Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Liberty University

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Series

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 1 - 30 of 5561

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Church Attraction Through Uncertainty Reduction: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of Local Church Content Communication On Facebook And Instagram, Kailey Spilger Jun 2024

Church Attraction Through Uncertainty Reduction: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of Local Church Content Communication On Facebook And Instagram, Kailey Spilger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For the first time since the founding of America, less than 50% of U.S. adults claim to attend church (Jones, 2021). With the transition from traditional marketing methods to digital marketing methods post-COVID-19, church leaders admit that using social media would help them reach new people, but less than 40% have a strategy (Hodøl, 2021). The purpose of this study is to understand current content themes of local churches on social media in order to inform future social media strategies. Guided by the uncertainty reduction theory, this study considers how social media content can reduce uncertainty and promote attraction and …


Parenting Practices To Have Assisted In Academic Success Of Undergraduate Students, Dorothy Michelle Fyfe Jun 2024

Parenting Practices To Have Assisted In Academic Success Of Undergraduate Students, Dorothy Michelle Fyfe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior research reflects that parental involvement has a positive effect on students’ academic performance. Limitations in the research include the use of quantitative methods, the reporting by parents, and parent involvement measured through school activities. It is unknown what parenting practices are perceived as helpful from students themselves. Therefore, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the parenting practices perceived by undergraduate students to have assisted in their academic success. This research explored how undergraduate students explain parenting practices perceived to have assisted in their academic success, how they describe the communication with their parents that assisted in …


Mass Incarceration: Racial Disparities Within The U.S. Criminal Justice System, Crystal Nichole Pugh Jun 2024

Mass Incarceration: Racial Disparities Within The U.S. Criminal Justice System, Crystal Nichole Pugh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States incarceration rate has remained steady at over two million people incarcerated within their criminal justice facilities. Among the U.S. criminal justice system incarcerated populations, African Americans are disproportionately represented contributing to its overwhelming numbers and overcrowded facilities nationwide. Studies have shown racial disparities experienced within the correctional system have been credited as a direct result of decision-making at various points throughout the criminal justice process. Previous and even current research on racial disparities within the criminal justice system have attributed much of its data to disproportionate minority contacts in the juvenile population and a heavy police presence …


The Singing Instrumentalist: A Sound-Before-Sight Approach In Instrumental Instruction, Tammy Joy Bartz Jun 2024

The Singing Instrumentalist: A Sound-Before-Sight Approach In Instrumental Instruction, Tammy Joy Bartz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative experimental study was to examine the impact of two differing instructional strategies in beginning band instruction. One approach followed a traditional method, emphasizing technical proficiency and note-reading skills, while the other adopted a sound-before-sight approach where aural and oral skills were nurtured before introducing notation. The experimental study involved fourth and fifth-grade beginning band students from a rural elementary school in the Midwest. All participants were randomly divided into either the experimental or control group. The control group (n = 21) received instruction using a traditional note-reading approach, whereas the experimental group (n = 22) …


Best Practices Associated With Medical Device Regulatory Strategy Success: A Case Study, Jonathan P. Ward Jun 2024

Best Practices Associated With Medical Device Regulatory Strategy Success: A Case Study, Jonathan P. Ward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the evolving medical device industry, understanding how to achieve effective regulatory strategies is crucial. This study explored the foundations of regulatory strategy success in the United States, using qualitative insights from regulatory affairs professionals and industry investors. It identified operational, leadership, product design, and external factors essential for developing and implementing successful regulatory strategies. Key findings highlighted the importance of financial planning, agile regualtory process management, strategic knowledge integration, and proactive engagement with regulatory authorities. The study also pointed to the role of business ecosystems in supporting regulatory outcomes, suggesting a strategic planning approach that aligns product design with …


Exploring Differences In Perceived Learning For Students In Online Versus Face-To-Face Collegiate Pilot Ground Schools: A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study, Christopher Komsa Jun 2024

Exploring Differences In Perceived Learning For Students In Online Versus Face-To-Face Collegiate Pilot Ground Schools: A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study, Christopher Komsa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine if there was a difference in the perceived learning of students completing online versus face-to-face collegiate pilot ground schools. Higher education institutions with pilot training programs are highly invested in student success and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance. A growing number of students are taking online courses in college, and this shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived learning was quantified using a web-based survey that collected perceived learning data as measured by the Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor (CAP) Perceived Learning Scale. A sample of 86 students at University …


The Persistence Of African American Doctoral Students And Graduates From Or In Stem Programs: A Transcendental Phenomenology Study, Tanisha Johnson Smith Jun 2024

