11/19/15

Megan Van Doren

Student Guidelines for Independent Study

Description of the Proposal

In the future study, upon your approval, Dr. Leitzel and I will look at the impact of highly
saturated (i.e., bright) a lowly saturated (i.e., dim) hues on students moods. The factors that we
will be focusing on are anxious, depressed, and positive affect mood states. We will measure
these moods states using the Tripartite Model of Anxiety and Depression, the Positive and
Negative Affect Schedule, and a possibility of more measures that will be determined before the
spring semester. We hope to see a significant change in the students moods after viewing either
highly saturated or lowly saturated hues or even a change when viewing both trials.
Consent/Approval Necessary to Conduct Project - Relevance to the Major
This independent study will count as one of the Psychology Capstone Courses necessary for
graduation. In order to conduct the study, the Institutional Review Board needs to ensure that the
study meets all ethical guidelines and approve it. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and the
Dean need to approve the independent study as well.
Objectives for the Project
During winter break, I will devote time towards research in order to begin the literature
review/introduction. I will also finalize the selection of measures that Dr. Leitzel and I consider
appropriate for the study. Due to the Institutional Review Boards regulations, I will prepare for
the study during the winter break in order to have a quick commencement as soon as the spring
semester arrives. The study will be completed by the end of the spring semester.
My Role
My role for this study is to review relevant literature, write up the literature review, collaborate
with Dr. Leitzel throughout the semester, run the participants through the procedure, interpret the
data analysis, determine the results, and finalize the paper.
Role of Leader/Manager/Teacher
Dr. Leitzels role for this study will be to establish meetings with me throughout the semester
and to provide guidance when necessary. We hope to present the results at a conference and/or
have the study published.

Evaluation of Independent Study

At the end of the semester, Dr. Leitzel will assign the appropriate letter grade for my
performance in conducting my independent study.
Bibliography
The process of researching for my independent study will be an ongoing process, but all final
resources will be accounted for by the beginning of the spring semester. Currently, the resources
for the literature review include:
Keith, J. W., & Suess, J. F. (1975). Effects of four psychological primary colors on anxiety state.
Perceptual and Motor Skills, 41, 207-210. doi: 10.2466/pms.1975.41.1.207
Kurt, S., & Osueke, K. K. (2014). The effects of color on the moods of college students. SAGE,
1-12. doi: 10.1177/2158244014525423
Lee, C. J., Andrade, E. B., & Palmer, S. (2010). The effect of emotion on color preferences.
(Doctoral dissertation, Haas School of Business). Retrieved from
http://faculty.haas.berkeley.edu/c_lee/manuscript.pdf
Vstfjll, D. (2002). Emotion induction through music: A review of the musical mood induction
procedure. Musicae Scientiae, 5, 173-211. doi: 10.1177/10298649020050S107
Westermann, R., Spies, K., Stahl, G., & Hesse, F. (1996). Relative effectiveness and validity of
mood induction procedures: A meta-analysis. European Journal of Social Psychology,
26, 557-580. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net/publication/227957233