Investigating the relationship between intelligence and executive function through visual scanning strategies

Executive function (EF) refers to a set of cognitive processes responsible for higher-order thinking, behavioral regulation, and goal-directed behavior, while intelligence is considered a contributing factor to cognitive performance. Previous research has explored the relationship between these two constructs, but it has potentially overlooked the individual differences necessary for a comprehensive understanding of its complexity. This study aimed to investigate these individual differences in EF by employing novel eye-tracking methodology within a Go/No-Go task. We recruited 99 participants from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to complete an adapted Go/No-Go task and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence Second Edition (WASI-II). We found that higher intelligence was associated with more efficient visual scanning strategies (i.e. fewer fixations and longer durations). Individuals who made fewer fixations and had longer fixation durations scored higher on block design, matrix reasoning, and vocabulary subscales in the WASI-II, and fixation duration significantly predicted intelligence

Elementary teachers\u27 perception of preparedness for the elementary science classroom

This dissertation explores the perception of preparedness among elementary teachers to effectively teach three-dimensional science lessons as advocated by the Next Generation Science Standards. A mixed methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative analysis was employed to gain a full understanding of variables that are related to teachers feeling prepared for the classroom and what aspects of teacher preparation and professional experience are areas of success or areas of growth in terms of implementing effective science instruction in a large school district in southeastern Tennessee. Findings revealed teachers completing a full semester of student teaching perceived themselves to be significantly more prepared for the science classroom than those teachers who only completed a partial semester of student teaching. Teacher experience, science methods courses completed, effectiveness of teacher preparation program, and science content knowledge were not shown to have a relationship with teacher perception of preparation for the elementary science classroom. Teachers identified several strengths in teacher preparation programs including firsthand experiences, exemplar professors, and courses designed around education students. On the other hand, weaknesses were identified in teacher preparation programs including limited science coursework, professor limitations, and overall limited preparation for the science classroom. Teachers identified weak preparation in three-dimensional, inquiry-based science in their preparation programs. Ideas to improve teacher preparation were highlighted including a need to focus more heavily on the new science standards, time to create science lessons with colleagues, more time to observe effective science lessons, and more opportunities to teach science lessons in the classroom. In the professional world, teachers identified more time to collaborate with peers, more effective professional development, and a rise in the importance of science teaching as ways to increase teacher preparation for the science classroom. These results indicate a need to revise teacher preparation programs and preparation in the professional world to increase student achievement in elementary science

The psychology of morbid fascination: The role of spectatorship in executions, rubbernecking, dark tourism, and true crime consumption

This literature review examines the general idea of morbid fascination through the lens of spectatorship. The questions that this paper will attempt to answer and contribute knowledge towards are, “What is the psychology behind morbid fascination?” and “Why are humans drawn to the macabre?”. This paper will use a myriad of different sources such as books, peer-reviewed articles, personal accounts, documentaries, podcasts, and different studies from the psychological, criminal justice, and philosophical fields of study to very carefully review, report, compile, and add new theories onto the information provided. The sections discussed throughout will fall under four categories: Public Executions, Rubbernecking, Dark Tourism, and True Crime Consumption. The questions this paper will answer throughout its development in large are: What is the psychology behind morbid fascination? Why are humans drawn to the macabre? What are the psychological explanations, implications, and impacts of this fascination? This paper serves as a compilation of information as well as a foundation for future academic endeavors regarding morbid fascination

Is the Light Triad really that light?: The Light Triad\u27s role in relationship savior complex

Light triad traits, such as optimism, empathy, and compassion, are theorized to be three main components of a prosocial and compassionate orientation. However, in romantic relationships, those qualities may encourage a “savior complex” in which one partner attempts to help, fix, or change their partner’s less ideal components. To study this, 106 participants ranging in age from 18 to 24 years old were surveyed about their light triad traits, helping/savior complex behavior, confidence as a romantic partner (i.e., self-efficacy), closeness with their partner (i.e., inclusion of other in the self), and perceived responsiveness toward their partner. As hypothesized, those who engaged in more savior complex behaviors were higher in light triad overall, Humanism, and Kantianism. Faith in humanity was not significantly correlated with the savior complex. Additionally, potential mediators of the light triad’s association with the savior complex were assessed. As hypothesized, perceived partner responsiveness was a significant mediator. However, inclusion of other in the self and self-efficacy were not. These results expand upon light triad and savior complex research and emphasize the potential downsides of a highly positive romantic partner. Limitations and future directions will be discussed

