Digital Commons Network^™

Emotional Experiences Of Black U.S. Computer Science And Engineering Students Amid Faculty-Student Interactions, Kyle Shanachilubwa

Honors Theses

Black students encounter unique challenges in computer science and engineering education. Chief among these is a disconnect with faculty due to a lack of mentorship and difficulties in interactions with faculty. Despite these challenges, Black students bring many engineering and computer science assets. This study aims to understand the emotional experiences of Black students in computer science and engineering education. We present an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to answer the questions: (1) How do Black students experience faculty-student interactions in computer science and engineering education? (2) How do Black students experience professional shame in these interactions? To answer these research …

Development Under Erasure: Deconstruction In Development Discourse, Micah Gill

Honors Theses

Jacques Derrida’s theory of deconstruction has been historically underappreciated in development. Yet Derrida’s critical theory realizes development as an inherently deconstructive field, one which advocates for the Other when disciplines such as economics and international relations overlook them. By examining the history of development through a Derridean lens, we can see how deconstruction was working within some of the development discourse’s prominent shifts leading up to its “impasse” in the 1980s. Heightened critical attention around this time catalyzed a flurry of deconstructive processes in the following years which have reshaped the landscape of development scholarship and practice. The story of …

The Relationship Between Social Media Use, Internet Use, And Frequency Of Pornography Habits, Chaela Hastings, Anna Miller

Journal of Graduate Education Research

The purpose of this correlational study is to determine whether or not there is a relationship between the amount of time spent on the internet or social media sites and the frequency of pornography habits, and if gender has an effect on frequency of pornography habits. Participants were a convenience sample of 105 men and women between ages 18-24 among two universities in the Southeastern United States. Each participant completed a survey to determine time spent on internet sites, time spent on social media, and the frequency of pornography habits. An analysis of our results showed that there is not …

Collaboration As An Effective Conflict Management Technique For Maximizing Classroom Productivity, Michael Jude Denis Phd, Salamat Amos Umoh

Journal of Graduate Education Research

The fundamental goal of the classroom is to model behaviour through interaction between students and the tutor. This cannot be achieved in a chaotic environment occasioned clash of interests and other forms of incompatibility. Hence, there is need for effective conflict management techniques applicable to the classroom environment. This research aims to study the role of collaboration as a conflict management technique in bringing about high productivity in the classroom. Using the Choice Theory by Glasser (1965), this work therefore explored the impacts that collaboration as a conflict management technique has within the classroom. The methodology used in this work …

Gender, Graduate School Stage, And The Impostor Phenomenon, John-Scott B. Kelley, Angela T. Barlow

Journal of Graduate Education Research

The impostor phenomenon (IP) includes five central factors: (a) a sense of fraudulence or phoniness; (b) a fear of failure and discovery; (c) compensatory perfectionism (i.e., procrastination and/or over-preparation); (d) interpersonal anxiety; and (e) externalized success and/or discounted positive feedback. After the final stage, the process starts over with reinforced vigor, creating a self-reinforcing cycle in which success is associated with psychological suffering. IP was initially used to describe the reports of high-achieving women, but recent studies have shown that IP is experienced across genders. Additionally, while graduate school is an achievement-oriented environment with many characteristics that could promote IP, …

Coastal Conflict: How International Law Addresses China's Claims In The South China Sea, Madeline H. Broshears

Tenor of Our Times

The South China Sea is home to natural resources and reefs that benefit its surrounding states. International law divides these waters to grant certain rights to each coastal state so as to ensure fair distribution of the waters. As of late, China’s actions in the South China Sea frequently violate the distribution of waters under international law. They have infringed upon the Philippine’s waters and attempted to establish authority over most of the South China Sea, rather than remaining within their own waters. Thus, the Philippines filed arbitration against China, and the ruling rebuked China’s behavior in the South China …

From Streets To Stats: A Statistical Analysis Of The Quantity Of Illegal Narcotics Seized In The United States, Zachary T. Strickland

Tenor of Our Times

This study aims to determine how seven different variables affect the total quantity of illegal narcotics seized. These seven variables include four dichotomous and three continuous variables, each striving to teach readers how they relate to the quantity of narcotics seized across specific states. My goal for this project is to figure out if there is any relationship to help law enforcement fight the war on drugs. With the continuing apparent rise of this war, this study is crucial in determining potential relationships between a state's characteristics and the quantity of illegal narcotics they forcibly take possession of. I further …

Experiences Of Chinese International Students Enrolled In Bible Classes At A Faith-Based Institution, Sophia Nguyen

