BSc (Hons) Psychology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7263

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A comparison between the effects of functional versus factual information on memory for tools.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This project's aim was to compare the effects of thinking about functional information versus factual information on memory recall. 51 participants were given three tasks in which they were shown 44 images of ambiguous tools. In the first task participants were asked to rate whether they recognised both the tool and its function. In the second task participants were again shown the images accompanied by either two functional options or two factual options. They then were asked to choose which option they thought was correct after which they were told if they were correct or not. In the final task participants were again shown the images and were asked to input any information they could recall about the information shown. The results showed that humans have a higher recall hit rate when thinking about the function of a tool compared to a fact.
A discourse analysis approach to understanding the characteristics of trolling in social media
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Computer-mediated communications (CMC) has introduced new ways in which people communicate with each other (Hardaker, 2010). The ease of communication, in a more anonymised social context brings a different set of communication behaviours and patterns, some of which can be negative, such as trolling. YouTube attracts high volumes of trolling (Moor, Heuvelman, & Verleur, 2010). The aims of this study into trolling on YouTube were to examine if and / or how users responded to trolling with further trolling, and if users that interjected in defence of the target found themselves to be the new target of trolling. A subset of trolling data generated by a video of a feminist was analysed using discourse analysis. Trolling did often lead to more trolling, but the trolls did not attack users who intervened with a counter argument. The most overt sexual comments generated more trolling by different users, thus providing further evidence between trolling and sexually aggressive language. The influence of anonymity on trolling presented opportunities for further study. The study provides insight into the patterns of trolling behaviour on YouTube. Whilst it is too limited to be generalised, the study offers a greater understanding into the characteristics of trolling on social media.
A Discourse Analysis Approach to Understanding how people construct arguments in online forums towards membership of the European Union in the Brexit debate.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
As the rate at which people use media to interact with one another increases, the volume of research surrounding the matter has also. Researchers have suggested that online political discussion facilitates the expansion of public knowledge (Dahlgren, 2005) and people's willingness to contribute to political conversations (Price et al., 2002). This study examines, through a discursive analysis of online forums which debate membership of the European Union before the vote happened, how people construct arguments in online forums, with close regards to the research currently suggesting the notion of post-truth. Specifically, it looks at how people constructed arguments both for and against membership of the EU in the Brexit debate and whether any specific methods were adopted in doing this. Results suggest that there are three main ways people will construct arguments in online forums and that people tend to make strong arguments against what is presented as factual from opposing sides.
A Discourse Analysis Examining the Influence of Unidentifiability Online Upon the Construction of Prejudicial Discourse Towards Muslims and the Islamic Faith.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
This research examined whether a differing degree of unidentifiability online influences the construction of prejudicial discourse towards Muslims and the Islamic faith. Discourse Analysis (DA) was used to examine comments posted by supporters of the English Defence League (EDL; a group which opposes Islam) on Facebook and YouTube. Facebook is a semi-public domain (Cover, 2014), whereas speakers on YouTube used pseudonyms and did not have any personal information available to view. This research found that EDL supporters use language of extreme hatred towards Muslims. EDL supporters orient away from being heard as racist, though they accept that their views are prejudicial. However, the speakers on Facebook attempt to justify their prejudicial views as being caused by the behaviour of Muslims. Conversely, speakers on YouTube present increasingly extreme discourse that they do not attempt to justify. The increase in online unidentifiability afforded to YouTube users allows speakers to present unguarded hate talk which in turn promotes physical violence towards Muslims. This study has highlighted the importance of context upon Islamophobic constructions online from supporters of the EDL, and shown that a heightened sense of online unidentifiability can increase language which promotes violence offline.
ACES AND VIRTUAL SHARKS: HOW DO ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AFFECT EMOTIONAL AROUSAL UNDER STRESS?
