Digital Commons Network^™

Teacher Education Admission Requirements And Student Teacher Evaluations: Relationships Among Grade Point Average, Praxis I Scores, And Student Teacher Final Evaluations, Alan C. Olson

Theses and Dissertations

Institutions of higher education attempt to select and prepare the finest K-12 teachers possible. National, state, and local influences also search for the best and brightest teacher candidates to become K-12 teachers. The result has been increased accountability measures to ensure quality. The selection process for admission to teacher education programs frequently involves quantitative measures such as cumulative grade point average (GPA) and Praxis I test qualifying scores for candidates to gain program admission, student teach, and ultimately become licensed educators.

The purpose of this study was to investigate if significant relationships existed among quantitative measures such as cumulative GPA, …

School Emergency Preparedness In North Dakota Public School Districts, Steven Wayne Swiontek

Theses and Dissertations

The basis for this study was to determine: (1) If school districts in North Dakota have an emergency response plan; (2) How comprehensive their emergency response plan is; (3) How well prepared school districts in North Dakota are for any type of disaster; and (4) The extent to which North Dakota LEAD Center school emergency response training and resources have impacted school emergency preparedness in North Dakota.

There were 120 school districts and their superintendents that participated in the Emergency Preparedness in North Dakota Public School District's survey. School administrators who completed the Emergency Preparedness Survey were asked to indicate …

Perspectives Of Parents Who Have A Child Diagnosed With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lori Ann Kalash

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences and perceptions parents of a child with an autism spectrum disorder have had. The study addressed the following research question: What were the parents' experiences and perspectives with regard to their child's diagnosis and treatment options?

For this interview study, 12 parents of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder were ultimately selected and interviewed. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and then examined for "significant statement" sentences. Next, clusters of meaning were developed into themes. These "significant statements" and themes were then used to create the formulated meanings …

Views Of Student Nurses On Caring And Technology In Nursing, Elizabeth Gail Brodell

Theses and Dissertations

Nurses entering the workforce are faced with many challenges, but today the multiple demands of patient care are complicated by a nurse's need to keep abreast of fast-changing technology. This research is universally relevant to nursing practice in educational settings and practice areas because nursing education needs to develop strategies to teach students the skills to manage technology, while keeping the elements of caring in learning and clinical practices.

This quantitative study examined the perceptions of nursing students on caring, technology as caring, the technological influences on caring practice, and their confidence level of PDA use. Participants were students accepted …

The Influence Of Spirituality Within Older Adults During Relocation In Long Term Care, Cheryl M. Lantz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to develop a model focused on spiritual influences within older adults undergoing relocation to long term care (LTC) facilities. Today, there are 1.5 million Americans aged 65 or older who experienced relocation and reside in LTC facilities. Nothing has been done to qualitatively study the spiritual aspects of this experience. While the profession of nursing has a diagnosis for Relocation Stress Syndrome, as found in the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) reference, it does not incorporate the specific spiritual stressors older adults undergo during relocation; rather addressing only physiological and psychosocial …

Major Airline Pilot Hiring, Low Cost Versus Legacy, Daniel Lang

Theses and Dissertations

There are 15 major airlines and 15 different types of initial pilot selection processes. Airlines generally publish low minimum application requirements in order to comply with non discrimination laws in the United States. However, most applicants will have far exceeded these minimums in order to be competitive. As airlines become more selective, their applicant pool becomes smaller resulting in a more homogenous group. Since all major airlines draw from this relatively small homogenous group, why does every airline have a different selection process? Most major airlines administer written and or computer tests, simulator evaluations, psychological tests, and aeronautical knowledge tests. …

A Case Study: Third Party Performance-Based Navigation Instrument Flight Procedure Design Regulations At The Federal Aviation Administration, The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Of Australia, And The Civil Aviation Authority Of New Zealand, Matthew Vacanti

Theses and Dissertations

The Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) [A listing of all acronyms and definitions is provided in Appendix A] is an essential component to the aviation system. Every day and during every flight, thousands of aircraft around the world are flying instrument departure, arrival, or approach procedures (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2008). Historically, Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) have relied on internal resources to produce and implement (develop, publish, flight inspect, perform quality assurance functions, and maintain) IFPs (Federal Aviation Administration, 2009). Today safety, access, environmental and capacity concerns have, in some cases, driven the demand for Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) IFPs beyond the …

