Tag: Capstone

Samuel Eymann

The Effects of Social Acceptance & Rejection on Disabled Individuals

Humans are a social species: acceptance & rejection have significant effects on well-being. Social acceptance tends to have positive effects on people’s mood & outlook on life, whereas social rejection tends to have negative effects. Individuals with disabilities, such as Down syndrome have shown decreases in happiness. The decline of happiness in disabled individuals may be related to social rejection by peers. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

9:30 – 10 PM

Tyler Falk, Randi Kostner & Cori Wallace

Team Chester’s Capsim Presentation

We were assigned to a business simulation. As Team Chester we will inform you of the decisions, obstacles, & results we faced throughout our time working on the simulation.

BUS 499, Senior Capstone

Dave Quirk

P103

2 – 2:30 PM

Kelsay Gardiepy

Group vs. Individual Persuasion: Increasing Student Chapel Attendance at Northwest Christian University

This research study was designed to provide a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of group & individual persuasion methods used on undergraduate freshman students at Northwest Christian University. This study offers empirical data for all those interested in the effectiveness of persuading students to attend University-mandated Chapel sessions. Raw data collection was used to identify whether methods of individual persuasion or group persuasion were more effective in increasing student attendance rates. It was predicted that methods of group persuasion would be more effective than methods of individual persuasion to increase Chapel attendance. 

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

A201

1:30 – 2 PM

Danielle Gehrke, Sharie Krouse & Taylor West

Capsim Simulation – Team Andrews Competition Rounds

This presentation will cover the breadth of the Capsim business simulation program for Andrews Inc. or “Team Andrews” in the BUS 499 course. Over the course of 8 “years” a manufacturing firm will be run by members of the team & closely examined in an analysis showing decisions leading to the current standing of the simulated company. Students will cover decisions made in Research & Development, Marketing, Production, Human Resources, & Total Quality Management sectors of the business over the course of 8 rounds & will provide forecasted results for the remaining rounds. 

BUS 499, Senior Capstone

Dave Quirk

P103

1 – 1:30 PM

Jenny Maupin

The Power of Baby Sign Language

The benefits of teaching infants to sign includes improved spatial reasoning & executive function, reduction of stress in the parent-child relationship, a calmer academic environment that creates harmony & a universal language in the classroom, enhancing a child’s innate ability to gesture as a form of communication, promote better relations with daycare providers, improve the quality of life of families in stressful low socioeconomic circumstances, & assisting developmentally, physically, &/or medically delayed children who struggle with language & communication to ameliorate their circumstances. Baby boosts language acquisition & learning & increases a child’s confidence that their needs will be met.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

Jordan Miller

Relational Motivation

Relationships influence our lives; how we use those influences as motivation towards a goal is referred to as relational motivation. Research on relational motivation shows that motivations are increased when there are clear goals & a strong positive relationship. Relationships influence goal attainment by providing a support system. Research has shown that relationships motivate. Autonomy plays a big role in motivation. If autonomy is taken away, so is motivation. Understanding how relationships motivate adolescents could lead to better futures. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

Allyssa Mittleider

The Engagement of Students & their Success in School

Engagement in school is something that not many students view as important to their success in their classes. Recently, researchers have begun using a three-component model that includes relational, cognitive & behavioral engagement. It is important to look at all three of these components carefully to gain a better understanding of their effect on a student’s success. To test the hypothesis that higher GPA is correlated with higher engagement throughout all three areas of engagement in school, an Analysis of Variance will be used. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P113

