2013 Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students
Poster Presentation Program
3:00 to 5:00pm in McCastlain Hall
1.) “Reliability and Validity of Popular Press Extraversion Personality Tests”
Sarah Garrison
Washington University in St. Louis
A number of commercially available personality tests have gained popularity with the public; however, the validity and reliability of many of these tests have not been sufficiently investigated. The reliability and validity of two popular press extraversion tests from Self-Scoring Personality Tests and Self-Scoring Emotional Intelligence Tests were assessed. Both surveys were provided to a sample of undergraduate students. The results were analyzed for iter-item correlations and internal consistency, Thirty-four percent and 28% of the inter-item correlations were negative for each respective test, and the second part of both split-half reliability alphas were negative. The tests were insignificantly correlated. The test items were found to be unreliable. These results suggest that these tests need to be rescored and that many of the items should be excluded. By rescoring the “Are You an Extrovert or Introvert?” test and excluding specific test items, the negative inter-item correlations were reduced and both halves of the split-half alpha were positive. By excluding specific test items from the “Personality Factor 1” test, the significantly negative inter-item correlations were eliminated and both halves of the split-half alpha were positive.
2.) “Are They Satisfied? Job Satisfaction among Southwest AR Teachers”
Amy Burns, Shelbi Cottingham, Yolonda Hawthorne, & Jelissia Vaughn
Southern Arkansas University
Job satisfaction among 66 primary, secondary and post-secondary teachers in southwest Arkansas was examined by survey. Factors such as demographics, intrinsic, and extrinsic were analyzed in the aspect of looking for results of which factors influence job satisfaction among teachers in southwest Arkansas. Our results were much different than our expectations for this research. It was found that intrinsic factors are the most influencing factor for this sample of educators. Job satisfaction was found to be more prevalent in women than men, which was contradictory to prior research found. Overall, teachers in the southwest Arkansas area are satisfied with their job because they love the students they teach.
3.) “Relationship between Video Game Use, Lucid/Control Dreaming and Mood”
Ming Tai
Dr. Jennifer Peszka
Hendrix University
Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and nightmares are common problems. Lucid and controlled dreaming have been suggested as a possible treatment, but there is no easy and effective technique for teaching these types of dreaming. Video game use, often involving high personal engagement in a fictional setting, may enhance these types of dreaming. The purpose of this study was to examine whether gaming is associated with lucid/control dreaming and if particular types of games (e.g. physically interactive) have a stronger relationship. For this study, 298 undergraduates completed a survey assessing dream recall, video game engagement, mood, and frequency of lucid and controlled dreams. We will examine the correlation between frequency of dream types and amount of time playing each game type.
4.) Imprisoned at Home: The Plight of Young Caregivers
Kristopher Struckmeyer & Thomas Williams
Dr. David Osburn
Arkansas Tech University
There is limited research on the effects of caring for relatives on young caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore if a relationship existed between the amount of caring a young caregiver provided and their mental health and furthermore, if a relationship existed between missed social opportunities and the caregiver’s mental health. Two hundred and ninety-six individuals completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Caring Activities Checklist and the Positive and Negative Outcomes of Caring Questionnaire. A t-test found a significant difference between individuals who reported missing social opportunities and those who did not, such that those who did report missing social opportunities, on average reported much higher negative mental outcomes than those who reported not missing the same opportunities.
5.) “The Effect of Metaphor versus Declarative Narrative on the Reduction of Negative Affect and Stress Caused by Moderate Trauma”
Ariel Kingsley
Dr. Elizabeth Nelson
Christian Brothers University
Therapeutic writing creates significant reduction in client symptoms compared with those who do not write. Previous literature suggests that using metaphors in therapy may facilitate the reduction of symptoms as well. Both findings were explored by having participants either write about a personal trauma declaratively or metaphorically. A control group copied a story unrelated to trauma. Symptoms were measured pre- and post-task to assess between-group differences. It was hypothesized that writing metaphorically would reduce symptoms most significantly. This hypothesis was unsupported. No negative affect or stress reduction was measured for the metaphor group. There were other significant findings, such as differences between the groups on intrusion and avoidance subscales and differences on negative affect scales administered at different times.
