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2D:4D Ratio and its Relation to Aggression in Athletic Students Who Play Contact Sports.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Background: Digit ratio is calculated by dividing the length of the index finger (second digit, 2D) be the length of the ring finger (fourth finger, 4D). Positive relationships have been demonstrated between 2D:4D ratio and the level of testosterone individuals are exposed to prenatally in the womb, which is a sexually dimorphic trait. Aggression is also correlated with 2D:4D ratio, as a biological marker of high prenatal testosterone exposure. As contact-based sport is also associated with aggressiveness, it was hypothesised that a relationship would occur between low digit ratio and aggression in a population of participants involved in contact sport. Methods: A total of 44 QMU undergraduate students (contact n=21, non-contact n=21) participated in this study. All students were asked to complete Buss and Perry's Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Aggression was measured using a 'Total Aggression Score' and on each sub-category of the AQ to include 'Anger', 'Verbal', Hostility' and 'Physical'. Second and fourth digit lengths were measured using digital callipers and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Data was recorded on Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS. Results: The results revealed a positive correlation with 'Physical' aggression and 2D:4D ratio on the dominant hand in the non-contact sports group (p = 0.04). Results from this study did reveal there was no significance in aggression scores between groups however there was a trend indicating that the contact sports group exhibit higher aggression levels. Discussion: In part, these results do strengthen the use of 2D:4D as a predictor for the effects of testosterone in utero and human behaviour, particularly for 'Physical' aggression. Although the results are not consistent with the hypothesis that the contact sports group would reveal correlations between low digit ratio and aggressiveness. Key Words: 2D:4D Ratio; Aggression; Testosterone; Prenatal Sex Hormones; Buss and Perry Questionnaire
2D:4D Ratio and its relation to Aggression, Spatial Awareness and Competitiveness in individuals who play contact and non-contact sport.
(2018)
Background - The length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) has been suggested as a marker for the prenatal androgen exposure. Relatively longer fourth finger indicates a higher prenatal androgen exposure of testosterone, a sexually dimorphic trait, which in turn gives a smaller 2D:4D ratio. Aggression, Spatial Awareness and competitiveness are associated with high levels of testosterone, therefore it is hypothesised that a relationship would occur between a low digit ratio and high levels of aggression, spatial awareness and competitiveness in a population involved in contact sports. Methods – A total of 40 QMU students who regularly participated in contact and non-contact sports were used (contact n=20, non-contact=20) in the study. All students had the second and fourth digit measured using digital calipers on each hand, and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Participants completed the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire, which measured the individuals aggression scores. The Santa Barbara Solids Test, which measured the spatial awareness score, and a Competitiveness Questionnaire, measuring the individuals competitiveness percentage. Data was recorded on Microsoft Excel and further analysed using SPSS. Results – The study revealed that there was no statistical significance with any of the groups, however there were several trends indicating that those who participated in contact sports were more competitive than their counterparts who participated in non-contact sports. It was also noted that those who participated in non-contact sports were found to be more spatially aware, and more competitive than those involved in contact sports. Discussion – The results support the use of 2D:4D ratio as a biomarker for prenatal androgen exposure, in particular highlighting those with lower 2D:4D ratio have higher aggression levels. Although the results were not statistically significant, it does reveal a small correlation between low 2D:4D ratio and aggression. Key Words – 2D:4D ratio; Buss and Perry Questionnaire; Santa Barbara Solids Test; Competitiveness Questionnaire; Aggression; Spatial Awareness; Competitiveness
