Honors Projects in History and Social Sciences

A Meta-Analysis of Alternative Water Sources

Katie Colton — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:47:14 PDT

Roughly one half of the Earth’s population suffers from shortage or lack of clean water. While many innovations and products have been created to address this Global Water Crisis, no comparisons have been done as to which innovations and products are the best overall choice for philanthropic investment. The crisis can be broken down into three specific crises including the transportation crisis, the access crisis, and the sanitation crisis. The study examined fifteen innovations and products, targeted to address the three crises to determine which innovation in each group is the overall smart investment. Pulse tool was used to create reports of data comparing the innovations and products to one another. Findings concluded that the Hippo Roller is the smart investment for transportation of water, the Treadle Pump is the smart investment for gaining access to water, and the Filtron and the Mobile MaxPure are the equally smart investments for sanitizing water. Therefore, for future development of social innovation comparison, it is recommended that an investor look at the overall benefits of an innovation before donating money to that cause.

The Influence of Childhood Poverty On Life Chances- The Case of Academic Performance

Katherine McCabe — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:18:56 PDT

The purpose of this research is to explore, identify, and address how children who grow up in poverty face greater challenges in adulthood than those who grow up nonpoor. The two main areas of interest are the differentials of child well-being and school achievement. The daily hardships that poor children face include inadequate nutrition, fewer learning experiences, instability of residence, lower quality schools, exposure to environmental toxins, family violence, homelessness, dangerous streets, and less access to friends, services, and jobs. Through a literature review and analyses of a national probability data set on high school students, I demonstrate how growing up under these conditions yields significant disadvantages for poor children as they develop into adults. I contribute to this area of research by identifying important factors that mitigate the ill effects of childhood poverty on academic performance. The overall pattern in my findings reveals that childhood poverty need not be a “death sentence.” More specifically, using a national probability sample on adolescent academic performance, I demonstrate that the generally strong negative correlation between childhood poverty and academic performance is lessened when poor children: (1) attend Catholic or private schools instead of public schools; (2) reside in intact two-parent families; (3) have a parent with high aspirations for academic achievement; (4) participate in extracurricular activities; (5) attend smaller schools (<1,000 students); (6) reduce television watching and video game playing to less than two hours per day; (7) increase their time on homework (to greater than eleven hours per week). Importantly, most of these findings do not stand up well when controls are made for race and ethnicity. More specifically, African American and Hispanic students tend to do poorer than their white counterparts and their poor performance is resistant to several of the contexts and characteristics that apply to their white counterparts.

Role-Playing and Simulation Based Learning in Higher Education: Case Study in Model United Nations

Jason C. Fortin — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 20:34:58 PDT

It is currently estimated that more than 200,000 high school and university students participate in model United Nations each year. With over 400 annual conferences in thirty-five countries, this fifty-year-old tradition has redefined how students engage international relations in an academic setting (Educational Outreach 1). Active learning has been heralded for decades as a superior technique to teach various disciplines, including international relations. It allows students to experience deep learning and develop skills unattainable through conventional pedagogical methods. This paper explores the specific impact of a model United Nations simulation on the academic experience and student performance through a controlled and experiential testing in a collegiate classroom. I devised and coordinated a simulated Security Council meeting (which discussed Terrorism in Pakistan) and measured student performance before, during and after the simulation, and then compared it to a control group. Four assessment mechanisms were used: pre and post simulation evaluation of student position papers; achievement of Kolb’s Learning phases and other in-class observations; student reflections from a debriefing session; and pre and post simulation basic knowledge quizzes. The results conclude that role-playing and simulation based learning can have an incredibly strong impact on a student’s education. The skills learned in the simulation allowed students to outperform their peers and positioned them for more long-term academic growth.

Unsigning the Rome Statute: Examining the Relationship Between the United States and the International Criminal Court

Allison Naylor — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:10:48 PDT

Presently, 120 states are parties to the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). A state that one will not find on the list, however, would be the United States. This project examines the relationship between the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United States. The United States took part in the negotiating process, signing the Rome Statute under President Bill Clinton, but was not fully satisfied with the agreement reached. Under President Bush, however, the Rome Statute was unsigned. Presently, the United States remains unsigned on the Rome Statute. The relationship between the Court and the United States is important in determining the future of the Court, in terms of effectiveness and legitimacy. I will begin with a brief historical background on the development of the ICC, its structure, and the extent of its jurisdiction. From there, I will detail several problems with the court from America’s perspective. These include third-party jurisdiction and constitutional issues. I will also examine the relationship between the United States and the ICC under the three Presidents in office since the court’s conception: Clinton, Bush, and Obama. Finally, I argue that the Court needs the support of the United States to survive, but that the problems with the Court from America’s perspective will continue to stand in the way of American support for the court until U.S. interests are met.

