Maryland Shared Open Access Repository

MD-SOAR is a shared digital repository platform for twelve colleges and universities in Maryland. It is currently funded by the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) Library Consortium (usmai.org) and other participating partner institutions. MD-SOAR is jointly governed by all participating libraries, who have agreed to share policies and practices that are necessary and appropriate for the shared platform. Within this broad framework, each library provides customized repository services and collections that meet local institutional needs. Please follow the links below to learn more about each library's repository services and collections.

 

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Can parent's intelligence mindset predict perception of their child's self-esteem and academic performance?
(2022-05-10) Iafolla, Cristiana; Fracasso, Maria; Towson University. Department of Psychology
Although recent research has found that a parent’s intelligence mindset may not directly impact the type of mindset their child develops, it is still unclear if the mindset of a parent can influence other outcome variables in their children. Along with a measure of parents’ mindset, mothers’ perception of both the academic performance and self-esteem of their children was assessed, as these two variables are often highly correlated with each other and with intelligence mindsets. It was first hypothesized that parents’ mindset would predict both academic performance and perceived child’s self-esteem, and that academic performance would be predictive of self-esteem. Results showed that parents’ mindset was correlated with perceived self-esteem, but not academic performance. Academic performance, however, was significantly correlated with perceived self-esteem. It was also hypothesized that academic performance would act as a moderator in the relationship between parental mindset and perceived child’s self-esteem, although this hypothesis was not supported by the results. Unexpectedly, when examining a moderation model with performance in math specifically, a more fixed mindset significantly predicted lower levels of perceived self-esteem when perceived performance in math was either average or above average. Possible explanations for these unexpected findings, limitations, and several future research directions are also discussed.
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"As a sort of blanket term": qualitative analysis of queer sexual identity marking
(2022-05-13) Kolker, Zoe; Galupo, M. Paz (Marlene Paz); Towson University. Department of Psychology
Recent research has considered how individuals mark or make their sexual identity known to others. Previous research has considered sexuality marking of heterosexual and bisexual individuals. The current study addresses how queer-identified individuals linguistically mark their sexual identity. Participants included 98 self-identified queer adults within the U.S. recruited through SurveryMonkey. Results include a preliminary analysis of demographics data as well as a thematic analysis of participants’ responses to an open-ended question regarding participants use of queer as a sexual identity label. Researchers read through the responses and found four themes including: (1) Using Queer as an Encompassing Label, (2) Using Queer to Avoid Explanation, (3) Using Queer Based on Who is Present and (4) Avoiding Using Queer. This study found that both monosexual and plurisexual individuals identify as queer, with higher rates for the latter. Queer sexual identity marking was found to be distinct from other forms of sexuality marking.
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Concealed carry weapons system
(2019-05-16) Landry, Katrina; Rudolph, Joseph R. (Joseph Russell); Towson University. Social Sciences Program
The purpose of this thesis is to determine if the concealed weapons carry (CCW) system effects murder rates. Particularly, if there is a significant difference between the shall issue and may issue methods. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting recent court rulings as well as the issues gun rights advocates have with the CCW system. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analyses were used to investigate the relationship between murder rates, murder by handgun rates by 100,000 inhabitants in each state and the CCW system. Results show a relationship between overall murder rates and not requiring a permit. There is no significant difference between may issue and shall issue methods when assessing crime rates. These findings reveal the issue of states utilizing may issue versus shall issue is a social and political phenomenon that reflects the values and beliefs of its citizens.
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Sexual and gender minorities' beliefs about sex, gender, and sexual orientation
(2022-05-23) Lloyd, Allison E.; Galupo, M. Paz (Marlene Paz); Towson University. Department of Psychology
Using two separate samples, the present research examined how individuals with non-normative sexual and gender identities conceptualize sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Participants rated their beliefs across four dimensions: fixed, binary, (i.e., essentialist beliefs) fluid, and continuous (i.e., social constructionist beliefs). In Study 1, data were obtained from 134 non-heterosexual cisgender individuals who identified as monosexual (n = 52) or plurisexual (n = 82). Data analyses for this study centered on twelve 2 (Gender Identity: Woman vs. Man) X 2 (Sexual Orientation: Monosexual vs. Plurisexual) ANOVAs that compared participants’ answers to the prompts. In Study 2, data were obtained from 530 participants who identified with a trans identity label. Data analyses for this study utilized twelve one-way ANOVAs to compare participants’ answers to the prompts across transfeminine, transmasculine, and non-binary trans identities. The discussion rationalizes instances where the studies’ hypotheses were incorrect. Implications and future directions are considered.
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After the night-lights are lit
(2022-05-24) Madden, Travis; Downs, Michael; Towson University. Professional Writing Program
[epigraph]: “Can anything harm us, mother, after the night-lights are lit?" “Nothing, precious," she said; "they are the eyes a mother leaves behind her to guard her children.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan