Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Premenstrual Syndrome On Women With Mental Disabilities, Richard H. Doughty Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that P.M.S. has a negative effect for women on many aspects of life. P.M.S. seems to affect social situations, family life, stress, mood, substance abuse, and crime. The purpose of this one way analysis study is to evaluate the effects of P.M.S. on women with mental disabilities with non-compliant behaviors. Fifty women, whose intelligence quotient levels range between severe and profound, who reside in an institution for individuals with mental disabilities were selected for this study. Each woman has some type of non-compliant behavior. Each female has been placed on a behavior modification program plan to reduce …

A Study Examining Social Skills Ratings In A Special Education Classroom, George J. Rafferty

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the degree of relationship between students' self-ratings scores and their teacher's and teacher assistant's scores. Ten students classified ED were chosen, along with a social comparison group of ten regular education students. A correlational matrix was computed to measure the degree of association between students' self-ratings and their teachers' ratings of them. The same was done for the regular education sample. Two t-tests for independent samples were used to (1) measure any differences between the ratings of the special education teacher and the regular education teacher, and (2) measure any differences between …

A Comparative Study Of Social Competence And Antisocial Behavior Between Regular Education And Learning Disabled Children, Kathleen A. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

This study tested the hypothesis that learning disabled children, when compared to regular education children at an equivalent age level, would score significantly lower on a test of social competence and significantly higher on a test of antisocial behavior according to a teacher rated behavior Scale. Sixty 5th and 6th grade students, 34 males and 26 females, were assigned to one of three conditions according to their educational classification: regular education (N=26), learning disabled resource (N=16), or learning disabled self-contained (N=18).

Four teachers served as judges and rated a selected number of subjects on the constructs social competence and antisocial …

The Head Start Program And Subsequent Reading And Math Achievement Of First Graders, Marisa B. Snyder

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of the Head Start Preschool Program on fist graders' academic achievement in math and reading. A literature review reported the results of other studies and the effect of early educational experiences on at-risk students' elementary school achievement. In general, these studies found that early educational intervention increased cognitive gains in the primary grades, but these gains were not sustained in the upper grades. Also, students from low socio-economic areas demonstrated greater gains than middle class children, In the present study, the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills was administered to first grade students of low socio-economic …

The Effects Of Single Parenthood On Juvenile Delinquency, Lisa A. Barbetti

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the effects of parental separation and divorce on the occurrence rate of delinquent acts committed by male youths. The age of the child at the time of parental breakup, parental education, and parental employment were also measured for effects on delinquent behavior. The sample consisted of sixty male youths between the ages of twelve and fourteen. The students were sampled while in homeroom at several Vineland, New Jersey public schools. The data analyzed in this study was obtained through administration of a twelve question self report in which the students circled …

The Adaptive Behavior Scale: A Correlation Study At A Residential Treatment Facility, Simone Bey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine correlation of scores on the American Association on Mental Retardation Adaptive Behavior Scale-School Second Edition (ABS-SE:2) across two settings. The sample consisted of thirteen males and seventeen females who participate in a Behavior Disorders program. It was hypothesized that scores would be significant at the .05 level (p<.05). Previous research on adaptive behavior scales has resulted in mixed findings. Partially this is due to problems and differences in methodology. First, there are four versions and editions of the AAMR Adaptive Behavior Scales that have been utilized in research within the last twenty years. Second, differences in sample variations affected these results. For example, subjects were included with a range of intellectual functioning (severe to normal) and classification (e.g., conduct disorder). Further, correlation between settings (school and home) in previous research had ranged from low to high. About half of the studies reviewed indicated significant correlation between parent and teacher scores. The other half indicated an insignificant relationship between these scores. Score correlations were computed with the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient(r). The results indicate significant correlations on seven Domains. Also, residential counselors rated subjects higher on six Part Two Domains.