2D:4D ratio and its relation to spatial Awareness, competitiveness and aggression in contact and non-contact sports
(2018)
Background- The measurement between the index finger (second finger) and the ring finger (fourth finger) can be used to calculate the 2D:4D ratio. The ratio is a sexual dimorphic trait which is due to androgen exposure. The volume of this exposure which can be of testosterone or oestrogen when a baby is in the womb can have an effect on many different features such as finger length, size of nose and behavioral traits. Behavioral traits such as competitiveness, aggression and spatial awareness have been hypothesized to be closely linked to 2D:4D ratio. This hypothesis has also been lead to believe that those who have a low 2D:4D ratio are more aggressive and competitive which can allow them to have an advantage in sports. Method- A total of 40 QMU undergraduate students were recruited to participate in the study. Out of the 40 participants the gender was split equally (20 females and 20 males) and all were from 4 different sports teams which were either from a contact sport (hockey and football) or a noncontact sport team (running and cheerleading). All four teams were required to fill out three different questionnaires (Buss and Perry’s aggression questionnaire, Santa Barbra’s solids test and a competitiveness questionnaire). The 2D:4D ratios were then recorded using digital calipers then calculated. All the data from the measurements and questionnaires were entered into excel and SPSS. Results- The results from this study showed that men had a higher aggression score in comparison to females; meanwhile females had a smaller 2D:4D ratio in comparison to males. The results from this study revealed that long distance runners have the lowest aggression but highest competitiveness scores in comparison to football, hockey players and cheerleading. The results found that non-contact sports where more spatially aware in comparison to contact sports teams Conclusion – The results from this study have shown conflicted data but the results do not support the popular hypothesis of the relationship of aggression, competitiveness and spatial awareness in relation to 2D:4D ratio despite males are found to be more aggressive than females. Keywords- 2D:4D ratio, Competitiveness, aggression, spatial awareness, Buss and Perry questionnaire, testosterone.
A 10 metre 6-minute walk test can not be used as an appropriate alternative to the standardised 30 metre 6-minute walk test: an inter- test reproducibility study
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Question: Does a 10-metre 6 minute walk test (6MWT) show acceptable agreement to the standardised 30-metre 6MWT, to be used as an appropriate alternative? Design: A within participant, inter-test reproducibility design Setting: Sports Hall, Queen Margaret University. Participants: 25 healthy participants, between 18 and 24 years, were recruited from the Queen Margaret University student population. Intervention: Participants attended for one session in which they were required to perform one 10m 6MWT and one 30m 6MWT. The 6MWTs were performed in accordance with the standardised American Thoracic Society guidelines. Total distance walked, number of laps, heart rate, Borg rate of perceived exertion and anthropometric data was recorded under strict experimental conditions. Outcome Measures: 6-minute walk distance in metres (6MWD). Results: Moderate inter-test reproducibility was found between the 10m 6MWT and the 30m, with an ICC score of 0.584 (95% CI of -0.53-0.879). Bland and Altman analysis produced a range of 94.12 m between 95% limits, showing moderate agreement. All of the participants walked further in the 30m 6MWT trial with a mean increase 13.18% (65.88 m) in 6MWD. Conclusion: The 10m 6MWT appears to have moderate agreement to the 30m 6MWT, however, when the results are considered with minimal detectable change values, this agreement can not be considered acceptable. The 10m 6MWT can not be interchanged with the standardised 30m 6MWT in clinical practice. It is recommended that further research, looking at the agreement between the 10m 6MWT and the 30m 6MWT, using more clinical populations and larger sample sizes.
