Barbara Kingsley | Buckinghamshire New University (original) (raw)

Papers by Barbara Kingsley

Research paper thumbnail of “Behind the Façade: Motivations for Cosmetic Usage by Women”

SAGE Open, 2021

Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising t... more Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising that cosmetic usage receives so little empirical attention, and perhaps reflects a patriarchal approach to “appropriate” research areas. Incorporating a postfeminist approach, the current study aims to address, in part, this lacuna by providing a contemporary synopsis of the various and diverse motivations for cosmetic usage. Online, written responses to a semi-structured questionnaire were collected. In response to six broad questions, for example, “Why do you currently use cosmetics?”, respondents were encouraged to write, in as much detail as they liked, on their motivations for using cosmetics. Thematic analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches, revealed four main themes: “Multiple selves”—Conformity, Impression Management, and Judgment; Enhancement and Confidence; Fun, Creativity and Well-being; and Signification and Identity. Whilst some of these themes had been anticipated...

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Research paper thumbnail of Assessing masculinity measures across the adult lifespan

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Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Effects of Task Complexity on Prospective Remembering

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Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric and Faciometric Support for observable Facial Feminization in Gay Men

Journal of Homosexuality, Nov 29, 2017

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Research paper thumbnail of Behind the Façade: Motivations for Cosmetic Usage by Women

Behind the Façade: Motivations for Cosmetic Usage by Women., 2021

Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising t... more Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising that cosmetic usage receives so little empirical attention, and perhaps reflects a patriarchal approach to "appropriate" research areas. Incorporating a postfeminist approach, the current study aims to address, in part, this lacuna by providing a contemporary synopsis of the various and diverse motivations for cosmetic usage. Online, written responses to a semi-structured questionnaire were collected. In response to six broad questions, for example, "Why do you currently use cosmetics?", respondents were encouraged to write, in as much detail as they liked, on their motivations for using cosmetics. Thematic analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches, revealed four main themes: "Multiple selves"-Conformity, Impression Management, and Judgment; Enhancement and Confidence; Fun, Creativity and Well-being; and Signification and Identity. Whilst some of the...

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Research paper thumbnail of Teaching Research Methods to encourage the transition from ‘reluctant scientist’ to psychologist: A longitudinal study

Psychology Teaching Review, 2015

The challenge of teaching Research Methods to frequently unwilling undergraduate psychologists ha... more The challenge of teaching Research Methods to frequently unwilling undergraduate psychologists has long been recognised. Whilst a number of studies have sought to investigate and address the barriers to its effective teaching, few have taken a quantitative approach and fewer still a longitudinal design in order to examine the efficacy of specified interventions. This study employed such a design, the sample consisting of three cohorts of first-year psychology students (N=286) over three consecutive years who were undertaking Research Methods as a compulsory module. Changes were implemented in both the delivery and assessment regime to facilitate a more engaging delivery of the material and greater consolidation of basic principles though iterative classroom techniques and the use of formative and summative assessments. A significant improvement in student marks, despite an increase in the difficulty of the assessments, was found with overall marks increasing by a whole grade band. F...

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Research paper thumbnail of “For a boring subject, you made it really quite interesting!” Teaching research methods to encourage the transition from ‘reluctant scientist’ to psychologist

The reticence of many students to engage with research methods is well documented. As an intrinsi... more The reticence of many students to engage with research methods is well documented. As an intrinsic element in the study of all social sciences, the effect this can have on their subsequent proficiency should be of concern both to those who teach it and others working in the social sciences. The current, longitudinal study aimed to assess the efficacy of a developing pedagogic regime. This moved from a didactic approach, where the balance of power resided with the teacher, to a more collaborative approach, where a more mutually supportive environment was created. While the former had encouraged a solitary learning experience, by using a more dynamic and motivational style, the latter worked towards a more interactive environment, designed to support optimal engagement. In conjunction with this new teaching approach, assessments were reduced in number and adjusted to promote more critical thinking. Formative assessments were included to encourage reflexive thinking and assimilation of material, also allowing students to engage with the more rigorous summative assessments. Exam results from first year psychology students, over three consecutive years, indicated a significant improvement in understanding [F(2,284) = 4.34, p < .05]. The synthesis of teaching techniques, instructor/student dynamics and method of assessment are discussed.

