Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2019, Psychology

A meta-study is a collection of many very small studies, called micro-studies, based on one core design. Meta-studies address many disadvanta7ges of meta-analyses and provide a possible solution for the replication crisis in research. In addition to addressing the problems related to meta-analyses, meta-studies provide several unique advantages to conducting research, specifically by testing the limits of generalizability and by having higher statistical power than a traditional design of the same total sample size. As a demonstration of the methodology, we conducted two meta-studies of the risky-choice gain-loss framing effect. In addition to replicating many past findings involving the framing effect, we also found two novel results, one of which was particularly surprising. One novel result was the nonlinear moderation of the framing effect by extreme probabilities (e.g., 1% and 99%). Participants were less likely to exhibit the framing effect when presented with extreme probabilities than when presented with moderate probabilities. The surprising novel result was that the framing effect doubled in size when participants were presented with a slightly risky option instead of a certain option. This result is contradictory to both Prospect Theory and Fuzzy Trace Theory predictions.

Committee: Michael DeKay (Advisor); Paul De Boeck (Committee Member); Ellen Peters (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Youngstown State University, 2022, Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling

Stimulus equivalence is a behavior analytic term that refers to the emergence of untrained relations between stimuli after training on some relations between them. After this training and emergence of untrained relations, the stimuli are said to function symbolically for one another. Equivalence-based instruction (EBI) is an approach to instruction that utilizes stimulus equivalence procedures to facilitate emergent relations in educational settings. EBI has been implemented in a variety of contexts with a variety of subjects. However, the extent to which EBI is used among practicing behavior analysts and the training experiences of those who do use EBI in practice has yet to be assessed. Practicing behavior analysts were surveyed on their use of EBI in clinical settings and were asked questions about their training and perceived barriers to implementing the procedures. Results indicated that most behavior analysts reported using EBI but also identified barriers to greater use or consideration of implementing EBI in their program design. Limitation and directions for future research are discussed.

Committee: Kristopher Brown PsyD (Advisor); Matthew Lindberg PhD (Committee Member); David Chilkotowsky MS (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Educational Psychology; Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2022, Psychology - Clinical

Metaphor use in ACT is unique in that it is guided by Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and the idea that metaphors assist individuals in stepping outside traditional language traps to bridge the gap between their own previous knowledge/experiences and complex psychological concepts, such as cognitive defusion, in ACT. RFT specifically emphasizes the importance of limiting verbal language within treatment and increasing direct experience, including when using metaphors. Therefore, ACT practitioners are encouraged to increase sensory involvement with the metaphor to decrease reliance on language. However, this results in a myriad of ways in which sensory involvement is increased within ACT such as through more detailed language/guided imagery, using visual aids, and through physical engagement such as acting out the metaphor or using props with little empirical evidence to support doing so. This aim of this study was to empirically evaluate the effects of increased sensory involvement with metaphors in the context of digitally delivering an ACT-based coping skill with individuals experiencing distress related to COVID-19. Participants were randomized to one three metaphor conditions (verbal, visual, or physical) using the “thoughts as clouds in the sky” metaphor for cognitive defusion, or to a distraction condition. The results showed that all conditions facilitated a reduction in urge to get rid of thoughts and a decrease in distress. However, actively engaging with the metaphor within the physical delivery condition resulted in the greatest improvements in the process of cognitive fusion for exposure to COVID-19 information to skill practice as compared to the remaining conditions. It also showed a difference in changes in distress between physical engagement with the metaphor and verbal engagement with the metaphor only during the same change period. This study provided initial support for RFT's approach to metaphor use and ACT's emphasis on experiential engagement (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Peter Mezo (Advisor); Wesley Bullock (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Psychotherapy

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, 2021, Interdisciplinary Applied Science and Mathematics PhD

In recent years, data-driven representation methods have been introduced to improve compressed sensing image reconstruction. This research explores a recently proposed algorithm that utilizes a data-driven multi-scale Parseval frame for image compression. Because a sensing matrix by itself may be insufficient to obtain a sparse representation for an image, a frame is combined with the compressed sensing matrix to increase flexibility in obtaining a sparse representation. The two-step algorithm optimizes the representation by alternating between adjusting a sparse coefficient vector and tuning a small filterbank which determines the frame. The structure of the frame and its relationship with the underlying filterbank were examined. Numerical experiments to characterize the algorithm include a search for the appropriate regularization parameters that control emphasis between the two terms of the objective function, examination of the effect of image size, a parameter sweep of the relaxation factor of the Weak Matching Pursuit function in the first step of the algorithm, and the relaxation of the Parseval constraint in the second step. Performance metrics used to assess the numerical results include execution time and number of loops to reach convergence, sparsity of the representation, and two image quality measures – peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity (SSIM). The experiments indicated the algorithm takes a very long time to reach convergence, even for images of moderate size, and that reconstructions will result in greater accuracy on image patches with a small number of pixels (fewer than 100). It was also found that algorithm performance varies depending on the image format used to specify image brightness of the pixels. Finally, the Parseval constraint could be removed from the algorithm with improvement in execution time and sparsity, but without loss of accuracy.

