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THE C.S.I. EFFECT: EXPLORATION OF ITS INFLUENCE ON PERCEPTION OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR
Title
THE C.S.I. EFFECT: EXPLORATION OF ITS INFLUENCE ON PERCEPTION OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR.
Creator
McConnell, Alexandra, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study explores the C.S.I. effect in relation to its influence on criminal activity. Expansive research exists concerning the C.S.I. Effect, but very little pertains to the influence it has on individuals' perception of crime and their ability to get away with it. The study explores whether heavy viewers of crime show dramas such as Law & Order and C.S.I. display increased confidence in their ability to commit and get away with a crime. Essentially, this study explores whether these crime...
Show moreThis study explores the C.S.I. effect in relation to its influence on criminal activity. Expansive research exists concerning the C.S.I. Effect, but very little pertains to the influence it has on individuals' perception of crime and their ability to get away with it. The study explores whether heavy viewers of crime show dramas such as Law & Order and C.S.I. display increased confidence in their ability to commit and get away with a crime. Essentially, this study explores whether these crime television shows are not only entertainment, but also may serve as guides on how to commit crimes. Participants in the study were University of Central Florida students. Participants read a description of a crime scene, and provided judgments from the criminal's point of view. They also completed the Crime Drama Viewing Questionnaire and the Levenson Psychopathy Scale in order to explore the possible correlation between reported confidence in "getting away" with criminal activity, type of television viewing, and psychopathy in participants. Using a correlational design, the relation between heavy and light crime drama viewing and criminal activity decision making was examined.The results of this study add to knowledge about how television crime drama potentially increases criminal confidence and competency in criminal behavior.
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Date Issued
2014
Identifier
CFH0004723, ucf:45341
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004723
EXPLORING RESILIENCE AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
Title
EXPLORING RESILIENCE AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES.
Creator
Thorne, Robin, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Few studies have investigated the relationships among resilience, optimism, and personality traits with U.S. college students; although some work has been done with Chinese university students. The current study explores the relationship between resilience, optimism and the Big Five personality traits. A sample of 251 undergraduate students completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the 9-item version of the Personal Optimism & Self-Efficacy Optimism Scale (POSE-E), and the NEO...
Show moreFew studies have investigated the relationships among resilience, optimism, and personality traits with U.S. college students; although some work has been done with Chinese university students. The current study explores the relationship between resilience, optimism and the Big Five personality traits. A sample of 251 undergraduate students completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the 9-item version of the Personal Optimism & Self-Efficacy Optimism Scale (POSE-E), and the NEO- Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Results indicate a significant positive relationship between resilience and optimism. The results also indicate positive significant relationships between resilience and extraversion, as well as resilience and conscientiousness. A significant negative significant relationship between resilience and neuroticism was found. The results of this study helpful identify characteristics of students who are at-risk following life stressors and traumas.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFH0004838, ucf:45478
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004838
DECIPHERING HOLLAND'S CODE
Title
DECIPHERING HOLLAND'S CODE.
Creator
Turner, Dennis, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The Party Exercise found on countless career guidance websites and popularized by the best-selling, job-hunting book What Color Is Your Parachute (Bolles, 2015) purports to provide an estimate of an individual's Holland's code. This study examines whether this commonly used Party Exercise accurately predicts an individual's Holland's code (Holland, 1997). Undergraduate students (N=473) completed The Party Exercise and then the Self- Directed Search (Holland & Messer, 2013). The results of...
Show moreThe Party Exercise found on countless career guidance websites and popularized by the best-selling, job-hunting book What Color Is Your Parachute (Bolles, 2015) purports to provide an estimate of an individual's Holland's code. This study examines whether this commonly used Party Exercise accurately predicts an individual's Holland's code (Holland, 1997). Undergraduate students (N=473) completed The Party Exercise and then the Self- Directed Search (Holland & Messer, 2013). The results of this study do not support the use of this popular "Party Exercise" as a valid estimate of an individual's Holland code.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFH0004911, ucf:45496
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004911
PERSONALITY AND INTERPERSONAL ASPECTS OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Title
PERSONALITY AND INTERPERSONAL ASPECTS OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT.
Creator
Swiden-Wick, RoseAnn, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Workplace arrogance has emerged as a research focus area for many industrial-organizational psychologists. Employees who demonstrate arrogance tend to demonstrate poor job performance, executive failure and poor overall organizational success. The present study investigates arrogance measured by the Workplace Arrogance Scale (WARS: Johnson et al., 2010) in relation to the Honesty Humility facet of the HEXACO Personality Index-Revised (HEXACO PI-R: LEE & Ashton, 2004). A total of 273...