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Research paper thumbnail of Sexually Dimorphic Faciometrics in Black Racial Groups From Early Adulthood to Late Middle Age

Evolutionary Psychology, 2018

An increasing body of research focusing on gender-related traits has utilized faciometrics in ord... more An increasing body of research focusing on gender-related traits has utilized faciometrics in order to consider sexual dimorphism: Aspects as diverse as social heuristics, facial attractiveness, sexual orientation, aggression, and trustworthiness have all been investigated. However, the majority of these studies have tended to focus on White or Caucasian student populations and have paid little regard to either older populations or racial background. The current study therefore investigated sexual dimorphism in 450 participants (225 women) from a Black population across four age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s). In line with much previous research using White or Caucasian faces, the expected sexual dimorphism was seen in the younger age-group in three of the four indices (cheekbone prominence, facial width to lower facial height, and lower face height to full face height). However, consistent with more recent literature, the facial width to height ratio (fWHR) was not found to be sig...

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Research paper thumbnail of But I'm No Expert! Peer Assessment by First-Year Psychology Undergraduates

Psychology Learning & Teaching, 2010

The inclusion of peer assessment in an overall programme of assessment can offer benefits to lear... more The inclusion of peer assessment in an overall programme of assessment can offer benefits to learning. In the current study students' perceptions of peer assessment were evaluated and their ability accurately to assess others' work measured. From a cohort of first-year undergraduate psychology students, data regarding positive and negative aspects of the peer assessment process allowed a 21 item peer assessment questionnaire to be developed. Fifty-seven participants completed the questionnaire, and two weeks later marks given by those students during a peer assessment exercise were compared to marks awarded by experienced tutors for the same pieces of work. Findings from a comparison of student and tutor marks are discussed in terms of students' critical evaluation skills.

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Research paper thumbnail of On the Face of It: Social Heuristics Are Mediated by Age and Sex, But Not by Faciometrics

OBM Geriatrics

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Research paper thumbnail of Sexually Dimorphic Faciometrics in Humans From Early Adulthood to Late Middle Age: Dynamic, Declining, and Differentiated

Evolutionary Psychology

Faciometrics have widely been used in contemporary studies on gender-related behavioral traits, f... more Faciometrics have widely been used in contemporary studies on gender-related behavioral traits, for example, perceived and actual aggression, co-operation and trustworthiness, prejudicial beliefs, unethical behavior, and achievement drive, as well as, but to a lesser degree, in nonhuman primates. For the large part, these studies have focused primarily on “student-aged” populations with little empirical scrutiny regarding the efficacy of applying these measures with older participants. This study therefore investigated sexual dimorphism across four age-groups (20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s) in 444 participants (225 men). The expected sexual dimorphism was seen in the youngest age group in three of the four indices. The facial width to height ratio, however, although most commonly used empirically, was not found to be significantly different between men and women, consistent with more recent literature. Importantly, as age increased, sexual dimorphism decreased, but this was not consistent ...

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Research paper thumbnail of Exploring Reticence in Research Methods: The Experience of Studying Psychological Research Methods in Higher Education

As a fundamental element of any psychology degree, the teaching and learning of research methods ... more As a fundamental element of any psychology degree, the teaching and learning of research methods is repeatedly brought into sharp focus, and it is often regarded as a real challenge by undergraduate students. The reasons for this are complex, but frequently attributed to an aversion of maths. To gain a more detailed understanding of students’ relationship with psychological research methods, the current study used small, semi-structured focus groups to explore the experience of undergraduate students at the end of their first year of study. Following a detailed thematic analysis of the interview texts, five overarching themes emerged: prior knowledge of research methods; personal engagement with the module; enabling access to learning; supportive learning content; and personal development. Insights gained from the findings are discussed, including possible helpful interventions, but overall the results suggest a more positive outlook than may have been expected.