(2020)
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to a variety of negative life outcomes, with the formation of a maladaptive stress response system as a result of the buildup of toxic stress being described as part of the biological process underpinning this. The results of cortisol research are conflicting as to whether ACEs lead to an increase or decrease in stress response in adult life, as well as whether an additive (linear) or threshold (non-linear) model is appropriate. This study used the stimulus of a virtual reality shark dive in the first experiment to explore whether galvanic skin response (GSR) is impacted by ACE score. Results showed significant differences in GSR between low ACE scorers (0-3 ACEs) and high ACE scorers (4 10 ACEs), with high ACE scorers having a 48% increase in non-specific skin conductance responses (NS-SCR). These results support the existence of a threshold model between ACE score and GSR that occurs at four ACEs, with a non-linear relationship found between ACE score and outcome measures. It is suggested that the maladaptive stress response caused by ACEs operates through the build-up of toxic stress, eventually reaching the point when a neurological threshold is crossed, resulting in a sensitized stress response and the proliferation of stress reactions to non-threatening stimuli.
An Examination of the interaction between scene complexity and duration on the weapon focus effect
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
During a situation of which a crime has taken place, a weapon has been found to have a detrimental impact for the details of the event. Explanations of why this phenomenon, known as the weapon focus effect, occurs, has divided psychological literature. Previous research has explored how factors of scene-duration and scene-complexity can affect this weapon focus. This current study aims to build on the literature by exploring the main effects of object-threat, object-unusualness, scene-complexity and scene-duration in a multifactorial design. Target-present and target absent lineups were also included in conjunction with the main effects in order to further understand the factors that elicit a weapon focus. Scenecomplexity was found to be significant in measures of cued-recall, with scene-duration found to be significant in recognition scores. An interaction between scene-duration, object-threat and object-unusualness was also observed in recognition scores. Significant effects were of object-unusualness as well as scene-complexity were found to result in lower proportions of correct identifications in target-present lineups. An interaction was also discovered in correct identifications of target-present lineups between scene-duration and object-threat. The results suggest that the variable of scene-duration elicits a detrimental effect to memory recall. General implications and recommendations for future research are also deliberated.
An examination of the role played by threat, unusualness, duration and complexity on producing the weapon focus effect.
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
The Weapon Focus Effect is a well documented phenomenon whereby the presence of a threatening or unusual object during a crime will capture an individuals attention to the extent where there memory for the event is reduced along side their ability to correctly identify the perpetrator of the crime. The current study will examine this effect, and the extent to which it is influenced by; the perceived level of threat or unusualness of an object; the duration for which the object is seen; and the complexity of the scene in which it is viewed. Participants watched a short video in which an actor held either a gun, knife, flamingo or hole-punch before their memory of the scene was tested. The results suggested that the more threatening or unusual the object the more likely it was to be remembered. Results also suggested that threat, duration and complexity in combination lead to reductions in memory. Only the threat condition was found to have an effect on lineups, with threat resulting in more correct identifications in target-present lineups.
An exploration of the potential relationships between attachment style, prejudice, and the acceptability of hate speech.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
The aim of the current study was to explore the potential relationships between subtle and blatant prejudice, attachment style, and hate speech acceptability. This research employed a quantitative methodology. Participants completed an online survey consisting of the Subtle and Blatant Prejudice Scale which measured personal subtly and blatantly prejudiced attitudes, the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire - Revised which measured anxious and avoidant attachment, and the Attitudes Towards Censorship - Revised scale which measured attitudes towards hate speech acceptability. Multiple regression analysis showed a small significant relationship between attachment anxiety and blatant prejudice, but not subtle prejudice. High acceptability of hate speech attitudes was found to be significantly associated with both subtle prejudice and sex. The results suggest that current conceptualisations of prejudice within the literature are rather vague and that future prejudice research including hate speech acceptability may make insightful contributions regarding the psychological underpinnings of prejudice as a whole.
