Integrative Learning Through Multiple Study Abroad Experiences: A Photo Elicitation Study of Student Development
This study investigates the unexplored intersection of multiple study abroad experiences and integrative learning among college students. While integrative learning traditionally focuses on connecting coursework within customized majors, this research innovatively applies the concept to multiple study abroad experiences. Through a qualitative study of 12 undergraduate students who participated in educational programs across 10 different countries, we examined how multiple study abroad experiences impact students' professional and personal development within four key areas of the integrative framework: application, comparison, context understanding, and synthesis. Using an innovative technological immersed photo elicitation methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews to analyze students' experiences.
Requirements: 2.5 GPA, interested in study abroad travel, writing skills, listening skills, and organizational skills
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Katrina Black Reed ([email protected])
Game of Thrones Fanship and Culture Preservation: Tourism to UNESCO World Heritage Site
People who watch popular television shows and movies become familiar with remote destinations. This study aims to understand the relationship between fanship and cultural heritage to address the relationship between popular culture and cultural presesrvatsion and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Requirements: Submit a resume, complete the following interest form (https://forms.office.com/r/yR84XvxDgx) and meet with the faculty sponsor.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Liselle Milazzo ([email protected])
The effects of belief in pure evil and belief in pure good on perceptions/evaluations of formerly convicted persons
We will examine the effects of belief in pure evil and belief in pure good on perceptions/evaluations of formerly convicted persons.
Requirements: None
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Russell Webster ([email protected])
Investigating Contributors to Gambling and Video Gaming Behaviors
Looking for 1-2 students to assist on a project that examines contributors to gambling and video gaming behaviours (including problem gambling and problem video gaming). The project includes a number of psychological and behavioural assessments including measures of social media engagement. Data collection is still underway, the student(s) will assist with analyses of the data, presentation of findings, and there is the opportunity to be involved in publication of the results.
Requirements: Interested students must have a taken courses in statistics (such as PSYCH 200 or STAT 200) and research methods (such as PSYCH 301W). Students must also have experience in using the library to perform literature searches. Previous research experience and/or experience with SPSS are a plus. Priority will go to those majoring in Psychology or a related field, and those who wish to attend graduate school with a focus on research in the social sciences. Students should also be prepared with a writing sample
Duration: Spring 2024 to Fall 2025
Faculty: Gillian Russell ([email protected])
The Art and Science of Forensic Science
This research project will focus on the creation of a database of forensic science activities to be taught to various age groups of youth at workshops and camps;
Requirements: Open to all interested students.
Duration: Spring 2024 to Fall 2025
Faculty: Lisa Morris ([email protected])
Campus Protest at PSU Abington
This ACURA Project will chronicle the student protest movement at Abington College during the mid-1960-1970s period to implement African American Studies courses. Research and interview the late 1960s - 1970s protest students from the Abington Campus
Duration: Spring 2024 to Fall 2025
Faculty: Valeria G Harvell ([email protected])
Psychological Predictors of Dangerous Outdoor Behavior
Looking for 1-2 students to help with a project involving wildlife interactions and personality traits. The project involves using creative software (Photoshop, AR tools) to generate study materials before collecting data. All skills and areas of interest are welcome.
Requirements: None but students with photoshop skills or an interest in psychology or recreation management would be particularly well suited for the work.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Jake Benfield ([email protected])
Using AI to create a Psychological Tool
Looking for a student to test the ability of generative AI to construct a mobile friendly web-based application that can be utilized for behavioral observations and data collection.
Requirements: No qualifications necessary.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Jake Benfield ([email protected])
Psychologically Restorative Environments
We will conduct at least one study on the restorative benefits of interacting with varied physical environments or stimuli. This is a good project for students wanting to get better at experimental studies.
