|
| CSS Monday Poster Session |
| Monday, May 26, 2025 |
| 1:00 PM–3:00 PM |
| Convention Center, Lower Level, Hall C |
| Chair: Daniela Galvis-Quintana (University of Nevada, Reno) |
|
| 74. Determinants of Gratitude Expression:
Behavioral Observations of Human Dynamics in University Crosswalks |
| Area: CSS; Domain: Basic Research |
| IVAN PETROVICH SAVELYEV (Virginia Tech; Center for Applied Behavior Systems), E. Scott Geller (Virginia Tech; Center for Applied Behavior Systems) |
| Discussant: Daniela Galvis-Quintana (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: Expressions of gratitude boost subjective wellbeing for both the benefactor and the beneficiary of a gratitude expression (GE). Trained students observed and recorded certain human dynamics occurring after a vehicle stopped for 677 pedestrians in downtown Blacksburg and for 908 pedestrians on the Virginia Tech campus, including the pedestrian’s facial expression, social interactions, phone use, age category, and GE. Independent samples t-tests showed a significant difference in frequency of GE between the downtown (49%) and the campus locations (19%), p=<.001), as well as between people smiling (59%) and those not smiling (27%), (p=<.001). Also, substantial differences in frequency of GE were observed as a function of the pedestrian’s age. Those aged 30-50 and 50+ showed gratitude 47% and 54% of the time respectively, while pedestrians in the 18-30 age-category showed gratitude on 28% of occasions. Using a linear probability model to control for all other variables, pedestrians aged 30-50 were 9.2 percentage points more likely to express gratitude than the reference group (ages 18-30) (p= 0.013), and pedestrians aged 50+ were 11.6 percentage points more likely to express gratitude (p= 0.038). These findings suggest major generational differences in GE and inspire the design of community-based interventions to increase GE. |
| |
|
 75. Examining Preferred Leisure Alternatives for Youth (PLAY) on Physical Activity in an After-School Program |
| Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research |
| JIREH NGOZI UDECHUKWU (University of Kansas), Jomella Thompson (University of Kansas), Lauratu Bah (University of Kansas), Krystal Towne (University of Kansas) |
| Abstract: The prevalence of adolescent obesity in the United States is a persistent problem. A key strategy to mitigate adolescent obesity is physical activity (PA). PA may also positively impact other developmental outcomes for youth including fostering healthy relationships, building social competence, and reducing aggressive behaviors, which may also help prevent youth violence and other antisocial behaviors. This study examines the Preferred Leisure Alternatives for Youth (PLAY) intervention on youth participation in PA by offering preferred physical activities in an after-school program. The participants (n=23) are predominantly racial and ethnic youth, aged 12 to 18, from Kansas City who participate in the Together Helping Reduce Youth Violence for Equity (ThrYve) program, through the Youth Violence Prevention Center-Kansas City. The Assessment of PLAY (A-PLAY), a web-based tool, was used to assess PA preferences of participants. The study employs an ABAB reversal design across after-school settings, utilizing momentary time sampling to examine the effects of preferred activities on PA levels. With a reliability of 83%, preliminary results suggest the intervention may effectively increase PA participation among racial and ethnic youth in after-school settings. These findings highlight the effectiveness of preference assessments in developing interventions to increase youth PA levels in community-based settings. |
| |
|
 76. Implementation of Precommitment and Direct Instruction and Its Effect on Sharing News Stories and Information on Social Media |
| Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research |
| LIZA E. GEONIE (The Chicago School), Tyler Ré (The Chicago School), Annette Griffith (The Chicago School), Susan D. Flynn (The Chicago School) |
| Discussant: Daniela Galvis-Quintana (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: The prevalence of misinformation on social media highlights the need for strategies that promote responsible information-sharing behaviors. This study examined the effectiveness of two targeted interventions—precommitment and direct instruction—on the quality of news-related posts shared on social media. Using a multiple baseline across participants design, participants underwent structured phases to enhance their ability to identify and share reputable sources. Facebook activity was monitored and analyzed to evaluate the success of these interventions. The findings indicated that while the interventions resulted in varying levels of engagement and overall increases in posting activity, consistent and significant improvements in the frequency of reputable posts were limited. Participant responses to the interventions varied, with some experiencing modest short-term gains in reputable posts that did not persist across phases. These results suggest that although educational and behavioral strategies show potential, further refinement is needed to boost their effectiveness and reduce obstacles to sustained engagement with credible content. This research contributes to the growing field of digital literacy by offering insights into the challenges of fostering responsible social media behavior. It underscores the necessity for continued exploration of scalable and practical methods to combat misinformation and enhance critical evaluation skills among social media users. |
