THE HONORS PROGRAM AT ALVERNIA COLLEGE

Excellence, Interaction, Enthusiasm

Psychology

Does Gender Perception Expectation Preference Exist in Higher Education by Heather Williams

Gender Discrimination is the academic world continues to be a very controversial topic. This paper discusses the different studies and results relating to perceptions and expectations students have of their instructors in higher education. Very little significant research has been found to show whether gender bias still occurs today. In the present study, two mock resumes and interviewing sheets were used to study how students perceive their professors and the awareness of gender bias.

Current Treatments of Social Anxiety Disorder: Are they Effective? By David F. Brennan

Social anxiety disorder is the third most common psychiatric disorder in the United States. One out of every eight people in the general population suffers from social anxiety. Psychiatrists only recognize the seriousness of social anxiety disorder about 20 years ago. Social anxiety is an excessive, persistent fear of social or performance situations such as speaking with your boss, eating in a restaurant or meeting new people. The research presented shows how treatments have changed over time, discusses the best approaches to treatment, and suggests future studies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication are still the most widely used forms of treatment. However, new treatments are being tested and have been shown to be promising.

Investigation of Non-Pharmacological Therapies for Dementia Patients of the Alzheimer’s Type – A Qualitative Study by Jennifer Realmuto

The goal of the present study is to investigate the current research of non-pharmacological therapy in the literature and compare and contrast the research with the implementation of these therapies in nursing homes for Alzheimer’s patients. A literature review of the various types of non-pharmacological therapies, including cognitive interventions, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, aromatherapy, and other current behavioral interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness when used for Alzheimer’s patients was conducted. Next, an area sampling of Alzheimer’s units was developed. The sites were visited to determine how the literature compares to current practices in programs designed for this population. An investigation of whether or not what has been researched is actually being put into action in therapeutic programs administered routinely to Alzheimer’s patients took place. After filling out an informed consent, which secures the anonymity of each participant, program directors of local healthcare facilities were interviewed based on a questionnaire that was designed to emphasize the essential non-pharmacological therapies. The data from an interview with each program director was used in a qualitative analysis to compare current research and administration of these non-pharmacological treatments in healthcare facilities that treat dementia patients of the Alzheimer’s type. As hypothesized, results demonstrate that more effort needs to be put forth to bridge the gap between research outcomes and clinical protocols when designing intervention for this population.

Tiny Tots and Teddy Bears: A Study of Color Preferences in Preschool-Age Children by Tiffany Wagaman

This study examined the effects of color cues on children ages three to five. The participants were asked to choose from three teddy bears – a pink, a blue, or a yellow teddy bear. Each participant was interviewed separately, asked three questions, and each answer was recorded. Results showed that both males and females chose the stereotypical color when asked to choose their favorite color, which was blue for boys and pink for girls. Also, both males and females chose stereotypical colors for males, while females went against the stereotypes when choosing teddy bears for other females. In future experiments, a number of new approaches could be tested such as interviewing more participants and using different types of colors.

For More Information, Contact:
Dr. Victoria Williams, Director of the Honors Program
Francis Hall 406
Office Phone (610) 796-5511
Victoria.williams@alvernia.edu

Updated: July 5, 2006

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