Research Log Example - Solutionary Project 2023

Date: 21 January 2023

Name: Mr. Lay
Central Question: Why aren’t more people commuting by bicycle in Honolulu?

Thesis: Although Honolulu has made strides towards becoming a cycling friendly city with the implementation of a 2-
mile protected bike lane on King Street, still few of the city's residents commute by bicycle due to poor bike
infrastructure and a lack of bicycle education, along with access to affordable bicycles.

Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits? Fundamentally, there
aren’t enough people on bikes in Oahu and this creates too much vehicular traffic in downtown Honolulu.

#2: What has been and is being done? protected bike lane, 3-foot passing law, public transportation systems
(bike accommodation), The Hawaii Cycling League BikeEd Program, Biki bike-share program

#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do? People for Bikes, Kalihi Valley
Instructional Bike Exchange (KVIBE), Bill SB2517

In which section will you use this source? #1

Excerpts: Green = Quote introduction, try introducing quotes in various ways (, : ; etc.)
Purple = Evidence, try using varied lengths, but make sure it is important regardless!
Red = Parenthetical Citation, (author’s last name, publication year) – if no author, use source title
1. Fleming gives the example of the KGP Design Studio's Bikestation in Washington D.C.: "The project
was funded completely by the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) and carried a
$3M price tag. This elaborate glass and steel structure, located adjacent to the D.C. Union Train Station,
supplies 100 storage spaces for local cyclists" (Bike Plan Update, 2019).

2. Honolulu needs to confront the visibility, safety, and accessibility issues that plague the current cycling
infrastructure to realize bicycle commuting to its fullest potential. The Portland Bureau of
Transportation categorized four general groups and their differing needs; For example, “The strong and
fearless" (<1% of the total population), "The enthused and the confident" (7%), "The interested but
concerned" (60%), and "The no way, no how" (33%). After many surveys and polls, the primary
concern for cyclists who did not fall under the "strong and fearless" group, is the fear of being on the
road on a bicycle. The "interested but concerned" group represents the majority of Portland's residents”
(Bike Plan Update, 2019).

3. For example, in recent years, Hawaii has passed legislation in the form of a "3-foot passing law that
requires motorists to provide at least three feet of clear space when passing a cyclist. This new law
represents an important opportunity for DTS and the bicycling community to collaborate with HPD on
public education and enforcement campaign" (Bike Plan Update, 2019).

Commentary and Analysis:

Explanation: What does the quote mean
Analysis: Why is the quote important, why does it matter in the grand scheme of things?

1. Although costs were high in constructing the D.C. Bikestation, the DDOT speculates that the
structure will convert more than 100 D.C. drivers into cyclists. Converting drivers into cyclists is no
 small task; the above Bikestation idea has potential, but the cost is high. A more cost-effective way
the state can tackle this issue is through education. Suppose the state requires all public schools to
include bicycle safety into their curricula. In that case, one can hope that more people will grow up
with the knowledge, appreciation, and awareness surrounding bikes. This can potentially shift the
negative connotation that often surrounds cycling, not to mention creating more "safety-first"
minded individuals, decreasing the likelihood of bike-related accidents on the road. 

2. Unfortunately, Honolulu has not conducted extensive studies related to Portland's four cyclist
groups, but by generalizing these group distributions and applying them to Honolulu, approximately
half of the population falls into the "interested but concerned" category. In Honolulu this would
consist of about 200,000 residents. This group and existing cyclists should be the target audience
moving forward as the city aims to get more cyclists on the road. 

3. The city is looking at many factors when promoting cycling in Honolulu. Nevertheless, it is most
beneficial to focus on what has been accomplished to promote the city's cycling goals. This further
dispels the myth that it is dangerous to cycle on Island. Most local cyclists find motorists
accommodating on the road, especially in similar cities on the mainland. 

MLA Work Cited:

“O'ahu Bike Plan Update.” Honolulu.gov, 2019, pp. 1–90.

https://www.honolulu.gov/bicycle/bikeplanupdate.html.

