All the posters that were submitted for the Research Methods 2 course in 2016-2017, Period 5.

1. ABSTRACT
Going into universit3 is an over5helming ex:erience, especially the first couple of months. The complete change Bom
school life, the level of independence and with no doubt the heavy workload that requires a stHong stamina, so
basically, the abilit3 to focus and take in inforIation for a long period of time requires some help. Red Bull seems to
be a popular drink that most stJdents drink, not only do they drink it because they like the taste, but also because it
contains caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant of the centHal nerLous system, mostly to give energ3. The pur:ose of this
research is to figJre out whether Red Bull positively affects stJdents in terIs of their prolonged productivit3 or not.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Does Red Bull positively affect universit3 stJdents in terIs of their prolonged
productivit3?
HYPOTHESIS
The hy:othesis is that yes, indeed Red Bull does affect universit3 stJdents
in terIs of their prolonged productivit3. It boosts their energ3, helps them
focus for longer hours and helps reach their best level of productivit3.
METHODOLOGY
Population: StJdents
!
Sample: Random stJdents Bom different universities
-­‐Sample size: 10 males and 10 females
!
Methodological desig_: This research will be quantitative since it will be based on a surLey
or a questionnaire desig_ed with questions relevant to the topic (Red Bull). Questions will
be either ‘yes or no’ questions, or ‘scale’ questions that range Bom (1-­‐5), (1) being the worst
and (5) being the best. The results will all be represented gHaphically. This research will be
considered deductive since it is based on previous empirical work and confirIator3 since
it is foreseen to confirI what was predicted. Finally, this research will be considered
nomothetic since the results will all be numerical (no open-­‐ended questions) and because
it allows generalization and replication.
PARADIGM
Positivist approach: Theor3 is proved through numerical data.
!
Based on previous empirical work, energ3 drinks
consumption, such as Red Bull, has continued to
increase since 1997. These energ3 drinks are made to
help consumers increase their energ3, since such
drinks include a combination of stimulants and
“energ3 boosters”, such as caffeine, sugar etc. The
results presented in the stJdy show that energ3
drinks are marketed to young adults, especially
universit3 stJdents. More specifically, Red Bull was
found to be a “fJnctional beverage” that was
desig_ed to increase physical and mental
perforIances. This research also concluded that
energ3 drinks are mostly consumed by stJdents who
suffer Bom sleep deprivation, especially during exam
week. Due to energ3 drinks it is shown that there is
improvement in stJdents who suffer Bom such sleep
deprivation (Malinauskas, Aeby, Overjon, Car:enter-­‐
Aeby, & Barber-­‐Heidal, 2007).
PREVIOUS EMPIRICAL WORK -­‐ 1
Another empirical stJdy that proved
the hy:othesis stated above, found
that the energ3-­‐drink market has
gHown over the past decade.
Universit3 stJdents use energ3 drinks
for many reasons such as, to
compensate for the insufficient sleep,
to increase energ3 while stJdying and
while driving for long hours, stJdents
say they use it “to boost perforIance
and concentHation” and “to stay awake
for before exams” (Aqila & Çakir,
2011).
PREVIOUS EMPIRICAL WORK -­‐ 3
!
Finally, it has been fJrjher proven by another stJdy
that energ3 drinks are a good stimulator for
stJdents who are not geqing enough sleep. However
this stJdy has also added the “stHess” element,
where it corHelated the amount of “stHess” the
stJdents encounter, with the consumption level of
energ3 drink as a “stHess reliever” (Faris, 2014).
PREVIOUS EMPIRICAL WORK -­‐ 2
REFERENCES
!
Aqila, S., & Çakir, B. (2011). Energ3-­‐drink consumption in college stJdents
and associated factors. NutHition, 27(3), 316-­‐322.
Faris, N. N. (2014). ENERGY DRINKS: FACTORS THAT INFLUNCE
COLLEGE STUDENTS'CONSUMPTION.
Malinauskas, B. M., Aeby, V. G., Overjon, R. F., Car:enter-­‐Aeby, T., & Barber-­‐
Heidal, K. (2007). A surLey of energ3 drink consumption
paqer_s among college stJdents. NutHition Jour_al, 6(1), 35. doi:
10.1186/1475-­‐2891-­‐6-­‐35.
!

2. Background and rationale
Overall consumption has boomed in the past decades, resulting in a
society that is largely defined by mass consumerism (Røpke, 1999).
There is plenty of evidence that this large-scale consumption harms
both society and the environment, to the point that some scholars
consider it a ‘social pathology’ (Jackson, 2005).
Would a more moderate and sustainable consumption pattern have
positive effects on an individual’s wellbeing? Research on the rewards
of prosocial spending and the relation between expense management
and life satisfaction suggest it would (Xiao & Li, 2010; Xiao, Tang &
Shim, 2008). However, though these studies have shown a relation,
there is no clarity on the nature of the relationship. Are people less
happy because they know that their behaviour is unsustainable, but they
can’t help it? Do they engage in unsustainable behaviour because they
are unhappy? Are people simply happier when they ‘behave well’? Or
is there perhaps another, completely unrelated explanation?
Considering that the presence of consumerism in modern-day society is
so overwhelmingly large, it may prove incredibly valuable to gain a
deeper understanding of the way it influences the quality of our
individual lives.
Thus, this research aims to answer the question:
References:
Jackson, T. (2005). Live Better by Consuming Less? Is There a “Double Dividend” in Sustainable Consumption? Journal of Industrial Ecology, 9(1-2), pp. 19-36.
Røpke, I. (1999). The Dynamics of Willingness to Consume. Ecological Economics, 28(3), pp. 399-420.
Xiao, J.J. and Li, H. (2010). Sustainable Consumption and Life Satisfaction. Social Indicators Research, 104(2), pp. 323-329.
Xiao, J.J., Tang, C. and Shim, S. (2008). Acting for Happiness: Financial Behaviour and Life Satisfaction of College Students. Social Indicators Research, 92(1), pp. 53-68.
What will this research look like?
Qualitative, inductive research; semi-structured
interviews which will provide data with which we
shall try to find links between the two variables
(life satisfaction and consumption pattern).
Who will we interview?
Approximately 20 UM students from
different faculties. Beforehand,
participants will be screened with a small
questionnaire to assess whether they
perceive themselves as having a
particularly low/high level of life
satisfaction and whether they consider
their consumption pattern to be
particularly sustainable/unsustainable.
How will we assess consumption patterns?
We will study two aspects of the participants’ consumption
behaviour:
 Objective; ask them to estimate their expenditures on
several product groups, quantify the environmental and
social impact of their purchasing patterns
 Subjective; ask them whether they consider their life style
‘responsible’ (i.e. environmentally and socially
sustainable, healthy, financially feasible)
How will we assess life satisfaction?
We will ask the student to assess several factors of their lives
contributing to life satisfaction, including but not limited to
satisfaction with social life, academic performance, levels of
anxiety, outlook on future, and self image.
What is the nature of the relationship
between sustainability and sobriety of
students’ consumption behaviour and their
overall life satisfaction?
Buying happiness?
A qualitative study into the relation between consumption pattern and life satisfaction
UCM, i6126337

3. VanKleef,E.,vanTrijp,H., C.,M., Luning,P. (2005). Functional foods:healthclaim-foodproductcompatibilityandthe impactof healthclaimframingonconsumer
evaluation. Elsevier44, pp. 299-308. Doi:10.1016/j.appet.2005.01.009
Introduction
Obesity is an increasing problem, one of the causes of this
is the amount of unhealthy products being easily available
to consumers. Companies sell their products as being
relatively healthy and use this technique to convince
buyers. However some individuals, convince themselves
that they deserve certain food, or that it could always be
worse. The main question of this research is whether
individuals can be led to think that they are eating
healthier than they actually are.
Can we make you think you are eating more healthy than you actually do?
To what extent can the way we assess our eating habits be influenced?
Procedure
Methodology  quantitative
Experimental design  surveys
The experimental group receives a survey after reading a short article on
increasing healthy eating habits concerning students studying in Maastricht.
The control group receives the survey without any prior information.
RQ: To what extent can the way we assess our
eating habits be influenced?
Hypothesis: By having the participant read an
article they can relate to, describing healthy
eating habits among students, they will assess
their own eating habits as being healthier than
they are.
Dependent variable: Whether an article is
added to the survey or not.
Independent variable: The results of the
surveys.
Limitations: Small scale experiment, which
would have to be reproduced multiple times to
increase validity.
Week 1 Collecting data
Week 2 Data analysis
and
interpretation
Week 3 Writing the
paper
Week 4 Final
adjustments

4. No Need to Bee AfraidCamille Nizet
University College Maastricht
Research Question:
How does a person’s degree of knowledge about bees influence their
attitude towards them?
Hypothesis
Subjects who are less knowledgeable on bees will be more likely to
have a negative attitude towards the presence of bees.
Abstract
It’s a common occurrence to scream, run, or attack at the
unmistakable buzzing sound of bees, but is this panic merited? While
apiphobia is the irrational fear of bees (McCable & Milosevic, 2015)
many people have a negative attitude towards bees. This may be due
to past experience with their defense mechanism of stinging,
however this is only employed when bees feel the hive or themselves
are at risk. The majority of people are unable to tell the difference
between bees and their far more aggressive counterparts: wasps and
hornets. This generalization is harmful to bees as they already face
endangerment.
Thus the aim of this study is to see what influence knowledge of
bees, or lack thereof, on people’s perception of bees.
References
Hagopian, J. (2017, January 4). Death and Extinction of Bees. Retrieved April 25,
2017, from http://www.globalresearch.ca/death-and-extinction-of-the-bees/5375684
McCabe, R. E., & Milosevic, I. (2015). Phobias: the psychology of irrational fear. Santa Barbara, CA:
Greenwood, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.
McDonnell, T. (2015, July 10). Climate change is killing bees. Retrieved March 2, 2017, from
http://grist.org/article/climate-change-is-killing-bees/
Methodology
Population: University of Maastricht Students
Sample: Random sample of Maastricht University
Students
Conduct: a qualitative and quantitative research
approach. A survey will be sent to the sample selected
with qualitative questions regarding personal experience
with bees and quantitative questions regarding facts
about bees. Participant’s attitude towards bees will be
evaluated using Likert scales.
Independent Variables: number of right answers
concerning bee facts
Dependent Variables: Subject’s attitude toward bees
Relevance
• Honey Bees are responsible for every 3rd bite of food we eat
((Hagopian, 2017)
• Honey Bees have been dying at a rate of 30 percent a year
(McDonnell, 2015)
• Any effort towards their preservation is important

