Levels of anxious and avoidant attachment are influenced by age, sex and ecological stress. However, incongruencies on how these factors exactly affect anxious and avoidant attachment styles remain...Show moreLevels of anxious and avoidant attachment are influenced by age, sex and ecological stress. However, incongruencies on how these factors exactly affect anxious and avoidant attachment styles remain. The current study aims to strengthen current theories with a large and diverse sample, as well as to close the gaps in research. It therefore researches the effect of age, sex and ecological stress on anxious and avoidant attachment using a web-based version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) questionnaire (N = 44,885; 30,766 females, 14,119 males, age range: 13-59). Ecological stress was evaluated using the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI). Results showed highest levels of anxious attachment in early adolescence, and lower levels in older age groups. Levels of avoidant attachment did not differ between all age groups, but were highest among 16-19 year olds and lowest among 50-59 year olds. Females showed higher levels of both anxious and avoidant attachment. Sex differences in anxious attachment were largest in adulthood, while sex differences in avoidant attachment were largest around early adolescence, smallest in middle adulthood, and increased again in older adulthood. Levels of anxious and avoidant attachment were highest in countries with a medium HDI, and lowest in countries with a low HDI. There was no significant effect for the two-way interaction between sex and HDI for both anxious and avoidant attachment. Suggestions for future research are discussed.Show less
Election manifestos hold a significant place in modern politics and political science, providing structure to electoral campaigns, coalition building, and policy formulation. Yet, there is still a...Show moreElection manifestos hold a significant place in modern politics and political science, providing structure to electoral campaigns, coalition building, and policy formulation. Yet, there is still a lack of understanding on the intra-party writing process of these documents. Drawing on original interviews with manifesto committee members from four different Dutch parties spanning three decades, this exploratory research offers insights into the intra-party dynamics concerning the writing process. This study, employing qualitative methods, examines the interplay among various party layers and the evolving dynamics of the writing process. Contrary to the theoretical expectation that disintermediation of party organizations has led to the decline in influence of parties’ intermediaries on the content of election manifestos, the findings indicate a persistence of the intermediate party layer, while unorganized members are gaining influence on the manifesto writing process, and the leadership remains a central actor in the process. The conclusion is that intra-party democratization in the Dutch case does not lead to a plebiscitarian form of manifesto writing.Show less
This study examined the roles of organizational morality, organizational sociability, individual empathy (empathic concern and empathic perspective taking), and individual altruism on willingness...Show moreThis study examined the roles of organizational morality, organizational sociability, individual empathy (empathic concern and empathic perspective taking), and individual altruism on willingness to donate money to non-profit organizations among members of the general public who are atypical to the organization. This study had a cross-sectional design with 98 participants (N= 98) who were atypical to the organizations that were presented to them. The first multiple regression analysis showed that organizational morality and organizational sociability, while controlling age and gender, relate directly and positively to willingness to help the non-profit organization. The second multiple regression analysis showed that individual empathic concern, but not individual empathic perspective taking and individual altruism, relate directly and positively to willingness to help the organization while controlling the age and gender. The third multiple regression analysis showed that individual empathy (empathic concern and empathic perspective taking), but not individual altruism, while controlling age and gender, relate directly and positively to willingness to donate money. The mediation analyses showed that organizational morality, organizational sociability and individual empathic concern relate indirectly and positively to willingness to donate money to non-profit organizations via willingness to help as mediator. The moderation analyses showed that individual empathic concern and individual empathic perspective taking do not significantly strengthen the association between sociability and predicting willingness to help the organization. The third moderation analysis showed that individual altruism does not significantly strengthen the association between organizational morality and willingness to help. These findings suggest that organizational morality, organizational sociability, individual empathy, but not individual altruism, have an effect on willingness to donate money to nonprofit organizations among people who are atypical to the organization. Theoretical and practical implications; strengths and limitations; and suggestions for new research are discussed.Show less