A case study of motivation in Hungarian fashion shows.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Fashion has the ability to generate emotions in individuals' mind. It has the ability to form a sense of shared belonging by creating a 'common visible world' for people who are interested in fashion. As events have developed so did the demand for memorable experiences. People become more interested in investing money into leisure activities that can satisfy their personal needs, such as fashion shows. However, not only attendees' can fulfil their desires by attending the shows. Fashion shows provide the greatest platform for designers to showcase their designs thus offering them the opportunity of 'live advertisements' benefiting them with rewards, such as gaining media awareness and reputation through the shows. After investigating the existing literature, the researcher was able to explore and identify the theoretical framework on which the research study was built on. Although it has been recognised that a wide range of research was previously carried out on motivation regarding to event attendance, however, investigating the nature of fashion shows and the motivations regarding fashion show attendance and participation within lesser developed countries, such as Hungary seems to be an under researched area. Therefore, the research's aim is to classify the main motivational factors regarding to fashion show attendance and participation through the eyes of the attendees and designers using the case of Hungary. Personal experiences, thoughts and opinions of attendees and designers will be examined in order to provide an in-depth understanding of what lies behind the motivations of each individuals in order to attend and participate at the shows. The researcher chose to apply qualitative approach through the use of semi-structured and online personal interviews as it has the ability to provide more in-depth information. In order to provide reliable results, discussion and analysis, the researcher chose to conduct the interviews with eight individuals who have been previously attended fashion shows and another two with contemporary designers. Moreover, the interviews have been carefully translated to English. The results found demonstrate that identifying attendees' and designers' motivations towards fashion show attendance and participation is crucial in order to understand the needs and desires of both attendees' and designers' thus enabling Hungarian fashion shows to reach out for a wider audience and participants. Also, it become clear that fashion shows already have a demand in Hungary. Despite the undeniable limitations of the present Hungarian fashion shows, both sample groups had positive and optimistic thoughts about its future development. Hungarian designers considered fashion shows as an innovative experience that could benefit them greatly with the rewards that the shows might offer, such as monetary benefits, relationships building and press coverage. Attendees shared this opinion and added that the shows' overall experience has improved greatly since the beginning. Attendees also highlighted that fashion shows allow Hungarians to be more opened towards newness whilst also providing an exciting platform for individuals to be entertained, share a sense of belonging and to have the ability to build beneficial relationships. Both designers and attendees have however agreed that essential changes still need to be implemented in order to improve and increase the attractiveness of the shows.
A comparative analysis of the framing devices used by an online pro-same sex marriage publication (The San Francisco Chronicle), and by Democratic Politician Hillary Clinton when framing their views on the same-sex marriage debate.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Introduction (part): Issues directly impacting lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens of the United States of America have gained serious media and political attention for a number of years (Warren & Bloch 2014). It has gained traction in recent years due to LGBT rights becoming more salient within American society, with 51% of people supporting same-sex marriage in a poll conducted in 2013, compared with just 32% in 2003 (Pew Research Center 2013). The issue of same-sex marriage has been at the forefront recently due to it's legalization after the 5-4 ruling in the Obergefell v. Hodges case on June 26th 2015, which ruled that same-sex couples now have the Constitutional right to marry across the 51 United States of America. Same-sex marriage as a social movement is one of the fastest growing social movements in recent years, and many have stated that legalization of same-sex marriage is of cultural significance and representative of old barriers of sexuality, class and race are being broken down indicating that there is a much bigger appreciation for diversity in today's society (Holtzhausen 2012, p. 2). The issue of same-sex marriage in the United States, is one that has divided a nation, with some championing the legalization and others strongly opposing, and previous laws of the issue being left at state level, creating a confusing mix in which some states were issuing marriage licenses, and other's were not. This confusing mix forced the issue to go before a national court, with it ultimately being legalized.
A comparative-descriptive enquiry of postnatal depression in immigrant and refugee women within NHS Lothian.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Aim: The aim of the proposed research is to gain an in-depth understanding of the views of immigrant and refugee women's experiences of postnatal care within NHS Lothian. Background: About every one in ten mothers develop postnatal depression. For immigrant and refugee women the prevalence is proposed to be higher. This is due to predisposing risk factors that increase their chances of developing postnatal depression. Due to the increasing diversity within Scotland and the lack of research based on the topic within this country, it is important that we ensure that the right care and support is available. Methods: Participants are to be sampled using non-probability, purposive sampling. Information letters shall be sent to health visitor and family based centres to recruit participants. For this phenomenological study, the use of unstructured, face to face, interviews will be the method of data collection. Conclusion: Practical and cultural barriers determine whether a women seeks help for their postnatal depression. Stigmatisation surrounding postnatal depression is a problem than affects not only immigrant and refugee women but also the average population. Awareness for healthcare professionals needs to be increased in order to provide the help and support that women with postnatal depression require.