1 – 1:30 PM

Amber Osbourn

Cognitive Dissonance in the LGBT Christian

When faced with the tension that arises out of the conflict between the church & society on the issue of homosexuality, the homosexual Christian is faced with a proverbial dead-man’s land not only outwardly, but internally. This internal conflict between one’s sexuality & religious beliefs is operationally explored through the theory of cognitive dissonance which states that when at least two cognitions are seemingly counterintuitive, there is a drive to resolve the dissonance between them. Resolution strategies include leaving the church permanently, finding one that is accepting, or choosing to live with the dissonance. When faced with the tension that arises out of the conflict between the church & society on the issue of homosexuality, the homosexual Christian is faced with a proverbial dead-man’s land not only outwardly, but internally. This internal conflict between one’s sexuality & religious beliefs is operationally explored through the theory of cognitive dissonance which states that when at least two cognitions are seemingly counterintuitive, there is a drive to resolve the dissonance between them. Resolution strategies include leaving the church permanently, finding one that is accepting, or choosing to live with the dissonance.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

Emmelene Romer

Effective Therapeutic Treatments for Incarcerated Juveniles

Recidivism rates in juvenile offenders warrant a reevaluation by professionals of current rehabilitation. It was reported that there were approximately 61,000 incarcerated juveniles in the last census. Therapeutic measures are administered in correctional facilities to promote mental well-being among juveniles. To reduce recidivism, the population of juvenile offenders is addressed to evaluate three commonly used therapies: Family-Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Multi-systemic Therapy. Educational success & vocational training are two preventative measures that decrease the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Current research shows that multi-systemic therapy is the most effective treatment for reducing recidivism. Recidivism rates in juvenile offenders warrant a reevaluation by professionals of current rehabilitation. It was reported that there were approximately 61,000 incarcerated juveniles in the last census. Therapeutic measures are administered in correctional facilities to promote mental well-being among juveniles. To reduce recidivism, the population of juvenile offenders is addressed to evaluate three commonly used therapies: Family-Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Multi-systemic Therapy. Educational success & vocational training are two preventative measures that decrease the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Current research shows that multi-systemic therapy is the most effective treatment for reducing recidivism.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Andrew Stuart, Nicole Tessin-Mason, & Zeming Wang

Team Baldwin CAPSIM Presentation

The presentation will address all of the aspects of our capstone business simulation CAPSIM. We will be showing what we have learned with the class & simulation together, & give our insights as to what made our business decisions work or not work during the course of the term. 

BUS 499, Senior Capstone

Dave Quirk

P103

1:30 – 2 PM

Joshua Alvarado

Academic Dishonesty

This study examined academic dishonesty and the emotions that follow in college students. Students at NCU were used in this data collection. There are tremendous pressures to succeed in college and many will cheat over their time on a college campus. Also included in the survey was if the individual attended church regularly or not. Our emotions can drive us to act in many different ways. The results of this study indicated that college students will admit to cheating in school and show that being honest has no negatives attached to it.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9 – 9:30 AM

Alek Angeli

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on Anaerobic Performance

Athletes that undergo anaerobic exercise will ultimately reach a certain point of fatigue and an inability to maintain exercise intensity. Sodium bicarbonate has been shown to induce a metabolic alkalosis that may be effective in improving anaerobic performance. The information shown was established by analyzing different research articles and scholarly texts on the effects of sodium bicarbonate and processes of metabolic responses. The results showed that sodium bicarbonate induced alkalosis, helped maintain pH levels, and improve performance. The results from this research suggest that the ingestion of sodium bicarbonate does help improve anaerobic performance by improving buffering capacity.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

9 – 9:30 AM

Travis Brown

Stressed Upon Student Athletes

Stress is a state of mental or emotional tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Stress has been shown to negatively affect physical health, mental processing, and emotional well-being. Research has shown a unique contribution of stressful events on collegiate athletes as compared to traditional undergraduate students. Collegiate athletes experience a wide range of stress because of the demands of their sport which affects academics, well-being, and athletic performance. College athletes have significantly less time to work on academics due to year-long training (in and out of season), tight scheduling, traveling, tough competition and lack of down time. Learning to cope with these additional stressors is important for the collegiate athlete’s well-being and performance.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9:30 – 10 AM

Miranda Cruz

Christians at War

I will be exploring the act of war from the perspective of the Christian faith. The Bible has explicitly shown its characters directed by God to go to war with opposition; even today there are many Christians who willingly go into the armed forces knowing full well that they may or may not have to kill other people. Through books, Biblical commentaries on battle passages and online articles referencing modern Christian service men, woman, and veterans, we will be getting an in-depth analysis on the theories of physical and spiritual warfare.