The Differences In Levels Of Job Satisfaction Burnout And Self-Efficacy Between Correctional And Community Psychologists: The Effect Of Personality And Work Environment, Allison M. Herlickson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to expand on research regarding levels of job satisfaction, burnout, and counselor self-efficacy within the field of psychology and particularly among correctional and community psychologists; explore the differences between correctional and community psychologists specifically in relation to levels job satisfaction, burnout, and self-efficacy; and examine difference and/or similarities in work environments and personality traits of correctional psychologists and community psychologists. The instruments used to measure job satisfaction, burnout, counselor self-efficacy, work environment, and personality were the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Counselor Self-Estimate Inventory, Work Environment Scale-10, and the International Personality Item …

Deception Analysis In Interpersonal Communication, Loren E. Schwarzwalter

Theses and Dissertations

The art of magic reigns as the premiere form of entertainment made possible through the strategic means of deception. An untrained individual (civilian) who desires personal gain at the expense of others, however, may use the same strategic gimmicks and manipulations that magicians employ. This study considered the theatrical elements used by magicians during the performance of magic but in an interpersonal civilian context. In order to examine civilian use of the premeditated theatrical elements, and to determine their presence in deceptive interpersonal communication, this study examined low versus high self-monitors and male versus female genders.

An experiment was conducted …

Weight Loss Surgery Decision Process: A Grounded Theory Study, Martha Lystad

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the decision making process of morbidly or severely obese individuals who engage in weight loss surgery and the role of nurses in this process using a grounded theory research design. Morbid or severe obesity is a chronic illness that is increasing in prevalence throughout the United States. The Center for Disease Control (2007) reported the obesity population of adults doubled from 15.1% in 1976-80 to 30.9% in 1999-2000. The current most effective long-term treatment for morbid or severe obesity is weight loss surgery, most commonly gastric bypass or gastric banding. Furthermore, …

The Relationship Between Procrastination And Intrapersonal Intelligence In College Students, Christa Grant

Theses and Dissertations

Procrastination is ubiquitous, encompasses many domains of life, i.e., school, work, and home, and for many people has negative results. Therefore, researchers, educators, psychologists, and counselors need to discover ways to alleviate the problem. When Gardner's multiple intelligences are used in pedagogical implementation in elementary and high schools, researchers have found positive results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between procrastination and intrapersonal intelligence as well as the other dimensions of multiple intelligence among students in higher education in order to illuminate possible solutions to the problem of procrastination. Because intrapersonal intelligence is associated with the …

Achievement Despite Adversity: Measuring Reilience In Northern Plains Native American College Students, Kyle X. Hill

Theses and Dissertations

The present study aims to examine resilience in Northern Plains Native American and Caucasian coliege students. Native Americans have been subjected to a traumatic existence, both, historically and presently through acts related to colonization. Thus, an examination of how and wny some individuals can thrive in the presence of great adversity, both past and present, will extend a great degree of understanding on the process of resilience.

Further, the investigation involved the use of a number of assessments to evaluate Native American and Caucasian college students on general characteristics of school achievement, past risk or trauma experience, a measure of …

Adult Health Maintenance And Promotion Clinic: Application Of The Wheel Of Interventions, Nicole R. Medalen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Domestic Violence Survivors Eperience Of Psycho-Educational Career Group: A Qualitative Study, Desiree A. Jagow-France

Theses and Dissertations

Domestic violence is a prevalent occurring phenomenon not only within the United States but in other countries as well. Research has just begun to explore the impact domestic violence has on the career paths of survivors and has made limited exploration of the impact domestic violence, in general, has on ethnic minorities. The purpose of this study was to explore and grow our understanding of the impact of a career counseling group on the vocational goals and opportunities of survivors of domestic violence through qualitative analysis. Ground Theory was chosen for the qualitative analysis specific because it provides for the …

Lived Experiences Of Men In Nursing: Chickadees, Stepping Stones, And Muddling Through Maternity, Julie E. Klein

Theses and Dissertations

The profession of nursing is facing an imminent shortage of health care providers within its discipline. Registered Nurses comprise the largest group of health care professionals in the United States. The profession of nursing has experienced cycles of worker shortages in the past but this current situation is predicted to be unlike previous shortages. Efforts to alleviate previous nurse shortages focused primarily on efforts to glorify the feminine image of nursing to increase the recruitment of young women into the profession but the profession can no longer rely on an unlimited supply of women to become nurses because of an …

The Psychological Effects Of Elective Abortion On Women: Implications For Nurses, Karry Pepper

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the links between abortion and subsequent mental health disorders, emotional health disorders, substance abuse disorders, and relational health problems, to create a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the research findings, and to present the information to nursing students so as to prepare them for post-abortion patients they may encounter in the practice setting