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experience of caring for a spouse suffering from Alzheimer's Disease: Reviewing the Social Media Forums.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
This study aims to provide an in-depth view of the lived experience of spouses caring for a partner suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The main research aim was to explore the way in which individuals express themselves through online support groups. It was found in the research of previous literature that caregivers would be more emotionally explicit when expressing themselves through online social support forums. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as means of analysis. The findings of this research provided many different themes through the process of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Most commonly; guilt, loneliness and fear among others. It was found that in a large majority of cases through the data analysed that males caring for their wives much more lengthy and expressive with their thoughts and emotions regarding the disease through the online support forum. It is concluded that whilst these findings are useful in providing an insight of the experience of male caregivers that further research is needed. Key Words; Alzheimer's Disease, Wife, Husband, Caregiver, Social Media, Social Support, Social Support Forum, Expression, Interpretation.
An investigation into the relationship between attachment, disordered eating and body dissatisfaction in a mostly nonclinical population
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
There are a number of adverse effects associated with attachment insecurity. However, little research has investigated disordered eating and body dissatisfaction as adverse outcomes that may affect the general population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships amongst attachment, disordered eating and body dissatisfaction in a nonclinical sample. Correlations, multiple regression and independent samples t-test were conducted using the Experiences in Close Relations Revised Questionnaire (ECR-R), the Eating Disorder Examination Questionairre (EDE-Q) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) respectively. A total of 224 participants took part in this study. Correlations found strong significant relationships between attachment insecurity, disordered eating and body dissatisfaction and multiple regression found that both anxious and avoidant attachment types predicted a significant amount of variance in disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. The implications of these findings and their applications to the real world are discussed.
An investigation into whether the observed relationship between Attachment type, Pain Catastrophizing and Self-Esteem predicts pain experience in a general population
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
The aim of the current study was to examine the predictive relationship between pain catastrophizing, attachment type and self - esteem with pain experience in a general population. Furthermore predictors of individual constructs of pain experiences were examined. The research was carried out using quantitative methodology. Participants completed an online survey of the Glasgow Pain Questionnaire (GPQ), a measurement of pain experience, the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire- Revised (ECR-R) to measure attachment types, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) to measure levels of catastrophizing, and the Sorensen Self- Esteem Questionnaire to measure self- esteem levels. Analysis showed both pain catastrophizing and levels of low self-esteem displayed associations with pain experience, whereas attachment showed no association. Further analysis revealed helplessness emerged as the only unique predictor out of the PCS with pain experience. Helplessness showed the strongest association with ability to cope when in pain, accounting for a variance of 8.5%. The results contribute to a considerable gap within the literature concerning psychosocial factors relationships with acute pain experiences.
Appraising the contributions of visual imagery and verbal ability in facilitating the survival processing memory advantage.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
The current study explored the mnemonic survival processing advantage in order to asses the extent to which visual imagery and verbal ability influence our information processing faculties. One hundred participants took part in an auxiliary memory test after rating items in one of four processing conditions (Grasslands; Scottish highlands; QMU/threatening; and QMU/non-threatening). Post-test measures relating to the rating task were also taken. Results suggested that both non-QMU scenarios were associated with superior rates of recall. The data indicated that neither schematic familiarity nor survival threat significantly influenced recall performance. Differences between the QMU and non-QMU processing scenarios suggest that the mnemonic advantage often observed in survival relevant processing scenarios are more profound than a simple response mechanism to existential threat. The data is used to explore the potential proximations between underlying mechanisms and the processing advantage.
