Undergraduate Research Day

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https://hdl.handle.net/10474/2451

Undergraduate Research Day is an opportunity for Southern New Hampshire University’s undergraduate students to present research and projects in a public forum. Undergraduate Research Day is inclusive both in terms of academic discipline and research method. Southern New Hampshire University is committed to fostering a culture in which undergraduate research is encouraged and celebrated.

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The individual as a whole: Leroux's use of opposite and the uncanny in The Phantom of the Opera
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2013-10-23) Benjamin, Nicole; Howe, Sara
Drawing primarily from the work of Sigmund Freud’s “The Uncanny,” this research suggests that Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera utilizes defamilarization to draw attention to the paradoxical nature of the human spirit, taking this oft overlooked text and placing it within a worthy discussion of Leroux’s contribution as a psychological writer. A major premise of this paper highlights Leroux’s use of opposites to create a broader picture of the nature of humanity, something he achieves through his depiction of the Paris Opera House and in his characters of Christine and Erik. (Author abstract)
Diversity in the workplace
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2013-10-28) Chuah, Jaclyn Voon Huei; Matthews, Lowell
The focus of this paper is workplace diversity. Though it brings several advantages to the organization, it also brings conflicts and problems to the organization that does not know how to handle it appropriately. It is critical to master the skills to manage a diversified workforce effectively because people of different races, genders, religions and national origins have different perspectives, cultures, values or ways of getting things done. When an organization manages to handle diversified workforce effectively, it can increase job satisfaction as the employees feel respected and appreciated which then motivates them to perform at their best in order to increase productivity and profitability. Research on this topic has found it is not unusual for managers to hire people who are like them in style and substance which has been viewed as a perceived inequity that inhibits diversity in the workplace. Research has also demonstrated that one-off initiatives in conducting diversity training workshops may not be effective in eliminating deeply-rooted stereotypes or beliefs about others. (Author abstract)
Cyberbullying: what can we do about it?
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2013-12-11) Maccini, Mary; Cook, Susan
Cyberbullying is one of America’s largest issues today, although it is often overlooked. The effects that cyberbullying has on today’s youth can be more harmful, in many ways, than the effects of physical bullying. Because of the spread and growth of technology, it is easier for today’s youth to hide behind the mask of a computer screen and harm others. Cyberbullying has led to countless suicides, depression, and other disorders throughout the past ten years. The cruel words can stay with victims longer because they are able to read them over and over again, and the bullying is becoming harder to escape. Today, verbal bullying does not end when students walk away from each other after school; it continues into the home, via computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices. A study done at Pembroke Academy explains how 72 students were anonymously surveyed about cyberbullying. Furthermore, an interview with Nicole Moore, a guidance counselor in Virginia, helps to bring cyberbullying into the light regarding the elementary school population. In this paper, solutions to cyberbullying are identified and explained. Solutions begin right from the home, and continue onto school grounds. It is more important than ever before that parents and educators be involved in their child’s life, because they may just save their child’s life. My research project specifically examines how cyberbullying is affecting our local community to argue that we need to take preventative measures as soon as possible. (Author abstract)
Social media in education: assessing the benefits of integration
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2013-12-12) Drylie, Darci; Bickford, Crystal
Within recent years, the Internet has evolved into one of the most commonly used innovations by members of today’s society, and Social media is one aspect of the Internet that has also become a prominent staple among Internet users. This research explores social media’s progressing role in education and student learning. Current generations of students are demonstrating decreased engagement, participation, and interest towards the different areas of content being presented to them. Research identifies traditional teaching methods as a central cause to the negative learning aspects being portrayed by the students. This is in part due to the fact that traditional methods no longer emphasize active learning and stimulation. By being brought up in a fast paced environment, students need to be stimulated in order to truly process the content. Social media is able to maintain the attention of students and keep them stimulated. Students’ daily routines hold a considerable amount of time for social media usage; therefore, the research project indicates that further integration into the classroom could rekindle the participation, engagement, and interest once held by students. The research examines the integration that has taken place within schools currently, and assesses the advantages of use towards student learning. (Author abstract)
How does the implementation of Math in Focus affect the way teachers make decisions about teaching methods?