The Development of Strategies for Success in College Among First-generation College Students: An Examination of a Focused Intervention

Lindsey Weber — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:11:28 PST

As a college education is becoming more crucial for career placement in today’s economy, more individuals with diverse backgrounds are seeking a higher education. An increase in first-generation college students is one significant change in college demographics. These students who are the first in their families to attend an institution of higher education face academic, social, and mental/emotional challenges that students whose parents or elder siblings did attend college may not face. The current study had three objectives. The first was to create an assessment to measure college readiness. Secondly, an intervention program was created to address potential barriers to success in college. Thirdly, using a pre/post-test format, it was hypothesized that the intervention program would create changes in participants’ attitudes and beliefs about college. Due to low reliability of the measure created in this study, no significant changes in attitudes were reported. However, qualitative data from open-ended survey questions suggest efficacy of the intervention program. The model employed here, which includes an undergraduate student as the instructor of the intervention program, should be modified and replicated to help high school students who are the first in their families to attend college better understand potential challenges in higher education, and adopt effective tactics to attend to such barriers.

Rhetorical Democracy: An Examination of the Presidential Inaugural Addresses

Thomas Pagliarini — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:26:59 PST

Despite the fact that there is nothing in the Constitution requiring it, nor prescribed by any other federal law, the President's delivery of an inaugural address has become a de facto requirement of the official Presidential inauguration. The Presidential inaugural address is an anticipated feature of all inaugural ceremonies because it is where the newly elected president outlines, among other things, his perspective on the manner, conduct and overall form of the American government. Within this outline, the rhetoric utilized by the President during inaugural addresses shapes the way in which the American people understand our system of government on both a theoretical and functional level. This research examines the utilization of the term “democracy” in presidential inaugural speeches as a rhetorical device and the impacts of this terminology upon conceptions of American governance. This rhetorical analysis provides a lens to view the changing dynamics of American political thought.

The Effects of Negative Political Advertising on Young College-Educated Voters

Sean Donahue — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:21:59 PDT

This study examines the effectiveness of negative and positive political advertisements among voters in college. The study builds on past research exploring negative political advertising and demobilization and mobilization theories. Additionally, potential backlash against sponsoring candidates of negative policy-based attack ads is looked at as is whether those who regularly follow politics are affected differently by ads than those who do not. Fifty-three college students participated in an experiment in which they rated two candidates based on any prior knowledge and political party, assessing favorability and the likelihood of voting for each candidate. Students then watched a ten minute newscast with either a positive or negative ad sponsored by the same candidate embedded during the commercial break. They were asked again to assess their favorability and likelihood of voting for each candidate. No results were found in support of either mobilization or demobilization theories. Results did not show backlash after viewing the negative ad. The positive ad, however, proved more effective in increasing both the sponsoring candidate’s favorability and participants’ reported likelihood of voting for him. Additionally, these findings do not support past research claiming differences in effects between those who regularly follow politics and those who do not.

The Life and Times of Gertrude Meth Hochberg

Jessica Lynn Komoroski — Sun, 08 May 2011 18:06:02 PDT

This biographical study fuses together the many different resources and historical documents that help to shed light on the life and times of Gertrude Meth Hochberg, a woman who has often been described as decades ahead of her time. By examining Hochberg’s distinguished career in advertising as well as in public relations at Bryant College, the study demonstrates the important ways that she promoted the advancement of women in higher education, business, and the non-profit sector both at Bryant College and within the wider Rhode Island community.

