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- Creators: Department of Psychology
Description
This thesis examines the discourse on firearm suicide in the United States, focusing on the contrasting narratives of gun rights and gun control advocacy groups. It analyzes how these groups use rhetorical, visual, and linguistic strategies to shape public perception and policy discussions about the link between gun ownership and suicide rates. The study highlights the role of digital media in amplifying these divergent narratives, revealing a polarized discourse that simplifies the complexities of firearm suicide. The findings advocate for a more nuanced approach to the public and policy dialogue, aiming to foster more effective suicide prevention strategies.
ContributorsSinger, Sean (Author) / Young, Alex (Thesis director) / Cohen, Adam (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This project is a zine about the histories of the feminist self-help movement and the Treatment and Data Committee of ACT UP during the AIDS crisis. It also includes an interview with Peter Rodriguez, an original ACT UP NYC member. The zine explores these movements' connection to citizen science, layperson expertise, and knowledge production.
ContributorsZelinka, Audrey (Author) / Nelson, Elizabeth (Thesis director) / Brian, Jennifer (Committee member) / Boyles, David (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The InceptionTime model is a tool modified for time series regression. For the first time in history, Read Montague’s lab at Virginia Tech has developed methods to measure neurotransmitters in the human brain using InceptionTime to analyze fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) data. FSCV has been around for decades and has been previously used to study concentrations of the neurotransmitter dopamine. However, unlike older analysis techniques such as principal component regression, InceptionTime can distinguish between catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, thereby vastly increasing FSCV’s utility. This paper serves as an investigation of the InceptionTime model, its applications in FSCV experiments, and provides information about electrochemical concepts that are integral in understanding the value of this research.
ContributorsAger, Katrina (Author) / McClure, Samuel (Thesis director) / Brewer, Gene (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
My thesis is a comprehensive, multi-page report highlighting the ethical concerns of Arizona’s English-only law, or Proposition 203. It will emphasize the detrimental effects the law has on bilingualism, language preservation, and educational equity. To do this, I will explore research on the benefits of bilingualism for cultural awareness, brain development, and career opportunities. The project will underscore the importance of embracing linguistic diversity in the public education system in Arizona. My report will provide some background on the topic by delving into the historical context and intentions behind the English-only law. This will essentially expose to readers the misguided attempts of the law, some of which include boosting test scores at the expense of genuine learning experiences. I will include information that supports my argument that Proposition 203 discourages bilingualism and strips impactful opportunities from students in the public education system. Additionally, anecdotes and personal opinions from educators will be included to strengthen my argument. By highlighting the ethical implications of prioritizing test outcomes over holistic education, my thesis aims to advocate for a shift towards inclusive, more immersive bilingual education models.
ContributorsErramuzpe, Sophia (Author) / Sipka, Danko (Thesis director) / Amrein-Beardsley, Audrey (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This study focuses on the connection between musical rhythm and dyslexia. Dyslexia has long been a disability that has been studied, but not one that researchers have a particular or in-depth treatment for. There has been a long time of research on the connection between dyslexia and creativity. This has led to looking at how dyslexic students are often found in art schools and engage in creativity. This has led to a new wave of research into EEG and how dyslexia occurs, including what causes dyslexia. This connection is proposed through the temporal sampling deficit hypothesis that theorizes “neuroelectric oscillations that encode incoming information at different frequencies could explain the perceptual and phonological difficulties with syllables, rhymes and phonemes,” (Goswami, 2011). My research aims to go further into the theory that dyslexia is caused by phonological perception and rapid timing skills (Overy et al., 2001). Music has many of these underlying deficits within it, so my theory is that dyslexic people have rhythm deficits, therefore, music therapy would be helpful in learning dyslexia. This paper does not find a negative correlation between dyslexia and rhythm. The trend points to dyslexic participants responding to claps faster and more accurately. All participants made a trend of fewer errors and faster responses the second time they heard a clap pattern. This leads to an inconclusive conclusion that requires more investigation to confirm whether this is statistically significant.
ContributorsSarraf, Maya (Author) / Bristol, Rachel (Thesis director) / Peter, Beate (Committee member) / Kim, Yookyung (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive industry as we know it. For the past century, transportation has relied on internal combustion engines (ICE); however, their source of power has been actively contributing to the dangerous buildup of greenhouse gasses. As we move towards a more sustainable future, interest in electric vehicles is growing rapidly. Predominantly powered by lithium-ion batteries, the automotive industry faces a new set of challenges in obtaining ethically sourced raw materials, meeting demand levels, and ensuring that their new supply chain is sustainable throughout the entire production lifecycle. Understanding the sourcing of key battery raw materials, the environmental implications of battery production, and the overall supply chain is crucial as this industry continues to grow. Is it possible to meet and sustain the demand for lithium-ion batteries? How can we ensure that these batteries do not do more harm than good to our environment in the long run? To answer these questions, this thesis will conduct a thorough analysis of present and future concerns and provide recommendations on how to ensure a sustainable and successful future with electric vehicles.
