Digital Commons Network^™

Should Regulators Be Appointed? Evidence From A Study Of Regulated Electric Utilites, Terry L. Hagen

Theses and Dissertations

Capture and Hostility hypotheses are tested in this thesis. The Capture Theory states that state regulatory commissions are "captured" by the firms they are regulating. The Hostility theory states that elected commissions are "hostile" to the regulated firms in the eyes of the financial community, leading to higher prices and restrictions in access to capital. The capture theory predicts higher prices to consumers under the regulatory authority of appointed commissions. The hostility theory predicts lower prices to consumers under appointed comissions.

Inflation that was prevalent in the economy twenty years ago may have caused problems for empirical analysis. This paper …

Deinstitutionalization Effects On Medication Use For People With Mental Retardation, Paul D. Kolstoe

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, patterns of psychoactive medication use in institutional settings for people with mental retardation were considered excessive. Service standards substantially reduced levels of such medication use. Similar research in community settings has been limited, but comparisons between the two settings are fraught with complicating variables. Rapid deinstitutionalization in North Dakota provided a unique opportunity to follow the medication use patterns of people who stayed and those who left the institution. Follow up time periods were selected for statewide accreditation (1989) and several years later through which those standards have been consistently met (1995). Psychoactive medication use decreased with the onset …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Polycyclic Bis(Tert-Butylamido)Cyclodiphosph(Iii)Azane Complexes Of Lithium, Magnesium, And Tin, Ingo Schranz

Theses and Dissertations

Synthesis and single-crystal X-ray studies of the bis(fert-butylamido) cyclodiphosphazane cis-[(tBuNP)2(tBuNH)2], 1, and its lithium, magnesium, and tin(IV) salts are described. The pristine molecule has crystallographic C2 symmetry, both N-H groups being disposed in an endo fashion, and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c with unit cell dimensions (193 K) a = 9.600(4) A, b = 5.904(4) A, c = 18.97(1) A, /? = 101.09(3)°, and Z = 2. Treatment of 1 with "BuLi or (nBu)2Mg in refluxing THF yielded the heterocubic cA-[(tBuNP)2(*BuNLi • THF)2], 2, and the seco-heterocubic [(tBuNP)2(‘BuN)2]Mg»(THF)2, 3, respectively. The crystal data (233 K) for the dilithio …

Reasons, Goals, And Incentives For Corporate Philanthropy To Arts Organizations, Marsonda Mcnutt Schroeder

Theses and Dissertations

One of the methods employed by corporations to create a favorable relationship with its publics is to use philanthropy to not- for-profit organizations such as the arts. From a communication point of view, this action may be looked upon as a gesture between the corporation, the recipient, and the publics which involves messages both sent and received. Research on this communication gesture is important because arts organizations need to know how the process works in order to help secure philanthropic dollars. Corporations need to understand the results of the process so that they can more effectively achieve the goals for …

Decolonizing The Mind With Ngugi Wa Thiong'o And Chinua Achebe: Searching For A Voice In Postcolonial African Literature, Steven M. Almquist

Theses and Dissertations

Any discussion of postcolonial African literature requires consideration of both the inherent diversity of “African” and the complex history of colonialism throughout Africa. Ngugi wa Thiong’o claims there are “broad affinities” among the diverse peoples of sub-Saharan Africa which allow for a broad discussion of the common experiences of colonialism, but it is necessary to complement these broad affinities with specific cultural references and historic contexts. This paper attempts to delineate some of the common struggles facing postcolonial African peoples by focusing on the specific writings of Kenya’s Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Nigeria’s Chinua Achebe. Though they are from disparate …

Immediate Feedback Using The "Bug-In-The-Ear" In Counselor Training: Implications For Counseling Self-Efficacy, Trainee Anxiety And Skill Development, Shan A. Jumper

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation examines the delivery of immediate, in-session feedback using the “bug-in-the-ear” (BITE) as an instructional technique in conjunction with live supervision during the counseling practicum. The study was conducted to explore an effective means of supervisor intervention which did not disrupt the counseling session. Few empirical investigations have been conducted in this area, and previous studies on this instructional aid used in models of live supervision were largely narrative in design.

