Digital Commons Network^™

An Exploration Of Change In Teacher Concerns Over Time, Sharla E. Hutchinson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to reconsider the five factor structure of the Teach Concern Checklist (TCC) currently being utilized by the teacher Preparation Evaluation Program (TPEP) at Western Kentucky University. The problem was to replicate the three factor solution of the TCC proposed by George (1978) and to further explore the progression of teacher concerns with experience to lend support to the self-task-impact concern theory proposed by Fuller (1969)

Two hundred and sixty-five pre-service and in-service teacher participating in TPRP completed the TCC. These teachers represented the different experience levels of student. First, third and fifth year of …

Race And Sentencing Equality In Kentucky, Robert L. Hurley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Disparity in sentencing felons based on racial considerations has long has been considered a problem for civil libertarians and scholars alike. Examining data gathered in Kentucky, this thesis addresses this issue through the application of recently developed methodological techniques. Utilizing an index of sentencing equality, this study shows that while differences do exist in black and white offender offense characteristics, these differences do not account for the variations in sentences rendered in cases of white as opposed to black felons. This exploratory research reviews and critiques previous research and provides evidence which should prove useful in resolving the problem of …

Tinsley Bottom Tennessee: An Historical Reconstruction Utilizing Oral Narrative Traditions, Rebecca Morse

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Tinsley Bottom lies adjacent to the Cumberland River in Jackson and Clay Counties in north central Tennessee. The rich rolling bottomland totaling approximately two thousand acres on the south bank of the Cumberland River lured several families to purchase land and take residence there in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

The history of Tinsley Bottom is not found in written records or annals of Tennessee history. No person of reknown sprang from the cultural context of this community. Yet tales are told of how Daniel Boone hunted in the Bottom and slept in a cave overlooking the River, and …

An Examination Of Scholarly Perspective, Religiosity And Factors Which Lead To Religious Change, Paul Fehrmann

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

As a replication and expansion of work done by Alsdurf (1977), the relations between religiosity, commitment to scholarly openness and reasons for religious change were examined through a survey of 146 students attending a South-central university. A discussion of logical and empirical studies was presented to help clarify the theses under examination, and it was maintained that this study was primarily concerned with empirical relationships. A negative correlation was obtained between scholarly openness and religiosity for the total population studied, but the correlation was weak. In contrast to expectations, a significant negative correlation between scholarly openness and religiosity was not …

The Traditional Sex-Stereotype Of A Job As A Moderator Variable For The Directionality Of Sex Biases In Performance Evaluation, Bernard Bena

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Accurate and objective performance appraisals are absolutely necessary due to their utility in important personnel decisions such as promotion, demotion and training. This study examines the contaminating effects of sex bias on performance evaluations and it's relationship to the sex-stereotype of the job and levels of performance. Unlike previous studies, this study not only examines these effects at the extremes of performance, but at average levels as well. Also, unlike previous studies, the subjects empirically determined the sex-typed nature of the jobs and the levels of performance within those jobs rather than the experimenter having made a priori decisions. Hypothetical …

Predictors Of Course Grade In Undergraduate Psychology Courses, Susan Edwards

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research has shown that some students benefit more from certain instructional modes than do others (Harper, 1973; Allen, Giat, and Cherney, 1974; Doty, 1967). A personalized system of instruction and the traditional lecture-discussion format were used as alternate modes of instruction in the present study. This study used locus of control and mode of instruction, along with mental ability, to increase predictability of course performance. Predictability was not increased by these variables. Results of a regression analysis showed that only a total of 11.6% of the variance in final course grades could be accounted for by the predictor variables (i.e. …

School District Performance In Erie County & Buffalo, New York: The Socio-Spatial Dimensions Of Educational Quality, Jeffrey Ewell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The educational quality of Erie County and Buffalo, New York, as represented by school district performance was examined and the relationship between school district performance and the social environment was analyzed. Socioeconomic status, social stability and race were all found to be strongly correlated to school district performance. Within Erie County, Buffalo has the poorest school performance levels while Snyder and Williamsville, two high status suburban districts, have the highest school performance levels. The overall spatial pattern of school district performance based on the PEP test results for 1974 reveal a strong correspondence between school district performance and the social …

Effects Of Fecally Contaminated Feed By Starlings On Growing Swine & Mice, Pat Schuster

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effects of feed contamination by droppings of starlings (Sturnis vulgaris) on certain growth parameters in swine (Sus scrofa) were measured from January 25 to March 1, 1979 at the Western Kentucky University farm. Weight gain, feed-conversion efficiency and feed rejection by swine fed varying levels of contaminated feed were analyzed and found to be non-significant at the fecal concentrations used.

Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) were fed varying concentrations of starling feces in standard mouse chow; weight gain, feed-conversion efficiency and feed rejection were measured. At 0%, 10%, 25% and 50% concentrations, significant differences …

Characteristics Of Parents Involved In A Parent Child Center-Head Start Program, Rebecca Selove

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

An exploratory study was conducted to provide information for the coordinators of the Parent Child Center and Head Start (PCC-HS) Program in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Staff concern for parent involvement led to a search for parent characteristics which correlate with amount of participation in program activities. Sixty-five families, which included 65 mothers, 47 fathers, and 121 children, constituted the study sample. Data were obtained from records maintained by the PCC-HS staff. Variables included number of hours volunteered, age and level of education of each parent, estimated family income, family size, mother's enrollment in PCC when pregnant, number of children in the …

Determination Of Energy Levels & Oscillator Strengths Of 2% Nd:Y2o3, Kung-Chuan Shao

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The absorption spectrum of 2% Nd:Y₂O₃ has been obtained at room termperature. It has been used to determine the crystalline energy levels.

Through counting the number of Stark components, degeneracies have been determined for oscillator strength calculations.

Overlapping absorption lines were analyzed into their components.

Oscillator strengths have been measured for those well-identified and analyzed transitions in the variable and near ultraviolet regions of the 2% Nd:Y₂O₃ absorption spectrum.

The Pragmatic Evolution Of America & The Role Of The Intellectual, Michael Draper

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The intent of this thesis is to examine a portion of the thought and historical events which contributed to the development of the United States as a pragmatic nation, and the resulting influence upon its intellectual attitudes. The pragmatic evolution of America is a logical consequence, given the backgrounds and circumstances of those people who first settled this land. The founders of this country were, for the most part, members of the poor, working class who had grown up under governments adhering to strict caste societies and religious domination by their rulers. They held a common belief in a work …

The Operational Effectiveness Of The Behavioral Expectations Scale & The Mixed Standard Scale: A Comparative Evaluation, Deborah Boniske

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Performance evaluations were obtained on firefighters in a large Midwestern City. The evaluations were conducted through utilization of two different scale types (The Behavioral Expectation Scale and The Mixed Standard Scale). These evaluations were obtained in order to test the hypotheses that the MSS was psychometrically superior to the BES in the reduction of halo and leniency error and that the MSS was also the better scale type in terms of producing higher interrater reliability. Leniency error (in both the absolute and comparative sense) was examined by conducting a series of T-tests. Halo error was investigated by a comparison of …

Effects Of Diad Arrangement & Use Of Audio-Visual Materials On The Achievement Of Freshmen In Quantitative Physical Science Classes, Jim Duke

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purposes of this study were to compare the mean achievement of students in a Quantitative Physical Science class in which the members were allowed to select their own partners with students in a Quantitative Physical Science class in which partners were assigned on the basis of high-low test scores and to compare mean achievement of students in a Quantitative Physical Science class that used audio-visual material with the mean achievement of students in a Quantitative Physical Science class that used no audio-visual material.

The population consisted of sixty-eight ninth grade boys and girls enrolled in Quantitative Physical Science classes …

The Wavelength Dependence Of Herpes Simplex Viral Inactivation & Ultraviolet Enhanced Reactivation, Richard Detsch

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The degrees of Ultraviolet Enhanced Reactivation (UVR) by mammalian cells of Heroes simplex virus inactivated by different wavelengths of far ultraviolet radiation were measure'. The wavelength dependence of UVR is presented for the wavelength region 238 nm to 297 nm. The shape of the UVR curve suggests that virus directed repair is less dependent on the wavelength of UV radiation than are cellular repair mechanisms. The wavelength dependence of Herpes simplex inactivation by far UV radiation is also presented. The shape of the virus inactivation curve suggests the involvement of both DNA and protein.

Magnetohydrodynamic Effects On The Growth Of Condensations In An Expanding Universe & The Formation Of Galaxies, Charles Evans

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

We review the evidence for existence of a magnetic field of the galaxy and whatever evidence there is of an intergalactic magnetoionic medium. We then consider the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) of such a medium. The formation of galaxies through purely gravitational means in an expanding universe is then reviewed. Next the role of magnetohydrodynamics in such a universe is analyzed for their effects on galaxy formation. Finally, the importance of MED behavior in the early universe is emphasized from physical considerations and from present day evidence. Appendices discuss isotropic cosmologies, magnetic fields in such a background, the detailed MHD perturbations, and …

Analysis Of Tartaric Acid In Fermentation Broth, Lih-Jen Leu

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Tartaric acid accumulation in fermentation broth of Gluconobacter suboxydans was investigated qualitatively with paper chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Comparisons were made using six different solvent systems and four different chemical indicators commonly used in chromatography.