Show moreWorkplace arrogance has emerged as a research focus area for many industrial-organizational psychologists. Employees who demonstrate arrogance tend to demonstrate poor job performance, executive failure and poor overall organizational success. The present study investigates arrogance measured by the Workplace Arrogance Scale (WARS: Johnson et al., 2010) in relation to the Honesty Humility facet of the HEXACO Personality Index-Revised (HEXACO PI-R: LEE & Ashton, 2004). A total of 273 participants completed the WARS and HEXACO PI-R Honesty-Humility Facet of the HEXACO. Results show significant, strong negative correlations between the Honesty-Humility subfacets and the overall Honesty Humility facet score with the WARS scores. These findings indicate that workers high in arrogance lack important honesty-humility characteristics. Once we fully understand the complex mixture of personality traits that make up workplace arrogance, we can begin to screen for it in the hiring process and develop ways to better address it in the workplace.
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Date Issued
2013
Identifier
CFH0004340, ucf:45018
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004340
SOCIAL EXPERIENCE, DEPRESSION, AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN COLLEGE AGE FEMALES
Title
SOCIAL EXPERIENCE, DEPRESSION, AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN COLLEGE AGE FEMALES.
Creator
Cooper, Ann, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Past research has explored social experience in relation to depression among college females. Other studies have investigated the relationship between social experience and alcohol use among college students. However, there is a lack of research on the relationship among all the three variables, social experience, depression, and alcohol use, in female college students. In the present study, 132 traditional age female college students completed a Brief Social Experience Rating Scale, the Beck...
Show morePast research has explored social experience in relation to depression among college females. Other studies have investigated the relationship between social experience and alcohol use among college students. However, there is a lack of research on the relationship among all the three variables, social experience, depression, and alcohol use, in female college students. In the present study, 132 traditional age female college students completed a Brief Social Experience Rating Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). The results did not show a relationship between AUDIT scores and social experience ratings, but individuals who provided dissatisfied ratings of their social experience had higher depression scores falling into the clinical depression range on the BDI.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFH0004279, ucf:44943
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004279
EXPLORING RELIGIOUS BIAS AND PERCEPTIONS OF ATHEISM
Title
EXPLORING RELIGIOUS BIAS AND PERCEPTIONS OF ATHEISM.
Creator
Leckie, Raina, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Much research focuses on religious bias and in particular the marginalization of Muslims in America. What initially surprised post 9-11 researchers is that participants typically rank atheists lower than Muslims in the areas of private and public trust. Further research is needed to continue to understand the nature and extent of religious-based bias. The present study explores whether a job candidate's religion impacts perception of the candidate's "hireability" and source credibility,...
Show moreMuch research focuses on religious bias and in particular the marginalization of Muslims in America. What initially surprised post 9-11 researchers is that participants typically rank atheists lower than Muslims in the areas of private and public trust. Further research is needed to continue to understand the nature and extent of religious-based bias. The present study explores whether a job candidate's religion impacts perception of the candidate's "hireability" and source credibility, including elements of trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness. Participants were randomly assigned to review an identical version of a resume in which only the implied religion of the candidate was manipulated. One line of the candidate's resume suggested that the candidate was Christian, Muslim, Scientologist, Atheist or no religion was indicated. Participants then rated the candidate using a 3-question Hireability Index (Rudman & Glick, 2001) and the Source-Credibility Scale (SCS: Ohanian, 1990). The SCS contains 3 subscales measuring Attractiveness, Expertise and Trustworthiness. In this study, attractiveness emerged as a variable influenced by the religion of the candidate. Trends in the data also suggest that the candidate's religion may influence the candidate's overall Hireability Index score as well. The results suggest that religion may influence variables related to hireability but seem to more strongly influence personal variables such as ratings of attractiveness when the ratings are made by participants who are young and educated.
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Date Issued
2013
Identifier
CFH0004368, ucf:44991
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004368
PRESERVING THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL: AN EXAMINATION OF THE PREJUDICIAL VALUE OF VISUAL AND AUDITORY EVIDENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF A CRIMINAL CASE
Title
PRESERVING THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL: AN EXAMINATION OF THE PREJUDICIAL VALUE OF VISUAL AND AUDITORY EVIDENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF A CRIMINAL CASE.