The Validity Of The Beck Depression Inventory-7 In The Crisis Center Setting, Ross Feld

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness and validity of the Beck Depression Inventory-7, a seven question multiple choice self report questionnaire that measures the severity of depression in a crisis center setting, in order to lend support to whether or not a patient's self report of symptoms matches a clinical evaluation of their chief complaint, done with the Prime MD Mood Module. The sample consisted of fifty subjects, 23 females and 27 males. All subjects presented to the emergency room an initial chief complaint of depression, suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. Upon arrival in the …

Effect Of Parenting Style And Supervision On Adolescent Risky Behavior And Academic Achievement, David L. Mccullough

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether correlations existed between parenting style, degree of supervision, risky behavior (substance use) and academic achievement. Subjects' responses were also summarized to develop a profile of the population's behaviors and attitudes.

The study was based on 57 high school seniors' responses to a 95-item questionnaire which they voluntarily completed during their home economics class at Woodstown High School in southern New Jersey.

Relationships were analyzed by applying the chi square test for independence using the critical value of alpha at .05. The results of this analysis indicated that the hypothesized relationships approached …

The Effect Of A Drug Use Prevention Curriculum On A Measure Of Self-Esteem, Irven E. Simpkins Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Longitudinal studies have indicated that drug use prevention curricula are effective in increasing students' knowledge of the harmful effects of drugs, improving their social skills, and developing healthier interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the effect of a drug use prevention curriculum on students' self-esteem over a short time span. Sixty-seven students were pretested with a measure of self-esteem after being divided into a target and a control group. Five lessons were taught to the target group over a period of five weeks. All students were then posttested and the results were analyzed using a …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Teacher Stress And Pupil Control Ideology, Genevieve Nichole Pacitti

Theses and Dissertations

Education is a priority in our society. Teacher stress has been identified as a disruptive factor toward productiveness within the classroom. Pupil control ideology has been seen in educational literature as a teacher characteristic affecting individual stress levels of teachers. The purpose of this study was to investigate: the relationship between teachers' pupil control orientation and five factors of teacher stress; the relationship between years of teaching experience and perceived job-induced stress; and the relationship between gender and pupil-control orientation. Data was collected through two questionnaire surveys and an information sheet. Subjects were 72 full-time secondary Catholic school teachers. Analyses …

Comparison Of Two Approaches In Teaching Reading To Limited English Proficient Students And Their Academic Achievement, Gloria Cruz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine which of two instructional approaches. Whole-Language or Distar (Direct Instruction), was more effective in producing higher levels of academic achievement in bilingual first grade students. It was predicted that the bilingual students receiving instruction through the Whole-Language approach would demonstrate higher academic achievement than those receiving instruction through the Distar approach.

A Pre and Post District Skills Inventory Test for reading (Communication Arts) was administered to the students in each instructional approach group. There were nine students in each group. The resulting scores were analyzed statistically using a t test design for …

Correlational Study On Reading Readiness And Reading Achievement Test Scores, Josephine A. Morales

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between Reading Readiness and Reading Achievement Test scores. Reading Readiness was associated with higher Reading Achievement.

Three schools in a low socio-economic section of an inner city school district provided the sample used in this study. The sample consisted of thirty-five Limited English Proficient Students (17 boys and 18 girls). All children were of Hispanic heritage.

The Reading Readiness and Reading Achievement Test scores were compared and analyzed. A Spearman's rho correlational coefficient was used to measure and describe the relationship between both reading test scores.

The analysis …

Profile Of Adolescent Depression, Mary E. Delcorio

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine specific factors related to adolescents diagnosed with major depression, admitted to an inpatient adolescent mental health unit. The specific factors are birth order, family stability, history of drug and/or alcohol abuse and gender. There were 31 subjects in this study, ages 11 to 17 years. Of these subjects, 18 were female and 13 were male. The data collected was ex post facto. From the subjects' charts, gender, age, birth order, family stability and history of drug and/or alcohol abuse were obtained. This data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, mostly percentages. The results …

A Study Of The Effects Of A Social Problem Solving Intervention With Emotionally Disturbed Youth At A Special Services School, Wendy E. Sack

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this pretest-posttest descriptive study was to examine the efficacy of a SPS training intervention for emotionally disturbed children in the special education system, with respect to social skills acquisition, family environment, reduction in non-compliant behaviors and sociometric status. Participants included eighteen students in four self-contained classrooms of a Special Services Regional Day School. The sample included one white female, eleven white males, three black and three Hispanic males with a mean age of eleven years and ten months.