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Research paper thumbnail of “Behind the Façade: Motivations for Cosmetic Usage by Women”

SAGE Open, 2021

Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising t... more Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising that cosmetic usage receives so little empirical attention, and perhaps reflects a patriarchal approach to “appropriate” research areas. Incorporating a postfeminist approach, the current study aims to address, in part, this lacuna by providing a contemporary synopsis of the various and diverse motivations for cosmetic usage. Online, written responses to a semi-structured questionnaire were collected. In response to six broad questions, for example, “Why do you currently use cosmetics?”, respondents were encouraged to write, in as much detail as they liked, on their motivations for using cosmetics. Thematic analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches, revealed four main themes: “Multiple selves”—Conformity, Impression Management, and Judgment; Enhancement and Confidence; Fun, Creativity and Well-being; and Signification and Identity. Whilst some of these themes had been anticipated...

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Research paper thumbnail of Assessing masculinity measures across the adult lifespan

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Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Effects of Task Complexity on Prospective Remembering

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric and Faciometric Support for observable Facial Feminization in Gay Men

Journal of Homosexuality, Nov 29, 2017

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Behind the Façade: Motivations for Cosmetic Usage by Women

Behind the Façade: Motivations for Cosmetic Usage by Women., 2021

Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising t... more Given the wealth of literature on appearance manipulation generally, it is, perhaps, surprising that cosmetic usage receives so little empirical attention, and perhaps reflects a patriarchal approach to "appropriate" research areas. Incorporating a postfeminist approach, the current study aims to address, in part, this lacuna by providing a contemporary synopsis of the various and diverse motivations for cosmetic usage. Online, written responses to a semi-structured questionnaire were collected. In response to six broad questions, for example, "Why do you currently use cosmetics?", respondents were encouraged to write, in as much detail as they liked, on their motivations for using cosmetics. Thematic analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches, revealed four main themes: "Multiple selves"-Conformity, Impression Management, and Judgment; Enhancement and Confidence; Fun, Creativity and Well-being; and Signification and Identity. Whilst some of the...

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Research paper thumbnail of Teaching Research Methods to encourage the transition from ‘reluctant scientist’ to psychologist: A longitudinal study

Psychology Teaching Review, 2015

The challenge of teaching Research Methods to frequently unwilling undergraduate psychologists ha... more The challenge of teaching Research Methods to frequently unwilling undergraduate psychologists has long been recognised. Whilst a number of studies have sought to investigate and address the barriers to its effective teaching, few have taken a quantitative approach and fewer still a longitudinal design in order to examine the efficacy of specified interventions. This study employed such a design, the sample consisting of three cohorts of first-year psychology students (N=286) over three consecutive years who were undertaking Research Methods as a compulsory module. Changes were implemented in both the delivery and assessment regime to facilitate a more engaging delivery of the material and greater consolidation of basic principles though iterative classroom techniques and the use of formative and summative assessments. A significant improvement in student marks, despite an increase in the difficulty of the assessments, was found with overall marks increasing by a whole grade band. F...

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of “For a boring subject, you made it really quite interesting!” Teaching research methods to encourage the transition from ‘reluctant scientist’ to psychologist

The reticence of many students to engage with research methods is well documented. As an intrinsi... more The reticence of many students to engage with research methods is well documented. As an intrinsic element in the study of all social sciences, the effect this can have on their subsequent proficiency should be of concern both to those who teach it and others working in the social sciences. The current, longitudinal study aimed to assess the efficacy of a developing pedagogic regime. This moved from a didactic approach, where the balance of power resided with the teacher, to a more collaborative approach, where a more mutually supportive environment was created. While the former had encouraged a solitary learning experience, by using a more dynamic and motivational style, the latter worked towards a more interactive environment, designed to support optimal engagement. In conjunction with this new teaching approach, assessments were reduced in number and adjusted to promote more critical thinking. Formative assessments were included to encourage reflexive thinking and assimilation of material, also allowing students to engage with the more rigorous summative assessments. Exam results from first year psychology students, over three consecutive years, indicated a significant improvement in understanding [F(2,284) = 4.34, p < .05]. The synthesis of teaching techniques, instructor/student dynamics and method of assessment are discussed.

