The University Honors Program at Indiana State University provides academically talented and motivated students opportunities to study, conduct research, and exchange ideas in a challenging and supportive academic environment. It brings outstanding students and dynamic faculty together in courses that arouse curiosity, stimulate intellectual development, and expand understanding of a larger world.

Recent Submissions

  • The Root of the Growing Mental Illness Epidemic in Elementary Children

    Brown, Rayanne (2022-07-23)
    This research determined important contributions to the mental illness epidemic in elementary children to find if mental illness in current American society is based on bias or science. Some of the researched contributions include use of technology, family dynamics, proper use of medical terminology, physical health, and the diagnosis process, and more. Many recent articles supported the possibility that mental health awareness has become too common, resulting in overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment in elementary children. In all, society views mental illness through a different lens to encourage victims of mental illness to reach out for treatment, but the added attention has caused people to look too hard for a diagnosis that is not there. When considering child development, the actions can be considered learned behavior, increasing the mental illness epidemic numerically. Speculation arises when the evidence is compared to consider if mental illness is based on scientific proof or bias observation.
  • Cyberpunk as an Evolution from Science-Fiction and its Social Critiques

    Svihla, William C. (2022-07-23)
    In this paper, I will take an investigative deep dive into all that is the literary genre of cyberpunk. I will touch on the origins and development of science-fiction, the genre that birthed cyberpunk, and how science-fiction led up to cyberpunk’s birth. I discuss the origins of cyberpunk and where and when it first entered the scene. The literary differences between the two genres. And the main areas of social critique that are focused on for each as well. For science-fiction’s areas of social critique, I discuss their ever-present use of the dangers of man’s hubris first made present in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the ideas of reaction to the unknown that have changed drastically during the evolution of the genre. For cyberpunk’s areas of social critique, I analyze their portrayal of corporate/ capitalistic greed, the portrayal of gender roles, and the dangers of human nature. I conducted my research through assorted literature and media within the respective genres and literary reviews on the works I analyzed. I also used interviews with authors to get a better picture of the ideas that were meant to be conveyed by their works.
  • Medication Administration Errors: Actions, Barriers and Preventions

    Slone, Alyssa (2022-07-23)
    Nurses play a huge role in the medication administration process. Medication administration errors have been around for a while and keep increasing in number. Communication amongst healthcare professionals helps prevent medication errors from happening. Communication increases the knowledge that patients have about their care to reduce any adverse errors that could occur. Medication administration programs, like MedEye and IndentRx, help prevent medication errors. A way to familiarize nurses with medication is to start implementing the administration process in the nursing program curriculum. There are different influential factors that can result in medication errors. The similar packaging of the medications alongside the skill set and experience nurses have could influence medication errors from happening. Other influential events would be the nurse-to-patient ratio and the number of nurses that are working on specific units. Medication administration errors are often not reported due to outside factors and personal factors. Outside factors would include nursing management responses, educational levels and the extensiveness of filling out incident reports. On the other side, personal factors would include fear of consequences, protection of pride, accountability, and reputation. Medication administration errors are on the incline, but looking at all aspects on how they occur, would help reduce them.
  • The Censorship of Literature in American Secondary Level Public Schools and its Effect on Education

    Pax, Rose (2022-07-23)
    The implementation of censorship within the secondary level of education and its effects on students has not been fully examined. Thus, this thesis will first define what constitutes as censorship along with a focus on the First Amendment Rights of students, intellectual freedom, a book challenge versus a banning, and selection versus censorship. A brief history of censorship in relation to the secondary level of education will then be disclosed. This section will examine the censorship concerns from 1950-2020, the patterns established between the decades, and any substantial legal action. Next, the question as to why literature tends to be challenged will be addressed, i.e. who tends to challenge materials, their reasoning for doing so, the process of book challenges, and the impact challenges have on school systems. Additionally, the top five classic novels targeted for censorship will be disclosed to uncover common factors between censored literature. The impact of censorship on the education of students will then be explored in depth. Specifically, minor rights, the importance of student choice, the inequalities within education that censorship evokes, the value of diverse literature and alternative points of view, and the future repercussion that censorship leads to will be inspected. Lastly, how teachers can preserve the First Amendment Rights of students within the classroom and beyond will be examined.
  • Closets and TV Screens: LGBTQ Representation on Prime-Time Network Television in the 1990s

