Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University proudly showcases the work of undergraduate honors students by sharing this collection exclusively with the ASU community.

Barrett accepts high performing, academically engaged undergraduate students and works with them in collaboration with all of the other academic units at Arizona State University. All Barrett students complete a thesis or creative project which is an opportunity to explore an intellectual interest and produce an original piece of scholarly research. The thesis or creative project is supervised and defended in front of a faculty committee. Students are able to engage with professors who are nationally recognized in their fields and committed to working with honors students. Completing a Barrett thesis or creative project is an opportunity for undergraduate honors students to contribute to the ASU academic community in a meaningful way.

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This study examined associations between reports of receiving information on sexual education topics common to different sexual education curricula (e.g. abstinence only until marriage, comprehensive) and reported confidence in sexual communication of information and preferences, taking into account information received from school health classes, parents/guardians, online resources, and peers.

This study examined associations between reports of receiving information on sexual education topics common to different sexual education curricula (e.g. abstinence only until marriage, comprehensive) and reported confidence in sexual communication of information and preferences, taking into account information received from school health classes, parents/guardians, online resources, and peers.
Data used from 293 participants aged 18-25 was used to perform descriptive analyses and linear regressions adjusted for significant covariates. Exposure to a comprehensive sexual education curriculum was found to be significantly positively associated with increased sexual communication confidence, while exposure to an abstinence only until marriage curriculum was not found to be a significant predictor. All resources were found to be positively associated with sexual communication confidence with the exception of health class, which was an insignificant predictor.
Comprehensive sexual education is an important factor in increasing young adults’ confidence in sexual communication of information and preferences. However, sexual education delivery in health classes in the United States is currently ineffective. A reevaluation of how sexual education should be delivered in the United States is needed.
ContributorsDouglass, Kathryn (Author) / Pivovarova, Margarita (Thesis director) / Loebenberg, Abby (Committee member) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-12
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Description
Often considered to be one of the most promising solutions in the fight against global poverty, “microfinance is a term used to describe financial services, such as loans, savings, insurance and fund transfers to entrepreneurs, small businesses and individuals who lack access to traditional baking services” (Kiva). With hundreds of

Often considered to be one of the most promising solutions in the fight against global poverty, “microfinance is a term used to describe financial services, such as loans, savings, insurance and fund transfers to entrepreneurs, small businesses and individuals who lack access to traditional baking services” (Kiva). With hundreds of organizations committed or partially committed to the facilitation of microfinance loans on a domestic and global scale, the way scholarly communities have ultimately decided to view this type of giving is narrow but optimistic. The trends associated with microfinancing show it to have a positive impact on both lenders and borrowers. The goal of this thesis is to bring a level of personal context to these trends with qualitative research from the stories of individuals who have participated in the facilitation of a microloan.
ContributorsOlsen, Hannah (Author) / LaRosa, Julia (Thesis director) / Price, Sandra (Committee member) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
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Description
The purpose of this thesis is to see if a correlation exists between young adults’ personal perception of thriving and a curated online and written course centered around thriving. The course, What Does It Mean for Ages 17 – 24 to Thrive, took place over the span of four weeks

The purpose of this thesis is to see if a correlation exists between young adults’ personal perception of thriving and a curated online and written course centered around thriving. The course, What Does It Mean for Ages 17 – 24 to Thrive, took place over the span of four weeks and focused on concepts of personal strengths, goal setting, gratitude and thriving. Through this course, students were expected to complete daily practices, weekly challenges and weekly reflections to help build healthy habits for their overall well-being. This course was created in hopes of seeing an improvement from the student’s levels and perception of thriving before and after the course. To collect data, the study began with qualitative interviews to gain an understanding of the participants and their current level of thriving. Throughout the duration of the course, data and feedback was gathered through the students’ assignment submissions every week. As the course came to a close, data was collected through a final round of qualitative interviews focusing on the students’ biggest takeaways from the course. In analyzing the data, one of the biggest challenges came from the students not having enough time to complete all of the daily practices. However, every student mentioned they were able to take something away from this course and hope to implement the exercises into their daily lives. One significant finding came from the survey question, “Do you actively think about your purpose in life?” Prior to the course, there was a mixture of responses stating yes, no, and somewhat. However, after the course, almost every student responded “yes” and one student responded “somewhat.” Overall, it is evident that young adults hope to thrive in life, however, their biggest challenge comes from finding enough time for themselves outside of school and work. This course allowed students to put thriving into perspective and allowed them all to grow.
ContributorsHunsaker, Jenny Ann (Author) / Heywoord, William (Thesis director) / Fehler, Michelle (Committee member) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
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Description
This study examines how a commitment to service can impact and come to exemplify a company’s brand image, customer loyalty, and overall organizational success. It examines the history and evolution of customer service, as well as what commitment to service looks like in present-day businesses. It differentiates companies that have

