THE
BIANNUAL EVENING
OF
PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Featuring the 49th Psychology
2100WQ Poster Presentation Night
University of Connecticut
Department of Psychology
December 4th, 2013
4:30 – 6:30 pm
Weston A. Bousfield Building – Skip
Lowe Annex
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PSYCHOLOGY 2100WQ PROFESSORS
DR. ERIC LUNDQUIST
DR. STEVEN MELLOR
DR. CHI-MING CHEN
DR. TIL FRANK
PSYCHOLOGY 2100WQ LABORATORY INSTRUCTORS
SCOTT RYAN
IRIS CHIN
JIN LEE
ANNA YOUNG
JENNA SHAPIRO
KATRINA BURCH
NICOLE DEPOWSKI
GRETCHEN PETERY
XIN XIE
TONG LI
JUSTIN MAHALAK
SUSAN ZHU
JINHEE PARK
KAITLIN FLANNERY
HENRY HARRISON
ATILLA CIDAM
PSYCHOLOGY 2100WQ COORDINATORS
DR. STEVEN MELLOR
NICOLE DEPOWSKI
INDEX OF POSTERS
BY LAB INSTRUCTOR
SCOTT RYAN
IRIS CHIN
JIN LEE
ANNA YOUNG
JENNA SHAPIRO
KATRINA BURCH
NICOLE DEPOWSKI
GRETCHEN PETERY
XIN XIE
TONG LI
JUSTIN MAHALAK
SUSAN ZHU
JINHEE PARK
KAITLIN FLANNERY
HENRY HARRISON
ATILLA CIDAM
1, 2, 3
4, 5, 6
7, 8, 9
10, 11, 12
13, 14, 15
16, 17, 18
19, 20, 21
22, 23, 24
25, 26, 27
28, 29, 30
31, 32, 33
34, 35, 36
37, 38, 39
40, 41, 42
43, 44, 45
46, 47, 48
BY PROFESSOR
DR. ERIC LUNDQUIST
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
DR. STEVEN MELLOR
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,
28, 29, 30
DR. CHI-MING CHEN
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39
DR. TIL FRANK
40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48
POSTER 1
POSTER 47
The Effect of Auditory and Visual Distractions on
Working Memory
Sean Baia, Kazuho Sadachi, Virginia Schwagger, Sabrina Bridges-Serrano
Our study assessed the effects of auditory and visual distractions on serial recall
ability and math performance. 108 undergraduate participants from the University
of Connecticut completed a number recall task under constant auditory distractions
paired with three different visual distraction conditions (continuous visuals,
sporadic visuals, and no visuals) in order to test working memory. The
manipulations of auditory and visual stimuli had no significant effect on serial
recall or math performance. These results indicate that serial recall and math
performance is not detrimentally impacted by auditory and visual distractions, and
instead, there may be other factors to be tested that would impair serial recall and
math performance.
Instructor: Atilla Cidam
Effects Of Distractions And Instructions On Memory
Cassandra Canniff, Pamela McDonald, Monika Rozynski, Amanda
Stanzione
The current study investigated the effects of various types of distractions and
instructions on levels of distraction, measured through a memory test. We first read
participants instructions allowing or prohibiting talking and cell phone use and
gave them a memory task during which a distraction was presented. After a brief
switch in tasks, participants were asked to complete a recall task and rate their
levels of anger, annoyance, and distraction. Our data indicated a significant
interaction between instruction type and distraction type on memory score. We
found there was a significant difference between one-sided distraction and the
control group and two-sided distraction and control group when groups were given
instructions prohibiting cell phone use and talking.
Instructor: Scott Ryan
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
POSTER 2
POSTER 48
The Influence of Ambition on Perceived Desirability
Varying Modality and Relatedness and Their Effects
on Word Recall and Recognition
Daniel Brink, Lauren Chapman, Jessica Hazel, Jacqueline Slemp
Melissa Pierce, Nordia Meggie, Renee Albert, Connor McTaggart
This study explored the effect of ambitiousness on perceptions of a target’s
desirability for casual, short-term and long-term relationships. We hypothesized
that ambitious targets would be more desirable for short-term and long-term
relationships, but not for casual relationships, especially for female ratings of male
targets in long term relationships. Participants (n = 201) were asked to read one of
four resume types (ambitious/unambitious male or ambitious/unambitious female)
and complete a questionnaire rating on that person’s desirability. Results suggested
that there was no significant effect of ambition on desirability. Females were not
more influenced by ambition condition than males. We conclude that ambition
does not have an effect on perceived desirability.