ContributorsGroth, Alianna (Author) / Printezis, Antonios (Thesis director) / Van Orden, Joseph (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Our Own Heart, Beating Higher and Higher: On the Possibility of Genuine Encounter Among Human Beings
Description
Because of the necessarily interwoven nature of existence and the human person’s formation in the image and likeness of God, one inherently has enough in common with any other in order to behold him/her properly. Such an interaction increases the beholder's proximity to both the beheld and God simultaneously; it enables one to briefly glimpse these pieces of reality as God Himself does. Such a claim falls primarily under Saint Thomas Aquinas’s foundation of creation (especially his fusion of Plato’s idea of participation and Aristotle’s concept of act and potency, resulting in his own contribution of esse and essence) and Saint Augustine’s concept of the human person. This remains true even under the pressing weight of liberalistic divisiveness and such potent objects as those raised by Muriel Rukeyser’s “Effort at Speech Between Two People,” Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.”
ContributorsCartwright, Sophia (Author) / Kushner, Aaron (Thesis director) / Thurow, Aaron (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms and severities, affecting communication, behavior, and social interactions. With the prevalence of ASD rising to affect nearly 1 in 36 children in the United States, understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs of those with ASD is increasingly critical. This review explores the interplay between genetic, environmental, and immune factors in the onset of ASD, focusing on metabolic dysfunctions and the role of the gut-brain axis. Emerging research highlights the significance of abnormal metabolites and gut microbiota imbalances in contributing to the pathophysiology of ASD, suggesting that these factors may influence neurological function and behavior through modulating immune responses.
Recent analyses have uncovered metabolic disturbances in ASD, affecting amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, glycolysis and the TCA cycle, homocysteine metabolism, ketone body synthesis, and lipid metabolism. These disturbances offer insights into how metabolic dysfunctions may contribute to the neurological and behavioral features of ASD. Furthermore, the gut microbiota's role in immune responses and the controversial impact of antibiotic use on gut flora composition is important to the complexity of ASD and the need for a nuanced understanding of treatment effects.
This review delves into the current understanding of metabolic dysfunctions in children with ASD, emphasizing the critical role of gut microbiota and the impact of antibiotic use. Specifically, this review discusses SCFAs, para-cresol, amino acid metabolites, and glutathione and their respective specific treatments. It also explores the potential of vitamin/mineral supplementation as a therapeutic strategy, highlighting significant improvements in metabolic markers and behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. The findings from key studies, including those by Adams et al., suggest that targeted nutritional interventions and careful management of gut health could offer promising avenues for improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD. The review also acknowledges the need for further research to confirm the long-term effects of these interventions and to develop personalized treatment approaches that consider the unique needs in individuals with ASD.
ContributorsNandakumar, Keshav (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Flynn, Christina (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Mental health perceptions within the Somali community are shaped by cultural, educational, geographical, and religiosity factors. This study aimed to explore the mental health views of Somalis in Somalia and those in the United States, considering the influence of culture and religion. A comprehensive survey was conducted, and data from 44 participants were analyzed using paired t-tests and correlations. Results revealed diverse beliefs among participants, with some attributing distress to spiritual causes like possession by Jinn or punishment by Allah, while others viewed it as a result of loss of faith or biological factors. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and recruitment challenges, the study contributes to understanding the views of an understudied group. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to address the changing mental health views as well as the needs within the Somali community.
ContributorsNur, Istarlin (Author) / Cohen, Adam (Thesis director) / Johnson, Kathryn (Committee member) / Aglozo, Eric (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by memory decline and dementia, and conclusively diagnosed postmortem from tangles and plaques. Plaques come from β-amyloid protein (Aβ), which damages the brain, especially the hippocampus, a structure vital for memory formation. However, whether plaques and tangles cause or result from AD is unclear. Our goal was to use a preclinical AD model to identify the early stages of cognitive dysfunction before AD becomes severe to enhance targeted interventions. We used a transgenic mouse (APP/PS1) that slowly develops plaques, with minimal expression around 5-6 months (young adult) with more expression by 12 months (middle-age). Our aim was to determine whether young adult mice would show cognitive symptomatology that could be used as a future metric for targeted treatment before AD advances further. We had three independent variables: Sex (Male, Female), Age (5-6, 8-10 months) and Genotype (APP/PS1, wildtype, WT). We used behavioral assays to assess spatial memory (hippocampal function), working memory (prefrontal cortex function), and anxiety (amygdala function). For my honor’s thesis, I focused on using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) to assess hippocampal function and the Open Field (OF) to assess anxiety and locomotion. In MWM, all groups were given four trials/day for four days with a probe trial to assess strategy immediately after the last trial on day 4. All groups swam shorter distances across days to show they were learning and revealed sex differences. The APP/PS1 males (young and old) learned the task more slowly than their WT male counterparts, but were using spatial strategies as demonstrated by the probe trial. For the females, all groups learned the task similarly, but the probe trial revealed that the APP/PS1 females (young and old) were using non-spatial strategies. Moreover, the males significantly swam shorter distances than the females, learning faster. The use of the visible platform task confirmed that the mice were capable of performing the swim task. For the OF, mice were placed in a square arena and given 10 minutes to explore and found sex differences in anxiety profile. All the female mice expressed similar anxiety profiles, whereas the APP/PS1 males had higher anxiety profiles than their WT males counterparts. These results revealed that there were sex-specific differences in cognition and anxiety profiles in the APP/PS1 mouse model. This indicates that individual characteristics are important to consider when using tailored interventions. In summary, these findings emphasize the potential for early detection and targeted treatment strategies to help mitigate AD progression.
ContributorsMontero, Martina Anne (Author) / Conrad, Cheryl (Thesis director) / Gewirtz, Jonathan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05