Undergraduate Research Day

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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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Now showing 1 - 20 of 89

20th century Germany novel
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Beebe, Eric; Varat, Deborah
I plan to research the various dimensions of life in Germany during the early 20th century, primarily during the times of the Weimar Republic and World War II. My research will pertain to—but not be confined to—developments in art and culture and the workings of the Nazi party. By its completion my research will be suitable to construct a believable piece of historical fiction. After compiling the sufficient amount of notes and information about life in Germany during the aforementioned period, I will begin to write a novel taking place in that setting. The story will be narrated following two alternating perspectives: that of a German artist who turns to Nazism in a time of doubt and desperation, as well as that of a Jewish journalist enamored with the cultural developments stirred by Modernism. The story will follow the two protagonists from the years of the Weimar Republic through those of World War II, giving focus to both the social and political events of the time and the personal events of the characters’ lives. It will hit upon various points in each character’s life and the differences their standings in society allot them. It will be a fictional piece as to provide ample liberties to make the plot as captivating a story of its own as it will be a depiction of how the various happenings in Germany affected people’s lives at the time. My presentation of the project will consist of a summarized overview of my research methodology and findings, followed by a reading of select brief passages from the final product. The project will be as much of a test of storytelling as is it a conduit for research, and the final product will be considered as a draft to begin submitting for publication through the proper channels. (Author abstract)
The Abolition of Man in dystopian literature
(2014-04-29) Doe, Samuel; Cook, Susan
This thesis argues that two important works of dystopian fiction, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, can be read through the lens of C. S. Lewis’ Abolition of Man. In this book, Lewis writes of an intellectual trend which he labels Subjectivism, and which he believes is engaged in undermining humanity as we understand it. Lewis sees an example of this trend in a schoolbook on English writing, which he calls the Green Book (The Control of Language: A Critical Approach to Reading and Writing, by Alex King and Martin Ketley), and uses a criticism of this book as a departure point for a criticism of the whole philosophy of Subjectivism. I believe that Bradbury and Huxley are concerned with some of the same contemporary intellectual and moral trends as was Lewis, and, like him, feared the advent of a broken humanity. I will also be bringing Nietzschean philosophy to bear on this examination, for to really understand what Lewis means by the Abolition of Man, one should understand the ideas he is arguing against. To understand them, one should understand their origins, and the best way to do this is to go back to Nietzsche. Using The Abolition of Man as its central text, this thesis will work backwards to establish the argument between Lewis and Nietzsche, and will then analyze the philosophical ideas of both at play in the worlds of Bradbury and Huxley’s novels.(Author abstract)
The advantages of social media for small businesses
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Laurin, Nathaniel; Bickford, Crystal
The poster, “The Advantages of Social Media for Small Businesses” focuses on social media and its positive and negative effects on small businesses. The author begins by introducing the topic through a brief history of the internet, web 2.0, and its byproduct, social media. The text continues on to discuss the central question of, “is social media beneficial for small businesses?” This question is studied as the author negotiates the positives and negatives associated with social media and its potential impact on small businesses. The author outlines the main benefits of social media and examines them in greater detail and then provides examples of ways businesses can use social media to increase their publicity. These range from targeted and affordable advertising, to funding a project using fans as backers. The poster also compares these benefits of social media with the potential downsides and offers specific examples of products developed by small businesses, such as Minecraft, the Ouya Console, and the Pebble Smartwatch, to illustrate the ways in which social media has contributed to make each a success. The author concludes the research project with a summarization of why the benefits of social media outweigh the detriments for small businesses. (Author abstract)
The all-you-need-to-know grammar guide
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Hamilton, Sarah; Marcille, Selina
The goal of this proposal is to preface my senior thesis, which will be a Grammar Guide for SNHU students. This guide will be directed particularly at international students, and English 099 (Fundamental Writing in English) students. I intend to divide the final product into different chapters, detailing basic grammar (parts of speech, subject/verb agreement, prepositions, sentence structure, etc.), punctuation, essay-writing (outlining, the nine paragraph essay and the five paragraph essay, structure, content, and critical thinking), citation (MLA and APA), and activities (creating examples of outlines, thesis statement formation guides, etc.). The research element of the paper will focus more specifically on some of the struggles students face while learning English at this level, as well as my own experiences as a tutor. I intend to include a section in the research on common writing styles for other cultures and languages, as these styles tend to vary greatly from American English writing formats. In this area, I intend to focus heavily on Saudi Arabian and Mandarin writings, as these two language populations make up a sizeable contingent of the international population here at Southern New Hampshire University. I intend to complete this project in the second semester of the 2014-2015 school year. (Author abstract)
