Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Meg Coherence Imaging In Dyslexia: Activation Of Working Memory Pathways, Alfred Mansour

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The aims of this dissertation are to 1) review the genetic, neurodevelopmental, structural, and functional brain imaging studies that are the foundations of our understanding of dyslexia and 2) investigate the pattern of activation and functional connectivity of neuronal networks critical in working memory in dyslexics by means of magnetoenchephalographic (MEG) coherence imaging. Dyslexics showed an early onset of activation in the precentral gyrus and the superior frontal gyrus, which differed from controls where activation was initiated in posterior cortical regions (supramarginal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus). Further, dyslexics showed lower normalized amplitudes of activation in the right superior temporal …

The Enduring Impact Of One-Session Exposure Treatment On Selective Processing Bias And Explicit Memory Avoidance In Snake- And Spider-Fearful Participants, Karen Stanley-Kime

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The prevalence of anxiety disorders in the general population makes clarification of variables that contribute to the onset or maintenance of these disorders essential. Two such contributory variables are anxiety-induced selective processing bias and theorized subsequent explicit memory avoidance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of one-session in vivo exposure treatment on selective processing bias and explicit memory avoidance immediately following successful treatment of stimulus-specific anxiety as well as at one-week and one-month follow-up. Participants (N = 60) were assigned to one of three groups: (1) the treatment group, composed of individuals who were fearful …

As Seen On Twitter: African-American Rhetorical Traditions Gone Viral, Tiffani Long

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This communication research study identifies the presence of the African-American rhetorical traditions of call-response, signification, tonal semantics, and narrative sequencing used in communication on the online social media network, Twitter. The objective of this study is to provide insight into the culture and community of Twitter. Additionally, the research demonstrates how traditional oral rhetorical traditions survive in the digital world. Over a 15-day period, tweets were collected by the author using a computer screenshot feature. Using a coding rubric, three coders, including the author, coded the collected tweets for the four rhetorical traditions. Resulting from this procedure, the coders concluded …

Gendered Governing: Leadership Experiences Of Seven Women Former Governors, Deborah A. Havens

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Fifty years ago, Second Wave feminists theorized that American culture was dominated by patriarchal systems that subordinated women to second class citizenship status (Brown, 1988; Dolan, Deckman & Swers, 2010). In the 21st century, women have become highly visible candidates for office on a national level. Since 1925, 31 women have served as governors; 20 were elected to office, three replaced their husbands, and eight became governor by Constitutional succession (CAWP, 2012). Many women of the Third Wave generation, or Post-feminists, reject the theory that male oppression continues to influence women’s life choices, some claiming that there is no need …

The Forensic Burke: A For(U)Mative Member Of The Parlor, Courtney James Wright

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

In this study, I detail the forensics education of Kenneth Burke, a leading rhetorical theorist and critic of the twentieth century. After investigating this previously unexamined area, I argue that Burke’s competitive forensics experiences pivotally informed his rhetorical schema. Theoretically guided by Burke’s pivotal term the forensic, I begin by mapping the contours of Burke’s educational biography. Next, I analyze and reconstruct Burke’s forensics education by focusing on the forensic organizations of Peabody High School, Burke’s literary society experiences at Ohio State University and Columbia University, and the literary activities of Greenwich Village. Finally, I proffer connections between forensics …

The Development Of A Dyadic Assessment For Families Experiencing, Sarah Cline

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a chronic disease involving curvature of the spine that is typically diagnosed in late childhood and early adolescence. The timing of most AIS diagnoses and subsequent treatment occur at a critical point developmentally and may place strain on the parent-adolescent relationship. The present study developed a measure, The AIS Dyadic Assessment, of the parent-adolescent relationship affected by AIS. This measure assessed three aspects of the parent-adolescent relationship: Communication Skills, Emotion Regulation, and Mutual Agreement about AIS. Twenty-six female adolescents who were currently prescribed a brace as part of their AIS treatment, and their mothers, participated. …

Academic Achievement And Attitudes Of Arab-American Immigrants, Nour Fakhoury

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

There is no single predictor of economic success in modern America more than one’s education level. There has been much empirical research examining immigrant students and academic achievement, in order to provide the necessary support to increase the likelihood of academic success. However, there has been little research to investigate the case of Arab-American immigrants. The influx of immigrants from Arab countries that have recently experienced much instability due to war and conflict, and the increased negative visibility of Arabs post-September 11, make it vital to examine the experiences of Arab immigrant students and how their experiences affect their academic …

The Effects Of Response Interruption And Redirection On Language Skills In Children With Vocal Stereotypy, Tamara Leigh Perry

