alcohol exposure. Sleep deprived rats showed heightened anxiety-like behaviors during adolescence but did not exhibit exacerbated anxiety in adulthood. However, they displayed increased alcohol intake and preference, indicating an impact on reward-seeking behaviors. These findings underscore adolescents’ vulnerability to early-life stressors like sleep deprivation and highlight the importance of addressing sleep health and stress management to prevent the onset of substance use disorders later on in life.
Major: Neuroscience||Psychology
Comp Advisor: Megan Bertholomey
Sex Differences in the Treatment of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome with Buprenorphine
DSPACE Source
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is a growing crisis in the United States that affects the most vulnerable population; newborn babies. Due to the only “cure” being maternal drug use prevention, and because opioid use is on the rise, it is greatly important to find a drug that works to not only decrease the severity of the withdrawal symptoms but limit the length of treatment and hospital stay. The purpose of this study is to identify buprenorphine as a potential treatment option for NOWS due to its long half-life, antagonistic effects on the mu receptor, and its success in adults with opioid use disorder (OUD). The other goal is to study whether there are sex differences in the morphine withdrawal period and in the buprenorphine withdrawal period. In order to induce NOWS in a rodent model, 1 mg/kg of morphine was injected into ⅔ of the litter while the other ⅓ was injected with saline in p3 old pups for 7 days to develop a dependence. Their withdrawal behaviors are then observed with a modified Finnegan scale on p10 and p11 and then on p12 ½ of the morphine group is injected with buprenorphine and the rest with saline is injected for 8 days. On p20 and p21 there is another observation period to identify if the withdrawal behaviors have increased or decreased from the initial observation period and their sex is determined on p22. Statistical analysis supports that there is a significant difference between the morphine and saline group, and also significant between the morphine+buprenorphine group and the morphine+saline group and no significance in relation to sex. What this means is that the initial morphine injection induced NOWS behaviors, buprenorphine decreased withdrawal score, and treatment and withdrawal is not dependent on the sex of the pup. Based on these results it is important for future studies to take into consideration if buprenorphine impacts cognitive development in adolescents, an issue that other NOWS drugs cause.
Major: Neuroscience||Psychology
Comp Advisor: Rodney Clark
MPD and E2 Effects on ADHD-Like Behaviors in Female Wild-Type and Spontaneously-Hypertensive Rats
DSPACE Source
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by the presentation of various developmentally-inappropriate behavioral and cognitive symptoms that result in impaired academic, social, or emotional functioning and is commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Several brain regions are implicated in the pathology of ADHD, but deficiencies in the striatum, its dopamine receptors, and transport proteins are implicated strongly in the production of ADHD-like behavior. Generally, children assigned male at birth are more likely to receive a diagnosis compared to children assigned female at birth; however, the difference in diagnostic rate is not explained by individual genetic variations, genetic-environmental interactions, or sex differences in the condition’s heritability. Estradiol, a form of estrogen, fluctuates naturally in the menstrual cycle and has a high density of receptors in the striatum, providing a mechanism by which it may modulate striatal functioning. The present study examines the effects of methylphenidate, a common ADHD medication that targets striatal dopamine transporters, and estradiol on behaviors relating to ADHD symptomatology of female wild-type and spontaneously hypertensive rats as ovarian hormones fluctuate naturally. Locomotion and working memory were assessed using locomotor tracking apparatus and radial arm maze tasks. Subjects’ estrous phase was monitored via analysis of vaginal cells, and an ELISA is used to determine blood concentrations of estradiol. Emphasis was placed on whether certain blood concentrations of estradiol alters subject response to the drug. The results obtained from the study prevents exact conclusions from being drawn, but evidence suggests that further research is necessary to determine whether a drug-hormone interaction affects the way a menstruating individual responds to medications, which has implications for treatment practices for individuals with fluctuating ovarian hormones and an ADHD diagnosis.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Lydia Eckstein
Mortality Salience Influence on Individuals’ View of Interracial Attractiveness
DSPACE Source
Similarity appears to be the strongest motivating factor for why individuals want to interact (friendly or romantically) with other individuals. However, little is known about how our medialized world where violence is projected on every social media outlet affects the strength that similarity will still play on individuals’ view on others’ attractiveness. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the presence of a media form (film in this case) showcasing violent scenes would still propel individuals to find more attraction to those with more similarities with or those that they are dissimilar to. In this study, White-identifying female subjects (n=16) were recruited through Sona Systems to complete surveys on SurveyMonkey with self-report measures of mortality salience and attractiveness for various, ethnic faces. A two-way mixed model ANOVA showed that attractiveness with the similarity face was rated lower than the dissimilar faces, disproving the study’s hypotheses. No significant difference between the experimental and control group’s response to their respective film clips were found with the exception of subjects in the control group rating the similar face higher than the dissimilar face. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.