5. Dog Adoption Bias in Maastricht
By Sam Marks (i6127715)
Lately, dog shelters
around Maastricht find it
hard to find enough homes
for their shelter dogs. It
makes one wonder why
the people of Maastricht
do not feel the need to
adopt a dog as much as the
dogs deserve.
Research Question
For what reasons do
people not want to
adopt a dog in
Maastricht?
Hypothesis
Most likely, people
find it hard to find a
suitable dog in the
shelters that is to their
liking. This is because
there are not many
dogs present per
shelter.
Other Research Methods Research Design
This research will follow a Quantative research
method. The focus group will only include at least 125
citizens of Maastricht that are able to adopt a dog
(age 18+). The survey should take around 10 minutes
to undertake. The questions will be similar to the Ipsos
research, since the paper assumes that people do not
adopt dogs for very similar reasons in Maastricht as in
the United States. Also, the participants will be asked
about their gender, age, education, and media usage
in order to attempt to distinguish perceptions in
certain demographics. The survey will mainly be
spread through social media adoption groups.
There is surprisingly little research on this
topic. In the US, Ipsos Marketing Research
conducted a large nation-wide research on the
perceptions on dog & cat adoption. According
to them, the top 3 reasons to not adopt are:
• Org./Shelter did not have the type of Dog/cat wanted
• I wanted a purebred dog/cat
• You never know what you’ll get with shelter animal
• The research will be applied research, since it
holds relevance for all dog shelters in and
around Maastricht. As such, the outcomes of
the research will be presented to these
shelters.
• The research is deductive since the questions
will be deducted from prior research (such as
the Ipsos study).
• The research will follow a positivist paradigm
because the information is gathered by
quantative methods.
Sources:
• Ipsos. (November 27, 2012). Pet Adoption & Spray/Neuter: Understanding Pet
adoption by the Numbers. Retrieved from:
https://www.petsmartcharities.org/sites/default/files/Ipsos-Webinar-11-27-12.pdf
• Ministerie van Economische Zaken. (2015). Feiten en Cijfers
Gezelschapsdierensector 2015. Retrieved from: http://fdn.nl/wp-
content/uploads/A-10-Feiten-en-cijfers-gezelschapsdierensector-2015.pdf
• Langzitters in de Asiels van NL en BE. (April 30, 2017). Retrieved from:
http://www.dierendaglijst.com/

7. Research Question
Does the feeling of being
hungry have an influence on
consumer behaviour of
students in supermarkets in
Maastricht?
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that there
is a positive correlation
between the feeling of being
hungry and the consumer
behaviour. This means that
when hunger increases, the
consumer tends to buy more
food-related products in the
supermarket.
Dieuwertje van Dijk
I6128804
SKI1005
Do people buy more groceries when they are hungry?
An investigation of the influence of the feeling of being hungry on
consumer behaviour in the supermarket
References
- Xu, A. J., Schwarz, N., & Wyer, R. S. (2015).
Hunger promotes acquisition of nonfood
objects. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, 112(9), 2688-2692.
Introduction
In a lot of articles about eating healthy it is advised
to not go grocery shopping while being hungry
(Santé, 2015). They state that being hungry will
increase the amount of money one will spend in
the supermarket as a result of purchasing
unnecessary products. Xu (2015) tested this
theory and stated that one tends to buy more non-
food objects when being hungry. Does this also
count for food-related products? This research will
investigate the consumer behaviour of students in
Maastricht in three supermarkets of equal size that
sell similar products. Before entering the
supermarket, people will fill out a questionnaire,
which will investigate their feeling of being hungry.
Afterwards, the amount of money spend on food-
related products will be analysed. The sample will
consist of 50 people, 25 men and 25 women.
Questionnaire Experiment
Quantitative
approach
Jumbo Jan Linders
Albert Heijn
Jumbo Jan Linders
Albert Heijn
Methodology
- Nederkoorn, C. (2011). Zelfcontrole in de supermarkt. Psychologie & gezondheid, 39(5),
269-275.
- Santé (2015). Doe geen boodschappen als je honger hebt. Retrieved 01-05-2017
http://www.sante.nl/gezondheid/nieuws/5181/doe-geen-boodschappen-als-je-honger-hebt

8. Methodology – Mixed Methods
Survey to ascertain:
• General information:
• Age
• Biological sex
• Smoking habits:
• Does the individual smoke
cigarettes?
If so, how frequently?
(Approximation - per day)
At what age did the habit
develop?
• Qualitative Follow up questions for
smokers:
• To be developed with research
team
• Used to better understand an
individual’s perceived reasons for
developing a smoking habit
Data will be collected from the UCM
student population. This age range will
narrow the gap between each individual’s
age and the age at which they started
smoking. This survey will be printed and
given to UCM students who volunteer to
participate.
Method
What role does susceptibility to peer pressure have in an individual’s
likelihood to become a smoker?
References
Steinberg, L., & Monahan, K. C. (2007). Age Differences in Resistance to Peer Influence. Developmental Psychology, 43(6), 1531–1543. http://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.43.6.1531
Pictures:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-134MLiixwrM/VRureLLZIWI/AAAAAAAAATc/lti60U6FZUQ/s1600/stop-smoking.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2b/49/c7/2b49c7f3a7811601fa63c5ff86b3f2da.jpg
The Resistance to Peer Influence (RPI) scale is a measurement to assess
how resistant an individual is to peer pressure (Steinberg & Monahan,
2007). This is accomplished through the use of a questionnaire
consisting of 10 parts. For each part, two statements are provided, and
the respondent must first choose which of the two is more
representative of them. Subsequently, the chosen statement is rated
either “really true for me” or “sort of true for me”. Each question
therefore can be rated on a 4 point scale; the mean of the responses
produces the RPI value.
Previous research - Resistance to Peer Influence
Despite extensive efforts to raise awareness of the
harm that smoking causes, it remains a ubiquitous
habit. One need not look further than our own UCM
courtyard to find a multitude of young, educated
adults smoking cigarettes. What factors are at play
here? While there are many elements to take into
consideration, this research project will aim
specifically to determine the influence peer pressure
has on smoking. This leads us to the research question
presented above.
Introduction
1. Individuals more susceptible to peer pressure are
more likely to be smokers
2. A majority of smokers will attribute social pressure
to the initiation of smoking
Hypothesis:
Smoker: An individual who smokes regularly – at least one
cigarette per day for the purposes of this research project.
Peer Pressure: also ‘peer influence’ or ‘social pressure’.
Influence that others have over an individual’s behavior. Will
be measured by RPI.
Instantiation
Research Plan Outline
Phase1
-Finalize survey
and selection
process for
participants
with other
researchers
Phase2
-Distribute surveys
-Analyze data - SPSS
Phase3
-Write methodology
and results of
research project
-Rough draft of paper
Phase4
-Drawing
conclusions
from/discussion
of results
-Review and
revise paper
Relevance and Aim
Smoking is an extremely harmful habit that causes much
suffering. It is of essence to continue to increase our
understanding of the numerous factors that cause it to
remain a habit within society. This research project aims to
investigate further to what extent peer pressure is
responsible. Further knowledge of its influence will allow
for more well-informed action to be taken in efforts to
continue to curb cigarette smoking globally.

9. PAW-NDERING ON
DOG ADOPTIONDog adoption has always remained as a problem around the world. There are more dogs being abandoned and entering shelters than those being adopted. As a
result, this has led to limited shelter spaces and an increase in unethical euthanasia. However, according to Donna Janssen (2016), the Netherlands is considered to
be one of those rare countries with approximately half of the population of sheltered dogs being reunited with their owners or are readopted by new owners. This
suggests that there is a different mindset towards dog adoption in the Netherlands as compared to other countries around the world. Why is this so?
What do these perceptions entail? Why do sheltered dogs appeal to the Dutch community, especially in Maastricht?
AIM: Identify and inquire into the beliefs, stereotypes and perceptions that people in Maastricht hold with regards to sheltered dog adoption
RESEARCH QUESTION
“WHAT ARE THE PERCEPTIONS REGARDING DOG ADOPTION IN MAASTRICHT?”
REFERENCES
Janssen, Donna (2016, June). Do the Dutch Do Dogs Right? We Found out What It’s Like to Be a Dog in the Netherlands. K9 Magazine, . Retrieved from
http://www.k9magazine.com/7-dogsatpollingstations-who-are-helping-ease-britains-eu-referendum-anxiety/
Tuber, D., Miller, D., Caris, K., Halter, R., Linden, F., & Hennessy, M. (1999). Dogs in Animal Shelters: Problems, Suggestions, and Needed
Expertise. Psychological Science, 10(5), 379-386. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/40063451
SOCIAL RELEVANCE
This topic poses social relevance because it shines
light onto various perceptions towards sheltered
dogs, which is considered as a major factor that
prohibits people from adopting sheltered dogs. With
the decreasing popularity in adoption, these dogs are
either euthanized or continue to live unhappy lives in
closed cages. This knowledge can be used to inspire
and signal non-profit organizations and
entrepreneurs to innovate platforms that will unite
dog-lovers and shelters to increase adoption.
PHILOSOPHICAL PARADIGM
A phenomenological paradigm
will be applied as it believes that
reality is socially constructed and is
based on subjective interpretations
on events and situations. This links to
the topic as this research aims to
identify and inquire into the socially
constructed stereotypes and
perceptions of dogs that are adopted
from shelters.
PRIOR LITERATURE RESEARCH
It is shocking how limited research has been conducted in this
field across the world. Hardly any literature, experiment or
observation has been published. One relevant report has been
written on analyzing behavioral problems that contributed to
dogs ending up in shelters and therefore, making it harder for them
to be re-adopted (Tuber et al., 1999). It claims that dogs develop
social and attachment abnormalities in shelters due to traumatic
events before or during sheltering. This makes it more difficult for
these dogs to leave the shelter as they construct negative
perceptions on sheltered dogs in general.
HYPOTHESIS
Similar to most cities around the world, it
is hypothesized that there are negative
perceptions circulating the issue of dog
adoption in Maastricht. This can be
possibly due to various reasons such as
beliefs in existing stereotypes, bad
experiences with dogs, uncertainty of the
quality of the dog adopted and
unreachability of shelters and their
communication platforms.
METHODOLOGY
The research will adopt a qualitative approach, as it deals with understanding people’s underlying
perceptions towards dog adoption in Maastricht. It will be conducted in the form of neo-positivist,
semi-structured interviews with a length of approximately 45 minutes. The interview will be
conducted with a selective sample size (N) of approximately 15-20 individuals consisting of
representatives from pet shelters, dog owners and residents in Maastricht. This will allow for a holistic
in-depth insight into the various perceptions held in the community on dog adoption. Some questions
that will be asked during the interview are:
➢ What breeds, colors and sizes are adopted the most? (For Shelters)
➢ What are some deciding factors to consider while adopting a dog? (For Dog Owners)
➢ What is preventing you from adopting a dog from the shelter? (For Residents Without Dogs)
Plan
Interview &
Create
Questions
Conduct the
Interviews
Analyze the
Transcript
& Write
Report
Project’s Key Milestones, to be divided equally amongst team
members for maximum efficiency.
Contact
Interviewees
Pam Suphakamol Vuntanadit
i6130863

10. ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE ANDTHE MEDIA
Anja Dekanski
Research Methods II (2017)
Introduction Research question
Methodological approach – Frame analysis
References
Plan outline
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a deadly threat
which is already resulting in hundreds of thousands of
deaths ("Antimicrobial resistance", 2017). While AMR is
a naturally occurring phenomenon, human behaviour is
accelerating the process to a great extent. Behaviours
include not following through the entire duration of the
treatment, sharing prescribed antibiotics, misuse of
antibiotics for viral infections and over prescription of
antibiotics ("Antimicrobial resistance", 2017). Many of
these behaviours are shown to be heavily influenced by
perceived risks and cultural approval (Beyene, Aspden, &
Sheridan, 2016; Goldsworthy, Schwartz, & Mayhorn,
2008; Hackett, 2008).
The newspaper media is an active participant when it
comes to connecting phenomena to changing and
shaping existing frames in relation to social and cultural
phenomena (Benford, & Snow, 2000). It has been
shown that the news media has a large role in
communicating scientific information, most importantly
in areas of risk perception (Hilton, & Hunt, 2010;
Morris, Helliwell, & Raman, 2016). The way health
messages are framed influences the way people respond
to them (Gallagher, & Updegraff, 2011).
Hence, frame analysis of AMR coverage in the United
Kingdom-based and United States-based newspapers
can be an initial step in researching how the behaviour
contributing to AMR is related to the media. A
quantitative text analysis resulting in identifying frames
within which AMR is discussed in these sources can
clarify this context for future research..
Frame analysis approach as put forward by Benford and
Snow, 2000.
1. Diagnostic framing: identification of problem and its
cause/attribution of blame
2. Motivational framing: impetus for action
3. Prognosis framing: presentation of solutions
After developing a coding frame, the articles are analyzed
for manifest content. Subsequently a factor analysis is
done to place the ‘çodes’ into one of the three framing
types.
How is antimicrobial
resistance framed by
the most read UK and
US newspapers?
Antimicrobial resistance. (2017).WHO. Retrieved 1 May 2017, from
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs194/en/
Benford, R., & Snow, D. (2000). Framing Processes and Social Movements:An Overview and
Assessment.Annual Review Of Sociology, 26(1), 611-639.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.26.1.611
Beyene, K.,Aspden,T., & Sheridan, J. (2016). Prescription medicine sharing: exploring
patients’ beliefs and experiences. Journal Of Pharmaceutical Policy And Practice, 9(1).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40545-016-0075-5
Gallagher, K., & Updegraff, J. (2011). Health Message Framing Effects on Attitudes,
Intentions, and Behavior:A Meta-analytic Review.Annals Of Behavioral Medicine, 43(1), 101-
116. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12160-011-9308-7
Goldsworthy, R., Schwartz, N., & Mayhorn, C. (2008). Beyond Abuse and Exposure: Framing
the Impact of Prescription-Medication Sharing.American Journal Of Public Health, 98(6),
1115-1121. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2007.123257
Hackett,A. (2008). Risk, its perception and the media: the MMR controversy. Community
Practitioner, 81(7), 22.
Hilton, S., & Hunt, K. (2010). UK newspapers' representations of the 2009-10 outbreak of
swine flu: one health scare not over-hyped by the media?. Journal Of Epidemiology &
Community Health, 65(10), 941-946. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech.2010.119875
Morris, C., Helliwell, R., & Raman, S. (2016). Framing the agricultural use of antibiotics and
antimicrobial resistance in UK national newspapers and the farming press. Journal Of Rural
Studies, 45, 43-53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.03.003
Reese, S., Gandy, O., & Grant,A. (2010). Framing public life (1st ed., pp. 147-156). NewYork:
Routledge.
Stefano Aliberti; James D. Chalmers; Mathias W. Pletz. (2017).Anti-infectives and the Lung
(1st ed., pp. 289-293). Lausanne, SWITZERLAND: European Respiratory Society.
1. Newspaper article selection:
Choosing newspapers from the ‘serious’ group, the
‘middle market tabloid’ and the ‘tabloid’ group.
Narrowing down the number of articles to a workable
number.
1. Developing a coding frame
2. Analysis for manifest content
3. Final identification of frames

11. W H E N A R E L O G O ’ S
C O N S I D E R E D
‘ A T T R A C T I V E ’ A N D
H O W D O T H E Y
P O S I T I V E L Y A F F E C T
C O N S U M E R
P U R C H A S I N G
B E H A V I O R ?
I N T R O D U C T I O N &
R E L E V A N C E
M E T H O D O L O G Y
P R I O R R E S E A R C H
R E S E A R C H Q U E S T I O N :
Data
• Sample size of 40 people
• Sample age between 18-50 years of age to provide a large range
• Data: quantitative research, experimental
Variables
• Dependent: consumer purchasing behavior
• Independent: the logo
• Control: gender, education, location
Methods
• (Multiple-answer) questionnaire: showing the sample several
examples of logo’s, asking whether they are attractive/appealing
and whether it would lead them to buy the product
Logo’s identify a brand, giving a first impression
and a “face” to the brand. Logo’s are unique,
graphically designed displays, giving a visual
representation of the brand towards their
consumers/target group. Logo’s, being indirect
forms of advertising, also attempt to create a
positive brand attitude, to increase consumer
satisfaction with the brand. Logo’s therefore have
an ever-increasing importance towards
advertising of a brand, considering the rapid
increase of brands within the business world.
H Y P OT H E S E S
Prior research on the subject indicates
that although logo’s do not always need to
portray what the brand does, it should
however depict a relevant relationship
towards the brand (1). According to
Heding (2009), logo’s are the “name, color,
sound, touch and smell of brand identity
that ensures optimum reflection of the
brand identity” upon the consumers. (2)
Both Airey and Heding provide useful
insights into prior research on logo’s in
relation to consumer purchasing behavior.
Therefore, the appeal of logo’s should
contribute towards the overall positive
consumer satisfaction, positive brand
image, and positive purchasing behavior.
1. Logo’s are to be considered ‘attractive’ if
they include certain aspects such as
various colors, appealing fonts, and
alluring images/symbols
2. Logo’s are likely to increase consumer
purchasing for a certain brand if their
logo is considered ‘attractive’ according
to the consumer (i.e. the sample)
3. If consumers have a negative brand
association, they will find the logo less
appealing when compared to other logo’s
F R É D É R I Q U E D E L A N G E - I 6 1 3 1 4 0 4
(1) Airey, David. Logo Design Love:A GuideTo Creating Iconic Brand Identities. 1st ed.Adams Media, 2009. Print.
(2) Heding,Tilde, Charlotte F. Knudtzen, and Mogens Bjerre. Brand Management: Research,Theory And Practice. 1st
ed. Routledge, 2009. Print.
R E F E R E N C E S
The aim is therefore to
bring to light and recognize
what makes a logo
‘attractive’, i.e. appealing, to
the consumer and whether
they would be more or less
willing to buy product from
this certain brand due to
their logo.

12. Introduction
In our wealthy Western societies, the need to overeat to survive
in scarcer times like our ancestors did is long gone. Actually, the
accessibility to an abundance of food makes many us overeat,
resulting in increasing rates of obesity throughout the world.
Also, increasing amounts of our foods are processed goods,
containing huge lists of artificial additives. Researchers are
pointing to added sugar in many foods as a villain (Mercola,
2012). We live longer but at the same time we are less healthy,
we experiencing many wealth diseases caused by obesity. This
makes for immense costs and governments are concerned about
how to make the population healthy again. A popular solution to
the problem is to educate people about nutrition, in order to
create an awareness that leads us to pursue healthier eating
habits and ultimately reduce obesity. However, the question
arises whether knowledge of a subject does actually lead to
action. This is important to know since big amounts of money
are spent on nutritional education
Research objective
Nutritional knowledge is commonly seen to be at the core of
solving the global obesity problem, which is why many countries
and organizations spend big amounts of money on educating their
populations. However, it is not quite clear if knowledge affects
habits, since some studies have shown no correlation between
knowledge and habits and others do show a strong correlation.
Hence, the objective of this research is to find out whether higher
knowledge affects eating habits positively or not so that
governments and organizations can use that information to fight
the obesity problem effectively.
Methods
v Population: UCM students
v Sample size: 60 students, 30 male and 30 female with random
nationalities.
v Methods: quantitative (with qualitative elements)
v Quantitative surveys
àQuestions about nutrition knowledge (corresponding score:
high, average, high nutrition knowledge)
à Questions about diet (How much fruit/vegetables do you eat
per day? How often do you eat junkfood? How much red meat
do you eat per week?)
Hypothesis
A higher level of nutritional knowledge
leads people to making better choices
in food than having a lower level of
knowledge about healthy eating.
Earlier work
Some studies had proven that nutritional knowledge does not affect
food intake but a study among 1040 people by Wardle, Parmenter,
and Waller (2000) did show that better knowledge could lead to
higher fruit and vegetable intake and lower fat intake. High
nutritional knowledge was associated with being well educated in
general. Since UCM students fall in the category of high educated
people, hence we might assume that UCM students have a
relatively high level of nutritional knowledge and also base their
dietary choices on that.
References
- Mercola. (2012). The most unhappy of pleasure: your brain on sugar. Retrieved
from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/10/the-most-
unhappy-of-pleasures-this-is-your-brain-on-
sugar.aspx?e_cid=20120310_DNL_art_2 April 26, 2017.
- Wardle, J., Parmenter, K., Waller, J. (2000). Nutrition knowledge and food
intake. Appetite, 34(3), 269-275. DOI: 10.1006/appe.1999.0311
Research question
To what extent does the
level of nutritional
knowledge have an effect
on dietary choices
among UCM students?
Want another bite?
Anique Tucker, SKI1005, i6132789

