Cooking with Roots: How Older Adults Strengthen Connection with Younger Generations Through Recipe Sharing

This research investigates how older adults experience sharing recipes with younger generations, and examines conditions that contribute to the expression of generativity within the context of intergenerational recipe sharing. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews centered on experiences with intergenerational recipe sharing will be conducted with 30 older adults (age 65+). Participants will complete a survey of generative concern before and after engaging in a basic recipe sharing task. In line with previous research on generative art activities, responses will highlight feelings of autonomy as well as desires to teach others and leave a legacy. It is also hypothesized that generative concern will increase as a consequence of the recipe sharing task. Following preliminary research, Study 2 will examine how recipe type (special occasion vs. everyday-style recipe), mode of sharing (oral vs. written), and identity of recipe recipient (relative vs. stranger) influence generative concern in 792 older adults. Participants will complete the same survey described in Study 1 before being randomly assigned to one of eight recipe sharing tasks. After three sharing sessions, participants will be re-tested for present and future-oriented generativity. While all groups will show an increase in generativity over time, participants who share recipes with a younger relative and those who share recipes orally will benefit more from the intervention than their counterparts. Results will suggest that generativity is dependent on factors of recipe type, mode of sharing, and recipe recipient when recipes are passed from one generation to another. Implications and further directions are discussed, including intergenerational learning, well-being, and ego integrity in late life

Beyond the Crown: A Qualitative Research Study on Pageant Women and the Looking-Glass Self

Pageantry has existed in society for hundreds of years and is still prevalent within society today. Pageant contestants voluntarily compete in systems to hear what judges have to say about their intellect, talent, and poise. However, the opinions of the judges seem to not be the true influential voice in a pageant queen’s life. Previous research has reported that it is the people closest to us that have the most positive or devastating impact on the way we view ourselves. The question this study sought to answer was, “How have the opinions of others had an impact on the self-image of pageant women?” This study compiled 14 questions that were crafted through the lens of the communication theory, the looking-glass self. After interviewing 11 former pageant queens, the data was then analyzed through Creswell’s six-step process. The results found that family, coaches, directors, fellow pageant contestants, and the pageant industry were the most influential voices in a pageant queen’s life over the course of her reign. The opinion of the judges was not an opinion listed by any of the interviewees to have had a lasting impact on their self-image. These findings implicate how we speak to our inner circle and how they speak about us has the greatest level of influence over the negative or positive formation of one’s self-concept

Communicating with the World: History of Rhetorical Responses to International Crisis and the 2007 U.S. National Strategy for Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication

Following the events of September 11, 2001, we have seen a revival in American public diplomacy. I argue the U.S. continues to rely on similar rhetorical responses to crisis that are an essential part of American public diplomacy interconnected through history, from the birth of our country to the recent 2007 U.S. National Strategy for Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication. Tracing this recurring rhetorical process from our founding to the Carter Administration illustrates our reliance on similar rhetoric despite changing contexts. I use Burke’s concept of identification and the interrelated use of ethos and enemy construction to demonstrate the rhetorical parallels between the Carter Administration’s 1979 Communication Plan with Muslim countries and the 2007 NSPDSC. This analysis not only contributes to the gap in public diplomacy research but provides insight into American public diplomacy since 9/11

DNA Identification Tests and the Courts

This Comment assesses the current state of forensic DNA tests and analyzes whether courts should admit the results of these tests as evidence. Section I provides a background discussion of how DNA tests work. This knowledge is essential for attorneys and courts seeking to evaluate expert testimony and analyze important issues concerning the reliability and admissibility of DNA test results. Section I also proposes safeguards and standards to facilitate the judicial acceptance of forensic DNA tests. Section II discusses judicial approaches to the admissibility of novel scientific techniques such as DNA tests, and concludes that courts should admit the results of DNA tests