A comparison and evaluation of external noise levels between urban and rural primary schools
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Environmental noise can have a detrimental effect on the physiology, motivation and cognition of school children (Evans and Lepore 1993) and can cause negative effects on a person's physiological, mental, motivational and cognitive functions (Berglund, Lindvall and Schwela 1999) as well as having a recognisable interference with communication, resulting in significant social consequences (Brammer and Laroche 2012). In 1999, the World Health Organisation (WHO) set guidelines to ensure noise levels do not exceed 35dB LAeq in the classroom and 55dB LAeq on the playground. Shield and Dockrell (2004) investigated whether these guidelines were being adhered to in a study of internal and external noise levels in London primary schools. In order to evaluate external noise levels within primary schools in Scotland, playground noise levels were compared between urban and rural environments during mid-morning break time, as well as the five minute period immediately prior to and after the break time. It was found that primary schools in urban settings were significantly louder than in rural settings although the level of noise produced by school children during play did not reflect noise levels within the environment. Observations during the investigation found that road traffic, weather and birds were the main sources of noise when the children were not on the playground. The average external noise level in urban school playgrounds exceeds the current WHO guideline and the effects of high noise levels on communication should be further investigated.
A comparison between gum and starch based thickeners on the perception of sensory characteristics 'taste', 'appearance' and 'consistency' in non-dysphagic swallowers.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Modification of the texture and consistency of food and drink has been established as a leading management option for dysphagia. Adding thickening powders to drinks is an effective way of increasing the viscosity of the bolus consequently allowing individuals more control of liquid during the swallowing process. Throughout the United Kingdom, NHS trusts are beginning to transition from traditional starch based thickeners (SBTs) to gum based thickeners (GBTs) with the rationale that this will increase compliance levels. The current study aimed to investigate the presence of a preference for the sensory characteristics 'taste', 'appearance' and 'consistency' of GBTs compared to SBTs. In addition, the study aimed to examine if this preference was consistent at both 'syrup' and 'pudding' consistencies using two base beverages (water and orange juice). 30 non-dysphagic participants were asked to sample eight thickened drinks; (four SBT, four GBT) which had been thickened to both 'syrup' and 'pudding' consistency using water and orange juice as a base beverage. Participants were asked to rate the appearance, taste and consistency of the drinks on a scale of one to seven. The findings from the study highlighted that GBTs were perceived as more appealing in appearance, taste and consistency compared to SBTs. This preference remained consistent across 'syrup' and 'pudding' thick beverages and the two base beverages (orange juice and water). The current study also highlighted a preference for preferred 'syrup' thick beverages, with orange juice as a base beverage. These findings provide support for the trust wide transition to GBTs, and indicate that there is a preference for the sensory characteristics of GBTs compared to SBTs. This in turn may have a positive impact on compliance levels.
