The Relationship between Empathy and Personality in Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes toward Nonhuman Animals

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann C. Eckardt Erlanger ◽  
Sergei V. Tsytsarev
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Animal Rights ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Negative Beliefs ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes Toward Animals ◽  
Nonhuman Animals ◽  
Students Attitudes

Abstract The majority of research investigating beliefs toward nonhuman animals has focused on vivisection or utilized populations with clear views on animal issues (e.g., animal rights activists). Minimal research has been conducted on what personality factors influence a nonclinical or nonadjudicated population’s beliefs about the treatment of animals. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of empathy and personality traits in attitudes about the treatment of animals in 241 undergraduate students. Results indicated that those with high levels of empathy held more positive attitudes toward animals and more negative beliefs about animal cruelty than those with low levels of empathy. Some differences in participants’ specific attitudes toward animals were found. Limitations and implications for future research are reviewed.

Understanding African Americans’ Attitudes toward Nonhuman Animals: Historical and Psychological Perspectives

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Kaitlynn S. Richardson ◽  
Kelly C. Burke ◽  
Kairra N. Brazley ◽  
Tayler M. Jones ◽  
Bette L. Bottoms
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Reactions ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Attitudes Toward Animals ◽  
Nonhuman Animals ◽  
Students Attitudes

Abstract Historical and current literature is reviewed and social psychological theory is applied to support novel theories about African Americans’ attitudes toward nonhuman animals. Due to psychological reactions stemming from their brutal U.S. history, involving shared suffering with animals, African Americans are theorized to have either negative or positive beliefs about animals. Two studies revealed the latter: that African Americans have positive attitudes toward animals overall, as measured by a new, statistically reliable Attitudes toward Animals Scale. In Study 1, African American university students’ attitudes were somewhat less positive than White students’ attitudes, but in Study 2, older African American community members’ attitudes were more positive than Whites’. This cross-study difference, however, results from less positive White attitudes in Study 2, rather than from any important difference in African Americans’ attitudes across the two samples. The results and unique theoretical framework pave the way for future research on this important issue.

Orienting to Otherness: Intellectual Humility, Moral Foundations, and Mature Alterity Outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 009164712110116
Author(s):  
David R. Paine ◽  
Steven J. Sandage ◽  
Joshua N. Hook ◽  
Don E. Davis ◽  
Kathryn A. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Moral Foundations ◽  
Helping Professions ◽  
Intellectual Humility ◽  
Seminary Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Scholars and practitioners have increasingly called for the development of social justice commitment, intercultural competence, and appreciation of diversity among ministers and helping professionals. In religious contexts, individual factors may contribute to differences in the degree to which spiritual leaders emphasize intercultural and social justice initiatives. Personality factors, such as virtues and specific moral commitments, predict the degree to which people report positive attitudes and demonstrate mature alterity. In this study, we explored the degree to which intellectual humility predicted mature alterity outcomes after controlling for the effects of five moral foundations (care, fairness, loyalty, authority, purity) in a sample of Christian seminary students in the United States. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed for ministry and the helping professions.

scholarly journals Visualizing molecular structures and shapes: a comparison of virtual reality, computer simulation, and traditional modeling

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina E. Brown ◽  
Ben Whaley ◽  
Richard M. Hyslop
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Molecular Geometry ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Students Attitudes

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three methods used to assist in teaching molecular geometry to college chemistry students. A pre- and post-test quasi-experiment was used to collect data about students’ performance in a given chemistry exercise. One research question was intended to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the three methods in assisting students to understand the topic and carry out the exercise correctly, and a second research question addressed students’ attitudes towards the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in chemistry education. Results show a positive attitude towards the use of VR as an assisting tool to aid in understanding chemistry concepts. While the difference among the three methods was not significant, the results show that the VR brought more enthusiasm and positive attitudes toward the topic of molecular geometry among the students. Educational implications and recommendations for future research are presented as well.

scholarly journals INSTAPALS: FACILITATING INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S808-S809
Author(s):  
Ashley Lytle ◽  
Nancy Nowacek
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intergroup Contact Theory ◽  
Social Exchanges ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Aging Anxiety