This study examines how a commitment to service can impact and come to exemplify a company’s brand image, customer loyalty, and overall organizational success. It examines the history and evolution of customer service, as well as what commitment to service looks like in present-day businesses. It differentiates companies that have attained a reputation for superior service and companies that have struggled to overcome service failures. Trader Joe’s, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Chick-fil-A, Southwest Airlines, and The Walt Disney Company are identified as five companies that have attained a reputation for remarkable service. This study includes five analyses to understand each company’s mission, history, leadership, employee engagement, and organizational culture. This study synthesizes how an unwavering commitment to customers, emphasis on employee empowerment, and ability to embed service in culture are common themes that can significantly contribute to a company’s ability to develop a reputation for remarkable service.
ContributorsBarr, Chandler Wallace (Author) / Desch, Timothy (Thesis director) / Shick, Jennifer (Committee member) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
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The purpose of this creative project was to spread awareness about the work of various non-profit organizations in the Phoenix community while allowing the public to immediately get involved in their missions. This project was manifested through Give Back Phoenix, which was held on February 2nd, 2019. Give Back Phoenix

The purpose of this creative project was to spread awareness about the work of various non-profit organizations in the Phoenix community while allowing the public to immediately get involved in their missions. This project was manifested through Give Back Phoenix, which was held on February 2nd, 2019. Give Back Phoenix had three goals: to serve non-profit organizations in the community, to allow community members to experience giving back in a fun and hands-on way, and to help community members connect with organizations for future volunteer opportunities and long-term volunteering commitments.
Created2019-05
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Description
No Breaks: An Examination of Mental Health in the Music Industry is a photo book with journaling that attempts to dismantle common perceptions of the touring lifestyle. Drawing on my experience as a photographer on the final Vans' Warped Tour, as well as interviews with artists and crew members, the

No Breaks: An Examination of Mental Health in the Music Industry is a photo book with journaling that attempts to dismantle common perceptions of the touring lifestyle. Drawing on my experience as a photographer on the final Vans' Warped Tour, as well as interviews with artists and crew members, the book examines the origins of these misconceptions, the conditions of touring that agitate mental illness, factors that encourage those suffering to speak up or stay silent, and ways the public can alleviate the pressure put on members of the music industry.

While touring may have been all about sex, drugs, and rock n' roll back in the 70's, the money in music has transferred to tour profits, rather than album sales. Thus, artists tour harder and more frequently, leading to an industry of overworked and usually underpaid individuals. It isn't unusual for a touring professional to work 14+ hour days, 7 days a week, and the work is sometimes back-breaking labor. Physical illness and living with coworkers can also add to the stress of an already strenuous job.

Even worse, pressures from the public, their clients, and even their coworkers can prevent those suffering with mental health issues from speaking out about it. No Breaks describes the "cycle of silence," or the high probability that those experiencing mental health issues will continue to stay silent if members of their touring crew or larger music community also fail to speak up.

The book concludes with a list of actions the public and industry can take in order to prevent and alleviate the intense pressure the music industry feels, including putting money back into music, donating to organizations that work to treat mental illness in them music industry, and offering support those who do choose to speak out. The purpose of No Breaks, however, is not to eradicate the conditions that exacerbate mental illness with a turn-key solution, but rather to explore these complex issues and create awareness. Many of the problems discussed in the book are self-perpetuating or linked with each other, and will take time, awareness, and cooperation to move forward and create a better industry for all.
ContributorsFox, Kelly Marie (Author) / Sandoval, Mathew (Thesis director) / Fortunato, Joseph (Committee member) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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The emphasis of this research is on the level of environmental and social sustainability in hostels located in top tourist destinations in the U.S. and Europe and the motivations of hostel proprietors in implementing sustainable practices. The related research is limited in terms of hostels; however, there are impactful studies

