Paper Session I
(Brennan 203)

9:45-10:05

Predicting Moral Hypocrisy

Galen Baril

University of Scranton

135 female and 50 male undergraduates were asked to predict the results of Batson's studies at the University of Kansas regarding how students there assigned tasks and perceived the morality of their assignments. Subjects accurately predicted that about 80% assigned a desirable task to themselves and an undesirable task to another person even though the other person thought the tasks were assigned randomly. However, only 28% of the subjects accurately predicted that the Kansas students would then say that their assignment was morally wrong. Females were more likely than males to predict this moral hypocrisy. Surprisingly, subjects, particularly females, low on Gilligan's care orientation were the most accurate in predicting hypocrisy.

10:05-10:25

The Effects of Belief in a Just World and Outcome Magnitude on Perceptions of Blame

Jenny Anderson, Jessica Bona, Holly Brzozowski, Jennifer Ditt, Kelly Eastman, Elizabeth Green, Alyse Keilson, Mary-Kate Kokoszki, Kristin Miceli, Lauren Prone, Shannon Sawyer, Mathew Silvaggio, Nicole Socci, Keri Walczynski, Abby Wolff, & Mary Turner DePalma

Ithaca College

This study investigated the effects of mitigating circumstances, outcome magnitude, and belief in a just world (BJW) on participants’ judgments of responsibility, anger, and blame. Fifty-six undergraduates participated in a study “pilot testing anagrams and analogy tasks.” Outcome magnitude, determined by the amount of time the participant waited, as well as the reason for the experimenter’s delay (mitigating circumstances), were manipulated. The participant’s perception of the level of responsibility, blame, and anger for the experimenter’s ability to conduct the experiment was measured. Finally, the Belief in a Just World Scale (BJW) was administered. Analyses indicated that mitigating circumstances significantly reduced ratings of responsibility and anger. In addition, outcome magnitude reduced ratings of blame. Implications for Weiner’s (1995) theory of social conduct are discussed.

Paper Session II
(Brennan 205)

9:45-10:05

Inhibition of Return in the Semantic Domain?

Ulrich Weger,

State University of New York at Binghamton

In an attentional cuing paradigm, when the interval between cue and target stimuli is short, targets are detected faster when preceded by a valid as opposed to an invalid cue. This pattern reverses with an increasing cue-target delay, yielding place to a phenomenon known as inhibition of return (IOR). IOR has been defined as an attentional tagging mechanism that biases attention away from a previously inspected region for a brief while. Early research has focused on the spatial dimension of this phenomenon, but more recent evidence suggests that it can be found in other domains of human cognition as well, such as auditory perception, semantic and lexical processing and even face identification.

So far, studies investigating semantic IOR have used only a small number of categories - a limitation that may qualify it as a mere laboratory phenomenon that does not generalize to more common conversational situations where multiple semantic categories are often accessed in close succession. Indeed, the research presented here shows that semantic IOR is not a robust phenomenon and may be limited to specific task-demands. Strong effects of semantic priming (facilitation) rather than inhibition emerge when a reasonably broad spectrum of semantic categories is used, indicating that sufficient semantic variability eliminates inhibitory effects. Data from both word- and number processing paradigms will be presented.

10:05-10:25

Appreciation and Recall of Pointed Humor

Laura M. Gildner, Diedre B. Grossman, Margaret E. Snyder, Elena Hobson, & Meghan M. Lynch

Psychology Department, Ithaca College

Pointed humor that has a clear victim can be funny, but may be less so when we identify with the butt of the joke. Research from several decades ago revealed that women and men both rated jokes with female victims as funnier than those with male victims. More recent research by our Research Team using mild, non-offensive jokes showed that men liked male-victim jokes and women liked female-victim jokes. In the present study, participants read and rated jokes with either a female or a male victim or that were more neutral, then recalled as many of the jokes as they could. The participants showed identification with the victim of the jokes, rating those stimuli with a victim of their own sex as less funny than those with a victim of the other sex. In addition, jokes with a male victim showed higher recall levels by all participants than those with a female victim. The results differ from patterns observed in previous generations, suggesting that views of pointed or offensive humor have changed. Further, across studies we have identified situations in which being the butt of a joke can be seen positively.

10:25-10:45

Offensive Humor: Can We Insult You While We Make You Laugh?

