Annual St. Cloud State University Student Research Colloquium 2001

Session G Abstracts

Born to Rape?

Lisa Becker
Sponsor: Paul Brown
Minnesota State University Mankato, Anthropology

The field of behavioral ecology is concerned with tracing the link between ecological factors and adaptive behavior. Certain theories in behavioral ecology stress the importance of sexual selection through mate choice. An emerging theory in this filed pertains to the male propensity for coercive sexual intercourse. This theory does not imply that this behavior is absolutely biologically determined. It simply states that rape, while socially unacceptable to modern humans, may have been beneficial to some males in some circumstances. Was this behavior advantageous to some of our evolutionary ancestors? Does this biological "hardwiring" mean that males have a license to rape? This paper will attempt to answer these questions through an analysis of current behavioral ecology literature concerning male vs. female reproductive strategies, as well as address the social implications of these data.

Presentation Index: G1

Analysis of the Development of YMCA Programs and Services

Jon Cody and Kim Kokett
Sponsor: Elizabeth Scheel
St. Cloud State University, Sociology and Anthropology

Our research looked at the development of programs offered by the Young Men's Christian Association(YMCA). The research question used was: What are the factors that have influenced the development of programs at the YMCA? By doing content analysis on data provided by the YMCA, including memos, letters and minutes of committee/board meetings and interviewing staff, members and volunteers of the YMCA we developed a timeline and structure for development. Factors influencing the development of programs include safety concerns, funding and budget considerations, moral and ethical issues, member desire and satisfaction, cultural shifts and external competition. One of the results of our research was the development of a survey to effectively gather information from those involved in the YMCA and the formatting of an analysis tool to evaluate programs, both to be used in the future by the YMCA.

Presentation Index: G2

Family Violence and Youth Runaways

Laura Vobelt, Lisa Fredricks and Cheryl Willenbring
Sponsor: Elizabeth Scheel
St. Cloud State University, Sociology and Anthropology

Abstract was not available at the time of printing.

Presentation Index: G3

Evaluating Family Peace

Charlotte Stokes and Jeffrey Williams
Sponsor: Elizabeth Scheel
St. Cloud State University, Sociology and Anthropology

This presentation will address the question of "Was the Family Peace Event successful?" We are focusing on positive feelings, participation and new peace activities learned and through these, that attending the Family Peace Event was beneficial. Through observations and survey we will have learned the amount of family participation in activities and if there are new ones would they be willing to do these outside of the Family Peace Event with their family and/or community organizations. We will have also looked at their desire to attend other Peace events or willingness to recommend to others through surveys. We will be taking it one step further by looking at the positive feeling that this event created; this will be done through observations of laughter and smiling.

Presentation Index: G4