The emphasis of this research is on the level of environmental and social sustainability in hostels located in top tourist destinations in the U.S. and Europe and the motivations of hostel proprietors in implementing sustainable practices. The related research is limited in terms of hostels; however, there are impactful studies in terms of sustainability initiatives and hoteliers perceptions of sustainable tourism that contributed to the development of this study. Additionally, research studies on the behaviors of the backpacking community provided necessary background in analyzing data on the hostel community. A 20 question survey was emailed to a total of 454 email addresses to hostels located in 29 popular tourist destinations in both the U.S. and Europe. This study found that out of the 24 completed responses, hostels in the U.S. had a higher level of implementation of sustainability practices than those in Europe, Hostels with a sustainability strategic plan ranked higher in levels of sustainability practices. Lastly, the study pinpointed selected implemented practices that positively correlated with hostels attitudes and perceptions of sustainability. However, with the limited number of participants this study is not statistically significant. There is an opportunity for future research to expand upon the implications of hostel community and sustainability.
ContributorsMueller, Siena (Author) / Vogt, Christine (Thesis director) / Jordan, Evan (Committee member) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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Description
The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyze work that I personally contributed to Sun Devil Giving Day and to present the recommendations I have as a result. This thesis will also serve as a guide for next year’s campus activation lead and team. Volunteers, locations, and booths

The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyze work that I personally contributed to Sun Devil Giving Day and to present the recommendations I have as a result. This thesis will also serve as a guide for next year’s campus activation lead and team. Volunteers, locations, and booths are the three main components that I managed leading up to SDGD. The work within those areas has been detailed throughout the document. Having the opportunity to write and reflect on SDGD has given me the chance to share an experience I had as campus activation lead and to critically think about the work that was completed and my personal lessons for leading similar projects in the future.

The idea of a university-wide giving day is not a new one. Seven year’s ago, ASU and the ASU Foundation set out a goal to incorporate giving as a university tradition. Shifting the student mindset has been no easy task, as building the next generation of philanthropist will continue to take innovative creativity and grit. As the idea of monetary giving increasingly dwindles, it will be annual traditions like Sun Devil Giving Day (SDGD) that will serve as a touch point to educate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the whole ASU community on the importance of philanthropy, what giving means to them, and how they can make an impact now. With 9,318 gifts and $11,462,634 raised, this year’s SDGD was a success. Outlined throughout are benefits of a giving day, the history of ASU’s SDGD, and current student giving. One of the ways that Sun Devil Giving Day sets out to do this is through campus activation. This includes creating and executing a philanthropic engagement booth that serves as a way for students to interactively think about their giving and what they care about at ASU. Through serving as the Campus Activation Lead, I coordinated the volunteers, campus locations, and the booths leading up to and the day-of the event.
ContributorsAlibrandi, Amanda (Author) / Mokwa, Michael (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor) / School of Public Affairs (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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This study examines the interactions and intentions of D/deaf and hearing students who participate in the American Sign Language (ASL) Club and deaf Devils Club at Arizona State University (ASU). By exploring how and why students choose to participate in these organizations, one can better understand interactions between D/deaf and

This study examines the interactions and intentions of D/deaf and hearing students who participate in the American Sign Language (ASL) Club and deaf Devils Club at Arizona State University (ASU). By exploring how and why students choose to participate in these organizations, one can better understand interactions between D/deaf and hearing communities. This study explores reasons hearing students become involved with d/Deaf communities, the types of interactions the hearing and d/Deaf students participate in, and how student involvement can benefit from these interactions. Qualitative interviews with students of different hearing abilities and observations inside both clubs inform this study. The implications of this research may be applicable to other D/deaf communities.
Created2020-05
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The Walt Disney Company has been successful in developing adored brands for nearly a century. Although the company’s business ventures are in a wide variety of industries, Disney Parks and Resorts has become a staple of the company earning 20.3 billion dollars in revenue.

The Walt Disney Company theme parks would

The Walt Disney Company has been successful in developing adored brands for nearly a century. Although the company’s business ventures are in a wide variety of industries, Disney Parks and Resorts has become a staple of the company earning 20.3 billion dollars in revenue.

The Walt Disney Company theme parks would be nothing without its integral Disney branding. Utilizing characters and storytelling from both classic and brand new Disney brands, Disney Parks and Resorts creates a quality brand through unique theming and world class service.

This thesis will dive into the different areas of the Disney Parks and Resorts and how the company has managed and tailored their brand in these faucets to create an unforgettably Disney experience through storytelling and impeccable service.
Created2020-05