Methods: The long-term effects of elective abortion on women were investigated tlu·ough a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. A presentation for nursing students was prepared based on the information gathered

Conclusion: There is some evidence suggesting that there is …

Effectiveness Of The Sbar Format For Teaching Communication Skills To Nursing Students Undergoing A Simulation Experience, Anna Sackette-Umess

Theses and Dissertations

The development of communication skills is considered a cornerstone of nursing education. It is vital that student nurses learn to effectively and compassionately communicate with patients and family members. It is also of utmost importance that student nurses learn to accurately communicate with other healthcare professionals, ensuring patient care and safety standards are met. The ability to develop new strategies for teaching the fundamental skills of communication, while meeting national mandates on patient safety has been challenging for nursing programs. lnc011Jorating simulation technology into curriculum has been one way in which nursing programs across the counhy are making necessary updates. …

Laryngeal Mask Airway As An Adjunct To A Definitive Airway, Karen J. Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

Establishing and maintaining an airway is the first and most important step in the care of the critical patient. Although the endotracheal tube is the gold standard for establishing an airway, in many cases it is difficult to properly intubate the critical patient. There needs to be tool available to safely establish an airway that can be easily taught to non-anesthesia members of the healthcare team; that tool is the Laryngoscope Mask Airway (LMA).

By performing a literature review, the evidence shows that the LMA should be available on hospital crash carts for personnel to use in the event of …

Treatment Of Post Dural Puncture Headaches In The Obstetric Population, Tinya Holzer

Theses and Dissertations

Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a headache associated with orthostatic symptoms in which the headache increases with standing and is relieved with supine position. This type of headache arises as a result of a dural puncture either intentionally such as occurs with a subarachnoid block, or inadvertently during placement of an epidural. These symptoms can be of varying severity and usually appears within 1-3 days post dural puncture. In many cases patients are incapacitated and unable to carry out activities of daily living until treatment is received. If left untreated, 85% of PDPH resolve within six weeks, however, most …

Treatment Effectiveness For Resolving Post Dural Puncture Headache, Tim Overend

Theses and Dissertations

Postdural puncture headaches are a complication associated with neuraxial anesthesia. The risk of developing a postdural puncture headache varies among the patient population in which neuraxial anesthesia is utilized, as weII as the experience of the anesthesia provider inserting the neuraxial block. Several options exist regarding treatment for PD PH' s, and the knowledge, as well as the skiII level of the provider, plays an important role in the best utilization of the treatment options. The purpose of this independent project was to explore the treatment options that are available for both the provider and the patient, incorporating available technology …

Student Perceptions Of Teacher Comments: Relationships Between Specific Aspects Of Teacher Comments And Writing Apprehension, Kathleen J. Hanna

Theses and Dissertations

Writing apprehension continues to be a barrier to effective student writing, and has been found to have an impact on choices of course, major, and even career. Yet the causes of writing apprehension have not been fully investigated. This study examined the relationship of comment placement, appearance, tone, and completeness to student writing apprehension levels, and to student perceptions of comment tones, which could also affect writing apprehension.

An original survey instrument was designed and tested for use in this study. It was administered to freshmen enrolled in first-semester English composition classes, as well as to seniors preparing to graduate …

Injuries In Competitive Swimming: Incidence And Risk Factors, Kristin I. Chase

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To study the nature and incidence rate of injuries that affect collegiate competitive swimmers and to examine the relationship between these injuries and specific risk factors. Background: Minimal research has been conducted on swimming-related injuries, with most studies being retrospective in nature. Only one study reported a calculated injury rate for athletic exposures. Past research reports that the shoulder is the most commonly injured location and that overuse injuries (e.g. tendonitis) is the most common injury type. Methods: IRB approval obtained through the University of North Dakota. Swimmers from UND swim team were asked to participate. Once consent was …

Investigation Of The Chemical And Physical Properties Of Asian Dust And Asian Pollution Transpacific Transport During The Intex-B Field Campaign, Timothy S. Logan

Theses and Dissertations

Asian dust events during INTEX-B were analyzed by using chemical and physical in situ measurements taken by instruments on board a NASA DC-8 aircraft during the INTEX-B (2006) field campaign. From this analysis, the three following scientific questions about the nature of the Asian dust events were answered: (1) How can we identify which mode dominates in the observed dust plumes, (2) How do the pollutants and Asian dust interact with eac': other to form secondary pollutants, and (3) Has the pollution measured over the remote Pacific increased over the time interval of two previous field experiments (PEM-B 1994 and …

Pain Management: Knowledge And Attitudes Of Senior Nursing Students And Practicing Registered Nurses, Sherry Messmer

Theses and Dissertations

Despite scientific advances in pain management, inadequate pain relief in hospitalized patients continues to be an on-going phenomenon. Although nurses do not prescribe medication for pain, the decision to administer pharmacological or other interventions for pain relief is part of nursing practice. Nurses play a critical role in the relief of patients' pain.

Some authors have argued that nurses are not well prepared in pain management because of deficiencies in nursing curricula. Over the past ten years, however a significant amount of information about pain management including assessment and intervention for relief has been incorporated into basic programs of study …

Measuring Supervisor Self-Efficacy: Development And Validation Of The Psychotherapy Supervisor Self-Efficacy Scale, Robert A. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Psychotherapy supervision is an important aspect of clinical training and professional development. Researchers have developed models of psychotherapy supervisor development, and measures for evaluating supervisor competence have also been proposed. Instruments for measuring psychotherapy supervisor self-efficacy, however, have not been developed. This study examined the literature concerning psychotherapy supervision and self-efficacy. Currently, self-efficacy has only been researched regarding counselors and counselors-in-training. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to develop a scale that measures psychotherapy supervisor self-efficacy—the Psychotherapy Supervisor Self-Efficacy Scale (PSS-ES).

Specifically, this study addressed eight research hypotheses. Factor structure and internal consistency of the PSS-ES were evaluated. Group …

Postoperative Vision Loss Following Spine Surgery And The Implications For Anesthesia Providers, Amy Holman

Theses and Dissertations

While postoperative vision loss following spine surgery is a rare complication; it has proven to be a devastating problem when it occurs. The American Society of Anesthesiologists compiled a closed-claims study in which only 3o/o of claims were from eye injuries, however, the patients with these injuries received significantly higher monetary settlements in comparison to patients with other injuries. This statistic alone warrants attention to this surgical complication

The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature regarding postoperative vision loss, specifically following spine surgery, and the anesthesia implications. A poster presentation will be developed …

A Brief Sketch Of Urama Grammar With Special Consideration Of Particles Marking Agency, Aspect, And Modality, Janessa L. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Urama is a Kiwai language spoken by the Urama people of Papua New Guinea. Very little has been published in the Kiwai language family and although Urama has been mentioned in a few papers nothing focusing on the Urama language has been published.

This thesis presents a brief grammar sketch outlining key grammar features. It describes 1) basic word order, 2) nouns, 3) verbs, 4) postpositions, 5) clausal relations and 6) some problematic particles. The particles addressed mark agency, aspect and modality.

The first particle is ro, an agent marker occurring mainly on the subjects of transitive verbs Its …

A Study In The Design And Impact Of An Oral/Aural Bridge Component In Second Language Literacy, Holly A. Leslie

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the factors impacting how child speakers of two minority languages spoken in India, Bondo and Desiya, acquire phonological awareness of sounds in Oriya, the language of instruction in many schools in the state of Orissa. Previous research has shown that learners benefit from instruction that teaches how to analyze and synthesize sounds in their first and second language rather than repeat and memorize them. Learners also have shown better recognition of sounds when they are presented in minimal contrasts than when they are not. Previous research also recommends that learners benefit from learning only oral and aural …

Solar Variability And Climate Processes: The Influence Of Fluctuating Solar Spectral Irradiance On Differential Surface Heating As A Function Of Soil Geochemistry And Radiation Absorption Characteristics, Susan Wahl

Theses and Dissertations

The influence of solar variability on climate has received increasing attention. Much of the research has dealt with fluctuating ultraviolet radiation and its effects in the stratosphere; decadal signatures in cloud cover and their relationship to cosmic rays; and correlations of surface air temperature with various proxies (e.g., sunspot numbers; 10Be from ice cores and marine sediments). Much of the research has focused on changing solar radiation within the upper atmosphere and the propagating effects into the troposphere. However, there is a missing component involving differential surface heating as a function of soil composition and corresponding spectral radiation absorption properties …

North Dakota's Monuments: What They Reveal Of The State's People And Their Character, Jennifer D. Heth

Theses and Dissertations

Monuments and memorials are found in every society and civilization throughout history. These structures serve as commemorations of people, events, wars, victories, and disasters. The building of monuments allows the people of a society to express for posterity their jubilation, reverence, and grief. In turn, monuments and memorials reflect the values and beliefs of the society. As a result, historians study monuments and memorials to gain a better understanding of the people, culture, and values of a society or civilization. The study of monuments and memorials, as well as commemoration in general, is a growing field in both American and …