Research projects by three Hope College students have been honored by the Midwestern chapter of the Psi Chi national honors society.
The Midwestern chapter presented Michelle Barnett,
David Bauer and Kelly VanderLaan with "Psi Chi Regional
Research Awards" on Friday, May 5, during the annual meeting
of the Midwestern Psychological Association, held in
Chicago, Ill. The three psychology majors received two of
only 11 "Research Awards" presented by the chapter, selected
from a pool of about 200 applicants.
During the conference, the three students also
delivered talks concerning their research, as did six other
Hope psychology students.
Barnett was recognized for her project "Is a Glower a Flower?: How Phonological Similarity Overrides Mutual Exclusivity." Her work, conducted with Dr. Lorna
Hernandez Jarvis, associate professor of psychology,
examined the way that children learn words.
Bauer and VanderLaan received their award for
their project "To Forgive or not to Forgive: Emotional Costs and Benefits." Conducted with Dr. Charlotte van Oyen
Witvliet, assistant professor of psychology, the research
examines how people respond to those who have victimized
them and why people might tend to hold grudges.
The conference and recognition fit into a week
that was already noteworthy for Barnett and VanderLaan in
particular. They also participated in the college's
graduation exercises on Sunday, May 7.
Barnett, who is from Alpena, is a 1996 graduate of
Alpena High School. She is the daughter of Michael and Joan
Barnett of Alpena.
Bauer, a junior from Hartford, is a 1997 graduate
of Lake Michigan Catholic High School. He is the son of
Terrence and Mary Bauer of Hartford.
VanderLaan, who is from Grand Rapids, is a 1997
graduate of Grandville High School. She is the daughter of
Larry and Carla Chamberlain of Grand Rapids, and married to
Paul VanderLaan, a member of the Class of '00.