This research delves into the preservation of wooden furniture excavated from Hercu- laneum, employing experimental archaeol- ogy. The primary goal is to comprehend the sequence of events leading...Show moreThis research delves into the preservation of wooden furniture excavated from Hercu- laneum, employing experimental archaeol- ogy. The primary goal is to comprehend the sequence of events leading to the survival of these artefacts. Central to this study is the research question of how experimen- tal archaeology can elucidate the lifespan and events surrounding archaeological ar- tefacts, particularly the wooden Roman furniture unearthed from Herculaneum. To address this question, the study delves into sub-questions related to the impact of the Vesuvius eruption on Herculaneum, the rep- lication of charring conditions, and the ef- fects of charring on wooden materials. Herculaneum faced pyroclastic surges and flows during the eruption, resulting in a 20-metre layer of ash and debris that pre- served wooden artefacts by rapidly sub- merging and preventing burning through oxygen deprivation. Samples were made in accordance with the wood and toolmarks found on the original artefacts, using ancient woodworking tools and two types of wood, oak and silver fir. Two charring methods, hot-ash and kiln charring, were designed and tested on the samples. Results indicate that hot-ash charring yields less blackening and carbonization com- pared to kiln charring with variations in vol- ume and weight loss between oak and silver fir samples. Notably, the combined process of hot-ash and kiln charring showed com- parable or reduced volume and weight loss compared to the sole kiln process, sug- gesting effective preservation. However, in terms of the traceability of tool marks ap- plied to the samples, no notable differences were found. All tested methods preserved the details of the samples after charring when performed correctly. Emphasising the need for improved meth- ods and tools to refine experiments, the research concludes that, despite challeng- es in method control in hot-ash firing, the combined charring method may result in the best preservation of the artefacts. With minor improvements, this method could be used to produce samples for experimental trials and in extent to gain a better under- standing of the Herculaneum furniture and how Roman carpenters made them.Show less
Our rapidly changing society has shown that adaptability is an essential and fundamental characteristic. Adaptability is not a one-dimensional psychological construct, as it consists of both a...Show moreOur rapidly changing society has shown that adaptability is an essential and fundamental characteristic. Adaptability is not a one-dimensional psychological construct, as it consists of both a mental and motor component. Although the interaction between these two constructs seems essential, it is an underexplored area of investigation. This study therefore examined the following research question: are mental and motor adaptability correlated? In this study, motor adaptability was measured by a VR game, consisting of different levels in which various degrees of asynchrony occurred: temporal, spatial, or both. Mental adaptability was tested by means of the Brief Resilience Scale questionnaire (BRS) and by looking how a participant recovered after making a mistake in the VR game (recovery ratio), i.e. the presence of post-error adjustments. No significant correlation was found between the performance of the VR game and the BRS and between the performance of the VR game and the recovery ratio. This may be because the BRS and the recovery ratio are too short-sighted to measure full mental adaptability. Another explanation is that mental and motor adaptability are indeed different psychological constructs, which are not associated. Mental adaptability is conscious and requires goal-oriented thinking, whereas motor adaptability can be seen as reflexive and automatic behaviour. However, it is recommended to investigate the association between these two components of adaptability in future research. Uncovering a link between mental and motor adaptability holds a substantial promise which can be of great use, specifically on the applications and implementations of individual treatment plans.Show less
This study aims to examine the relationship between instructional needs, the level of ASD characteristics, and the level of central coherence in students aged 8 to 12 from grades 5 and 6 of primary...Show moreThis study aims to examine the relationship between instructional needs, the level of ASD characteristics, and the level of central coherence in students aged 8 to 12 from grades 5 and 6 of primary education in the Netherlands (N=87). The goal is to better align education with the learning needs of children with ASD. The current research (DyFT) is part of a larger project titled "Learning to Draw: From Whole to Detail." The current study utilizes three measurement instruments: Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), Autism Spectrum Questionnaire (ASQ), and Dynamic Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (DROCFT). In this study, no significant correlations were found between the level of ASD characteristics, the level of central coherence, the required hints to solve the complex task and effective strategy use. One explanation suggested for the differences between the expectations and the findings is the superior visual skill levels found in individuals with ASD. It is emphasized that ASD is a heterogeneous disorder that can manifest in various ways in individuals. Finally, points for improvement are suggested for future research.Show less
The unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics has been a persistent challenge in the field of physics. This study introduces a design for a milligram-scale gravity source, termed the...Show moreThe unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics has been a persistent challenge in the field of physics. This study introduces a design for a milligram-scale gravity source, termed the Gravity Propeller. When coupled with the Magnetic Zeppelin, a gravity detector of comparable scale, it could potentially enable the measurement of gravitational interactions between two milligram objects. This measurement could provide insights into the unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics. The propeller, composed of two sets of Meissner levitated magnets connected by a stick, is designed to levitate within a type I superconducting trap and rotate to create a variable gravity potential. This research confirms the levitation of the propeller and demonstrates several optimizations, for instance, the minimization of damping. However, the rotation of the propeller is yet to be accomplished.Show less
This thesis will provide an analysis about the socio-economic development in Tanzania and its effectiveness since Tanzania's independence. The research is multidisciplinary by looking at history,...Show moreThis thesis will provide an analysis about the socio-economic development in Tanzania and its effectiveness since Tanzania's independence. The research is multidisciplinary by looking at history, economics, politics, and social aspects to analyse the way Tanzania is developing. The research found that especially social development projects are the main driver of development in Tanzania, whereas economic investments are often less to not effective for development.Show less
Reading comprehension skills are important for both personal and future academic and professional success. However, it has been found that in the Netherlands, reading comprehension skills of 10- to...Show moreReading comprehension skills are important for both personal and future academic and professional success. However, it has been found that in the Netherlands, reading comprehension skills of 10- to 12-year-olds have decreased over the past decade and the level of reading comprehension is no longer above the average of Western countries. Previous studies indicate that feedback as an instructional tool is an effective strategy to improve reading comprehension skills. However, there are different ways to provide feedback and it is important to figure out what amount of information in feedback is most effective in order to develop interventions that can help students develop comprehension reading skills. The present study focuses on the effect of the amount of information in feedback on both the use of reading strategies and the level of text comprehension. This involved examining whether there is a difference in the effect of feedback between three different conditions: no feedback, simple feedback and extended feedback. The data comes from an experimental study that consisted of a pre-test, three intervention moments and a post-test. The present study focuses on data from the three intervention moments and was conducted on 42 students from grade 5 in regular elementary schools. These students were divided across the three conditions (no feedback, simple feedback and extended feedback). These results showed that (the amount of information) feedback does not affect the level of text comprehension and use of reading strategies. The limitations, including a small sample size and possible variations in student motivation, highlight the need for further research to understand how much feedback can be most effectively offered to improve elementary school students' comprehension reading skills.Show less
The question of whether wealthier states should give aid to developing states is on the agenda of most political debates and is also highly discussed in the academic world. Within the luck...Show moreThe question of whether wealthier states should give aid to developing states is on the agenda of most political debates and is also highly discussed in the academic world. Within the luck-egalitarian theory, scholars disagree about whether the wealthier states are causing, at least partly, poverty within the developing states. This research will provide a normative answer to the question of whether wealthier states are morally obligated to provide distributive justice towards developing states. The crux of this essay involves the question of whether poverty is, at least partly, a form of brute luck imposed upon the developing states by the wealthier states. To conclude, this thesis claims that by abusing their borrowing privilege and resourcing privilege, the wealthier states are, at least partly, responsible for the plight of the developing states and therefore are morally obligated to provide distributive justice towards the developing states.Show less
Vasten is steeds populairder geworden op sociale media in de afgelopen jaren. Er wordt geschreven dat vasten goed blijkt te zijn voor de gezondheid van de mens, maar in hoeverre vasten hierop...Show moreVasten is steeds populairder geworden op sociale media in de afgelopen jaren. Er wordt geschreven dat vasten goed blijkt te zijn voor de gezondheid van de mens, maar in hoeverre vasten hierop invloed heeft, wordt nog onderzocht. Deze studie onderzocht het effect van langdurig vasten (72 uur) op de reactietijd en wisselkosten met behulp van een taakwissel paradigma. Door middel van een mengvorm van een between- en within subject design is het effect onderzocht. Er hebben in totaal 47 participanten deelgenomen aan het onderzoek, waarvan 31 personen in de controlegroep en 16 personen in de vastengroep. Tijdens de taak-wisseltaak werd de reactietijd gemeten in milliseconden per herhaaltaak en wisseltaak. Dit gebeurde op drie verschillende testmomenten door twee verschillende groepen. Om erachter te komen of er een effect was van vasten op executieve functies, werden de wisselkosten berekend uit de reactietijden. Deze wisselkosten zijn gebruikt als maat van mentale flexibiliteit, de executieve functie die in dit onderzoek werd bekeken. De resultaten laten zien dat de reactietijd en de wisselkosten afnemen per testmoment en er een significant effect was van de gemiddelde reactietijden over de drie tijdspunten ( p < .001). Ook is er gekeken naar de invloed van BMI op de wisselkosten, waar geen significant effect is gevonden, maar wel de conclusie getrokken kon worden dat hoe hoger de BMI-waarde was, hoe hoger de wisselkosten werden.Show less
