ISSUED: 20 March 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — A psychology major represented Shepherd University at the 16th annual Undergraduate Research Day on February 26 at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston. Christian Weir, Hedgesville, presented his Psychology Senior Thesis project as a poster titled “Decision-Making: A Psychological and Sociological Process.”
The research tried to determine whether the gender makeup of a group of people working on a problem affects how quickly the problem is solved. Weir used Shepherd’s psychology lab to present a problem to groups that were predominately men or women or had equal representation.
Dr. Larry Daily, chair, Department of Psychology, advised on the research project and accompanied Weir to Charleston. Daily said Weir had to apply to participate and go through a peer review process.
“This was one of the most ambitious projects we’ve seen students take on,” Daily said. “Christian presented himself well and his poster was well done.”
Research Day features research and creative works completed by undergraduate students under the guidance of faculty mentors from colleges and universities across the state to give state legislators an opportunity to learn about some of the research and creative activities involving undergraduate students and the educational impact of those activities. The event showcased posters on a wide range of subjects, including science, art, social science, and humanities. More than 90 students from 15 institutions participated in this year’s event.
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