Creator
Edwards, Emily, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Federal Rule of Evidence 403 requires evidence's probative value to substantially outweigh its prejudicial value for the evidence to be admitted. To date, courts have opinioned that photographic evidence holds low prejudicial impact and rarely render court proceedings unfair (Futch v. Dugger, 1989). The present study sought to empirically investigate this issue. In a 2 (Auditory Present/Auditory Absent) x 3 (Graphic Photo/Neutral Photo/No Photo) factorial design, 300 participants reviewed...
Show moreFederal Rule of Evidence 403 requires evidence's probative value to substantially outweigh its prejudicial value for the evidence to be admitted. To date, courts have opinioned that photographic evidence holds low prejudicial impact and rarely render court proceedings unfair (Futch v. Dugger, 1989). The present study sought to empirically investigate this issue. In a 2 (Auditory Present/Auditory Absent) x 3 (Graphic Photo/Neutral Photo/No Photo) factorial design, 300 participants reviewed case materials from a recent murder case and provided information concerning their verdict decision. Emotional state data was also collected prior to and following review of the case materials via the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule - Expanded Form (PANAS-X; Watson & Clark, 1994). Participants reviewing graphic photos coupled with their case materials experienced significantly greater increases in both sadness and surpise than those reviewing neutral or no photos. Participants who had an auditory recording present with their case materials experienced greater increases in both joviality and, to a lesser extent, hostility. Participants reviewing the auditory recording also reported being significantly less able to formulate their verdict decisions fairly or impartially. When heightened emotion is involved in decision making, cognitive resources for well-informed decisions are limited (Greene & Haidt, 2002). The current study suggests the potential for particular modes of evidentiary presentation to manipulate jurors' emotions, therefore increasing their prejudicial value. When the probative value of evidence does not outweigh the potentially prejudicial nature of jurors' heightened emotionality, the fairness of court proceedings may be questioned and issues of the defendant's right to a fair trial raised.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFH0004152, ucf:44849
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004152
A COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL AND NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS' STRESS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THEIR TIME MANAGEMENT AND OVERALL PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT
Title
A COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL AND NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS' STRESS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THEIR TIME MANAGEMENT AND OVERALL PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT.
Creator
Stagman, Debra, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The academic demands of college can be strenuous. Nontraditional students in particular may be at risk for role conflict and overload. This study examines levels of academic stressors and reactions to stressors between traditional and nontraditional undergraduate college students in order to investigate the relationships between academic stress, time management behaviors and overall psychological adjustment between the two groups. Participants completed Gadzella's (1991) Student-Life Stress...
Show moreThe academic demands of college can be strenuous. Nontraditional students in particular may be at risk for role conflict and overload. This study examines levels of academic stressors and reactions to stressors between traditional and nontraditional undergraduate college students in order to investigate the relationships between academic stress, time management behaviors and overall psychological adjustment between the two groups. Participants completed Gadzella's (1991) Student-Life Stress Inventory, Time Management Behaviors Scale (Macan, Shahani, Dipboye, & Phillips, 1990) and the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (Derogatis, 1994). Results reveal significant differences between traditional and nontraditional students on a subscale of the Time Management Behavior Scale measuring the ability to set goals and prioritize. Additionally, a marginally significant difference between traditional and nontraditional students was found on another subscale of the Time Management Behavior Scale measuring the mechanics of time management. These results indicate students who maintain multiple life-roles and responsibilities in addition to their role of college student are better at identifying and setting goals that need to be accomplished and prioritizing the tasks required to meet these goals. Furthermore, these students may be more adept at the mechanics involved with time management such as making list and scheduling activities in advance.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFH0003818, ucf:44729
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003818
IBULLY: THE IMPACT OF GENDER OF BULLY AND VICTIM ON PERCEPTION OF CYBERBULLYING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Title
IBULLY: THE IMPACT OF GENDER OF BULLY AND VICTIM ON PERCEPTION OF CYBERBULLYING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
Creator
Sharpe, Christopher, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
In today's technologically sophisticated world, people have many electronic methods of exchanging information and communicating. Unfortunately, these methods are not always used in positive ways; they can also be used to convey aggression and bullying. Recently, such acts of aggression have been labeled many things from cyberbullying to online social cruelty, and have received much media attention due to their tragic consequences including victim suicide. This study explores the impact of...