McNair Scholars Research

This study explores Chinese international students' experiences in Bible classes at a faith-based institution. This particular population was selected because Chinese international students often encounter distinct challenges and circumstances compared to their domestic counterparts. The research sample for this study consists of eleven Chinese international students located at a private four-year university in the southeastern United States. A survey instrument consisting of 19 items was specifically developed using Google Forms to gather data for this study. The collected survey data were analyzed using thematic analysis, a qualitative method to explore respondents' experiences. The findings of this study provide insight into …

Exploring Self-Perception And Sociocultural Adjustment Among International Students, David Martinez

McNair Scholars Research

With the rising numbers of international college students, institutions must assess their experiences. International students undergo major adjustments while studying abroad, which may impact their well-being. Specifically, it can affect their psychological health. The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to explore the self-perception and sociocultural adjustment of international students. It attempts this by identifying significant differences in self-efficacy and self-esteem between international and American students. The participants included a convenience sample of 75 college students, 32 international and 43 American students, from a small, private Christian university. The researcher assessed self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and self-efficacy …

Board 270: Engineering Faculty Members’ Experience Of Professional Shame: Summary Of Insights From Year Two, James L. Huff Ph.D., Amy L. Brooks, Halle Miller, Grant R. Countess, Kanembe Shanachilubwa

Engineering and Physics Faculty Research and Publications

In this paper, we present an overview of an NSF CAREER project, in which we seek to advance academic well-being by understanding how engineering faculty experience and reproduce experiences of professional shame. We present an overview of our data collection of non-standardized interviews with engineering faculty (n = 21) and how we are using interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine select individual cases (n = 12). We report our preliminary insights that 1) participants experienced complex and manifold socially constructed expectations that form the basis of their professional shame experiences and 2) participants’ experiences of professional shame varied according to how …

Professional Shame As Experienced By Pre-Professional Accountants, Grant R. Countess

Honors Theses

While the role of shame in professions is an emerging area of research, it has not been thoroughly studied in accounting’s professional or educational settings. Shame has been explored in engineering and nursing education with powerful implications regarding well-being and learning. This study is primarily driven by the research question, “How do pre-professional accountants experience professional shame?” Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), I interviewed three pre-professional accountants to further understand the lived experiences of shame as accounting interns. I demonstrate the insights from the analysis of these transcripts, which characterize the experience of locating identity as pre-professionals, navigating expectations, experiencing …

Social Connectedness As Experienced By Black Christian Women At A Predominantly White University, Halle Christina Miller

Honors Theses

This study examines the lived experiences of Black women attending a predominantly white Christian university and explores how they navigate social connection and belonging in this context, highlighting identity relevant experiences and intersectionality in layered identities. Literature demonstrates, social connection and belonging is an important aspect of well-being. This study serves to advance or extend theories relating to social connection and belonging by examining in particular the role that identity plays in belonging, specifically considering intersectionality and layered identities. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with three Black women who were currently enrolled in the university. …

Enhancing Emotional Safety In A Graduate School Setting, Jacob J. Ambrose, Tysheann S. Grant, Renee A. Joseph, Catherine E. Beer, Kenneth J. Thompson, Kristina R. Johnson, Constance J. Dalenberg

Journal of Graduate Education Research

In the United States, racial disparities in education can be seen in rates of graduation from high school through doctoral programs, with People of Color reporting rates that are significantly lower than their White peers. Academic success has been significantly predicted in prior research by the support of teaching staff. Our Safety in the Classroom (SITC) program was developed to close the support gap for several different, often-marginalized groups within graduate school classes at a university in southern California. Students within racial, religious, and sexual orientation groups reported stronger perceptions of prejudice when compared to their peers. The SITC program …

Attitudes Toward Participation In Organized Religion: Its Impact On Mental Health And Life Satisfaction, Kayla M. Riley, Jonathan Riley

Journal of Graduate Education Research

This is a non-experimental study which is designed to discover potential relationships between an individual’s attitude towards participation in organized religion and their mental health, as well as their life satisfaction. The study contained 203 young adults taken from a convenience sample using social media, e-mail, and SMS messages. The research was conducted using a survey form composed of three instruments intended to measure attitude towards religion, general well-being, and life satisfaction. The results from the study indicated that there is a weak positive relationship between one’s attitude towards organized religion and mental health. Additionally, the results also indicated that …

Evaluating The Relationship Between Ethnicity And Attitude Toward Seeking Mental Health Services, Victoria Simmons

Journal of Graduate Education Research

This non-experimental study aimed to see how ethnicity affects an individual's attitude toward seeking mental health services and how ethnicity affects an individual's preference for a counselor of the same ethnicity. A convenience sample of 108 adults, 18 years of age or older, was obtained using social media platforms. The participants completed the Mental Health Service Survey, which included demographic questions and the components of the Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Scale created by Fischer and Turner (1970). The findings indicated Blacks or African Americans have a similar attitude toward seeking mental health services to non-Blacks or non-African Americans. Additionally, …

During The Pandemic: A Perspective From A First-Year Teacher, Caleb T. Johnson

Journal of Graduate Education Research

This feature article aims to blend oral impressions with concrete "best" practices in secondary education. Through the most basic methods used throughout history--listening, interpreting, and translating stories shared among groups of people--this singular perspective questions whether the conversations among teachers positively impact the narrative of educating students as COVID-19 continues to have effects that are more difficult to perceive. Without bringing the two parties into conversation, the article offers its readers the observation and reflection of one who is invested in students' learning in the context of the classroom as much as the context of a world still dealing with …

Censorship In Schools: Reading's Position In The Landscape Of Policy Creation, Rachel Beckham

Honors Theses

Censorship is not new to current issues. It has affected authors and speakers for centuries, but it is especially prevalent today, especially in schools. Teachers and librarians are often challenged for the materials they choose to provide to students. Concerned parents object to the materials for containing sexual content, profanity, or LGBTQ+ characters or themes. This study aims to answer the question, “What role, if any, do books containing controversial topics serve in the literature classrooms of today’s students?” To answer this question, the author of this study conducted a literary analysis on the top three most banned books of …

The Role Of Spiritual Formation In Leadership Development, Craig M. Poole

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

The Nature And Experiences Of Cohabitation In Non-Marital Couples, Bryan Rendon

McNair Scholars Research

This study aims to explore the phenomenon of cohabitation by gathering the unique experiences of couples who are currently in a non-marital cohabitative relationship. The driving research question are as follows: What are the unique experiences of cohabtitative couples and what common themes do their stories share? A phenomenological qualitative methodology was used to collect, transcribe and code the narrative data from three interviews with couples currently living in a shared space and self-identifying as non-marital cohabiting couples. The results and discussion section include three significant themes identified in all three couples that include: 1) Difficulty in Transition From Independence …

The Effects Of A Narrative Intervention On Gender Attitudes In Students At A Christian University: A Study On Narrative Persuasion, Katelyn Hawkins

Honors Theses

This study analyzes how identification, empathy, and perspective-taking influence prejudiced attitudes towards women. Through utilizing a narrative intervention alongside measures of prejudiced attitudes, empathetic capacity, and narrative identification, this study documents how students at a Christian university in the southern United States (n = 100) responded to narrative persuasion. While analyses revealed that the narrative intervention was ineffective in significantly affecting prejudiced attitudes towards women, participants’ empathy levels were positively correlated with character identification, further elucidating the process of perspective-taking. Despite some non-significant results, this study sheds light on the role of narrative persuasion on students at a Christian university …

Exploring The Impacts Of Student Classification On Perceptions Of Success, Mackenzie Richmond

Honors Theses

There are several definitions of success, and everyone has their own personal take. Some define success as receiving honors, rewards, or having good relationships, while researchers have their own success vocabulary. Although there is a battle between logic and sociality for perceptions of success, it is commonly agreed that success is linear and multifaceted. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of student classification (undergraduate and graduate/professional students) on perceptions of success. Knowing how someone perceives success offers insight into that person. Such insight can equip therapists on ways to personalize a therapeutic approach, including goals and …

The Effects Of Twitter Posts Regarding Covid-19 Information On The Viewer’S Perception Of Credibility: A Study On Misinformation, Grace T. Long

Honors Theses

In the current age, social media plays a large role in daily life. Although there have been massive advancements through social media, there have also been disadvantages due to its prominence. One such disadvantage is the dissemination of misinformation through social media platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many aspects affecting the social media posts we find credible. This study investigated the different evaluations of COVID-19 credibility ratings in groups with varying political affiliations (conservative and liberal) and primary news sources (social media and newspaper). Misinformative posts along with true posts were used to garner credibility ratings and …

Do Veterans Seek Mental Health Counseling?, Jonathan D. Williams

Journal of Graduate Education Research

The purpose of this non-experimental study was to determine if there is a difference in attitudes towards seeking mental health services between veterans and civilians. Participants were a convenience sample of 54 veterans and civilians from around the United States. The participants completed a survey, that was introduced through social media, to determine their attitude towards seeking mental health services. An analysis of the results revealed that there is not a significant difference between veterans’ and civilians’ attitudes towards seeking mental health services.