6.) “How does Social Networks affect Personal Lives?”
Shanita Gibson, Makenzi Hamilton, Brianna Otwell, & Megan Beason
Dr. Brittney Schrick
Southern Arkansas University
The aim of this study was to investigate how the use of social networks impacts the lives of college students in three distinct spheres: self-esteem, academic performance and romantic relationships. Our hypothesis is that social networking negatively impacts students through academic distraction, increased relationship stressors, and decreased self-esteem. To test our hypotheses, we created a survey to determine: How much time students spend on social networks versus time spent studying; whether social networks contribute to problems in intimate relationships; and how attention from social networks relates to one’s self-esteem. Preliminary results support hypotheses. This study seeks to provide a more complete understanding of how and to what degree the use of social networks affect individuals overall well-being.
7.) “Cell Phone Dependence and Sleep Quality”
Kurt Delashmet, Taylor Brumbelow, Paula Burr, & Kate Gillett
Hendrix College
Cell phones have become omnipresent in our lives; and for many, an integral extension of their social lives. As levels of cell phone use and dependence increase, it is possible the increase in social availability (i.e. around the clock contact) and the emotional activation near bedtime they provide could be affecting sleep quality. In this study, we will assess self-perceived cell phone dependence, technology use before bedtime, and quality of sleep with self-report, diaries, and cardiopulmonary coupling (measures synchrony between heart rate and breathing associated with sleep and wake). We hypothesize higher ratings of cell phone dependence will be related to higher levels of cell phone use in the hours before bedtime, as well as a poorer quality of sleep.
8.) “Androgynous, To Be or Not To Be, That is The Question.”
Karen Hopper
Dr. Todd Weibers
Henderson State University
Our purpose was to explore the role of men and women in relationships and how each gender approaches different attitudes towards each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Seventy-one consenting students completed Bem’s (1981) Sex Role Inventory, identifying them as androgynous or nonandrogynous and Hudson’s (1997) Partner Abuse Scale, followed by questionnaires measuring self-esteem and aggression. Participants completed awareness/knowledge scales and then viewed control or informative presentations before completing alternate versions of the scales. Curiously, androgynous men and women show aggression, coupled with low self-esteem. However, androgynous women tended to have higher self-esteem, F(1, 63) = 5.61, p < .03. We hope to make a modest contribution in the redefinition of masculinity in the 21st century.
9.) “Examining Gender Differences in Self-Efficacy Levels Amongst Engineering Students”
Danielle Newman, Krista Nelson, Victoria Felix, & Janelle McDaniel
Louisiana Tech University
False beliefs that women lack abilities in math and science have perpetuated the idea that women should not pursue careers utilizing skills in math, science, and engineering (Sherman, 1988; Papastergiou, 2008). Research in the engineering field has identified self-efficacy as a significant predictor of student success (Rittmayer & Beier, 2009). The current study analyzed male and female undergraduate engineering students’ level of self-efficacy by having participants complete the Longitudinal Assessment of Engineering Self-Efficacy (LAESE). Contrary to previous studies, our results indicated that gender was not an adequate overall predictor for self-efficacy. The only significant gender difference that was found was in math outcome expectations, indicating that females may have lower self-confidence and fear of failure regarding their mathematic abilities.
10.) The Effects of Positive Mood, Group Size, and Self-Esteem on Creativity
Emma Rivera & Noemie Parsis
Dr. Lindsay Kennedy
Hendrix College
In our experiment, we will examine the effects of group size and mood on creativity. After showing a neutral video to our participants in small, medium, or large group sizes, we will administer one of two counterbalanced creativity tests. Afterwards, we will follow the same procedure with a positive video. We hypothesize that creativity scores after the positive affect condition will, on average, be higher than scores after the neutral affect condition. We also predict that the larger the group size, the higher the average mood will be, and the higher the scores on the creativity tests will be. In addition, we will also measure participants’ self-esteem levels as a control variable that could possibly affect mood.
