Undergraduate Research Day 2014
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The Third Annual UC Undergraduate Research Day was held at Southern New Hampshire University on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014. This year’s Undergraduate Research Day was our largest event yet, with 55 projects and nearly 100 student participants.
This collection includes the abstracts of all projects presented at Undergraduate Research Day as well as the full text of those projects submitted for archiving. It represents the diversity of projects presented on April 2nd, and it is a testament to the intellectual rigor and sophistication of the students of Southern New Hampshire University. This year students presented research in the form of panel presentations, works-in-progress roundtable presentations, and poster presentations. Projects were submitted from across the three schools and represented research in over fifteen disciplines. Many projects represented traditional research practices while others were an example of community-based research.
View the abstracts with links to full text of all Undergraduate Research Day 2014 items.
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Item The Abolition of Man in dystopian literature(2014-04-29) Doe, Samuel; Cook, SusanThis 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)Item The advantages of social media for small businesses(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Laurin, Nathaniel; Bickford, CrystalThe 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)Item Appearance discrimination in politics(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-03-02) Bodi, Evan; Hughes, JeanneThe 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)Item Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance at Southern New Hampshire University(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04) Thomas, Michaela; Cox, DavidThis 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)Item Consumers' perceptions of QR codes(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Tobin, Patrick; Richard, Nathan; Stone, KarenIn 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)Item Cyberbullying: what can we do about it?(Southern New Hampshire University, 2013-12-11) Maccini, Mary; Cook, SusanCyberbullying 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)Item Diversity in the workplace(Southern New Hampshire University, 2013-10-28) Chuah, Jaclyn Voon Huei; Matthews, LowellThe 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)Item Draft now, lose later: evaluating NFL prospects' draft stock based on character concerns(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-05) Daly, Joe; Blais, DougIn 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)Item Economic impact report: New England Pond Hockey Classic, Meredith, NH 2014(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04) Cowels, Michelle; Conley, Devin; Daly, Joe; Hecox, MarkFor 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)Item Effects color has on mood and stereotypes(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Frazier, Alicia; Kosegarten, JayThis 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)Item The effects of emotional content and time lapse reporting on eyewitness testimony(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Dominy, Nicole; Tremblay, Jacqueline; Frost, PeterThis experiment aimed to examine the influence of emotional versus non-emotional events on the recall and accuracy of eyewitness memory, and how the time between viewing the scene and reporting back about it affects the recall and accuracy. Four condition groups were established all viewing the same video but being told they were seeing either “actual footage” of a crime scene or a “reenactment”, and two taking the survey immediately after the video and the remaining two taking it four days later. The survey consisted of two open-ended questions asking for details about all aspects of the crime scene. Our experiment results established that the emotional level of the video affected recall but the time lapse did not have a statistically significant difference. We found that emotionality of a crime scene was positively correlated with recall accuracy. (Author abstract)Item 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, EklouDoes 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)Item The ethical and moral responsibility of producing queer young adult literature(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Donovan, Tristan; Cook, SusanThis 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)Item Ethical issues in the diagnosis of mental illness in children(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Ayers, Ryan; Frost, Peter; Hendery, MichaelIn 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)Item First impressions: phrenology and physiognomy in David Copperfield(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Mitchell, Rebecca; Cook, SusanThis 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)Item Frankenstein and Shelley: the author and her work(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Gambon, Christina; Cook, SusanWhen writing Frankenstein as a young, impressionable woman, Mary Shelley was heavily influenced by the works and legacies created by both her parents, William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. Godwin and Wollstonecraft made their names in the world with their revolutionary ideas written out in books spread in Europe; with large shoes to fill as their daughter, Mary Shelley knew that she needed her own revolutionary work to move the world like they did. Because of this connection of legacy with her parents, many themes and lessons concerning her parents are featured in her novel, Frankenstein. The absence of her mother, who died ten days after giving birth to Mary Shelley, created the absence of a father in Victor Frankenstein for his creature. Mary as a child was tutored by her father in many subjects that would not normally be taught to females in this time period. That learning allowed her to include the subjects of science, humanities, and literature in her novel. In this paper, I will explain how knowing about Mary Shelley’s connection with her parents shaped her life and learning, by extension shaping her novel, Frankenstein. I will be looking at primary source materials by William Godwin, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Mary Shelley to note the connections between the texts, as well as secondary sources concerning Mary Shelley and her influences when it came to writing Frankenstein. I also will be looking at biographies of Mary Shelley’s life in order to relate her story to Frankenstein’s and the creature’s stories. The parallel between the author and the characters is essential in understanding the importance of Shelley’s parents in shaping her not only as an author, but as a woman in the Romantic Era. (Author abstract)Item Gaps with research surrounding solutions for youth violence in America(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Byas, Ebony J.; Catano, FrankThis project will focus on creating an article that will recognize the gaps within research surrounding solutions for youth violence in America. This project will take the stance of the sociological perspective and focus on how society has created a culture that influences youth violence even though we often over-look these influences. I plan to speak to specific issues such as the person versus the situation, society and regulations, and culture and youth violence. It will also include possible solutions to the problems within society and culture and what steps are needed to be taken in order to reduce the amount of youth violence in our nation. These specific solutions will help me better understand how to work with violent youth being that I am interested in working with youth after graduation. (Author abstract)Item 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, MeganThis 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)Item 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, SaraDrawing 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)Item The introvert, extrovert, and ambivert: mood implications within text messages(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Casey, Bridgette; Tran, Anh; Frost, PeterThis study sought to analyze the correlation of personal traits including introversion, extroversion, and ambiversion and mood on mobile phone usage, concentrating on text messaging. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between this trait and an inclination towards either talking or texting. After completing personality test, thirty eight participants took the survey about their gender, age, frequent use of text messages, and preference on either talk or texting. Then they were asked to provide their most 10 recent text messages, and indicate when and where they sent the messages. We used Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count categories (Berry, Pennebaker, Mueller, & Hiller, 1997) to rate the positive and negative contents of text messages. Overall, the results did not demonstrate a relationship of personality traits and user's mood. There was a weak correlation of introversion and extroversion towards a preference for talking rather than texting. In contrast to Butt and Phillips's study (2008) extroverted and introverted users preferred talking on the phone while ambiverted users chose texting. Overall, the results contributed to the understanding of personality traits on text messages usage. (Author abstract)