BTH 499, Senior Capstone

Loren Crow

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Matthew Dixon

Cognitive Dissonance on Post Consumer Purchasing

This paper will investigate cognitive dissonance on post consumer purchases. I will be measuring and trying to prove that female students are more likely to feel more cognitive dissonance after a purchase than male students. I will be using a 22 point scale measuring three different elements, which are emotions, wisdom of the purchase, and concern over the purchase. The questionnaire was placed and distributed to the NCU students at the Beacon Beanery.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

P103

2 – 2:30 PM

Rebecca Espinoza

That’s a lot of BULL…ying

Bullying is defined as the maltreatment of another being. Bullying was done in the presence of the individual(s) being mistreated. The human reaction to the treatment of an abusive being was present. As time and technology progressed, so has bullying. Cyber bullying has come from the progression. Cyber bullying removes the human reaction from the abusive party. The abusive party can be anonymous and as brutal as they choose. This not only affects the psychological and identity development of the bullied, but also the actions the individual(s) takes to handle the maltreatment.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

Terry O’Casey

A201

9:30 – 10 AM

Tyler Fox

Long Term Effects of Creatine Supplementation On The Body

The consumption of creatine monohydrate is quickly becoming a very popular ergogenic aid. Thus, the purpose of this literature review is to assess creatine monohydrate’s impact on the body and the effects that long-term consumption has on health and performance. Articles assessing these issues have been chosen from scholarly journals and focus on the scientific study of creatine and its impact on the body. In long-term creatine supplementation studies found no idacies that creatine negatively affects blood pressure, plasma creatine, or renal function (2-9). Moreover, these studies suggest that creatine supplementation appears to be a generally effective performance enhancer.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

9:30 – 10 AM

LeeAnn Fudge

Fish Oil Supplementation and Asthma

The purpose of this presentation is to review literature surrounding fish oil and its influence on asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil have been shown to reduce inflammation and because of this unique characteristic, research has been conducted to see just how fish oil supplementation may be used to counteract the symptoms of asthma, and ultimately reduce bronchial inflammation. This presentation looks in depth at some of the research that has been conducted in regards to this subject and considers whether or not fish oil is a viable solution to bronchoconstriction.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

1 – 1:30 PM

Mikayla Gattie

“In the Beginning There was the Force

This presentation will explore the parallels of Goethe’s epic poem, Faust, and George Lucas’ sci-fi masterpiece, Star Wars. Faust is a dark tale which describes the pull of sin and corruption in the form of bliss via a bargain between Dr. Faust and Mephistopheles. In Star Wars, I will be focusing on Anakin’s draw to the Dark Side, his bargain with Darth Sidious and his foil, Luke, who overcomes every temptation that his father fell prey to. I will prove my argument by comparing the upbringings, trainings, the bargains, falls and possible redemptions for both Dr. Faust and Anakin.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Lanta Davis

A201

1 – 1:30 PM

Ryan Herriage

Vitamin D and How it Relates to Overall Health and Sport Performance

This purpose of this project was to show how the importance of Vitamin-D for both the average individual as well as a collegiate athlete. The significance of my research will help to explain how individual’s current Vitamin-D levels tend to be insufficient, shows how both supplementation and radiation will help to improve an individuals’ health, as well as may improve their athletic performance. Through my research I will be able to show the importance of Vitamin-D. This will assist many athletes in learning the benefits of having proper supplementation and hopefully show how they may benefit in their sport performance.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

Adelayde Hoskins

Hydration

Hydration plays a vital role in an athlete’s performance. It is important because the body is mostly made up of water, and the proper balance between water and electrolytes in our bodies really determines how most of our systems function, including nerves and muscles. If the nerves and muscles are not functioning properly, the athlete cannot perform to their best ability. During this presentation we will look at a few different studies on athletes and their given sports to assess their hydration statuses. 