11.) “Effects of Interactive Media Use on Sleep Quantity and Quality”
Taylor Brumbelow
Dr. Jennifer Peszka
Hendrix College
For some time sleep researchers have examined the relationship between technology use and sleep quantity and quality (Cain and Gradisar, 2010). Recently, it has been suggested that many forms of interactive technology (e.g. social media, electronic gaming, texting) are detrimental to sleep (National Sleep Foundation, 2011). This may be because interactive forms of media induce more psychological and emotional arousal than passive media (e.g. television, movies, radio). The present study will examine the direct relationship between technology use in the two hours before bed (measured by diaries) and sleep quality and quantity (measured by cardiopulmonary coupling: synchrony between heart and breathing rate). We hypothesize that interactive media, compared to passive media, will have a greater detrimental effect on sleep.
12.) “Effects of developmental methylphenidate (MPH) treatment on play behavior of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.”
Alton Withers & C. Delbert Law
Dr. Sherry Ferguson
Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/FDA
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects approximately 4.4% of the population. Though
adverse events of MPH treatment are rare, safety of treatment during pregnancy is unclear. Here,
pregnant rats were orally treated with 0, 6, 18 or 42 mg/kg/day from gestational days 6-21. Offspring
were treated with the same dose from birth to weaning. On postnatal day 34, pair-housed same-
sex siblings were separated for 24 hours. After reunited, play behavior (frequency of pins and dorsal
contacts) was coded by a tester blind to treatment. Controls exhibited typical sex effects (increased
play in males); however, high MPH-treated females played somewhat more than control females.
Implications regarding potential masculinizing effects of MPH treatment await results from other
behavioral assessments from this study.
13.) “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Perception of Attractiveness”
Rebecca Cox, Katherine Defrance, Jennifer Penner
Dr. Jennifer Peszka
Hendrix College
The frontal lobe mediates various executive functions (e.g. risk-assessment, decision-making, planning) which may be involved in human mating strategies. These functions can be disrupted through sleep deprivation which could alter strategy choice resulting in changed perceptions of attractiveness. Twenty-nine healthy heterosexual college students (Nmen=15, Nwomen=14) viewed sexually explicit (heterosexual adults having intercourse), sexy (men, women, and couples partially dressed), and non-explicit (men, women, and couples fully dressed) photographs. Thirteen participants were sleep deprived and sixteen received normal sleep. Participants viewed each photograph for 15 seconds, then made an overall attractiveness rating on a 10-point Likert scale. We will use 3-way (gender of participant by photograph type by sleepiness) mixed design ANOVAs to examine changes in attractiveness ratings with sleep deprivation.
14.) “The Relationship between Auditory Sensory Gating and Higher-Level Cognitive Function”
Monica Hill, Andrew Millar, Madison Cochran, & Shannon Haydan
Dr. Carly Yadon
Missouri State University
Sensory gating refers to the brain’s ability to filter irrelevant stimuli. Impaired sensory gating is prevalent in certain clinical disorders (e.g., schizophrenia). Poor gating is also common in otherwise healthy individuals. We hypothesize that participants with poor gating will perform more poorly on an executive function battery. Data were collected using the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System and a paired-tone event related potential paradigm. Results were taken from 46 university students who met inclusion criteria. The sample exhibited the gating response, t(44) = 8.91, p < .001, and individuals with poor gating exhibited less problem solving activation behavior, r(45) = -.388, p = .009. Our results suggest that different aspects of the gating response may correspond to different cognitive functions.