Major: English Major–Emphasis in Creative Writing||Psychology
Comp Advisor: Matthew Ferrence and Christopher Normile
The Truth Behind the Monster: An Accurate Psychological Portrayal of Serial Killers in the Mystery Genre
DSPACE Source
I had written two short stories about an accurate psychological portrayal of serial killers within the mystery genre. One short story is written from the detective’s point of view and the other is written from the killer’s point of view. Each of these stories shows the different perspectives of how the killer came to be and how he acts. My project also starts off with a preface detailing the works that inspiried my writing and psychological background on serial killers to help the stories with authenticity.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Christopher Normile
Authoritarian and Authoritative Parenting Styles on Aggressive and Violent Tendencies in Children
DSPACE Source
This paper will cover several topics. The topics range from the parenting styles themselves in chapter 2 to the implications I have for future research or readers and how I did so. Chapter 1 will mostly discuss what aggression is when referring to it in paper, how children react to authority figures, their ability to control or regulate this aggression, and lastly the parenting strategy and how it affects academic achievement and how that can affect the child’s aggression. In our implications the article will cover limitations of research, recommendations for future researchers, as well as some direction for parents to look into.
Major: Global Health Studies||Psychology
Comp Advisor: Lydia Eckstein and Vesta Silva
Toxic Beauty: A Discourse Analysis of Toxic Beauty (2019) and Associated Consumer Survey On Concerns of Environmental Exposures in Health and Beauty Products
DSPACE Source
Extant research has examined factors that may influence green consumption including demographic factors, personal values, behavioral factors, product factors, personal capabilities, and factors within the retail environment (Testa et al., 2021). The purpose of the present study was to expand understanding of “green” products and their users to the trend of “clean” health and beauty products and their users through both conducting a discourse analysis of the film Toxic Beauty as well as conducting a consumer survey. The discourse analysis found that the film Toxic Beauty challenges the consumer to consider larger cultural expectations on health and beauty and how that correlates with the products women, especially in the United States are expected to utilize. At the same time, however, the film perpetuates neoliberal ideas of personal accountability and perfect consumption by endorsing the idea that consuming the right, “clean” products will prevent illness from chemical exposure, even if in other parts of the documentary, they find prevention to be impossible on an individual basis. Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess attitudes towards clean cosmetics, as well as measuring Big 5 personality traits, self-efficacy scores, and demographic traits. Thirty one female-identifying participants completed the survey through the online platform Prolific. The findings indicated no significant associations between CCAS scores and any of the Big Five Personality Traits, CCAS scores and Self-Efficacy, nor any associations between demographic factors of age, income, or educational attainment and CCAS scores.
