Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Antecedent And Consequence Strategies On Data Collection In A Human Service Organization, Sarah Love, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Antecedent and consequence strategies in the research literature to improve employee performance within human service organizations have included behavioral skills training (BST) and performance-based incentive programs, among others. The current study continued this line of research in which participants were members of a human service organization and were responsible for collecting data on clients’ responding during programming. The purpose was to evaluate the effects of antecedent and consequence-based strategies on the accuracy of data collected by participants. The results showed that BST was effective at increasing accurate data collection across all participants and that the consequence-based intervention, in the form …

Comparing Teaching Methods For Auditory-Visual Conditional Discrimination, Brady Conley, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Responding to spoken language is a skill that is typically acquired at a young age. However, responding to spoken language requires discrimination between stimuli. Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have demonstrated difficulty acquiring listener behavior involving conditional discrimination. Thus, the most efficient and effective teaching strategies should continue to be a focus in behavior-analytic research. The purpose of the current study was to compare teaching methods for conditional discrimination for three school-aged children with ASD. The results showed that one participant met criterion for the best practice condition only, one participant met criterion for both best practice and …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Arts On Black Mental Health, Alicia Newsome

Theses

This project focuses on black mental health that encompasses mental wellness education through social media and builds community connection by sharing stories. It reduces social exclusion and creates positive change in black communities. The final deliverable will be a short video poem compilation via YouTube that gives insight into what it is like living with depression and anxiety. It will include motion graphics, photo manipulation, and graphic art covers titled Misconceptions, Beautiful Temptations, Relentless, and Old Abuse. It is about implementing healthy coping mechanisms and bringing together a community that is often overlooked and/or stigmatized regarding mental health. It enhances …

Reducing A Dog’S Problem Behavior Using Functional Communication Training: A Case Study, Audrey Blunt, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Many dogs are relinquished to animal shelters and subsequently euthanized each year due to problem behaviors, such as excessive barking (ASPCA, n.d.). Unfortunately, punishment-based procedures (e.g., bark collars) have been commonly used to reduce these behaviors, despite negative side-effects such as escape and aggression. Functional communication training (FCT) involves teaching a replacement behavior that is functionally equivalent to the problem behavior and is a documented strategy to reduce problem behaviors in humans (e.g., Carr & Durand, 1985). In the current study, one 11-month old dog who had a history of whining, mouthing, and pawing was taught to mand (request) for …

The Effects Of Behavioral Skills Training On Staff Member Implementation Of Behavior Intervention Plans, Riley Young, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Behavioral skills training (BST) is a well-researched and empirically validated teaching method that typically involves the use of instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback to improve staff and client performance (Leaf et al., 2015). Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of BST across a wide variety of populations and skill sets, including within educational environments (Kirkpatrick et al., 2019). However, limited research exists on the use of BST to improve staff member implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs), particularly for staff members who have a history of incorrect implementation. The current study examines the effectiveness of in-person BST in a school …

The Use Of Differential Reinforcement Of Other Behavior To Decrease Scripting, Kathleen Egbert, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Vocal scripting is a behavior commonly targeted for reduction with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when it occurs at a rate or severity that interferes with learning (e.g., Koegel & Covert, 1972). Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) has been shown to be effective for reducing scripting in previous research, however additional replications of these results would add to the research literature to continue to support its use for this issue. The purpose of this study was to implement a DRO schedule with a young girl with ASD to reduce vocal scripting. The results showed a slight decrease in …

The Effects Of Preference Assessments On The Duration Of Independent Play For A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Elise Amo, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Plays skills are important within typical development and independent play has shown to lead to the development of other skills, such as increased social interactions (Edwards et al., 2018). Previous research has demonstrated increases in independent play for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who display skill deficits in this area. However, research has been largely lacking for increasing independent play for individuals with ASD who simply display a preference for interacting with adults. The current study examined the effectiveness of incorporating a multiple-stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment to increase the duration of independent play for a child with …

2d Motion Graphics Enhancement Of The User Experience On Web Applications, Lora Paro