15.) “Social Interactions and Changes in Self-Perception”
Alexandra Paslidis & Sydnee Davis
Dr. Lindsay Kennedy
Hendrix College
A study will be conducted to examine an individual’s self-perception of party habits. The hypothesis of this experiment is that one’s self-perception of party habits is more influenced by their freshman-year college friends’ party habits than their high school friends’ party habits. A priming manipulation will be used where participants will write about their high school friends’ party habits, their freshman year college friends’ party habits, or a lazy Sunday afternoon, as a control. Participants will then be asked to report on their perceptions of their own and others’ party habits. These results show the peer pressure effects of friends in social school settings on an individual’s self-perception.
16.) “Impact of Negative Events on Sharing Behavior”
Katey Gillispie & Asli Ahmed
Dr. Lindsay Kennedy
Hendrix College
The preference for sharing emotional information via social media, such as Facebook, rather than in face-to-face communication with friends would indicate the desire for immediate gratification of the increased support system social networking is perceived to provide. We tested this preference by administering participants with a writing prompt that primed them for negative emotions through their recall of a recent academic failure. Following the writing prompt, participants completed a survey that measured their preference for sharing their current emotional state either through Facebook or directly with a friend. We hypothesize that participants who recall distressful emotional events will be more likely to desire communication via Facebook rather than face-to-face with friends.
17.) “Que Deseas? A Positive Psychology Perspective on Mate Preferences of Latin Americans”
Ginah Smith, Savanna Foster, & Felicia Oglesby
Dr. Amy Pearce
Arkansas State University
Previous studies on mate preferences by our colleagues have examined desired qualities from evolutionary and positive psychology perspectives. Such research was conducted in several countries, including Japan, Russia, Turkey, Germany, and United States. However, there is a lack of data from a Latino sample. We are collaborating with a university with a high percentage of Latino students; a survey will be administered where students will rate traits they find most desirable in long-term romantic partners. Based on previous results, we expect to find traits and virtues such as dependability, love, kindness, gratefulness, and cooperation to be among the highest ranked. If predictions hold, then results will strengthen the case for positive internal states being the most preferred characteristics of long-term mates universally.
18.) “So Out of Your League: A Study of the Influence of Self Perceived Mating Success on Desire and Desirability”
Hazel Merihew & Carson Hunter
Dr. Lindsay Kennedy
Hendrix College
Previous research indicates that attraction is contingent upon self-perceived desirability, preferences and perceptions of reciprocity. Our study aims to manipulate participants’ feelings of their own desirability through positive, negative, or uncertain feedback from a fictitious male interest. We will test how this manipulation impacts attraction and desirability by having participants rate a series of male photographs. We expect participants who receive positive feedback to report high attraction to the males, and self-perceived mating success. Participants who receive uncertain feedback are expected to report high attraction and moderate self-perceived mating success. Participants who receive negative feedback are expected to report low attraction and self-perceived mating success. Our study aims to contribute to the understanding of the factors influencing romantic and sexual attraction.
19.) “The Effects of Sleep-Deprivation on Men’s and Women’s Mating Strategies”
Lacey Cunningham & Dr. Jennifer Peszka
Dr. Jennifer Penner
Hendrix College
The frontal lobe controls many cognitive functions such as decision-making and inhibitory behaviors (Sakagami, 2006). Our aim is to determine what role the frontal lobe serves within a mating context. Participants (N=38) were engaged in a series of videotaped speed-dating interviews while they were well rested and again after 31 hours of sleep-deprivation (which is known to impair prefrontal functioning). We found that sleep-deprived women, compared to their baseline behavior, were more likely to ask questions that assessed short-term mate value, x2 (1, N=19) =7.12, p<.05. Our findings suggest that the loss of inhibitory control through sleep-deprivation may, in part, account for the increase in sexually charged questions asked post sleep-deprivation.