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

William Jones

Fractals: the Geometry of Chaos

Fractals are self-similar objects with fractional dimension . These objects can be constructed using dynamical systems, and expressed geometrically. The dynamical systems used in these constructions have chaotic properties. These properties are density, transitivity, and sensitivity to initial conditions. The most primitive fractal set is the cantor middle thirds set. Fractal geometry is distinct from Euclidean geometry and can be used to better model natural phenomenon.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

Banquet Room

1 – 3 PM

Taylor Kraal

The Effects of Caffeine on Endurance Sports

The effects of caffeine on endurance athletes as well as its effectiveness as a performance enhancer examined. Six experimental studies were reviewed to determine the effects of caffeine in various performance related scenarios. After carefully reviewing all the parameters in the different experimental setups, it was concluded that caffeine reduces the athlete’s idea of perceived exertion which can essentially increase performance in endurance events. In certain scenarios, caffeine was shown to function directly as an ergogenic aid. The majority of the research showed that caffeine was beneficial to endurance athletes mostly because it decreases perceived exertion.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Danae Laufer

Supplemental Carnitine 

Carnitine is an endogenous compound, meaning it originates in the body. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria during fat oxidation. I studied the literature of different research articles and their findings to discover if the claims made about supplementing carnitine are accurate. Each study produced specific results in the difference made by carnitine in the body. Altogether, the results show that there are some advantages in supplementing carnitine but there was also no evidence that most athletes eating a balanced diet are at risk for carnitine deficiency and therefor, there is no reason to supplement carnitine.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

2:30 – 3 PM

Scott Perkins

History in Mathematics Education

Differentiated instruction is an educational philosophy and the current driving force behind modern education. Differentiated methods take into account the various learning styles and needs of students, by employing various methods of instruction to generate interest, promote learning, and improve assessment of student progress, as opposed to the method of direct instruction, which treats all students as equal. This research presentation attempts to answer the question of whether it is useful and viable to incorporate the history of mathematics in mathematics classrooms and curricula as a method of differentiating mathematics instruction.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P103

9 – 9:30 AM

Taylor Richardson

Do Self-Reflection Techniques Promote Happiness?

Self-reflection, such as prayer, meditation, or journaling has been found to have an effect on well-being. In the current study it was hypothesized that self-reflection would contribute to feelings of happiness. Two types of self-reflection techniques, prayer and journaling, were tested to see the impact on happiness. Participants completed the Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire before starting the self-reflection task. Participants spent 20 minutes each day for seven days in one of three tasks: prayer, journaling, or reading a textbook. It is expected that happiness scores will be higher in the prayer and journaling group than the textbook group. Spending time in self-reflection tasks may be beneficial by promoting feelings of happiness.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

10 – 10:30 AM

Jolene Rogers

Effects of Art Therapy on Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of depression affect a large portion of the population. These symptoms affect people not only on a personal level but on a cognitive and social level. There are multiple forms of therapy which have been effective in helping lessen symptoms of depression. Research for this paper looked into the effectiveness of art therapy in helping with symptoms of depression.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

10:30 – 11 AM

Ethan Souers

The Mathematics of Rock Guitar

Society places math geeks and rock stars in two very different baskets. However, without mathematics there would be no rock n’ roll. In this study the mathematics of the electric guitar were examined by scanning existing knowledge in the field. From Pythagorean fret placement to standing waves, mathematics exists in every element of a guitar from its build design to the sounds it makes. The expressive, emotional phenomenon that is rock music can be conceptualized and understood in grounded mathematics.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P103

9:30 – 10 AM

Guillermo Torres-Sanchez

Improving Fat Oxidation Through Exercise, Carnitine Supplementation, and Caffeine Supplementation

