Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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Chichén Itzá was a late- to postclassic Maya city in the north of Yucatán, Mexico. Around AD 800 a relatively abrupt change occurred in the iconographic and architectural style, which was...Show moreChichén Itzá was a late- to postclassic Maya city in the north of Yucatán, Mexico. Around AD 800 a relatively abrupt change occurred in the iconographic and architectural style, which was traditionally ascribed to an invasion of the Toltecs or the Toltec style. Recent research contradicts this theory, and this research master thesis addresses the possibility that the Itzá themselves are responsible for the change by incorporating central Mexican religious and cultural elements into their own culture. The context of this issue will be established by examining recent research, the background, and history of the Itzá. A study in the theory of group identity, and collective and cultural memory will address the processes that play a role in the creation of group identity and the legitimization of rule. An analysis of the iconography and architecture of several structures in the ceremonial centre of Chichén Itzá focuses on the general themes of the iconography to establish whether they reflect the legitimization of rule and the creation of group identity. The results indicate that the new style at Chichén Itzá is indeed aimed at supporting these processes. By adapting the style, the collective and cultural memories were altered, leading to a firm new group identity. This was necessary after the Itzá migrated north from their homeland in the Petén area, driven away by political and military conflict, where they founded Chichén Itzá. The results emphasize the self consciousness and independence of the Itzá in planning and executing identity politics. Additionally, the results suggest the Itzá were an empowered people, contrary to the past traditional view of Maya as a peaceful and passive people.Show less
Research master thesis | Political Science and Public Administration (research) (MSc)
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I analyze the factors that influence support for environmental policy proposals. Emphasis of the study is on the effects of three characteristics of the policies themselves - the required personal...Show moreI analyze the factors that influence support for environmental policy proposals. Emphasis of the study is on the effects of three characteristics of the policies themselves - the required personal efforts, expected period before one benefits from the policy, and fairness of the policy. Background variables and factors based on environmental beliefs are also included in order to develop a complete model. Using an experimental survey design, data collected on Dutch high school students shows that the three characteristics tested do not significantly influence support for the environmental policies. For most policies, knowledge of environmental problems and general opinions about the importance of the environment compared to the importance of the economy have the strongest impact on support for the policies.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
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Objective: In this study we addressed the questions (1) whether there is a relation between the specialization of the brain and psychopathology, and (2) if there is a relationship between the...Show moreObjective: In this study we addressed the questions (1) whether there is a relation between the specialization of the brain and psychopathology, and (2) if there is a relationship between the specialization of the brain and performance on different academic measures. Method: We used the Finger Tapping Task (FTT) to assess maturation of the brain as measured by fine motor speed, and lateralization of the brain as measured by the difference in speed between both hands. Both maturation and lateralization are used as a measure of specialization of the brain. The participants were children in the age of 5 to 18 years old and were assigned to five distinct diagnostic groups: Mood problems (n=178), Behavior problems (n=82), Autism spectrum Disorders (n=106), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (n=190) and Learning problems (n=44). The diagnostic groups differ with regard to age and gender. Results: We found that children with an autism spectrum disorder show delayed fine motor lateralization. We were also able to determine that the differences in fine motor speed between the different diagnostic groups get larger with age indicating that delayed maturation gets more evident while children get older. Looking at the academic measures, we found that a more matured brain, as measured with fine motor speed, is associated with better academic performance, even when controlled for age. Conclusion: Autism spectrum disorders can be differentiated from other disorders when looking at lateralization of the brain. A more matured brain is associated with a significant higher level of academic performance for math, reading and Writing.Show less