Sarah Fish & Elena Hobson

Psychology Department, Ithaca College

Humor involves separate subcomponents, such as the cognitive element of rating humor and the emotional component associated with laughing and other mirth responses. The present study is investigating whether offensiveness and humor value always covary. That is, do people see some jokes as funny even if those jokes are offensive. The participants read jokes, rated their humor value and offensiveness, and tried to recall a series of jokes. Some jokes were gender-based and consisted of items that targeted men or women specifically or that had as targets people who could be of either sex. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether people recall jokes with tendentious (biting) humor differently from other kinds. In the past, our team has found that women rate jokes with female targets as more funny than those with male targets if the humor is benign, with men showing the preference for male targets. With more biting humor, the pattern reversed itself. The question here is whether people can separate humor and offensiveness. We also studied memory for the jokes will be associated with type of humor, as some research reveals, or with humor ratings, as other research reveals, when the two are in conflict.

Paper Session III
(Brennan 228)

9:45-10:05

A Preliminary Study of Locus of Control between College Students and Substance Abusers

Nicole Paganetti & Peter Behrens

The Pennsylvania State University

Locus of control (LOC) is the feeling one has about their perception of control over their lives. External LOC is the perception that an individual does not have control over life events and attributes outcomes to luck or chance. Internal LOC is the perception that an individual has control over situations and is in control of what happens in their life. J.B. Rotter was the first researcher to develop a measurement for LOC (Rotter, 1966). Norwicki and Duke (1973) modified the measurement to a fifth grade reading level. Different populations have shown to present varying LOC scores. Research with a federal prison population showed an increase in internal LOC with treatment (Hunter, 1994). Another study showed internal LOC was related to higher achievement in college students (Duke & Nowicki, 1974). The current study measured LOC among college students from Penn State compared to substance abusers in a residential treatment facility. The results showed that average LOC scores for the two groups were different. The mean LOC score for the college students was lower (internal LOC) compared to that of the substance abusers. These results are consistent with current research that supports the view that college students show internal LOC perception (Perry, 2003).

10:05-10:25

A Cross-National Pilot Study of Traumatic School Events, Bullying, and Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Matthew Mahon, Ian Cohen, & Irwin Hyman

Temple University

Many school children are exposed to traumatic experiences in school, which significantly affect their psychological health. The goal of this cross-national pilot study was to extend our knowledge of school trauma beyond a basic understanding of specific situations and locations to a more comprehensive and global view of the types of traumas and victims’ reactions. This study explored student victimization by educators and peers, with emphasis on intra- and inter-sample aspects of the types of traumatic stressors experienced by students in Israel, Greece, and the United States. Although the demographics of bullying were studied, the unique aspect of this research was the systematic exploration of the relation between bullying caused by both teachers and peers and the resulting stress symptoms. The major instrument, the Student Alienation and Trauma Scale (SATS), was used to determine the typologies of bullying and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

10:25-10:45

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): How and why this is done in 2004

Kenneth R. Herbert, MA

University of Hartford

Beginning with its invention and development ECT has been surrounded by controversy, and although it has been effective, the original procedures were barbaric, brutal, and plagued by major side effects. Today, this treatment is known by the same name (ECT), but the procedures, safety, efficacy, and indications for use have drastically changed for the better. This presentation will be a brief introduction to ECT as it is done today. A demonstration of how the treatment is carried out will be shown, along with a discussion about what ECT is used for today.

Poster Session I
(Brennan Fifth Floor Lobby)

Board 1

Every New Beginning Comes From Another Beginning’s End: An Exploration of Past Transitions in Emerging Adulthood

Sara Phillips, Rachael A. Holland, & Stephen D. Drusano

Ithaca College

Identity style has previously been linked to transitions. For example, the informational style has been associated with better adjustment to college; whereas the diffuse identity style has been associated with poorer adjustment. Identity styles (diffuse-avoidant, normative and informational) can affect emotional perceptions of past transitions. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships that may exist between current identity style and past transitions. Two-hundred-forty-four undergraduate students completed a quantitative measure of identity style and a qualitative measure of past transitions. In addition, they reported on the levels of positive and negative emotions associated with each past transition and their enjoyment of the task. Participants’ past transitions consisted of, but were not limited to, the following themes: academic transitions, geographic relocation, changes in family structure, and changes in social climate. We hypothesize that positive correlations will be found between informational identity style and positive emotion associated with past transitions as well as enjoyment of the task.

