Names: Alea Bechta, Kelsey Bomboy
Title: Use of Social Media and Attitudes toward Presidential Candidates
Abstract: The ubiquitous presence of social media and its impact on raising political consciousness, especially among the notoriously disengaged young population, has gained much attention in recent years. One of the aims of this study is to investigate whether the degree to which MU students rely on social media as the source of political news related to the 2016 presidential election is correlated with their knowledge of the major candidates’ positions on various issues. In addition, this study will examine the degree to which the students’ knowledge is linked to their overall attitudes toward major candidates, as well as their intention to vote for a specific candidate. The existing literature suggests that individuals often engage in rational, deliberate processes in forming their attitudes on significant issues; however, various recent political (e.g., refuges) and social (e.g., racial tension) events might render this suggestion debatable.
Names: Rachel Lee, Maria Flores, Adisa Jusic, Devon Singh
Title: Perceptions of Ambiguous Cheating in Various Contexts
Abstract: This study aims to examine differences in perceptions of ambiguous behaviors that could be construed as cheating. Previous studies have reported alarmingly high levels of academic cheating among college students. However, the question of whether students who are tolerant of ambiguous cheating in one setting also tend to be tolerant of ambiguous actions in other setting (e.g., in relationships) remains to be answered. In addition, this study will examine whether priming individuals with the definition of cheating will affect participants’ perceptions of what actions constitute cheating.
Names: Emily Melhorn, Vilma Caraballo, Nathan Smeigh
Title: Who Likes MU?
Abstract: The purpose of the present study is to identify the factors that contribute the most to the development of students’ positive attitudes toward Millersville University and their college experience in general. One of the hypotheses that will be tested in this study is whether repeated exposure to the campus is one of the factors that increase positive attitudes toward MU. It is predicted that the length of exposure as defined by the number of credits earned on this campus will show a positive correlation with the students’ overall attitudes. However, this exposure-attitude relationship will be moderated by a number of factors such as the students’ residential status (i.e., living on or near campus vs. commuting), their perceptions of the quality of education, academic achievement, and their involvement in extra-curricular activities.
Names: Christopher Anderson, Abbie Shervinski, Rebecca Lurie
Title: Student Perceptions of Online Education
Abstract: The convenience and flexibility that online courses offer has made online courses attractive to many college students. Utilizing a survey built on individual interviews, we will examine the instructional and technical features of online courses that the users have found most helpful to their learning, and whether their positive experience has led to their support of online education in general. In addition, we will investigate whether students with certain characteristics (e.g., views on higher education, previous exposure to cyber education, etc.) are especially receptive to taking online courses.
Names: Ashley Nole, Amanda Hoch, Macey Walker, Derick DeCamp
Title: Predictors of College Students; Well-being
Abstract: Past research on college student life has examined a host of variables that predicted their well-being. Some of the predictors were students’ lifestyle variables such as sleep pattern or exercise while some others included student behaviors related to academic performance such as time management, achievement motivation, etc. There is also a substantial body of research on how the quality of social support influences well-being of college students as well as general population. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the role that psychosocial variables such as personal and vocational identities play. This study will investigate the predictive power of these psychosocial variables relative to that of previously researched lifestyle variables.
Names: Wendy Blauch, Ana Marquez, Nicholas Meeks, Melina Mousoupetros
Title: Perception of Risk, Vulnerability, and Cautionary Behavior among College Students
Abstract: Campus violence is a continuing problem in the U.S. This study examines college students’ perceptions of their own vulnerability, feeling of intimidation or fear, and cautionary behaviors. The researchers will present a sample of Millersville students a survey that lists various situations that they might encounter over the course of their academic career. We will examine the types of situations that are most likely to increase or decrease their perceptions of vulnerability. In addition, we will attempt to identify those who might be especially susceptible to victimization due to their beliefs, behavioral patterns, or personal characteristics.