Analyzing Subway’s successful social media efforts
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Bodi, Evan; Spirou, Pat
“Analyzing Subway’s Successful Social Media Efforts” is a required project for the social media and marketing communications course. This project, which began during the fall semester of 2014, involves identifying Subway’s varying advertisement campaigns, the main target market these ads are intended for, the main media vehicles used to deliver these ads, and how effective these ads are in expanding Subway’s global footprint. More specifically, the research paper uncovers Subway’s varying advertisement campaign themes, multiple execution styles, and how Subway successfully applies the dual adaptation strategy in global markets through the use of social media formats Facebook and Twitter. The research also highlights the company’s history, main competitor, product lines and assortment, and its recent financial success. The paper concludes that Doctor’s Association’s Subway brand is highly successful in marketing its products due to its ability to relate the themes of health and fitness with its submarine sandwiches in ads that vary in both execution style and in media format based on the respective audience the company is trying to target. (Author abstract)
Anticipated psychosocial stress informs sustained attention performance: A behavioral and physiological perspective
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021-04-07) Brau, Julia M.; Fortenbaugh, Francesca C.; Esterman, Michael; Corbo, Vincent
The ability to sustain attention is paramount to the completion of daily activities, such as driving or attending to a lecture. Previous studies have suggested that stress prior to cognitive testing leads to changes in attentional performance based on stressor context, but the impact of anticipated stress on attention remains unclear. To answer this question, the current study examined a sample of thirty-one undergraduate students (age 18-35, M=21.5, S.D.=3.1) who either anticipated a psychosocial stressor or completed guided meditation before completing a go/no-go sustained attention task (gradCPT). Subjective measures of anxiety, self-esteem, extraversion, and neuroticism were also gathered along with heart rate and electrodermal activity measures to objectively determine stress reactivity. Correlational analyses revealed negative associations between state anxiety and commission errors (r=-0.5, p=0.048), reaction time variability (r=-0.522, p=0.038), and a positive association between state anxiety and accuracy (d’) (r=0.521, p=0.038) in the stress condition exclusively. When controlling for state anxiety, mixed design ANOVAs revealed a significant main effect of condition on d’ (F(1,28)=5.54, p=0.026), where the stress group showed lower d’. Further, data showed a trend of an interaction on reaction time variability (F(1,28)=3.49, p=0.072) where increased variability across the task duration occurred as a function of condition assignment, and a trend of a main effect of condition (F(1,28)=3.93, p=0.057) suggesting more commission errors under stress. The results suggest that anticipation of a stressor does impact sustained attention, but that performance may exist on a spectrum based on subjective appraisal of the stressor. (Author abstract)
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)
Arboretum Invasive Species Management
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2022-04-06) Larue, Julianna; Weinstein, Mike
Bait ball simulation
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021-04-07) Harper, Tim; Ramirez, Darren; Duffy, Tim; Jamieson, William; Gilbert, Adam
Banned books ban the future
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Palmer, Megan; Bickford, Crystal
This project examines book banning and curriculum decisions and the effects that both have on students. Book banning has existed since before the formation of the current education system as well as far before the current status of democracy and free speech. By studying its history, and its existence in today’s culture, the research provides insight into the ways in which it influences every English classroom for both educators and students alike. The project delves into book banning in the public library system as well as the library system contained within the schools in order to provide a view of the issue in all of its forms. The research discusses the negative effect that book banning and a narrow English curriculum can have on students in a modern society. Incorporating recent research based on book banning, the project focuses on the ways in which it is affecting and hindering free speech, access to information, and the formation of a generation. Using information at a regional level and a national level, as well as an international level, the research highlights the consequences that are faced due to book banning all around the world. This project seeks to rectify a wrong that is being done to today’s students and to help stop it from being perpetuated on the students of tomorrow. (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)
Color and symbol association across cultures
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Frazier, Alicia; Kosegarten, Jay
