Category Archives: Research

Graduate School, Graduation, Internship, Job, Research, Undergraduate News

Opportunity for Graduating Seniors

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Lab Manager – Social Learning Lab @ Stanford University

The Social Learning Lab (SLL) welcomes enthusiastic, motivated individuals to apply for a lab manager position to start in summer 2016. This person will work closely with other lab members to assist in all aspects of running the lab and conducting research.

The goal of our research is to understand the cognitive underpinnings of our ability to communicate with others to both learn about and teach others about both the physical and the social world. To this end, we employ a variety of methods: many of our projects involve behavioral methods with young children, fMRI experiments with adults and children, as well as online experiments with adults.  A successful candidate would be someone who would feel comfortable being involved in all aspects of research as well as taking good care of general lab business (e.g., training & coordinating undergraduate research assistants, recruiting & running subjects, communicating with staff at our research sites, constructing stimuli, managing & analyzing data, etc.). This person will also have opportunities to develop independent research projects.

A BA or BS degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or in related fields would be helpful but not required. Research experience (particularly in cognitive neuroscience or cognitive development), strong statistical background, and programming skills (e.g., MATLAB) is highly desirable.

This position will be posted as a one-year position. Ideally however the position would be held for two years, and renewal will be contingent upon performance. Please refer to this webpage (sll.stanford.edu) for more information on applying for this position. We ask all applicants to submit their answers to a list of questions as part of the application. For best consideration, please apply by February 1, 2016. Send any inquiries to sll.stanford@gmail.com.

 

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Grants, Opportunities, Undergraduate News

Scholarship Opportunities

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The American Association of University Women currently has 3 scholarships, one that is $2000 and two that are $1500, that you can apply for!

The scholarships are as follows:

Non-traditional: women who are 21 years or older, and have not previously obtained a bachelor’s degree
Norman & Myrtle Shifflett: women who are pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)
Dorothy Kayser Provine: women who are pursuing a career in the humanities

 

Requirements:

Two further requirements are that the student must reside Roanoke City, Salem City, Town of Vinton, Roanoke County, Botetourt County, or Craig County and must demonstrate financial need.  And to be competitive, it is recommend that the student have at least a 3.4 overall GPA (higher would be better!).

 

For more information, refer to their websitehttp://roanokevalley-va.aauw.net/community/scholarships/  Applications are due to AAUW by March 11, 2016.

 

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Research

A Few Scientific Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Pull That All-Nighter This Week

“Want to ace that test tomorrow? Here’s a tip: Put down the coffee and hit the sack.”

sleep-deprived1Don’t believe me? Tons of recent research has shown that pulling all-nighters, and the sleep deprivation that results, will actually harm you rather than help you.

“Sleepless night can make us cranky and moody. But a lesser known side effect of sleep deprivation is short-term euphoria, which can potentially lead to poor judgment and addictive behavior, according to new research from the University of California, Berkeley.”

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Lack of sleep can result in decreased immune system function and reduced ability to consolidate recently formed memories, says Boston College. Therefore you are more susceptible to catching whatever icky bug is floating around campus and all that information you’re trying to stuff into your head as the wee hours of the morning tick by probably won’t stick as well as you hope.

I could go on. But before you leave, please promise me that you’ll get some sleep every single night this week. Taking a three hour study break to catch some Z’s is actually more helpful than taping your eyelids open and attempting to memorize the neurotransmitters and their functions with a double espresso in your hand. Your grades, and your sanity, will thank you.

Read more about the science here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150123121735.htm
http://psychology.berkeley.edu/news/pulling-all-nighter-can-bring-euphoria-and-risky-behavior
http://www.bc.edu/offices/healthpro/health-campaigns/sweet-dreamzzz/Sleepforhealth/the-cost-of-sleep-deprivation.html

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Events, Research

VT Carilion Lecture: Can We Live to 100?

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You are invited to attend the next VTCRI Distinguished Public Lecture by Marie Bernard, M.D., on Thursday, December 10 at 5:30 PM in room M203 at the VTC on, “Can We Live to 100? New Evidence from the National Institute on Aging.” Dr. Bernard is the Deputy Director of the National Institute of Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD.    Dr. Bernard is  a charter fellow and past president of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education; she has received the Tibbitt’s award from the Association of gerontology for outstanding contributions to gerontology and gerontology education; and she has served on the board of directors of the international longevity center.  She has been repeatedly recognized among the best doctors in America. Prior to serving as the Deputy Director of NIA, she was the Reynolds Chair of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.  Dr. Bernard has played major roles and served in leadership positions in identifying programs and policies to promote healthy aging, in the identification, treatment and care of adults with dementias, in comparative effectiveness research, and in identifying and growing the workforce for healthcare for older Americans.  Dr. Bernard’s own research program has addressed issues of medication and healthcare management as well as nutrition for the elderly as well as workforce training and education.

