Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2023, Psychology/Industrial-Organizational

Language understanding plays a crucial role in psychological measurement and so it is important that semantic cues should be studied for more effective and accurate measurement practices. With advancements in computer science, natural language processing (NLP) techniques have emerged as efficient methods for analyzing textual data and have been used to improve psychological measurement. This dissertation investigates the application of NLP embeddings to address fundamental methodological challenges in psychological measurement, specifically scale development and validation. In Study 1, a word embedding-based approach was used to develop a corporate personality measure, which resulted in a three-factor solution closely mirroring three dimensions out of the Big Five framework (i.e., Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness). This research furthers our conceptual understanding of corporate personality by identifying similarities and differences between human and organizational personality traits. In Study 2, the sentence-based embedding model was applied to predict empirical pairwise item response relationships, comparing its performance with human ratings. This study also demonstrated the effectiveness of fine-tuned NLP models for classifying item pair relationships into trivial/low or moderate/high empirical relationships, which provides preliminary validity evidence without collecting human responses. The research seeks to enhance psychological measurement practices by leveraging NLP techniques, fostering innovation and improved understanding in the field of social sciences.

Committee: Michael Zickar Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Neil Baird Ph.D. (Other); Richard Anderson Ph.D. (Committee Member); Samuel McAbee Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychological Tests; Psychology; Quantitative Psychology

Master of Education, The Ohio State University, 2022, Kinesiology

Rock climbing is an alternative full-body exercise to mainstream forms of physical activity. It involves diverse avenues of engagement that challenge participants both physically and mentally. Such appeal, along with increased access to climbing through a rise in the number of indoor gyms and “airtime” on platforms such as the Olympics, has resulted in significant increases in climbing participation in recent years. Likewise, research in the field is expanding to meet the increased interest and address the abundant circumstances unique to study in climbing. This study was designed to adapt the Physical Activity Self-Regulation Scale (PASR-12), originally validated to assess physical activity-related self-regulatory behavior in the older adults, to the climbing population and explore the initial validity of this modified version of the scale for climbers. Both the PASR-12 and its adapted form to climbers, the Adapted Self-Regulation Scale for Climbers (ASRS-C), were administered. Additionally, a previously validated scale for the climbing population addressing another behavioral construct linked with self-regulation, self-efficacy, was also administered in the form of the Climbing Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES). A final, general physical activity self-efficacy scale was administered, the Multidimensional Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES), to compare the 2 valid and reliable assessments in the climbing population. Additional information was collected on the background/demographics of the sample, their climbing level and experience, as well as their amount of engagement in other physical activity. Results A total of 147 climbers took the survey (male n= 74, female n=65, non-binary n=8; M age = 32.56 years). Respondents average experience bouldering, top-roping, lead climbing, and traditional (trad) climbing was 16.7, 12.0, 15.3, and 13.7 years respectively. According to the International Rock-Climbing Research Association (IRCRA) ranking system by gender, on average, b (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Catherine Saenz (Committee Member); Brian Focht (Advisor) Subjects: Cognitive Psychology; Kinesiology

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2021, Psychology/Industrial-Organizational

Dispositional Algorithm Aversion (DAA) is presented as the preference for expert judgment over mechanical judgment. Previous research suggests that the DAA measure is a reliable and potentially valid measure of this disposition (Melick, 2020). The present research examines the criterion-related validity of the DAA measure for predicting algorithm averse behavior. Participants (N = 500) were presented with self-report measures of DAA, personality, risk propensity, and decision style as well as basic demographic questions. Two weeks later, they were asked to engage in a college grade point average (GPA) prediction task for which they may tie their incentive to predictions made by either an algorithm or an admissions officer. Results indicate that DAA was positively related to preference for the admissions advisor over the algorithm (r = .14) and that DAA predicted algorithm-averse behavior over and above personality, risk propensity, and decision style.

Committee: Scott Highhouse Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Eric Dubow Ph.D. (Committee Member); Margaret Brooks Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2020, Psychology/Industrial-Organizational

Algorithm aversion is defined as the preference for expert judgment over mathematical probabilities when faced with a decision. Items were generated on the basis of this definition to examine individual differences in algorithm aversion. Content validation, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Decision making style, objective and subjective numeracy, and decision outcomes were examined for convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the resulting algorithm aversion scale. Relations with belief in science, belief in free will, belief in determinism, and belief in luck were explored. Overall, the scale demonstrated adequate reliability and factor structure, and appropriate relations with other constructs in the decision-making nomlogical network. The final scale is ten items appropriate for use in a variety of laboratory and field settings.