    Wortman, Will (2022-07-23)
    Throughout the 1990s, prime-time network television introduced a vast increase of LGBTQ representation to American programming. This new programming was a huge step for the visibility of the LGBTQ community in America. In this paper, I study the relevance of this sudden increase and its impact on American culture and the LGBTQ community. In my research, I studied the influence of LGBTQ representation in mainstream media and the treatment of LGBTQ identities in 1990s prime-time network programming. Additionally, I determined the general frequency of LGBTQ representation on the three main networks of the 1990s—ABC, CBS, and NBC—as well as the popularity of select television episodes featuring LGBTQ representation. I researched existing literature to determine the influence that LGBTQ representation holds and the state of LGBTQ representation on network television in the 1990s. Representation in mainstream media is significant as television has the ability to introduce people to new ideas they might not otherwise encounter. The depictions of identities and topics on television influence individuals’ world views. Additionally, LGBTQ representation was increasing throughout the 1990s, but that representation was not always positive or equitable. To determine the frequency of networks’ depictions of LGBTQ identities, I compared episodes featuring LGBTQ themes at their core to the total number of episodes in the programming up through the 1999-2000 television season. Generally, LGBTQ representation was pretty low and entirely absent from some programming. To determine the popularity of LGBTQ-themed programming, I studied Nielsen ratings of particular episodes and seasons. LGBTQ programming brought in audiences. Overall, representation of the LGBTQ community in the 1990s was increasing but not consistently positive.
  • Respect Your Elders: An Examination of Elder Care in the United States

    Jassman, Amy (2022-07-23)
    Insurance, healthcare, and workplace conditions are concerns of many senior citizens in the United States. This paper examines the repercussions of governmental policies and older adult stereotypes on the overall quality of care for older adults in the United States of America. This quality of care will be determined by analyzing how England’s, South Korea’s, Germany’s, Canada’s, and India’s programs and values with respect to elder care have impacted the health and well-being of the elderly. Studies on insurance systems, long-term care facilities, and workplace discrimination will be reviewed and compared. The findings show the United States to be trailing behind other countries in terms of quality of care, such as, citizens are paying more out-of-pocket expenses when it comes to insurance and long-term care facilities, individualized care in some long-term care facilities is neglected, and financial security in retirement could be improved. In addition, America has a higher older adult poverty rate than other countries such as Canada, which could be due to the differences in retirement plans. Regarding workplace inequity, the findings show this to be a problem in multiple countries. Education on ageism and elder rights could be a way to combat discrimination.
  • Impact of Face Coverings During Covid-19 on Communication: A Look at Development, Disorders, and Mental Health

    Kerby, Elisabeth (2022-07-23)
    This research analysis takes a look at the impact of face coverings worn during Covid-19, had on communication. The research questions this thesis analyzes are: What impact did/do face coverings have on communication during COVID-19? Were communication development milestones impacted due to face coverings or other factors during COVID-19? If so, in what ways did they impact these milestones? How did face coverings impact individuals with receptive and/or expressive communication disorders? In what ways was the mental health of individuals who have a communication disorder (or who didn’t) impacted during COVID-19? Was the overall developmental of cognitive processes in children impacted by mask usage during COVID-19? If so, in what ways? It was found that each topic in question was negatively impacted due to the required face coverings. Voice acoustics, visual cues, and facial expressions being obscured due to the face coverings led to an issue in communicating. These characteristics also led to a downfall in children acquiring language at the expected rate. The face coverings also proved to provide difficulties for individuals who had previous issues communicating and eventually led to some mental health issues for some of these individuals. With all of these factors considered, it was found overall cognition was also impacted in developing individuals. This matter needs to be discussed and addressed in a timely manner to reverse these negative impacts caused by the face coverings during the pandemic.
  • New is Dangerous: How the Second Vatican Council Lead to the Destruction of Catholic Identity