Attempts were made to establish a routine method for quantitative analysis of tartaric acid. Spectrophotometry was used to detect possible metabolites resulting from glucose oxidation by G. suboxydans in different analytical separations. A combined method of ion-exchange column chromatography and paper chromatography followed by ammonium meta-vanadate spectrophotometric analysis differentiated 5-oxogluconic acid and tartaric acid and thus gave better quantitative results in the determination of tartaric …

The Effect Of Self-Knowledge Of Iq Score On Academic Self-Concept In College Students, Brian Piispanen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study was conducted to examine the effects of self-knowledge of IQ on the academic self-concept of college students. More specifically, the effects of confirmation or disconfirmation of one's expectation of IQ score were investigated. After predicting what their IQ scores would be, 93 undergraduates from Introduction to Psychology classes at Western Kentucky University were administered the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (Form L-M). After the subjects were told their obtained IQ scores, they were given the Academic Choices Questionnaire (ACQ), an instrument specifically created for this study to measure academic self-concept. The experimental group was divided into four groups: 1) those …

Pupil Social-Stylistic Variability & The Teacher Perception Of Student Role Performance, Gail Stevens

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study investigated tne effects of students' intelligence, locus of control, and creativity on teachers' perceptions of students. Sixty-three fourth graders and two teacners from a local school participated. :he Verbal Scale of the WISC-R, the Circles Test from the Torrance Tests of Creative fhinking, and the Nowicki-Strickland I-E Locus of Control Scale ior Children were administered to the subjects. The teachers were requested to complete the Teacher Perception of Student Role Performance Scale (TPSRP) on each child. This instrument yielded scores on three factors of student role-- Competence, Sociability, and Social Conformity. rultiple regressions were performed to determine the …

The Tradition Of Qoheleth: A Study Of The Background To The Book Of Ecclesiastes, John Orndorff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The book of Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes) is perhaps the most intriguing book in the Old Testament. Readers of every age can appreciate its theme, dealing with the futility of seeking to uncover life’s mystery. Yet Qoheleth has been interpreted in many different ways. The interpretations have ranged from tragic pessimism to a triumph of piety over skepticism. It is the contention of this thesis that a proper perspective on Qoheleth’s intention can best be gained in terms of the author’s use of tradition.

Qoheleth displays an awareness of such Hebrew traditions as Wisdom, the Pentateuch, Israelite history and the prophets. Though …

Alienation And The Associate Degree Student Within The College Of Business And Public Affairs Of Western Kentucky University, Leonard Schira

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A questionnaire-made up of a portion of the Shepard-Crawford Social Referent Scale, the Willoughby Schedule, and a student information form – was developed to ascertain whether or not the level of alienation differed in students seeking associate degrees from those students seeking baccalaureate degrees in the College of Business and Public Affairs at Western Kentucky University. The instrument was administered to 453 students enrolled in classes required to complete an association degree program in the College of Business and Public Affairs at Western Kentucky University. The statistical results for this study were computed by resources available at Western Kentucky University …

A Comparative Study Of Academic Achievement Of Students From Phased-Elective Social Studies Curriculum With Students From A Traditional Social Studies Curriculum, Dennis Minnix

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In this study, the academic achievement of two groups of University students was compared. The control group consisted of 15 students who had attended a traditional high school. The experimental group consisted of 25 students who had attended a high school which utilized a phased-elective curriculum design.

The students were observed at three points in their schooling. First, students were compared at the end of the eighth grade to determine if any significant difference existed prior to their exposure to the two high school programs. Next, students were observed at the end of their high school education by comparing scores …

Effects Of Two Speeds Of Isokinetic Training On Strength, Power & Muscular Endurance, Kunle Adeyanju

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of two speeds of isokinetic training on muscular strength, power and endurance on college females.

The study involved thirty college females. Twenty of the subjects who served in the experimental groups were randomly assigned to one of two groups: fast speed or slow speed group. This was done after matching based on the pretest strength measure. Ten subjects who served as the control group were from a bowling class This investigation was conducted for seven weeks with a training frequency of three days per week. The experimental treatment was isokinetic …

The Effect Of Leadership Predictions On Actual Leadership Emergence In Small Task Groups, Robert Anderson Jr.