| |
|
| 77. Lights On! Illuminating the Benefits of Efficiency Behaviors Over Curtailment in Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction |
| Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research |
| MITCHELL REED LUTTERMOSER (Western Michigan University), Katherine Martini (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is vital in the coming years as natural catastrophes have become increasingly destructive due to global warming. Energy and GHG reduction in the realm of behavior analysis is traditionally targeted toward ongoing behavioral (curtailment) efforts, instead of singular behaviors (efficiency) of retrofit installation. While curtailment expenditures do reduce energy use, and consequently, metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCDE), they are often difficult to maintain due to prolonged response effort and habituation to prompts. As part of the climate action planning efforts at Western Michigan University, the current exploration analyzes the curtailment efficacy of electricity-saving university dorm initiatives in two midwestern university residence halls, in comparison to the energy and emission savings from a lighting efficiency project. Contrasts are also made of the potential energy and emission savings among eighty-four campus buildings from prolonged curtailment and whole building retrofits based on data collected over the past year. Overall, sustained curtailment demonstrates an annual emission reduction rate of 2.6% compared to 15-40% from the efficiency of whole building retrofits. Reflections are given about the role of curtailment efforts, how to initiate and maintain efficiency behaviors/projects, and the target audience for large-scale energy conservation. |
| |
|
| 78. Promoting Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Effect of Social Norm Messaging and Real-Time Feedback on Idling Behavior |
| Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research |
| SABA MAHMOUDI (Utah State University), Gregory J. Madden (Utah State University), Kerry Kelly (The University of Utah), tristalee mangin (The University of Utah), xiwen Li (The University of Utah), Ross Whitaker (The University of Utah), Nathan Page (The University of Utah), pierre-emmanuel gaillardon (The University of Utah) |
| Discussant: Daniela Galvis-Quintana (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, air pollution led to ~4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. Air pollution contributes to heart and lung conditions that increase premature death. Vehicle idling generates ~30 million tons of CO2 annually, contributing to global warming. In our experiment, we assessed the effects of messaging on idling in a hospital drop-off and pick-up zone. A machine-learning algorithm used low-cost air-quality sensors to monitor vehicle idling for 15 days in the zone. On five days, a control message (“Welcome to the hospital”) was presented. Significant reductions in idling were observed on five other days when a social norm message (“Air pollution is bad for patient health”) and real-time feedback (“There are no cars idling. Thank you.” or “Someone is idling. We ask you to avoid idling”) were provided by the algorithm. On the remaining five days, the social norm message (“Air pollution is bad for patient health”) was presented with a vehicle emissions (CO2) meter; this also reduced idling compared to the control message. No difference was observed between social norm + idling" and "social norm + meter" days. |
| |
|
| 79. Implementation of a Learning Application to Improve Listener Discriminations of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study |
| Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research |
| KATHLEEN BEZDEK COOK (Augustana University), Patrick Faga (FirstWork: Digital Reinforcement Learning), Lynette Wyckoff (Augustana University; Possibilities ABA
), Michelle Nadalsky (Possibilities ABA
) |
| Abstract: Children with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder benefit significantly from early interventions. With an increasing demand for behavior analysts and reports of wait lists at many behavior clinics, early interventions outside of direct therapy during independent learning sessions become relevant. FirstWork is a learning application for digital devices that can be therapist- or parent-led. The FirstWork app embeds instructional practices from Discrete Trial Training and Matching-to-Sample procedures, often used in the development of listener discriminations. In this study, we used a multiple-baseline-across-verbal-stimuli design to research the effects of the FirstWork app on the listener discrimination skills of children with autism and limited communication skills in clinical settings. The study focused on the acquisition of new listener discriminations and engagement with the app. Preliminary results showed immediate changes in level from baseline to intervention conditions with accelerating trends in the intervention condition for three of four listener discrimination targets for Participant One and 80% Percent Non Overlapping Data, indicating a moderate-to-strong intervention effect for three of four cases. Data collection with Participant One and additional participants continues. The FirstWork app presents a promising supplement for developing listener discrimination skills in young children with developmental disabilities such as autism. |
| |
| |