Theses

This project focuses on the creation and use of 2D motion graphics to enhance the user experience of applications on the web including but not limited to social media, educational and entertaining digital videos. The aim of this project is to enhance skills in the creation of 2D motion graphics using Adobe After Effects, Adobe Character Animator, and Adobe Illustrator while benefitting the user experience of visually delivered moving graphics to capture more of the audience’s attention rather than the traditional use of static imagery. Experience gained with research on 2D motions graphics and Adobe After Effects with then be …

Further The Field: Revamping Collegiate Athletic Digital Marketing Efforts, Ryan Sells

Theses

This paper closely analyzes digital marketing strategies and athletic communications campaigns in a more technologically and content-driven era. Recent scholarly research has indicated the shift from traditional marketing methods to more current applications. This thesis paper helps to guide potential sports marketing or communications professionals in the everchanging industry of collegiate athletics. Successful campaigns have been closely analyzed and serve as an indicator of potential future marketing plans that can be put in action. Scholarly articles were strong components in the research process and helped to explain the impact of two-way communication and personalization content ideas. To implement successful digital …

Social Media Practices For Churches, Jordyn Helgen

Theses

This project focuses on providing a resource for churches and similar nonprofit organizations to utilize in order to maximize their social media strategy and generate ideas for content. Furthermore, it will help these organizations to better understand social media and how they can use social media tools to accentuate their religious values and accomplish their mission.

The “New Normal”: A Virtual Insight From Industry Professionals On Pivoting Within The Digital Ecosystem During A Global Pandemic., Delina Corcione

Theses

This project is over industry professionals within a relative field of Digital Content Strategy, and their professional experiences as it relates to the global pandemic that hit the United States in 2020. This virus (COVID-19) has boosted us into a predominantly digital world, with little analysis on how society is to handle or adapt. The final deliverable is short documentary offering insight on industry professionals within the field of study. The “New Normal” takes a unique approach on analyzing the state of the field as it relates to the pandemic, focusing on the personal experiences these industry professionals went through …

Churches Can Increase Membership Among Millennials And Generation Z By Using Social Media, Deja Erin Mcghaw

Theses

This project examines how churches can increase membership among Millennials and Generation Z on social media. The final deliverable is a 45-minute webinar offering tips for churches to create effective and relevant content online. This webinar will be housed on a website created called Social Media for Churches. It features many videos and resources to help churches with social media such as trends, recommendations, practical tips, and free tools for content creation. Doc

Shutdown University: Comparing Video Content Performance Against Non-Video In Digital Crisis Communications At Institutions Of Higher Learning During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Brian Patrick Vorce

Theses

This thesis project examines best practices in crisis communications at institutions of higher learning during the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a large amount of literature stating the importance of video content in the digital realm, video communications were closely examined and compared with non-video communications in terms of efficacy and successful engagement on social media platforms. The final deliverable for the project is a website where communications professionals can access resources, data, and research on these crisis communications, all delivered through accessible blogs and videos.

Cracking The Social Media Code Of Post-Millennials, Bailey Elizabeth Kinney

Theses

This project will investigate the way that generation z/post millennials interact and respond to digital marketing and social media. The final deliverable is a 30-minute webinar offering a wide assessment of this up and coming generation. The video will include a comparison between how advertising is currently conducted for millennials and how it will need to change their successors. The webinar will also include research, examples of successful marketing to this generation, and practical application tips.

The Transition Of The College Quarterback To The Nfl: Why The Hardest Position In Sports Is Getting Easier, Derik Abbott

Theses

The NFL is changing. Score boards are being lit up by young quarterbacks like never seen before. Rookie quarterbacks are playing like 10 year veterans. Offenses are playing at light speed paces. But why? This Thesis paper looks to uncover why college quarterbacks are playing at MVP caliber levels at such a young age. With research in multiple fields such as analytics, neuroscience, youth football developmental leagues and artificial intelligence,, this paper seeks to determine the relationship between what strategies front offices and coaching staffs are using and the high success rate of young quarterbacks in the National Football League. …

A Study To Assess The Efficacy Of Implementing An In-Season Psychological Skills Training Program With Elite Level Cyclists, Christopher L. Curan

Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of developing and implementing an in-season Psychological Skills Training (PST) program to increase performance, mood state, and self-efficacy mental skills for elite cyclists. Additionally, the goal of the study was to develop a success profile for elite cyclists after completing a PST program. A collegiate cycling team formed the treatment group (N=25), who received a 12-week in-season PST program, and a similar demographical control group (N=28) received no mental skills training. Sports psychology instruments using pre- and posttest included the Sports Emotional Reaction Profile (SERP), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ASCI-28). …

Is Catherine Crazy? The Role Of Schizophrenia And The Character Catherine In David Auburn's Play Proof: Exploring The Script From Research To Performance, Karin M. Lorenz

Theses

Unavailable.

Guardianship And Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Adults: A Measure Of Advantages And Disadvantageous In A Pair-Matched Records Review, James H. Hoerchler

Theses

This thesis examined adults with chronic severe mental illness and the use of legal guardianship executed to protect them from harming themselves or others, while attempting to improve their overall quality of life.

The earliest manifestation of mental health law appeared in the Roman Empire. The Romans established the legal use of surrogates to handle the property and commercial affairs of disabled citizens. By the sixteenth century England had developed standards of supervision by which a guardian might supervise a disabled person. The first guardianship recorded in America was decided under English law in 1637 in Jamestown, Virginia (Goldstein, Alan …

Alcoholism And Add: A Comparative Study Of Male Adults With Alcoholism And Attention Deficit Disorder, Brechanna C. Bell

Theses

A comparative study was conducted to conclude the subtype of alcoholism and ADD/Hyperactivity in adult males. Thirty one diagnosed male alcoholics and thirty one non-diagnosed male adult alcoholics were screened for ADD/Hyperactivity. All sixty two subjects were asked to complete a personal data questionnaire and a brief self-administered form using MHS Quik:Score forms, relating to the Conners' Adult ADHD Self-Screening Rating Scale (CAARS-S). The data was statistically analyzed using transformation tables from raw scores to standardized t-scores for equality of means by use of the SPSS Analytical Program.

The Relationship Between Marital Satisfaction And Caregiver Burden In Parents Who Care For Adult Children With Development Disabilities, Jujuane M. Easter

Theses

This study examines the relationship between marital satisfaction and caregiver burden in parents of individuals with mental disabilities. Eighteen couples (18 women and 18 men) completed a demographic questionnaire, the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS), and the Caregiver's Burden Scale (CBS). It was hypothesized that there would be a negative correlation between marital satisfaction and caregiver burden. The correlations between the IMS scale and CBS scale were calculated for men and women separately. Findings indicate that the correlation for the IMS scale with the CBS scale for men was not statistically significant (.246). Also, the correlation for the IMS scale …

Body Image And Quality Of Life: A Comparative Study Between Black And White Females, Chrissy Mitchell

Theses

This research examines the relationship between body image avoidance behaviors and quality of life for black an white females. The subjects in this study included 39 black females and 24 white females in St. Louis County. The ages of participants ranged from 14 to 20 years old. In order to examine the relationship between these two variables the mean, standard deviation, and an independent t-test was performed. There was a strong positive correlation between BIAQ and QOL Importance subscale for Black and White females. A discussion of limitations of this study and implications for future research will be discussed later.

The Influence Of Parenting Styles On Social Phobia In A College Sample, Kimberly Sue Fischer

Theses

Since researchers have only studied social phobia in the last several decades, the need to identify influencing variables is essential. While most researchers concur that familial factors have an impact on social phobia, the influence of family variables remain under investigation. Many studies have examined the impact of parenting characteristics on social phobia involving individuals in a clinical setting. However, few studies have focused on social phobia in a nonclinical setting with adults. This study explores the relationship between parenting styles of overprotection and rejection with social phobia in a college sample of adults. Subjects for this study were 35 …

Career Self-Efficacy In Women, Tammy L. Kirchhoff

Theses

Unavailable.