More Than An Athlete: A Qualitative Analysis Of How Student-Athletes Develop Self-Authorship Through Their Experiences In Athletics, Haley Kate Webb

Honors Theses

Within the context of the newly instituted NCAA Name, Image and Likeness legislation, student-athletes are able to profit from their personal brands. This legislation presents newfound exposure to student-athletes. In order to assess the preparedness of student-athletes to benefit monetarily from their personal brands, an analysis of student-athlete development provides beneficial insight regarding their cognitive development. Using self-authorship theory as a guide, this qualitative research used long interviews to explore how student-athletes are developing their identities through their journeys with athletics. The research analyzes the lived experiences told by five athletes from a medium-sized faith-based NCAA Division II university. The …

Unpacking Political Identity In First-Time Voting Christian Women: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Mary Grace Golden

Honors Theses

As political science tends to focus on polling and statistical analysis to examine individuals’ voting behaviors, the reasoning behind constituents’ decision-making process is often left in the dark. This is particularly true in first-time voting women who come from religious backgrounds that uphold complementarian gender values. This study focuses on the following research questions: How do women experience their political identity in relation to their gender identity? How do women experience their political identity in relation to their religious or faith identity? How do women experience their political identity in relation to voting for the first time? I answer these …

Digital Pulpit: A Thematic Analysis Of Evangelical Leaders’ Statements On Twitter In The Two Weeks Following The January 6 Capitol Riot, Everett Belle Kirkman

Honors Theses

White evangelicals overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. According to the Pew Research Center, 81% voted for him. That support baffled pundits at first but held up throughout his presidency. By the time the 2020 election season was ramping up, White evangelicals who supported Trump held more tightly to their beliefs, many taking to social media to convey their opinions. Since the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, over 600 outspoken Trump supporters have been arrested and charged for inciting violence in dispute of election results. This research is a thematic content analysis of the statements …

The Opportunities And Challenges Of Internet Of Things Evidence In Regard To Criminal Investigations, Nathan Mcclaran

Honors Theses

As internet-connected devices become more prevalent, the need for police and law enforcement to be able to utilize these devices when solving crimes steadily increases. Law enforcement agencies are already aware of the opportunities and challenges when interacting with computers and mobile cellular devices, but many agencies are unable to utilize these avenues of evidence because of limited access to resources able to forensically examine computing devices. In addition, the introduction of internet of things devices, such as Amazon Alexa and other microphone or camera connected devices, allows new opportunities for law enforcement agencies to gather digital forensic evidence either …

Unpacking Professional Shame: Patterns Of White Male Engineering Students Living In And Out Of Threats To Their Identities, James L. Huff Ph.D., Benjamin Okai, Kanembe Shanachilubwa, Nicola W. Sochacka, Joachim Walther

Engineering and Physics Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Although prior research has provided robust descriptions of engineering students' identity development, a gap in the literature exists related to students' emotional experiences of shame, which undergird the socially constructed expectations of their professional formation.

Purpose

We examined the lived experiences of professional shame among White male engineering students in the United States. We conceptualize professional shame to be a painful emotional state that occurs when one perceives they have failed to meet socially constructed expectations or standards that are relevant to their identity in a professional domain.

Method

We conducted unstructured interviews with nine White male engineering students …

The Impact Of Spirituality On Counseling Students’ Self-Perceived Professional Competencies, Lindsay Cobb

Journal of Graduate Education Research

The purpose of this non-experimental study was to explore the relationship between professional counseling students’ self-reported levels of spirituality with their perceived levels of professional competencies. The competencies referenced in this study are the eight core national standards competencies established by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The participants for this study were a convenience sample of 55 professional counseling students from a church-affiliated university in the southeastern United States. The participants completed surveys to indicate self-perceptions of both their spirituality and professional competencies. An analysis of the results revealed a weak positive correlation between …

A Comparison Of Anxiety Levels Among College Students, Kendall D. Naceanceno, Sara K. Capps, Rachel Whittenburg, Alexis Ortiz

Journal of Graduate Education Research

The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to compare the differences in anxiety levels among college students by their classification, gender, major, and semester hours taken. Participants were a convenience sample of 113 undergraduate and graduate college students, and were from 22 universities primarily located in the southeastern region of the United States. The participants completed a survey in which they selected their classification, gender, major, number of semester hours taken, race, ethnicity, and native language. The survey also included 20 Likert-scaled questions from the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (Zung, 1971) that measured levels of anxiety based on symptoms experienced …