    Engel, Grace (2022-07-23)
    The Second Vatican Council radically changed how Catholics practice their faith. This radical change destroys Catholic identity that is by nature dependent on tradition. This paper examines the what the Second Vatican Council was and how it changed Catholicism. The paper also discusses how the effects of Vatican II have distorted Catholic identity.
  • Remote Work: Job Satisfaction and Healthy Work Boundaries

    Thesier, Carlee (2022-07-23)
    This paper addresses mass remote work as a growing organizational structure. COVID-19 initiated the movement for organizations to have employees work from home, and as workplaces are beginning to reopen, remote work is continuing to grow. The remote work presents many challenges that organizations were not prepared to address when initially moving online. While these challenges are being addressed and evaluated, organizations are not standardized in the structure of remote work and are continuing to perfect the method. This paper analyzes how mental health, job satisfaction, and long-term effects of continued mass remote work. The process of mass remote work is still being developed. There are still many areas that need to be improved to maximize the efficiency of this organizational structure. Mental health is directly linked to job satisfaction and productivity. Remote work limits communication and creates a barrier for workplace relationships, increasing social isolation and stress.
  • Nutrition’s Impact on Mental Well-Being

    Kauer, Amy (2022-07-23)
    This honors thesis examines the relationship between nutrition and mental well-being by investigating nutrition’s relationship with mood, cognition, mental dexterity, chronic disease, mental health, and treatment plans. The author of the thesis researched and investigated the following questions: 1. Is diet and mood intertwined? 2. How does nutrition impact cognition and mental dexterity? 3. How does nutrition impact chronic disease? 4. What is the correlation between nutrition and mental health, and is nutrition being addressed in mental health treatment? The author found six key components to a healthy diet through a literature review. These six components include complex carbohydrates, EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids), amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and water. These six components are essential in mood, cognition, mental dexterity, chronic disease, and mental health. Implementing these six components into treatment plans could help alleviate and reduce mental health problems. Unfortunately, humans can only produce some of these components; the rest must come from external sources. These components help replenish and restore nerve cells and neurotransmitters, which in turn help our bodies function to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find these specific nutrients being implemented into treatment plans.
  • Isms in the Twenty-first Century: The Evolution of Systemic Discrimination

    Neas, Taylor (2022-07-23)
    Long have the concepts of racism, sexism, and classism existed in human history. However, their definitions and practice have evolved over time. Modernly, they are all considered forms of discrimination. Recently, these topics have been a source of discussion among many disciplines. This thesis serves to add to existing literature outlining the history of these forms of discrimination and how they presented themselves in early American society. All three forms manifested in different forms in early civilizations before being adopted in colonial America. This work also serves to outline how these forms of discrimination exist in present day America. While they persist in more subtle forms than the abrasive examples in early history, racism, sexism, and classism still exist in American communities. Additional focuses for this paper are the intersectional relationships among these variables and the significant impacts for American citizens. All three variables share overlap, and impacts are predominantly negative. Solutions and plans for combatting these issues and their overlap are outlined as presented by leading experts. A variety of educational plans and legislative actions are believed to be the key to solving these issues. Finally, what struggles or changes may be in America’s near future are considered. As a Nation founded on protests and revolution, it is likely that activists will succeed in making change, or civil unrest will reach a breaking point as it has in the past.
  • What is the Future of Airfreight Transportation?