Counseling self-efficacy, trainee anxiety, and counseling performance were examined for twenty graduate student counselor trainees enrolled in the department of counseling at a northern plains university. Ten participants …

"Pure Otherness": Directing Sexual Identity In Mac Wellman's Dracula, Darin D. Kerr

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Biculturalism On Self-Esteem In Northern Plains Native American College Students, Mary J. Wilkie

Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of biculturalism on self esteem in a sample of 51 Northern Plains Native American college students (29 females, 22 males). Subjects completed the Northern Plains Biculturalism Inventory (NPB1; Allen & French, 1994) and the Index of Self-Esteem (ISE; Hudson, 1982). Pearson Product- Moment correlations, independent t-tests, a multiple regression analysis, and an one-way analysis-of-variance was performed using the SPSS statistical package to examine, if any, the relationships between the NPBI subscales and the ISE total scores. This design tested the applicability of the Orthogonal Theory of Biculturalism (Oetting & …

Science Experiences Of Six Elementary Student Teachers: A Case Study, Jacqueline K. Wilcox

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study focused on the science experiences of six elementary student teachers. The purpose of the study was to learn how preservice teachers make meaning of science teaching during their student teaching experience. The sources of data were interviews with participants, descriptive field notes from observations of their science teaching, and artifacts collected from the site. The themes that emerged from data analysis were personal and professional career influences and constant adjustments of teaching strategies. The participants experienced these themes in varying intensities.

Learning to teach science to elementary children for the first time is complicated by the context …

Academic Achievement Of Intercollegiate Student-Athletes Compared To Nonathletes, James Reid Beal

Theses and Dissertations

Intercollegiate athletics have been placed under intense scrutiny over the past decade. Concern has been expressed about the role and value intercollegiate athletics has in higher education. Recent scandals of intercollegiate programs and student-athletes involved in illicit or criminal activity, recruiting violations, and academic fraud or failures have increased the anxiety and skepticism. However, is the skepticism surrounding the academic integrity of intercollegiate athletics and academic achievement of student-athletes warranted? Are academics being compromised for the sake of athletics? Is the stereotypical “dumb jock” a myth or reality? Do athletes perform as well academically as nonathletes?

The purpose of this …

Test Of Variables Of Attention (Tova) Utility In Differentiating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes, Steven Andrew Westby

Theses and Dissertations

Research has indicated that Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) can differentiate Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) subjects from controls without any psychiatric illness. However, CPTs have neither accurately differentiated ADHD children from those with other psychiatric disorders—nor differentiated subtypes of ADHD from each other. The Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), a new CPT, has several advantages over its predecessors which may allow the TOVA to be more effective in this differentiation process.

Data from ADHD subjects was selected from children who were administered the TOVA as part of their evaluation for ADHD at Lakeland Mental Health Center in Moorhead, MN, the Child Evaluation …

The Relationship Of Perceived Social Support, Health Status, And Quality Of Life In Female Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients, Seanne S. Tyson

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to explore the relationship among perceived social support, health status, and quality of life in a sample of female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. A strong positive correlation was found between perceived social support and quality of life. Negative correlations were found between perceived health status and perceived social support, and perceived health status and quality of life. Last, a negative correlation was found between objective health status and quality of life. In multiple regression analyses, perceived social support explained a significant amount of variance in the quality of life variable in conjunction with both observed …

An Exploration Of The Roles, Responsibilities, And Challenges Of Six Graduate Teaching Assistants In The Visual Arts, Karen Drummond Devers

Theses and Dissertations

In this qualitative study, six participants shared their experiences as graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in the Visual Arts department of an upper- midwest university. Interviews, observations, and field notes during one semester, provided insights into how the participants described and understood their roles and < )sponsibilities as teachers. The university in this study offered no formal training and limited support to the graduate teaching assistants. As a result, participants had to depend on their own ingenuity and judgement to determine what and how to teach. The GTAs had full responsibility for crafting their course syllabi, creating and grading assignments, and resolving difficulties which arose in their classrooms. If they wanted feedback or suggestions, it was up to them to seek out responsive faculty members as mentors. The issues of student absenteeism and non-compliant behaviors were particularly difficult for the participants to resolve. The lack of preparation and support which was offered the GTAs contributed to their sense of isolation and precluded the formation of a teaching and learning community within the department.

A Comparison Of Ratings On The Asha Functional Assessment Of Communication Skills For Adults And Scores On The Western Aphasia Battery For Individuals With Aphasia, Racheal S. Humphrey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between scores on the WAB and ratings on the ASHA Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS1 for adults with aphasia. Twenty subjects with aphasia participated in this study with a mean age of 66 years. The ASHA FACS was completed through an interview format with the speech-language pathologist who was familiar- with the subject. On a different occasion, the WAB was administered to each subject.

