Courting Clam: The Art of Reducing Stress

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2015

Department

Psychology

Program

Bachelor's Degree

Citation of Original Publication

Rights

Collection may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. To obtain information or permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Goucher Special Collections & Archives at 410-337-6347 or email archives@goucher.edu.

Subjects

Abstract

For my research project, I created an exhibition of art that represents calm because one of my goals is to find serenity. I wanted to explore how artists have “courted calm” through art. My strategy for this research project was to use ACE and the Goucher library to complete the project in a thorough and calm manner. Throughout my research process, I met with my Academic Coach in ACE to create deadlines so that I could stay organized and reduce stress. On the advice of ACE, I met with my professor to discuss my research process. Regular meetings with advisors helped to break down the project into manageable chunks of work. Most of my work was accomplished in the library. The research librarian helped me navigate the databases, search for books both physically and electronically, and set up a Refworks account to keep my sources organized. When I was not talking with a librarian, prowling the stacks, or using Refworks, I was simply using the physical space of the quiet floors. The research librarian, databases, and quiet space were all crucial resources for my project. Through this project, I discovered that research is like a funnel. Work needs to begin in a broad and general manner. With time, work, and frustration, the thesis and objectives become more defined and clear. I found that thorough research takes a lot of time! This project also taught me to be flexible in my work. The focus of my research needed to change according to the discovered evidence. I am thankful that I was given this assignment during my first semester at Goucher because through the project, I better understand the resources available through the library, ACE, and my professors. I discovered that I am capable of independently creating an exciting and difficult project.