20.) “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Romantic Attraction during Speed-Dating Interactions”
Cole Johnston, Izzy Anderson, Lacey Cunningham, & Dr. Jennifer Penner
Dr. Jennifer Peszka
Hendrix College
The frontal lobe has been shown to broaden the range of stimuli one can attend to (Chudasama, 2006). Our aim is to determine if this function extends to the context of mating behavior. Participants (N=38) engaged in a series of recorded speed-dating interviews while they were well rested and after 31 hours of sleep-deprivation (known to impair prefrontal functioning). Participants rated their interview partner’s romantic and physical attractiveness, and speed-dating videos were scored for communication quality. After sleep-deprivation, physical attraction became a stronger predictor of men’s romantic attraction, while communication quality became a stronger predictor of women’s romantic attraction. Thus, the frontal lobe may, in part, manage the attention men and women pay to immediate cues available during opposite-sex interactions.
21.) “Negative Affectivity among Individuals with Primary Headache Disorders”
Christal Davis, William Flowers, & Gabrielle Rattliffe
Dr. Todd Smitherman
University of Mississippi
Increasing data suggest a link between chronic migraine and high levels of negative affectivity. Data are limited regarding episodic tension-type headache (ETTH) and episodic migraine, however. We compared self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress levels among 1542 young adults (M age = 19.0; 63% female; 79.1% Caucasian) without headache, with ETTH, and with migraine subforms. MANOVA and follow-up ANOVAs confirmed significant group differences on each affective variable (all ps < .001), and post-hoc tests confirmed chronic migraineurs and episodic migraineurs with aura endorsed higher levels of each state than all other groups; ETTH sufferers reported only higher stress than those without headache. Regression analyses confirmed modest associations between negative affectivity and headache frequency and disability. Future research implications will be discussed.
22.) “Morality and Environment in Relation to Violence in Psychopathy”
Alexandra Jewell
Dr. Jennifer Veilleux
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Previous research has demonstrated a connection among psychopathy and violence. As part of a Research Methods course, both primary and secondary psychopathies were examined in two separate studies. Study 1 investigated the relationship between primary psychopathy with honesty, morality, and impulsivity. Primary psychopathy was strongly negatively correlated with both honesty and morality and positively correlated with impulsivity. In Study 2, a content analysis of the film American Psycho, observations of psychopathic behaviors were coded across different environments. More manipulative behaviors occurred in social situations where the target person was trying to gain power. More aggression and criminality were exhibited in situations of attained power.
23.) “Is There a Relationship Between Overweight/Obesity and Migraine?”
Gabrielle Rattliffe, William Flowers, & Christal Davis
Dr. Todd Smitherman
University of Mississippi
Presently both obesity and migraine are highly prevalent in the United States, yet conflicting data exist regarding whether obesity is associated with increased risk for migraine headaches. This study compared BMI between 301 individuals without migraine and 136 with migraine (M age = 18.7; 62.5% female; 79.2% Caucasian). ANOVA failed to reveal significant group differences on mean BMI (group BMIs 23.1-24.7). These results were replicated with non-significant chi-squared analyses after dichotomizing BMI into overweight (≥ 25) and obese (≥30). Results suggest that migraine is not associated with increased rates of overweight/obesity, at least among young adult migraineurs. Relations with prior literature will be addressed, limitations considered (including the self-reported nature of height and weight), and future directions discussed.
24.) “The Influence of Avatar Customization on Avatar Attachment and Virtual Behavior”
Jose Villa
Dr. Rodney Vogl
Christian Brothers University
Avatar customization and sensation seeking influence on avatar attachment and avatar harm was measured. It was hypothesized that participants who were given the option to customize their avatar (condition 1) would feel more attached to their avatar and place it less in harm than participants who did not customize their avatar (condition 2). In addition, it was hypothesized that participants rated as high sensation seekers would be less attached to their avatars and would put their avatar in harm more than low sensation seekers. Furthermore, it was also hypothesized that avatar similarity to the participant, self-reported by the participant, would have a positive relationship with avatar attachment and a negative relationship with avatar harm.