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2013-12-18) Bergeron, Samantha; Paddack, Megan
This study addressed the question, how the implementation of Math in Focus affects the way teachers make decisions about their teaching methods. For this qualitative study, I conducted interviews with four New Hampshire middle school math teachers who had recently begun using a new mathematics program in their classrooms. Math in Focus is a Singapore curriculum that is based on the Common Core State Standards, which have been recently adopted by New Hampshire schools. Using open coding and themes, I found three overlying conclusions from my data analysis. The factors affecting teacher’s methods the most were: the type of classroom design, the depth of gaps to be filled in students’ background knowledge, and the teacher’s years of classroom experience. I was able to conclude that a new program will change teaching methods, but there are other factors influencing their teaching practices, such as standards changes and types of learners. (Author abstract)
SNHU University College Undergraduate Research Day: abstracts of student projects [April 2, 2014]
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-03) Cook, Susan; Mitchell, Rebecca; Benjamin, Nicole; Copeland, Samantha; Ayers, Ryan; Call, Kristen; Rea, Jennifer; Friese, Melanie; McPherson, Sarah; Mak, Megan; Klein, Jana; Nystrom, Erik; Colon, Christopher; Gabrione, James; Carlson, Erika; Nistico, Ricky; Wood, Matt; Tobin, Patrick; Richard, Nathan; Harrington, Samuel; Remy, Alyssa; Michaud, Allison; Rodene, Rousseline; Djire, Fatoumata; Messier, Jillian; Wilson, Kyle; Sheridan, Colleen; Bloom, Brittany; Daly, Joseph; Stoughton, Cameron; Thomas, Michaela; Weinstein, Mike; Sivagurunathan, Kartheepan; Kizer, Deanna; Heath, Jenna; Andolina, Theresa; Bergeron, Samantha G.; Aylward, Brieanna; Conley, Devin; Cowels, Michelle; Cox, Mike; Voon Huei Chuah, Jaclyn; Bodi, Evan; Grotton, Bailey; Ferrucci, Adam; Carnell, Kelsey; Brenner, Sarah; Hiltz, James; Dobek, Mark; Toland, Bryan; Gendron, Ryan; Kitsios, Aris; Stitt, Robert; McDevitt, Caryl; Labrie, Alexander; Byas, Ebony; Gambon, Christina; Ewing, Elizabeth; Doe, Samuel; Mancuso, Bethany; Feola, Bianca; Rich, Jaimi; Worth, Elizabeth; Mercieri, Angela; Douglas, Alyssa; Frazier, Alicia; Morin, Kara; Carrigan, Ryan; Casey, Bridgette; Tran, Anh; Reynolds, Casey M.; Perryman, Jenna; Wentworth, Benjamin; Keeler, Bryce; Aliperta, Christen; Baez, Massiel; Miller, Jessica; Laurin, Nathaniel; Kennedy, Sarah; Donovan, Tristan; Dominy, Nicole; Tremblay, Jacquelyn; Bailey, Derek; Drylie, Darci; Campion, Brad; Allen, Cory; Legaspi, Rebekah; Tobin, Patrick; Berube, Brandon; Wallace, Michael; Maccini, Mary; Braun, Jeffrey; Corcoran, Michael; Demetriou, Andreanna; De Redon, Timothy; Fournier, Stephen; Fuller, Samuel; Heichlinger, Sean; Nelson, Trevor; Poirier, Drew; Rocha, Lorreta; Veilleux, Benjamin; Young, Brittany
Appearance discrimination in politics
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-03-02) Bodi, Evan; Hughes, Jeanne
The purpose of the research paper is to inform the reader of the impact a political candidate’s appearance has on his or her electoral success. The author cites sources that confirm role-independent traits (appearance, personality, other non-political traits) play a more crucial role in people’s voting decisions compared to the role-relevant traits (experience, political record, proposed plans) of politicians. The research paper cites evidence that proves role-independent traits are more important to voters by referencing research that explains how quickly individuals subconsciously identify the winner of an election after watching 10-second silent clips by observing candidate body language. The race and gender of politicians also influences the perceptions of voters, as voters have been proven to identify and relate different characteristics to different races and genders while other factors are held constant. Research also proves that certain appearance features like babyface and posture can either benefit or harm certain candidates depending on the circumstances. Finally, various media outlets like Facebook and YouTube influence people’s perceptions about political candidates in different ways. In conclusion, appearance discrimination in politics is a very complex topic, and it takes place in several different ways. Not much research has been done on why this takes place, but there is enough evidence in previous research that allows the author of this paper to conclude that people do vote for political candidates based their respective appearances. (Author abstract)
The effects of social media on online consumer behavior
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-03-26) Dobek, Mark; Toland, Bryan; Gendron, Ryan; Kitsios, Aris; Stitt, Robert; Amendah, Eklou
Does social media have an effect on online consumer behavior? Because social media is now used to market many companies, brands, and products, this study provides data that will conclude if social media has a major effect on online consumer behavior. The purpose of this study is to interview consumers to see what their opinions are on social media and its effect on their online shopping experience. The study will give us a better understanding of how online consumers view and use social media.(Author abstract)
Photoshopping in advertisements and its effect on body image
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-03-29) Grotton, Bailey; Carnell, Kelsey; Brenner, Sarah; Ferrucci, Adam; Eklou, Amendah
