Research Symposium Program - Individual Details
5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Ivy Dixon She/her
BIO
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.
The Effect of Coffee Branding on High School Students’ Perceptions of Quality
Authors: Ivy Dixon, Dodey DealStudent Major: AP Research
Mentor: Dodey Deal
Mentor's Department: AP Research Mentor's College: Arnold High School Co-Presenters:
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.
Keywords: Branding, Visual Perception, Consumer Behavior, Coffee Quality, High School Students