The Persistence Of African American Doctoral Students And Graduates From Or In Stem Programs: A Transcendental Phenomenology Study, Tanisha Johnson Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the persistence efforts for African American doctoral science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students or graduates. The theory guiding this study is Tinto's theory of student departure with a focus on the model of student persistence as it lays the foundation for how students persist to degree completion. The following questions guided this study: What lived experiences have helped African American current doctoral students or graduates persist in a STEM program? What challenges have African American graduate or current doctoral students experienced while completing a STEM degree program? What strategies …


Pastoral Prose And Civic Engagement: Crafting The Call To The Public Square, Christopher Ian Thoma Jun 2024

Pastoral Prose And Civic Engagement: Crafting The Call To The Public Square, Christopher Ian Thoma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis explores the relationship between creative writing techniques employed by pastors and congregational engagement in the public square. The central thesis posits that if pastors incorporate creative writing methods in extended weekly communications with congregants, then the necessary factors for engagement in the public square will be fostered, leading to attitudinal shifts demonstrated by increased congregational interest or participation in civil affairs. Through an extensive literature review, the thesis fairly examines historical and contemporary views of church and state, the Two Kingdoms doctrine, concepts relative to public square participation, Christianity’s waning cultural influence, communication science, developmental theory, literature familiarity, …


Exploring Chaplains’ Lived Experience Concerning Mental Health Stigma And Suicidal Thoughts In The Military Context, Eric T. Victorino Jun 2024

Exploring Chaplains’ Lived Experience Concerning Mental Health Stigma And Suicidal Thoughts In The Military Context, Eric T. Victorino

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The empirical inquiry at the heart of this qualitative phenomenological research revolves around the identification of mental health stigma and suicidal ideation within the military context. This study delves into the lived experiences of military chaplains as they interact with service members grappling with thoughts of suicide and dealing with the associated mental health stigma. By examining the viewpoints of United States Army chaplains, we aim to gain a deeper insight into the perceived mental health stigma and its consequences for service members who are contending with suicidal thoughts. Chaplains’ unique viewpoints will contribute to an enriched comprehension of mental …


Counselor Educators' Acceptance Of Immersive And Interactive Virtual Reality As A Pedagogical Tool, Melissa A. Smith Jun 2024

Counselor Educators' Acceptance Of Immersive And Interactive Virtual Reality As A Pedagogical Tool, Melissa A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores the acceptance of immersive and interactive virtual reality (IIVR) among counselor educators in higher education. It aims to identify the factors influencing their intentions to use IIVR as a teaching tool by examining relationships between various predictors and behavioral intention. This representative survey reveals significant positive correlations between behavioral intention and performance expectancy (r =.56), effort expectancy (r = .40), and social influence (r = .55), confirming that these predictive factors play a vital role in IIVR acceptance. Additional analyses indicate that age and gender do not significantly moderate these relationships, suggesting a universal inclination toward adopting …


Charter School Music Programs In The Southwest: Innovation Or Isomorphism, Joseph Justo Ulibarri Jun 2024

Charter School Music Programs In The Southwest: Innovation Or Isomorphism, Joseph Justo Ulibarri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The school choice movement is gaining popularity in the American education system, with supporters touting innovation and improvement in educational outcomes. Research on school choice efficacy—particularly comparisons between charter and traditional public schools (TPS)—is in its infancy. The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to compare the incidence of nontraditional music courses in secondary charters and TPS in the Southwest. Secondly, the study utilized the Climate for Innovation Measure (CIM) to quantify teachers’ perceptions of organizational innovation. This research collected a randomized sample (N = 30) of secondary charter school music teachers (n = 15) and TPS music teachers (n …


Voices Unveiled: Exploring Americans' Perspectives On Social Media Censorship And Advocacy For Reform Through A Qualitative Lens, Vail Forbeck Jun 2024

Voices Unveiled: Exploring Americans' Perspectives On Social Media Censorship And Advocacy For Reform Through A Qualitative Lens, Vail Forbeck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explored social media users’ perceived experience of censorship on social media communication platforms to better understand the effects of censorship on users. The study relied on a qualitative questionnaire with open-ended questions to collect initial data from 115 participants in the United States. Of the questionnaire respondents, 12 participated in an in-depth interview. The questionnaires and interview answers gathered information about users’ perceived experiences of censorship on social media platforms to determine whether there is a need for changes in current social media practices and policies. The study found that Black males between the ages of 25 …