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 comparison of drug knowledge and attitude in primary(5/6) and Secondary (2/3) school pupils
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
INTRODUCTION Research has not paid much attention to children in primary school regarding their knowledge of drugs and attitude to substance use compared with the secondary school aged population. The aim of this study is to assess and analyse school pupils drug knowledge and awareness, what is taught within the curriculum, their attitude towards drugs, peer-pressure and their decision making skills. Thus, in turn, accessing whether pupils are achieving expected curriculum outcomes and any future direction in interventions. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in February in Edinburgh. The subjects of the study were primary (younger) and secondary (older) school pupils. The 148 participants, aged 9-14 years, responded to a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 9 questions and 24 items. The analysis was based on frequency of responses to individual questions and, where appropriate, cross tabulations (using the Chi-Square statistical test) to compare and identify statistically significant differences between particular group. RESULTS There was a significant difference in secondary pupils knowing more drugs name specifically cannabis and heroin compare to primary (0.001 and 0.000). Majority of pupils in both groups did not feel peer pressure. Drug knowledge gained was from multiple sources in both school groups. In primary school pupils had a significantly better attitude towards substance use in some outcomes (0.000 and 0.008) meanwhile secondary school pupils had a better understanding of drug knowledge in some outcomes. CONCLUSION Overall, both groups of pupils' drug knowledge and attitude towards substance use was good in terms of what they already knew. Older secondary pupils had heard of more drugs by name and appeared to have a higher autonomy from parents in getting drug related knowledge compare to Younger primary school pupils. It seems attitude about substance use among primary school was encouraging while in secondary school pupil it was slightly lacking on some outcomes but they did have a better drug knowledge and its effect on the body. Future interventions need multifaceted approach in targeting social and environmental factors of school aged children. KEY WORDS Drug knowledge and attitude, primary, secondary, , substance use, children, young people, school pupils
A Comparison of Drug Knowledge Between Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary School Pupils.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Background: The Curriculum for Excellence, the current national curriculum implemented in Scottish schools, offers little in the way of drug education. Choosing primarily to focus on alcohol and tobacco misuse, the framework fails in delivering a broader and comprehensive drug education syllabus to pupils at every level of schooling. Secondary school pupils, and adolescents in general, are a particularly vulnerable and impressionable group of individuals. Therefore it is essential for them to be equipped with up to date and reliable information about drugs. Research, in the area, links several factors to adolescent and long term drug abuse. Some of these factors include early contact with drugs, peer pressure, neglectful parenting style, socio-economic background, and overall lack of drug knowledge. Whilst incidence of adolescent drug use is decreasing, in 2013, drug misuse incidents cost NHS England approximately £488 million. Thus, it is still considered a critical public health issue. Adolescent drug knowledge, of UK pupils, is an area of research which is decidedly scarce. Objectives: To compare, at what level, secondary school pupils, know more about legal, illegal, and addictive drugs, the social implications of taking drugs, and what is missing when it comes to their own drug education. Specifically those who are in lower and upper secondary school. Design: Prospective schools, North Berwick High School (lower secondary) and Carnoustie High School (upper secondary), were first contacted by email. Schools were given a brief overview of aims and objectives in order to verify their participation. A questionnaire was then developed, based on previous research, consisting of 18 qualitative and quantitative questions presented in various formats. Questionnaires were sent to both schools and adapted based upon feedback, participation from schools was confirmed. Information sheets, parent, guardian, and participant assent forms were sent to schools and consent was sought. Questionnaires were then delivered to pupils by a designated teacher. Upon completion, questionnaire data was collated and analysed using independent samples t-test for parametric data and an independent samples Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric data. A total of 63 questionnaires were completed. Males accounting for 43% and females accounting for 57% of study population. Results: Significant differences were observed in the level of knowledge between lower and upper secondary school pupils with regard to identifying illegal (p = .002), legal (p = .015), and addictive drugs (p = .000002). Upper secondary school pupils displaying greater knowledge over all three aspects. Pupil's in upper secondary school also believed legal highs to be significantly more dangerous than pupils in lower secondary school (p = .001). Significantly more females believed medicinal drugs to be completely safe (p = .027) when compared to males. Conclusion: Upper secondary school pupils appear to exhibit a greater knowledge and understanding of drugs. There is inconclusive evidence to suggest that gender is a variable of drug knowledge. The Curriculum for Excellence drug education programme could be reviewed to ensure that pupils of all years, and ages, maintain an adequate level of drug knowledge throughout their school career. Future research should apply longitudinal study formats to obtain greater understanding of changing adolescent perceptions, behaviours, and knowledge of drugs. Keywords: drug knowledge, drug education, secondary school, adolescents.
