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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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 …

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. …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Narrative Theory And Fort Berthold's Stories Of The Paranormal Or Supernatural, Waylon C. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

The author collected stories of the paranormal and supernatural from 10 enrolled members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota. The research participants were members of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes. Five research questions guided the study: (1) Where did these contemporary stories of the paranormal or supernatural originate? (2) What is the meaning behind these stories? (3) How are these stories different from other stories of the paranormal or supernatural? (4) Do the respondents “believe” in these stories of the paranormal? (5) Do these stories connect to traditional American Indian customs and beliefs?

The content …

The Effect Of A One Time Imagery Intervention On Self-Efficacy And Exercise Frequency In A Non-Exercising Population, Lindsay Ross-Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

We all know physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, yet many people are still living sedentary lifestyles. One theory used to explain why some people exercise, while others do not is self-efficacy theory. Past research has indicated that people's self-efficacy may be related to their exercise behavior. It has also been shown that imagery can positive affect self-efficacy. Past research has shown that there is a relationship between imagery, self-efficacy, and exercise frequency, however no intervention studies have assessed this relationship. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a one time …

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 …

A Behavioral Health Intervention For Decreasing Weight Gain In First Year University Students, Sonia E.A. Marrone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate two interventions proposed to improve health behaviors and decrease weight gain among first-year university students, utilizing a health risk appraisal (HRA), telephone health coaching, and monthly health-related emails. The HRA assessed and provided individualized feedback for several behavioral health risk factors. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Health coaching (HC): HRA with individualized feedback, health coaching and health-related emails; (2) Minimal intervention: HRA with individualized feedback and monthly health-related emails; and (3) Control: HRA without feedback. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests were performed, adjusting for baseline levels …

The Emergence Of An Own-Gender Bias Within A Change Blindness And Eyewitness Paradigm, Alison E. Finstad

Theses and Dissertations

Studies exploring the change blindness phenomenon have consistently shown that individuals are surprisingly poor at detecting changes to visual scenes and identities in real-world interactions. The area of eyewitness identification has revealed a similar type of visual processing error; specifically, the tendency for eyewitnesses to incorrectly identify a perpetrator. Recently, researchers have attempted to merge these two areas, creating a combined change blindness/eyewitness paradigm, allowing for the study of variables of similar interest within the two areas. Using this type of combined paradigm, the present study explored the possibility of an own-gender bias within a change blindness/eyewitness experience. Participants viewed …

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 …

Alternative Fuels For Ground Support Equipment, Samuel Enlof

Theses and Dissertations

Airlines are in desperate need of reliable methods and materials to save and transform traditional ground operation fuel. This topic has taken precedence within the airline and aviation industries due to alarming product costs in accordance with the dilapidation of global and domestic economies. This is also in conjunction with similarly volatile geo-environmental atrocities being committed at an alarming rate-- often due to harsh chemicals and other pollutants evoked by the airline industry. It is imperative to determine which alternative fuels are conducive to the modern airline industry. The advantages and disadvantages of each alternative fuel needs to be evaluated …

Alcohol On College Campuses In North Dakota: Levels Of Consumption, Gender, And Negative Consequences, Lory M. Keller

Theses and Dissertations

It is common knowledge that many college students consume alcohol and/or binge drink. North Dakota colleges and universities are not immune to high levels of alcohol consumption, as they are among the leaders for binge drinking for people aged 18 to 25. Any number of reasons could explain this behavior, including new freedoms enjoyed by many 18 to 19-year olds; the aggressive marketing and glamorization of alcohol consumption by alcohol companies; and/or curiosity, rite of passage, peer pressure, or simply the desire to get drunk.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between levels of alcohol consumption …

Applied Behavioral Self-Control Intevention For Impulsive Preschoolers, Kimberlee J. Zetocha

Theses and Dissertations

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12 week school-based behavioral intervention with preschoolers age 4 to 5 with self-control problems. Teachers were trained to use instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and role-playing to increase the children's self-control. Children were taught self-monitoring, self-verbalization, the use of production cues, and self-control skills during one on one training. The classroom intervention consisted of weekly educational sessions on the proper classroom behaviors that are indicative of good self-control. The treatment program aimed to improve the child's self-control skills and to decrease impulsive behaviors. It was also intended to train self-control skills to children so …

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 …

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 …