Committee: Scott Highhouse PhD (Advisor); Margaret Brooks PhD (Committee Member); Eric Dubow PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2006, Psychology

Although some lies can damage relationships, we hypothesized that altruistic white lies (i.e., lies of minimal importance told to protect another) may benefit romantic relationships by buffering individuals against the potentially damaging effects of hurtful, albeit relatively minor, information. Positive relationship illusions (e.g., believing your relationship is more immune than others' relationships to conflict and divorce) have been shown to be positively associated with relationship satisfaction. We hypothesized that altruistic white lies may help create positive illusions within relationships. In order to evaluate the potential links between altruistic white lies, positive relationship illusions, and relationship satisfaction, we created and validated a new scale called the Lying In Amorous Relationships Scale (LIARS). This scale assesses individual differences in attitudes toward telling altruistically motivated white lies to a romantic relationship partner. In a series of three studies we assessed the factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the LIARS, as well as whether favorable attitudes toward altruistic white lies are positively correlated with positive illusions and relationship satisfaction. The results of Study 1 indicated that the LIARS is a reliable, unidimensional scale that is best conceptualized as a single factor. In Study 2 the LIARS demonstrated good discriminant validity with measures of academic achievement and locus of control, as well as good predictive validity with behavioral intentions to tell one's partner an altruistic white lie in response to a variety of scenarios. As predicted, LIARS scores also differed as a function of participants' marital status and affiliation with the university. Contrary to predictions, the LIARS scores of men and women did not differ. Additionally, the LIARS did not demonstrate convergent validity with measures of empathic concern and perspective taking. S (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Anne Gordon (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Communication

Perceived character depth is a concept relevant for understanding and predicting audience responses to narrative media, yet it has been largely unexplored in the field of media psychology. Through a careful review of diverse literatures, the current work offers a formal conceptualization of character depth as the extent to which a character's textual exposition evokes a detailed and multi-faceted mental conception of a character's psyche, behavior, and experience. After devising a series of items to measure character depth, this work then presents a series of experimental studies designed to test various aspects of validity of the proposed measurement scale and to test a causal path model of the relationship between character depth and processes specified by affective disposition theory (see Zillmann, 2000). Study 1 uses a known-groups approach and confirmatory factor analysis to test the predictive validity and measurement model of a 20-item proposed perceived character depth scale. Selective item retention results in a 6-item scale with excellent model fit. Studies 2 and 3 lend additional support to the validity of this 6-item scale's measurement model through tests of the scale in two different narrative contexts, both of which result in excellent model fit. Across Studies 1-3, evidence emerges of the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale in relation to other character perception variables. Study 4 applies this new measure in a 2 X 3 between-subjects experimental design that manipulates both character depth and character moral behavior independently. Results show that character depth impacts disposition formation and anticipatory responses above and beyond audience reactions to moral behavior. This finding has important theoretical implications for affective disposition theory (Zillmann, 2000), indicating that perceived character depth may serve as an additional predictor of disposition formation not specified in the original theory. Future research d (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Matthew Grizzard (Advisor); Emily Moyer-Guse (Advisor); Nicholas Matthews (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Mass Communications; Mass Media; Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2021, Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

The return of severe algal blooms to the Western Basin of Lake Erie has refocused efforts to manage nutrients in and around the Great Lakes. An important part of this effort has been extensive water quality modeling in the region, especially in watersheds responsible for excessive nutrient loading to at-risk lake basins. Models can expand the predictive impact of limited monitoring data, and therefore provide a powerful tool for water managers. However, models are limited by numerous shortcomings, including data availability, model structure, and equifinal model solutions. Bringing light to these potential issues in model development and implementation is key in the effective use of and public trust in modeling results. The work presented in this document is comprised of four main objectives aimed at examining model confidence. First (Chapter 2), a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was developed for the Maumee River watershed at the near-farm-field scale, incorporating the best available data for the region. This new model was compared against previous model iterations using edge-of-field monitoring data. A key improvement in soil P initialization values revealed a potential structural limitation in the model to simulate phosphorus export in surface runoff. Second (Chapter 3), a retrospective analysis of land management changes simulated over the past several decades was completed to examine the influence of individual agricultural management practices on driving discharge and loading trends. While climate played a major role in driving discharge patterns, tillage had a significant impact on nutrient loading. Third (Chapter 4), the presence of equifinality—that many differing parameterizations can produce acceptable models—was examined, along with the potential to reduce equifinality using increased data in calibration. A Latin Hypercube Sampling approach was used to select values for 15 parameters, and then constraints were applied across data types an (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Margaret Kalcic (Advisor); Kevin King (Committee Member); Gil Bohrer (Committee Member); Jay Martin (Committee Member) Subjects: Agricultural Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Hydrologic Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2020, Food Science and Technology

