Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #149

Primary Student Contact First Name: Ivy
Primary Student Contact Last Name: Dixon
Pronouns: She/her 
Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email: xdixoil@baystudent.org
Photo of all individuals presenting this work: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/8997/IMG_5475.jpg
Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work: AP Research 
Bio of all individuals presenting this work:
My name is Ivy Dixon, and I am a high school student currently enrolled in AP Research. My research focuses on how visual branding influences perceptions, specifically examining how the presence of a well-known logo compared to a generic logo affects students’ judgments. Through this project, I have developed skills in research design, data collection, and analysis while exploring how everyday visuals can shape opinions and decision-making. This experience has strengthened my interest in understanding human behavior and the impact of media and marketing on society.


Poster Title: The Effect of Coffee Branding on High School Students’ Perceptions of Quality
Abstract:
This study examines how visual branding influences high school students’ perceptions of coffee quality based on appearance alone. Specifically, the research compares student responses to an image of coffee labeled with a well-known Starbucks logo versus an identical image labeled with a generic coffee logo. Participants were high school students who completed a visual-only survey in which they rated perceived coffee quality without tasting the product. By isolating branding as the independent variable, the study aimed to determine whether brand recognition affects judgments of quality. The findings suggest that recognizable branding plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, even when no physical differences in the product are present. This research highlights the impact of marketing and visual cues on consumer perception and decision-making among adolescents.


Research Mentor Name: Dodey Deal 
Research Mentor's College (or High School): Arnold High School 
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject): AP Research 
Research Mentor's Email: dealdm@k12.fl.us
Additional Research Mentor(s): {Empty}
Co-presenter(s): {Empty}
Keywords: Branding, Visual Perception, Consumer Behavior, Coffee Quality, High School Students
Poster Session/Number: {Empty}
Work: Complete
Presentation Modality: Face to Face Poster session
Poster PDF: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/8997/AP_Research_Poster_Ivy_Dixon.pdf
Poster Thumbnail: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/8997/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%2014%2C%202026%20at%2002_30_08%20PM.png
I will be printing my poster: Yes
Year: 2026
Annual description: 5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Update URL: https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=5z8czdjRAmTCabwLlYcWRUNRKBYWULQOcxEfS_Rx6ts
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