25.) “Risky drinking in a college sample: A report from National Alcohol Screening Day”
Benjamin D. Smith, Nick Killingsworth, Christina M. Jewell, & Carmen J. Hughes
Dr. Lindsay S. Ham
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
The current study analyzed data collected during National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) and examined variables associated with increased drinking behavior in a college sample ( N = 137; 29% male; 80% Caucasian; age = 18 – 46). The questionnaire includes the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test as well as items assessing drinking and driving habits and other factors relevant for college students. Results suggest that elevated drinking levels are significantly associated with previous alcohol treatment and drinking and driving behaviors (18%). Additionally, results suggest that drinking patterns across gender are similar. Further, exploration of three way interactions suggests intriguing conclusions. Future research may investigate these relationships in a targeted way in order to understand dangerous behaviors related to elevated drinking.
26.) “Relationship of Nighttime Video Game Play and Sleep Quality and Quantity”
Paula Burr, Kate Gillett, Kurt Delashmet, & Taylor Brumbelow
Dr. Jennifer Peszka
Hendrix College
It has been reported that as many as 81% of 18-29 year olds play video games (Lenhart et al., 2008). With such popularity, it is important to examine the effects that this leisure activity may have. In this study, we will look at whether video game play affects one’s sleep quality and quantity. We will collect video game use and sleep quality and quantity in sixty college students using self-reports, diaries, and a cardiopulmonary coupling device (measures synchrony between heart rate and breathing). This methodology allows for in home testing for accurate results in a realistic setting. We will examine bivariate correlations and hypothesize a negative relationship between time spent playing video games before bed and sleep quality and quantity.
27.) “The Relationship Between Technology Use and Sleep Quality & Quantity Mediated by Depression in College Students”
Kate Gillett, Taylor Brumbelow, Paula Burr, & Kurt DeLashment
Dr. Jennifer Peszka
Hendrix College
Evidence suggests a relationship between sleep and depressive symptoms. With the ubiquitous presence of technology in the lives of college students today, it is necessary to investigate whether or not depressive symptoms and technology use interact in a way that negatively impacts sleep. In order to examine the relationship between technology use, sleep, and depressive symptoms, 60 undergraduate students will engage in an assessment of their technology use (daily diaries), sleep quality and quantity (measured subjectively using sleep diaries and objectively using cardiopulmonary coupling: the synchronization of breathing and heart rate while sleeping) and depressive symptoms for 3 nights. We will use multiple regression to examine whether increased use of technology and symptoms of depression are negatively related to sleep.
28.) “Personality, Gender, and Paranormal Beliefs”
Janna Holmes & Emma Finch
Dr. David Osburn
Arkansas Tech University
The study investigates college students’ beliefs in the paranormal how a person’s personality can affect their belief in the paranormal. Our hypothesis is that students displaying the personality traits of extraversion and openness will be more likely to believe in the paranormal than those displaying the personality traits of agreeableness, neuroticism, and conscientiousness. This study also evaluated how gender influenced paranormal beliefs. Results showed four out of five personality traits were statistically significant in relation to paranormal beliefs. Results also show that females were more likely than males to believe in the paranormal.
29.) “How Religious Beliefs Affect Paranormal Beliefs”
Janna Holmes & Emma Finch
Dr. David Osburn
Arkansas Tech University
This study investigates college students’ beliefs in the paranormal and how these beliefs can be affected by religious beliefs. The hypothesis in the current research is that paranormal beliefs will be affected depending on how religious the participant is. Also, our hypothesis predicts that those identifying with a Christian religion will believe more in the paranormal than those identifying with a non-Christian religion. The study also evaluates how the frequency of church attendance affects paranormal beliefs. Our hypothesis here is that the more frequent people attend church, the stronger their belief in the paranormal will be. Results show that Non-Christians believe more in the paranormal than Christians. Also, results show the more people attended church, the less they believed in the paranormal.
30.) “Does thinking about your personal values influence self-control?”