Board 2

Self-Perceived Relational and Academic Competence in University Freshmen from Coeducational and Single-Sex High Schools

Kelly M. Lister, Christie P. Karpiak, & James Buchanan

University of Scranton

Do students who attended single-sex high schools differ from other students in their self-perceived adjustment to a coeducational university? The Self-Perception Profile for College Students (Harter, 1986) was administered to 573 freshmen, and the subscales relevant to romantic and academic functioning were analyzed. Males from single-sex high schools reported more confidence in romantic relationships than their counterparts from private coeducational high schools, and females assigned somewhat less importance to scholastic competence than peers from coeducational schools.

Board 3

Parental Attachment, Social Support, and Introversion/Extraversion as Predictors of College Student Adjustment

Jillian Faux, Kelly Broderick, Justin Lowell, Amy Tavares, Dr. Francesca Kendris, Dr. Eileen Astor-Stetson, & Dr. Brett Beck

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

The purpose of the study was to determine if parental attachment, social support, and introversion or extraversion personalities predict college student psychological adjustment. The researcher examined previous studies to determine if there was a connection between these variables. Homesickness was used as the measure of college student adjustment for the study. The researcher compiled a survey to administer to General Psychology students. The survey contained questionnaires for parental attachment, social support, introversion or extraversion personality, and homesickness. The students returned the answered surveys to a designated area for extra credit. The researcher found two main effects for the data. The data showed that extraverts are more homesick than introverts (M = 97.33, SD = 17.05 v. M = 93.92, SD = 16.94). The data also showed that students with high significant other social support have lower levels of homesickness than students with low significant other social support (M = 95.19, SD = 17.30 v. M = 97.30, SD = 16.72). One possible reason for difference between introverts and extraverts was that introverts perceived and used more social support than did extraverts. The extraverts did not rely on their social support; they choose to go out to meet new people and do not stay in touch with their already established social support. The students who have high significant other social support seem to use their social support more than those with low significant other social support do.

Board 4

Who Am I, Where Have I Been, and Where Am I Going: A Look Inside the Lives of Young Adult Male Prisoners

Denise Dugas & Dr. Kneia DaCosta

Ursinus College

There is a lack of research on the inmate population; one of the purposes of this study is to contribute to a much needed body of knowledge on an underrepresented population. The main purpose of this current study is to begin to identify common characteristics of adolescents and young adults who are incarcerated. This research specifically explores patterns related to inmates’ identity status, values, substance use habits and goals. The subjects for this study were 48 inmates in a local maximum-security prison. Each participant completed a packet of surveys consisting of the Object Measure of Ego Identity Status (OMEIS) (1979), Rokeach’s Instrumental and Terminal Values Survey (1973), a substance use and demographics questionnaire. The hypothesis was that 1) the majority of inmates would constitute either the diffused or moratorium identity status 2) inmates would rate lowest those values that do not have an immediate and personal relevance to them and highest those values that they do not posses but desire (i.e. freedom) 3) most inmates would report the use of drugs before their incarceration and report the desire for continued use, and 4) inmates would report wanting to better relationships with their families and children. Results were largely consistent with these hypotheses, with the exception that inmates report no desire to continue using drugs. Furthermore, notable differences in values according to ethnicity emerged. These findings allow suggestions for future research and programs that can help inmates after they are released.

Board 5

Married Parents’ Perceptions of the Specific Costs and Benefits Associated with Maternal Employment

Francis Paul DiBlasi, Mary Fontanez, Kimberly Fulmer, Kathleen Baker, JennaLyn Ryckebusch, Trisha Ellis, Heather Miller, Brandi Carey, Laura Gorton & Catherine Chambliss, Ph.D.

Ursinus College

This investigation explored parents’ attitudes about the risks and benefits associated with maternal employment. The responses of husbands and wives from single paycheck versus dual paycheck families were compared. Participants in this study were 138 mothers and 120 fathers given a survey assessing their views on maternal employment (Beliefs About the Consequences of Maternal Employment for Children scale, Greenberger et al., 1988).

Independent samples t-tests were performed to compare the benefits and costs subscale scores for fathers from single paycheck families and those for fathers from two-paycheck families. A significant difference was found for both summary scales. Fathers from two-paycheck families perceived greater benefits associated with maternal employment than did fathers from single paycheck families. Fathers from two-paycheck families perceived fewer costs associated with maternal employment than did fathers from single paycheck families.

