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Research in Statistics is concerned with studying methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting empirical data. Statistics is a highly interdisciplinary field and finds applicability in nearly every discipline. Student Researchers work with Faculty Mentors to develop research questions in the various fields and draw on a variety of mathematical and computational tools to find answers.
An Examination of How Collegiate Housing Options Influence School Satisfaction
Student Researcher: Carly Riggs
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Mudrick
Abstract: Residence status in college correlates to a variety of behaviors amongst college students including being a risk factor for risky health behaviors such as heavy drinking, the use of tobacco, marijuana, and illicit drugs as well as sexual risk behaviors which includes unprotected intercourse. The research strives to answer the following research question: How do the qualities of college housing impact a student's overall satisfaction with their college or university? The research was conducted by surveying 107 students from a variety of schools at York College of Pennsylvania with questions focusing on a student’s housing specifics throughout the semester and potential factors they may desire in a housing option as well as their overall satisfaction with York College of Pennsylvania. Linear regression tests revealed that single bedroom housing options, pod bathroom styles, and air conditioning significantly predicted mean school satisfaction. When utilizing descriptive statistics, respondents most value a bathroom in their apartment followed by a full kitchen and then air conditioning. Being located on North Campus was of the least significance for respondents. These findings may help direct York College senior advisers on future dorm planning and location designation such as the anticipated Springettsbury Apartments.
Examination of the Impact Exercise has on Mental Health
Student Researcher: Fata Salkic
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Mudrick
Abstract: This was a study to see if there was any impact that exercise has on one’s emotional/mental wellbeing. Surveys were sent out to assess how often people exercised and then how that impacts their day to day wellbeing.
Diet Quality and Academic Success
Student Researcher: Kylee Wickline
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Mudrick
Abstract: This project looks at the relationship between the quality of a person's diet and their academic success. This study could help students find non-traditional methods of achieving academic success, like eating well. I used a survey composed of questions concerning several aspects of diet and academic success and used correlational and linear regression tests to achieve results. The results show that in a college student population, diet quality does not impact student success. There were many limitations that could have altered the study findings so more studies would have to be done to explore this further.
Student Researcher: Jaclyn Matthews
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Mudrick
Abstract: This project was designed to analyze the effects that coffee consumption has on different factors including energy, performance, attention, tiredness, and focus level. Multiple participants were surveyed to determine consumption levels of coffee followed by how their body reacted to the different factors once consumed. Additional information was included such as how long after the effects occurred and how long the effects lasted. The results were quite surprising as coffee alone did not increase any factors except for focus level. The key takeaway from this research is to understand that coffee alone will not increase these levels. Other factors are involved such as adequate amounts of sleep, healthy diet, and exercise. Although millions are consuming it on a daily basis, it is not a trick to a quick fix.
Effects of Course Load Demands on Average Amount of Sleep
Student Researcher: Ashley Meekins
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Mudrick
Abstract: Sleep is an important and vital part for optimal functioning. Often, students do not realize that poor sleep habits contribute to health problems and decreased academic performance. Students have extremely busy schedules where they must correctly manage their time to be able to balance attending classes, studying and completing work, socializing, exercising, and more. This does not leave a lot of time for students to sleep or relax. Sleep may be voluntarily sacrificed due to social factors, or involuntarily reduced due to environmental factors such as noise in a residence hall. It is important to ensure that the quality of sleep is received, rather than quantity. In all, there was no significant difference between strength of a course load and the amount of sleep a student receives on weeknights. With effective time management, students are able to balance their normal lives and have healthy sleep schedules.
Student Attitude Effect on Willingness to Learn and Succeed in College
Student Researcher: Alexis Hamme
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Mudrick
Abstract: My project was to determine the effect of student attitude on willingness to learn and therefore succeed in college. The importance of this work derives from the problem that many research studies evaluate cognitive factors rather than nonacademic factors to measure student success. This study analyzed whether attitude, student year in college, whether they commute to school or not, and if they work while attending college impacted student academic achievement. The study was conducted by surveying York College Students through Qualtrics. The study asked students if they believe class attitude, attitude toward professors, and learning environment effected their willingness to learn or GPA. The results found that learning environment is a significant determiner of student willingness to learn, although it was not shown to effect GPA. One limitation of this study was the sample size is not a justifiable representation of the entire student body at York College.