Contact: Maridith Geuder
Seven research reports by Mississippi State students--two of them juniors--are among a select number to be presented March 21-24 at a meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association.
Representing colleges and universities in 12 states and Puerto Rico, SEPA is affiliated with the American Psychological Association. The regional professional organization's Orlando, Fla., conference will feature the latest investigations in a variety of psychological fields, including behavioral, cognitive, experimental, health, social, organizational, occupational, and clinical, among others.
"Our students could have opted to submit their work in the student category," said teacher Carl A. Escoto. "Instead, they competed with all conference participants, including psychology professionals."
A visiting professor in MSU's psychology department, Escoto said the research projects were part of his class in experimental psychology.
"The fact that the seven reports were accepted speaks to the quality of the research conducted by MSU students," he added. "Since most aspire to attend graduate school, this accomplishment gives professional visibility to them, as well as to the psychology department and Mississippi State."
The students and their research topics include [by hometown]:
BAY MINETTE, Ala.--Doctoral student and departmental teaching assistant C. Brian Peace, who examined the impact of cognitive appraisals on depression and anxiety in people coping with chronic illness. Co-authored with Escoto and fellow doctoral student Paula R. Warren of Shreveport, La., the study focused specifically on people with HIV/AIDS.
BATESVILLE--Junior Daniel R. Webster, who compared the drinking habits of college students at a campus that prohibits alcohol with those at a campus allowing alcohol. A 2000 graduate of West Lauderdale High School in Meridian, he is a psychology major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Toney Roberts of Batesville and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Webster of Meridian.
COLUMBUS--Senior Willie S. Sanders, who surveyed 300 college students to measure the relationship between a desire for social acceptance and racial attitudes and behaviors. A 1998 Columbus High School graduate, he is a psychology major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Sanders.
MERIDIAN--(See Daniel R. Webster of BATESVILLE.)
MOORHEAD--Senior Angela D. Banks, who studied the role gender, attractiveness and age play in an individual's decision to assist someone. A 1998 graduate of Gentry High School in Indianola, she is a psychology/pre-medicine major and the daughter of James Banks and Lorstine Banks.
SHREVEPORT, La.--Doctoral student Paula R. Warren, who examined the impact of cognitive appraisals on depression and anxiety in people coping with chronic illness. Co-authored with Escoto and fellow doctoral student C. Brian Peace of Bay Minette, Ala., the study focused specifically on people with HIV/AIDS.
STARKVILLE--Junior Laura A. Humphrey, whose research seeks to identify ways in which men and women differ in choosing a mate. A 1999 graduate of Starkville High School, she is a clinical psychology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Humphrey.
WEIR--Senior Mollie S. Mills, who examined student fears about victimization and their perceptions of campus security. A 1998 graduate of Weir High School, she is a psychology and criminal justice double-major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Mills.