Journal of Student Research 2012

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Foreword Welcome to the 11th edition of the Journal of Student Research. The University of Wisconsin-Stout’s own student publication has been committed to showcasing undergraduate and graduate students’ research for over ten years. Since its inception in 2002, the Journal of Student Research continues to offer Stout students the opportunity to publish their research and thus allows them to experience one of the key components of the academy. The Journal of Student Research strives to publish exemplary student scholarship on a variety of topics and from an array of disciplines. The Journal of Student Research is a prime example of the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s commitment to further the student research enterprise and to support student-organized activities. Indeed, the Journal of Student Research is a joined effort between undergraduate and graduate students. All aspects of the production and publication process, such as printing, writing, and editing, are made possible only by the dedicated work of UW-Stout students. Although this 11th edition will not be published in print, its online publication still provides a worldwide audience access to reading and viewing students’ scholarly work. Such exposure allows students to take full advantage of the benefits associated with being published in an academic journal, and the dissemination of students’ work can contribute to some of the ongoing discourses in the respective academic disciplines. As you scroll through the pages of the current Journal of Student Research, you may notice that articles are organized based on the students’ class standings. Since more and more students gain research experience at an earlier point in their undergraduate careers, it seems important to position their scholarship and level of experience among their peers. In addition, and continuing the trend of the previous edition, you will find a great variety of scholarship representing multiple departments and disciplines across campus. I am delighted to see that both undergraduate and graduate students continue to recognize the value and the opportunities provided by publishing in the Journal of Student Research. Finally, I wish to express my gratitude on behalf of Research Services and the Journal of Student Research to the students whose hard work and determination made this 11th edition possible. I furthermore would like to thank faculty advisors for supporting and encouraging their students’ submissions and faculty reviewers for volunteering their time and expertise. The latest Journal of Student Research is a symbol of dedication to excellence and to student research on this campus.

Petra M. Mohr Editor-in-Chief