Shea Thomas

E-mail: shea.thomas@und.nodak.edu
Major: Psychology and Sociology
Mentor : Dr. Cheryl Terrance
Expected Graduation Date: May 2011

About me:
 I am currently a junior at the University of North Dakota. I am from Mandan, North Dakota. This is my first year as a McNair Scholar and I am very excited about my research. I plan to attend graduate school for marriage and family therapy after my undergraduate is complete. In my free time I enjoy going to sporting events such as, football hockey, and basketball. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and visiting my family.

This is my first year as a McNair Scholar and I love it! The research experience
I am gaining is so valuable and will help me in graduate school. I am excited to continue my research and my involement with the McNair Program.


Organizations and Activities:
• Ronald E. McNair Scholar
• Student Psychological Association
• American Psychological Association Student Affiliate
• American Psychology-Law Society Student Affiliate

Abstract:

Perceptions of professor-student sexual harassment

This study investigated perceptions of a sexually ambiguous interaction within
the context of a professor-student relationship. Participants (N=135) were randomly assigned to read one of four vignettes that varied both the gender of the professor and the student. Following the vignette, participants responded to a number of questions assessing their perceptions of the interaction. Preliminary results indicated that participants were less inclined to view the interactions involving the male student as sexually harassing. As well, participants were less likely to rate the interactions involving the female as opposed to the male professor as serious. In addition, participants were more inclined to suggest that the student confront the professor and department head when the professor was male rather than female. Implications are discussed.