A simple Analysis of Variance showed significant differences between the fluent and nonfluent subjects on all subtests of the WAB and ASHA …

The Effects Of Alcohol And Anxiety: Senesitivity On Social Stress In Women, Beth A. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

The tension reduction hypothesis postulates that consuming alcohol leads to a stress dampening effect. This stress reduction is negatively reinforcing, therefore, individuals learn that consuming alcohol will reduce unpleasant, tension type sensations and cognitions. Several studies have examined the validity of the tension reduction hypothesis as an explanatory model for the development o f alcohol problems, but no clear consensus has been found. As a result, researchers have begun to examine individual difference variables that may interact with the effects of alcohol on anxiety. The present study examined potential individual difference factors (social anxiety and anxiety sensitivity) by randomly assigning …

The Effects Of A Districtwide Criterion-Referenced Testing Program On Students' Academic Achievement And Teachers' Attitudes And Instructional Behavior, John Kenneth Horton

Theses and Dissertations

There is a growing perception that more accountability, in the form of systemwide testing, will somehow lead to improvements in the quality of public education. The formulation of regional and national standards and benchmarks has also led to the increased use of curriculum based testing programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a districtwide criterion-referenced testing program that has been administered annually since 1989 in a school district in Manitoba. The study specifically addressed whether the testing program had impacted on students’ academic achievement and on the attitudes and instructional behaviors of the educators involved …

Understanding Choice As A Dimension Of Literature Based Reading Instruction, Barbara Wonder Olson

Theses and Dissertations

Literacy instruction is supported by educational theories of teaching and learning that put students at the center of the curriculum. In learner-centered classrooms students are actively involved in authentic reading and writing that allows them the autonomy to read and write for their own purposes. In these settings teachers share the responsibility for learning with students and create learning environments that support student ownership.

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate what happened in an elementary classroom when students were given literacy choices. This qualitative study provided an in-depth picture of literacy in a fourth grade classroom. It …

Buber's I-Thou/I-It Construct And Gilligan's Connected/Separate Self Construct: A Theoretical Creative Inquiry, Nancie R. Ziemke

Theses and Dissertations

William Heard's application of Martin Buber's dialogical theory to the practice and theory of therapy bears a striking similarity to the relational theories developed by Carol Gilligan and the writers associated with the Stone Center. Yet these two theoretical constructs have never been critically and formally compared. This study proposes to help fill that gap by critically comparing and contrasting the dialogical and relational constructs.

Seven questions will be addressed. (a) What is Buber's I-Thou/I-It construct?; (b) What is Gilligan's Connected Self construct and the Stone Center's relational construct?; (c) How do Buber and Gilligan/Stone Center's relational constructs compare?; (d) …

Temporal Lobe Transients And Prayer, Donald E. Newberry

Theses and Dissertations

Persinger (1983) theorized that religious experiences involve the production of brief, micro-seizures that originate in the limbic system and affect the temporal lobes of the brain. According to this theory, ritual behavior could be used by individuals to induce micro-seizure activity. The theory predicted that an increase in alpha and theta activity in the temporal lobes of the brain would occur when subjects had a religious experience.

To test this, male and female Christian college students completed a Prayer Experiences Questionnaire inquiring about their religious experiences during prayer. Individuals scoring in the upper and lower 30 percent of the possible …

The Relationship Between A Dimensional Ratings Of Perceived Exertion Scale And Heart Rate In Young Children, Anita Marie Tougas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of a dimensional rating of perceived exertion scale (D-RPE) for young children while exercising. Sixteen boys and girls (ages 6-8 years) peiformed two incremental walking tests on a motorized treadmill. Each subject walked at 3.2 miles per hour until the subject was fatigued or voluntarily stopped the test. The intensity was increased by increasing the treadmill incline 2.5% every two minutes. Heart rate (HR) was monitored at each two minute interval by a heart rate monitor worn across the chest. Either a mouthpiece or oxygen face mask was used to …

Country Government 2000, Kevin J. Glatt

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Keep The Flyin' Eight Balls Rollin': Military Leadership In The 3360th Quartermaster Truck Company, Grant T. Weller

Theses and Dissertations

The 3360th Quartermaster Truck Company, originally Company D of the 2639th Quartermaster Truck Battalion, was created in 1942 by drawing troops and officers from anti-aircraft units stationed in North Africa, to meet an emergency need for highway transportation to support the Allied advance East across North Africa. The reassigned troops and officers received no training in their new duties, but were instead immediately dispatched to the front with vital supplies. The company continued operations through North Africa, and on into Sicily and Italy. While in Italy, Elmer H. Puchta, previously assigned to the company as a platoon commander, took command. …

Exploring Teacher Thinking About Practices In Inclusive Early Childhood Settings Though Case Study Method: Early Childhood And Early Childhood Special Educators' Perspectives, Karen Renee Danbom

