Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2016-11-22T00:00:00Z
Sleeping difficulties have a negative influence on cognitive functioning and behavioral problems, in both children and adults (Alhola & Polo-Kantola, 2007; Astill et al., 2012). Studies have...Show moreSleeping difficulties have a negative influence on cognitive functioning and behavioral problems, in both children and adults (Alhola & Polo-Kantola, 2007; Astill et al., 2012). Studies have revealed that temperament might be a predictor of sleep disturbances in children. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between different temperament traits and sleep disturbances, sleep onset latency, sleep duration and subjective sleep quality in children. Participants were 113 children, aged 9 – 11 years (M = 10.47 years; SD = .72). Parents kept track of a sleep diary and both parents and children completed several questionnaires, regarding sleep and temperament. Significant associations were found between the different sleep disturbances and effortful control, high intensity pleasure/surgency, frustration, affiliation, and fear. Sleep duration was related to affiliation and fear. Subjective sleep quality was associated with affiliation and shyness. The current study provides evidence for the association between and sleep and temperament.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2016-01-01T00:00:00Z
This study examined whether temperament is a moderator of the association between sleep duration and the cognitive functions alertness, inhibition, and working memory in 130 children (56 boys and...Show moreThis study examined whether temperament is a moderator of the association between sleep duration and the cognitive functions alertness, inhibition, and working memory in 130 children (56 boys and 74 girls) aged 9 to 11 years. The children completed a short 3-min version of the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), a GoNogo task and a visual Digit Span test. Furthermore, a questionnaire regarding temperament (EATQ-R) was filled out by the children. Parents kept a sleep log for a week. ANCOVA results showed that the relation between average sleep duration on weekdays and alertness (PVT mean reaction time (RT) and PVT number of lapses) was moderated by the temperament traits extraversion (pPVT_RT = .030, η2 = .05; pPVT_lapses = .076, η2 = .03) and negative affectivity (pPVT_RT = .039, η2 = .04; pPVT_lapses = .057, η2 = .04). Relatively high levels of extraversion or low levels of negative affectivity were associated with more adverse effects of inadequate sleep on alertness. For inhibition and working memory this effect was not found. No significant interaction effects appeared for the other temperament traits: effortful control and affiliativeness. We conclude that the sensitivity for sleep related cognitive decrements in children can be partly explained by differences in temperamental traits.Show less
Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
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In this thesis I have attempted to determine to what degree the colonial discourse(the publicly expressed world view and moral codes of the ruling colonial elites)in the Netherlands-Indies...Show moreIn this thesis I have attempted to determine to what degree the colonial discourse(the publicly expressed world view and moral codes of the ruling colonial elites)in the Netherlands-Indies conflicted with the phenomenon of colonial hybridity. I have distilled the colonial discourse from the writings of multiple researchers and confronted this with everyday reality. I have gained my data about everyday in the Netherlands-Indies from the biographical interviews contained in the SMGI collection at the KITLV institute and from a pair of Indies writers. What I have found during my research was that everyday reality was far more hybrid and that people would associate and mix with other ethnic groups far more than the colonial discourse as spread by the colonial elites would suggest. The thesis itself is in Dutch.Show less
Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
open access
2013-10-03T00:00:00Z, 2013-10-03T00:00:00Z
The thesis presents an introduction and edition of the Chronicon Moissiacense, a Carolingian world chronicle as contained in BN lat. 4886. The various manuscripts related to this text are explored...Show moreThe thesis presents an introduction and edition of the Chronicon Moissiacense, a Carolingian world chronicle as contained in BN lat. 4886. The various manuscripts related to this text are explored and placed in a stemma, followed by a review of previous editions and a short exploration of Merovingian and Carolingian historiography, with particular focus on world and universal chronicles. The Chronicon Moissiacense is mainly interesting because of its highly composite nature; it expands on an older, 8th century text that records history up to the year 741 and is a composition of ancient as well as early medieval authors. Bede's 66th chapter of De Temporum Ratione forms the spine of the chronicle, but this text is heavily interpolated with fragments from Flavius Josephus, Eusebius, Jerome, Orosius, Fredegar, the Liber Historiae Francorum, and other sources. The Chronicon Moissiacense presents a continuation of this text up to the year 818, drawing on other sources such as the Annales Laureshamenses, multiple minor annals, and a 'southern source' believed to be lost today. The text attempts to connect Roman with Merovingian and Carolingian history in various ways, such as through the inclusion of a shared Trojan heritage, but also through a reworking of the chronology.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-10-10T00:00:00Z