The public lecture will be preceded by an open reception in the VTC café at 5:00 PM. Come out if you can!

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Events, Research

Poster Session Dec. 10th!

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Come out to Fintel library from noon to 1pm this Thursday, December 10th and see what our students have been up to! There will be pizza and it’s open to everyone. Hope to see you there!

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Awards, Research, Undergraduate News

Congratulations to Stephanie Gaines – Psi Chi Research Grant Awardee!

Stephanie Gaines with her advisor, Dr. Powell
Stephanie Gaines with her advisor, Dr. Powell

Ms. Stephanie Gaines, a junior at Roanoke College,
has been named as one of the recipients of the
Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Grant!

Her independent study project was conducted to gather information on emerging adults’ anticipated self-efficacy regarding future roles. The aims were two-fold. First, to replicate the previous research on transitional roles such as getting married or becoming a parent. Second, to expand the research on gradual roles such as becoming financially independent and managing one’s own healthcare.  She was particularly interested in how emerging adults’ current self-efficacy, mastery and vicarious experiences, as well as subjective norms were associated with their anticipated self-efficacy for adult roles. Participants were recruited from Roanoke College Psychology classes, the larger student body, and from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Analyses are currently underway.

Congratulations, Stephanie!
We look forward to seeing your results. Keep up the great work! 

Faculty News, Research, Undergraduate News

Seeking Research Assistants!

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Professors in the Psych department are looking for lab research new members next semester!

Dr. Buchholz

His research and teaching interests include social psychology, evolutionary psychology, self, music, and complex systems theory. If you are interested in joining his lab, click the link below to apply and find out more info!

http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology/research_and_internships/undergraduate_research/dr_buchholzs_research_lab.

Dr. Gornick

Dr. Gornick’s research focuses on rhetoric in political, health and social-cultural context with an emphasis on Integrative Complexity.

If you are interested in joining her lab, go to link below to apply and get more info!

http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology/research_and_internships/undergraduate_research/dr_gornicks_research_lab. You can also stop by LS 525 to pick up an application.

Dr. Freedman

Her research focuses on the processes and consequences of social rejection with a special focus on the point of view of rejectors. If you are interested in Dr. Freedman’s lab, email her at freedman@roanoke.edu. Click the link below to get more info!

http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology/research_and_internships/undergraduate_research/dr_freedmans_research_lab.

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Fun, Research, Undergraduate News

New York Times asks, “Can You Get Smarter?”

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The New York Times ran an op-ed piece last week about the idea of getting smarter in a way similar to lifting weights. Take a read at the link below!

http://nyti.ms/1R1tfLM

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/ (Join RC Psychology group)
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Faculty News, Publication, Research

Faculty Research

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Congratulations to Dr. Nichols for his recent publication in JUNE!

Here is the journal issue:  http://www.funjournal.org/current-issue/

Direct link to the article is: http://www.funjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/june-14-74.pdf

 

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/ (Join RC Psychology group)
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Classes, Events, Fun, Research, Undergraduate News

Zentangle!

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On the Thursday before midterm exams began RC Psychology Association and Psi Chi, with support from Zentangle Inc., hosted a Zentangle: De-stress & Refocus event for students at the college. Psychology students could earn research credit and Honors program students could earn class I credit for attendance. More than 35 students came out to Zentangle! During the event, students heard about the technique known as Zentangle (https://www.zentangle.com/) and created their own Zentangle square. Additionally, the students left the session with a Zentangling pen and a couple squares so they could continue Zentangling on their own as they geared up for midterms. Everyone seemed to enjoy the session, so we hope to have Sacil back on campus in the future for another de-stressing and refocusing event! 

 

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/ (Join RC Psychology group)
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Conferences, Opportunities

EPA Conference Deadline!

EPALogoThe submission deadline is November 15, 2015 5:00pm, EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

The 2016 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association will take place at the Marriott Marquis in New York City Thursday March 3 – Saturday, March 5.

For more info, go here: http://www.easternpsychological.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/ (Join RC Psychology group)
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Opportunities, Research, Undergraduate News

SEPA Deadline!

nola-logoSEPA is a regional psychological association affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA). Dates & Location: March 30-April 2, 2016, at the Sheraton New Orleans.

The deadline is Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time!

Get connected!
Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/ (Join RC Psychology group)
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Events, Faculty News, Fun, Research, Undergraduate News

Meet the New Professors!

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Dr. Gili Freedman                                  Dr. Janelle Gornick

Come meet the New Professors in the Psych Department!

Who: Dr. Gili Freedman & Dr. Janelle Gornick

What?: The two new professors of the Psychology faculty will be talking about their research!

When?: Monday, September 21, 7-8pm

Where?: Life Science 502

Why?: Get to know our new professors! Snacks! Learn cool things!