Sensory and consumer testing are primary strategies companies use to collect insights about consumer products. However, frequently, unreliable results from these tests can lead to failed product launches which can have enormous financial and/or brand equity consequences. One potential reason is sensory tasks are often deliberately devoid of additional stimulation which reasonably has the possibility to reduce a panelist's engagement with the task. Engagement may drive involvement and focus during testing and help generate reliable data. However, in order to test this hypothesis, a measurement tool to assess engagement must be developed. The overall objective of the present research was to develop (Chapter 3), apply (Chapter 4) and validate (Chapter 5) a novel engagement questionnaire (EQ) to empirically assess varying levels of panelist engagement with a task. Prior literature and an exploratory qualitative assessment were used to operationalize the dimensionality of engagement and develop a preliminary questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed and further refined to a three-factor, 10-item questionnaire with good reliability and good model fit. The main factors contributing to engagement were active involvement, purposeful intent and affective value. The EQ tracked as expected with participants' perceived workload collected using the NASA Task Load Index; confirming the content and convergent and divergent validity of the instrument. The EQ was applied in a variety of sensory and consumer evaluations to determine its ability to measure the effects of methodological differences in evaluations on panelist engagement. The EQ measured significant differences when context was imparted, over a multi-day evaluation, when different question formats were used and when a time-pressure element was included. A known-groups assessment was conducted to verify the EQ's ability to differentiate between an engaged and disengaged panelist as well as explore the use of an imp (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Christopher Simons Ph.D. (Advisor); Yael Vodovotz Ph.D. (Committee Member); Neal Hooker Ph.D. (Committee Member); Ken Lee Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Food Science

Master of Arts in Psychology, Cleveland State University, 2017, College of Sciences and Health Professions

A new scale, the Generalized Shopping Innovativeness (GSI) scale by Blake and Neuendorf (in Hodges, 2009) was tested for its reliability and validity among two culturally different samples: the United States and China. College students in both countries were administered a survey (either online or on paper – depending on the sample) that contained the GSI as well as other measures, including scales of social desirability bias, frequency of usage and familiarity of different online shopping vehicles, to name a few. Results of different analyses support that the GSI scale is reliable among both samples. The scale's validity is promising among both samples but should be further tested by researchers in the future.

Committee: Brian F. Blake Ph.D. (Advisor); Kimberly Neuendorf Ph.D. (Committee Member); Michael Horvath Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2016, Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Employee turnover has drawn strong interest from both researchers and practitioners for many decades. Although turnover can have some positive consequences, much more attention has focused on the costs incurred by organizations. Advances in turnover theory over time have helped improve our understanding of why employees leave their jobs. However, few turnover models encompass the full scope and complexity of organizational withdrawal and participation. The proximal withdrawal states and destinations (PWSD) model (Hom, Mitchell, Lee, & Griffeth, 2012) takes a more comprehensive approach by expanding the turnover criterion to include multiple types of staying and leaving, as well as considering the destinations of those who leave. This model introduced the concept of proximal withdrawal states to explain how preference and perceived control shape employee mindsets about participating or withdrawing from an organization. The current research makes two key empirical contributions in testing the PWSD model: (1) it develops reliable and efficient measures of preference and perceived control focused on organizational participation and withdrawal, and (2) it collects initial validation evidence for these new measures by evaluating their relationships with employee attitudes, cognitions, intentions, and behaviors. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis with a sample of 152 working adults identified a 2-factor structure. A scale refinement process including consideration of factor loadings, communalities, redundancy, and internal consistency resulted in 5-item scales for leaving preference and perceived control. In Study 2, a confirmatory factor analysis with 525 working adults supported the initial two-factor structure. Correlation and regression analyses provided validation evidence to support most, but not all, of the hypotheses made about leaving preference and perceived control. Finally, I discuss the implications of this research and potential future directions (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Rodger Griffeth (Advisor); Jeffrey Vancouver (Committee Member); Bruce Carlson (Committee Member); Keith Markman (Committee Member); Diana Schwerha (Committee Member) Subjects: Experimental Psychology; Psychology