FROM THE EDITORWelcome to the second edition of the Undergraduate Psychology Journal (UPJ) of UCLA. The UPJ was founded with the premiere issue in the fall of 2002 through the vision and possibility thinking of Misty Richards during her undergraduate career at UCLA. Featured in this edition you'll find several research articles, literature reviews, and two editorial staff pieces including a review of the Developmental Disabilities Immersion Program here at UCLA and a faculty interview. Through leadership and teamwork the UPJ continues to evolve and grow. The number of submissions received for the Spring 2003 edition has more than doubled with approximately one quarter of these selected for publication in this issue. As the July 15th deadline for the Fall 2003 edition draws near we are hopeful the upward trend in the number of submissions will continue. The UPJ has been successful in its goal of encouraging undergraduates to get involved in the publication process and showcase their writing and research in the field of psychology for the scientific community to appreciate. The number of undergraduates and graduate students on staff for this edition has nearly doubled and we have gained some national attention for research featured in our first edition with inquiries from a professional editor and professor as far away as Michigan. Involvement in the UPJ, whether as an author or staff member, is a valuable opportunity that can make your curriculum vitae more impressive and improve your chances of getting into the graduate school of your choice. We publish psychology related undergraduate writing from anywhere in the nation and the author maintains the copyright to his or her work. Participation in the UPJ publication process can facilitate the attainment of knowledge in the fields of psychology, research, English, journalism, leadership, and publishing. Additionally, your research, writing, evaluation, and editing skills are likely to benefit. Producing the UPJ has been a rewarding adventure and learning experience with some tight deadlines that have necessitated periods of intense work for both staff members and authors at times. As the UPJ evolves and grows, we are adjusting the procedure so the process will be smoother for everyone. We aim to continue increasing recognition for the work of our undergraduates by building a long tradition of excellence. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone whose hard work and dedication made this edition of the UPJ possible. First, thank you to all of the authors who submitted papers and congratulations to those who were granted publication in this issue. Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude to Managing Editors Lisa Kakinami and Cara Kiff who have worked very closely with me as a team and whose intelligence, skill, and creativity I greatly respect. Next, I wish to commend the Editorial Board for their dedication and reliability in reviewing papers and serving as liaisons between the authors and Content Advisers. On behalf of the undergraduate staff, I would like to express our immense appreciation to the graduate students who served as Content Advisers providing guidance as well as evaluating and editing expertise. Nicole Kurzer has been particularly helpful in sharing the experience she gleaned as Editor-In-Chief at her undergraduate school. Additionally, I would like to thank our Webmaster, Walter Richter, who has been prompt, pleasant, and efficient in all the work he has done for the UPJ. A special thank you should also go out to Titi Le in the Undergraduate Psychology Advising Office for helping us publicize the call for papers. I would like to offer special commendation to Misty Richards for the amazing legacy she has left UCLA in founding the UPJ. Last but not least, I would like to thank Dr. Eran Zaidel for his advice, support, and sponsorship of the UPJ. It has truly been a team effort. Amy Boersma Copyright 2003 by the Undergraduate Psychology Journal |