13. Nowadays, the news is filled with dozens
of so-called ’global problems’. Yet, many
issues remain out of the spotlight. How
can NGOs create awareness for a global
challenge? In the branding for NGOs, two
approaches can be used: fact-based
and emotion-based advertisements. Is it
more effective to appeal with facts and
figures or with images?
Introduction
RESEARCH QUESTION:
WHICH BRANDING
APPROACH, FACT-BASED
OR EMOTION-BASED
ADVERTISEMENTS, IS MORE
EFFECTIVE IN INCREASING
AWARENESS FOR NGOs?
Theory
BRAND COMMUNICATION FOR NGOs
A Harvard Business Review article
shows that when selling products people
often take the fact and figure-based
approach because they assume that
people buy with a conscious mind,
however people make many decisions
without rational thought (Harris, 2015).
When should you apply fact- or
emotion-based advertisements?
“95% OF OUR PURCHASE
DESICIONS TAKE PLACE
UNCONSCIOUSLY”
Methods
Survey approach amongst
participants:
1) Assess awareness through ranking
‘global problems’ on importance. 2)
assess effectiveness through exposure
to fact-based and emotion-based
advertisements in two groups. 3)
Assess intent to donate and brand
awareness. 4) Control for behavioural,
psychological and previous
knowledge.
Theoretical Framework
Hypothesis: it is expected
that emotion-based advertisements
are more effective in increasing
awareness for global problems. The
survey will be created with Qualtrics and
the data will be analysed with SPSS.
We will need 150 participants. The
survey will be distributed online.
RELEVANCE
This research will aid
NGOs to increase
the awareness for
global challenges
FACT-BASED
EMOTION-BASED
CASE STUDY: TOXIC WASTE
REFERENCES
Harris, M. (2015). When to Sell
with Facts and Figures, and When
to Appeal to Emotions. Harvard
Business Review. Retrieved from
https://hbr.org/2015/01/when-to-
sell-with-facts-and-figures-and-
when-to-appeal-to-emotions
OLIVIA SCHOOTSTRA I6134085
LIMITATIONS
This research may be
limited in scope due
to the short time
frame

14. Does outside temperature affect cigarette smoking frequency among University College
Maastricht (UCM) students?
Abstract:
As has been shown in many different studies concerned with the effect of weather
and/or temperature on the frequency of tobacco consumption, these factors can
have an influence on tobacco consumption (Momperousse, Lewis, & Delnevo, 2007;
Liu & Yin, 2012). Since indoor smoking is not allowed at UCM, near-all cigarette
consumption at UCM can be witnessed in the courtyard, thereby signifying that all
cigarette smokers must be subjected to the outside temperature if they wish to
smoke at the university college. It is therefore interesting to examine the effect of
outside temperature on cigarette smoking habits, as this could lead to insight
regarding the environmental factors that correspond to tobacco consumption, an
important area of health research. This research could lead to further research
regarding methods of discouraging tobacco consumption through environmental
factors which would benefit society as a whole by potentially lowering tobacco
consumption rates (thereby improving overall health).
Methodology
• The researchers will be gathering quantitative, observer data
• This will be a deductive approach, since it will be testing previous
research’s results to see if they are valid.
• During the ½ hour time slot between 1-1:30 PM, the busiest break
between classes at UCM, researchers will monitor and record the
amount of students in the courtyard smoking along with the outside
temperature of Maastricht. This data will be collected over 4 weeks to
achieve a useful sample size.
• Population: UCM students that smoke cigarettes.
• Sample: random sampling will take place among the population of
interest (cigarette smokers)
• Analysis: Statistical analysis of the collected data to examine the
correlation (and its significance) between outside temperature and
cigarette smoking.
Variables
• Independent: outside temperature
• Dependent: amount of UCM students smoking cigarettes in the courtyard
between 1pm and 1:30pm.
Hypotheses
• 𝐻𝐻1: It is hypothesized that outside temperature will have a positive effect on UCM
students: if the temperature is lower, the amount of students in the courtyard
smoking will be lower.
• 𝐻𝐻2: It is hypothesized that as the temperature increases, there will be a point at
which the number of smokers will decrease again, since this outside temperature
will be too uncomfortable for the students.
Previous Research
- Liu, F., & Yin, X. (2012, August). Does weather affect health behaviors? Evidence from
temperature and cigarette smoking. Research Gate. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287068427_Does_weather_affe
ct_health_behaviors_Evidence_from_temperature_and_cigarette_smoking
- Momperousse, D., Lewis, M. J., & Delnevo, C. D. (2007). Exploring the seasonality of.
Tobacco Control, 16, 69-71.

15. Is there a relationship
between Veganism
and people studying
Liberal Arts and
Science?
By Giovanni Formicola (i6136341)
INTRODUCTION:
My Research wants to test if students of UCM
are more incline to be Vegan respect others
Faculties. The study conducted by Cherry
(2006) describes Veganism as a New Social
Movement and UCM could fit this definition
perfectly.
METHODOLOGY:
The study will be phenomenological
and exploratory. The relationship is
going to be analysed with the use of
qualitative surveys, asking if the
samples are or are not vegan
DEVELOPMENT:
The data collected at UCM will be
compared to the ones of SBE and
FASoS. Thus, enabling us to verify
the existence of a correlation
between this life style and the
chosen degree
EXPECTATIONS:
My expectation is that the study
will reveal a strong correlation
between the two variables. My
hypothesis is that UCM is in fact
the faculty with more vegans
Reference:
Cherry, E. (2006). Veganism as a cultural movement: A
relational approach. Social Movement Studies, 5(2), 155-170.

16. To what extent does packaging
influence the consumer’s perception
of product quality?
Emma Severens - i6136472
INTRODUCTION
One-third of consumer decision-making is
based on packaging. Therefore, to gain
notice and consideration at the point of
purchase, corporations are eager to
design their product in such manner that
the consumer’s attention will be drawn to
it.
As previous research has shown, the color
of a product’s packaging affects consumer
choice (Garber, Burke & Jones, 2000). The
correct selection of color can enhance
product consideration and attractiveness
of the product. Additionally, packages
displaying a picture of the product can
communicate information about the
brand, and thus change brand beliefs as
well as triggering more positive attitudes
towards the product (Underwood & Klein,
2002).
This further research tries to investigate
the influence of packaging on the
consumer’s perception of the quality of a
product. Based on the research findings
the researchers aim to demonstrate the
way enterprises manipulate consumers
into believing their product is of high
quality and thereby help the consumer
become aware of this practice. Moreover,
it tries to identify what elements of product
packaging affect the consumer in
concluding the quality of the product.
METHODOLOGY
Variables
Independent variables:
Icons on the package
The readability and font of . . . . . .
. typography
The color and color composition of .
. . . the package
The material of the package
Possible other reasons
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Dependent variables:
The consumer’s perception of the
quality of the product
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Sample size
The sample consists of 45 participants
. .between the age of 18 and 80.
The participants will be divided in groups
. .based on their age and educational
. .level.
There will be five age categories:
18 – 25
25 – 35
35 – 50
50 – 65
65 – 80
.Three educational categories:
MBO
HBO
University
In each of the five different age . . . . . .
. .categories, three persons with each . . . .
. different educational levels will be . . . .
. .questioned.
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Sampling method
The methodology will be a qualitative
interview.
With the use of interviews the manner
by which people evaluate a product
will be uncovered. By scrutinizing the
process of consumer’s product
consideration based on packaging,
and comparing this approach to that
of other consumers, elements which
affect the perception of quality will be
identified. This examination will be
conducted by directly showing the
participants assorted products, which
are selected based on characteristics
as material and color, and asking
them what they expect from the quality
of the product.
PHASES OF RESEARCH
Week 1 – Preparation
As the methodology will be qualitative
interviews, these interviews should be
prepared, participants be approached,
and needed materials be collected.
All of the interviews will be held during
this week.
Interpretation of accumulated data.
The paper will be written based on the
collected data and the analysis of this
data.
Week 2 – Collection of Data
Week 3 – Analysis of Data
Week 4 – Writing the Research Paper
References
Garber, L., Burke, R. & Jones, J. (2000). The Role of Package
…Color in Consumer Purchase Consideration and Choice.
…Working Paper Series. Chapel Hill, North Carolina:
…Marketing Science Institute.
Underwood, R., & Klein, N. (2002). Packaging as Brand
…Communication: Effects of Product Pictures on Consumer
…Responses to the Package and Brand. Journal of Marketing
…Theory and Practice,.10(4), pp. 58-68.
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Source: http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-
design/how-product-packaging-affects-buying-
decisions-91412911
Source: http://http://andraeballard.com/
information-in-the-decision-making-process/
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17. Exploring Applied Love Philosophy
a qualitative social impact assessment of Love Foundation
Viktor Humpert, i6136757
Research question
In what ways are the Love Foundation's
events in coherence or in conflict with their
ideals embodied in their five pillars?
Introduction
The Love Foundation (LF) is a Maastricht-founded global network
of artists and activists. It manifests a distinct love philosophy, on
which it tries to connect people, enjoying their time and together
fundraise money for water projects with a joyful purpose. These are
the representative five pillars:
Resting upon these, we organise cultural events and projects,
encompassing music, art, sport, fashion and community. The pillars
provide a fundamental ethical ground for all our actions. Since Love
Foundation is an open and inclusive network with different levels of
integration, driven by community power, the communication of such
values to all members and attendees are of great significance in order
to live up to this moral concept. Love Foundation remains very
pluralistic, but how do its core values remain incorporated and
cultivated while maintaining an open and decentralised network?
Especially, does the essential love philosophy reach and affect the event
attendee eventually?
Methodology
This research will specifically focus on the impact of spreading universal
love and how the pillar of joyful purpose is complied. Are these ideals
sufficiently reflected? In order to arrive at a viable result, this symbolic-
interactionist research will be conducted with a mixed method approach.
It will follow a heuristic inquiry, thus the research develops within its
progress:
I. Few representative qualitative interviews (incl. members and event
attendees)
topics: impressions & opinions of the intended advocacy of love &
joyful purpose; personal conceptions of love; awareness & attitude
towards pillars
II. Evaluating the interviews: results of this subjectivist inquiry will
realise this rather elusive conception of love
III. Based on these results (II), a two-fold questionnaire will be compiled
topics: feelings & sentiments towards LF and their events; personal
perception of LF’s reputation; awareness of LF philosophy & pillars;
feelings towards love and LF’s advocacy
a) covert/indirect/vague questions
b) more obvious/direct questions, aiming on specific pillars
IV. Result: comparing findings of (I) and (II); write research paper
combining the two methods in one coherent answer to RQ
References
Love Foundation Website (2017). www.love-foundation.org /// Burdge, R.J. (2004). A Community Guide to Social
Impact Assessment (3rd edn). Middleton, USA: Social Ecology Press.
Relevance - Sociological Inquiry
- Assessment of communicating moral understandings to students and
scope of LF ambitions
- Impact of the advocacy of love
- underlying response to contemporary cultural events (parties, music, art)
- Importance of love for students