Instructor: Atilla Cidam
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
The present study intended to measure the effect of modality and relatedness on
word recall. Subjects were randomly assigned to groups that were presented, either
visually or orally, with slideshows of words varying in relatedness. Students were
then asked to complete a test of word recall and recognition. We hypothesized that
both the visual modality and relatedness would enhance recall ability. Participants
recalled significantly more words in the related condition than in the unrelated
condition, while there were no significant effects for modality. Results also
demonstrated a significant interaction between the visual and related conditions.
The study showed a noteworthy effect of relatedness on word recall, especially in
the conditions involving visual modality.
Instructor: Scott Ryan
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
POSTER 3
POSTER 45
The Effect of Group Discussion and Framed
Questions on the Confidence and Accuracy of
Eyewitnesses
Nicole Brown, Mikayla Girelli, Tatyana Marugg, Santorini Rivera, and
Charity Whitehead
This study investigated the effect of group discussion and framed questions on the
confidence and accuracy of eyewitnesses. Two hundred and fifty-one freshmen
and sophomores enrolled in General Psychology I & II participated in this
experiment. The participants watched a video of a shoplifting scene and took a
survey that contained either leading questions or questions that were not leading.
Participants then engaged in a group discussion in which they talked about the
video they saw, and then filled out the same survey as before discussion. The
results showed that both confidence and accuracy increased after discussion while
survey type did not show any significant effects.
Instructor: Scott Ryan
The Average Joe Effect
Rob Dombroski, Kristen Fitzgerald, Emily Guariglia Amy Kostak
The current study examined personality in relation to physical appearance. We
hypothesized that participants would rate the personality of those of an average
appearance higher than those of less attractive or overly attractive individuals.
Participants (n= 52) were asked to complete a survey compiled of 12 faces and a
series of 20 personality questions after each picture. We found that participants
rated the average looking faces as having better personality traits than those of
more or less attractiveness. Our results suggest that people find “the average Joe”
to have a better personality.
Instructor: Henry Harrison
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
POSTER 46
Word Recall: The Effects of Association on Memory
POSTER 4
The Influence of the Halo Effect on Judgments of
Personal Attributes
Stephanie Dise, Brian Costa, Dana Graefe, Brian Da Costa
Our experiment pertains to the halo effect. We were attempting to see if
appearance and body language influenced our raters’ judgments involving forming
a first impression. Our participants (n=88) evaluated the confederates standing in
front of the room dressed in professional or casual clothing with an open or closed
stance. They were judged on their attractiveness, intelligence and approachability.
Our results were significant for attractiveness and intelligence ratings, but
insignificant for approachability. This means that people dressed professionally,
with an open stance have positive ratings for attractiveness and intelligence. It also
means that for those dressed unprofessionally with a closed stance receive
significant negative ratings for attractiveness and intelligence.
Instructor: Iris Chin
Professor: Dr. Lundquist
Olethea Ouellette, Amber Pantalena, Jessica Seabrook, Cassandra Zwarycz
We are interested in the effect of the degree of word association to a visual aid in
relation to memory recall. We presented the participants with either an associated
(n=51), unassociated (n=53), and a mixed associated (n=53) word list with the
same visual aid. We hypothesized that the associated group would have a higher
recall rate than the other two groups. Although there is no overall significance
between the three levels of association, there is a significance between association
and recall within the mixed associated group. This suggests that when mixed
information is presented and paired with a visual aid, the associated information
will have a higher recall rate than the unassociated.
Instructor: Atilla Cidam
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
POSTER 43
POSTER 5
Is a Picture Worth a Thousnd Words?
The Effects of Distractions on College Student’s
Performance
Cloe Canivet, Aaron King, Stephanie Maggi, Emma Walsh
The present study utilizes different forms of social media as a way to influence
participants’ mood and self-esteem. We asked whether pictures or stories would
have a greater effect. Seventy-two undergraduate students took a survey testing
their mood and self esteem before and after viewing positive or negative content.
The content consisted of either a story displayed as a news article or a “tumblr”
page of images. Our results showed there was no effect of valence or format on
change in mood or self-esteem. Therefore, there was no evidence for our
hypothesis, but perhaps stronger content would have an effect on mood and selfesteem.
Instructor: Henry Harrison
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
Janelle Badger, Jennifer Birchwale, Rebecca Martindale, Kalene
Wetherell
This study investigated the effects of distractions on student’s academic
performance. We predicted that students who are exposed to distractions would
perform worse on reading comprehension tests. In contrast, we predicted that
students who had no distraction would perform the best on the reading
comprehension tests. Also, we predicted that test difficulty (e.g., taking a SAT
or GRE exam) would impact performance. Participants (n=52) completed either
a G.R.E or S.A.T reading comprehension test while being exposed to talking,
exposure to Facebook, or no distraction. Results revealed that talking while
taking the tests had the greatest effect. This suggests that talking is a distraction
and can significantly affect student’s performance.
