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CONVINCED OR PRESSURED: INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF SELF-ESTEEM LEVELS AND MAJORITY OPINION SIZE ON JURORS CONFORMITY IN DELIBERATIONS
Get PDFConformity has been shown to influence decision-making due to informational (knowledge seeking) and normative (social pressure) influence. Majority size is also related to conforming tendencies. In addition, self-esteem has been found to have a relationship with conformity. Individuals with low self-esteem have a fear of social rejection and partake in conforming behaviors. This study will illuminate the juror decision-making process and how external factors impair jurors\u27 impartiality. This study will investigate how a juror\u27s self-esteem level and the size of the majority opinion influence their likelihood of conforming during deliberations. It is hypothesized that individuals will be more likely to conform when they have low self-esteem than when they have high self-esteem. Additionally, it is hypothesized that all individuals will be more likely to conform to the majority opinion when the majority is composed of 11 confederates than when the majority is composed of only 7 confederates and that self-esteem levels will moderate this effect such that this effect will be stronger for individuals who have lower levels of self-esteem. 600 18-65-year-olds will be recruited from a jury pool of candidates in a large populated city. Participants will complete several questionnaires, sit through an entire live mock trial, and deliberate on a verdict. This study will highlight some of the limitations in our current justice system and illustrate how factors unrelated to the case facts influence juror\u27s decision-making
Individual and Population-scale Drivers of Cowpox in Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus)
No full textEmerging infectious diseases represent one of the biggest threats to human and wildlife health, driven by complicated and poorly understood interactions between parasites and their hosts. Almost half of all animal species are parasitic, highlighting the essential role parasites play in a community’s ecology and the importance of observing how disease prevalence changes in response to differences in hosts and the environment. In this paper, we discuss a longitudinal experiment studying cowpox virus in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus), living in Southern Finland. Over three years, voles were randomly subjected to one of four different treatment combinations of fed (food supplementation), unfed (no additional food), deworm (deworming treatment), and control (no deworming treatment). We investigated the effects of nutrition and coinfection on the prevalence of pox in the population. Contrary to our hypothesis that food supplementation and deworming increases the immune system’s response to pox, resulting in reduced population pox prevalence, we found no significant difference between sites. We also tested potential differences in pox infection status based on sex, age and reproductive status. There was a significant effect of age, with older individuals experiencing a higher likelihood of pox infection. Additionally, reproductively active voles were more likely to have been infected with pox. Studying these factors in natural populations allows us to gain a clearer picture of how heterogeneous host characteristics influence disease prevalence. Through this study, we underscore the importance of susceptibility and exposure in parasite-host dynamics to provide insights for infectious disease prevention in wildlife and humans
If You Give A Tadpole A Chemosensory Stimulus: Detection Of Invasive Predatory Cues And Signs Of Conspecific Communication In Pseudacris sierra Tadpoles
Get PDFAmphibians are at disproportionately higher risks of extinction than all other vertebrate classes, and a major causing factor is invasive predation. The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), native to Eastern North America, is a notorious invasive species which preys on native Sierran treefrogs (Pseudacris sierra) in Northern and Central California. These treefrogs have yet to be placed on any Special Animals List, suggesting the presence of adopted behaviors against predation. Past studies have documented the importance of chemical sensing in anuran tadpoles as predator detection tools. This study tests if Sierran treefrog tadpoles can recognize invasive chemical cues by measuring antipredator behaviors, defined as decreased activity and increased crouching, in tadpoles against cues from invasive bullfrogs. Responses are compared to those displayed against a native predator: dragonfly nymphs (Suborder Anisoptera). It also tests whether these behaviors are exacerbated by the absence of nearby conspecifics, as a predator threat may be magnified amongst lone tadpoles. Our results show a significant decrease in activity and a significant increase in crouching behavior in tadpoles presented with bullfrog chemical cues, which are indicators of antipredator behaviors being utilized against this non-native threat. We also found that, while there was a significant decrease in activity levels in the presence of dragonfly nymph chemical cues, there was no significant crouching behavior under these conditions, which may be explained by an adaptation to dragonfly nymph hunting behavior. Finally, we found a significant decrease in activity level in tadpole groups compared to individuals, which may indicate conspecific communication