(Plus teaser of upcoming events!)

Sponsored by: Roanoke College Psychology Association & Psi Chi

Conferences, Research, Undergraduate News

SYNAPSE Conference 2015

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Dr. Nichols, Dr. Allen, and Dr. Shenal assisted students in neuroscience-based research and a few of those students got to present their findings at the SYNAPSE conference! They went to the University of North Carolina at Asheville and represented Roanoke College.

Jacob Johnson, Christy Blevins, and Dr. Nichols presented on exploring the individual factors of temporal processing and the variability of the internal clock.

[Johnson, J., Blevins, B., & Nichols, D.F. (2015, March). Exploring the individual factors of temporal processing and the variability of the internal clock. Poster presented at the SYNAPSE conference, Asheville, NC.]

Conferences, Research, Undergraduate News

SYNAPSE Conference 2015

image4Dr. Nichols, Dr. Allen, and Dr. Shenal assisted students in neuroscience-based research and a few of those students got to present their findings at the SYNAPSE conference! They went to the University of North Carolina at Asheville and represented Roanoke College.

Alex Grant, Nataniel De Young, and Dr. Shenal worked on a comparison between QOL in TBI and Memory Disorder Clinics.

[Grant, A., De Young, N., & Shenal, B. (2015, March). A comparison between QOL in TBI and Memory Disorder Clinics. Poster presented at the SYNAPSE conference, Asheville, NC.]

Conferences, Research, Undergraduate News

SYNAPSE Conference 2015

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Dr. Nichols, Dr. Allen, and Dr. Shenal assisted students in neuroscience-based research and a few of those students got to present their findings at the SYNAPSE conference! They went to the University of North Carolina at Asheville and represented Roanoke College.

Stephanie Shields, Caitlin Morse, and Dr. Nichols also presented on the effect of attractiveness and facial expression on EEG responses.

[Shields, S.M., Arrington, P., Morse, C.E., & Nichols, D.F. (2015, March). There’s something about a smile: Effect of attractiveness and facial expression on EEG responses. Poster presented at the SYNAPSE conference, Asheville, NC.]

Conferences, Faculty News, Research, Undergraduate News

SYNAPSE Conference 2015

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Dr. Nichols, Dr. Allen, and Dr. Shenal assisted students in neuroscience-based research and a few of those students got to present their findings at the SYNAPSE conference! They went to the University of North Carolina at Asheville and represented Roanoke College.

Caitlin Morse, Stephanie Shields, and Dr. Nichols presented on “An exploration on the reduction of artifacts in EEG studies.” 

[Shields, S.M., Morse, C.E., & Nichols, DF. (2015, March). An exploration on the reduction of artifacts in EEG studies. Poster presented at the SYNAPSE conference, Asheville, NC.]

Alumni News, Graduate School, Research

Allyson Brothers ’03, Featured Alum

Allyson Brothers 2003

“I am in my 4th year of the Applied Developmental Science (ADS) PhD program. ADS is a unique degree program that trains students in Human Development (also sometimes referred to as Developmental Psychology), with a rigorous training in both basic and applied research methodology. Although I am trained in research across the human life span, my primary area of focus is on adult development, including middle-age and later life. I study attitudes and stereotypes about aging, and their effects on health and well-being in later life. I am so passionate about this research because it turns out that seemingly simple and harmless jokes and negative perceptions about “old people” are actually robustly predictive of so many negative outcomes – including worse cognitive function, poorer walking and balance, lower life satisfaction, and even shorter life span by an average of 7.5 years! Plus, many stereotypes about aging are very inaccurate, and are contradicted by a growing body of research. Therefore, during my work here at CSU, I have collaborated with my advisor to design an intervention program that aims to help adults re-think the aging process. We hope to find out whether changing people’s attitudes about aging can result in meaningful behavioral changes, especially health promotion through increased physical activity.

The PhD program has been intense and lots of hard work – but has offered so many gratifying experiences. I have been part of an international research collaboration, and attended a conference in Heidelberg, Germany. I have had the opportunity to learn advanced statistical methods, to present work at national and international conferences, to gain teaching experience, and to mentor undergraduate students in our research lab. I plan to graduate in the next year, and am currently looking for post-doctoral and job opportunities that will allow me to use the research and teaching skills I have gained during the past several years.”

Allyson is also volunteering as a contact for our psych majors considering graduate school, so if you have any questions about graduate school, she would love to chat with you! (Allyson.Brothers@colostate.edu )

Also check out her feature on the Psych Department’s Roanoke Alumni page! (http://roanoke.edu/Academics/Academic_Departments/Psychology/Alumni.htm)

Conferences, Research

UVA undergraduate psychology conference

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If you have research you have worked on as an Independent Study or in Research Seminar in the last year, you should consider submitting to the UVA psychology undergraduate conference (see below).