Theses and Dissertations

This is a study of the thinking and reasoning underlying the teaching practices of early childhood and early childhood special educators. It provides an opportunity to better understand the nature of teaching in integrated classrooms by understanding the knowledge, beliefs, and thoughts that inform practices of individual teachers. The thinking of teachers was studied as they were interviewed about situations in integrated classrooms and as they reflected on their own teaching of children with and without disabilities. The questions guiding this study were (a) How do early childhood educators and early childhood special educators reason and think through issues of …

Women, Sex And Dating: A Qualitative Study Of College Men's Perceptions, Rosemary E. Barke

Theses and Dissertations

A two-hour focus group of ten, 19, 20, and 21-year-old male college studnets who expressed an interest in dataing women was undertaken to gain a deeper understanding of men's perceptions of women, sex, and dating. Data analysis of verbatim transripts was conducted by three female qualitative researchers. Findings suggest that young men experience confusion, frustration, and lack of trust of young women, at the same time that they experience pressure to be sexually active, perceive women as potential status enhancers and objects, and fear contracting sexually transmitted diseases and impregnating young women. Reported readiness for intimate relationships varied within the …

Heatlh Education In The Postpartum Population Of The Native Americans On The Ft. Peck Reservation Following Early Postpartum Discharge, Debra Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Early postpartum discharge 24-48 hours after delivery has become a current trend in the United States. There are numerous and substantive issues relating to this concept which affect not only hospital personnel, but more specifically new mothers and babies.

On the Ft. Peck Reservation in northeast Montana the standard of early discharge postpartum has been initiated. The purpose of this study was to identify postpartum/newbom education deficits among the population of postpartum women on the Ft. Peck Reservation and to compare and contrast these results between the Poplar and Wolf Point. MT. communities. Additionally, the identification of the resources used …

Paraprofessionals In Inclusive Classrooms: Working Without A Net, Carole Anne Milner

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study was designed to answer the question: "What happens when a paraprofessional is assigned to provide individual, direct service to a student with disabilities in an inclusive classroom?" Selection of the primary participants, paraprofessionals, was completed by securing the cooperation of three paraprofessionals identified as successful by the school principals and the special education teachers supervising the paraprofessionals. Three paraprofessionals were observed in inclusive classrooms one morning and one afternoon per week throughout the fall semester of 1997. Interviews were conducted with the 3 paraprofessionals, 3 special education teachers, 11 general education teachers of inclusive classes, 3 middle …

Elazar's Political Culture: Is It Applicable Today?, Mark M. Springer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the utility of Daniel J. Elazar’s political culture, developed in 1%6. Dr. Ira Sharkansky conceptualized Elazar’s political culture in 1969 by applying measures pertaining to participation; size and perquisites of bureaucracy; and scope, magnitude, costs, and innovative character of government programs. He used simple correlation, Pearson’s r, to determine whether political culture had any influence on the 23 dependent variables that he arranged under the three different measures. Then, he tested for partial correlation, using per capita personal income and the percentage of the population living in areas considered “urban” as controlling variables. Finally, he tested the …

The Effect Of Higher Education On Attitudes And Values: Gender And The Academic Environment, Gayle Robbins

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of exposure to a post-secondary educational environment on attitudes and values was assessed utilizing a cross-sectional research design. Four hundred sixty-two participants completed the Schwartz Value Survey and a social distance scale. Of these, 56 were first and second year undergraduates, 57 were third and fourth year undergraduates, 85 were masters level graduate students, 77 were doctoral level graduate students, 96 were non-tenured faculty and 91 were tenured faculty. It was hypothesized that students and entry level faculty would undergo a socialization processes which would include changes in attitudes and values consistent with established tenured faculty. Oneway ANOVAs …

Political Priming: A Study Of The North Dakota Nonpartisan League, William Langer, And Newspapers Effect On The Vote Return, Sarah Ann Link

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Aspects Of American Bittern Ecology In Northwest Minnesota, David Anthony Azure

Theses and Dissertations

American bittern breeding populations have been declining for at least 3 decades. Lack of information on life history traits precludes the conclusive determination of causal factors. The objectives of this study, conducted in northwest Minnesota, were to 1) estimate summer home-range size of American bitterns, 2) document local movements and habitat use by American bitterns, and 3) refine capture and marking techniques. Results of this study should facilitate further research and may be useful to wildlife managers for implementing management practices to benefit bitterns.

Radio-marked American bitterns were systematically relocated from May through August, 1996-97. Seasonal core-areas and low-use areas …