Abstract Using the traditional framework of Pen Pals, Instapals was a project that facilitated 1-to-1 intergenerational relationships through daily exchanges on Instagram for 30 days. Although communication channels have exploded in the past 10 years in large part to social platforms and digital technologies, the diversity of daily social interactions has decreased. More and more, society has become siloed by age, interest, and belief. Building off intergroup contact theory, Instapals was designed to encourage positive intergenerational contact between younger (undergraduate students) and older adults (individuals 65+) and challenge ageist beliefs. Intergenerational social exchanges occurred both on Instagram and during three in-person meetings. Among undergraduate students, attitudes and stereotypes toward older adults and aging were assessed at three timepoints (before meeting their older adult partner, during a mid-point evaluation, and at the end of the project). Quantitative analyses demonstrate a decrease in aging anxiety, a decrease in psychological concerns about the aging process, and a greater endorsement of positive perceptions toward one’s older adult partner. Qualitative analyses of written responses from students (collected before meeting their older adult partner and at the end of the project) revealed that the Instapals project helped students challenge ageist attitudes and stereotypes and was perceived to be a positive experience overall. Implications suggest that positive intergenerational contact can be facilitated and enhanced through the use of technology. Future research should explore whether attitudes, stereotypes, and self-perceptions of aging changed among older adults as well as other technological mechanisms for facilitating intergenerational contact.

Conceptualization and assessment of personality factors in depression

1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 309-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon L. Flett ◽  
Paul L. Hewitt ◽  
Norman S. Endler ◽  
R. Michael Bagby
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Personality Measures ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Clinical Literature

Research that relates personality to depression is one of the dominant themes in the clinical literature. The current paper examines this research from a critical perspective. It is argued that existing research is limited by (i) a failure to adopt a broad conceptual approach to the study of personality and depression; and (ii) the use of personality measures with questionable psychometric properties. Our observations lead us to suggest that greater adherence to established methodology and conceptual developments in the personality field will result in substantial improvements in research on personality and depression, and may ultimately provide a more accurate appraisal of the role of personality factors in depression. In addition to examining important issues, key directions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals IMPROVING COLLEGE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING POPULATIONS: USING CBT-BASED GERONTOLOGICAL PEDAGOGY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S727-S728
Author(s):  
Qiwei Li ◽  
Heath Harllee ◽  
Becky P Knight
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Theory ◽  
Course Outcomes

Abstract The U.S. is facing a shortage of aging-related professionals. Lack of positive attitudes among undergraduate students towards the older population may restrict them from participating as aging professionals. However, research majorly focused on the attitudes among students already in the medical training fields instead of improvement of the attitudes among undergraduate students who potentially will devote themselves to be aging professionals. We seek to enhance attitudes toward the aging population through gerontological coursework at the undergraduate level. The introductory course is based on Cognitive Behavioral theory (CBT) which emphasizes to unlearn false concepts. Therefore, the class exposes students to positive aging images in contemporary films and literature demonstrating concepts such as successful aging, retirement, gender issues, and aging as minorities, etc. Students review their perceptions of the aging population at the beginning and end of the semester, presenting five words that best describe the aging images. The variances of occurrence of negative to positive descriptions are analyzed as an evaluation of the class. The class also stimulates civic responsibilities of the students toward the aging population with concepts such as generational equities by conducting team-based discussions. The results report increased positive words and improved attitudes on in-class team projects and post-class evaluations. The implication of the course outcomes is that discussing and exposing the positive images, and justifying typical aging-related behaviors significantly improves students’ attitudes toward the aging population, and may encourage undergraduate students to select an aging profession. Qualitative evaluation of the course will be conducted in future semesters.