18. All factors leading toards
the Rise of Veganism
Ethical
•No right to supress other
species because of
interllectual superority
•Carries responsibility to
stop harm aund
supression
•Both can suffer and feel
pain
Health
•Contamination of food supply by
bacteria like E.coli and salmonella
•76 mio. Americans become from
food borne illnesses each year
•Red and processed meat contains a
cancer-causing substance
•Meat and dairy poducts significantly
increase the risk of breast, prostate
and colon cancer
•Antibiotic resistance through
consumption of animal pructs
Environmental
• 51% of all greenhouse gas
emissions
• 91 % of amazon destruction
• 55% of water consumed in
the U.S. are for animal
agriculture
• Livestock covers 45% of the
earth’s total land
Epistemology
•Post-positivist stance
•Independent reality that
can be examined
•Climate change, global
warming and world
hunger are incontestable
truths
Methodology
•Action research
•Promotes changes within
organizations and is
thereby very suitable for
examining Ben and Jerry’s
transition
Action Research
•Can involve quantitative +
qualitative methods to
examine motiviations
•Qualitative method will
be used to compare and
interpret
Qualitative Method
•Induction
•Accumulation of facts/
data will be rather
unstructured
Relevance
•To see to what extent
consumer choices or
demand have an impact
on the industry
•More people will use their
spending power to
support environmental
friendly food production
•Positive impact on planet
How does the increasing
demand of vegan
products encourage
companies such as Ben
and Jerry’s to transition
from conventional
products towards vegan-
friendly products?
Abstract
Some of the greatest challenges we face today such
as climate change, global warming, pollution, natural
resource depletion, waste disposal, deforestation,
loss of biodiversity, ocean dead zones and world
hunger are a result of human-induced practices.
Many of these problems can be related to an
exponential increase of animal agriculture referable
to the rising demand of animal products.
References: Facts and Sources (May, 2017) from
http://www.cowspiracy.com/facts Katharina Hermann i6136779

19. INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study is to find out how consumers are
influenced by negatively framed images by charitable
non-profit organizations. The question becomes relevant
when looking at the organization’s point of view and
questioning whether negatively framed storytelling has
more effect on a consumer’s donation behavior than
positively framed storytelling. This way, a charitable non-
profit organization can more accurately construct their
advertisements according to the consumers. Negatively
framed storytelling might for example work better due to
the ’good’ feeling that consumers create when helping a
person in need (Merchant et. al, 2009). Additionally,
Williams & Drolet (2005) show that older adults are more
likely to avoid negative emotions than young adults and
that older adults are more likely to engage in emotion
regulation. Therefore, to increase the effectiveness of
advertisements, different target audiences require
different emotional appeals.
RELEVANCE
Cécile Schulte (i6136901) | University College Maastricht
RESEARCH QUESTION
HYPOTHESES
How does negatively framed storytelling in
advertisements by charitable non-profit
organizations influence consumers’ attitude
towards and donation behavior to charitable
organizations?
Looking at charitable organizations in particular, it is
important that their marketing efforts generate donations
that enable the organization to serve their beneficiaries.
The main purpose of their marketing efforts is to create
awareness for their mission and problem statement and,
with it, generate donations that will support them in
carrying out their activities and final objectives (Kim,
2014). These examples have in common that they make
use of storytelling in their marketing campaigns. The
difference, however, is that on the one hand for example
the Ronald McDonald House Charities uses positively
framed storytelling with happy and helped beneficiaries,
whereas for example Oxfam and War Child use
negatively framed storytelling with beneficiaries that are
sad and in need of help. This difference in strategy is
likely to have differences in the behavioral outcomes of
consumers as well as differences in the attitude of
consumers towards the advertisements and the
organizations.
• Storytelling framing style positively influences
consumers’ intention to donate (negatively framed
storytelling-sad image; positively framed storytelling-
happy image).
• Negatively framed storytelling has a greater positive
influence on the consumer’s donation behavior than
positively framed storytelling.
METHODOLOGY
Population: two independent groups of 18-25 year olds
and 65+ year olds.
Sample: random sample of students in Maastricht and
elderly people from retirement homes in Maastricht.
Conduct: a quantitative survey with a between-subject
design wherein the two groups conduct the same ordinal
survey. The survey is based on the personal perceptions
about framed storytelling advertisements by non-profit
organizations, using the likert scale.
Independent variables: age, personal feeling when
donating, gender, consumer’s characteristic towards
emotion as a decision-variable.
Data analysis: statistical analysis of survey finding, with
use of the ordinal likert scale. To the analysis a
significance level of 5% is applied, on which the rejection
or acceptance of the hypotheses is based.
NEGATIVELY FRAMED STORYTELLING
REFERENCES
References:
• Kim, N. (2014). Advertising strategies for charities:
Promoting consumers’ donation of time versus money.
International Journal of Advertising, 33(4), pp. 707-724.
doi:10.2501/IJA-33-4-707-724
• Merchant, A., Ford, J.B. & Sargeant, A. (2009). Charitable
organizations’ storytelling influence on donors’ emotions
and intentions. Journal of Business Research, 63,
pp. 754- 762. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2009.05.013
• Williams, P. & Drolet, A. (2005). Age-Related Differences in
Responses to Emotional Advertisements. Journal of
Consumer Research, 32, pp. 343-353. Retrieved
from:http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi
=10.1. .711.2116&rep=rep1&type=pdf

20. Leonard Freiherr von Sohlern
Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, University College Maastricht, student number I6136981
Introduction and Background
Food insecurity is known to be a rampant problem in developing countries
as well as countries affected by civil or intergovernmental wars. However,
in the recent years some researchers have focused their attention on the
issue of food insecurity in stable conditions. Researchers like Hughes,
Serebryanikova, Donaldson, and Leveritt (2011) conducted one of the first
studies on student food insecurity in 2011 and found it to be a widespread
issue.
Researching the determining factors and prevalence of food insecurity at
Maastricht University will be of great importance due to a variety of
reasons. Firstly, it must be acknowledged that there has been virtually no
research done in the European area. This constitutes a major lack in
empirical knowledge that must be remedied to address the issue if it is
similarly widespread as US and Australian research suggests. Secondly, as
college students have been identified to be a special risk group within
society, extraordinary attention must be devised to the issue (Micevksi,
2014). According to the findings presented by Maroto, et al., food insecurity
negatively impacts academic performance (2015).
Prevalence and determining factors of food insecurity among
Students of Maastricht University
Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Objectives, Research Question
Methodology
Expectations
References
6200
After gathering the data previously validated methods of measurement
(Clifford et al., 2009) will be employed:
Adult Food Security Survey Module (AFSSM)
Ten-item adult food security module used to classify food security into four
categories:
1. High food security (no problems accessing resources)
2. Marginal food security
3. Low food security
4. Very low food security
Measures to assess self-efficacy or confidence towards cooking and
perceived food resource and skill adequacy
Students rate their confidence to create cooking self-efficacy score
To follow a recipe
To cook a nutritious meal
To cook a meal in a short amount of time
To cook a nutritious meal without spending a lot of money
Also rate resources for preparing food to create resource adequacy score
Cooking skills
Money to buy food
Time available to prepare food
Appliances for food preparation
Food selection in nearby stores
Comprehensive demographic data
The objectives are (1) to evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity at
Maastricht University and (2) to identify determining factors of food
insecurity for UM students.
Research Question: How prevalent is food insecurity among students of
Maastricht University and what are the determining factors?
The research will employ a quantitative approach to identify the prevalence
of food insecurity. It will furthermore use quantitative analysis of data
gathered by a four- part online survey to examine relationships between
variables and thereby yield the determining factors of food insecurity.
Sampling will be unselective while keeping the sample size (N) high to
guarantee cross-sectional gathering of data.
The survey will consist of four parts to identify the variables needed for final
analysis:
1. Household food security
2. Classification and prevalence of food insecurity
3. Cooking self-efficacy
4. Demographic information
Chi-square methods and variance analysis will be employed to examine the
relationship between financial factors and demographic information. Food
insecurity and management factors will be examined by the way of regression
analysis.
Measures
It is expected that due to the complexity of the phenomenon a high number
of variables will positively influence food insecurity. However, due to
applying similar methods as previous research, data gathered will be highly
useful for comparison.
It is furthermore expected that findings will not significantly deviate from
earlier non-European works.
Therefore, it can be said that a negative relationship between food insecurity
and cooking self-efficacy/resource management skills is expected. Data will
furthermore likely yield a positive relationship between food insecurity and
students who receive forms of financial aid, food assistance or are financially
independent
Clifford, D., Anderson, J., Auld, G. & Champ, J. (2009) Good grubbin’: impact of a TV cooking show for college students living off campus. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 41, 194–200
Gaines, A., Robb, C. A., Knol, L. L., & Sickler, S. (2014). Examining the role of financial factors, resources and skills in predicting food security status among college students. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 38(4), 374-
384. doi:10.1111/ijcs.12110
Hughes, R., Serebryanikova, I., Donaldson, K., & Leveritt, M. (2011). Student food insecurity: The skeleton in the university closet. Nutrition & dietetics, 68(1), 27-32.
Maroto, M. E., Snelling, A., & Linck, H. (2015). Food Insecurity Among Community College Students: Prevalence and Association With Grade Point Average. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 39(6), 515-526.
doi:10.1080/10668926.2013.850758
Micevski, D. A., Thornton, L. E., & Brockington, S. (2014). Food insecurity among university students in Victoria: A pilot study. Nutrition & dietetics, 71(4), 258-264.
Leonard Frhr. Von Sohlern
l.vonsohlern@student.maastrichtuniversity.nl
University College Maastricht
Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Research Methods II
Maastricht University
P.O. Box 616
6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

21. RQ:
What is the social effect of
recreational use of MDMA among
Maastricht students, on the size of
their social network and connectivity?
u Relevance:
u Many students around the globe, consume
or at least have an interest in consuming
MDMA. So being, to try to acknowledge the
social consequences of this in Maastricht
specifically, would serve to spread
information, and to assure that even those
who choose to consume, do so,
acknowledging its social consequences, since
these differ from place to place. Moreover,
research in the common drug abuse around
any university can be beneficial as to find
out why these clearly brain damaging (at
least to a certain extend) substances seem so
attractive to students around the world.
Answering Questions such has:
- What Does MDMA consist of?
Consequences for body and psych
-Is the abuse of MDMA common in
Maastricht?
If so, why?
-Do consumers tend to know more
people? Or the opposite?
Does it help in achieving social goals?
-Do consumers tend to stick to people of
the same interest?
-Is their personality affected by their
abuse, even after a certain “recovery
period”?
If so, how?
-Does the abuse of MDMA lead to more
connectivity between universities?
-Are MDMA abusers perceived as a
threat, or make other Maastricht students
uncomfortable during nights out?
If so, why?
How(Methodology):
- Interviews (Festivals/ Anonymous consumers)
- Questionnaires’à Large scale around Maastricht
students
- Previous research on the consequences of
amphetamines
Aims to uncover the social
consequences of MDMA
abuse among Maastricht
students
Inspired by works such as:
Dew, B. J., Elifson, K. W., &
Sterk, C. E. (2006).
Treatment implications for
young adult users of
MDMA. Journal of
Addictions & Offender
Counseling, 26(2), 84-98.