This is a reputable and reliable article because Honolulu.gov is directly involved with the implementation of bike
infrastructure on Oahu. It is a government source, and the “Bike Plan Update” is a report that compiles cycling data
from the past serval years.
 Research Log #1 - Solutionary Project 2023
Date: February 28, 2023
Name: Geordyn-Makaila Moad
Central Question: What causes teens to have anxiety?

Thesis:

Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits?

#2: What has been and is being done?

#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do?

In which section will you use this source?

Excerpts:
1. Early in the article Saprea states, “Due to the traumatic events of the past, a survivor’s limbic system will continue
to remain at a high level of alertness, bracing for any signs of danger” (The Younique Foundation, 2022).
2. Saprea also says, “The emotions of fear, betrayal, and helplessness that a survivor experienced so severely during
abuse might never go away, lingering as stored trauma in both the brain and body” (The Younique Foundation,
2022).
3. Lastly Saprea says, “When both the body and brain are always in this state of high tension, bracing for the next
perceived threat, this chronic sense of unsafety can manifest anxiety” (The Younique Foundation, 2022).

Commentary and Analysis:

1. This website provides information on hoe anxiety is caused by trauma. Trauma comes in all forms but this article
states trauma from sexual abuse. The author states that having this type of anxiety which comes with sudden and
unexpected feelings of severe distress, can be turned into panic attacks. These survivors are living in a body
which is always on guard, and they aren’t able to feel relaxed or safe, when there is no treat present. Panic attacks
occur after experiencing something that was triggering, or something that had reminded the limbic system of the
past abuse which activates a fight or flight response in order to keep the survivor safe.
2. Saprea says, “A survivor might not only experience anxiety as a result of these triggers, but they may also feel
intense anxiety and dread over when the next trigger will occur. Having this could base the survivors everyday
thinking and actions to the degree of anxiety each decision would lead up to or of they would gain another trigger
throughout it. These traumatic events can cause both anxiety and depression. Being able to not show the feelings
you have or even the support system to be there for you leads to only yourself and the experience that was given
to you. Which in this because you have no control over the feelings the survivor gets.
3. These survivors could avoid any type of interaction or event that will cause the triggers of anxiety. Being able to
avoid situations that would trigger them will protect and close off them from being hurt or harmed again. Being
able to have no control will face a fact of failure and this will be able to cause depression. A survivor can feel
chronically unsafe for years after the event had occurred.

MLA Work Cited:

“Anxiety: The Younique Foundation.” Younique Foundation, 11 May 2022,

https://youniquefoundation.org/resources-for-child-sexual-abuse-survivors/common-symptoms/stopping-
the-cycle-of-anxiety/.

This is a reputable and reliable article because it was published by an organization that helps these survivors get out
their emotions and work on the better.
 Research Log #2 - Solutionary Project 2023
Date: February 28, 2023
Name: Geordyn-Makaila Moad
Central Question: What causes teens to have anxiety?

Thesis:

Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits?

#2: What has been and is being done?

#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do?

In which section will you use this source?

Excerpts:
1. Hawaii Naturopathic retreat states that, “The body might also be assaulted by free radicals caused by
environmental contaminants, loud city noises, or the constant process of avoiding a prior physical or
psychological trauma” (Baylac, 2019).
2. Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat says, “The world becomes a hostile place to live in and each time they eat they
experience anxiety, anticipating a negative reaction” (Baylac, 2019).
3. Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat also says. “We must accept that the line between normal and pathological states can
be very blurry” (Baylac, 2019).