Endurance exercise training results in an enhanced ability to oxidize fat which leads to improvement of athletic performance. Fat oxidation not only affects athletes but also helps the average person that participates in an endurance type activity such as walking. This is important because there has been a bigger shift of focus towards exercise in order to help people live healthier lifestyles and for athletes to perform at their absolute peak. This study looks into ways that you may be able to increase fat oxidation by looking at types of exercises and also through carnitine and caffeine supplementation.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

Annie Jo Wilson

Math Anxiety

Math is a subject that almost everyone has struggled with in one way or another. Many could say that they get anxiety from just hearing the word. In this study, we will look at math anxiety and the effects it has on student performance. The goal of this research is to find a way to ease the fear that comes from this particular subject and enhance student learning. The research covers timed tests, how you present the test as well as whether girls or boys have a greater sense of anxiety when it comes to math.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P103

10 – 10:30 AM

Patricia Laynee Bevans

The Effects of the Color Red on Attractiveness

Color plays an important part in nature and everyday in human life. The color red is associated with love, danger, energy, and desire which attract people to one another. Research suggests that the color red attracts the human eye to pay attention more effectively than other colors. Findings have shown that there are clear implications of color perception on mate selection, fashion designs, product attractiveness, and marketing. The current study tests if the color red has an effect on male and female perception of attractiveness of a female model. It is hypothesized that male participants will rank the female model wearing red higher in attractiveness than female participants.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

A201

1 – 1:30 PM

Krista Bryson

Conflict and Birth Order

The purpose of this study is to investigate if there is a relationship between an individual’s conflict style and his or her birth order. When individuals understand conflict styles, they will be able to deal with their own conflict, prevent conflict, and help others deal with conflict. Putnam

and Wilson’s (1982) conflict behavior scale is the testing instrument used in this study. Based on previous research the oldest child will self report using a win-win integrative (solution-oriented) style, the middle child will self report using an avoidant (non-confrontational) style, and the youngest child will self report using a distributive (control) style.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

A201

9 – 9:30 AM

K’hala Carpenter

Literature Review of the Enneagram

This interactive presentation covers the history and explanation of the Enneagram personality typing system. The presentation uses art and music along with research to present the Enneagram in a fun and engaging way. The nine personality types are defined and explained, followed by a spiritual look at how the Enneagram fits with Christian doctrine and theology. The presentation finishes with a survey of some of the research that has been performed about the Enneagram.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

1 – 1:30 PM

Mark Hamilton

What’s in a Viral Video? A Study of Video Proliferation on the Internet

This study sought to discover why some videos go “viral” while others do not. Four videos were created, each with a different general genre and style. One video was a humorous sketch, another was a serious call to donate money to help the third world, the third was a “clip show” video featuring laughing babies and cats, and the final video was a control that consisted of nothing but a black screen. These videos were uploaded to YouTube and linked to on Facebook and Reddit. Results were to be evaluated by each videos number of views.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

A201

9:30 – 10 AM

Brittany Hanania

Dramas and Women’s Rights

This essay looks into the relationship between the arguments made by the leading activists of the women’s rights movement and three literary plays: Euripides’ “Medea,” Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” and Glaspell’s “Trifles.” Though not all of these authors were aiming to contribute to this agenda, this study’s purpose is to explore the support that these stories and characters offer to the ongoing discussion. These dramas span hundreds of years and encompass several cultures, and seem to directly embody these feminist ideas, and allow modern audiences to trace feminist ideology forward to the continuing fight for equality even in present times.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Steve Goetz

P103

10 – 10:30 AM

Donald Hopkins

Short Story: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club

Using authors, Ernest Hemingway and Raymond Carver as inspiration, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club” is a short story about a failed relationship centered around the notion of unconditional love, self-understanding, heart-break, and selfishness. The story takes place over a five day wager between a mislead Christian and his secular lover coming at the expense of a dog, “Sgt. Pepper.”

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Daniel McKay

P103

10:30 – 11 AM