Children Who Have Murdered

1975 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Walsh-Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Parental Alcoholism ◽  
Working Mother ◽  
Normal Intelligence ◽  
Criminal Convictions ◽  
History Of

An analysis of 11 children convicted of homicide, one girl and ten boys, indicates a maternal over-dominant relationship in eight of the males studied. The murderers were Found to have more co-operative personalities than other children Found guilty of non-capital offences and showed both normal intelligence and personality factors. Despite a history of ‘blackouts' in several cases, all were Found on investigation to be free from both major and minor epilepsy. Difficulty was experienced in determining the presence or absence of parental alcoholism, promiscuity and criminal convictions. All of the ten boys and the girl came from normal homes and apart from minor offences none were involved previously in serious anti-social behaviour. Future research is indicated on two aspects: role of the working mother with particular reference to maternal dominance, and the ‘Cycle of Deprivation Theory’.

scholarly journals Spanish adaptation of a film music stimulus set (FMSS): Cultural and gender differences in the perception of emotions prompted by music excerpts

2020 ◽  
pp. 030573562095846
Author(s):  
Nieves Fuentes-Sánchez ◽  
Raúl Pastor ◽  
Tuomas Eerola ◽  
M Carmen Pastor
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Film Music ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Basic Emotions ◽  
Perception Of Emotions ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Music Stimulus ◽  
Music And Emotion ◽  
Affective Dimensions

The literature review reveals different conceptual and methodological challenges in the field of music and emotion, such as the lack of agreement in terms of standardized datasets, and the need for replication of prior findings. Our study aimed at validating for Spanish population a set of film music stimuli previously standardized in Finnish samples. In addition, we explored the role of gender and culture in the perception of emotions through music using 102 excerpts selected from Eerola and Vuoskoski’s dataset. A total of 129 voluntary undergraduate students (71.32% females) from different degrees participated voluntarily in this study, where they were instructed to rate both discrete emotions (Happiness, Sadness, Tenderness, Fear, Anger) and affective dimensions (Valence, Energy Arousal, Tension Arousal) using a 9-point scale after presentation of each excerpt. Strong similarities between Finnish and Spanish ratings were found, with only minor discrepancies across samples in the evaluation of basic emotions. Taken together, our findings suggest that the current database is suitable for future research on music and emotions. Additional theoretical and practical implications of this validation are discussed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Curriculum and Instructional Choices on Undergraduate Students in Introductory Geology

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Christopher Roemmele
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Pedagogical Choices ◽  
Introductory Geology ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Curriculum Topics

This research investigated the impact of an introductory geology class on undergraduate students' attitudes toward and conceptual understanding of geology. The purpose was to identify students' geologic blindness, a construct of disinterest, disdain, and unawareness of geology, geologic processes, and their relationship to humans, by assessing students’ views on curricular and pedagogical choices. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was conducted. The participants consisted of 289 students enrolled over two semesters in an introductory geology class for non-majors. Specific to content and instruction, students found the format of rock and mineral labs and exams difficult and in need of change. They expressed positive attitudes about the hands-on, collaborative nature of these labs, and observation skills to perform them. Curriculum topics judged more interesting were deemed less difficult to understand, and vice versa, and that there was general understanding of geology’s broader themes of tectonics and time. Open-ended responses from participants, and interviews with key informants provided further evidence for these results. Students indicated that explicit instruction on the topic relevance, cross-topic connections, and on-going assessment and the use of a variety of visualizations and collaborative work would help to improve understanding and attitudes. The results provide insight into ways to improve introductory geology courses by addressing geologic blindness.

Gender Differences in English Proficiency among Early, Middle and Late Immersion Undergraduate Students: The Role of Individual Difference Factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42
Author(s):  
Olusiji Lasekan
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Confidence

AbstractA number of s tudies conducted a cross di fferent levels of educa tion ha ve reported tha t female learners’ capa city to lea rn second language successfull y is hi gher than male lea rners ’. However, few wri ters ha ve been able to question and investi gate the effects of di fferent levels of immersions and va rious indi vidual fa ctors on male a nd female lea rners ’ English proficiency at uni versity level . The aim of this study is to exa mine how gender differences in English profi ciency is influenced by individu al di fference fa ctors among ea rl y, middle and late immersion undergradua te students . Both quali tati ve and quanti tati ve methods were used in i nves tiga ting 221 undergraduate s tudents from va rious colleges in the ci ty of Gulba rga , India. The resul ts reveal tha t the female lea rner’s hi gher English proficien cy compa red wi th the male learners’ is pa rtl y caused by their s tronger a tti tude towa rd English langua ge educa tion and self -confidence to lea rn the langua ge successfull y. Implica tions of the resul ts and future research di rections a re also presented.

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