This paper is a further exploration of some findings by Spector and Maurer (2011). Across six experiments they examined the association between color and letters. Testing three populations, toddlers, literate children, and adults, they found that preliterate children have a different color letter association compared to literate children and adults. By asking subjects to place the letter within the colored box they associate the letter with, they found that preliterate children base color association off of shape vs. the sound or meaning. Letters with few angles, such as O and I, were associated with white, and letters with multiple angles, such as X and Z, were associated with black. Within the present study, instead of evaluating color and letter association across age, it will analyze the association across cultures. There are four groups of symbols, each with four symbols in them. There are the first four Roman symbols (A, B, C, D), and then an equivalent order and shape for alphabetical symbols in traditional Greek, Arabic, a Mandarin languages. Subjects are asked to select from one of the given colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, black) that they associate most with the alphabetical symbol presented. The data will be analyzed for similarities across cultures for symbol and color association, which will bring to question if the nature of the chosen color is driven by cultural experience or inherent properties of the symbols themselves such as shape or order of presentation. (Author abstract)
Consumers' perceptions of QR codes
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Tobin, Patrick; Richard, Nathan; Stone, Karen
In recent years, Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) have gained significant momentum in the United States as a use for marketing communications on product packaging (Sago, 2011). In this study, the authors will propose an experiment, survey, and interview. The intended purpose of this study will be to analyze consumer’s perceptions of the current knowledge and effectiveness of QR Codes. The experiment will be constructed to analyze consumers’ perceptions of the physical QR Codes on the packaging. The survey will be designed to produce data concerning consumers’ current knowledge and perception of effectiveness of QR Codes accomplishing the marketer’s goal for the QR Code. The interview will be used to collect qualitative data to gain understanding of how consumers would like companies to use QR Codes - that is if they think they should use them at all. (Author abstract)
Creating a deep space adventure
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021-04-07) McCormick, Bryan; Humphreys, David
A detailed breakdown of effects and techniques used to create the film short Deep Space. This is a film and animation project created using Adobe After Effects taking the viewers on a conceptual journey through the solar system. Techniques include track mattes, compositing, roto scoping, creating planets from NASA planet scans, 3d space, particle acceleration, and creating a theoretical black hole. (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)
Destress for Success: A More SNHU Centered Approach
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2022-04-06) Sirois, Danielle; Corbo, Vincent
Dickens as a historian
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Holland, Elizabeth; Martino, Andrew
Charles Dickens is universally noted as one of the most influential British authors of the nineteenth century. During his career he published a number of works that are today recognized as classics. Each of Dickens most well-loved novels works to criticize the social constructs and issues of London during the nineteenth century. These satirical and brutally honest commentaries on society allowed him to “maintain popularity with the public throughout all phases of his career” (Harris 157). Dickens housed much of his inspiration for his work within the city of London itself. Each of his novels he zoned in on the successes and failures that the city was undergoing. This essay works to explain Dickens’ role in creating a historically accurate representation of nineteenth century London through his novels Bleak House, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist. (Author abstract)
Did Oedipus suffer from the Oedipal Complex? A psychological analysis of Oedipus in Oedipus the King
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Bylund, Jessica; Lord, Frederick
Sophocles’ Oedipus the King is commonly known for its famous plot of Oedipus killing his father and having sexual relations with his mother. Sigmund Freud developed the Oedipal Complex in response to these events, concluding that it was a universal psychological phenomenon, but the events that transpire in the play are a result of Oedipus’ sin of not knowing himself, which lead to his inability to recognize his biological parents. In mislabeling Oedipus’ sin, Freud discovered Oedipus’ true sin of not knowing himself without realizing it. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs explains that if a person skips over or does not fulfill their need to be loved and to belong, they will have low self-esteem and be susceptible to depression, social anxiety, and loneliness (“Maslow’s Hierarchy”). Because Oedipus did not fulfill his need to be loved and to belong, he suffered from low self-esteem and as a result, he sought out fame and glory as the King of Thebes. (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)
Draft now, lose later: evaluating NFL prospects' draft stock based on character concerns
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-05) Daly, Joe; Blais, Doug
In recent years, social scientists have shown an increased interest in researching the relationship between a person with a criminal record and their subsequent success in the labor market. This research paper will look at all 1,016 players who were drafted into the labor market of the National Football League between 2010-2013 to determine what affects character concerns, specifically arrest records and team conflicts, have on draft status. This paper will determine if college football players who have a history of non-criminal related suspensions will negatively affect their NFL draft stock more than those who have an encounter with law enforcement. To prove this, data must be collected from every player who was drafted in 2010-2013 and determine whether the player had a formal criminal charge or was suspended for team or university violations, or both. We then must collect data from expert NFL draft analysts to see the correlation of the player’s pre-draft ranking (where they are projected to be drafted) and where the player was actually drafted. Then a beta regression model will be conducted to determine the correlation, if any, between the player’s incident and where they were drafted compared to their pre-draft ranking. (Author abstract)

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