haverford psychology

Le, B., ^HCChoi, H. N., & Beal, D. J. (2006). Pocket-sized psychology studies: Exploring daily-diary software for Palm Pilots. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, and Computers, 38, 325-332.

Abstract
Daily-dairies, also known as experience sampling methods (ESM) or everyday experience methods, are a common methodology utilized to provide insight into momentary psychological processes. Traditionally these studies often utilized paper and pencil surveys administered at several times each day over a span of several days or weeks. However, advances in technology now allow these studies to be conducted using palmtop computers (i.e., personal digital assistants; PDAs). Three software packages for running these studies on the Palm operating system were explored and compared on a number of features. Specifically, ESP (Experience Sampling Program, by Feldman Barrett & Barrett, 2001), iESP version 3.2 (Intel Experience Sampling Program, by Intel Research Seattle and the University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering Department), and PMAT version 2.0 (Purdue Momentary Assessment Tool, by the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University) were examined, with their key features compared. These advances in software for running diary studies include a number of features that provide researchers with methods and information previously unavailable in diary studies and may expand the range of possibilities in diary study designs.

Etcheverry, P. E., & Le, B. (2005). Thinking about commitment: Accessibility of commitment and prediction of relationship persistence, accommodation, and willingness to sacrifice. Personal Relationships, 12, 103-123.

Abstract
Research has demonstrated that more accessible cognitive constructs (e.g., attitudes, stereotypes) are more likely to influence thoughts and behaviors. The current research applies a social cognition framework to the prediction of romantic relationship persistence (i.e., “stay-leave” behavior), accommodation, and willingness to sacrifice. Conceptualizing commitment as a partially cognitive construct and following from social cognition and attitudinal research, we hypothesized that the accessibility of commitment will moderate the association between commitment and relationship persistence, accommodative responses, and willingness to sacrifice. In Study 1, participants in romantic relationships responded to statements derived from the commitment sub-scale of the Investment Model Scale. Reaction times to these statements were used as a measure of accessibility of commitment. In addition, participants completed measures of their commitment level. Seven months later, participants were contacted and relationship persistence was assessed. Accessibility of commitment significantly moderated the association between commitment and relationship persistence. Study 2 expanded on the results of the first study by demonstrating that accessibility of commitment also significantly moderated the association between commitment and accommodation and willingness to sacrifice. Taken together, these two studies highlight the usefulness of applying social cognitive concepts to understanding close relationships.

Agnew, C. R., Loving, T. J., Le, B., & Goodfriend, W. (2004). Thinking close: Measuring relational closeness as perceived self-other inclusion. In D. Mashek & A. Aron (eds.), Handbook of Closeness and Intimacy (pp. 103-115). Mawah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. << click to go to the publisher's website >>

Le, B., & Agnew, C. R. (2003). Commitment and its theorized determinants: A meta-analysis of the Investment Model. Personal Relationships, 10, 37-57.

Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis of Rusbult’s Investment Model of commitment. Across 52 studies, including 60 independent samples and 11,582 participants, satisfaction with, alternatives to, and investments in a relationship each correlated significantly with commitment to that relationship. Moreover, these three variables collectively accounted for nearly two-thirds of the variance in commitment. Commitment, in turn, was found to be a significant predictor of relationship breakup. Support for the model was obtained in predicting commitment in both relational (e.g., commitment to a romantic partnership) and non-relational domains (e.g., commitment to one’s job), but was significantly stronger in relational domains. Additional moderator analyses suggest that the associations between commitment and its theorized bases vary minimally as a function of demographic (e.g., ethnicity) or relational (e.g., duration) factors. We review theoretical strengths and shortcomings of the Investment Model and identify directions for future research.

Le, B., & Agnew, C. R. (2001). Need fulfillment and emotional experience in interdependent romantic relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 18, 423-440. 

Abstract
Drawing from theoretical models of emotion and aspects of interdependence theory, we investigated the association between need fulfillment, relative dependence, and emotional experience within romantic relationships. Daily self-reports of general and relationship-related emotional experience and perceived fulfillment of relationship needs were collected on four consecutive days from participants involved in romantic relationships. Consistent with hypotheses, fulfillment of relationship needs was found to significantly predict emotional experience, with the association at times moderated by the geographic distance of the relationship (local versus long-distance). In addition, participants in relationships characterized by an inequality of dependence experienced less positive and more negative relationship-related emotion than did participants in mutually dependent partnerships.

Note: ^HCHaverford College student; ^BMCBryn Mawr College student