EXCLUDING COMMUNITY CONCERNS IN CO-LOCATION DECISIONS UNDER THE BLOOMBERG AND ADAMS ADMINISTRATIONS IN NEW YORK CITY
No full textWhen Michael Bloomberg became mayor of New York City in 2002, he employed a free-market approach to address the challenges of New York City’s public school system. He strongly embraced charter school expansion, a controversial topic due to the privately-owned, publicly-funded model. He permitted charter schools to operate rent-free in “underutilized” district-owned buildings, already inhabited by traditional public schools. Increased co-locations, where multiple schools share a building, sparked protests, lawsuits, and opposition in public hearings, yet co-location proposals were nearly always approved. Issues of co-locations have remained sparse during the Eric Adams administration; however, a recently passed class size reduction policy is likely to disproportionately impact co-located schools. In this thesis, I examine community input in co-location processes under the Bloomberg administration and Adams administration using Critical Discourse Analysis to examine power dynamics between the Department of Education and the public, and the exclusion of community input. I find that co-location processes, especially under Bloomberg, prioritized charter schools, and consequently neglected community feedback. Unethical co-location processes demonstrated systemic neglect of traditional public schools, which will continue to be disproportionately affected by the new class size law. Processes of co-locating charter and traditional public schools suggest the adverse impacts on resources and services in traditional public schools if public education continues being privatized
A Longitudinal Theory of Planned Behavior Study on Metro Rail Ridership in Los Angeles
No full textLos Angeles has struggled with bad air quality levels since the elimination of electric streetcars and the introduction of automobiles as the primary mode of transportation. Transportation is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and while public transportation is a feasible solution to reduce emissions from cars, it is necessary to understand and increase ridership in order to make significant reductions to car use in the city of Los Angeles. Past research has shown the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as an accurate predictor of travel mode choice. This longitudinal study will use TPB to examine intention and behavior pertaining to transportation mode choice as the Metro D Line extension opens up on the westside of Los Angeles. Subjective Norms and Implementation Intention will be manipulated for certain participants. Participants exposed to manipulation activities are expected to have higher Metro ridership behavior than participants who are not exposed to manipulation activities. The findings of this study have the potential to broaden our understanding of transit mode choice in areas with newly introduced transportation infrastructure. This may inform future efforts to increase ridership as public transportation opportunities expand, which can help to mitigate environmental consequences of car use
Examination of Media Marketing Strategies Promoting the Thin Ideal: Impacts on the Likelihood of Consumer Behavior Alteration and Conformity
No full textBody dissatisfaction and eating disorders are on the rise worldwide. Abundant research exists on causes of negative body image in women, especially as created by the media\u27s unrealistic portrayal of thinness. There is a dearth of literature about which media advertising strategies most influence consumers to conform to “the thin ideal.” This study analyzes the use of buzzwords and celebrity endorsements, and their effects on stated likelihood of conforming behavior. In accordance with the study hypotheses, the anticipated results are: A) Conformity pressure through buzzwords will increase stated likelihood of behaviors conforming to the thin ideal; B) Celebrity endorsements will increase participants’ stated likelihood of conforming to the thin ideal; C) Through the interaction effect, buzzwords on conformity to the thin ideal will have greater impact with celebrity endorsers than without. Our target sample size is 788 college-aged women. Using four different scales, we’ll measure self-esteem, internalization of sociocultural attitudes toward appearance, credibility of celebrity endorsements, and stated likelihood of conforming to the thin ideal. The methodology will expose four groups to different constructed advertisements: 1) with buzzwords pertaining to the thin ideal alone; 2) with buzzwords and a celebrity endorsement; 3) with a celebrity endorsement alone; 4) with neither buzzwords or a celebrity endorsement. The implication of this study is that it will provide insight into the specific elements of thin ideal content in media and which of these elements is most problematic, should it need to be altered for the health of media consumers
The Kids Aren\u27t Alright: Indie Sleaze Revival and the Commodification of Subcultures on Social Media