Major: Psychology||Neuroscience
Comp Advisor: Jeff Hollerman
The Efficacy of Amoxapine as an Atypical Antipsychotic in an Acute Ketamine-Induced Rat Schizophrenia Model
DSPACE Source
Poverty is a common issue amongst the schizophrenic population, which can make access to antipsychotic medications difficult. As a result, finding a cost-effective solution via medication, even without insurance, is imperative for the benefit of schizophrenic individuals who would not be able to obtain medications otherwise. Amoxapine is one such option in need of investigation. Amoxapine is typically utilized as a tricyclic antidepressant, however, literature has suggested the possibility of its effectiveness as an antipsychotic. The present study utilized acute ketamine administration as a pharmacological rodent model of schizophrenia. To establish efficacy as an atypical antipsychotic in a rodent model, a medication must treat positive, negative, and cognitive deficits without any extrapyramidal symptoms. Amoxapine would need to mitigate the effects of ketamine on locomotion, working memory, and social activity without causing extrapyramidal symptoms, such as akinesia or catalepsy, in order to be considered an effective atypical antipsychotic. Results found that amoxapine did not mitigate the deficits caused by ketamine administration. The only hypotheses supported were: amoxapine administration did not result in extrapyramidal symptoms and, for a select number of tests, acute ketamine administration was able to produce the proper deficits to suffice as a rodent schizophrenia model
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Monali Chowdhury
One World: Two Species, Human & Animal Connection Through Psychology
DSPACE Source
This comprehensive paper explores the uniqueness of animal psychology through cognition and its relevance in our modern world, including benefits and future endeavors. Every day, we face situations constantly that require memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. Uncovering these traits in animals allows readers to acknowledge animal sentience and compare it to our own. The purpose of this review is to educate audiences on animal psychology. Through reading and examining ProQuest studies, I will answer the research question, “Is the study of animal psychology beneficial in our modern world”? By the end of this paper, the reader will be able to answer this question. With that answer, this paper will encourage readers to remember their place in the world and how it affects the complexities of the natural world.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Lauren Paulson
Relationship Between Coaching Behaviors and College Student-Athletes’ Self-Esteem
DSPACE Source
Self-esteem is key when it comes to an individual’s growth and well-being. In general, possessing a high sense of self-esteem has numerous benefits, which can be influenced by internal and external sources. When it comes to student-athletes, self-esteem is incredibly important to their athletic performance. An athlete’s level of self-esteem can either help or hinder them. For athletes, an external factor that can bolster a student-athletes’ self-esteem are the behaviors shown by their coach. There is a lack of research when it comes to coaching behaviors and how it affects student-athletes’ self-esteem, especially at the Division III level. Participants recruited for the study were division III student-athletes at Allegheny College. Firstly, participants filled out a demographic questionnaire. This demographic questionnaire asked participants their gender and sport they play. Following this, participants then completed two surveys, the Rosenberg Scale and the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS). The goal of this study was investigating the potential relationship between coaches’ leadership behavior (specifically autocratic and democratic) and student-athletes’ self-esteem. Firstly, it was hypothesized that student-athletes’ that report coaches who demonstrate more democratic coaching behaviors will also report possessing higher self-esteem. Secondly, it was also hypothesized that student-athletes’ who report coaches demonstrating autocratic coaching behaviors will report lower self-esteem. Results were not statistically significant for either hypothesis. Further research should be done to investigate and analyze the possible effects coaching behavior may have on student-athletes’ self-esteem.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Christopher Normile
Why there needs to be better and clearer communication between forensic and clinical psychology
DSPACE Source
No abstract is available.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Rodney Clark
Exploring the Correlation between Black Family Structures, Parenting Styles, and Recreational Drug Abuse: A Senior Project
DSPACE Source
This senior project investigates the intricate relationship between family structures, parenting styles, and the prevalence of recreational drug abuse among adolescents and young adults. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing literature in psychology, sociology, history, and public health. The study explores how various family structures (single-parent household, blended households and nuclear family households) among historically underrepresented families relate to adoption of specific parenting styles and their potential impact on the likelihood of teens and young adults engaging in recreational drug use. Furthermore, I aim to delve into the underlying mechanisms and mediating factors that contribute to or mitigate the risk of substance abuse within specific family environments. It explores how factors such as family cohesion, Parental monitoring, communication patterns, socioeconomic status, and parental attitudes towards drug use shape adolescents attitudes and behaviors towards substance experimentation and misuse. The findings of this research endeavor are expected to yield valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, and parents in developing targeted interventions and preventive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges associated with recreational drug abuse among young populations. By understanding the complex interplay between family structures, parenting styles, and substance abuse, stakeholders can work towards fostering supportive familial environments conducive to healthy development and resilience against the allure of drugs.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Ryan Pickering
It’s Not Just Physical: Exploring Identity Threat in Sports
DSPACE Source
No abstract is available.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Monali Chowdhury
