Senior Madison Snyder (Psychology major & sociology minor, December ’24) conducted research over the summer through RC’s Summer Scholars program. Her project titled, Differences in Stress Between Freshmen and Seniors Focusing on Presenting, investigates the differences in stress between college freshmen and seniors while enduring public speaking. Using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) model, she has started collecting data from senior participants focusing on a variety of details such as stuttering, eye contact, and the accuracy of the presentation. Applying to Summer Scholars gave Madison great opportunities to further conduct research and allowed for the growth of new and existing skills. During the summer, she gained experience with the Institutional Review Board to approve her study as well as undergoing Social and Behavioral Research CITI training. Additionally, Madison learned how to compose multiple surveys, how to use electrodes, and the Mindware device responsible for collecting heart rate data. Her short-term goals for this research include accurately collecting physiological and self-reporting data; she aims to understand how heart rates differ between baseline, preparation, and presentation segments. Furthermore, she aims to determine whether seniors’ experience with presenting correlates to the amount of stress involved. Her long-term goals are to seek further research and understand stress management options, utilizing the results to consider which options are best for specific groups. Madison would like to thank her advisor, Dr. Kennedy-Metz, Roanoke College psychology professor, for providing guidance throughout the process, and Dr. Carter, Roanoke College psychology professor and Director of Experiential Learning, for hosting the Summer Scholars events, providing research information, and explaining the process.
Congratulations and we look forward to seeing your success in the future!