Get PDFIn 2012, the “indie sleaze” subculture is accepted to have “died” — the same year Facebook bought Instagram. Named retroactively by social media in 2021, the “indie sleaze” subculture and its “revival” online provides a rich ground for investigating how and why social media converts subculture into aesthetics. Drawing on Dick Hebdige’s 1979 theory of subculture, this project considers new understandings of the political, aesthetic, and affective relationships between digital media and subcultures. In examining the evolution of “indie sleaze” from its origins and manifestations in an escapist party scene of the aughts to its online simulations from 2021 to the present, this project highlights a shift in the form of social media which enabled a conversion of “indie sleaze” from real subculture to a hyperreal, image-based myth. The fragmentation of mass culture perpetrated by aesthetic capitalism and social media’s alienating algorithms contributed to this shift. Through a postmodern approach and taking seriously the simulations of the “indie sleaze revival,” this project suggests political possibilities of embracing style and aesthetics in late-stage capitalism
Postural Control and Visually Induced Motion Sickness After Visual Motion Experience
No full textPostural control is defined by a series of relationships between our central nervous system and our proprioceptive, visual and vestibular sensory systems which maintain the body’s balance and orientation to control its position in space. Any conflicts in our bodies’ sensorimotor strategies may cause postural instability to occur, such as vestibular overstimulation: a precursor of motion sickness causing postural instability. The present study seeks to dive into both the association between visual motion experience and mitigation of VIMS symptoms, as well as the impacts of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), a subcategory of motion sickness, on postural instability. Individuals with video game or virtual reality experience may experience less severity of VIMS and have better recovery after a prolonged visual motion experience compared to those without video game/virtual reality (VG/VR) experience. Following the theory of postural instability, postural differences between individuals regardless of VG/VR experience will indicate differing levels of VIMS severity and postural instability during recovery. Predicted results suggested VG/VR experience to be one indicator of postural differences and incidence of VIMS, while postural control instead directly related to individual differences in postural control with severity of postural instability following VIMS experience varying between VG/VR experienced individuals. Mitigation of VIMS is crucial to those who experience VIMS recurrently. Understanding how postural control and stability may impact recovery from VIMS must be explored further to find solutions for reducing the severity of VIMS symptoms while experiencing a visual motion environment, as well as after
Random Graph Models for Dual Graphs
Get PDFThis paper aims to better characterize dual graphs derived from state districting maps by developing random graph models that replicate their structural properties. Dual graphs provide a simplified way to represent districting maps, making it computationally feasible to analyze their structure. These representations enable researchers, legislators, and courts to assess district compactness, detect signs of gerrymandering, and generate alternative districting plans. A deeper understanding of the structural patterns of these dual graphs can help researchers choose or design more effective algorithms for redistricting analysis. The random graph models developed in this study serve as testbeds for evaluating algorithmic approaches to creating fair and unbiased districting plans. Through a variety of edge-adding and edge-removal strategies, this paper identifies models that closely approximate three key statistics of real-world dual graphs: the average degree, the spanning tree constant asymptote, and the average spanning tree constant
Weathering and Beyond: Leveraging Mathematical Modeling to Simulate Erosion in Digital Media
Get PDFHow might we bring an idea to life from both a mathematical and an artistic perspective? Within Weathering, I use imagery of environmental erosion to explore the differences between physical and digital forms of representation. I created a physical painting of an abandoned copper mine, digitized the work, and then used a mathematical model to digitally “erode” it, which I re-translated into paintings. While the explicit texture present in physical work speaks best to my practice/intent, the mathematical framework that is the basis for my digital work affords a powerful mode of temporal flexibility. Used in conjunction, these two forms of representation–painting and manipulated digital footage–allow me fuller and more experiential avenues of artistic expression.
In the math-focused portion of my thesis, I investigate two different frameworks used to represent Turing\u27s theory of fur pattern formation: agent-based modeling and partial differential equations (PDEs). The agent-based Fur Model originates from the NetLogo library and is studied with the ODD guidelines (as did the Erosion Model used in Weathering).
My interactive art installation, Counter, signals a departure from geographic erosion, emphasizing interpersonal connection against a backdrop of mental deterioration. The action of touching the piece positively augments the installation. This calls upon the viewer to physically engage with the work, foregrounding the restorative aspect of human connection