The association between perceived stress and caffeine consumption in college students
DSPACE Source
Caffeine has been commonly used throughout today’s society. It has become a health concern for many people. In college students, perceived stress has also risen to higher levels than ever before (Meredith, 2013). The present study aimed to examine if there is a correlational relationship between caffeine consumption and perceived stress among college students. 50 college students were surveyed using a demographic questionnaire, a revised version of the Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire (Landrum & Shohet, 2001), and the College Student Stress Scale (Feldt, 2008). It was hypothesized that there will be a correlation between caffeine consumption and perceived stress experienced by college students. The current sample was comprised of N = 47 college students where 43 identified as cisgender, 3 identified as non-binary, and 1 declined to answer. 3 participants were removed from the original correlation due to the answers on the Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire being outliers. Outliers were calculated using the (1.5 x IQR) + Q3 method. Therefore 2 separate correlations were conducted: 1 without outliers and 1 with. Results for the correlation without outliers suggest, supporting the hypothesis, that participants who experienced higher levels of stress also consumed more caffeine in a moderate correlation (r= 0.32, p=0.03). Results for the correlation with outliers also suggested, supporting the hypothesis, that participants who experienced higher levels of stress also consumed more caffeine in a moderate correlation (r= 0.36, p=0.01). These preliminary findings warrant the need for further research with a larger, more diverse sample.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Lauren Paulson
Breaking Barriers & Building Resilience: Exploring Imposter Syndrome & Gender in Division III Athletics
DSPACE Source
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or ethnicity. The feelings of imposter syndrome can relate to, but are not limited to, feelings of being a fraud, feeling unworthy of success, and blaming accomplishments on luck (Bothello, & Roulet, 2019). The purpose of this study is to examine whether Division III athletes at a small liberal arts college experience higher or lower levels of imposter syndrome compared to non-student athletes. The problem with imposter syndrome and why it is important is because it can lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, and burnout as the symptoms persist (APA, 2021). Furthermore, the researcher was looking to fill the gap in the literature that has been done about athletes. As most research is about athletes at the Division I level, the researcher has examined athletes who compete at the Division III level. The research hypothesized that imposter syndrome will be more prevalent in females than males and more prevalent in athletes versus non-athletes. 44 participants have completed this study using a personal mobile device and completed the 20 question Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. Two hypotheses were investigated, The researchers first hypothesis was that levels of imposter syndrome will be more prevalent in women versus men based on the prior research of high-achieving women experiencing higher levels of imposter syndrome (Clance & Imes, 1978). The second hypothesis was that imposter syndrome will be more prevalent in women and male athletes versus women and male non-athletes. The first hypothesis was supported and significant by the study’s result.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Christopher Normile
How Pretrial Publicity and Gender Affect Perceptions of Sexual Assault Cases
DSPACE Source
Imagine if you were to read a post about a sexual assault case online. Later, you are asked to be a juror for that same case. You would have learned opinion about that case through the publicity, then learned facts through evidence, and could possibly confuse what is fact and what is opinion. Publicity of sexual assault cases is problematic due to the lack of witnesses and other evidence outside of individual testimony. There are publicized myths surrounding sexual assault that have the potential to change opinions on cases of sexual assault. This study seeks to counter the myths surrounding sexual assault cases and analyze the effects of these myths through pretrial publicity on individuals judgements. 94 students from Allegheny College were recruited to participate. Participants read their assigned social media posts, then read through a trial summary. Participants encountered a survey which measured for their perceptions of the plaintiff and defendant, guilt judgements, and rape myth acceptance. This study found counterintuitive significant effects of pretrial publicity, yet no effect of gender. Further research should look into the effect of legal actors’ gender on these factors, and recruit a diverse sample of age ranges and beliefs.
Major: Psychology
Comp Advisor: Lauren Paulson
The Perceived Effect of Coaching Behaviors on Division III Athletes in Relation to Drinking Behaviors
DSPACE Source
College-aged students are prone to consuming alcohol more than any other age. In student-athletes, other factors may have an impact on alcohol consumption that other college students do not have. Different coaching styles have different effects on athletes, on and off the court and field. The different styles include; democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, positive feedback, instruction, and social support. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived coaching behaviors and alcohol behaviors among Division III student-athletes, by having n = 38 participants complete the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The LSS asks questions regarding different coaching styles and the AUDIT asks questions about alcohol consumption and behaviors. There are not many prior studies that investigate this relationship but there is prior research on student-athletes recording greater risk of harmful alcohol-related behaviors. The findings of the LSS and the AUDIT questionnaire suggest there is no correlation in the relationship between perceived coaching behaviors and alcohol behaviors in Division III athletes, denying the initial hypothesis of this study, which was the more an athlete perceived their coach to portray an autocratic coaching behavior, the more harmful their alcoholic behaviors would be. Due to the results of the present study, there is reason to further research into the effect of gender-related and age-related differences between coaching behaviors and alcohol-related behaviors.