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Research paper thumbnail of Sexually Dimorphic Faciometrics in Black Racial Groups From Early Adulthood to Late Middle Age

Evolutionary Psychology, 2018

An increasing body of research focusing on gender-related traits has utilized faciometrics in ord... more An increasing body of research focusing on gender-related traits has utilized faciometrics in order to consider sexual dimorphism: Aspects as diverse as social heuristics, facial attractiveness, sexual orientation, aggression, and trustworthiness have all been investigated. However, the majority of these studies have tended to focus on White or Caucasian student populations and have paid little regard to either older populations or racial background. The current study therefore investigated sexual dimorphism in 450 participants (225 women) from a Black population across four age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s). In line with much previous research using White or Caucasian faces, the expected sexual dimorphism was seen in the younger age-group in three of the four indices (cheekbone prominence, facial width to lower facial height, and lower face height to full face height). However, consistent with more recent literature, the facial width to height ratio (fWHR) was not found to be sig...

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Research paper thumbnail of But I'm No Expert! Peer Assessment by First-Year Psychology Undergraduates

Psychology Learning & Teaching, 2010

The inclusion of peer assessment in an overall programme of assessment can offer benefits to lear... more The inclusion of peer assessment in an overall programme of assessment can offer benefits to learning. In the current study students' perceptions of peer assessment were evaluated and their ability accurately to assess others' work measured. From a cohort of first-year undergraduate psychology students, data regarding positive and negative aspects of the peer assessment process allowed a 21 item peer assessment questionnaire to be developed. Fifty-seven participants completed the questionnaire, and two weeks later marks given by those students during a peer assessment exercise were compared to marks awarded by experienced tutors for the same pieces of work. Findings from a comparison of student and tutor marks are discussed in terms of students' critical evaluation skills.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of On the Face of It: Social Heuristics Are Mediated by Age and Sex, But Not by Faciometrics

OBM Geriatrics

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Sexually Dimorphic Faciometrics in Humans From Early Adulthood to Late Middle Age: Dynamic, Declining, and Differentiated

Evolutionary Psychology

Faciometrics have widely been used in contemporary studies on gender-related behavioral traits, f... more Faciometrics have widely been used in contemporary studies on gender-related behavioral traits, for example, perceived and actual aggression, co-operation and trustworthiness, prejudicial beliefs, unethical behavior, and achievement drive, as well as, but to a lesser degree, in nonhuman primates. For the large part, these studies have focused primarily on “student-aged” populations with little empirical scrutiny regarding the efficacy of applying these measures with older participants. This study therefore investigated sexual dimorphism across four age-groups (20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s) in 444 participants (225 men). The expected sexual dimorphism was seen in the youngest age group in three of the four indices. The facial width to height ratio, however, although most commonly used empirically, was not found to be significantly different between men and women, consistent with more recent literature. Importantly, as age increased, sexual dimorphism decreased, but this was not consistent ...

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring Reticence in Research Methods: The Experience of Studying Psychological Research Methods in Higher Education

As a fundamental element of any psychology degree, the teaching and learning of research methods ... more As a fundamental element of any psychology degree, the teaching and learning of research methods is repeatedly brought into sharp focus, and it is often regarded as a real challenge by undergraduate students. The reasons for this are complex, but frequently attributed to an aversion of maths. To gain a more detailed understanding of students’ relationship with psychological research methods, the current study used small, semi-structured focus groups to explore the experience of undergraduate students at the end of their first year of study. Following a detailed thematic analysis of the interview texts, five overarching themes emerged: prior knowledge of research methods; personal engagement with the module; enabling access to learning; supportive learning content; and personal development. Insights gained from the findings are discussed, including possible helpful interventions, but overall the results suggest a more positive outlook than may have been expected.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact