15133 research outputs found
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Is socioeconomic status the real cause of the 30 million word gap?
No full textThis project challenges the widely accepted narrative that socioeconomic status has significant influence on language development, with a focus on questioning whether low socioeconomic status is truly a risk factor for linguistic growth. Specifically, Betty Hart & Todd Risely’s 1995 study, has had a profound influence on how language development is understood, emphasizing the importance of early verbal exposure for a child’s linguistic growth. They found a stark difference in the number of words spoken to children who came from different socioeconomic backgrounds, claiming a gap of over 30 million words between children from higher-income families and those from lower-income families. The study’s focus on word count alone overlooks important aspects of language, such as cultural communication styles, which can reinforce racial biases (Dudley-Marling & Lucas, 2009). While Hart & Risley conducted their research with the well motivated intention to support children’s language development, this poster will add updated research findings with the goal of embracing a more inclusive and nuanced approach. By viewing this topic through a more contemporary lens, this poster aims to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches when working to learn about a concept as subjective as language development. As a result, interventions may be designed to be culturally responsive, and tailored to the needs of each child (Sperry, Sperry, & Miller 2019). By prioritizing diversity in language experiences and understanding the unique circumstances of each child, we can work to create these individualized approaches to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive
Eliminating religious discrimination in the workplace
No full textTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits religious discrimination in any aspect of employment. Forms of illegal religious discrimination include harassment, segregation, dress policies, and employment policies and practices. Although the law has been in effect for over 60 years, religious discrimination in the workplace continues and has been on the rise. What can be done to eliminate religious discrimination in the workplace? This is a complex problem requiring interdisciplinary research to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. I used qualitative research methodology, specifically, textual analysis. From September 2024 through April 2025, I analyzed relevant sources from the disciplines of law and human rights, including the Constitution, Title VII and other statutes, court opinions, and scholarly and non-scholarly articles, identifying conflicting insights from each. I then sought common ground between the insights, and through integration, I achieved a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. That enables me to suggest resolutions of the problem. I conclude that federal and state agencies charged with monitoring religious discrimination in the workplace and courts should strictly enforce all relevant laws and regulations. Moreover, much can be done in the workplace itself to avoid religious discrimination. Employers should adopt and enforce zero-tolerance policies. There should be training for managers and supervisors as to how to properly handle reports of religious discrimination. There should also be training for employees about how to recognize and avoid religious discrimination. There should be clear and uncomplicated reporting procedures for incidents of discrimination
Movement patterns of Porcellio laevis in response to environmental stimuli
No full textPorcellio laevis (Isopoda, Oniscidea) are known to avoid predatory ants. This study examined how factors like ant cues and environmental structure affect movement in P. laevis. We predicted that P. laevis would avoid areas with ants. In Experiment 1, isopods were exposed to ants in an inverted Petri dish on one side of an arena atop a resonating chamber. Unexpectedly, isopods spent more time on the side of the arena where the ants were located. Experiment 2 served as a control, with an empty Petri dish that did not contain ants. In response, time spent by isopods in both sections of the arena did not differ. To control for the petri dish being on one side of the arena, in Experiment 3 we placed empty Petri dishes in both sections. Surprisingly, isopods spent more time in the half of the arena in which they had been acclimated. Finally, to control for directional bias in Experiment 2, in Experiment 4 we acclimated the isopods on the other side of the arena, but with the empty petri dish on the opposite side. As in Experiment 2, there were no significant differences in time spent in the two areas. We conclude that isopod movement was influenced by a combination of environmental structure, ant cues, and potentially the location of prior acclimation
Exclusion and inequality: The social and legal implications of immigrant labor in the U.S.
No full textIn the United States, denying employment benefits to undocumented workers is a major legal and social problem. Many undocumented immigrants are denied access to benefits such as unemployment insurance, federal health insurance, and other federally funded benefits including Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP. Financial hardship, social inequities, limited economic mobility, and increased healthcare risks are all challenges facing immigrant families resulting from the denial of benefits. Nonetheless, undocumented workers contribute significantly to the American economy by, among other ways, expanding the labor force, increasing consumer spending, and contributing to tax revenue. This is an inherently unfair situation that clearly affects society as a whole. What can and should be done to resolve this problem? This is a complex problem requiring interdisciplinary research in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding. Using qualitative research methodology, specifically textual analysis, I reviewed and analyzed relevant sources from the disciplines of law and sociology. I sought common ground between conflicting insights from each discipline, and through integration, I was able to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem. That facilitated my proposing suggested resolutions of the problem. I have not completed my research as yet. However, I conclude that federal legislation should be reformed to ensure that undocumented workers are eligible to receive all employment benefits available to citizens and documented immigrants. Separate from or in addition to legislative action, courts should hold that denial of benefits to undocumented workers denies them the equal protection of the law guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment
Le français belge
No full textThis research explores Le Français belge (Belgian French), focusing on its unique linguistic features and cultural significance. The study examines the historical development of Belgian French, its distinct vocabulary, phonetic variations, and grammatical differences when compared to standard French. By analyzing texts and reviewing regional dialects, the research identifies key linguistic traits that differentiate Belgian French, such as the use of specific vocabulary influenced by Dutch and regional dialects. The findings demonstrate that Le Français Belge reflects not only the country’s history and bilingual nature but also plays a crucial role in shaping Belgium’s national identity. This work contributes to a broader understanding of the linguistic diversity within the French-speaking world and highlights the importance of preserving and promoting regional languages and dialects
Circadian rhythm disruption is related to self-diagnosis of mental illness: Implications for shift work
No full textThe association between circadian rhythm disruption and self-diagnosis of mental illness in a sample of undergraduate students was explored. A dysregulated circadian rhythm has been correlated with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Self-diagnosis of mental illness is an emerging phenomenon, likely influenced by social media, which has been linked to both mental health concerns as well as sleep irregularities. Here, we aimed to investigate whether circadian rhythm disruptions, as measured by bedtime/waketime variability and social jetlag, are related to self-diagnosis of mental illness. It was hypothesized that students with a greater disruption in their circadian rhythms will be more likely to self-diagnose mental health disorders. Using a publicly available data set, 907 undergraduate students (aged 18-28) completed several questionnaires, including both the Sleep Disorders Symptoms Check List-25 and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. Mental illnesses that were able to be self-reported on included depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Results demonstrated a significant relationship between circadian rhythm disruption and self-diagnosis of mental illness, especially in women. Increased bedtime/waketime variability and greater social jetlag was also associated with an increase in reporting being unsure if one had a mental illness. No significant correlation was found for clinically diagnosed mental illness and any measure. Overall, this study suggests that circadian rhythm disruption may contribute to self-diagnosing behavior, with implications for future mental health education. Further research can be done to explore this relationship
How adults volunteering with youth perceive the value of youth leadership
No full textPreconceived negative stereotypes adults hold about youth are often cited as a hindrance to effective youth-adult partnerships that promote positive youth development (Jones, 2006). To address a gap in empirical research on the influence of volunteering with youth on adults’ perceptions of youth, our project explores how time spent volunteering with Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and other volunteer attributes relate to adult perceptions of the value of youth leadership. BSA is a national out-of-school-time program for youth aged 11-17. The program emphasizes positive youth development through leadership opportunities, character growth, and community service experiences (Boy Scouts of America, n.d.). The data, collected via an online survey in Spring 2019 from 2,696 adult BSA volunteers with 1–9 years of experience, comes from the first wave of the national longitudinal BSA Building Evidence in Scouting Together (BEST) study conducted by the RYTE Institute at Montclair State University. We conducted a MANOVA to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in the mean perceived value of youth leadership and mean beyond-the-self ratings among volunteers who have volunteered with BSA for fewer than 4 years, 4-6.99 years, or 7 or more years. We also conducted a multiple regression to determine how volunteer age and whether or not the volunteer was a scout as a child impact their mean perceived value of youth leadership. While neither of the statistical tests returned significant findings, future research should use more sophisticated methods to analyze patterns of how adult volunteers value youth leadership
Rap lyrics on trial: The criminalization of rap lyrics and first amendment protections of freedom of expression
No full textArtistic expression is recognized as protected by the First Amendment. Rap music is a very popular form of musical expression, associated with Black artists and culture. Prosecutors trying rap artists for alleged crimes have attempted to use their lyrics as evidence against them. Rap artists argue that their lyrics are mere fiction and that since rap music is linked with Black artists and culture, allowing its use as evidence against them appeals to racial biases of jurors, thus prejudicing a defendant’s right to a fair trial. To address that issue, federal and state legislation has been introduced to limit the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Courts throughout the country have considered similar issues. This is a complex problem requiring interdisciplinary research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding. I used qualitative research methodology, specifically textual analysis, to analyze sources from the disciplines of law and racial studies, and identified conflicting disciplinary insights. I then found common ground between insights and integrated them to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding. That permits me to suggest resolutions to the problem. I have not yet concluded my research, but, I conclude that Congress and the states should enact legislation barring or limiting the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal prosecutions of rap artists. Further, courts should carefully balance attempts to use rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials of rap artists, against an artist’s First Amendment rights and rights to a fair trial, free of racial bias
From Troy to Vietnam: A diachronic analysis of injuries and treatment modalities
No full textThis project aims to compare the types of injuries and treatment modalities in the Vietnam War and the Trojan War. Even though at first glance the battles appear to be widely different, there are parallels that can be drawn between the two in terms of the injuries that were sustained by the soldiers and the steps taken to treat them. The methodology focuses on close reading of primary sources such as Homer\u27s epic poem, the Iliad, and Lynda van Devanter\u27s collection of poems, Visions of war, dreams of peace: writing of women in the Vietnam War. Secondary sources provide important context for the analysis of the primary sources. Our findings suggest that there are patterns in both fatality rates and treatment protocols even across this wide span of time. Despite medical advances, head wounds ranked highest in the lethality scale in both ancient and modern warfare. Points of contact between ancient and modern warfare also were found in treatment strategies such as pain control and rapid transport off the battlefield. Beyond recording the horrors of war, poetry is a medium that gives voice to those who have suffered those horrors. Therefore, there may be a potential application for poetry as a therapeutic tool in initiating difficult conversations and creating communities in which returning soldiers can break their silence
Social functioning and cognitive flexibility: Facets of flexibility predicting social anxiety symptoms
No full textCognitive flexibility is a core construct of executive functioning and encompasses the ability to shift between tasks and adjust one’s behavior to a changing environment (Dajani & Uddin, 2015). In social contexts, challenges in cognitive flexibility can impair an individual from successfully engaging and building interpersonal relationships with others (Davila & Beck, 2002). Social anxiety (SA) is marked by persistent overwhelming social fears when exposed to unfamiliar people or situations (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). While both SA and inflexibility can overlap and manifest communicative difficulties in one’s social functioning, the precise relationship between flexibility and SA remains unclear, particularly in neurodiverse populations. Additionally, various factors such as autistic traits, developmental stage, and race may influence this relationship. Eighty autistic and non-autistic youth (ages 6-17; 48% White) and their parents completed measures of cognitive flexibility (Flexibility Scale; Strang, et al. 2017) and SA symptoms (Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, 2nd Edition; March, 2012). Pearson correlations indicated correlation between total flexibility and SA for parent-report (r=.241, p=.031) and marginally for self-report (r=.215, p=.067). Multiple regression indicated similar contribution of different FS subdomains in parent-report (p\u3e0.05), but challenges with special interest, social flexibility, and generativity emerged as significant predictors in self-report (p\u3c.037). Neither developmental stage, autistic traits, nor race moderated the relationship between parent-reported flexibility and SA. Moderation for self-report measures will be incorporated in the analysis before the symposium. Understanding these dynamics can inform targeted interventions to support social functioning in individuals with SA and cognitive rigidity