Commentary and Analysis:

1. The archaic stress response to the fear of external danger may be outdated, but the fear of not having enough, or
the fear of intimacy, or psychological neglect for an adolescent, may cause the same physiological stress response.
Our modern lifestyle with deadlines, alarm clocks, TV’s and telephones puts pressure on us interrupting our
natural biological rhythms. The body might also be assaulted by free radicals caused by environmental
contaminants, loud city noises, or the constant process of avoiding a prior physical or psychological trauma. In
any case, when our brain perceives a danger, whether this danger is real or not, the brain activates the stress
hormone cascade producing their deleterious effects on our body systems. This perception of a constant threat to
our homeostasis gives rise to a feeling of hypervigilance, discomfort, and worry: anxiety.
2. Some level of anxiety is normal in everyone’s life. Unusual and important circumstances out of the ordinary of
daily life such as getting married, public speaking or taking exams can generate anxiety in a large number or
people without further future negative consequences. However, when anxiety continues without an obvious cause,
a pathological mental state settles in. The world becomes a hostile place to live in and each time they eat they
experience anxiety, anticipating a negative reaction. 
3. In normal circumstances, the life force manifests with a pleasant physical sensation, a positive state of mind and
trust in the environment. When this trust is broken pleasure can turn into anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of
anhedonia and mistrust in the environment. Anxiety is related to fear and fear is at the core of anxiety. Fear is the
anticipation of a negative outcome in the future. For instance, the root of the fear of jumping across a stream is the
anticipation of not succeeding and falling in the stream. Anxiety on the other hand, is the maladaptive response of
non-existing, imaginary or mental emotional threats projected in the future. 

MLA Work Cited:

Marais, Nicolette, and Dr. Nicole Baylac N.D. “Anxiety, Fear & Stress Treatment Center in Hawaii.” Hawaii
Naturopathic Retreat, 22 Oct. 2019, https://www.hawaiinaturopathicretreat.com/conditions/anxiety/.

This is a reputable and reliable article because this is a retreat system in Hawaii that helps teens and others get through
anxiety.
 Research Log #3 - Solutionary Project 2023
Date: March 28, 2023
Name: Geordyn-Makaila Moad
Central Question: What causes teens to have anxiety?

Thesis:

Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits?

#2: What has been and is being done?

#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do?

In which section will you use this source?

Excerpts:
1. According to Mass General Brigham “Noticing changes in children and teens is crucial, as symptoms of most
mental health challenges start before age 25. It’s critical to address these concerns as soon as possible: The
quicker we address the problem, the better chance a young person can return to everyday activities” (McLean,
2023).
2. The Mass General Brigham also states that “Anxiety disorders have the potential to affect every part of a young
person’s life, including their physical health, emotional well-being and social skill development” (McLean, 2023).
3. Lastly Mass General Brigham says “Mental health has a direct relationship with a child’s physical health. Both
physical and mental health influence how children think, feel, and act on both the inside and out” (McLean,
2023).

Commentary and Analysis:

1. Anxiety is the body’s normal stress response. However, children who struggle with clinical anxiety encounter
interference in their daily social, academic, or home lives. Though anxiety is a universal emotional experience,
excess anxiety can indicate there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. It can be difficult to determine the type
of anxiety someone is experiencing. Some anxieties are short-term and situational, while others are sudden and
inexplicable. Learning the difference between stress, fear, uncertainty, panic, and social anxiety can help with
understanding someone’s anxiety signs and symptoms.

2. Stress, like anxiety, is an emotional response. Stress is usually caused by an external trigger, like taking an exam
or getting into a fight with a friend. Anxiety, on the other hand, can be an internally created fear that seems to take
on a life of its own. Both have a similar set of symptoms: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, anger or irritability,
and trouble with sleeping. Unlike stress, clinical anxiety is not short-term and does not go away after the stressor
is taken away. Fear is the emotional response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is the anticipation of a future
threat. People also use the word “anxiety” to describe lingering nervousness or a constant sense of tension or
worry.