Requirements: None
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Jake Benfield ([email protected])
Examining syllabi for accessibility
Each class at Penn State Abington has a course syllabus. This project will systematically examine a sample of the syllabi to explore how accessible the information is on the actual document. This will be a qualitative project where we examine documents. The project team will meet regularly to learn about qualitative research, determine how we will sample the syllabi and then analyze and code the sample. Results will be shared not only at the ACURA Fair but with Academic Affairs leadership to inform what supports and resources are needed to ensure that all syllabi are accessible.
Requirements: None
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Rachael Brown ([email protected])
DEI Authenticity
In 2020, companies spent $7.5 billion on DEI; this is projected to increase to $15.4 billion by 2026 (Ellingrud et al., 2023). Companies are publicly communicating DEI commitment. For example, Barbie now has a wide range of representation in their products. Target includes diversity in its advertising and sells adaptive clothing (Forbes Expert Panel, 2022). However, some frequent marketing practices contrast with DEI practices. For instance, blocking search terms related to racism and protest eliminates the appearance of the ads on Black-owned media sites (Cantu, 2022). Consumers are attracted to DEI because it is a reflection of their self-identity. Inauthentic brands lose that connection and motive with consumers, making it important to understand how to authentically represent the communication goal (Alhouti et al., 2016; Alhouti & Johnson, 2022). Given that this study is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first to explore what DEI authenticity consists of, the first objective is to introduce a definition of DEI authenticity. The second objective is to conduct a qualitative study to understand its antecedents as consumers see them. The third objective is to determine whether the factors discovered have implications for the company’s reputation and customers’ patronage intentions.
Requirements: Needs to have time to dedicate to project.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Sa'arah Alhouti ([email protected])
Women's Health and Body Image
This project will involve online and in-person data collection from women. Study measures will assess aspects of physical and mental health with an emphasis on body image and eating behaviors.
Requirements: Students should have advanced knowledge in the domain of psychological and social sciences, and strong performance in PSS courses including research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Individuals with prior research experience, particularly in the area of women's health and body image, will receive priority.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Diane Rosenbaum ([email protected])
The future of leisure in the Metaverse: MetaLeisure
"The Future of Leisure in the Metaverse: MetaLeisure" investigates the transformation of leisure activities within the metaverse, with a focus on sustainable travel and the exploration of under-represented regions, such as Afro-Caribbean countries. This project delves into how virtual and augmented reality are revolutionizing recreational experiences, making global travel more accessible and eco-friendly. By highlighting lesser-known destinations and promoting cultural diversity, MetaLeisure aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the Metaverse can foster responsible tourism and contribute to the economic and social development of underrepresented regions.
Requirements: Dedicated to learning and have an interest in the use of Virtual Reality.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett ([email protected])
Fanship Tourism to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This study will investigate the intersection of cultural sites and fanship interests at UNESCO heritage destinations. The overall goal of the study is to provide a better understanding of the use of fanship and virtual reality in tourism experiences and destination-branding.
Requirements: A preliminary interview with the faculty sponsor. Curiosity in fanship, virtual reality, and tourism.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Liselle Milazzo ([email protected])
Learning about the Metaverse: Using Leisure as a tool
The Future of Leisure in the Metaverse: MetaLeisure" investigates the transformation of recreational experiences through virtual and augmented reality, with a particular emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. This research project examines how the metaverse is redefining leisure activities, creating opportunities that transcend physical limitations. By applying the leisure constraint model to these novel digital environments, the study explores how MetaLeisure spaces can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The project aims to uncover the potential of the metaverse as a tool for negotiating traditional leisure constraints while simultaneously educating users about the functionalities of virtual and augmented reality technologies. Ultimately, this research seeks to provide insights into the implications of MetaLeisure for the broader field of leisure studies and practice.
Requirements: experience in writing, experience in developing digital content, organizational skills a plus, enthusiastic, willing to learn and bring in ideas, public speaking skills GPA 3.0 and above.
Duration: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Faculty: Katrina Black Reed ([email protected])