    Pyzynski, Carly (2022-07-23)
    Future, meaning any moment past this moment. Airfreight, meaning freight and cargo that is transported via aircraft. These are two concepts that are absolutely mind blowing to think about if thought about long enough. It is amazing that in 10 years, everything could be new, and it is amazing that a product can be ordered, and it will be flying through the air on its way in no time. Many people say, “live in the moment.” Many people do not question the future, as it may scare them. However, it is interesting and important to research future innovations that will change everything. With anything that can be thought of, there will always be risks, and an extensive list of pros and cons to think of. These are what will persuade the future. The air freight industry has provided infinite possibilities and grown more than anyone could have expected. Within this research, the risks, benefits, insurances, and more are looked into, to begin to question what the future of aviation and airfreight will be.
  • Social Inflation: Rising Tides in the Insurance Markets

    Heim, Noah (2021-12)
    Social inflation, despite its relative recency, has been a strong concern for some of the largest insurance carriers in the world. With claims costs increasing across broad markets, especially in casualty markets, insurers are racing to find the reason why. Increased claims costs can result in a number of negative effects on both insurance carriers as well as insurances buyers. Social inflation seems to be a key driver of these increased costs. Doing a deep dive into the validity of this claim and studying some potential causes as well as markets in which social inflation is occurring has led to the discovery of some significant effects on the insurance marketplace as well as some potential solutions to help curb the problem and move past this issue.
  • An Examination between Laryngeal Physiology and Parkinson’s Disease: Severity and Treatment

    Pelikan, Jillian (2020-12)
    The purpose of this in-depth literature review is to examine the relationship between laryngeal physiology and Parkinson’s disease in terms of the severity and possible treatment. This research aims to determine the distinct characteristics of Parkinsonian speech and possible causes of these speech deficits. In addition, a specific type of Parkinson’s disease treatment, deep brain stimulation, was explored to determine effectiveness on laryngeal physiological deficits found in Parkinson’s disease patients. Through synthesizing peer reviewed journals and various studies, data was examined in order to take an in-depth look at the unique relationship between laryngeal physiology and Parkinson’s disease. Findings indicated that Parkinsonian speech characteristics include vocal tremors, breathiness, hoarseness, and decreased vocal projection possibly due to bowed vocal folds or incomplete glottal closure. Low frequency deep brain stimulation treatment may serve as a potential resource for mitigating speech and voice deficits, however results are inconclusive.
  • COVID-19 Investigated in Terms of Disparities: An Analysis of the Past, Present, and Future of Public Health in Illinois

    DeBlock, Hannah (2020-12)
    As a relatively new topic, previous literature fails to address the relation of social determinants of health to COVID-19. By combining existing knowledge on previous epidemics, information on the role of social determinants of health, and data on COVID-19, conclusions can be made about the path going forward. Historically, nonpharmacologic interventions such as quarantine periods, face coverings, and social distancing have been used in epidemics such as the Spanish Influenza of 1918-19. In terms of social determinants of health, geographical location, educational level, and income level all play a part in the health of an individual. Rather than emphasizing personal decisions, health policy can be utilized to address social determinants of health and improve healthcare infrastructure across the country. By directing focus towards proactive, public healthcare rather than reactive, medical healthcare – a healthier society can be formed in a post-COVID world.
  • Determining the Optimal Healthcare System for America: Comparing the Current American and Universal Healthcare Systems

    Kandharkar, Tejas (2021-12)
    U.S. citizens ranked healthcare as the most important issue when it comes to voting (Zieff, 2020). The healthcare system’s importance is evident which is why it is important to determine what healthcare system is optimal for America. I used core indicators to compare the current American healthcare system and universal healthcare system and evaluated them for four key parameters. Based on my analysis, I conclusively determined that the universal healthcare system (Score: 8.23/10) is more optimal than the current American healthcare system (Score: 5.10/10). The American system had a somewhat better quality of care but the universal healthcare system was vastly better at limiting disparities in healthcare. I support research into further optimizing the universal healthcare system specifically for America to eventually adopt universal healthcare in the USA.
  • Cost Structures in American Commercial Banks Under $10 Billion: Trend Analysis with Policy Considerations