A Comparison of Drug Knowledge between Upper Primary and Lower Secondary School Pupils in Scotland.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Drug abuse is fast developing into a global epidemic costing governments' billions annually. In Europe alone, it is estimated that for every drug induced death, there are twenty to twenty-five non-fatal overdose cases still contributing to the overall morbidity (UNODC 2014). Scotland specifically has been viewed as having the highest population of people using illegal drugs (EMCDDA 2012). The problem is exponentially growing among adolescents and hence measures have to be put into place to tackle the issue. One such method as to how this problem can be solved is through providing adequate education to adolescents on the topic. This study was carried out to compare levels of knowledge primary and secondary school pupils in Scotland have on the use and abuse of drugs, the key objective being to determine whether drug education should be given at a younger age in order to prevent abuse later in life. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to compare this knowledge and distributed to seven schools throughout the country where a total of 246 responses were obtained. The key findings showed that secondary participants scored higher in knowledge-based questions, 24.4% scored full marks in one question compared to 9.4% of primary respondents (p = 0.001). However, they have more alarming perceptions on drugs such as split numbers on whether marijuana was dangerous with 63.7% thinking it was compared with 92.5% of primary respondents perceiving the drug as a potential danger (p = 0.001). The majority of both groups could also not identify that certain illicit drugs are used in some aspects of medicine. An interesting discovery within the study was that the younger primary school participants felt they did not receive enough education (58.5% of respondents), which highlights the need for drug education to be given at a younger age. Many organisations believe that providing adequate levels of information on drugs and how they impact on life will reduce this epidemic (The United Kingdom Focal Point on Drugs 2014; Popescu 2015; NIDA 2016). Findings from this study would support this idea, as it is clear that in Scotland those in secondary school are receiving more thorough drug education in comparison to those in primary school. However, the problem of drug abuse in adolescents is still persistent therefore more drug education needs to be delivered to primary school children as the younger it is given, the less likely they will be to abuse later in life (Guo et al. 2014). As well as this, secondary school pupils should also obtain a more wide-ranged drug education programme aimed at problems which are specific to their generation such as the abuse of marijuana. Keywords: drug knowledge, drug education, adolescents, Scotland
A Comparison of the Beneficial Effects of Cherry Juice and Strawberry Volvic Water on Cognitive Function.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Background: Cherry juice contains phenolic compounds which have found to have the ability to improve cognitive function and lower the risk the cardiovascular diseases. Objective: The aim was to determine the effects of cherry juice and strawberry Volvic water on cognitive function in healthy young 18-25 aged and older 50-70 years old volunteers. In addition to establish if the cherry juice has an influence on individuals blood pressure. Design: In this single blinded randomized cross-over study, healthy volunteers (n=23) from two age groups: younger adults (n=13) and older adult (n=13) consumed 200ml/day of control juice strawberry Volvic water or an intervention of Cherry Good juice for seven days, with a washout period of seven days. In addition blood pressure measurements also been taken before each cognitive test. Results: Younger adults tend to have higher scores all of the cognitive function tests when comparing with older adult population, however the blood pressure of younger adults is lower than the older adults. Conclusion: These study cognitive function tests results showed that to some extend cherry juice have an influence on the improving the working memory, moreover the blood pressure could be influenced slightly by the cherry juice. Key words: Cherry juice; Cognitive function; Flavonoids; Antioxidants; Blood pressure;
A corpus based study of first language acquisition of degree adverbs
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Research by Tribushinina and Dubinkina (2012) and Marshall and Van der Lely (2007) indicates that degree markers, including degree adverbs, may be an area of difficulty for children with Speech Language Impairment. This study investigates the acquisition of degree adverbs in English speaking children. Two corpora from the Child Language Exchange System (MacWhinney 2000) were used to investigate degree adverb use in the speech of children up to 7 years in both a structured and naturalistic setting. There was a small relative frequency of degree adverbs but the results showed that children use degree adverbs before 2;0. Their use increases with age, with the rate of increase slowing down between 5 and 7 years. The majority of degree adverbs were used correctly but errors with degree modification were present at 7 years, highlighting the length of the acquisition period. The overlapping age group of the two corpora revealed a greater number of degree adverbs produced during the unstructured setting. Scalar modifiers were the most frequently used type of degree adverb. Future research using experimental means is needed to support these results about the order and timing of acquisition of degree adverbs, including information about comprehension. Research on degree adverb use by English speaking children with Specific Language Impairment is also required.
