Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2005, Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

The present study examined stereotype challenge and threat responses through a manipulation of social comparison information. Female participants received feedback about an ostensibly matched partner who was either similar (i.e., female) or dissimilar (i.e., male) to themselves. After learning that they would be taking a math test that either has or has not demonstrated gender differences in the past, participants learned that their partner either performed very well or very poorly on the test. Subsequently, participants took the math test themselves, and their performance was evaluated. It was predicted that interacting with a peer whose performance was consistent with the negative stereotype would exacerbate stereotype threat effects, while interacting with a peer whose performance challenged the negative stereotype would eliminate stereotype threat effects. The results support these predictions, highlighting the manner whereby peer-group social comparisons can exert a powerful influence on women's math test performance when negative stereotypes are salient.

Committee: Keith Markman (Advisor) Subjects: Psychology, Social

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, 2015, Human Factors and Industrial/Organizational Psychology MS

This study examined the influence of localized temperature change on vigilance performance. Additionally, the effect of stressor appraisals on the relationship between localized temperature change and vigilance performance was investigated. A total of 36 male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 45 completed a stressor appraisal scale before completing a 40-minute simulated air traffic control vigilance task. Depending on the condition, either a hot, cold, or neutral temperature change was induced using a thermoelectric pad and blanket 20 minutes into the vigilance task. Although localized temperature change did not have a significant effect on vigilance performance 25-30 minutes into the task, those who were randomly assigned to the cold condition did experience a significant reduction in their vigilance decrement over time when compared to the neutral condition. Participants were classified as challenged or threatened, depending on their task appraisals. A marginally significant main effect of stressor appraisals on vigilance performance was observed. Challenged individuals appeared to perform better over time than threatened individuals. Although a moderating effect was not observed, these results suggest that individually both localized temperature change and stressor appraisals tend to influence vigilance performance over time.

Committee: Tamera Schneider Ph.D. (Advisor); Kevin Bennett Ph.D. (Committee Member); Lloyd Tripp Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Climate Change; Cognitive Psychology; Experimental Psychology; Personality Psychology; Physiological Psychology; Psychobiology; Psychology

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, 2010, Human Factors and Industrial/Organizational Psychology MS

Threat stress appraisals can negatively affect individuals by decreasing performance (Gildea, Schneider, & Shebilske, 2007). Performance is also influenced by a team‟s ability to coordinate tasks (Entin & Serfaty, 1999). This study investigated the link between team stressor appraisals, coordination, and performance. Using a simulated team environment, teams were evaluated on their perceived stress appraisals, coordination as indicated through instant messaging, and team performance. Findings showed that team stressor appraisals were marginally related to coordination and significantly related to performance. Coordination was related to team performance. Further research should be performed using varied levels of a stressful scenario to evaluate the effects of distress on teams and the use of the stressor appraisal scale as a measure of team stress on coordination.

Committee: Tamera Schneider PhD (Advisor); Wayne Shebilske PhD (Committee Member); Valerie Shalin PhD (Committee Member); Joseph Lyons PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Psychology