    Stucker, Thomas (2021-12)
    Cost structures in the banking have historically been a point of study for economists, but many existing economies of scale studies use highly restricted samples. I compiled quarterly data from 2002-2020 from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Uniform Bank Performance Report to estimate the relationship between bank size (measured by total assets) and bank overhead (noninterest) expense for US banks under $10 billion in total assets. I included a continuous time trend as well as binary time variables for the 2008 recession period and the post-Dodd-Frank era in a multiple linear regression model. My estimation found statistically significant evidence for economies of scale in banking under asset levels of $1.45 billion, and that overhead costs trended downwards over time with exceptions during the recession and the Dodd-Frank era. Synthesizing these results with contemporary literature reveals how an understanding of bank cost structures can aid regulators in assessing the potential costs and benefits of new banking regulations.
  • Nos Non Abolere Ordo Lectionum: The History of the Historic Lectionary as Retained by the Lutheran Church

    Walts, Conner (2021-12)
    The history of the Historic Lectionary from a Lutheran perspective provided great insight into its development and retention in the 21st century. This paper reviews the long history of the Historic Lectionary, previously the lectionary of the Western church, and compares its value in light of recent lectionary developments. This study reveals a Lutheran perspective in light of the lectionary debate in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and succinctly sets forth centuries of lectionary history in the West.
  • Higher Education Graduation Rates: Problems, Solutions, and History

    Bowen, Anne (2021-05)
    This thesis explores how higher education graduation rates and student matriculation have affected stakeholders such as donors, students, taxpayers, and both government and nongovernment organization as well as the overall education rate in America. The ongoing implication of higher education graduation barriers is critical and impacting students across the United States. This thesis examines multiple higher education graduation disparities, including socio-economic status, academic preparation, and students’ sense of belong. Additionally, this thesis reflects on how specific predisposed risk factors, educational history, and admissions processes affect the overall student matriculation through end-phase graduation. Throughout history, higher education has used academic undermatching, defined as students’ ability to attend colleges that are less academically selective than those, for which they are academically prepared, and affirmative action or better known as the procedures to try to eliminate discrimination. These actions are unjust and lead to declining graduation rates in the United States. The history behind declining graduation rates includes influence from higher education learning commissions, institutional leadership, and stakeholders, resulting in lack of student success and inadequate understanding. Educational outcomes in the United States have been negatively impacted from the results of declining graduation rates, thus advancing studies to discover the significant 4-year graduation rate gap risk factors and how students’ sense of belonging play a role in earning a higher education degree. This thesis also presents the solutions that institutions, government officials, and researchers are working towards and how students themselves are focusing on participating in activities to advance the graduation rate in the United States
  • Bridging the Gap of Age and Awkwardness: Improving Geriatric Sex Education

    Watson, Anne (2018-05)
    Improving geriatric sex education is not a common thought for many Americans, but with a quickly growing population it may soon become a common topic for discussion. Discomfort, awkwardness, and lack of communication often keep health care providers and physicians from discussing sexual health with their elderly patients. These limitations are significantly impairing physicians and health care providers from educating their patients about their sexual health and addressing any concern the patient might have about their sexuality. Sexual health in geriatrics is a growing concern among many health care fields today as the elderly are participating in risky sexual behaviors but are not using safe sex practices. After collecting research from 28 sources, I have concluded that there are many inadequacies that are preventing quality sexual health education for the elderly by examining the history of sex education, discussing the limitations and barriers of adequate sexual health education, and analyzing the training and education methods being used to improve this elderly sexual health education. There are many ways in which improvement for geriatric sexual health education can occur; from enhanced communication to quality training for geriatric health care providers; but in the end the overall change needed will have to come from our society as a whole. The geriatric population is the fastest growing population in today’s society and soon this population will have new needs and concerns that will have to be addressed by us and future generations.

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