A Causal Comparison Study Of Social-Emotional Learning At Private Elementary And Middle Schools With And Without Restorative Practices After Covid-19, Jai'eisha Huntley Jun 2024

A Causal Comparison Study Of Social-Emotional Learning At Private Elementary And Middle Schools With And Without Restorative Practices After Covid-19, Jai'eisha Huntley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to conduct a quantitative, causal-comparative study to determine if there was a significant difference in social-emotional learning between students at elementary and middle private schools with and without restorative practices after COVID-19. There is limited research investigating the integration of social-emotional learning and restorative practices and their effects on private elementary and middle school students. This study was important to pinpoint whether integrating social emotional learning and restorative practices has a significant benefit on student’s self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The study includes 128 students from grades three-eight. Students were …


A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Therapists And Their Work With Socially Isolated Female Victims Of Sexual Violence Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic, Iris Lazette Saldivar Jun 2024

A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Therapists And Their Work With Socially Isolated Female Victims Of Sexual Violence Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic, Iris Lazette Saldivar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to assess the experiences of therapists and the descriptions of their navigation processes while working with female victims of sexual violence who were socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Texas. The theory that guided this study was the theoretical framework of loneliness, social isolation, and associated health outcomes. The research study focuses on two research questions that sought to examine the experiences and navigation of virtual treatment of therapists who provided counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to March 2022. This study sought to find a …


Impact Of Preceptorship And Mentoring On New Nurse Resilience, Dianna Marie Lundrigan Garza Jun 2024

Impact Of Preceptorship And Mentoring On New Nurse Resilience, Dianna Marie Lundrigan Garza

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Healthcare organizations continue to have difficulties retaining healthcare staff. Administrations spend significant amounts of time and money to incentivize new nurses to join their organizations with mixed results for both acute and long-term care units. Preceptorship or mentorship has been identified as having an impact on increasing positivity and resilience in new nurses. This paper examined prior research to identify trends and patterns in findings regarding this topic. Research of databases was conducted to identify common topics regarding resilience and retention of new nurses. Data supported having preceptors who receive training in teaching methods, communication, and support of new nurses. …


The Nexus Of Passive-Avoidant Leadership And Deviancy: Exploring Job Embeddedness, Anthony Maurice Da Silva Jun 2024

The Nexus Of Passive-Avoidant Leadership And Deviancy: Exploring Job Embeddedness, Anthony Maurice Da Silva

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have experienced unprecedented changes in the workforce, including labor shortages and new legislation. As a result, many organizations, known as second-chance employers, proactively seek alternative talent sources to mitigate staffing shortages, including hiring candidates with criminal backgrounds, either voluntarily or as mandated by law. However, this approach has challenges; individuals with criminal records often lack essential support upon reentry and experience an increased risk of reoffending. Although existing literature indicates that the appropriate leadership style is crucial for behavior correction, there is a gap in the literature addressing employees who work for …


Beyond Galilee: The Shift In Focus Of The Ministry Of Jesus Culminating At Caesarea Philippi, Kathryn Erin Dreesen Jun 2024

Beyond Galilee: The Shift In Focus Of The Ministry Of Jesus Culminating At Caesarea Philippi, Kathryn Erin Dreesen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A study of the travels of Christ leads to new insights about his ministry and ministry foci at different times in his life. By segmenting the life of Christ into three major portions – public ministry, private ministry, and mixed-focus ministry – the reasons behind Christ’s different attitudes toward crowds and miracles and his different emphases in his sermons become clearer. Portions of the Gospels are better understood with this segmentation. The locations that Jesus traveled to and stayed in also play a part in understanding his motives. At times, Jesus was keen to show himself to the crowds, doing …


The Influence Of Working Memory And Anxiety In Adolescents, Donna M. Ward Jun 2024

The Influence Of Working Memory And Anxiety In Adolescents, Donna M. Ward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Literature supports a reliable link between lower working memory (WM) performance and higher anxiety, and both anxiety and WM are reported as comorbid with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). This study sought to understand to what extent WM deficits and anxiety exists in adolescent NDD and non-NDD groups. Participants (N = 11,400; ages 9-10) were obtained from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study archived dataset, with the approval of the NIMH approval. Participants in the dataset were recruited from 21 sites across the U.S. A Mann-Whitney U test, comparing the NDD (N=2756) and non-NDD (N=8644) groups was statistically significant, noting a …


Innovation And Technology: The Era Of Autonomous Cars And Their Outcomes In Law Enforcement, Gabrielle Banish Jun 2024

Innovation And Technology: The Era Of Autonomous Cars And Their Outcomes In Law Enforcement, Gabrielle Banish

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research study is to explore the cybersecurity of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), including the technological challenges, barriers, and impacts on society. This research study provides a framework for law enforcement agencies to understand the scope of security of AVs and develop relevant policies and strategies to enhance the security of these vehicles. AVs are a relatively nascent concept in the automotive industry, and thus, there is limited knowledge about cybersecurity. In the upcoming years, there will probably be a considerable increase in the number of semi-autonomous vehicles on many US and European roads. Some experts even predict …


A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Secondary Teachers And Teacher Retention In Low-Income Schools, Kaila Morris Segres Jun 2024

A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Secondary Teachers And Teacher Retention In Low-Income Schools, Kaila Morris Segres

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study aimed to understand retention for secondary teachers at high-needs schools. Drawing upon Bandura's cognitive theory, this study examined how self-efficacy and motivation are crucial to secondary teacher retention. Through in-depth interviews with teachers, the research aimed to understand their perspectives and experiences regarding the factors influencing their decision to stay or leave. The study took place at Black River High School. It consisted of purposive sampling, which is a concise approach to generating suitable and practical information from specific kinds of people with minimal resources. The findings shed light on the dynamics between organizational and …


Evidence-Based Practices For Military-Connected Students With Disruptive Behaviors Receiving Response To Intervention/Section 504 Services: School Counselors' Attitudes And Theoretical Orientation, Eddie Benitez Jun 2024

Evidence-Based Practices For Military-Connected Students With Disruptive Behaviors Receiving Response To Intervention/Section 504 Services: School Counselors' Attitudes And Theoretical Orientation, Eddie Benitez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This cross-sectional quantitative study compares primary and secondary counselors’ attitudes and theoretical orientation for evidence-based practices for military-connected students with disruptive behaviors receiving Response to Intervention and Section 504 services in Texas. This study is paramount for military-connected students with disruptive behaviors in closing gaps in academic performance, social-emotional skills, social justice, and multiculturalism in education. Military-connected students with disruptive behaviors confront the risk of not receiving evidence-based interventions through school services due to school counselors’ practices and theoretical approach. The researcher used a quantitative cross-sectional method and three analyses: Pearson r correlation, Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), ANOVA, and …


Evangelicals As Zionists And Peacemakers In Arab And Israeli Peacemaking Through Track Ii Diplomacy, Johnnie Moore Jun 2024

Evangelicals As Zionists And Peacemakers In Arab And Israeli Peacemaking Through Track Ii Diplomacy, Johnnie Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study contributes to the literature at the intersection of religion and foreign policy by focusing on one of the modern era's most protracted and relevant foreign policy issues (the conflict between Israelis and Arabs), the influence of one of America’s most powerful religious constituencies (evangelicals), and one of the most widely used tools of non- governmental diplomacy (Track II diplomacy). It provides original research related to the relevancy of Track II diplomacy by evangelicals, specifically pro-Israel or “Zionist” evangelicals, in Israeli and Arab peacemaking. The study analyzes three relevant case studies to answer the research question: “How are …


General Education And Special Education Teachers' Attitudes And Comfort Levels In Having Appropriate Conversations With Special Needs Students: A Causal-Comparative Study, Jessica Leah Hensley Jun 2024

General Education And Special Education Teachers' Attitudes And Comfort Levels In Having Appropriate Conversations With Special Needs Students: A Causal-Comparative Study, Jessica Leah Hensley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to determine if there is a difference in special education and general education teachers’ attitudes and comfort level in teaching sex education. Students with intellectual disabilities need a sex education curriculum that can be extended if needed to ensure that they understand and are able to apply their knowledge to personal situations if they arise. The study’s sample includes high school and middle school special education and general education teachers. The sample was taken from participants who volunteered to take the survey via a link posted on social media account. A Microsoft …


Perceived Influence Of Artificial Intelligence On Educational Leadership's Decision-Making, Teaching, And Learning Outcomes: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Mousa Fayiz Abduljaber Jun 2024

Perceived Influence Of Artificial Intelligence On Educational Leadership's Decision-Making, Teaching, And Learning Outcomes: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Mousa Fayiz Abduljaber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand and describe the perceived influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on educational leadership's decision-making, teaching, and learning outcomes as revealed by educational leaders at a group of secondary public schools in the Middle East. The theory guiding this study was the distributed cognition theory, as it shows the dynamics of human cognition and AI cognition, making it possible to understand the perceived influence of AI. As the study reflected on AI’s past, present and, future, the central question that focused on this study is: How do educational leaders perceive the influence …


The Perceptions Of Elementary Teachers In An Inclusive Classroom Environment Related To Their Teacher Preparatory Programs: A Phenomenological Study, Jevauwn D. Smith Jun 2024

The Perceptions Of Elementary Teachers In An Inclusive Classroom Environment Related To Their Teacher Preparatory Programs: A Phenomenological Study, Jevauwn D. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe elementary general education teachers’ perceptions of teaching in an inclusive classroom environment related to their teacher preparatory programs while teaching in a public school setting in a rural southeastern state. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which describes how an individual will approach a task based on their level of competence and readiness. The central research question was: How do general education teachers describe their level of preparedness for inclusive education based on their teacher preparatory programs? This study used a transcendental phenomenological design to gain insight …


Examining How Sexual Trauma Has Affected Women In Their Education: Creating A Community Of Awareness In The Educational System, Tyeasia Dorsey Jun 2024

Examining How Sexual Trauma Has Affected Women In Their Education: Creating A Community Of Awareness In The Educational System, Tyeasia Dorsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Sexual Trauma can have debilitating effects on women’s lives. The goal of this study was to focus on one aspect: how sexual trauma affects women’s academic performance, whether continuing education, a decrease in grades and grade point average (GPA), or the continuation of further educational studies. The underlying rationale for the study was the lack of research on the topic, especially in rural communities. This research utilized a qualitative study approach by conducting semi-structured interviews. This study was conducted to examine the mental health components of sexual trauma in women: a lack of support versus having a supportive environment and …


Variables Predicting Turnover Intention Among Mental Health And Addictions Therapists, Deborah J. Milanek Jun 2024

Variables Predicting Turnover Intention Among Mental Health And Addictions Therapists, Deborah J. Milanek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research study was to explore the correlations between pay satisfaction, burnout, workload, and flexible work arrangements on turnover intention among mental health and addictions therapists. Previous research studies indicate that turnover may negatively affect patient care, increase cost to employers, decrease workplace morale and increase workload demands for remaining therapists. Some research studies have also found that pay satisfaction, burnout, workload, and flexible work arrangements may be related to turnover intention. This study planned to support current research as well as determine the strength of the correlation between each of these variables and turnover intention. To …


Revenue Cycle Management, Mary Scalf Jun 2024

Revenue Cycle Management, Mary Scalf

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The healthcare industry continues to navigate through legislative changes requiring a change from the fee-for-service model to a value-based model. Healthcare is required to balance quality care of the patient and financial viability. The general problem to be addressed is the inefficient adoption of a revenue integrity program within the revenue cycle management process resulting in a revenue deficit for healthcare providers. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to add to the body of knowledge exploring the possible inefficient insurance denial management process within non-profit hospital-owned physician practices resulting in revenue deficits for the provider clinics. The study …


A Correlational Study Between Spiritual Bible Reading And Spiritual Formation Of Leaders Of Pentecostal Churches, Mark Kwablah Buku Jun 2024

A Correlational Study Between Spiritual Bible Reading And Spiritual Formation Of Leaders Of Pentecostal Churches, Mark Kwablah Buku

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to understand the nuances of spiritual Bible reading and how it connects to the spiritual maturity of Christian leaders. The lack of spiritual formation in Christian spiritual leaders motivated this research. Literature abounds with spiritual reading, biblical engagement, interpretation methodologies, and the spiritual formation of Christian leaders. However, only a few studies exist on how people engage with the Bible. There is no empirical data on how biblical interactions impact spiritual development. The theory that guided this study was Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory. With a quantitative survey methodology and non-probability sampling, data was collected from 91 …


Implementation Of A Nursing Care Bundle For Hospitalized Patients Receiving End-Of-Life Care, Klaire Thomason Jun 2024

Implementation Of A Nursing Care Bundle For Hospitalized Patients Receiving End-Of-Life Care, Klaire Thomason

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A significant number of patients die in the hospital. Family-centered nursing care interventions are critically important to help ease the physical, social, spiritual, and emotional symptoms that patients may experience at the end of life. Despite the importance of the nurse’s role in delivering comprehensive end-of-life care, many nurses lack the knowledge and confidence necessary to implement evidence-based interventions. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing care bundle on increasing nurses’ self-perceived ability to deliver high-quality end-of-life care to patients in the inpatient setting. For this pilot study, an evidence-based Comfort Care Nursing Bundle …