ARE CYCLISTS VIEWED AS AN OUT-GROUP? AN INVESTIGATION OF MOTORISTS ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS
(2018)
The present study aimed to identify if individuals are biased against cyclists due to their perceived status as being an out-group. In particular, the influence of the stereotype that cyclists often run through red lights was investigated to see if this stereotype had any influence on the participants’ road crossing behaviours. The experiment conducted required participants to make a decision on whether or not to cross the road at a light operated pedestrian crossing, basing their choice on the presence of a car, bicycle or nothing when they faced a light signal was green or red. Participants faced the road crossing and traffic lights, and the vehicles present were pictured stationary to the left or right of the pedestrian crossing. Participants then completed a questionnaire which gathered the participant’s attitudes through the use of 5 point Likert scales. It was hypothesised that participants would take longer to correctly cross the road when a cyclist is present when facing a green light and correctly cross the road faster when cars are present when facing a green light. The results did not support the hypothesis. However, a significant effect between light colour and vehicle type on reaction time was observed. Also, a positive correlation was found between hours driven in a week and bias scores derived from the questionnaire. Therefore, being more biased towards cyclists was related to driving more hours in a week. Influences that may have impacted the results are also discussed. Future research in this area may benefit from sampling larger numbers of cyclists and individuals that drive more frequently.
Are Lineup Decisions and Strategies Affected by Memory Quality and Lineup Type?
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
In the past there has been research which demonstrated the effects of lineup type and memory quality but there has been little research which considers whether lineup type and memory interact. This current study was exploring how lineup decisions and strategies affected by memory quality and lineup type? It also looked at which lineup type leads to more correct identifications and which lineup type produces more correct rejections? Another question this study wanted to answer was does lineup type and memory quality interacts? Participants viewed videos which were of poor, moderate or good quality. Each of the participants viewed either a simultaneous lineup or a sequential lineup. The target (guilty suspect) was either present or not present in the lineup. Correct identifications were affected by memory. Poor memory quality produces less correct identifications compared to the moderate or good quality memory. Simultaneous lineups led to more correct identifications and sequential lineups lead to more correct rejections but it was not found to be statistically significant. The study showed that lineup type and memory quality do not interact. This study may have benefited from a higher number of participants as the sample size here is small. Keywords: Memory, simultaneous lineup, sequential lineup, correct identifications.
Are There Differences in Left and Right-Handers Performance on Cognitive Functions in the Context of Deficits in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a possible consequence of any traumatic event in which a person experiences high levels of fear, helplessness or horror. The estimated lifetime prevalence of PTSD is 7.8% within the American population, where prevalence of PTSD is twice as common in women than in men (Kessler et al., 1995). Evidence has suggested that prevalence of PTSD was doubled (15%) in left-handers in comparison to those who are right handed (8%) (Choudhary and O'Carroll, 2007). Furthermore, research has shown that when individuals are exposed to a situation involving fear, left-handers apparently perform similarly to people with PTSD. The current study investigated performance on several cognitive tasks (verbal memory, visual memory, attention, verbal fluency and central executive function) within a non-clinical population between left ad right-handed individuals after eliciting fear. Fear was induced through the use of a fictional film, previously identified as targeting fear (Gross and Levenson, 1995). The study found better performance on visioconstructive skills in left-handers when compared to the right-handed subjects, where results on working memory and central executive function were consistent with previous research findings- there were no differences in handedness or sex after the fearful film. In line with previous findings, women displayed better performance on verbal memory, however, verbal fluency measures were greater in males than females. Recruiting equal number of sexes to the conditions, as well as handedness, may be worthwhile to investigate further.
Auditory Bilateral Stimulation Effects on Episodic Memory Retrieval for Fearful Events.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Eye Movement Desensitising and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been established as an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), of comparable effect to trauma-based cognitive behavioural therapy. Despite its status as a first-line treatment, the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation. This study, consisting of a non-PTSD sample of mainly undergraduate psychology students (N = 58), investigated the effects of the crucial bilateral stimulation component of EMDR. Employing a between subjects design, 48 participants were randomly allocated into two groups, either receiving alternating- or simultaneous auditory stimuli. The remaining 10 participants were assigned to a separate forced simultaneous group as their scores on the PDS reached clinical levels. Employing the film clip paradigm, positively shown to elicit emotional arousal of fear, participants' recall of film events was tested with both a free narrative recall and a cued recognition multiple choice questionnaire. Significant differences in emotional responses to the film stimulus are commented upon. The experimental hypothesis predicted that participants in the active condition, receiving alternating auditory bilateral stimuli would elicit enhanced memory recall for the film events. The hypothesis was rejected and possible theoretical explanations are discussed.
Being a Deaf Mother: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis exploration of the experiences of deaf parents with hearing children.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
This study is an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) into deaf individuals' experiences of parenting hearing children. The experience of becoming a new parent alone can cause initial concerns however having a disability can cause parents to experience additional problems. Previous literature focuses on deafness in relation to child deafness and how this may impact upon their hearing parents' parental experiences. It becomes apparent that there is a gap in the body of knowledge concerning deaf parents with hearing children. There is little commentary regarding their overall experiences of parenthood and specifically in relation to support received and the impact of such support. Through the use of IPA, this study provides an insight into the lived experiences of deaf individuals and how these experiences shape their understanding. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with 3 deaf mothers, with a BSL interpreter present to accurately interpret the conversation. Through extensive analysis, three main themes were identified as being pertinent to deaf parents: Identity, Communication and Support. This thesis will detail each main theme with evidence to demonstrate the importance of each to deaf mothers within this study. Findings from this study should be considered to gain an understanding of the individual challenges experienced by deaf parents in order to prompt positive change. Key Words: Deaf parents, hearing children, parenthood, experience, support, lived experience, interpretative phenomenological enquiry.
Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Associations between Glycaemic Control, Child Adjustment Behaviours, and Parental Style.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Rates of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children are increasing globally. Considerable psychological research examines factors contributing to glycaemic control in adolescents. The aim of this study was to discover whether adjustment behaviours or parental styles explain greater variance in glycaemic control, in children. 196 parents, recruited from a Facebook group, completed measures of child adjustment and parental style. Results indicated there is a small negative correlation between adjustment behaviour total score and sub-scores, authoritarian parental style and glycaemic control. The small negative correlation revealed a pattern: as glycaemic control decreased adjustment behaviours and authoritarian parental style increased, particularly in older children. The study showed that child adjustment behaviours explain greater variance in glycaemic control than parental styles in children. As children mature adopting a more authoritarian parental style may help to improve glycaemic control in those aged 11+. Therefore, health professionals should aim to identify child adjustment behaviour problems early on, and work towards the development of valid interventions and reduce the complications of living with the condition. Keywords: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Problem Behaviour, Parent* Styles, Glycaemic Control.
Cohesion and Collective Directional Movement.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Studies on group cohesion have suggested that synchronized movement and joint action influences perceived entitativity. This project's aim was to examine the effect of collective directional movement on levels of cohesiveness. A between subject design was employed including pairs of a total of 96 participants who were asked to either take a walk or another or march on the spot. They were then asked to complete a questionnaire on prosocial behaviours. Results showed that the condition in which participants were asked to physically move from one place to another was linked to elevated levels of both cohesion and cohesion change during the task. An evolutionary perspective could potentially provide and explanation for the present results.
Collective Directional Movement & Cohesion
(2020)
Studies on groups have stated that collective directional movement (CDM) influences perceived cohesion on groups compared with a static condition. This project’s aim was to further examine the effect of CDM on levels of cohesiveness. A mixed factorial design was used to investigate the effect of movement (CDM & Static) and effort levels (high or low) on levels of perceived cohesion, shared goals and common fate. 96 participants were recruited to answer the questionnaire and divided in to “CDMHigh-Effort/StaticLow-Effort” condition and “CDMLow-Effort/StaticHigh-Effort” condition. Participants read imagined scenarios about groups of people participating in tasks of varying movement and effort type. The results found no significant effect of movement on levels of cohesion, shared goals and shared goals together. However, the present study produced results showing that tasks that required more “effort” (either physical or mental) led to increased measurements on perceptions of cohesion, shared goals and common fate only in the CDM condition as opposed to the Static condition.