Does Photoshop and the alteration of body images affect the self-esteem and purchasing habits of customers? This is an essential question regarding morals and ethics in advertising that this study attempts to address. The purpose of the study was to discover what techniques marketers use and how they affect consumers. We are looking into the Aerie Real Campaign which is ignoring the use of Photoshop to market “real” models and products to their target customers. “The goal, said Dana Seguin, the director of marketing for aerie, is to help shoppers see what the clothing might look like on them -- even if they don’t look like a typical lingerie model” (p1). This campaign is focusing more on the positive light of the average body and not the manipulated version that is unrealistic. “A woman’s body image is an important source of her self-esteem. Approximately 50% of girls and young women report being dissatisfied with their bodies. According to the American Psychological Association these dissatisfactory feelings can play a major role in the development of low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders such as bulimia”. This affirms that the study we are focusing on is very specific and definitely has an effect on consumers and retail organizations.(Author abstract)
Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance at Southern New Hampshire University
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04) Thomas, Michaela; Cox, David
This in-progress research explores Southern New Hampshire University students’ awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance, and aims to determine the percentage of the Southern New Hampshire University student body affected by these conditions. I first provide context for my research by defining gluten and describing the foods in which it is found. I then define the condition of gluten intolerance (or sensitivity) and compare and contrast it with the characteristics and symptoms of celiac disease. I document my own experiences with gluten intolerance and provide statistical information about the prevalence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance worldwide, within the United States, and among Southern New Hampshire University students. I also report statistics regarding the demographic of most commonly afflicted persons and explore the hypothesized reasons for the affliction of this demographic in particular. Additionally, I consider different arguments for the recent increase in reported celiac diagnoses. The methods used for this paper include the collection of primary and secondary data from empirical studies in medical journals, news articles, student surveys and individual student interviews. The survey sample data collected will be used to make conclusive statements about the prevalence and level of awareness that Southern New Hampshire University students exhibit of these conditions through quantitative techniques such as summary statistics and confidence intervals. The interviews will be used for qualitative comparison to my experience of a gluten intolerant life. These results will drive my conclusions about potential steps to be taken by decision makers regarding dining options to accommodate the increasing numbers of individuals on campus with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. (Author abstract)
Economic impact report: New England Pond Hockey Classic, Meredith, NH 2014
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04) Cowels, Michelle; Conley, Devin; Daly, Joe; Hecox, Mark
For our Sport Management Practicum, we conducted an Economic Impact study of the Town of Meredith, NH in relation to an event that the town hosts every year: The New England Pond Hockey Classic. The CEO of the event, Scott Crowder, approached our group with the task of gathering information on how much the average participant spends on Travel, Lodging, Groceries, and Restaurants and Bars in the town of Meredith. We also looked into an increase, if any, in the sales of the local restaurants, bars, and motels in the area. After concluding our research, we will present our data to the CEO and the Meredith chamber of commerce. (Author abstract)
First impressions: phrenology and physiognomy in David Copperfield
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Mitchell, Rebecca; Cook, Susan
This paper examines the influence of phrenology and physiognomy in Charles Dickens' novel David Copperfield. The title character spends a large section of the novel indicating various characters’ appearances as a way of illustrating his feelings towards them, following the popular culture of the time in which the book was both set and written in. One of the most prominent characters examined in this paper is Uriah Heep, who unnerves young David almost immediately upon seeing him because of his unsettling appearance. Though the Victorians may have popularized phrenology and physiognomy, the concept of understanding someone's personality based on their appearance can be traced back as early as Plato and the ancient Chinese civilizations. Other characters, such as the Murdstones or Mrs. Crupp, are also affected by these pseudosciences because of David's impression of them. During and even after the Victoria era, people used phrenology and physiognomy to attempt to prove criminals guilty simply because they had suspicious facial features. This paper uses these examples and others from both the culture at the time and the novel itself to determine if there is any truth in David Copperfield's judgment of other characters based on his first impressions of them. (Author abstract)
Stop and frisk: unconstitutional practices by the NYPD
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Gambon, Christina; Clamp, Christina