Committee: Travis J. Bemrose Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Jason Deibel Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Qingbo Huang Ph.D. (Committee Member); Steen Pedersen Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Applied Mathematics; Mathematics

MFIS, Kent State University, 2020, College of the Arts / School of Fashion

The fashion industry struggles to address the waste accompanying overconsumption. Packaging, an inherent component of purchases (particularly in online settings), poses a particular dilemma. Current endeavors to decrease the environmental harm of packaging may only be suited to particular companies and can be expensive and time consuming to develop. Furthermore, products or packaging marketed as environmentally friendly are often associated with a price premium. Without a perceived personal benefit, consumers often forgo their sustainable values, discouraging development of sustainable initiatives. Prospect Theory positions that individuals tend to take different action based on the gain or loss frame. Literature suggests that references interact with frames, producing different results. Therefore, this study uses a 2 (frame: gain/loss) x 2 (reference: personal/societal) x 2 (green consumer value: high/low) mixed method online experiment in which consumers were shown one of four message combinations and offered the choice of no poly bag and a polybag. Analysis revealed that while the message did not have a significant effect on packaging selection, 74.73% fewer polybags were used because the option was present. Multiple 3 way ANOVAs revealed that brand attitude and purchase intention were affected by frame; frame and reference interacted to affect attitude towards the packaging initiative and brand attitude; and that green consumer values acted as a moderator in certain cases. Overall, this study provides a starting strategy for packaging initiatives and outlines message architecture to better promote sustainable behavior and positive attitudes for customers with both low and high green consumer values.

Committee: Gargi Bhaduri Ph.D. (Advisor); Lawrence Marks Ph.D. (Committee Member); Noël Palomo-Lovinski M.F.A. (Committee Member) Subjects: Design; Environmental Management; Marketing; Packaging; Sustainability

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2018, Journalism (Communication)

Despite the vast acquisition by American businesses of Chinese companies, little is known about the reverse, the acquisition by Chinese of American companies. The general image of Chinese companies and the Chinese market is developing and growing instead of strong and well-developed. In 2012, Chinese Dalian Wanda Group acquired the United States' second-largest cinema line— AMC, for a price of $2.6 billion, which surprised the world. As a Chinese student, the researcher was curious about how American newspapers and Chinese newspapers frame this acquisition and whether cultural discount and cultural imperialism involved. 12 Chinese newspapers, and 13 American newspapers, articles were analyzed with five descriptive categories. The researcher found that American newspapers held a more positive and supportive position compared to Chinese newspapers, although American newspapers showed negative attitudes and disagreement of China's tight restrictions and Chinese market piracy problems. Both sides doubted their respective native companies' capability to complete this acquisition.

Committee: Michael Sweeney (Committee Chair); Bernhard Debatin (Committee Member); Carsten Junker (Committee Member) Subjects: Asian Studies; Communication; Journalism; Linguistics; Mass Communications

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2016, Psychology/Industrial-Organizational

Researchers have increasingly raised concerns about the measurement of counterproductive work behavior (CWB; e.g., Bowling & Gruys, 2010). In particular, one issue that has yet to be examined is the effect of measurement properties on CWB responding. This issue warrants immediate attention because researchers often modify aspects of the measure without empirically confirming their validity or equivalence. Common modifications include the number of response options or the referent time frame in the instructions. Thus, the objective of the current study was to apply item response theory (IRT) to a 2 x 3 experimental design in order to psychometrically examine the causal effects of (a) a 5-point versus 7-point Likert scale and (b) referent time frames of employment length, one year, or one month on a CWB measure. Classical Test Theory and IRT analyses were conducted. Results indicated that modifications to these measurement properties affected responses at the item level, as well as correlations with a common correlate. Overall, the modified measures assessed lower levels of the CWB latent trait than the original measure, which required a much higher level of the latent trait in order for respondents to endorse response options. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Committee: Clare Barratt Dr. (Advisor); Michael Zickar Dr. (Committee Member); William O'Brien Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Master of Arts in English, Youngstown State University, 2015, Department of Languages

The 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule excluded women from specific assignments and occupational specialties that carried a high probability for direct contact and engagement with hostile enemy forces in ground combat. In January 2013, Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey announced the elimination of the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule. The US Armed Forces' plan to integrate women into previously closed duty positions and military units will go into effect no later than January 1, 2016. In a separate memorandum, General Dempsey expressed the commitment of the Joint Chiefs to ensuring that all service members would be granted equal opportunity to succeed in their chosen career fields, and called for the reexamination of occupational performance standards across the board. During this time of significant institutional change, army soldiers of all ranks are called upon to reconsider and redefine their concept of leadership, particularly in the all-male combat arms branches. Further analysis of army rhetoric reveals ingrained obstacles to force integration and diversification. This thesis examines army rhetoric in terms of the linguistic processes we use to define, categorize, and evaluate what we perceive in our environment, and aims to determine the extant challenges associated with force integration beyond the superficial physiological differences between men and women.

Committee: Steven Brown PhD (Committee Chair); Jennifer Behney PhD (Committee Member); Jay Gordon PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Armed Forces; Gender; Rhetoric; Sociolinguistics