With continued inequalities across the globe, we see many groups - such as immigrants - bonding together and acting to remedy unfair treatment. Past research has shown that social norms are...Show moreWith continued inequalities across the globe, we see many groups - such as immigrants - bonding together and acting to remedy unfair treatment. Past research has shown that social norms are significant predictors for collective action intentions. Further given different experiences of first- and second-generation immigrants, different behaviors and willingness towards collective actions have been observed. This paper assessed whether a social ingroup norm of equality increased collective action intention and whether second generation immigrants were more motivated to engage in collective action given an ingroup norm of equality. The results of both hypotheses were found to be insignificant. The paper further explores these results and gives suggestions on how to adapt the research design and variables for future explorations.Show less
In this research multifaceted mechanisms underlying the emotion of disgust were investigated. The research dives deeper into the topics of attentional focus and behavioral responses of individuals...Show moreIn this research multifaceted mechanisms underlying the emotion of disgust were investigated. The research dives deeper into the topics of attentional focus and behavioral responses of individuals confronted with disgust-enhancing stimuli, in form of a within-participant research design. Participants were confronted with video clips showing either a test condition, including a disgust-enhancing stimulus, or a control condition, including a “neutral” stimulus. A Tobii Pro X3-120 eye-tracker apparatus was used to analyze participants eye movements and several statistical analyses were performed to investigate the research question. The hypothesis of specific heightened attentional focus on specific areas of the face, when confronted with disgust-enhancing stimuli, was rejected. A higher fixation time on the disgusting stimulus due to maintenance bias could not be confirmed in our research sample. Test results suggested no difference in fixation time between test and control conditions investigating the effect of exposure. Additionally, no statistical influence of the covariates of gender and age on fixation times in disgust enhancing compared to neutral stimuli was found. The study design has some limitations concerning the usage of a small and biased sample. Therefore, the replication of the statistical analysis with a bigger and more representative sample could be valuable. Future research could among others investigate possible effects of attentional focus on different facial areas, more diverse age groups, and newly developed gender roles. While this study might not reveal statistically significant results, it adds interesting information to ongoing discussions, challenges existing theories, and offers ideas for possibly important future investigations.Show less
This research delves into the complex interplay of cultural, parental, and environmental factors that significantly impact the developmental trajectories of children, with a particular focus on the...Show moreThis research delves into the complex interplay of cultural, parental, and environmental factors that significantly impact the developmental trajectories of children, with a particular focus on the onset of walking in Dutch post-medieval children. Conducted in Arnhem and Middenbeemster, this study reveals notable variations in the age at which children achieve important developmental milestones. Children in Arnhem tended to reach these stages at slightly older ages than their peers in Middenbeemster, underscoring the influence of regional factors on childhood development. Femoral angle measurements, specifically the bicondylar angle (BCA) and neck-shaft angle (NSA) were compared between the two regions, revealing distinct trends. Children in Arnhem exhibited higher average BCA and NSA values, potentially influenced by variations in lifestyle, parenting practices, and regional customs. Moreover, differences in NSA values may indicate disparities in biomechanical loading, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of childhood development. Comparisons were made with research on post-medieval England by Swan et al. (2020), demonstrating both similarities and differences in developmental patterns, reinforcing the significance of population-specific variations in bone development. The study also explores the onset of walking in low-status and high-status children, highlighting the potential influence of the specific region or environment on which they grow up when they start walking. These findings underscore the importance of considering multiple factors and measurements when studying child development, acknowledging that not all anatomical features are equally relevant to the specific aspects of development being investigated. The study encourages further research to explore the underlying factors contributing to differences in child development between Arnhem and Middenbeemster and to delve deeper into the biomechanical and physiological aspects influencing femoral angles. In conclusion, this research enriches our understanding of how cultural, environmental, and regional factors shape child development, specifically in the context of femoral angle measurements in Dutch post-medieval children. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to osteological non-adult research, considering the intricate web of influences that contribute to developmental patterns.Show less