To:  Undergraduate Psychology Students

Re:  L. Starling Reid Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference

Abstract proposals for oral or poster presentations may be submitted until March 9, 2015 for the Reid Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference at U.Va.  To register and for further information visit http://avillage.web.virginia.edu/Psych/Conference.  Information there includes:

  • who may present
  • proposal selection process
  • abstract guidelines.

The keynote lecture will be “How Emotions are Made” by Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD., University Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director of the Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory (IASLab) at Northeastern University.

Modest funds to defray some travel expenses may be available for out-of-state presenters.

We look forward to receiving your conference presentation proposal.

Sincerely,

John B. Rudder

Undergraduate Coordinator

U.Va. Department of Psychology

psych-info@virginia.edu

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Awards, Research, Undergraduate News

Summer Scholars Applications

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Would you rather flip hamburgers (or paint houses or mow lawns) or spend a summer on the Roanoke campus using your mind? Would you like to get paid $2,500 (and free housing and independent study credit) for feeding your curiosity?

The Summer Scholar Program at Roanoke College is a grant program that enables thirteen students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to conduct rigorous, independent research for eight to twelve weeks during the summer. This is a full-time, tuition-free, paid position with free housing provided. In addition to the research project, summer scholars will be trained to give professional presentations. Learn more: http://roanoke.edu/Academics/Real-world_Learning/Research/Summer_Scholars.htm

Application materials and guidelines can be found here: http://roanoke.edu/Academics/Real-world_Learning/Research/Summer_Scholars/Application_Guidelines.htm

Applications are due March 15th. The above link details where to send the completed application materials. Check it out!

Faculty News, Publication, Research, Undergraduate News

Dr. Friedman and Former Research Seminar Students Publish in Top Cyberpsychology Journal

Dr. Friedman and her first research seminar group published an article, released this month, on the effects of gender and emoticons on Facebook jealousy in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, & Social Networking: http://online.liebertpub.com/toc/cyber/18/2.

Ben Hudson took the lead on the article following graduation, collecting extra data and making the publication happen! He is currently applying to graduate schools. Second author, Sylis Nicolas, was brought onto the project from Hollins and just finished her Masters at Oakland University. The other seminar student co-authors include Molly Howser who received her Masters in Speech & Language Pathology from Radford University, Ian Robinson who is currently completing graduate work at VCU in the school of dentistry, Kristen Lipsett, who is currently working for United Health Group, and Laura Pope who received her Masters in I/O from Radford University. Current sophomore, Abby Hobby, who is studying abroad this semester, and helped with editing and a final round of data collection, rounds outs the student co-authors.

Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal takes dedication. These students completed some impressive work during their time at RC and continue to thrive. The department could not be more proud!

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Faculty News, Research, Undergraduate News

Dr. Friedman and students interviewed about Facebook jealousy

http://www.livescience.com/37988-facebook-jealousy-gpa.html

This story was picked up by tons of national papers and translated into multiple languages! At one point, you got over 15 pages of Google search hits for this interview. The paper is currently under review with 6 student co-authors – Ben Hudson (applying to grad school for I/O in the Fall), Sylis Nicolas (pursuing MS at Oakland University), Molly Howser (obtained Masters in Speech Language Pathology from Radford University and will be working in Frederick County Public Schools starting in 2014), Kristen Lipsett (works at Perkins School for the Blind), Laura Pope (obtained Masters in I/O psychology from Radford University), and Ian Robinson (pursuing doctorate in dentistry at VCU).

Conferences, Research, Undergraduate News

Seminar Students Present Posters at the Fall 2012 Psychology Poster Session

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Lauren Stinespring, Rita Yoe, Taylor Smiley, and Chava Urecki examined the effects of violent music and gender on aggression.

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Courtney McKern, Lauren Miller, Hunter Gentry, and Ben Gilson examined the effects of text format and notetaking strategy on test scores.

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Tori Long, Eden Caldwell, Amanda Newman, Brandon Turner and Julia Florea examined the effects of personality and performance evaluation on academic performance.

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Emily Gaston, Ginny Keith, Julia Boudrye, and Breanna Wright examined the effects of personality and misattribution of arousal on attraction.

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Carmen Graves, Katy Hurst, Alexis Coyne, and Emily Rinker examined the effects of health behavior, natural stimuli, and optimism on willpower.

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Yuki Yamazaki, Kristen Robinson, Kacy Dillon, and Hazel Smitson examined the effects of encoding strategy and presentation order on memory for foreign language words.

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Cortlandt Halsey, Aldijana Mekic, Noel Weakley, and Jennifer Klenzman examined whether consuming a candy thought to aid or harm recall actually effected recall performance.

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Kiel Van Ness, Colleen Weber, Anne Watson and Caroline Casey examined the effects of music and mood on attraction.