The induced path number of complementary prisms

The complementary prism GG of a graph G is formed from the disjoint union of G and its complement G by adding the edges of a perfect matching between the corresponding vertices of G and G. The induced path number, denoted ρ(G), of a graph G is defined as the minimum number of subsets that the vertex set of G can be partitioned into such that each subset induces a path. In this paper, we study the induced path number of complementary prisms of complete graphs, stars, paths, and cycles

More Than an Athlete: Exploring Mental Health Concerns Among Student-Athletes

Within the United States, student-athletes experience the psychological and physiological effects of collegiate sports; however, student-athletes may not feel comfortable accessing mental health care resources or there may be inadequate resources available. This study sought to assess personal and environmental deterrents to the well-being and athletic performance of collegiate athletes. Through a series of qualitative interviews with 11 student-athletes from a small, Midwestern university, researchers investigated mental health stigmas in athletics, barriers to psychological resources, and the necessity for sports psychology interventions on-campus. The interview questions focused on student athletes’ level of perceived mental health support from campus and coaches. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four common themes emerged: personal identity struggles, negative stigmas surrounding athletic environments, barriers to mental health resources, and desires for professional intervention. Among the participants, 81% reported enduring moderate to severe psychological hardship with limited resources available to support them. The results indicated a persistent pattern of diminished self-worth and exacerbated psychological symptoms due to athletic performance. These findings present a significant demand for sports psychology and/or professional mental health resources on college campuses, as well as implications for additional methods of sports-related interventions

The relationship of family characteristics of at-risk children in rural West Tennessee and select measures of success over a period of 10 years

The purpose of this study was to explore differences in a program funded in rural West Tennessee. The Promethean Foundation is a program that provides childcare tuition support to at-risk children. While the program has been in existence for 20 years, the study focused on 10 years from 2009 through 2019. The program staff reviewed the perceptions of staff and family members during the qualifying process. The study was also to investigate the level of achievement measured in children by age five and nine years considering the length of time enrolled in an early childhood program. To explore differences, children were divided into two groups based on qualifying or not qualifying for the program and the length of time enrolled in an early childhood setting, more or less than nine months. The length of time enrolled is highlighted due to the lack of research related to the period a child is enrolled in a quality program. Home visit scores, family versus teacher school readiness perceptions, Brigance screening scores, TCAP and TN Ready scores, and special education referrals were all key aspects of the study. The data provided the picture that length of time in a program mattered when reviewing the TCAP and TN Ready math scores and females received more educational referrals than their male counterparts. Families perceived that their children were ready for kindergarten while in fact, the kindergarten teachers did not score the children as such. With all of this information, it was determined that future research would still be valuable in several of the areas to include teacher and family perceptions, math scores, and educational referrals. Each would expand on the existing data to provide a stronger understanding of the current findings

The effects of stress levels on nursing students compared to pre-nursing students

This study explores pre-nursing and nursing students\u27 stress levels and attitudes at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Many studies have evaluated the stress of nursing students, but few have examined the stress levels of pre-nursing students. The research suggests that students experiencing unmanaged stress in nursing school can have negative implications as they move into new graduate nursing. Using a quantitative approach, researchers at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga analyzed factors that increase stress, coping mechanisms, and support from faculty and staff. More research is needed to provide succinct information on pre-nursing stress, and students need additional mental health resources to best accommodate stressful periods of time

Microplastics in Urban Environments: Distribution, Fate, and Transport

Microplastics (MPs) have become a growing environmental concern, particularly in urban areas where anthropogenic activities intensify their presence in ecosystems. This research investigates MPs’ distribution, fate, and transport in urban environments, focusing on stormwater retention (SWR) ponds, bioretention systems (BRS), and saturated porous media. Field studies analyzed MPs in freshwater sediments of SWR ponds across residential, educational, and mixed urban land-use types, identifying distinct contamination patterns. Vertical distribution analyses in bioretention media highlighted the potential of BRS as a green infrastructure for retaining MPs. Laboratory experiments further explored MPs’ transport and retention in saturated porous media, examining the effects of key physicochemical properties such as ionic strength (IS) and pH. Findings revealed how environmental conditions influence MPs’ mobility and retention. This research contributes valuable insights into MPs’ behavior, distribution, transport, and potential mitigation strategies, advancing understanding of their role in urban pollution and their interaction with green infrastructure systems

Excerpt scenes from twin lilies of tirg

Excerpts of Twin Lilies of Tirg: is a craft paper and three novel scenes. The craft paper focuses on the elements and structure of dialogue and how it is present in three scenes that follow the three elements in a novel: the ground situation, the conflict, and complication. The novel Twin Lilies of Tirg is a fantasy fiction that focuses on King Sebestian as he navigates running his kingdom while being blackmailed by another King