A corpus-based study comparing the use of deixis in the language of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders with typically developing children.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
It is well established that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have difficulties with language, including the expressive use of deictic terms. This study compares the use of verbal deixis in children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with language matched typically developing (TYP) children. Language samples were obtained from the Child Language Data Exchange System, a collection of publicly available corpora of child speech (MacWhinney 2000). The Nadig corpus (Bang and Nadig 2015a), was selected, as it contained representative samples from both population groups under investigation and children were matched on language ability. Transcripts were evaluated with a specific focus on deixis as a pragmatic feature of speech. Results indicated that the frequency and type of deictic words uttered was relatively similar in typically developing children and those with an ASD diagnosis. Further experimental research is required to confirm these results. These findings obtained should be combined with research on the comprehension of deixis in both populations, as well as studies investigating non-verbal or gestural deixis.
A critical analysis of the implications of agility in logistics and supply chain management to gain competitive advantage in the oil and gas industry.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This research investigation presents a critical analysis of the implications and importance of agility within logistics and supply chain management in the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry is one of the worlds largest and is characterised by an extremely competitive and erratic market. Christopher (2016), a prominent author within the field of LSCM, argues the essential use of agility to create a highly responsive, extremely competitive and customer focussed supply chain. Within the current body of literature, inconsistencies and differing arguments are evident around the exact meaning and indeed use of agility in Oil and Gas Supply Chain Management (SCM). This investigation researches the costs and benefits of agility to determine whether operating with agility outweighs any implied difficulties. Competitive drivers for agility are investigated and the key factors for success when operating with agility are examined. The literature lacks specificity when applying agile practices to an industry, it is clear this area will benefit from more research and investigation into the current oil and gas market. This research investigation took the form of a qualitative study to allow for flexibility and depth in exploring personal beliefs and opinions and in turn this facilitated the development of a set of emergent themes critical to these areas of investigation. The objectives were achieved through seven face to face interviews with industry specialists in a function of the supply chain within a range of oil and gas organisations. After coding and data analysis, the reduced primary data resulted in common themes which were critically analysed to answer the research questions. The research has found that agility is present in oil and gas industry supply chains even with a contrasting view in the literature. With clear opinions from the interviewees, the advantages of agility outweigh the disadvantages which cohere with the literature. Agility is considered one of the main functions for gaining competitive advantage in this highly competitive market. It was discovered that each organisation is unique, with their own views on how to lead in a competitive market. Agility is always considered and has many positive implications in supply chain management in the oil and gas industry.
A Critical Evaluation of the Social Capital Benefits from Community Festivals Taking Place at the 2013 City of Culture, Londonderry.
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
The aim of this research project is to conduct a critical evaluation of the social capital benefits of community festivals taking place at the 2013 City of Culture, Londonderry. It is recognised that extensive research has been carried out on community festivals and events. There is, however, an apparent paucity of research on the views and opinions of local audiences regarding community festivals and their engagement with them, therefore there is a gap in existing literature. An extensive literature review was carried out in order to explore the theoretical framework on which this research project is based. Key themes emerged through exploring the main concepts of the subject. These included the positive and negative outcomes of community festivals, the growing importance of social capital and understanding visitor motivations to achieve engagement. It was decided that a qualitative approach would be most appropriate for this research project as this provided the researcher with greater in-depth knowledge and information. Six semi structured interviews were conducted with various individuals from Londonderry. Each interview was conducted and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the findings from the transcriptions and email responses. The whole process was ongoing and iterative. The results show that exploring the increasing demand of local audiences is crucial in order to increase engagement with community festivals and events. It is clear to see that the City of Culture provided a platform for community engagement and allowed for the development of social capital benefits within Londonderry. Better strategies are needed to fulfil legacy plans of the event as many of the respondents failed to recognise what these were.