Recently, a federal judge decided that the stop-and-frisk practices carried out by the New York Police Department were unconstitutional and violated not only the fourth amendment, but also the fourteenth. Since the decision made last August, there has been debates about if the judge was correct or not. In this paper, I will be researching through the practices made by the police and the statistics of their stop-and-frisks to see if there is some racial discrimination that would cause the practices to be unconstitutional. I will research statements made by both sides of the story, the police and the citizens, to understand their feelings on this issue. I will also be looking at essays and articles written by scholars on the topic of racial discrimination to get their side of the story. If there is racial discrimination in these practices, then there are social repercussions to follow, such as a distrust of the police and more arrests of innocent people. The stop-and-frisk is a catalyst for division among races, among protector and the protected, by creating discrimination when proceeded in an unlawful manner. (Author abstract)
SNHU rain garden
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Allen, Cory; Braun, Jeffrey; Corcoran, Michael; Demetriou, Andreanna; De Redon, Timothy; Fournier, Stephen; Fuller, Samuel; Heichlinger, Sean; Nelson, Trevor; Poirier, Drew; Rocha, Lorreta; Sivagurunathan, Kartheepan; Veilleux, Benjamin; Weinstein, Michael; Young, Brittany; Corbin, Joseph; Goldsmith, Michele; Cummings, Allison
Our undergraduate research project is the planning, development, and installation of a phytoremediating rain garden on the SNHU campus. As part of an EPA grant-funded program, our group will be responsible for the entire creation process of this rain garden, from preplanning, budgeting, and research, to installation and policy and procedure development. This project aims to accomplish multiple goals, namely, 1) to identify and remediate soil and water pollutants in the specified portion of the SNHU campus, 2) to increase campus awareness of environmental issues and actions that can be taken to help, and 3) to hopefully serve as proof of concept for the future installation of further rain gardens at SNHU. The site will be highly visible, and all relevant documentation will be created and catalogued by our group. (Author abstract)
Ethical issues in the diagnosis of mental illness in children
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Ayers, Ryan; Frost, Peter; Hendery, Michael
In its current state, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (2013) provides relatively little distinction in how to go about the diagnosis of mental disorders in children. The majority of disorders outlined in the DSM-5 concern the diagnosis of older and much more developed individuals (adults and late-teens). A child’s mind works differently than theirs in many ways due to the fact that a child’s mind is still developing and changing; some criteria for a specific diagnosis can actually be present in a completely healthy and developing child. There are however, a small collection mental disorders that are focused primarily on children which have their own set of criteria that is better defined in relation to standard childhood behavior. This is where the ethical issue comes in: If we currently have exceptions for a few specific disorders when diagnosing children, are we not ethically bound to do so across the board? Current practice sees therapists adjusting requirements and compensating for the child’s development with how they see fit; there is no uniform process or research outlined in modern diagnostic literature. This is one of the main causes for the over-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of many disorders in children. If it is understood that early detection and treatment can help a child later in life and that the gap in direction impedes this process which can possibly bring harm to these children, doesn’t it work contrary to the general goal of therapy? It does, and because of this, it is absolutely critical that solutions to this problem are researched and developed. Whether these solutions consist of amendments to the current state of the DSM-5 or an entirely separate manual for child diagnoses, we should be ethically bound to resolving this critical issue. (Author abstract)
The ethical and moral responsibility of producing queer young adult literature
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Donovan, Tristan; Cook, Susan
This research project is an extension of a project I entered previously for my Banned Books course in Spring 2013. This project proved to be bigger than the confines of the assignment. I originally researched Rainbow Boys in Banned Books of America. I researched why it was banned or challenged and why its representation of queer teenagers mattered to those who read the book. However, in this new project I want to take it a step further. I want to focus on why equal representations of queer youth and queer youth of color in fictional Young Adult (and adult) matters. I will research what representation is currently available and also offer a brief history of queer YA literature and how far it has come since then. In my project I will also address the lack of positive representation and how it affects people who identify as queer and how it also plays a role when it intersects with their ethnicity/race. After doing this, I will want to find a way for the media to correct such failures and offer alternatives. I will also research currently available resources for finding good representation for queer people. Hopefully by the end of this research project, I will be able to educate those about matters of intersectionality and representation and why it matters in literature and will be able to show how it will benefit our society and most importantly how offering more resources and representation in novels will help those who live in a cisgender, white and heteronormative America. (Author abstract)
The roles of media, language, and practice on solving the Tower of Hanoi problem