3. Although the word “anxiety” is commonly used, it’s still a very misunderstood condition. To better understand
anxiety in kids and teens, it is important to know what anxiety is and what it isn’t. Anxiety isn’t like a light switch
that can be flipped on and off. While the worry of a child or teen who is anxious like being around strangers or
being in a small space may seem trivial, it’s not to them. Because the cycle of worry and avoidance feeds off
itself, more often than not, someone with anxiety needs professional help breaking this pattern. Kids and teens
who are shy may be more likely to feel socially anxious, the two are not one and the same. Being shy does not
cause extreme anxiety or panic when put in a social environment. Shyness, in addition, is a part of a kid’s
personality. Social anxiety is a fear of embarrassment in a social situation that causes avoidance.

MLA Work Cited:

McLean. “Understanding Anxiety in Kids and Teens.” Understanding Anxiety in Children & Teens | McLean
Hospital, 24 Mar. 2023, www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/anxiety-kids-teens#:~:text=Mental%20health
%20challenges%20may%20come,anxiety%20in%20kids%20and%20adolescents.

This is a reputable and reliable article because it is from an article from a hospital called McLean Hospital.

Research Log #4 - Solutionary Project 2023

Date: April 3, 2023
Name: Geordyn-Makaila Moad
Central Question: What causes teens to have anxiety?

Thesis:

Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits?

#2: What has been and is being done?

#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do?

In which section will you use this source?

Excerpts:
1. According to American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry they say, “For some teenagers, anxiety
becomes a chronic, high-pitched state, interfering with their ability to attend school and to perform up to their
academic potential” (Aacap, 2023).
2. They say that “Symptoms generally include excessive fears and worries, feelings of inner restlessness, and a
tendency to be excessively wary and vigilant. Even in the absence of an actual threat, some teenagers describe
feelings of continual nervousness, restlessness, or extreme stress” ( Aacap, 2023).
3. Something else that comes up in this article is that “Several studies have revealed an increase in school avoidance
in middle-school or junior-high years. With school avoidance, excessive worries about performance or social
pressures at school may be at the root of the reluctance to attend school regularly” ( Aacap, 2023).

Commentary and Analysis:

1. Everyone experiences anxiety. It is a natural and important emotion, signaling through stirrings of worry,
fearfulness, and alarm that danger or a sudden, threatening change is near. Yet sometimes anxiety becomes an
exaggerated, unhealthy response. Given the array of changes and uncertainties facing a normal teenager, anxiety
often hums along like background noise. “For some teenagers, anxiety becomes a chronic, high-pitched state,
interfering with their ability to attend school and to perform up to their academic potential.” Participating in
extracurricular activities, making and keeping friends, and maintaining a supportive, flexible relationship within
the family become difficult. Sometimes anxiety is limited to generalized, free-floating feelings of uneasiness. At
other times, it develops into panic attacks and phobias.
2. Teenagers who suffer from excessive anxiety regularly experience a range of physical symptoms as well. They
may complain about muscle tension and cramps, stomachaches, headaches, pain in the limbs and back, fatigue, or
discomforts associated with pubertal changes. They may blotch, flush, sweat, hyperventilate, tremble, and startle
easily. Anxiety during adolescence typically centers on changes in the way the adolescent's body looks and feels,
social acceptance, and conflicts about independence. When flooded with anxiety, adolescents may appear
extremely shy. They may avoid their usual activities or refuse to engage in new experiences. They may protest
whenever they are apart from friends. Or in an attempt to diminish or deny their fears and worries, they may
engage in risky behaviors, drug experimentation, or impulsive sexual behavior.
3. This leads to a cycle of anxiety, physical complaints, and school avoidance. The cycle escalates with the
worsening of physical complaints such as stomachaches, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Visits to the doctor
 generally fail to uncover general medical explanations. The longer a teenager stays out of school, the harder it
becomes for him to overcome his fear and anxiety and return to school. He feels increasingly isolated from school
activities and different from other kids. Some children are naturally more timid than others, As their bodies,
voices, and emotions change during adolescence, they may feel even more self-conscious. Despite initial feelings
of uncertainty, most teens are able to join in if given time to observe and warm up. In extreme cases, called social
phobia, the adolescent becomes very withdrawn, and though he wants to take part in social activities, he's unable
to overcome intense self-doubt and worry. Gripped by excessive or unreasonable anxiety when faced with
entering a new or unfamiliar social situation, the adolescent with social phobia becomes captive to unrelenting
fears of other people's judgment or expectations. He may deal with his social discomfort by fretting about his
health, appearance, or overall competence. Alternatively, he may behave in a clowning or boisterous fashion or
consume alcohol to deal with the anxiety.

