OC psychology students selected to present at three major conferences

Psychology students were scheduled to present capstone projects across the nation.

March 21, 2020 - Students studying psychology at Oklahoma Christian University were preparing to present at three major psychology conferences, with seniors ready to represent their department.

On Mar. 6 and 7, students presented their research at the Great Plains Students’ Psychology Convention, a regional undergraduate conference in St. Joseph, Mo. Morgan Sohl, Sarah Alley, Maddie Hermes, Alexa Lewis, Kayla Smith, Allyson Clubb and Katie Baker presented four original fall capstone projects, overseen by Ryan Newell, OC professor of psychology.

On April 17, OC would have hosted the 38th annual Oklahoma Psychological Society conference, which was to include Eugenia Fruenzaldia as the keynote speaker. The conference was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. OC psychology and family science majors are required to present research from both fall and spring semesters. The department anticipated 150-200 participants from students all over the state, with anywhere between 50-100 presentations. 

The next day, Apil 18, Newell was to present his research regarding forgiveness at the Southwestern Psychological Association alongside OC psychology students Lily Olivas, Sarah Alley and Allyson Clubb.

“I have been conducting research on various aspects of forgiveness for several years now,” Newell said. “I’ve had the opportunity to present work at both the APA national conference and at the regional SWPA conference, so this year we completed a project on ‘The Effects of Apology and Frustration on Prosocial Behavior’ and one’s willingness to be forgiving.”

Allyson Clubb expanded on the experiment and experience.

“Essentially, we had the presenter make many mistakes, and then asked the participants if they would stay to help with another task,” Clubb said. “Staying would indicate forgiveness and prosocial behavior. Participants then completed a survey showing their thoughts, opinions and rating of the presenter. We found that groups who were given a more casual apology, compared to an apology and explanation, led to a more favorable opinion of the presenter and higher rates of forgiveness.”

OC’s psychology and family science is prepared to represent the university well, finishing the year strongly and demonstrating the school’s commitment to excellence.