Psychology

Yumiko Akamine

Case Study of the Treatment Effects of Fast ForWord(r) on Working Memory in a Dyslexic Child

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability for which phonological and temporal processing deficits have been hypothesized as primary mechanisms of dysfunction. A treatment, Fast ForWord(r), was used continuously for eight weeks to improve temporal processing and enhance the efficiency of sound-symbol associative skills. Magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive tool to localize human brain electrical activity by utilizing magnetic fields, was used to assess the treatment effects on working memory in a child with dyslexia.

Group 1 - 8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Room 310A/B .

Emily Barba

Memory Profiles in Low Birth Weight Children: Evidence for Areas of Plasticity

Limited research has been conducted examining memory profiles in low birth weight (LBW) individuals. This study compares patterns of memory functioning in LBW, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and control subjects. It was hypothesized that the very and extremely LBW subjects would demonstrate patterns similar to TBI subjects in selected aspects of visual and verbal memory functioning while other aspects would be preserved, potentially suggestive of areas of greater plasticity.

Group 2 - 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.- Room 310A/B .

Shannon Fowler

Weight Cycling and Depression Among College Women Smokers

Smoking and weight concerns are strongly related, but factors that contribute to this are poorly understood. We explored the role of weight cycling on smoking. Using Web-survey data from college women, we compared 116 never smokers versus 31 current smokers. Compared to never smokers, current smokers were significantly more likely to have a history of weight cycling (37.5 percent versus. 21.1 percent; p <.05) and were significantly more depressed. Implications of these findings will be discussed.

Group 1 - 8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Room 310A/B .

Michelle McCourt

Effects of Speech Class on Students' Speech Anxiety

This presentation will examine the effects that a collegiate speech course has on students' speech anxiety and generalized social anxiety. Students enrolled in the general education speech and introductory psychology courses will be given two surveys at the beginning and end of the semester. The results of these surveys will be compared to discover the difference in anxiety levels from participation in speech versus a psychology class over the course of one semester.

Group 2 - 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.- Room 310A/B .

Ashley Anne Wiedemann

Race Differences in Situational Body Image Reactivity Among College Women

Research has revealed race differences in trait body image, but little research has been done on situational body image reactivity, i.e., the degree to which body image fluctuates across situations. This study examined body image reactivity and other weight-related variables in undergraduate college women. There were significant differences between white and black women in reactivity and body mass index, but not depression or anxiety. Implications of these findings for weight-related outcomes will be discussed.

Group 1 - 8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Room 310A/B .