STRATA

: The Effect of Skin Tone on Level of Attractiveness; The majority of the studies conducted on skin tone involve the two dominate racial groups, white and black, rather than other racial minorities. The objective of this study was to investigate how skin tone affects perceptions of attractiveness. Participants (N = 90) rated the attractiveness of computer generated "ethnic" looking females with light skin, medium skin, or dark skin. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that the light skin tone female would be rated as more attractive than the medium or dark skin toned females. However, dark skin tone females were rated as more attractive than either light or medium skinned females. The findings suggest perceptions of attractiveness does not correspond with Western society's beauty standards, thus other factors influence attractiveness.

: The Effect of Superfund on Post-Industrial Communities: An Analysis of Geographic Identity; The interactions between people and place have long been understood as producing an integrated dialogue between them. The forcommunicated paper deals the impact of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), or Superfund, on local communities and their sense of place in southwest Colorado. A literature review of relevant research was conducted, revealing the economic impacts of Superfund (mean 4 - 16.26% depreciation in property values) via hedonic regression analysis. Studies of the impact of outside stigma also demonstrated the endemic capacity of negative, outside outlooks to exacerbate the challenges of post-industrial development. Case studies were also gathered from other sources, covering the sequence of events in Toluca, Illinois; Cokedale, Colorado; Picher, Oklahoma; and Berlin, North Carolina. Common trends were observed in the recounting of said case stories that impacted the evolution of their geographic identity in dealing with site designation and remediation proceedings. Trends included the homogeneity of sense of place, community involvement in remediation efforts, existing alternative economic development, motivation on the part of the government itself, and a community's ability to cope with and combat outside stigma. These trends were then used to generate a case study of superfund proceedings in Durango, Colorado, and the remediation of the "Smelter" site, the location of the leftover tailings of the Vanadium Corporation of America. A predictive discussion was then undertaken with regards to the future remediation of the Bonita Peak Mining District, a newly listed site near Silverton, Colorado. In the cases of both Durango, and Silverton, there was observed to be high levels of community involvement and alternative exploration, namely into tourism, which suggests a positive ultimate outcome in each case. The final impact on Silverton's sense of place, however, would seem to depend upon the community's desire and ability to retain the artifacts of their hard-rock mining heritage, and to what extent they prove successful at doing so.

: The Effect of the Medical Model vs. the Athletic Model on Coach Satisfaction of Athletic Trainers; Background: Athletic trainers (ATs) work in a variety of settings and their model of supervision can vary. The traditional and most common model is the athletic model in which an athletic department or coach supervises the AT. A newer and emerging supervisory structure is the medical model in which a medical entity such as a campus health center or team physician manages the AT. Issues within the athletic model are beginning to be publicly discussed by ATs, yet little research has been conducted on the two models. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the two primary supervision models of athletic training on coach satisfaction levels. Methods: All head varsity coaches were contacted from seven medical model schools and seven athletic model schools. An adapted 56-question survey was completed by coaches (27 responses from medical model and 20 responses from athletic model) and then analyzed using an independent t-test with a p value of 0.05. Results: The independent t-test found that the athletic model schools (M = 179.45±26.496) reported slightly higher levels of satisfaction with their athletic trainers than medical model schools (M = 176.67±26.133). However, there was no significant difference (t=0.359; p=0.721) found between the two groups. Conclusions: The lack of significant difference found on this topic may be a positive finding for the medical profession as a whole, supporting the concept that quality of healthcare is not influenced by the structure or management through which it is provided. The medical model is a newer concept that may take some time for coaches and staff to understand and become comfortable with. Further research should also be conducted that utilizes other means of comparison to determine the model's effectiveness. This research should include patient-rated outcomes, conflict of interest, liability, cost-effectiveness, and AT job satisfaction.

: The Effectiveness of Communication Mediums on Concussion Education; Keywords: Athlete, sports, concussion, health education, Sports Medicine, Sports Injuries, Brain -- Concussion, Physical Diagnosis, First Aid In Illness & Injury, Symptoms, Treatment, Risk Factors, Athletics, Brain -- Wounds & Injuries; Sports Injuries, Diagnosis, Neuropsychological Improving an athlete's knowledge of concussion signs and symptoms may play a huge part in prevention (Kaut, DePompei, Kerr, & Congeni, 2003). A "media-rich" society influences how an individual processes, perceives, and retains information (Lee, Cheng, Rai, & Depickere, 2005; Wessels & Steenkamp, 2009). This daily exposure to technology transfers to the classroom and may have a connection to how athletic trainers educate athletes about concussions (Wessels & Steenkamp, 2009). Multiple studies have been performed focusing on the level of awareness and knowledge of parents, coaches, and athletes, but the effectiveness of these materials needs to be studied (Gourley et al, 2010; Kaut et al., 2003). The goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of multiple communication mediums used for concussion education and if these mediums effect short- and long-term information retention. Thirty-three college-aged subjects were divided into five groups who completed three surveys (pre-test, immediate post-test, and month post-test). Four treatment groups were given one of four mediums on concussions (pamphlet, lecture, video, and online tutorial). Subjects took the immediate post-test, then the same subjects came back 24 to 51 days later to complete the month post-test. The control group just completed the surveys with no additional education. Concussion knowledge survey scores were submitted using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. The ANOVA showed there was no significance (p>0.05) when comparing the pre-test, immediate post-test, and month post-test among the five groups (control, pamphlet, lecture, video, and online tutorial) (p = 0.911), therefore the hypothesis was rejected. The results of this study revealed no significance of using different communication mediums to educate people on concussions. The descriptive statistics did show that subjects for all of the education groups made a small improvement over time. Principal Investigator: Carrie Meyer, EdD, ATC