Economic Conditions and Employment Prospects: Examining the experiences of Bryant University graduates in the labor market

Jeffrey Steacie — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:00:50 PDT

Many authors have researched and identified trends in employment during good and bad economic times. The recent financial meltdown warrants a reexamination of these trends to see if they coincide with previous recessions and what lessons can be learned for those graduating and attempting to find employment. This report details the varying circumstances surrounding college graduates as they seek employment during times of both economic prosperity (or booms) and less fortunate times of economic busts (recessions). This is important since these trends may identity both potential roadblocks and benefits for gainful employment and future opportunities. Graduation is also a crucial time in a young adult’s life as they finish school and enter the workforce. The hypothesis put forth in this paper suggests that graduating during these different times does have an impact on a graduate’s life and can pose a threat to future opportunities should they graduate during a somewhat dismal economic time. Data was collected from 1971, 1982, 1996, and 2002 and considers the economic landscape at the time of graduation for students in each of these years. Surveys were sent out to Bryant University alumni and the data collected was used to examine whether the statement holds true. 274 alumni responded within the allotted time and the data was analyzed. Data from the respondents shows that while the economic climate played a role in graduates attaining jobs, many have stated other reasons underlying their employment prospects. The research has shown trends in employment for students that do indicate better conditions and prospects for those graduating during better economic times, however, alumni see the clear disadvantage when graduating during recessions and attempting to find gainful employment. While the data collected is only representative of Bryant alum, an extensive literature review helped to identify opportunities sought by other college graduates. This included factors such as wage earnings, projection of job opportunities, career paths and their potential job limitations, and others.

The Final Fight: The 2008 Battle of Sadr City

Geoffrey Ensby — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:46:03 PDT

Iraq following the US invasion in March of 2003 was a dangerous place, and one in which the national government struggled to maintain control while unsanctioned and unauthorized strongmen and their militias controlled wide swaths of territory. This analysis will thus look at the 2008 Battle of Sadr City between the militia of radical Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and the military forces of Iraq and the US conducting the operation in concert. Utilizing a number of newspaper accounts and editorials, journal articles, recent books, and freelance journalists’ writings, several key aspects will be considered regarding how Iraq was changed for the better. Important elements of the battle to be examined include the perilous power play before the battle between Mr Sadr and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as well as the increasing competency of the Iraqi Security Forces. This analysis will also evaluate how additional Coalition military units and newly-developed tactics were employed to effect a combined military and political defeat of Mr Sadr and his private army. Lastly, this is an assessment of the results of the battle, ranging from micro-level impacts on daily life in the area of operations all the way up to the changing nature of US policy in Iraq. At the end of the fight, the Iraqi state came out as the victors, with a stronger popular backing in addition to greater control over much of its territory brought about by breaking the power of these stateless armed groups. More so, the US has been able to begin a drawdown of its presence with the victory by the Iraqis over their extremist menace. In conclusion, the combination of both the soft and the hard power that won over the populace permitted a split between them and the radical fringes of the militias that then became marked for destruction. The achievement of this goal led to a more stable security situation in this tumultuous country and established the state as the sole and preeminent governing authority.

Raising Youth Turnout: The Role of Campaigns and Political Involvement Organizations

Rebecca Brown — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:28:35 PDT

This paper will explore a different side of the youth voter and the mystified year of the youth voter by examining the elections of 1992, 2004, and 2008. In investigating this issue, instead of examining the actions of the young voters during these elections, the actions of campaigns and get out the vote organizations are examined. It seems that the disappointment in young voters is not an issue for which young people hold sole responsibility. The other actors in the election, too, must do their part in courting the young voter. They must spend the time, effort, and money necessary to attract this group of voters and address the needs of this group. These entities are rarely to never examined in relation to the youth vote due to difficulties quantifying their role. The conclusions address the campaigns and organizations efforts towards young people as well as issues with the concepts behind the myth of the youth voter.

What Determines Leadership Style?

Apryl Silva — Sun, 10 May 2009 16:30:17 PDT

This project examines selected traits valued in friends by educated individuals, and it seeks to determine if these valued traits vary by gender, race, and generational cohort. A literature review reveals that variations in leadership attributes are evident among these traits. In order to test the broad applicability of this literature, data were taken from the General Social Survey (GSS). The key analyses center on correlations between gender, race, and cohort, on the one hand, and the selected valued traits identified with effective leadership on the other. In some cases, the literature yields weak hypotheses, and in other cases the research is solely exploratory. According to leadership expert Peter Northouse, the personal traits of intelligence, integrity, and sociability are closely tied to effective leadership. This project examines the influence of gender, race, and cohort on how much these traits are valued. The findings of this project have potential usefulness for organizations to better understand how these three leadership traits are associated with gender, race, and age—perhaps ultimately influencing how organizations train and view their managers.