We investigated the year prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in residential and foster care and compared it with prevalence rates in the general population. We used two approaches to estimate...Show moreWe investigated the year prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in residential and foster care and compared it with prevalence rates in the general population. We used two approaches to estimate the prevalence of CSA. First, 264 professionals working in residential or foster care (sentinels) reported CSA for the children they worked with (N = 6,281). Second, 329 adolescents staying in residential or foster care reported on their own experiences with CSA. Sentinels and adolescents were randomly selected from 82 Dutch youth care facilities. We found that 4.3 per 1000 children had been victims of CSA based on sentinel reports. In addition, 248 per 1000 adolescents reported having experienced CSA. Results based on both sentinel and self-report revealed higher prevalence rates in youth care than in the general population, with the highest prevalence in residential care. Prevalence rates in foster care did not differ from the general population. We conclude that residential placements should remain a last resort. Unfortunately foster care does not effectively protect children against sexual abuse either, and thus its quality needs to be further improved.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-09-20T00:00:00Z
One of the dysfunctions associated with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) are difficulties in social functioning, which may arise as a consequence of executive functioning (EF) and Theory of Mind ...Show moreOne of the dysfunctions associated with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) are difficulties in social functioning, which may arise as a consequence of executive functioning (EF) and Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits. In this study, the influence of EF on ToM skills in KS boys was examined, as well as how these skills relate to autistic features. ASD traits were assessed with the parent-report Autism-Spectrum Quotient. ToM skills were measured with the Social Cognitive Skills Test. EF skills were measured with the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals and Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks. 28 KS boys (Mage=13.2, SD=3.0) participated in this study, along with 45 ASD boys (Mage=11.9, SD=2.0) and 46 boys from the general population (Mage=12.2, SD=2.9) as control groups. KS boys showed substantially elevated levels of ASD traits compared to the general population, but lower levels than ASD boys. In addition, difficulties regarding ToM and cognitive flexibility were more prominent in KS boys than in ASD boys compared to the general population. ToM task performance could partly be explained by spatial WM and attention switching (as autistic trait) could partly be explained by ToM skills in KS boys. The current study highlights the importance of attention modulation skills and ToM skills in social functioning of individuals with KS, providing promising insights regarding prevention and intervention. Future studies should focus on the effectiveness of enhancing EF skills in KS boys and the role of the X chromosome in vulnerability for autistic traits.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2016-01-01T00:00:00Z
Methylation of the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) might be one of the underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetics through which effects of child maltreatment persist into adulthood. We...Show moreMethylation of the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) might be one of the underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetics through which effects of child maltreatment persist into adulthood. We investigated how the experience of child maltreatment is associated with methylation density of 5HTTLPR and whether 5HTT genotype moderates this relation. The sample consisted of 22 females selected from the larger TwinPAD study (Out, Pieper, Bakermans-Kranenburg & Van IJzendoorn, 2010). DNA was obtained from buccal cells. The percentage of methylation in the first 245 bps was assessed using quantitative mass spectroscopy. Experiences of child maltreatment were established using the Adult Attachment Interview, coded with the Modified Maltreatment Classification System. We found that maltreatment severity was not significantly related to higher methylation density of 5HTTLPR, but the interaction of genotype with maltreatment severity significantly predicted methylation density. For carriers of the ss and sl genotype, more severe maltreatment was associated with higher methylation density, while for carriers of the ll genotype more severe maltreatment was associated with lower methylation density. We conclude that the relation between maltreatment severity and methylation density of 5HTTLPR is moderated by genotype, with ll carriers being protected against the methylating effects associated with maltreatment experiences. This study suggests that DNA methylation may be one of the molecular mechanism by which child maltreatment affects current and long-term functioning.Show less
Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
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2012-08-31T00:00:00Z
This thesis explores two theoretical approaches of the dynamic interaction between religion and politics. In a case study, examining the sanctuary of Hera Akraia near the modern village of...Show moreThis thesis explores two theoretical approaches of the dynamic interaction between religion and politics. In a case study, examining the sanctuary of Hera Akraia near the modern village of Perachora, these theories are put to the test.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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Recent discoveries in the Cromer Forest-bed Formation, UK, demonstrated early colonisation of northern Europe. The Mediterranean like environment of Pakefield led to the interpretation that...Show moreRecent discoveries in the Cromer Forest-bed Formation, UK, demonstrated early colonisation of northern Europe. The Mediterranean like environment of Pakefield led to the interpretation that hominins before 500 ka may have been able to colonise northern Europe only under environmental conditions that were familiar to them (Parfitt et al. 2005; Roebroeks 2006). The discovery of archaeological sites at Happisburgh (UK) provided new data that were not in compliance with the ecological signal established above (Parfitt et al. 2010). This thesis presents evidence from Happisburgh Site 1 and Site 3 that indicates early hominin presence in northern Europe before 500 ka in cool and forested environments. Theories that can explain hominin presence in these cooler environments are addressed as well as technological innovations the hominins may have adapted to survive the environment. The coastal perspective theory explains hominin presence in northern Europe due to adaptations to coastal zones which would provide an abundant habitat mix, plenty of resources and a temperate low seasonal climate (Cohen et al. 2012). Technological adaptations to cold winters (below zero) may have been needed, but are not irrefutably reflected in the archaeological record of the Happisburgh sites. The Happisburgh sites have large implications for our understanding of the ecological tolerances and behaviour of early hominins in Europe.Show less
Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
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This thesis is about the Parsis, a special Indian minority group who came to India more than a millenium ago. The Parsis became very wealthy and influential under British colonial rule and acquired...Show moreThis thesis is about the Parsis, a special Indian minority group who came to India more than a millenium ago. The Parsis became very wealthy and influential under British colonial rule and acquired great esteem as a colonial elite. After decolonisation of the British Indies, this picture completely turned upside town and a lot of Parsis left India for a western country such as the UK and the US. Thus, they had to reconstruct their identity both in India and the US and the UK. This thesis examines this double identity reconstruction by means of a combination of literary analysis and discourse analysis.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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This Research Master thesis deals with societal contacts during the Middle to Late Bronze Age transitional period in the southern Levant. More specifically, it focusses on Tell Deir ‘Alla, a site...Show moreThis Research Master thesis deals with societal contacts during the Middle to Late Bronze Age transitional period in the southern Levant. More specifically, it focusses on Tell Deir ‘Alla, a site in the middle Jordan Valley. The main question to be answered in thesis is: What is the position of Deir ‘Alla in the societal landscape of the Middle to Late Bronze Age transitional period? An answer was provided through the study of the ceramic material from the site. After a discussion of the stratigraphic context of the material, a typology was constructed. This was compared with typologies at other sites. Based on these typological comparisons and some observations about the general pottery development throughout the region, the majority of the studied pottery assemblage of Deir ‘Alla was tentatively dated to the MB III period. The wider societal structures can be observed through the study of pottery. It is assumed that through certain technological traits in the pottery, certain aspects of the chaine opératoire can be inferred. This is done by looking at production technology, production organization and distribution and exchange. These observations were combined with conclusions in the literature that were made based on settlement patterns. It was possible to get to a better understanding of the interactions between sites in within the Jordan Valley.Show less
Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
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This thesis compares two historical debates, the debate around the New Historians on the war of 1948 since the 1980s and the debate around the Cold War Revisionists in the US during the 1960s and...Show moreThis thesis compares two historical debates, the debate around the New Historians on the war of 1948 since the 1980s and the debate around the Cold War Revisionists in the US during the 1960s and 1970s. It links these debates to Raymond Martin’s thesis on progress in history that states that during historical debates historical interpretations will eventually become more comprehensive, better balanced and more justified, and that historiographical debates tend to converge after a brief period of interpretational divergence. The thesis argues that there is a difference between the historiographical trajectories in these two countries based on the respective socio-political circumstances. In both cases revisionist historians, claiming to pursue a more advanced historical narrative, challenged the prevailing mythical patriotic narrative. The revisionists –who themselves started out firmly on the political left- were in both instances aided by the changing socio-political realities of their day, such as loss of legitimacy of political establishments because of unpopular wars (Vietnam and Lebanon), changes in the international political context and generational shifts. While in the US the trajectory of the debate on Cold War historiography seems to confirm Raymond Martin’s thesis, the trajectory in the Israeli debate has not seen any convergence on the 1948 War. The thesis argues that this lack of convergence in the is linked to the socio-political circumstances in Israel.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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One of the most defining moments in history is Europe’s discovery of the ‘New World’ in 1492. It is generally known how Columbus succeeded in crossing the Atlantic Ocean, while trying to reach Asia...Show moreOne of the most defining moments in history is Europe’s discovery of the ‘New World’ in 1492. It is generally known how Columbus succeeded in crossing the Atlantic Ocean, while trying to reach Asia via a westward route. It meant a sudden and unexpected encounter between two radically different cultures. According to popular belief, the Spaniards offered beads and mirrors to ‘ignorant’ Indians and took home all the gold they could find. The Taíno were passive bystanders in the process of Spanish imperialism and colonialism. This thesis aims to eliminate these misconceptions through a critical reassessment of the role of European material culture in intercultural contacts in Hispaniola during the first decades of the colonial period. The discussion centres on the Taíno attitude towards these new objects, while emphasising their active participation and creative responses to the impacts of Spanish domination. An understanding of the dynamics, interactions and exchanges of the colonial encounter cannot be achieved without knowing the cultural-historical backgrounds of both parties. Their descriptions constitute Part I of the thesis. In Part II it is investigated which objects the Taíno received from the Spaniards and what they gave in return. The main questions to be answered are why the Taíno accepted the seeming trinkets of the Europeans and how and to what extent these were integrated into native society. Archaeology offers an indispensable dataset that, however, hitherto has not reached its full potential, not least because of the many difficulties involved in the archaeology of postcontact Taíno settlements. This thesis provides a current state of affairs by listing a representative number of site descriptions that have not been published in a similar way before.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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This research involves the Moche full bodied portrait vessels. The Moche flourished from 100 till 800 AD and all that was left of the Moche society was their material culture. Today it is generally...Show moreThis research involves the Moche full bodied portrait vessels. The Moche flourished from 100 till 800 AD and all that was left of the Moche society was their material culture. Today it is generally accepted that ceramic was the Moche language. The main research question focuses on the function and meaning of these artefacts. What was their place in the Moche culture? A study is made of social meaning, social biography and of the different statements an object can give. Objects function as memory, they tell stories and are used to remember certain occasions or activities. Furthermore, instead of using expensive tests here a descriptive approach, in combination with statistical analyses, was used to understand the function of these objects. The form and function of these vessels is connected, but the exact role of the portrait vessels is not known. It is clear that they played an important role in the life of the Moche society and were almost certainly connected with the ceremonial sacrifice. This is assumed based on the characteristics of the people modelled on the vessels. Using statistical analyses will help to understand the relation between depictions and form and will also give ideas about how and wherefore these vessels were used. Based on the different analyses a decision tree learning model was made, creating the possibility to define and understand the different categories of Moche full bodied portrait vessels.Show less
Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
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This thesis paper examines and looks at the events, which allowed an African trader to defeat a powerful Dutch trading company. The reason why this case is so historically relevant is because of...Show moreThis thesis paper examines and looks at the events, which allowed an African trader to defeat a powerful Dutch trading company. The reason why this case is so historically relevant is because of the dire consequences it had on the WIC’s Gold Coast economic output. The time period studied predates the war upwards of three years, and post dates the resolution to end all conflicts in excess of nine years. I used two major research strategies: (1) a thorough analysis of the Dutch West India Companies archives from 1759-1773 and (2) a quantitative and qualitative analysis of previously published data. Data has been collected from archives, published first hand accounts written by company officials and journeymen, and keyword searches on the Internet. This dissertation augments and reanalysis information provided by the field pacesetter’s professor P. Valsecchi and the late R. Baesjou. The focus is largely on uncovering the factors behind a failed WIC invasion, while keeping the actual historically relevant story intact. By doing the historical qualitative analysis in this manor it not only provides the reader with a better overall experience, but also aids further understanding in African warfare procedures. The reason why this is of such importance is because the WIC-Appolonian war of 1761-1764, had an ever-lasting impact on not only Dutch and British coastal procedure from henceforth but also on the very foundation of the modern day Nzema state.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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In 'Mapping History' archaeological sites within a small region in the northwestern Dominican Republic are mapped, in order to distinguish patterns in site locations and to explore the social...Show moreIn 'Mapping History' archaeological sites within a small region in the northwestern Dominican Republic are mapped, in order to distinguish patterns in site locations and to explore the social landscape in the past. The landscape in the research area consists of beaches, swamps, mangroves, valleys, and hills up to 300 metres in height. It is known from research by Jorge Ulloa Hung, an archaeologist currently writing his dissertation on ceramics in the area, that there were different ceramic styles present contemporaneously in the north of the Dominican Republic. While Ulloa Hung focuses on the ceramics from the sites in the area, in this research the surrounding area (circa 80 km²) is mapped to provide a context for Ulloa Hung’s research. In this thesis the study on the social landscape is the central focus. Observations and results of the fieldwork conducted in the area were used for this study, and recorded into a map-related database or Geographical Information System (GIS). The relation between site locations and surroundings were analysed with the use of the created GIS. The focus of the analyses is mainly on differences between sites with Meillacoid style ceramics and sites with Chicoid style ceramics. The goal was to bring forth different patterns in the site locations of Meillacoid and Chicoid sites. The diverse landscape in the area combined with the diverse cultural landscape makes this area very suitable for such analyses. Although there are similarities between several aspects of the sites, the area also differences. Meillacoid sites tend to be located closer to the coast, while Chicoid sites are located further inland. Furthermore, Meillacoid sites have a better visibility range, and are therefore better visible themselves. There are evidently different patterns of site locations of both kinds of sites in the area, but there is one common denominator: diversity.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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The majority of studies of the Greater Nicoya area of Pacific Nicaragua and Costa Rica have relied heavily upon the assumption that large-scale Mesoamerican migrations took place sometime in the...Show moreThe majority of studies of the Greater Nicoya area of Pacific Nicaragua and Costa Rica have relied heavily upon the assumption that large-scale Mesoamerican migrations took place sometime in the Postclassic period, resulting in the similarity between some styles of pottery and iconography between the two regions. Recently, studies have shown that there is little archaeological evidence to link the two areas, besides the ethnohistorical data and the appearance of the aforementioned iconography. This study examines one of those icons, the quintessentially Mesoamerican figure of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, in order to look for evidence that might support either side of the debate.