Behavioral & Social Sciences

This study investigates the impact of chronic versus need-based stimulant exposure on sensitivity to natural reward in Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on reproductive and foraging behavior. The hypothesis posits that chronic caffeine exposure reduces sensitivity to natural rewards compared to need-based or random exposure due to diminished dopamine production. Three experimental groups were established: a control group with no caffeine exposure, a need-based group receiving caffeine biweekly, and a chronic use group receiving daily caffeine. All treatments began at the larval stage and continued for 25 days, after which caffeine was discontinued for the experimental groups. Behavioral changes, including reproductive success and foraging activity, were monitored and analyzed using infrared video footage and statistical comparison to the control group. Preliminary implications suggest that chronic stimulant use may lead to lasting alterations in reward sensitivity, providing insights into potential long-term effects of stimulant medication. These findings could inform parental decision-making regarding ADHD stimulant prescriptions, particularly in children with developing prefrontal cortices, where dopamine pathways are critical. Further analysis will elucidate the relationship between stimulant exposure and vulnerability to dopamine-related dysfunction, contributing to broader discussions on the risks and benefits of stimulant medications.

Mindset is everything in athletics. Research has shown that a good mindset has the power to drastically improve performance without practicing. Many strategies and methods designed to improve attitude and positive mindset have been developed and assessed over the years.This research aims to explore the impact of incorporating two positive thinking and mindset techniques (affirmation and visualization) on high school athletes. Athletes will be asked to perform an athletic drill. Before the drill, they will be asked to visualize themselves practicing the task mentally or self affirm themselves by writing out three positive attributes. One of the three attributes athletes would elaborate on. Data measurements will be collected by analyzing athletic performance of a specific activity. Previous studies have shown that visualization and self-affirmations can improve self esteem and self image by reducing cortisol levels, in addition to improving decision making skills through stress. This study is expected to show that those same visualization and self-affirmation techniques can improve athletic performance and overall empower athletes helping them to optimize their performance through mental exercise.