The Impact of the Summer Olympics on its Host City: The Costs Outweigh the Tangible Benefits

Steven Rosenblum — Sun, 10 May 2009 15:48:19 PDT

In the eyes of a host city, the reason to host the Summer Olympic Games has evolved from shining glory on athletic feats to receiving the perceived benefits from the opportunity. In the current times, there are a record number of Olympic events generating a demand for the construction of a larger amount of Games facilities than ever before. However, nations still vie for the winning bid to host the Olympics in one of their cities. This paper seeks to show that the costs of hosting the Games outweigh its tangible benefits. In detail, it will look at the financial, political, and social costs and benefits of hosting the Olympics and examine how they impact the host city. Then the perceived benefits of hosting the London Olympics will be examined. Specifically, this paper will show that the costs of hosting the London Olympics outweigh its tangible benefits, especially in times where the world is in a global recession. Overall, the purpose of this project is to present the drawbacks of hosting the Olympics. It concludes with suggestions on how to make hosting the Olympics a more cost-effective endeavor.

Active Servicewomen in World War II: Helping to Create a New American Culture

Kristin Lynch — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:32:00 PDT

The lives of several active servicewomen during World War II were forever changed, culturally, psychologically, and socially, as a result of their experiences during the War; however, this modification of lives did not stop at individual women. Through examining three separate letter collections of three wartime women serving in very diverse situations, this project aims to focus on the changes through which these women progress, as gleaned from their writing, concerning the overall effect of the war in their lives, particularly relating to personal growth, cultural ramifications, and the overall impact each woman’s experience had in her life. More important, however, is how each individual’s experience resulted in a compilation of experiences, eventually helping to define a new, diverse, American society in the post World War II era.

The Girl Scouts of Rhode Island: “Shaping Girls into Extraordinary Women”

Lisa DiNapoli — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:36:22 PDT

The Girl Scouts of Rhode Island: “Shaping Girls into Extraordinary Women” is a documentary film that tells the story of 18 women who were Girl Scouts of Rhode Island during the 1930s through the 1990s. The purpose of this film is to share with others the profound impact the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island has had in modeling these women into the phenomenal individuals they are today. These women were interviewed at various venues including the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island Council Office, Camp Hoffman, and one residence. The primary research methodology used was the collection of interview tapes. In addition, the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island website and several books were used to produce this film. The results indicated that while each story was unique, many of their experiences revealed a common theme: how the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island shapes girls into extraordinary women.

The Modern Application of the "Best Interests of the Child" Theory in Custodial Law

John Belanger — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:58:31 PDT

In its traditional sense, family law (aka domestic relations law) involves the legal relationships between husband and wife, parent and child, as a social, political, and economic unit. Recently, the boundaries of family law have to grown to encompass relationships among persons who live together but are not married, so-called non-traditional families. The legal aspects of families, whether they are traditional or non-traditional, include principles of constitutional law, property law, contract law, tort law, civil procedure, statutory regulations, equitable remedies, and marital property and support rights. Most family law statues are drafted as general guidelines. Consequently, state court judges normally have broad discretion in resolving many family law disputes. Moreover, a particular judge’s interpretation of family law issues will be guided by the law of the state whose family law governs the case, and the underlying law is rarely uniform from state to state. A judge may be bound by a state’s traditional family law statutes and judicial precedents, a more modern approach, or a combination of the two.

Do the Poor Pay More? An Empirical Investigation

Amanda Harnden — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:40:50 PDT

Poverty and homelessness are a rising problem in the United States. For the individuals and families that have fallen under such circumstances, it can be very difficult to overcome poverty. This paper shows areas where low-income persons pay more money and how they are additionally disadvantaged. Based on a review of the available literature, there is a summary of the practices causing the low -income to pay more money. These practices include check cashing services, payday lenders, lack of grocery stores, tax preparation services, wire money services, rent-a-center stores and more. Some of these practices exist and are not solved because of the real and perceived risk of doing business in low income areas, lack of choices and knowledge for low-income families, as well as unscrupulous business practices towards the poor. A closer look is taken of Woonsocket, Rhode Island as another component of this empirical research project which examines how the community’s underprivileged people are being affected. A number of mapping methods of the Woonsocket area are included, dividing the area by census tracts. Different neighborhoods are analyzed to identify the location of things like rent-a-centers and check cashing services, as well as the lack of institutions such as grocery stores. The results show that in areas of low income and low education, more of the businesses that prey on the poor exist. Possible solutions are also discussed that could be implemented in Woonsocket.