MLA Work Cited:

Aacap, Your Adolescent. “Your Adolescent - Anxiety and Avoidant Disorders.” Your Adolescent - Anxiety and
Avoidant Disorders, 2023,
www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Anxiety_Disorder_Resource_Center/
Your_Adolescent_Anxiety_and_Avoidant_Disorders.aspx.

This is a reputable and reliable article because this is from an academy that teaches about anxiety and how to overcome
any situation that leads to this type of extreme.

Research Log #5 - Solutionary Project 2023

Date: April 13, 2023
Name: Geordyn-Makaila Moad
Central Question: What causes teens to have anxiety?

Thesis:

Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits?

#2: What has been and is being done?

#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do?

In which section will you use this source?

Excerpts:
1. “Anxiety and depression in teenagers have been linked to high levels of stress, a lower quality of life,
and, in severe cases, suicide” (Geng, 2021).
2. In genetics, trauma and environment “Teenagers with a family history of mood or anxiety disorders may
be at higher risk of developing them”, “Teenagers with a history of trauma such as sexual abuse,
violence or involvement in an accident, may be more likely to experience anxiety and depression”, and
“A teenager’s social, school, and home environments can have an impact on their mental health.
Difficulties such as abuse and neglect, divorce in the family, being bullied, poverty, learning disabilities,
and struggling to fit in may all contribute to depression and anxiety” (Geng, 2021).
3. There are differences in the brain, “Teenagers’ brains are structurally different than adults’ brains.
Changes in teenagers’ brain circuits that are involved in responses to danger and rewards can increase
 stress levels. Teenagers with depression and anxiety may also have different levels of neurotransmitters
such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in their brains. These affect the regulation of moods
and behavior” (Geng, 2021).

Commentary and Analysis:

1. A teenager can receive a full clinical diagnosis from a healthcare professional such as a doctor,
psychologist, or psychiatrist. Certain medical concerns can mimic anxiety and depression. These
include thyroid disorders and substance use disorders. For this reason, it is necessary to rule those out to
obtain a proper diagnosis. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses a universal depression
screening guideline for people aged 12 years and above. Healthcare professionals may use the AAP
guidelines or adult guidelines for older teenagers. The doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist will perform
a psychological evaluation of the teenager by asking a series of questions about their behaviors, moods,
and thoughts. They will also take into account the teenager’s family history, peer relationships, and
school performance.
2. A healthcare professional will treat a teenager’s depression, anxiety, or both based on the severity of the
condition. They may suggest psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or both. Usually, a combination
of the two is the most effective treatment. An antidepressant, or a combination of antidepressants, can
help correct the chemical imbalance in the teenager’s brain. Meanwhile, talk therapy may help combat
negative thought patterns and behaviors. The Food and Drug Administration Trusted Source has issued a
warning that antidepressants may cause some children and teenagers to experience suicidal thoughts.
The FDA has approved two drugs to treat depression in children: fluoxetine (Prozac), for children aged
8 years and older, and escitalopram (Lexapro), for children aged 12 years and older. Experts state that
they need more pediatric studies, as many antidepressants with approval for adults are not proven to
work in children. The FDA requires that all antidepressants include a warning about the increased risk of
suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 24 years.