Similarly, independent samples t-tests were performed to compare the benefits and costs subscale scores for mothers from single paycheck and those for mothers from two-paycheck families. A significant difference was found for the benefits summary scale. Mothers from two-paycheck families perceived greater benefits associated with maternal employment than did mothers from single paycheck families. For example, mothers who were employed were more likely to feel that children of working mothers develop more regard for women’s intelligence and competence. No significant difference was found for the costs summary scale between mothers from single-paycheck and two-paycheck families.

This study found that the participants’ attitudes about maternal employment were generally congruent with their chosen lifestyles. It is unknown whether this is because the participants’ beliefs shaped their family choices, or if living a certain lifestyle shaped participants’ attitudes on these matters. On many of the BACMEC items, the responses from men whose wives did not work were outliers from the rest of the groups.

Board 6

Family Influence of Health and Body Image of Sixth to Eighth Graders

Meghan Rooney, JoEllen Turner, & Kneia DaCosta, Ph.D.

Ursinus College

Children are becoming heavier and more unhealthy then they have been in the past (Neumark-Sztainer, 2002). The many “luxuries” that did not exist generation ago, like video games and cable television, have contributed to a sedentary lifestyles (Hobbs, 1998). Yes another big difference is that with all the entertainment options, the media plays an increased part in how children view themselves physically. The views of children and adults have unfortunately moved away from a focus on health and more into the desire for the “perfect body” (Wetheim, Paxton, Schultz, and Muir, 1997). Finally these have also been many changes within the family structure that can have an impact on a child’s perceptions about life and health. Family structure and involvement play, important roles in how children develop and view themselves as well as others. Therefore it is important to examine the relationships between a child’s family structure and processes and the health-related activities and body image of the child. For example previous work, suggests that the more physically active and involved parents are the more active (and presumably healthy) should be the child. The current study addresses these questions by focusing upon a sample of 300 middle school students, at a rural middle school in eastern Pennsylvania. One hundred randomly-selected students from grades six through eight completed a survey composed of items addressing family structure and tailed correlational analyses demonstrated significant relationships between indicators of family involvement, family activity, student activity and student BMI. Furthermore, surprising frequencies emerged, including high percentages of middle school students who were 1) dissatisfied with the body, 2) medically underweight and 3) criticized about their weight particularly by parents. Further analysis to explore these body image patterns revealed significant differences according to gender. Implications for school policy and further research were noted.

Board 7

Going Greek: Are You Satisfied?

John Cicchetti

Ursinus College

College students join Greek-letter organizations for various reasons. These events are usually associated with a period known as pledging. During this process, new members are initiated into their respective fraternity or sorority. The degree of difficulty and involvement of pledging varies widely from organization to organization. It is believed that many organizations feel it is necessary to have an intense pledge process. Whether or not Greek students participate in athletics and other clubs and organizations may affect their Greek orientation.

The goal of this study is to determine the similarities that attract and motivate students to join Greek-letter organizations, the satisfaction levels of the organization members, and the personal evaluation of their pledge process. The information was gathered through a survey using the Likert scale and free response questions. Overall, 127 students were surveyed; 45 male and 82 female.

Primary results have suggested several interesting concepts. Many students chose to join Greek-letter organizations for social ramifications. It was believed that their social status would benefit from joining a Greek-letter organization. A vast majority of students agreed with their pledging activities. Research also suggests that the perception of the pledge process varies between genders. Males generally felt that their pledge process was more difficult than most other organizations on campus. The majority of students surveyed felt that their pledging experiences had a major impact on their life.

Board 8

Anagrams and Analogies: Pre-testing Responsibility, Anger and Blame.

Jenny Anderson, Jessica Bona, Holly Brzozowski, Jennifer Ditt, Kelly Eastman, Elizabeth Green, Alyse Keilson, Mary-Kate Kokoszki, Kristin Miceli, Lauren Prone, Shannon Sa

Paper Session I (Brennan 203)

Paper Session II (Brennan 205)

Inhibition of Return in the Semantic Domain?

Paper Session III (Brennan 228)

Poster Session I (Brennan Fifth Floor Lobby)

Every New Beginning Comes From Another Beginning’s End: An Exploration of Past Transitions in Emerging Adulthood

Self-Perceived Relational and Academic Competence in University Freshmen from Coeducational and Single-Sex High Schools

Who Am I, Where Have I Been, and Where Am I Going: A Look Inside the Lives of Young Adult Male Prisoners

Paper Session I
(Brennan 203)

Paper Session II
(Brennan 205)

Paper Session III
(Brennan 228)

Poster Session I
(Brennan Fifth Floor Lobby)