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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This thesis discusses the environmental changes in flora and fauna from the Middle Pleistocene site Schöningen 13 II, Germany. The data in this thesis consists of the ecological data from Schö 13...Show moreThis thesis discusses the environmental changes in flora and fauna from the Middle Pleistocene site Schöningen 13 II, Germany. The data in this thesis consists of the ecological data from Schö 13 II as well as faunal data from Middle Pleistocene archaeological sites and data from present day national parks in Europe. This data is used to get insight in species compositions in various types of environments. The archaeological data, comprising flora and fauna, are analysed as an entity to gain insight into the structure of the environmental changes at this site. The environment in Schöningen changed gradually in the four levels, Schö 13 II-1 to 13 II-4 from interglacial optimum to stadial phase with an onset to a glacial phase. The floral data gave detailed indications of fluctuations in the environment, whereas the faunal data showed a more gradual change in the environment. The elements in Schö 13 II-1 are indicative for an interglacial phase, 13 II-2 contains elements of both interglacial and (inter)stadial phases and levels 13 II-3 and 13 II-4 are indicative for stadial contexts. Characteristic for the patterns in species diversity is that it is variable throughout the levels. Schö 13 II-1 and 13 II-3 both show a relatively low diversity, whereas the diversity in 13 II-2 and 13 II-4 is higher, but still not exceptionally high if compared to other Middle Pleistocene sites. These differences in diversity can be explained by potential deformations by taphonomical processes. The non-analoguous patterns in large mammal compositions of the site can be explained in terms of species behaviour and taphonomical processes.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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This research makes an attempt at introducing paleodemography on a large scale in the Caribbean. Firstly the history of the discipline will be outlined, focusing on the development from historical...Show moreThis research makes an attempt at introducing paleodemography on a large scale in the Caribbean. Firstly the history of the discipline will be outlined, focusing on the development from historical demography to demography where physical anthropology is central to the analyses made. Attention will be paid to major advancements, pitfalls and solutions which have been developed through the years. Lastly the development of paleodemography in the Caribbean will be described, giving special attention to the work of the author and others. Secondly the methods and techniques associated with this study will be explained. The methodology uses the Bradford ageing categories which by the usage of categories rather than precise ages allows for a lower number of misclassifications. Using this system also facilitates for data from other investigations to be easily incorporated in this research. The usage of the life table will also be explained, where the different categories and calculations necessary to determine those categories will be introduced. Following this it will be determined which different populations have different population profiles. These different profiles, amongst others, are migratory, standard and catastrophic. The implications these profiles have for the interpretation of the sites will also be determined. The 15 sites which are central to this investigation are selected on the basis of their representation of the Pre-Columbian Ceramic period, the size of their cemeteries (since small population can cause statistical fluctuations) and/or their specific function. Lastly a new standard population for comparative purposes will be introduced which is based on ethnographic data from the Warao who nowadays inhibit the Orinoco Delta in South America. The next chapter introduces the 15 sites based on their geographic location, time period and the characteristics of their graveyards. Where possible the proportions within the graveyard assemblage between males and females, and Adults and Non-Adults will be reviewed. It will also be indicated how well preserved and complete the skeletons are, all of which can have influence on the conclusions which will be drawn later on. After the introduction of these sites the results are presented, indicating that three sites have a catastrophic demographic profile (El Chorro de Maita, Juan Dolio en Anse à la Gourde), three have a normal demographic profile (Maisabel, Kelbey’s Ridge en Pointe de Caille), one is a failed colonization attempt (Punta Candalero) and the other sites are characterized by incomplete analyses. The sites which have been incompletely analyzed appear to have a common pattern in which the mortality rates of the older age categories is higher than expected. An explanation for this pattern can however not be found. Form the 90 analyses it is apparent that the demography of the pre-Columbian Caribbean can be characterized as being very divers, without a general regional image. Furthermore it becomes clear that the standard population derived from the Warao is an alternative to the standard European models which works well in this context. The methodology worked and it is therefore possible to use this methodology in future researchers to allow for these researches to be placed in a broader context of demographic research.Show less