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Worth, Elizabeth; Mercieri, Angela; Kosegarten, Jay
The current study presents findings of a study conducted on the Tower of Hanoi problem. The Tower of Hanoi problem is a logical puzzle involving recursion in which there are three pegs with discs stacked in ascending order on the left peg. The object is to restack the discs on the right peg in ascending order, moving one disc at a time and never having a larger disc placed on top of a smaller one. The fewer the moves to accomplish this, the more successful the trial is judged to be. Subjects were randomized into one of eight cells and all were measured on their ability to solve the 4-disc version of the Tower of Hanoi in terms of three dependent variables: total number of moves, total moves-to-optimal moves ratio, and completion time. In a 2 X 2 X 2 between subjects factorial design, subjects were assigned to three different conditions with two levels each. Subjects performed either a computerized or physical version of the TOH; verbalized their strategies while doing so or were instructed to remain silent; and were allowed to practice on easier two-disc and three-disc versions or were not given the benefit of doing so. Main effects were found in that subjects completing the physical TOH did so more efficiently than those completing it on the computer. Subjects also benefitted from verbalizing their strategies over remaining silent. Interaction effects were also found for practice and verbalization. (Author abstract)
Life expectancy by country
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Berube, Brandon; Wallace, Michael; D'Agostino, Susan
For this project, we questioned if it was possible to use regression analysis to predict the average life expectancy of a country’s citizen. The world is concerned about health due to poor air quality, inadequate sanitation, and lack of healthy drinking water. We used regression analysis to analyze these variables to see if they contributed to the overall life expectancy of a nation. We selected beneficial variables and eliminated variables that were ineffective. Although there are some variables that may seem to be effective, after checking residuals and correlations, we concluded which variables are useful. We chose a small sample size of twenty countries randomly in order to try to predict an accurate model for life expectancy of any country. The countries selected were Iraq, Oman, Tonga, Spain, Mongolia, Samoa, Qatar, Pap New Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Bulgaria, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Micronesia, Mauritius, Suriname, Austria, and Sao Tome and Principe. With the research conducted, we will be able to show the inadequacies of nations that affect life expectancy, and how to increase the average life expectancy of their citizens. (Author abstract)
Selective mutism in children
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Kennedy, Sarah; Pepin, Elise
This thesis focuses on selective mutism, a rare childhood disorder in which the child refuses to speak in many situations and there are no underlying medical or speech disabilities that explains their behavior. The research of the paper focuses on the many different factors that can have a role in the development of selective mutism, including parent child relationship as well as the development of anxiety. Also discussed are the impacts this disorder can have on a child’s development, two main areas being academics and social relationships. Many teachers and parents do not have a full understanding of selective mutism, which may hinder the support that is made available to the child as the age of onset often occurs around the child’s entrance to school. This makes selective mutism an important topic because there is a need for educating caregivers. Part of this project will be surveying teachers in order to gain an understanding of their knowledge of selective mutism and what can be done to bring more awareness to the disorder. This thesis will also discuss the positive outlook for selective mutism as there are many different types of treatments and approaches available for helping the child overcome their intense fear of speaking. (Author abstract)
Effects color has on mood and stereotypes
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Frazier, Alicia; Kosegarten, Jay
This paper is a further exploration of some findings by Buckalew and Bell (1985). Their experiment classified the drawings of faces drawn by 18 children between the ages of four and six as happy, sad, or indifferent. The author found that color had an effect on mood. In our study, 30 college students between the ages of 19 and 26 were given five different colored piece of paper (red, yellow, green, blue, and white). Each colored pieces of paper had the outline of a stick figure with a blank face and no gender identified. From the five colors listed, subjects were asked their favorite color, least favorite color, and then to rank the colors on a scale of one to five, from their favorite to least favorite color. Subjects’ drawings were then analyzed to see if mood was reflected in the drawings. We also wanted to explore the potential stereotypes surrounding colors (e.g., would red be associated with aggression or would blue be considered male). The drawings were examined to see if test subjects added more detail to the drawing on their favorite colored piece of paper; if more aggression was expressed in the drawings on the red piece of paper as opposed to the favorite color; also what gender was associated with each color. We conclude that color does have an effect on mood, and evidence supports the notion that association about color can be stereotypical. (Author abstract)

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