23. The tourist threat
Previous research and relevance
According to Marsh and Henshall (1987), a pleasant attitude of the local
population is a big factor in the attractiveness of a destination. However,
research has yet to be conducted the other way around. Therefore, this
project aims in filling in the gaps in scientific research by finding out if a
pleasant attitude of tourist influence the attractiveness a city perceived by
the inhabitants of that city. If this shows to be the case, cities are able to
take appropriate measures in improving the ‘the tourist problem’ which
might enhance a local’s overall attractiveness of his/her city.
Research question
To what extent does the overall attitude towards tourists by students
in Amsterdam and students in Maastricht effect their overall
enjoyment of living in their city?
Methodological approach:
v Population: students from Maastricht and students from Amsterdam.
v Sample: a random sample of students from Maastricht and students from
Amsterdam, a number of 10 interviewees studying in Amsterdam and 10
interviewees studying in Maastricht.
v Conduct:
v Non-participation covert observation: observing the interaction
between local and tourist.
v semi-structured interview including previously thought of questions
yet the interest in additional information.
v Variables
v Independent Variables:
v Mash’s and Henshall’s study (1987) to measure degree of
satisfaction/ dissatisfaction of tourists.
v Experiences with previous tourists.
v Specific expectations of tourism in one’s own city.
v Degree and type of tourist-local interaction.
v Extra variables to measure the degree of enjoyment of living in
that city
v Distance to tourist areas (living, studying).
v Ability to cycle/walk through city center.
v The existence of non tourist areas.
v Dependent variable:
v degree of satisfaction/dissatisfaction of tourist.
v Degree of enjoyment of living in that city
abstract
“One must hate tourists,” could be the golden rule of living in
Amsterdam. Everyone, even students, native or non-Dutch, are echoing
this principle. But the mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan
states that the tourist situation is getting out of control and wants to
take action to reduce the influx of tourists (Hotse Smit, 2016). But not
only Amsterdam is getting fuller, Maastricht as well. Although only in
the weekend, cycling over the Sint Servaasbrug and quickly buying
something at Hema in the city center becomes increasingly difficult.
While Maastricht has always been seen as a ‘day-trip city,’ an influx of
tourist now choose to stay overnight. However, does this influence a
students enjoyment of living in Amsterdam or Maastricht?
To do:
v Observe student interaction
/behaviour with/towards
tourists.
v Interview students about
their opinion of tourists in
their city
v Interview students about
their opinion of the city they
are living in.
v Analyze.
Reference: Hotse Smit, P. (2016). Amsterdam wil toestroom toeristen indammen: 'Voor veel bewoners niet leuk meer'. De Volkskrant. Retrieved from
http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/amsterdam-wil-toestroom-toeristen-indammen-voor-veel-bewoners-niet-leuk-meer~a4402725/
R. Marsh & Brain D. Henshall (1987) Planning Better Tourism: The Strategic Importance of Tourist-Resident Expectations and Interactions, Tourism Recreation
Research, 12:2, 47-54, DOI: 10.1080/02508281.1987.11014513
Hypothesis:
v H1. Students living in Amsterdam have a more negative opinion of tourists than
students in Maastricht do.
v H2. The tourist situation does effect the attractiveness of the city by students
living in Amsterdam, which is not the case for students living in Maastricht.
v H3. students living in Maastricht do not mind the tourists in the weekend
because all other students leave, which is not the case in Amsterdam.

24. INTRODUCTION
The influence of technology on peoples sex lives
is increasing rapidly. With advanced technology
come new possibilities to add to humanities
oldest act. Leading scientists in the field believe
that artificial intelligence will become a major
driver, giving robot-like toys a mainstream role by
2040 (Bodkin, 2016). Here it is interesting to see
how willing young, technology-conscious
students are to try these novel methods and if
they are making use of technology in their sex life
already.
RESEARCH QUESTION
METHODS
STEPS
PREVIOUS RESEARCH
HOW DOES TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS
CHANGE THE SEX LIVES OF STUDENTS IN
MAASTRICHT?
Quantitative analysis is the most
efficient way to get data from
students in Maastricht. A compact
questionnaire distributed via social
media and hard copies will collect
information on students
experiences and willingness when
it comes to technology and sex.
The questionnaire should include
closed-ended questions and will be
followed by statistical analysis. To
attract potential students the hard
copies could be given out with free
condoms.
create
questionnaire
distribute and
collect
questionnaire
analyze data
and write
report
Döring, N. (2017). Vom Internetsex zum
Robotersex: Forschungsstand und
Herausforderungen für die Sexualwissenschaft.
Zeitschrift für Sexualforschung, 30(01), 35-57.
Levy, D. (2007). Love sex with robots: The
evolution of human-Robot relations. Library
Journal, 132(20).
Yeoman, I., & Mars, M. (2012). Robots, men and
sex tourism. Futures, 44(4), 365-371.
RELEVANCE
This research will help to sketch a
comprehensive picture of technology
use in nowadays sex life of millennials
in Maastricht. This will help to lay a
foundation to understand what kind of
role technology will play in the future.
The research will add its small
part to the big question of sex
in the future. It will help in
creating a deeper
understanding of how
technology might be able to
change sexual intercourse in
the future.
Cedric Coy
Bodkin, Henry (2016): „Sex will be just for special occasions“. The Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/12/19/rise-sex-robots-will-make-people-appreciate-real-thing/.
Background Image: Retrieved from https://s.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/3d29cee22deb0b1b8570030848de79c4/203350328/Engadget_ComputerLove_FutureSex.jpg
i6117643

25. WANT TO
PROTEST?
Donald Trump’s election and Britain’s exit from the EU have been encouraging
nationalist groups across Europe. For the first time, there is shift away from
international cooperation, building of international relations and sharing
sovereignty (“In Europe, nationalism rising”, 2017). However, those events
encourage many people across countries, such as France, Germany and the
Netherlands to take to the street and protest.
InMaastricht,theUniversityCollegeisknownfortheirvibrantacademiccommunity
in which students can socialize and engage in extracurricular activities. The
College has a reputation for being rather liberal and for encouraging its students
to stand up for their believes and rights. However, does this stereotype reflect the
reality? Is it true that students at UCM are more protest-active than students from
other UM faculties? What factors play a role in the decision to protest for the
students? There is a large amount of literature on factors that generally motivate
people to be politically active. Examples are the effect of peer pressure (Wendel,
2012) or political knowledge (Galston, 2001), as well as feeling like one can provoke
change (Schulz, 2005). This research aims to find out if students from UCM are
generally more protest-active than students from other UM faculties and what
factors determine that behavior.
Galston, W.A. (2001). Political knowledge, political engagement, and civic education
Annual Review of Political Science, 4(1), 217-234
In Europe, nationalism rising. (2017, February), Harvard Gazette
Retrieved from http://www.harvard.edu
Schulz, W. (2005). Political Efficacy and Expected Political Participation among lower
and upper secondary students. ECPR General Conference: Budapest
Wendel, S. (2012). Dynamics of Political Participation: An Analysis of the Dynamic Inter-
action between Individuals and their Microenvironments. Doctoral Dissertation
REFERENCES
Franziska Runge, i6125581, UCM
ABSTRACT
Are UCM students more protest-active than
students at MSP and what factors influence the
choice to attend a protest?
HYPOTHESES
1. UCM students are more protest-active than
MSP students
2. The community at UCM encourages students
to attend protests
3. The political courses offered at UCM provide
students with knowledge that motivates them
to participate in protests
RESEARCH
QUESTION
vs.
Conduct:
– Qualitative AND Quantitative approach
– Collection of general information on the quantity of students
that participate in protests
– Collection of qualitative data on the attitudes and motivations
towards protesting
Sample:
– Survey ➔ 30 UCM students and 30 MSP students
– Interviews ➔ 10 UCM students and 10 MSP students
➔ 30 to 45 minutes per interview
➔ The samples will be random to avoid biased results
Data analysis:
– Survey ➔ Statistical analysis of the findings
– Interviews ➔ Thematic analysis to identify patterns within the
collected qualitative data
METHODOLOGY

26. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Towards a youth-led, post-Brexit united Ireland?
Sam Bedon
Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, University College Maastricht, student ID: i6125831
Objectives
and
Research
Question
The objective of this exploratory research is to identify different attitudes to the
idea of a United Ireland while, furthermore, attaining a deeper understanding of the
influence of systemic factors such as Brexit on younger generations. The aim is to
evaluate the general feeling among Northern Irish youth on the issue, while
considering the effect of the aforementioned factors on those beliefs.
Research Question: To what extent does Northern Irish youth support the idea
of a united Ireland in a post Brexit United Kingdom?
Methodology
Research will be carried out through interviews, privileging the qualitative approach as
it is best suited to understanding young people’s attitudes and opinions regarding the
question of a united Ireland. The 60-­‐90 minute interviews will be semi-­‐structured,
lasting min. 1 hour to max. 1h30. The lasting divisional legacy of the Troubles will be
covered first, followed by the Northern Irish Brexit vote, in consideration of Figure 1,
and the possible impact it may have on young people’s lives. Sufficient time will
therefore be left for the interviewees to bring forth new perspectives and ideas in the
topic that may not have been addressed yet. Due to to the nature of this research,
which seeks to gain an in-­‐depth understanding of the respondents’ opinions and
attitudes regarding the issue of a United Ireland, the size of the sample (N) will be
limited to a small selected group of 9-­‐12 subjects, all Northern Irish, students, or young
professionals, no older than 21 years old.
Expectations
After having conducted the interviews, they will be fully transcribed and later examined
through the analytical codification process of open coding. This more inductive
method of research should facilitate the identification of themes and patterns through
the grouping and combining of acquired data.
The interviews should reveal the weighting of these different factors on young
people’s attitude. Furthermore, the length and detailed nature of the latter should
provide the research with new unexplored insights on what motivations drive young
people to believe in a united Ireland or not.
The finished report should contribute to the provision of a more of a clear cut
idea of what the future of Northern Ireland, the U.K., and subsequently the EU hold. It
may also indicate how this current, coming of age generation, will act and influence this
political and social issue in the years to come.
References
Barker, A., Beesley, A., & Bolland, V. (2017). EU prepares for post-­Brexit membership for united Ireland. Ft.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017, from
https://www.ft.com/content/f4c720b0-­2b63-­11e7-­bc4b-­5528796fe35c
EU referendum: Northern Ireland votes to Remain -­ BBC News. (2016). BBC News. Retrieved 30 April 2017, from
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-­northern-­ireland-­36614443
O'Leary, B. (2016). Exit plan: how Scotland and Northern Ireland can remain in the EU. British Politics and Policy at LSE.
Portes, J., & Forte, G. (2016). The Economic Impact of Brexit-­induced Reductions in Migration.
Correspondence to:
Sam Bedon
s.bedon@maastrichtuniversity.nl
University College Maastricht
Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Research Methods II
Maastricht
Netherlands
2016/17
Introduction
Irish history has long been known for its tumultuous and conflictual character. The
island was partitioned in 1921, and split into two countries with Northern Ireland as
part of the U.K., and the Republic of Ireland, an independent free state. Tensions in
the North, between unionist Protestants and nationalist Catholics, came to a head at
the end of the 1960s announcing the start of a 30 year long civil war dubbed ”The
Troubles”. While this conflict is deemed to have ended with the 1998 ‘Good Friday
Agreement’, communities in the North are still very much divided on the idea of a
united Ireland; this however, may be prone to change in the near future.
Figures
Figure
1:
retrieved
from:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-­‐northern-­‐ireland-­‐36614443
Relevance
For younger generations the conflict is now no longer in living memory, arguably
making it easier to start putting aside grievances of the past. However, never has an
event revived this issue to the extent that Brexit has. Indeed, many in Ireland and the
EU are preparing to recognize a potential united Ireland within the EU (Barker,
Beesley & Bolland, 2017). Following the model of the 1990 German reunification and
a desire to uphold the terms of the 1998 Agreement, a referendum in the North is
allowed when there is sufficient reason to believe a majority in the province would
be in favour of a reunited Ireland (O’Leary, 2016). The fear of a hard border between
the North and the Republic, in addition to the many disadvantages brought upon the
country by Brexit, (especially for the younger population) could bring about a new
era in the European landscape; one marked by a new, singular and united Ireland.

27. Auromilla den Hollander. I612595
INTRODUCTION EXTRAVERSION
Sex has been a central feature in most social interactions.
What is the relationship between personality and sexual RELEVANCE
behaviour and attitude?
Could improve understanding and Impulsiveness
Research Question: What is the relationship between attitude towards sexuality, be a tool to Sociability
extraversion and sexual promiscuity among students analyse social interactions, and
in the Netherlands youth? contribute to future research and the
Hypothesis: Extraversion leads to higher levels of sexual scientific community. SEXUAL
promiscuity. PROMISCUITY
DATA & METHODOLOGY
Analytical survey: online (100+ undergraduates around Frequency of sexual Type of sexual
the Netherlands – random selection) activity experience
Mixed methods:
- Qualitative: open ended Number of sexual
- Quantitative: categorical and numerical partners
Variables:
EMPERICAL - Direct variable: extraversion Describe the relationship between
RESEARCH - Indirect variable: sexual promiscuity personality and sexuality
Eysneck, H, J. (1972). Personality and sexual behaviour.
Barnes, G. E., Malamuth, N. M., & Check, J. V., (1984) Personality and sexuality
Heaven, P. C., Fitzpatrick, J., Craig, F. L., Kelly, P., & Sebar, G. (2000). The personality factors and sex: Preliminary findings.

28. National Identity and Musical Preference
A Correlational Study
Research question
Is there a direct relationship between
national or ethnic identity and musical
preference, and how does this identity
influence an individual’s specific taste of
music in such a globalized world?
Methodology
- Quantitative, deductive correlational
study via online questionnaire.
- Philosophical reflection using the
phenomenological approach.
- Sample: Stratified sampling based
primarily on nationality, with age and sex
taken into account as well (N = +/- 100).
- Variables: Independent (nationality) and
Dependent (musical taste).
Objectives & Research Plan
To understand whether or not nationality is a
significant factor in determining an individual’s
musical preference. The study will be conducted
via online questionnaire, with participants
anonymously responding to questions regarding
national identity, sex, age, musical preference,
why they have this preference and on a scale of
1-5 how significant they consider their
nationality to be a factor in this preference (1=
not a factor, 5= significant factor). The results will
be analyzed to find correlations between these
different variables (age, nationality, gender) in
order to answer the stated research question.
Introduction
The music we listen to says a lot about our
personality. It is what helps us to find
social niches as well as influencing our
mood thus affecting our behavior. People
belonging to certain nationalities around
the globe tend to have a unique musical
preference based on many factors, which
will be analyzed in this study. In such a
globalized world, it thus becomes valuable
to see what role national identity plays in
influencing an individuals musical taste.
This investigation would provide a relevant
contribution to the field of cultural studies.
Earlier empirical research
People who live in the same cultural context as
others tend to share similar tastes with others
because “they share many more common or similar
referents”; each culture has a set of “shared
personal value systems” which is reflected in the
development of musical style. (Garfias, 2004, p. 45-
46). Despite mass globalization in the modern era,
Garfias (2004) argues that some cultures will still
mostly retain their traditional musical preference.
Hypothesis
Individuals that identify with a certain
culture or nationality will share similar
musical taste to others that share a
similar identity due to several factors
including historical contexts, ethnic
influences and the impact of country-
specific mass media.
Martin Sanchez-Locreille University College Maastricht
i6126167 SKI1005
References
Boer, D., Fischer, R., Atilano, G., Luisa, M., Garay
Hernández, J., Moreno García, L. I., ... & Lo, E. (2013).
Music, identity, and musical ethnocentrism of young
people in six Asian, Latin American, and Western
cultures. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 43(12),
2360-2376.
Garfias, R. (2004). Music: the cultural context. National
Museum of Ethnology.

29. ?
Introduction
In times of the rise of Euroscepticism
and the ongoing refugee crisis, the idea
of a possible Federation of European
nation-states in under threat. According
to scientists and politicians the
hypothetical concept of a United States
of Europe will be a future step in the
integration process. It would create a
state system similar to the USA,
meaning that European nations will
federate under one flag.
RQ
To what extent are Maastricht
University students more
sympathetic towards the idea
of the United States of Europe
than others?
Relevance
With Maastricht being the birthplace of
the Euro and the structure of the EU, it
is known to be an international city.
Maastricht University is also one of the
most European Universities with
almost 70% of the students coming
from the EU.
Prior research
The research for this project will be
based on the Eurobarometer, surveys
and studies made by EU officials.
The UM students will be compared with
other surveys conducted in EU member
states in order to prove the claim.
Methodology
Population → Students of Maastricht University
Sample size → 50 students from all over the world
Method → Surveys, questionnaires to collect quantitative data
Analysis → Statistical analysis based on research and collected data
Variables
Dependent → Political knowledge and subjective opinion
Independent → Country of Origin, Culture
Hypothesis
This research paper claims that
UM students tend to have a
more positive view on the United
States of Europe than the
average EU citizen.

30. Methodology:
This research will adopt a qualitative research as it deals with individuals’ perceptions of their
identities. The research will be conducted with semi-­‐structured in-­‐depth interviews of a
sample size of N= 4-­‐6. Each interview will last for a period of 30-­‐45 minutes in confidential
location.
Following the interviews, a thematic analysis will be administered in order to highlight the
important recurring elements of cultural identity.
Third Culture Kids
A Study on the Dynamism of Identity
Research Question:
How are third culture individuals able to successfully interchange
between two or more cultural identities yet maintain a strong
sense of ‘self’?
Objective of Research:
The objective of this research is to further understand how third culture individuals perceive their sense of self and how
the construction of a multicultural identity may help or hinder their development into the adult stage. Moreover, this
research project will test the validity and reliability of Moore and Barker’s research on identities of third culture individuals.
Introduction: As the world is becoming
more interwoven and interdependent, the
mobility of individuals has increased. This
has lead to interesting developments on
how individuals perceive themselves in
accordance to ’their’ culture. The mobile
youth have a particular title on their
shoulders as a result, namely ‘ third culture
kids’. These are individuals who spent a
significant amount of their developmental
years outside of their parents’ home culture
(Pollock and Van Reken, 2009).
Earlier
Research:
Moore,
A.
M.,
&
Barker,
G.
G.
(2012).
Confused
or
multicultural:
Third
culture
individuals’
cultural
identity. International
Journal
of
Intercultural
Relations, 36(4),
553-­‐562.
Key
concepts:
Sense
of
belonging
Sense
of
‘self’
Cultural
identity
Hypothesis:
Third culture individuals have a difficulty in acquiring a sense of identity
and sense of belonging. Further, they experience moments of
marginality, however, the exposure to various cultures enables the
individual to increase their intercultural communication and thus
intercultural sensitivity as well as open-­‐mindedness.
The
construction
of
self
identity
is
influenced
by
the
cultural
environment,
hence
it
is
worth
pondering
if
a
dynamic
cultural
environment
helps
or
hinders
a
clear
development
of
the
‘self’.
Roshan
Prieto
I6126550
University
College
Maastricht

