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Item Alternative explanations for sexual strategies theory(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2022) Moyer, Christina Maria; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Ian M. HandleySexual strategies theory (SST) has been one of the most popular evolutionary-based theories to explain sex-specific differences in the mating behavior of men and women. More specifically, SST states that men prefer short-term (ST) mating and higher numbers of ST partners than women, and that these differences evolved to optimize the reproductive success specific to each sex. However, research into SST has relied on a very narrow age range in most of the samples used to test its hypotheses, which calls into question the generalizability of key findings to older adult populations. Further, other psychosocial factors may significantly influence men and women's ST sexual behavior, meaning sex differences in mating preferences might result from these other factors rather than evolved sex differences in mating strategies. I tested these ideas in two samples: one in a college-convenience sample using regression analyses, and one in nationally and age-diverse sample of adults using structural equation modeling. These studies revealed that the social acceptance of women engaging in ST sexual behavior (Studies 1 & 2) and concern for personal safety when engaging with a ST partner (Study 2) were more powerful predictors of ST mating behavior than biological sex. Thus, these findings offer evidence to suggest that social and personal factors are more important drivers of human sexual behavior and cast doubt on sex differences that evolved to optimize reproduction according to SST.Item The psychology of camera observation: how the camera affects human behavior(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2021) Trainor, Catherine; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Theo LipfertThis paper explores the influence of an observational camera on human behavior, particularly in documentary films. Whether it is a surveillance camera that represents the eyes of an authority figure, or a camera with a human operator, the presence of an observer impacts our behavior. The paper hypothesizes that the presence of a camera activates the same pathway in the brain as when a person senses that they are being watched. The paper uses observations from several documentary films, reality television shows, and the author's documentary film as supporting evidence in exploring this concept.Item Improving experimental methods: exploring procedural mechanisms affecting participant behaviors(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Engineering, 2016) Page, Lenore Trinette; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: David ClaudioResearch with human participants involves a complex combination of procedural elements in order to establish internal, external and measurement validity. Examining the accuracy of research equipment and methods that elicit similar behaviors as the general public is difficult. This research used driving as a model to address elements in the procedures that participants experience to elicit realistic behaviors. An instrumented vehicle (IV) and driving simulator (SIM) measured experimental behaviors for average approach speed (in the 20m before the legal stop line); lateral distance from curb at 20m; lateral distance from curb at legal stop line (0m) and the stopping location (distance before or after 0m); and, compared with measured general driving public behaviors at stop-controlled intersections. The linear mixed effect analyses combined two experiments. In both, surveys were administered to gather driver's trait anxiety, driving anxiety and social desirability scores. Experiment One drivers (36% female) were grouped as Novice (5, 16-17 year olds who just obtained driving license), Young (4, 16-17 year olds who obtained license over a year ago) and Adult (5, 30-55 year olds licensed near age 16). Experiment Two drivers (47 SIM, 44 IV; 35% female) were College age (18-21 year olds licensed near age 16) and exposed to 1 of 16 different combinations (one of those treatments matched Experiment One's procedure) of procedural changes for: researcher attire (casual or formal), researcher proximity (control room, front or rear passenger seat), mode of instruction delivery (spoken, read or video) and hypothesis statement (none or explicit). At the end of Experiment Two, participants' understanding of the experiment was coded into three debriefing variables. Absolute behavioral validity of the IV to public behavior was achieved in one treatment (formal, front seat, spoken and no hypothesis) and including the debriefing variables in the model; no SIM combination achieved this. Trait anxiety scores appeared to explain behaviors in the IV or SIM and improved result interpretation as interactions with other independent variables. For improved research methods, it is recommended that coded debriefing variables, specific procedural elements, and trait anxiety scores be included and used to explain interactions or differences in participant behaviors.Item Three methods of health education and related behavioral changes of each(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1964) Self, Evelyn LatimerItem Assumed identity(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2015) Donovan, Daniel Edward; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Dean AdamsI use personal experience as a way of relating to others, through objects both found and made, the shared experience of being human. There is a fascinating universality in the ways so many can relate to nearly any experience despite it being general or specific. My artwork is an exploration of humanness and the ways in which we experience enculturation and assume identity of self within cultures. By assume identity, I refer to the way we adopt historical identity. The uniform and the group was a way in which I was being given the means to act a certain way through uniformity. Through my artwork I seek to examine several systems that condition action in children as well as adults.Item Pro-active adaptation : improving infrastructure(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2009) Brandt, Andrew MacMillan; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Mike Everts; Jack Smith (co-chair)Life on this planet adapts reactively through necessity; as environmental context changes, so do the inhabitants. Due to our level of creative analysis and critical thought, humans have the ability of anticipation. By recognizing patterns, trends, and correlating probabilities, we can anticipate a changing environment. In order to maintain a healthy world to live in, humanity needs to embrace pro-active adaptation: altering behavior in response to inevitable change in environmental conditions.