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research has shown that prior expectations of on individual's performance can have a significant effect on others behavior and attitudes toward that individual. This phenomenon was tested on the emergent leadership process with zero history groups. Male students in various social fraternities at a regional university were given a leadership test designed to measure their leadership abilities. The leadership tests were never scored, but the subjects were told that they were, and, one of the group members was reported as scoring exceptionally nigh. The group was then given one of two tasks to perform, and the emergent leadership process was …

Holding Power: Middle School Vs. Junior High School, Burton Erickson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This was a study of three variables and their effect on two groups of students who dropped out of school during the tenth grade. One group had attended three full years of junior high school in Owensboro while the other group had attended three full years of middle school in Owensboro. The study also reviewed the programs and emphases of the junior high school and the middle school.

The students were compared on mean cumulative grade point average, mean percentage of absenteeism, and incidence of dropout during the tenth grade.

Statistical analysis of the respective sets of data showed that …

A Reexamination Of The Additivity Issue Of Extrinsic & Intrinsic Motivation, David Fransway

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effects of extrinsic rewards upon an individual's intrinsic motivation were examine'.; in this paper. Initially, four tasks (computer, geometric, letter erasure, and verbal) which have been used in past studies were evaluated for their degree of intrinsic motivation. The two tasks with the highest level of intrinsic motivation (computer and verbal) as identified by significant differences on attitudinal measures of task satisfaction and competency were selected for the second experiment. Manipulation of the extrinsic rewards (contingent, noncontingent, and no-reward) provided a test of the additivity notion of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Results indicated by analysis of attitudinal measures that …

The Relationship Of Sex-Role Classifications, Measured Vocational Interests And Expressed Vocational Interests Of Selected College Women, Sallyann Mcleod Koenig

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Women workers in the United States do not share equally in earned income with men, and the majority of female workers are employed in traditionally female occupations where the pay is also traditionally low. A socialization pattern seems to assign women certain career roles which have been traditionally female and to influence women in their professional ambitions and in making satisfying career choices. This study represents an attempt to investigate possible variables which influence women in making satisfying congruent career choices.

The relationship of sex-role classification, as measured by the Bem Sex-role Inventory (BSRI), vocational interests, as measured by the …

Drinking Among College Students & Personality Factors Related To Alcoholism, James Mills

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The relationship between the drinking patterns of college students and personality factors, which have previously been shown to different:late between alcoholic and non-alcoholic populations, was examined in this study. Subjects were categorized into six groups based on self-reports of the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption. The MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale and the 16PF personality test were administered to all subjects. Pearson Product-moment correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between levels of drinking and personality factors demonstrated by the subject population. It was found that the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale score was significantly correlated with drinking level among young adults. This …

Head Start Four And Five Year Old Children’S Attitudes Toward School As They Are Related To Achievement, Eugene Smith

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if there existed significant relationships between 4 and 5 year old children’s attitude toward school, their classroom teacher’s perception of their attitude toward school, length of time in school, sex, or a composite of these with their achievement on the Pre-School Attainment Record. A random sample of 55 Head Start children completed three instruments. The instruments used in this study were a revised Children’s Attitude Toward School Scale (CATSS-R), (Beere, 1970) The Pre-School Attainment Record (PAR), (Doll, 1966) and the Teachers Rating of Attitude of Children Toward School (TRACTS). The results of …

An Analysis Of A New Partizan Game Using Combinatorial Techniques, James Snodgrass Iii

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

John Horton Conway's combinatorial game theory was applied to a new partizan game with a complete analysis as the result. Mathematical values were assigned to the countably infinite number of positions in the game. Direct computation of the first eight values and extension via the Principle of Mathematical Induction made the assignments possible.

Examination of these values (which repeat with period 2) shows that the game, played on a strip of squares, can be won by the first player if the strip is of odd length and can be won by the second player if the strip is of even …

Isolation And Identification Of Yeasts From The Barren River, Richard Vanenk

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The Barren River was sampled twice monthly for one year to obtain data on aquatic yeasts. Sites upstream and downstream of the Bowling Green sewage plant, as well as the sewage effluent, were sampled to ascertain if the effluent had any effect on the yeast population of the river. Sporadic yeast counts were obtained which averaged 40 CFU/ml for the effluent, while the river averaged 15 CFU/ml. A total of 318 yeasts were isolated and identified during the study, including 16 different genera with Cryptococcus being the most common. Cryptococcus laurentii occurred most frequently of the 67 different species identified. …