A critical investigation into the decision making factors of tourists staying in all-inclusive resorts, surrounding sustainability.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Sustainability is a growing interest among tourist's and the general public, in addition to this going on holiday abroad and staying in all-inclusive resorts is very popular among people. The current literature identifies the decision making factors and motivations of tourists visiting and staying in all-inclusive resorts and further to this, current literature has highlighted the growing interest of sustainability as well as the positive and negative affect these resorts have on the surrounding destination. However there is an identifiable gap in the literature in between tourists decision making factors and their interest in sustainability, to identify whether this affects there decision to stay in a resort. In order to fulfill the gap in the literature three objectives were set. The first objective was to discover whether sustainability affects a tourist's decision when booking a holiday. Furthermore, to analyse the tourist motivations towards staying in an all-inclusive resorts and identify why they are growing in popularity. Finally, to determine the understanding tourists have on the sustainability of all-inclusive resorts on the surrounding destination. To fulfill these objectives, primary research was collected through questionnaires. These were distributed between two separate groups of participants, travel agents who sell all-inclusive holidays and tourists who have been on an all in-inclusive holiday. A large response rate was required in order to gain a generalised response which could represent to the population as a whole to understand the growing interest of sustainability among tourists. The primary research revealed key themes the key themes identifying that sustainability is of growing interest and importance however there is a 'attitude-behavior gap' between what tourists know about sustainability and their actions which lack change in order to encourage sustainability. Furthermore, the research has revealed that although sustainability is of growing interest and importance, price, safety and weather remain the key 'pull' factors for staying in an all-inclusive resort. Therefore, the research begins to fill the gap in the literature highlighting that tourist's are aware of the effects all-inclusive resorts have on the surrounding destination however it can not be identified as a main decision making factor when booking a holiday.
A critical investigation into the relationship between socio-economic status and cultural preferences
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
This research was undertaken to explore the relationship between consumers' socioeconomic status and their preferences in the cultural sector, with a particular focus on classical cultural events. The objectives of the research were to understand what extent a consumer is influenced by their social class and, therefore, how this motivates their tastes in culture. The research aimed to identify if there were any social barriers that stopped people attending certain types of events and if there was a way to lower these barriers. The research is important as it will help identify the areas of the cultural sector that are not accessible to all and question why this is the case, therefore, helping tackle social exclusion in culture. A literature review was conducted as a way to develop the theoretical frameworks of the investigation. The main theories and theme discussed by the literature was how if a consumer belonged to a certain socio-economic group, that social group had a particular set of cultural preferences. This was the idea supported by Gans (1974; 1999) and Bourdieu (1984; 1992) which highlighted the elitist nature of the cultural industry. This, therefore, allowed for the study to build a framework to conduct the research to meet the aims and objectives. A mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative data was adopted; this was a way of ensuring that both the audiences and the venues had a chance to answer questions about the topic. The study focused on Edinburgh. Selfcompletion questionnaires were issued over social media for the consumers and semistructured interviews were conducted with marketing managers at three different venues. The main findings of the research were that consumers had habits of sticking with the culture that was perceived to be for their socio-economic group. Pricing of an event, regardless of the culture, was identified as a barrier for attendance and therefore, was identified as a factor of social exclusion. However, it was noted that not everyone sticks with the stereotype for their group, as there can be exceptions based on factors such as age and circumstance. The venues do not believe that they contribute to social exclusion; however, it was noted that there is a clear difference between funded and non-funded venues and the way the market to all audience types.