All classes were exposed to a six month program with lessons from the Readiness Phase of Elias and Clabby's …

Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Youth At Risk For Low Self-Esteem And Depression, Lynne M. Rossi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine if gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are at a higher risk for low self-esteem and depression than straight male and female youth. This study further investigated whether gay and bisexual male youth are at a higher risk for low self-esteem and depression than lesbian and bisexual female youth.

The 59 participants, ages 15 to 21, were obtained through a general undergraduate college sample and a selected sample of subjects involved in gay/lesbian community youth groups and college organizations. Of the 59 subjects, 29 were straight males and females and 30 were gay, …

The Effects Of Nursing Home Placement On The Stress Levels Of Caregivers, Ellen E. Thomson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discuss the relationship between nursing home placement and anxiety levels of the people placing their loved ones. The study used 20 subjects from a nursing home in southern New Jersey. Subjects were people who had cared for a parent at home for at least one year prior to placement. Subjects were administered the IPAT anxiety scale on the day of placement and again one month later.

Relationships were shown through T-Tests and correlation coefficients. This study indicated that there were significant changes in anxiety levels of subjects after a one month period.

Gender Differences In Bipolar Disorder: A Descriptive Study, Cynthia Comparato

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to create a profile of bipolar disorder in an adult psychiatric setting. Comparisons were made between gender and disposition upon hospitalization. Relationships between gender and substance abuse; and gender and incarceration were also studied.

A sample of seventy-seven bipolar patients was studied, using descriptive statistics. Of the seventy-seven subjects, fifty-two were female and twenty-five were male.

It was found that females are not more likely to be hospitalized in a manic state of their bipolar illness as opposed to a depressed state. In the sample of male bipolar subjects that were studied, hospitalization occurs …

Factors Relating To Successful Placement In A Minimal Supervision Program For Mentally Retarded Adults, Scott Rahl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine what characteristics are significant in determining successful adjustment to residence in a minimal supervision apartment program for mentally challenged adults. The subjects consisted of nine women and four men, all of whom are mentally deficient to varying degrees, and four of whom suffer from mental illness as well. The subjects range in age from 22 to 76 with a mean age of 43. The subjects intellectual functioning levels, as determined by their psychological evaluations, were examined along with the rate at which they completed daily living tasks as detailed by their Individual …

A Comparative Study Of Pull-Out Resource Room Instruction To In-Class Resource Room Instruction, Robin Comerford

Theses and Dissertations

According to The Regular Education Initiative, students with disabilities will be fully integrated into the regular education classroom. Hardman et. al. (1993) found that segregating learning disabled students limits their opportunities to learn appropriate social skills, Weiner (1979) hypothesized that attributions a child makes about himself/herself will affect his/her level of motivation. He also said that children who attribute failure to lack of ability and success to external factors, will develop a learned helplessness. Placing students with disabilities into regular education programs with their non-disabled peers is a movement designed to increase a learning disabled student's self esteem improving their …

Review Of A Partial Care Program For Severely Emotionally Disturbed Youth, Christina Schoener

Theses and Dissertations

The need for research on programs for Emotionally Disturbed (ED) children and adolescents is great. The present study examined a partial care program for ED youth in New Jersey. There were 120 subjects in this study. Several characteristics of these subjects were examined – gender, race, age, diagnosis, and family status. The study also examined the subjects' average length of stay in the program.and reasons for being discharged. In addition, the ratio of clients to staff was studied. The data was collected by examining the files of past and present clients to gather the necessary information. Descriptive statistics were used …