: The Effects of Bystanders on Social Loafing in a Group Activity; The goal of this study was to identify social loafing within this context and how it could be affected by the number of members in the group. We collected data from fourteen introductory psychology students. Groups were randomly assigned to either a dyad or a quad for a simple brainstorming task. Once the task was completed, the participants were asked to fill out a survey that measured perceived social loafing. Our results were insignificant, however they were trending in a way that suggests significant results could be observed with a larger sample size.

: The Effects of Controlled Hyperventilation on Co2 Exhalation and Blood pH on Anaerobically Trained Athletes on the Treadmill and Rowing Ergometer; The study aimed to explore the effect of controlled hyperventilation on CO2 exhalation and plasma pH during anaerobic exercise on trained athletes while on the treadmill and rowing ergometer. In simpler terms, the study was designed to see if controlled hyperventilation would help extend bouts of exercise. Fourteen subjects volunteered for the study. All fourteen subjects were tested on the treadmill, whereas only ten subjects were tested on the rowing ergometer. The VacuMed, pH meter, heart rate monitor, rowing ergometer, and treadmill were all used in collecting data. There was only a statistically significant difference (p=.034) of the average pH between the control, experimental 1, and experimental 2 trials when analyzed by two way repeated measures ANOVA with replication. The reason for two experimental trials existing was for re-assurance of experimental testing results. However, when a post-hoc test was run there were no statistically significant comparisons between the trial groups. This resulted in having to accept the null hypothesis for controlled hyperventilation having an effect on pH during anaerobic exercise, whereas the results showed a statistical significance (p<.05) in comparing CO2 Exhalation on the treadmill and rowing ergometer. A post-hoc analysis showed a significant difference for the mean comparison of the control to experimental 1 and experimental 2 on the rowing ergometer and treadmill, as well as 30 seconds to 60 and 90 seconds on the treadmill and 30 seconds to 90 seconds on the rowing ergometer. This resulted in acceptance of hypothesis for CO2 exhalation: If controlled hyperventilation is increased during anaerobic exercise in individuals, then CO2 exhalation will increase.

: The Effects of Different Energy Sources on Performance in the Multistage Fitness Test; Most athletes typically like to have a snack during competition to give them an energy boost. Do they really know if what they are consuming is beneficial to them or not? The media promotes CLIF bars and other supplement bars as such a reliable source of energy during competition/training. This study examined the effects of three different energy sources on the results of the Multistage Fitness Test (MFT) with female collegiate athletes. The energy sources used were Snickers, Crunchy Peanut Butter CLIF bar, and water. These energy sources were chosen based on popularity and the differences in availability. Water is readily available and free and the Snickers is less expensive than the CLIF bar. The media promotes all three of these to enhance athletic performance. It was hypothesized that the Snickers would be more beneficial to performance based on the macronutrient factor of the bars. Snickers and CLIF bars were selected because they are equal in calories (250kcals) and similar carbohydrate content (11% and 14% respectively). The bars varied in fat and protein composition with the Snickers being higher in fat and the CLIF bar being higher in protein (Snickers: 18% fat, 8% protein, CLIF bar: 9% fat, 22% protein). Twnety-one female athletes from the Fort Lewis College softball, volleyball, and lacrosse teams participated in this study. Each was given a predetermined energy source 60 minutes prior to each performance test; there were a total of four testing sessions approximately one week apart. Their scores were recorded based on the level/sublevel they reached during each test. A repeated measures ANOVA was used with these scores. There was no statistical significance observed between the three energy sources and the MFT scores (p>0.05). Despite no significance, there was a trend towards a higher MFT score for Snickers consumption. Based on these findings, female athletes can be advised that there is no measurable advantage to consuming CLIF bars 60 minutes prior to complete high intensity exercise lasting less than 8 minutes.

