Tightness-looseness (TL) is a cultural construct that measures the level of social norms present in a community, and the level of scrutiny of deviance from these norms. This construct offers a unique foundation for investigating how norms influence behavioral processes. Research in TL is relatively young, creating a frontier of...
In America’s polarized politics, the language that congresspeople use matters. This thesis examines the use of bipartisan communications—in tweets and press releases—of members of the US House of Representatives as an electoral strategy for representatives in districts of varying competitiveness. A linear regression was conducted to analyze the relationship between...
Juniper (Juniperus spp.) encroachment into the sagebrush steppe ecoregion is one of the main causes of sagebrush degradation and can alter the understory vegetative community by outcompeting native shrubs and grasses, which reduces the available forage and cover for small mammals. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are generalist, omnivorous predators in the...
The United States is a global leader in agricultural productivity. Much of its productivity growth can be attributed to public investments in agricultural research and development, starting in the 19th century and continuing until today. Past studies have shown high returns to agricultural research investments, but publicly funded agricultural research...
In this thesis, I created a short film to immerse and connect, or reconnect, Oregonians to Outdoor School and its impact on youth. Outdoor School (ODS) is an experiential outdoor education program for 5th and 6th graders, that recently became funded statewide in Oregon through voters’ approval of Measure 99....
The goal of my thesis is to (a) help reveal to the Corvallis community who comprises this local population and (b) to share with local resource agencies what potential gaps are present from the perspectives of the homeless individuals who call Corvallis home. We interviewed eight (8) individuals who have...
This thesis presents a novel design for a rheometer style viscometer by implementing high temperature and inert atmospheric requirements on the device. The goals of this device are to measure the viscosity of high temperature molten salts, which are corrosive and extremely hydroscopic. It also aims to be able to...
The stocking density for chickens can have major impacts on their health and welfare. There is no single correct answer for how many chickens you can house in a specified area, as it depends on the quality of housing. Chickens can tolerate a higher stocking density without major health concerns...
This study seeks to examine the participation and representation of stakeholders involved in the Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force during their first year, culminating in the publishing of their Year One Report and Recommendations for actions with the goal of moving the Southern Resident killer whales toward recovery. This...
Sex education plays a critical role in the development of youth sexual health and wellbeing. An ideal program is taught with honesty in an inclusive and respectful environment where students learn strategies to lower their risk of unwanted sexual outcomes, communication skills to build and navigate relationships, and necessary knowledge...