Sensory Stimulation During The Prewriting Stages Of Creative Writing, Randy G. Yarwasky

Theses and Dissertations

Written expression is becoming more and more important in the language arts classrooms of America. Research has shown that sensory stimulation can help students access previously encoded experiences. These encoded representations are viable material to be used in the creative writing process. Fifth grade level 11 readers from Lower Township Elementary School District were employed in this study to determine the role of sensory experience in the language classroom. Students were read a selection and then received either visual stimulation, audio stimulation, audiovisual stimulation, or a control treatment. Hypotheses were that students who received stimulation would preform significantly better on …

Personality Differences Between Men And Women, Lori K. Ingoldsby

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare personality types of men and women and to examine if Jung's predictions of certain personality types occurring more frequently in males is supported. Subjects were 20 male and 20 female undergraduate volunteers, ranging in age from 18-26 years. Personality types were measured using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, form G. A chi-square test for independence showed support that personality type is dependent on gender. A significant difference was found for the following personality attitudes and functions: introversion and extraversion, and thinking and feeling. Men were found to be more likely to be introverted …

Remedial Post-Secondary Education And Subsequent College-Level Performance: A Comparative Study, Kelly Rapatski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between remedial instruction in a mathematics course, Basic Algebra, offered at Rowan College, and subsequent performance in a first college-level math course. The subjects utilized in the study consisted of remedial attendees or students who completed the course, test-outs, or students who were placed into the course but tested out of it, and non-remedial students, or those who never needed the course.

Mean grades for each of the three groups were then computed. A chi-square analysis indicated no significant difference between the three groups.

Based on the findings, the decision …

Ability Achievement Discrepancies: Diagnosis And Future Implications, Natalie Fischer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was threefold: first to determine if the predicted achievement method is a more accurate statistical method to determine ability achievement discrepancies than the simple difference method; second to determine if the VIQ score on the WISC 111 could predict achievement level as accurately as the FSIQ score; and third to assess the current achievement level of four individuals previously diagnosed with a reading disability. The sample used in this study consisted of eight children who were assessed at the Rowan College Learning and Assessment Center. The statistical procedures employed were based on the WIAT …

The Effects Of Inclusion Of Moderately Handicapped Students, Leslie B. Kahn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of inclusion of moderately handicapped students in three areas. Handicapped students were observed in order to measure: the number of disturbances they caused, the amount of teacher involvement they required, and the type of social interactions they developed. The students chosen for this study had differing disabilities including physical, emotional and learning handicaps. A sample of three second through fourth grade students was studied. All three of the students were from different communities with similar socioeconomic levels. Although results differed based on the particular handicap, on the average, the handicapped …

Comorbidity Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Educational Classification Among In-Patient Populations Of Children And Adolescents, Holly Berezow-Ricker

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an ex post facto study of an in-patient population of 39 adolescents between the ages of twelve and eighteen at a New Jersey State Psychiatric Hospital for Adolescents and 74 pre-adolescents and adolescents between the ages of seven and fifteen at a Private Residential School in New Jersey. Of this population of N=113, n=48 were determined to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with an incidence rate of 42.5%. Significant co-morbidity of ADHD and Depression, Conduct Disorder/Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Psychotic Disorders, and Learning Disabilities were found. The incidence of co-morbidity of ADHD and Educational Classification was found …

Intrinsic Motivation In Students: A Comparison Of Students With Learning Problems And Their Non-Handicapped Peers, Karen D'Orazio

Theses and Dissertations

The question of what motivates a child to learn has been an important interest to educators, psychologists, and parents as well. Within the domain of motivation, "intrinsic motivation" is an area that holds promise to students with learning problems. The purpose of this study is to see whether students with learning problems are less intrinsically motivated than their non-handicapped peers.

There are two groups of subjects: 30 third grade students in self-contained classrooms and 30 third grade students in regular classrooms. Each subject was given the "Scale of Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom." Statistical procedures were used to …