3. Parents or caregivers of teenagers who have depression, anxiety, or both can help them by viewing the
condition as a serious matter that requires professional attention. They should help their teenagers find a
therapist that they feel comfortable talking with and discuss a treatment program with a medical
professional. Parents and caregivers can also try to encourage their teenagers to exercise, be social,
schedule their activities into manageable chunks, and find an outlet for their emotions, such as a journal
or support group.

MLA Work Cited:

Geng, Caitlin. “Teen Anxiety and Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and More.” Medical News Today,
MediLexicon International, 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/teen-anxiety-and-
depression.

This is a reputable and reliable article because it was medically reviewed by a doctor so the information is coming from
a great source.

Research Log #6- Solutionary Project 2023

Date: April 17, 2023
Name: Geordyn-Makaila Moad
Central Question: What causes teens to have anxiety?

Thesis: Although Hawaii has organizations that bring support for anxiety, we need to understand that
trauma causes these nervous outbreaks and being stressed that no one will like them, we have support groups
and therapy, but we should be able to implement these types of groups in a school setting due to anxiety
happening within the teen communities.

Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits? Teens in Hawaii and
the United States struggle with anxiety due to trauma from the child's past. The people that get hurt through this is
teens and when they become adults.

#2: What has been and is being done? There are therapy and support groups to help with anxiety.

#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do? Create support groups with school
communities, so there is a sence of safe space and willing to come out to share how they feel.

In which section will you use this source?

Excerpts:
1. America’s Health Ranking states that “Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, when a
child does not outgrow their fears and worries or when anxiety starts interfering with school and other
activities, they might have an anxiety disorder. There are a variety of anxiety disorders, such as
separation anxiety, general anxiety, phobias and social anxiety” (Anderson, 2020).
2. They also state that “There are many symptoms of anxiety in children, including being tense or uptight,
seeking reassurance and feeling restless or on edge. These symptoms can interfere with work and school
performance and can make it challenging to maintain healthy relationships with peers and parents. This
list of symptoms is not exhaustive as symptoms can vary depending on the anxiety disorder and the
child. The difficulties experienced by some children who have anxiety may be easier to miss because the
child may be less talkative and eager to please adults” (Anderson, 2020).
3. Something that can help out teens with anxiety is that “Anxiety in children can be addressed by talking
to a pediatrician or child mental health professional. With a health care provider’s guidance, a child can
receive cognitive behavioral therapy, which is considered an effective treatment for managing anxious
thoughts and behaviors. Anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications may also help to minimize
symptoms in children. Moreover, parents and teachers should be aware of the signs of anxiety and talk
to children about potential stressors such as social media use and pressure to succeed in school”
(Anderson, 2020).
Commentary and Analysis:
1. The prevalence of anxiety is higher among older children ages 12-17 compared with younger children,
children who experience racial or ethnic discrimination compared with those who do not, and children
with more adverse childhood experiences compared with those without or with fewer traumatic
experiences.
2. Anxiety is normal and expected as children grow up, but anxiety can become unhealthy when it starts
to get in the way of usual activities. Some anxious children tend to be overly tense or uptight and may
seek a lot of reassurance, while other children with anxiety can be quiet or eager to please. Thus,
parents should not ignore their child’s fears and should be on the lookout for signs of anxiety so that
they can help their child early on and avoid serious problems.
3. There is no single cause of anxiety problems. Things like genetics, a child’s personality and parenting
style may play a role in whether a child will develop anxiety problems. If normal fears do not go away
with time or begin to interfere with the child’s usual activities, parents should think about getting an
evaluation from a child and adolescent psychologist or psychiatrist. Early treatment can prevent future
difficulties, such as loss of friendships, poor school performance, and low self-esteem.

MLA Work Cited:

Amanda, Elmore. “Anxiety .” America's Health Rankings, 2022,

https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/health-of-women-and-children/measure/anxiety/state/HI.

Department of Health, Hawaii State. “Anxiety.” Help Your Keiki, 2022,

https://www.helpyourkeiki.com/anxiety.

This is a reputable and reliable article because it comes from the they are partnered with the Hawaii State Department of
Health.