Instructor: Iris Chin
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
POSTER 44
POSTER 6
The Effects of Observational Stress on Memory
Evan Burke, Chloe Grond, Justin Kao, Paul Robinson Jr.
The current study examined the effects of observational stress on memory. We
hypothesized that participants would be do more poorly on a memory test when
being monitored by an observer and become more stressed. Participants (n=63)
were asked to read a short story and asked to answer ten true or false questions
about the story. Participants were also asked to fill out a 20-question post study
survey related to stress. We found that the presence of an observer did not have a
significant effect on memory or stress. Our results might suggest that people might
not be negatively affected by the presence of an observer.
Instructor: Henry Harrison
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
The Effects of Social Factors on Student
Performance in a Learning Environment
Lindsay Bourdeau, Garth Brown, Nancy Duong, Stephanie Jacobs
The study explored the effects of social factors such as peer conformity within
a learning environment on student performance. Participants (n=74) were asked
to listen to a story about the mimic octopus and complete a memory test based
on the story; once completed they had the option of taking an additional survey.
Participants were placed in one of four conditions: a condition with a
professionally/casually dressed instructor and either a dismissive/attentive
confederate. No significant effects of appearance or peer influence were found.
We conclude that neither an instructor’s appearance nor peer influence has a
significant effect on students’ performance in a classroom setting.
Instructor: Iris Chin
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
POSTER 7
POSTER 41
Gender Differences in Memory: A Comparison
Between Visual and Auditory Experiences
Effect of Music Genres on Brain Performance and
Mood
Hannah Brassard, Brittany Ciullo, Danielle Eftaxas, Elizabeth Rovegno
Yoshie Altamirano, Edward Hoffman, Amoolya Narayanan, John Rumph
The current study investigated the relationship between non-verbal cues
and memory and connection to a situation. We hypothesized that there would be
significant differences in responses between genders. Participants (n = 171) were
either shown a video or listened to audio stimuli; we measured their responses in
terms of emotional memory, factual memory, and connection to a situation. We
found that females exhibited better factual memory overall, and that participants in
the audio-only condition reported higher emotional memory. Our study suggests
that individual differences in the processing of non-verbal cues can impact
emotional and factual memory of a situation, thus suggesting that the influence of
non-verbal cues are dependent on the situation shown.
This study investigated the effect of music genres on mood and performance. We
hypothesized that students would perform best on a simple task when there was no
music playing. For those who heard music, we predicted that people who heard
music with no lyrics would perform better than those who heard songs of different
genres with lyrics. Participants (n=104) were placed into the 4 different music
conditions and completed a word search. The results indicated that there were no
significant differences in words found regardless of condition. Music that
participants liked was significantly correlated with how distracted they reported
being, but distraction was not significantly correlated with how many words were
found.
Instructor: Jin Lee
Instructor: Kaitlin Flannery
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
POSTER 8
POSTER 42
The Effect of Class Size on Participation
The Effects of Time and Technology on Memory in
College Students
Samantha Martinez, Mariana Gonzalez, Ian Marsh, Matthew
Franceschini
The present experiment examined the effect of class size and classroom
presentation on classroom participation. We hypothesized that students would
participate more in a smaller class and when questions are presented verbally. In
total, 160 students participated in three different classroom size conditions (n =
17). Between-subject design was adopted in which different sized groups of
students were shown an educational video. After, the students were asked questions
either visually or verbally. We found that students participated most when they
were in a class of 10 people and when they were asked questions visually. Our
results may indicate a technological influence on participation. It may also suggest
that visual processing is faster than auditory processing.
Kursten Butler, Niall Dammando, Emma Pollard, Nicole Shevlin
Our experiment examined memory, technology, and time. We hypothesized that
participants viewing an image on a computer would remember the image better
than those viewing that image on paper regardless of how long they looked.
Participants (n=127) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions in which
they looked at an image printed on paper or on a computer screen for either 1 or 2
minutes and then wrote down as many objects from the image that they
remembered. The results did not yield any significant differences between the
conditions, indicating that there is no effect of technology on recall. There was also
no significant effect of a person’s weekly use of technology on recall.
Instructor: Kaitlin Flannery
Instructor: Jin Lee
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
POSTER 39
POSTER 9
Effects of Social In-Groups and Out-Groups on
Persuasion
Effects of Multitasking on Listening
Comprehension and Academic Performance
Valerie Everett, Rebecca Himmelstein, James Thorp, Gianmarco Vitti
This study examined the effects of social in-groups and out-groups on
persuasion. Participants were 99 undergraduates enrolled in introductory
psychology classes. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three
conditions, where they read an article with a positive attitude on the new Husky
logo by an unspecified source, in-group source, or out-group source. Greek life
and psychology student were the examples of social groups. Participants filled
out an attitudes survey before and after reading the article followed by a survey
on their thoughts about the author. Greek life students showed most positive
attitude on the logo after reading in-group source article whereas psychology
student did not show the same social in-group effect on persuasion.
Instructor: Jinhee Park
Brian Axelrod, Maxwell Christensen, Matthew Gionet, James Scheide, Marc
Viola
The current experiment investigated the effects of multitasking on
information comprehension. We hypothesized that academic performance would
decrease while multitasking as compared to a control. Participants (n = 68) were
asked to listen to an audio passage while simultaneously playing a distracting game
(Tetris) and then recall information to answer a post-experiment content
questionnaire. We found that comprehension was significantly decreased for
participants when engaging in multitasking while there was no significant impact
on the results when subject focus was manipulated. These results suggest that any
active engagement in multitasking reduces one’s comprehension ability and
academic performance, no matter where they direct their attention.
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
Instructor: Jin Lee
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
POSTER 10
POSTER 40
The Effects of Time on Stress and Performance
Paige Mermigos, Kelly Sanchez, Shantae Shaw, Ashley Wheeler
This study examined how time restrictions impact stress levels and performance
scores. We hypothesized that participants who were aware of a time limit would
answer more questions correctly and report more increased stress levels than
participants unaware of being timed. Participants (n=90) took a math test in which
they were assigned to either the timed or untimed condition. They reported their
pre- and post-stress levels on a Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-9). Results
showed that the timed group answered significantly more questions correctly than
the untimed group, but condition did not have a significant effect on change in
stress levels. This suggests that time restrictions can enhance performance scores
but has no significant effect on stress.
Instructor: Kaitlin Flannery
Professor: Dr. Till Frank
Playing Games to Win:
Effects of Environment on Intrinsic Motivation
Francesca Crivello, Athina Laholli, Harry Falcigno, Genifer Pietras, and
Varun Chandramouli
Our experiment tested the level of motivation in conjunction with various
environmental factors. Participants were undergraduate students enrolled in
introductory psychology courses. We used a web-based video game and pre and
post-test surveys to evaluate participant’s motivation within the experimental
conditions. We explored the relationship between motivation, competition, and
positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement was correlated with higher levels of
motivation. We also found that males were more motivated than females. Our
results suggest that external factors, such as positive reinforcement, have a strong
effect on motivation. The results also suggest gender differences, shown by the
significant difference in motivation between males and females.
Instructor: Anna Young
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
POSTER 37
POSTER 11
First Impressions:
Effects on Memory, Stress, Mood, and Altruism
Morgan Hall, Hannah Greenberg, Neil Mascola, and Paige Pikulski
Our experiment tested whether or not first impressions have any effect on mood,
stress, and memory performance. Participants were either greeted by a welcoming
or an impersonal researcher who either remained in or left the room. Participants
completed a working memory task, a stress and mood survey, and were asked to
take an optional survey. The study showed one statistically significant result. The
data showed significant effect of the personality and presence of the researcher on
participants’ mood. Our results indicate that our participants were in a better mood
when researchers were acting warm than when researchers were acting impersonal
and that their memory was unaffected by the way they were treated.
Instructor: Anna Young
Confidence Level and Emotion Recognition
Megan Clarke, Brooke Sakowicz, Kesiya Kunnel, Nicole Raulukaitis, Ryan
Tolmich
The current study investigated whether an individual’s confidence level influenced
the ability to accurately recognize emotions in facial expressions. We hypothesized
that high confidence would result in higher scores for emotion recognition.
Participants (n = 75) were given a 4-question quiz and received false feedback
(positive, negative, or none) on their results. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was
administered before and after the quiz. The Baron-Cohen test was used to measure
emotion recognition ability. Confidence level did not have a significant effect on
scores, but gender differences were found. Our results suggest females are better at
recognizing emotion in facial expressions than males.
Instructor: Jinhee Park
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
POSTER 38
POSTER 12
Comparing Self-Perceptions,
Meta-Perceptions, and Reality with Regards to
Morality
Luke Shearman, Andrew Kravitz, Robert Neubauer, and Mary Brisca
Our experiment tested the differences between self-perceptions, meta-perceptions,
and reality, as well as different attitudes toward male and female victims. We
placed undergraduate students in scenarios in which they witnessed either a male
or female being mocked, at either a high or low intensity. We observed their
reactions, and then had them fill out a questionnaire and write a sentence or two
describing how they felt about the mocking. We found that participants were more
likely to react to higher intensity bullying, but were not influenced by victim
gender. Also, their self or meta-perceptions were not correlated with their
reactions. These results suggest that individuals’ beliefs are not always translated
into action.
Instructor: Anna Young
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
Professor: Dr. Eric Lundquist
The Influence of Colors and Images Paired
Simultaneously on Overall Current Mood
Jamie Erdman, Morica Hutchison, Steven Pelzman, and Maggie White
The current experiment examined effects of color combined with music on one’s
overall mood and performance on cognitive tasks. We hypothesized that the
participants who viewed bright colors and upbeat music would have an increase in
their mood and cognitive performance. Participants (n = 49) were asked to fill out a
Brief Mood Introspection Scale, as well as recreate an image using the Wechsler
Blocks. We found viewing the bright colors and upbeat music increased both male
and females overall mood. Also, females who were presented bright images and
upbeat music performed better than females who were presented dark images and
minor chords on the cognitive task.
Instructor: Jinhee Park
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
POSTER 35
POSTER 13
The Effects of Proximity on Performance
The Effects of Female Attractiveness and
Qualifications on Hirability
Holly Carpino, Melissa Shongut, Dominika Gilewska, Brigitte Cruz
The current study examined the effects of physical proximity on creative and
cognitive task performance. Participants were undergraduate students (n=86) and
were asked to complete two separate timed tasks while either alone in a room or in
the presence of an experimenter. Participants were then given a survey to measure
their anxiety levels during the experiment. Results show that physical proximity
had no effect on cognitive task performance but increased creativity scores. Selfreported anxiety scores were found to be higher when participants were
accompanied by an experimenter. Our results suggest the people show more
creativity when they are in close physical proximity of another person
Instructor: Susan Zhu
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
Elizabeth Blaine, Deeya Dhar, Gianfranco LaMarca, Alana Marczak
This study examines whether physical attractiveness or resume qualifications play
a stronger role in hirability for female applicants. We hypothesized that more
attractive female applicants with inadequate credentials are more likely to be hired
than less attractive female applicants with adequate credentials. Of the 137
undergraduate psychology students, 98 were females and 39 were males. Results
indicate an interaction between attractiveness and resume quality; under the
qualified resume condition, highly attractive individuals were more likely to be
hired than individuals who were not attractive.
Instructor: Jenna Shapiro
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 36
The Effects of Priming Sympathy on In-group and
Out-group Favoritism
Sherry Small, Kelly Austrie, Brianna Allen, Rebecca Witkowski, Carolina
Marques
The current experiment examined the effects of priming sympathy on in-group
favoritism. We hypothesized that the participants were more likely to favor outgroup members when primed. Participants (n=130) were asked to watch a video
clip; the control group watched a neutral video and the experimental group
watched a video of out-group members and their struggles. Afterwards the
participants completed a questionnaire, measuring likability, success, and intent to
help towards various out-groups. We found that the experimental group showed an
increase in likability and success but no change in help behaviors. We conclude
that people exposed to emotional priming will elicit a change in attitude, but not
necessarily a change in intended helping behavior.
Instructor: Susan Zhu
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
POSTER 14
Message Framing: Negative Short Term and Long
Term Effects of Caffeine Consumption
Nelson Chalas, Anne Rathey, Jasmin Rodriguez, Allison Turner
This study examines how negative short-term and long-term message framing
influences attitudes and behavioral intentions. We hypothesized that individuals
who read negatively framed, short-term messages will report that they will limit
their consumption of caffeine and have greater intent to change their caffeine
consumption. Of the 175 undergraduate students enrolled in introductory
psychology courses, 86 students were exposed to short-term messages and 89
students were exposed to long-term messages. Participants were given a pre-test,
prior to reading one of the two messages, followed by a post-test. Based on our
results, our hypothesis was only partially supported by our findings. While the
attitudes toward caffeine showed significant change, intent to change consumption
did not.
Instructor: Jenna Shapiro
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 15
POSTER 33
Neuroticism as a Predictor of Performance on
Stressful Tasks
Sarah Heine, Shoshannah Henry, Megan Rowland, Jasjeet Sahani
The purpose of this study was to observe how neuroticism affects stress and
performance on cognitive tasks. Undergraduate students were given a timed verbal
math exam. Prior to completing the task, each participant’s level of trait
neuroticism was assessed using a modified version of the PANAS. The individuals
appraised their subjective stress levels before and after completing the task. The
results show that when stress before the task is controlled for, there is no
significant relationship between neuroticism and post task stress. It was also found
that there was no significant relationship between neuroticism and performance on
the stressful task. Possible reasons for the lack of significant results include task
related issues and ceiling effects.
Instructor: Jenna Shapiro
The Effects of Collegiate Stressors on
Counterproductive Work Behavior
Kevin Aucoin, Matthew Croteau, Nicolas Navarro, Leighanne Ormston
Our group examined how stress affects counterproductive work behaviors (CWB)
in a collegiate setting. In our experiment, we used 152 undergraduate student
participants. Each participant was given a survey that tested how stressful a
situation would be and whether he or she would react with task or person-focused
CWB. A significant main effect of tested behaviors was found, demonstrating that
participants were more likely to respond in a person-focused manner, regardless of
situation. Marginal effects were found with regards to the situation as well as the
interaction between situation and behavior.
Instructor: Justin Mahalak
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 16
POSTER 34
Religious Devotion, Gender, and Sexism: The use of
Religious Texts as a Priming Mechanism
The Effects of Arousal on Perceived Attraction
Sandra Cutz, Ashlesha Dhuri, Julia Drouin, Em Tu
Eileen Culvey, Maria Frascone, Jennifer Gulemi, Victoria Rosado
The current study examined the relationship between gender, religiosity, and
sexism. We hypothesized that participants who are more religiously devout would
display more sexist attitudes after reading gendered religious texts. Additionally,
we hypothesized that men are more affected by religious texts resulting in more
sexist attitudes. Participants (n= 112) were recruited from the undergraduate
participant pool. Participants completed questionnaires prior to reading gendered
religious texts, after which they completed a sexism scale. We found a significant
interaction of gender and religious devotion on benevolent sexism, and a
significant main effect for men on hostile sexism after being presented with
positive texts. We conclude that although tolerance is touted as a virtue, religiosity
impacts sexism.
Instructor: Katrina Burch
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
The current experiment examines the effects of arousal on perceived attraction. We
hypothesized that the participants in the experimental group will rate the male
pictures as more attractive than those in the control group. Participants (n= 141)
were undergraduates and were asked to either read an article out loud, theatrically,
or read it to themselves. They were then asked to rate male pictures on perceived
attraction and intelligence. Our results show that increased arousal did not affect
perceived attractiveness in either group, but that there may be a relationship
between arousal and intelligence in the experimental group.
Instructor: Susan Zhu
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
POSTER 31
POSTER 17
The Effect of Gender Stereotypes on Perceptions
of College Majors
Perceptions of Criminality: Humans’ Ability to
Detect Criminality in Strangers
Alicia Hoffman, Kiran Spievak, Kaitlyn Porter, Christine Choi
Alyssa D’Amato, Sydney Seese, Akshitha Thatiparthi
The current study examined the association between gender stereotypes and
college majors. Our participants were 177 male and female college students
assigned to either a gender-stereotype activation or filler task. They completed
measures of perception of college majors and of interest and confidence in each
major. We found no effects of the gender stereotype activation condition on
perceptions of college majors or participants’ interest and confidence in these
majors. Participants showed gender biases of majors in their estimated percentages
of males in each major. Participants thought that majors, in general, were less
gender segregated than they are in actuality.
Instructor: Justin Mahalak
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
We investigated various factors in determining criminality. We hypothesized that
more aggressive individuals would be more likely to identify aggression in
criminals; males would be more accurate in identifying criminals; those with more
confidence would be less accurate in identifying criminals, and males would rate
perceived criminals as more aggressive. Participants (n=101) were presented with
images (15 criminal, 15 non-criminal) and asked to fill out questionnaires. We
found that: greater participant aggression predicts how aggressive participants
perceive criminals; females are more accurate in determining criminality; and more
aggressive individuals are more confident. Our results suggest that various factors
affect an individual’s ability to detect criminality, and humans may have an innate
ability to detect aggression.
Instructor: Katrina Burch
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 18
POSTER 32
The Influence of Older Siblings on Younger
Siblings’ Views on Drugs and Alcohol
Katelyn Callahan, Jacklyn Dubois, Sabrine Elberkani, Stacie Savage
This study looked at the influence of older siblings on their younger siblings’ views
on alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs depending on their gender, age
difference, and relationship. Data from 97 UConn students were used. A survey
was administered to each student regarding their views on drugs and alcohol, and
questions about their closest in age older siblings’ views, and questions about age
differences, gender, and closeness of relationship. Same gender siblings were
more similar in views compared to different gender siblings regardless of age
difference and relationship. These results could be used in parenting and in the
prevention of future drug or alcohol abuse.
Instructor: Justin Mahalak
Effects of Attractiveness, Gender Bias and Sexism
in Hiring Decisions
Kristina Buonaiuto, Iman Farimani, Jet Kloth-Zanard, Mike Murphy,
Jaymine Patel
The current study assessed the influences of physical attractiveness, gender bias,
and sexism on hireability. We hypothesized that employers would hire more
attractive applicants, employers would hire applicants of the same gender, and that
those who are less sexist would choose an applicant of either gender. Participants
(n=197) were recruited from a northeastern undergraduate public university and
told that they would be acting as hiring personnel for an entry-level managerial
position. Participants were asked to read a job description and review 4 resumes
with images of participants attached and fill out a survey. Results suggested that
there were no significant effects of physical attractiveness, gender, and sexism on
hiring decisions.
Professor: Dr. Chi-Ming Chen
Instructor: Katrina Burch
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 19
POSTER 29
Personality and Risk Taking Behaviors
Selma Sahin, Marissa Mannello, Nitasha George, Alanna Poppe
This experiment attempted to discover the relationship between conscientious or
neurotic personality types and the perceptions of risk-taking behaviors of alcohol
consumption, smoking and aggressive driving. There were 189 undergraduate
students participants in our study. We used a survey composed of questions
pertaining to the personality traits of conscientiousness and neuroticism as well as
vignettes based on risky behaviors. Measurements were based on a Likert scale.
The results suggested a link between high conscientiousness and perception of
alcohol consumption. There was no relationship between neuroticism and
perception of any risk-taking behaviors. Our findings provide us with information
about our undergraduate population regarding perception of risk-taking behavior,
which can help university programming effectively reach its students.
Instructor: Nicole Depowski
The Effect of Interference on Memory and Cognition
Nicholas Monto, Laura Bigiarelli, Olivia Gonzalez
This study aims to investigate if external extraneous stimuli affect the ability to
focus on a task, in this case the memorization of uncommon facts. We hypothesize
that the presence of external stimuli will negatively impact the ability of the
individual to memorize uncommon facts. Participants were randomly assigned to
one of four groups; a control group, or one of three experimental groups consisting
of audio, visual, and a combination of both audio and visual stimuli. Given the
findings of this specific experiment, the lack of a significant difference between the
groups convinces us that additional experimentation must be done in order to make
an accurate knowledge claim.
Instructor: Tong Li
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
Professor: Dr. Stephen Mellor
POSTER 30
POSTER 20
Hey Babe, Wanna Live Together?
The Role of Confidence in an Individual’s Use of
Hand Gestures
Alexander Nakano, Danielle Wagmeister, Chelsea Bristol, and Kyle Johnson
Eliana Cruz, Zoe Kahn, Rachel Kriet, Samantha Orchowitz
This study was intended to gauge the attitudes of students towards various
cohabitation relationships. We hypothesized that there would be a relationship
between predicted likelihood of divorce and relationship status at the time of
cohabitation. Participants (N=196) read 12 vignettes and rated the likelihood of
marital success on a 1-7 likert scale. The IVs were relationship statuses and time of
childbearing. An ANOVA indicated that the time of childbearing showed a
significant effect while relationship status showed a trend. There was a positive
effect of marital success when couples waited longer to bear children. The results
suggest that childbearing may have more influence on contemporary attitudes than
past literature has acknowledged.
Instructor: Nicole Depowski
This study aims to find a relationship between hand gestures and confidence. Our
hypothesis is the more confidence a person has, the more hand gestures they will
use in conversation. The participants in this experiment, 84 Undergraduate
Psychology students from UCONN were asked to fill out a questionnaire that
measured their confidence levels. We matched up each participant with a partner
and had them converse while answering two prompts. Throughout the conversation
the experimenters recorded their hand gestures. Our data showed no significant
correlation between the two variables. Although our data does not support our
hypothesis, we did observe that hand gestures were present in conjunction with
communication.
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
Instructor: Tong Li
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 27
POSTER 21
The Effects of Face-to-Face Contact on Persuasion
The Effects of Stereotype Threat on Test
Performance
Corina Restrepo, Matthew Murtough, Nayja Gutierrez, Kelsey Daniels
This study investigated the effects of face-to-face contact vs. an audio presentation
on persuasion. We predicted that when participants are exposed to a face-to-face
contact they will show higher levels of persuasion and rate the presenter more
personable. Participants (n=122) were placed in either a face-to-face (n=61) or
audio presentation (n=61). Results revealed no significant difference between
conditions on persuasion. However the presenter in the audio presentation
condition was rated more personable than in the face-to-face condition. This
suggests that the medium of communication had an effect on the perception of the
presenter.
Instructor: Xin Xie
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
Nicole Date-Ampofo, Prekiya Kennebrew, Caitlin O'Donnell, Amanda
Rodriguez
Our experiment attempts to study the effects of a gender-related stereotype threat
on a cognitive task. We tested students enrolled in an introductory psychology
course or a similar course. 195 participants were given a logic test with six
questions. Those in the experimental group were given a neutral gender
comparison stereotype threat before taking the test, while participants in the control
group were not told anything about gender differences. Using a 2 by 2 ANOVA,
we found no significant effects in either condition. Instead of finding that females
internalized the threat and performed worse, our results revealed that a neutral
gender stereotype threat did not affect overall performance.
Instructor: Nicole Depowski
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 28
Effects of Attractiveness on Different Components
of Persuasion
POSTER 22
The Effects of Social Media on Self-Esteem
Michael Lifavi, Lauren Gardiner, Ally Rusowicz, Mariama Turay
Sophie Beale, Marilyn De Sesa, Christopher Strickland, Jon Gross
This study investigated the effect of physical attractiveness on persuasion. We
hypothesized a positive relationship between attractiveness and persuasion.
Participants were assigned to one of three groups and asked to read an article with
no picture of the author, an attractive or unattractive picture. They were then given
a survey assessing their persuasion level on three components, trust, willingness to
take action, and total agreement. Contrary to previous research, the data did not
suggest a significant effect of attractiveness on persuasion however, participants
were found to be more trusting of the article when any picture (attractive or
unattractive) is associated than no picture at all, suggesting simply knowing what
the author looks like increases validity.
This study examined the immediate effects of Social Media on self-esteem. It was
hypothesized that viewing positive social media pages would increase participants’
self-esteem and viewing negative pages would decrease their self-esteem.
Participants (N =93) were asked to complete a thirty question survey measuring
self-esteem before and after viewing social media pages. Results found that
viewing positive newsfeeds increased self-esteem while viewing negative pages
had no significant effect. These results suggest that viewing social media can elicit
a positive effect on self-esteem.
Instructor: Gigi Petery
Instructor: Tong Li
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 23
POSTER 25
The Effect of Gender Bias in the Hiring Process
The Effect of Cognitive Dissonance on Drinking Age
Attitudes
Roma Desai, Celia Guillard, Amanda Makol, Megan Melville, and William
Perry
MarkDavid Jambeck, Alphonso Bradley III, Brandon Cooper
The current experiment examined gender bias in the hiring process. It was expected
that participants would exhibit gender bias by favoring the male candidate over the
female candidate in a hiring selection. Additionally, it was hypothesized that
female participants would select the female candidate with greater frequency than
the male participants would. The subjects (n = 146) assessed two equally-qualified
resumes representing candidates applying for the position of a high school
principal, and reported which candidate they preferred. Results revealed nonsignificant relationships in the decisions made between both conditions and
genders. These findings suggest a lack of gender bias among participants,
indicating minimal influence of an applicant’s gender in hiring decisions made by
professional employers.
Instructor: Gigi Petery
This study investigated the effect of counter attitudinal media on social attitudes.
Participants (n=117) were divided into two groups: pro-lowering the drinking age
(PL) (n=61), or pro-current drinking age (PC) (n=56), based on self-reports on a
pre-survey. We hypothesized that PL participants would experience greater attitude
change compared to PC participants. We also hypothesized that PC individuals
would rationalize their opinions to reduce their cognitive dissonance. Participants
were then shown a counter-attitudinal presentation and given a post survey to
evaluate their attitudes. Results confirmed our hypothesis: PL participants showed
more attitude change while PC participants showed more rationalization. Our
results suggest that attitude change and rationalization are effective dissonance
management techniques.
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
Instructor: Xin Xie
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
POSTER 24
POSTER 26
The Effects of Background Music on Work
Performance
The Effect of Gender Stereotype threat on Emotion
Olivia Figueira, Angelika Skwarek, Avril-Ann Thompson, Shaylyn Young
Brittany Horn, Eric Stas, Hailey Cruz, Morgan Honeck
The current study examined the effects of pace of background music on quality of
work performance and task completion time. It was hypothesized that fast paced
music would have a positive effect on task completion time and a negative effect
on quality. Participants (n = 88) were asked to complete three SAT multiple-choice
questions based on a reading comprehension passage. Results found that
participants exposed to fast paced classical music had the fastest question
completion time. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no difference in quality of
performance between the different paces of music. These results suggest that pace
of music can have an effect on rate of task completion.
Instructor: Gigi Petery
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor
This study investigated the effect of stereotype threat on emotion presented in three
different stereotype priming conditions: explicit, neutral and nullified. We
predicted that when a negative female stereotype is presented, women will exhibit
a greater emotional change. Furthermore women will be more empathetic to a
moral dilemma. Participants (n=129), both female (n=93) and male (n=36)
completed a pre and post self-survey on emotion after watching two film clips and
rated their empathy towards characters in the film clip. Results revealed that
overall women had a greater emotional change than men, but the type stereotype
threat had no effect. The results showed no effect of stereotype threat on empathy.
Instructor: Xin Xie
Professor: Dr. Steven Mellor