: The Effects of Environment and Fatigue on the Balance Error Scoring System and the Standardized Assessment of Concussion in Intercollegiate Football and Soccer Athletes; A variety of field concussion tests have been developed to assess the athlete's ability to return-to-play following a concussion. It has been suggested that fatigue and environment may affect the results of these clinical tests. To measure the affect of environment and fatigue on the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) among collegiate football, women's soccer, and men's soccer athletes. This study was performed in a clinical setting using one-hundred thirty-four (134) NCAA division II collegiate football, men's soccer, and women's soccer athletes with no current concussion or lower extremity injury. Each concussion test (BESS and SAC) was performed in 3 scenarios, 1) secluded environment during physicals, 2) on-field prior to a practice (non-fatigued (NF)), and 3) on-field following a practice (fatigued (F)). BESS and SAC scores were determined for each of the 3 testing scenarios. BESS scores were calculated by adding each loss of balance incident during the 6 testing conditions (on ground: double-leg, single leg, tandem; on foam pad: double-leg, single leg, tandem); the lower the score, the better the balance. SAC scores were calculated by summing each correct answer to the cognitive questions (time, place, recall, sequencing); the higher the score, the better the cognitive function. Statistical tests included 2 one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures to analyze the change in the clinical test scores. No between sport differences were significant for either the BESS or the SAC. A significant increase was found in the BESS measurements between the Field-NF and Field-F scenarios. A significant increase was found in the SAC measurements between the Field-NF and Field-F scenarios. Our findings reveal that results of the BESS and SAC are not influenced by sport played. Fatigue has an effect on the outcomes of both the BESS and the SAC when conducted on the field.

: The Effects of Exercise on Memory; Research concludes that exercise prevents obesity, prevents cardiovascular disease, and benefits mental health. Previous literature suggests that exercise positively effects memory. The present research investigates the effects of exercise on memory recall in college students. Participants (N=32) either exercised or drew a picture. Memory was then assessed in a reading recall test. Results showed no effect of exercise on memory. Gender differences were present. Male memory recall was higher than female recall. This research suggests further investigation regarding the relationship of exercise and memory.

: The Effects of High Stress Video Games on Fit and Sedentary Individuals; The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not physical fitness affects a person's ability to physiologically handle the high stress situations to which many modern video games expose the player. Two, six-participant groups were formed: one of fit individuals and one of sedentary individuals. To assess physiological arousal, the subjects were asked to play 20 minutes of the video game Dead Space. After determining baselines, the participants had their galvanic skin response measured continuously and had their heart rate and blood pressure measured at two minute intervals for the duration of the 20 minutes bout. Time was then determined between the peak values of each response and the return to baseline to determine which group coped with the stress more efficiently. Upon analyzing the results, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for any of the above variables (p>.05). Therefore, the data suggest that a person's level of fitness is not a determining factor in a person's ability to cope with the stress found in violent video games.

: The Effects of Implied vs. Explicit Sexual Orientation of Instructor Evaluations from College Students; An individual's attitudes towards perceived sexual orientation of their instructor may influence how instructors are evaluated and how much students may learn. The current study aims to examine the effect of a male instructor's implied or explicit disclosure of his sexual orientation to college students. We hypothesized that there would be significant differences between the evaluation of the homosexual and heterosexual instructor. Results indicated no significant effect on the instructor rating regardless of the students' perception of instructor sexual orientation.

: The Effects of Impulsivity on Gun and Substance Use; Prior research examined the correlation between impulsivity, gun and substance usage. These studies isolated two variables at a time, while there was limited research that analyzed all three of these factors. It is widely debated whether substance usage increases aggression, thus making individuals more likely to commit gun crime, or individuals commit crimes with guns in order to uphold their drug habits (Williams-Reid, 2001). Impulsivity increased with a longer drug-use habit for alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, hallucinogens but not for marijuana (Bernstein et al., 2014). Positive gun views were associated with impulsive and aggressive tendencies (Martin et al., 2001). We put forth a survey which consisted of three parts: hypothetical gun use, the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale (Whiteside & Lynam, 2001) and a substance use screening. Our hypothetical statements examined topics such as self-defense, protection of others and proximity to crime. The UPPS Impulsivity scale is divided into four sub-scales: urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, and sensation seeking. We hypothesized that different substances will be correlated with individual subscales; gun use will be correlated with all subscales except for lack of perseverance. A sample of 100 students averaging 22 years of age participated in the study (56% female, 42% male). Our findings showed that gun experience and ownership were correlated with sensation seeking. Results varied throughout the hypothetical gun scenarios. The use of marijuana, depressants and stimulants was correlated with high impulsivity, while the four subscales of impulsivity were divided among substance categories. Suicidal thoughts were highly correlated with impulsivity, including 3 out 4 subscales. In the future we are interested in investigating scenarios that are based on criminal activity rather than ethical reasoning. We would also like to expand our sample to forensic and clinical populations in order further investigate correlations involving suicidality and criminal activity.

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