31. Research Question
Which factors contribute to the
integration of refugees in Maastricht?
Earlier Research
Several studies, including those conducted by
the UNHCR, Alastair Ager and Alison Strang
(2008) have identified different factors which
contribute to integration
Methodology
Qualitative:
- Semi structured interviews
- 15-20 participants
- Above the age of 18
The interviews will be structured
in a way which allows the
interviewer to stay focused on the
topic, but leave enough room for
the interviewees to express their
ideas and feelings concerning
aspects that were not considered
before-hand by the interviewers.
Quantitative:
- Surveys before the interview
- Asks: gender, age, how long
they have lived in the
Netherlands/Maastricht
- And: to what extent they feel
integrated and to what extent
they identify with several
statements (on a scale of 1-10)
- Factor analysis will be used
Background information
and relevance
The city of Maastricht has provided housing for
roughly 600 refugees and the means to integrate
into the local community (Gemeente Maastricht,
sd). This research project will use the working
definition of the Council of Europe to define
integration. They stress the importance of:
1. the minimisation of social disparities,
2. the preparedness of refugees to adapt to the
host society
3. the willingness and ability of the host country
to be able to meet the needs of refugees and
welcome them to become a member of the
society without sacrificing their cultural identity
(Huddelston).
VluchtelingenWerk Nederland, an organisation
which helps refugees settle in the Netherlands,
also stresses the importance of building a social
network. The Dutch integration programme is
focused on language, knowledge of the Dutch
society and of the labour market.
A large amount of research can be found on
general findings of the factors that make
refugees feel more at home in their host country.
This investigation will analyse the integration of
refugees specifically in Maastricht. Research on
this topic is important to evaluate the
effectiveness of the different aspects of the
integration programmes and consequently make
improvements.
Research Proposal Elise Wolters - i6126652
Refugees integrating in Maastricht
References: Gemeente Maastricht. (n.d.). Opvang Vluchtelingen in Maastricht. Retrieved from Gemeente Maastricht: https://www.gemeentemaastricht.nl/over-maastricht/
projecten/stadsbreed/vluchtelingen/
Huddelston, T. (n.d.). EU support for integration: what about beneficiaries of international protection? UNHCR and Migration Policy Group.
Photograph: http://www.nu.nl/algemeen/4279600/een-vijf-vluchtelingen-voelt-zich-niet-welkom-in-nederland.html

32. Political Tolerance at UCMBy Alexei Affemann (i6126767)
Abstract
University College Maastricht (UCM) takes
great pride in being a highly diverse and
inclusive learning environment, attracting
students from many different backgrounds
with a wide range of interests. However,
when it comes to political views, UCM
students seem to be almost universally
progressive. Regardless of the merits of any
one political stance, this homogeneity raises
the question of whether or not UCM is as
politically tolerant and diverse as it is in
other regards. This study aims to ascertain
the degree of political tolerance and
diversity at UCM through a survey.
Earlier Research
Earlier research has focused on political
orientations at liberal arts colleges in general:
• Students attending both liberal arts colleges
and other universities demonstrated
statistically-significant increases in progressive
political views.
• Students beginning liberal arts programs were
also substantially more politically progressive.
Research Questions
• How do UCM students perceive supporters of
various political ideologies?
• What does this result say about UCM’s political
tolerance and diversity?
Limitations
• Respondents may not answer questions
honestly due to awareness of
participation in a study
• Respondents may be unfamiliar with
political candidates included in the
survey
References
• Hanson, J. M., Weeden, D. D., Pascarella, E. T., & Blaich, C. (2012). Do liberal arts
colleges make students more liberal? Some initial evidence. Higher Education,
64(3), 355-369.
• Fresco, R. (2016). Trump Supporters-Climate Change. Retrieved April 28, 2017, from
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2016/03/what_do_tru
mp_supporters_think_about_climate_change_i_went_to_a_rally_and.html
(Originally photographed 2016, March 19)
• Fallon. (2016). Bernie Sanders. Retrieved April 28, 2017, from
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-01-29-1454108779-3068877-
20150810_BernieSanders_Fallon_0001web.jpg (Originally photographed 2016,
January 29)
Example Survey Questions
For each political candidate, on a scale of 1
to 10 (with 1 being least and 10 being
most):
• How intelligent does the person in this
photo appear?
• How likely would you be to befriend this
person?
• How well do you believe this person
would fit into UCM?
Methodology and Schedule
• Week 1: design survey with pictures of
supporters of progressive, moderate,
and conservative political candidates;
methodological approach: quantitative,
exploratory, inductive
• Week 2: distribute surveys to
pigeonholes of every third UCM student
(n= 200)
• Week 3: analyze results using SPSS or
Excel
• Week 4: write report
Relevance
• There is no existing academic research
on political diversity and tolerance at
UCM.
• Ensuring diversity and tolerance of all
sorts is vital to maintaining the learning
environment UCM embodies.

33. Caroline Scheele i6127057
Source: 1)Carrol, J. S. & Schumm W. R. (2015). Redefining Marriage. Princeton, US. The Witherspoon Institute. 2)Whitton, S.W. (2009). Effects of parental divorce. Journal of Family Psychology.
Research Question: How does the relationship status of one’s parents influence the willingness to marry?I DO! DO I?
Abstract
In Europe, the 21st
century has seen a revolution in terms of believes about the ideal
relationship. This research states that one of the reasons behind the decreasing rate of
marriage is parental divorce. The latter hypothesis is deducted out of Whitton’s
(2009) work that examined the correlation of the wish to marry and parents’
relationship status in the US. This particular research, however, is going to examine
the situation for students in Europe.
Philosophical Reflection
 Researcher uses positivist paradigm
 Aims at representing reality
 Aims at establishing general laws
 If outcome of research confirms
hypothesis, then hypothesis becomes a
general law
Data & Methodology
 Hypothetico deductive methodology
 Quantitative
 Dependent variable: Divorced/Married (other forms of
relationships will be neglected in this research)
 Independent variable: Opinion/aspirations concerning
marriage
 Multiple choice Surveys
 Half of them online in order to reach
Europeans outside of Maastricht
 Half of them in paper, distributed at
various student locations in Maastricht
 Samples: 100 European students
Relevance
 marriage rate comes along with decreasing fertility rate (Carroll & Schumm, 2015)
 Researching for the different reasons behind the European demographic problem is of
social importance.  In example, research could influence programms incouraging non
married couples to have kids
Hypothesis
‘In general, European students reject the idea
of marriage when their parents had a divorce’
Genereallaw
Precondition for research

34. To
what
extent
does
a
common
transna0onal
European
form
of
right-­‐wing
populist
poli0cal
discourse
exist?
There
are
several
thema0c
and
substan0ve
similari0es
common
amongst
the
discourses
of
several
given
populist
par0es
that
can
form
the
basis
of
a
right-­‐wing
populist
“playbook”
whose
principles
are
replicated
across
the
con0nent.
The
explosion
of
right-­‐wing
populism
onto
the
poli0cal
scenes
of
several
European
countries
has
had
the
effect
of
reintroducing
and
mainstreaming
radical,
violent
discourses
into
the
poli0cal
imagina0on
of
European
ci0zens.
Such
discourses
have
leveraged
sensi0ve
poli0cal
situa0ons
such
as
the
refugee
crisis
with
the
inten0on
of
undermining
social
and
poli0cal
cohesion
within
the
European
Union
(Zamora-­‐Kapoor
and
Verea,
2014).
This
project
seeks
to
understand
if
a
set
of
core
discursive
principles
are
common
with
rightwing
populist
poli0cal
par0es
in
Austria
(FPÖ),
the
UK
(UKIP),
the
Netherlands
(PVV),
France
(Na0onal
Front),
and
Germany
(AfD)
in
an
aXempt
to
engender
greater
understanding
of
the
populist
phenomenon.
This
research
project
will
agree,
from
an
epistemological
perspec0ve,
that
populism
can
be
defined
and
opera0onalized
as
an
appropriate
heuris0c
with
which
to
analyze
poli0cal
behaviour.
This
project
will
also
u0lize
quan0ta0ve
content
analysis
(approach
established
by
Jagers
&
Walgrave
2007)
to
diagnose
and
classify
populist
discourses
from
a
measurable,
textual
level.
Finally,
a
qualita0ve
compara0ve
analysis
of
different
par0es’
discourses
will
be
performed
to
iden0fy
general
paXerns
and
similari0es.
A
qualita0ve
approach
will
be
necessary
because
while
a
quan0ta0ve
analysis
will
uncover
the
intensity
of
populist
speech
(Poblete,
2015),
a
holis0c
analysis
will
be
necessary
to
uncover
overarching
substan0ve,
thema0c
similari0es.
1. Populism
will
be
clearly
defined
as
a
poli0cal
style
2. A
collec0on
of
25-­‐30
primary
sources
from
the
given
poli0cal
par0es
will
be
undertaken,
including
materials
such
as:
including
public
speeches,
leaflets,
television
broadcasts,
digital
adver0sing
content,
and
social
media
content.
3. Crea0on
of
quan0ta0ve
content
analysis
guidelines
(defini0on
of
terms,
crea0on
of
scales
with
which
to
measure
populism.)
4. Compara0ve
analysis
of
different
par0es’
populist
discourses.
Jagers,
J.,
&
Walgrave,
S.
(2007).
Populism
as
poli0cal
communica0on
style:
An
empirical
study
of
poli0cal
par0es'
discourse
in
Belgium.
European
Journal
of
Poli/cal
Research,
46(3),
319-­‐345.
Mammone,
A.,
Godin,
E.,
&
Jenkins,
B.
(Eds.).
(2012).
Mapping
the
extreme
right
in
contemporary
Europe:
from
local
to
transna/onal.
Routledge.
Poblete,
M.
E.
(2015).
How
to
assess
populist
discourse
through
three
current
approaches.
Journal
of
Poli/cal
Ideologies,
20(2),
201-­‐218.
Wodak,
R.,
&
Meyer,
M.
(Eds.).
(2009).
Methods
for
cri0cal
discourse
analysis.
Sage.
Zamora-­‐Kapoor,
A.,
&
Verea,
M.
(2014).
Public
altudes
toward
immigra0on
in
turbulent
0mes.
Migra/on
studies.
This
project
will
take
an
induc0ve
approach
and
will
be
conducted
in
an
objec0vist
epistemological
paradigm.
This
project
will
u0lize
both
quan0ta0ve
and
qualita0ve
analyses.
The
quan0ta0ve
text
analysis
is
rooted
in
a
posi0vist
approach
that
emphasizes
encoding
words
and
phrases
located
in
primary
texts
with
meaning
that
can
be
directly
measured
(Jagers
&
Walgrave,
2007;
Poblete,
2015).
The
qualita0ve
compara0ve
analysis
will
u0lize
Poblete’s
(2015)
technique
of
interpre0vist
textual
analysis
called
“holis0c
grading”
that
is
predicated
on
an
hermeneu0c
perspec0ve
that
emphasizes
the
importance
of
interpreta0on
over
descrip0on.
Hagan
Dietz-­‐Rosales
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