Relationship Between The Church Involvement And The Self-Esteem In Urban African American Adolescents, Ywinta Jones

Theses

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the level of church involvement and self-esteem in African American adolescents from the area of St. Louis, Missouri. Participants were 58 adolescents who were given two instruments: The Hare Self-esteem Scale and Church Involvement Assessment Scale. The Hare Self-esteem was administered to measure the level of self-esteem. The researcher designed the Church Involvement Assessment Scale to measure the level of involvement in church related activities. The hypothesis was that the adolescents who are more involved in church related activities would tend to have a higher self-esteem than adolescents who are less …

Coping Styles Of African American Women Who Have Or Have Not Experienced Physical Abuse, Pamela L. Huntspon

Theses

The purpose of the study was to explore the coping styles of African American women and determine if different coping styles exist between those women who have experienced abuse versus those who have not. In this study, 60 African American women living in St. Louis, Missouri were obtained using a convenience volunteer sample from several sites which included a unisex hair salon, a center for women experiencing physical and sexual abuse and two community agencies serving the needs of low income families. They were administered the Coping Responses Inventory (Actual Form) and a demographic questionnaire.

Results of independent sample t-test …

The Correlation Between Family Adaptability Scores And Adolescent Incarceration, Katherine P. Richard

Theses

Adolescent crimes continue to climb in number and level of violence despite efforts to curtail them. Little research has been done on the impact of family interaction styles on adolescent crime. This study attempts to confirm or disconfirm the hypothesis that adolescents who are incarcerated are more likely to score their families as having a rigid family interaction style based on the FACES III adaptability scale than adolescents who are not incarcerated. The family adaptability scores of approximately 50 adolescents in a midwestern lock down facility were compared to those of approximately 50 students selected from a midwestern church and …

The Relationship Between Early Adolescent Self-Esteem And Peer Relationship Problems, Nancy L. Woods

Theses

Peer relationships and self-esteem among early adolescents, as well as the relationship between the two, have been studied by various researchers in the past. The purpose of this correlational study was to determine the strength of the relationship between early adolescents' peer relationship problems and self: esteem. Specifically, this research studied early adolescents in grades five through eight in one suburban, White, middle class elementary school and three suburban, White, middle class junior high schools. Students completed the Self-Esteem Index and the Index of Peer Relations. Pearson correlations that were performed to analyze the data suggested a negatively-associated, linear, and …

The Differences In Family And Non-Family Perceived Social Support Among White, African-American, Hispanic, And Asian Subjects, Elizabeth A. Houston

Theses

Perceived social support can be defined as the perception of an individ1tal to feel emotional support and involvement from other people. Research indicates that social support is an important factor in physical as well as mental health. Because of today's pluralistic society, it is necessary for counselors to have an understanding of the differences between cultures, or races. There are many differences in the values of individuals from varying cultures. This study focuses on determining the differences in familial and non-familial perceived social support between subjects who are White, African-American, Asian, and Hispanic. Volunteers from St. Louis Community College and …

A Comparison Of Pregnant/Parenting And Non-Pregnant/Non-Parenting Female Adolescents On Locus Of Control And Perceived Parental Attachment, M. Leigh Blount

Theses

This study compared pregnant/parenting adolescent females and their childless counterparts on the variables of locus of control and perceived parental attachment. The sample was drawn from two high schools in the suburban St.. Louis area. Subjects completed the Levenson's Multidimensional Locus of Control Subscales and the Parental Attachment Questionnaire. It was hypothesized that the pregnant/parenting group would score higher on the Powerful Others subscale of the Multidimensional Locus of Control instrument. Also, it was hypothesized that the pregnant/parenting group would score lower than the non-pregnant/non-parenting group on all of the subscales on the Parental Attachment Questionnaire for both mother and …

Money As An At-Risk Factor For Student Loneliness, Chad T. Towers

Theses

Student alienation is a complex and difficult experience for adolescents. One factor that counteracts alienation is peer acceptance. Often the changing of schools makes it difficult for adolescents to be accepted by their peers. This lack of peer acceptance often brings on feelings of loneliness. This study sought to determine if changing schools had a significant effect on student loneliness. Twenty mobile, or new, middle school students were compared with 26 stable students, who had been at the middle school since the beginning of their sixth grade year, to see if changing schools had a significant effect on student loneliness. …