Anam Sohail
Dr. Shawn Charlton
University of Central Arkansas
People frequently choose outcomes that provide small, immediate gains (impulsivity) over choices that would provide larger, more beneficial olutcomes in the future (self-control). Of interest to many researchers is how we can encourage people to make more self-controlled choices. One possibility is that people who are more aware of their personal values would be more likely to show self-control. However, some researchers have argued that thinking about personal values is a difficult task that would actually deplete self-control. We tested these two predictions in an online survey where participants were asked to think about their values and then complete a self-control inventory.
31.) “Perceptual Rigidness: isolated or multifaceted?”
Zachary Patterson
Dr. David Osburn
Arkansas Tech University
Unwavering values and total acceptance of certain points of view are regarded by many as indications of a person of faith. Is it possible that this rigidness spills over into other areas of behavior that are unrelated to the specific fundamental groups? The goal of this study is to test the relationship between the level of religious fundamentalism as measured by the Revised Religious Fundamentalism Scale and the plasticity in visual perception as defined by the number of perceptual reversals using the spinning silhouette illusion. Results indicate that as the level of fundamentalism increases the number of perceptual reversals decrease. The results support the hypothesis that fundamentalism is correlated with behavior that is unrelated to the individual’s social identity.
32.) “Effects of stress on timed tests”
Nikki Ruff, Chris Lovelace, & Keith Whaley
Dr. Darshon Anderson
University of Central Arkansas
Stress is defined, in short, as the body’s positive or negative reaction to a stimulus or stressor. Stress can be caused by many factors from everyday life such as school, work, friends, and even time. Stress is a pressure and a feeling of discomfort that can cause high blood pressure and health effects. Previous research has shown that stress has a reverse effect on the body and that stress can alter performance and even emotions, attitude, moods (Seigworth, Paulman). Our study was designed to show the relationship between being stressed and taking a timed examination. Further information will be given after the experiment is completed.
33.) Recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in Arkansas Public Schools
Michael Dillon & Abigail Craig
Dr. Michael Scoles
University of Central Arkansas
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday (January 15) was officially recognized by the Arkansas General Assembly as a state holiday in 1983. Later, in keeping with federal observances, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in January. The holiday may be, but is not required to be, observed in Arkansas public schools. The present study investigated the relationship of school diversity to celebration of this holiday. A list of 258 public school districts was obtained from the Arkansas Department of Education website. Approximately half of these had their own readily accessible websites and, of these, 83 had district calendars that could be easily found by a casual visitor. Two independent raters reviewed these calendars to determine whether Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was clearly identified as a holiday, rather than a “staff-development” day, a day when classes would not be in session without an explicit reason, or a day during which classes would be held. Other information obtained from district and Arkansas Department of Education websites included overall district enrollments, the percentage of African-American students and teachers in the district, and enrollments in gifted-and-talented programs. The two raters agreed that there were 34 districts that explicitly recognized the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday, and 33 districts that did not. The raters disagreed on the calendar descriptions for 16 districts, which were excluded from further analysis, as were 3 other districts based on use of Mahalanobis d statistic to identify multivariate outliers (1 district that recognized the holiday, and 2 that did not). Recognition of the holiday was not related to overall district enrollment, t(62) = .77, but was related to both the percentage of African-American students, t(62) = 16.34, p < .001, and the percentage of African-American teachers, t(62) = 18.79, p < .001, in the districts. Additional analyses were performed to determine whether recognition of the holiday was related to the percentage of African-American students enrolled in gifted-and-talented programs. There were 29 districts that had at least 5% overall African-American enrollments. Of these, 6 districts did not observe the holiday and 23 did. A comparison of these districts did not reveal a significant relationship between observance of the holiday and the percentage of African-American students enrolled in gifted-and-talented programs, t(27) = .54. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is recognized as a federal holiday, and an Arkansas state holiday, but recognition of the holiday by Arkansas public schools is clearly not universal. The holiday, which could be viewed as an opportunity to celebrate diversity, is most likely to be recognized in districts where that diversity already exists. A failure to recognize the holiday does not seem to be related to any racial bias that might affect access to gifted-and-talented programs or other educational opportunities of African-American students.