Show moreIn today's technologically sophisticated world, people have many electronic methods of exchanging information and communicating. Unfortunately, these methods are not always used in positive ways; they can also be used to convey aggression and bullying. Recently, such acts of aggression have been labeled many things from cyberbullying to online social cruelty, and have received much media attention due to their tragic consequences including victim suicide. This study explores the impact of victim and bully gender in relation to perception of bully likability, punishment, impact on victim, and victim responses. Participants reviewed a Cyberbullying scenario in which the gender of the victim and perpetrator were manipulated. All scenarios were identical except for the gender pairs of the victim and perpetrator: Male (bully)-Male (victim), Male (bully)-Female (victim), Female (bully)-Female (victim), and Female (bully)-Male (victim). Participants then completed the Likability of Bully, Punishment for Bully, Impact on Victim, and Victim Response scales. A main effect of gender on the Punishment Scale for the gender of bully indicated that participants desired lighter punishment for females independent of the gender of the victim. The results of this study suggest that increasing awareness of the seriousness of all cyberbullying regardless of gender of bully is important.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFH0003805, ucf:44736
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003805
AN EXPLORATION OF CHRONIC PAIN EXPERIENCE, COPING, AND THE NEO FIVE FACTORS IN HIGH FUNCTIONING ADULTS
Title
AN EXPLORATION OF CHRONIC PAIN EXPERIENCE, COPING, AND THE NEO FIVE FACTORS IN HIGH FUNCTIONING ADULTS.
Creator
Stalter, Juliana, Mottarella, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Chronic pain affects nearly 48 million Americans (Haggard, Stowell, Bernstein, & Gatchel, 2008). Established guidelines for pain management encourage the use of personality assessment in chronic pain evaluation (Karlin, Creech, Grimes, Clark, Meagher, & Morey, 2005). In relation to the Big Five personality factors, low Openness relates negatively to treatment success, (Hopwood, Creech, Clark, Meagher, & Morey, 2008), and elevated Neuroticism scores also correlate with increased pain levels...
Show moreChronic pain affects nearly 48 million Americans (Haggard, Stowell, Bernstein, & Gatchel, 2008). Established guidelines for pain management encourage the use of personality assessment in chronic pain evaluation (Karlin, Creech, Grimes, Clark, Meagher, & Morey, 2005). In relation to the Big Five personality factors, low Openness relates negatively to treatment success, (Hopwood, Creech, Clark, Meagher, & Morey, 2008), and elevated Neuroticism scores also correlate with increased pain levels among individuals in hospital or rehab settings (Ashgari & Nicholas, 2006; Nitch & Boon, 2004). In contrast to these prior studies, this study identifies correlates in a relatively high-functioning population (college students) to further elucidate the connection between chronic pain and personality. This study compares scores on the NEO-FFI (Costa & McCrae, 1992), the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (WHYMPI, Kerns, Turk, & Rudy, 1985), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, 2010). Significant correlations were found between Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Agreeableness and select subscales of both the WHYMPI and the PCS. A linear regression of scores showed that Neuroticism was very strongly related to WHYMPI scores. In fact, the WHYMPI scores accounted for 67.9% of variance in Neuroticism. Scores on the WHYMPI also correlated with PCS scores. Helplessness and Overall scores significantly correlated to Life Control and certain positive social support scores. The findings of this study emphasize the need for pain clinicians to incorporate psychological assessments, especially concerning Neuroticism, into their evaluations of chronic pain patients.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFH0004121, ucf:44863
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004121
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTITUDES ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS, ABOUT GUNS, AND PERSONALITY VARIABLES
Title
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTITUDES ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS, ABOUT GUNS, AND PERSONALITY VARIABLES.
Creator
Chavez, Rachel N, Mottarella, Karen, Whitten, Shannon, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study explores relationships among attitudes about mental illness and guns in order to shed some light on two issues often mentioned in the same realm: mental illness and gun violence. This study also explores if personality variables relate to these attitudes about guns and mental illness. The results of this study found that those who reported more positive attitudes toward guns will have more negative attitudes toward mental illness. The data supported another part of the hypothesis...
Show moreThis study explores relationships among attitudes about mental illness and guns in order to shed some light on two issues often mentioned in the same realm: mental illness and gun violence. This study also explores if personality variables relate to these attitudes about guns and mental illness. The results of this study found that those who reported more positive attitudes toward guns will have more negative attitudes toward mental illness. The data supported another part of the hypothesis that males would report more positive attitudes towards guns and more negative attitudes towards mental illness than females. This study did not support one part of the hypothesis that those participants with higher ratings of openness to experiences and conscientiousness will have more positive attitudes towards mental illness. Exploring these attitudes may advance our understanding of misconceptions, stereotypes, and stigma. This may also increase understanding of what leads to polarizing and divisive opinions on these issues.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFH2000411, ucf:45819
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000411