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Vocal stereotypy is a common, skill-disruptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Response interruption and redirection (RIRD), the delivery of demands contingent on the occurrence of vocal stereotypy, is an intervention that is gaining empirical support for reducing vocal stereotypy and increasing appropriate language. However, little is known about the efficacy of RIRD when combined with early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), the recommended treatment approach for children with ASD, and its effects on the acquisition of language skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of RIRD when delivered during EIBI programming. Participants were …

Free Telecollaboration 2.0 Tools And Activities For Enhancing Intercultural Communicative Competence, Khoi Nguyen Thi Bui

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines the effectiveness and relevance of some free telecollaboration 2.0 tools and the IT-HELPS activities to the participants’ enhancement of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) in reference to Byram’s (1997) ICC definition and its five principles. In-depth qualitative data were collected from six semistructured interviews with students and teachers of the eight-week online intercultural exchange between a Second Language Acquisition class at Eastern Michigan University in the United States and an English as a Second Language class at Tan Tao University in Vietnam. Despite the failed communication in some collaborative tasks due to some deficiencies in motivating, facilitating, and …

Relationships Between Food Reinforcement And Eating Behaviors To Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss And Substance Abuse Outcomes, Summar Reslan

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Bariatric surgery is rapidly gaining acceptance among the morbidly obese population, yet studies assessing variables associated with post-surgical outcomes have yielded inconsistent findings. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the association between the relative reinforcing value of food (RRV-F), delay discounting for food (DD-F), and other eating-related and non eating-related variables to post-bariatric surgery percent total weight loss (%TWL) and substance-related outcomes. Participants were a convenience sample of 147 adults with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Using online survey methodology, variables that may contribute to post-surgical %TWL and substance use outcomes were assessed: the RRV-F, DDF, …

Obesity And Outcomes Of Bariatric Surgery: A Focus On Patients With Postoperative Substance Use Disorders, Melissa Pulcini

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Recent evidence suggesting post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery patients are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) has brought to light the importance of understanding how the postoperative development of a SUD may affect weight loss and psychosocial outcomes. The present investigation used a quasi- experimental, non- equivalent, matched pair between subjects group design to compare these outcomes in post-RYGB patients in inpatient treatment for SUDs with post-RYGB patients who reported no significant post-surgical substance-related problems. Participants were matched on sex, age, and time since surgery. Average weight losses of the two groups were not significantly different, …

A Critical Examination Of The Construct Validity Of The Tti Performance DnaTm Survey For The Purpose Of Differentiating The Entrepreneurially-Minded Engineer, Sandra L. Dietrich

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The United States needs workers with more than technical skills to meet the demands of global competition; more specifically, a new breed of engineer is necessary, one who possesses leadership skills and business acumen in addition to the technical engineering skills. One Midwestern foundation has recognized this challenge and is working with engineering universities to enhance programs to create entrepreneurially-minded engineers (EMEs). To this end, the Target Training International, Ltd. (TTI) Performance DNATM survey has been developed to measure the behaviors, values, and professional skills of these EMEs. Currently, the Foundation has collected data using this survey with engineering students …

National Security Policy Constraints On Technological Innovation: A Case Study Of The Invention Secrecy Act Of 1951, Dorothy K. Mcallen

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Recent studies indicate that the United States is trailing other countries in technological innovation and competitiveness. This case study examined national security policy constraints on technological innovation, specifically the Invention Secrecy Act. It focused on the social constructs of collaboration and interdisciplinary knowledge in the aerospace industry. The methodology included historical research, data collection, and semi-structured interviews with experts from academia, general industry, government and public policy, aerospace/defense industry, and federal government. The results of the study suggested that since World War II, national security policies have not been clearly and consistently defined, interpreted, or implemented. This lack of clarity …

Deconstructing Children's Expectations For Psychotherapy: Understanding How Parents Prepare Their Children For Mental Health Treatment, Heather Nix

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Little research has investigated the effects of stigma on child psychotherapy. Because parents are a primary factor in determining whether children receive psychotherapy and how therapy progresses, understanding how parental perceptions of psychopathology and psychotherapy are associated with children’s mental health treatment seems to be an important step in investigating how stigma impacts child psychotherapy. Researchers have not closely examined, however, how parents might influence children’s experiences of psychotherapy. To address this topic, the current study examined how parents’ views of psychotherapy were related to how they prepared their children for psychotherapy and how this preparation was related to children’s …

The Impact Of A Group-Based Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Intervention On Parents Of Children Diagnosed With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jennifer D. Kowalkowski

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Parents of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder face significant stressors and challenges; however, little research has investigated ways to effectively address their psychological distress and adjustment issues. This study used a between-subject and withinsubject repeated measures design to test the effects of an 8-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or treatment as usual (TAU) group. Treatment completers included 13 mothers in the ACT condition and 4 mothers in TAU. They were assessed three weeks before the intervention, one week after, and three months post-intervention. Limited data for between-group comparison demonstrated only a significant difference on the frequency scale …

Student Loyalty Assessment With Online Master's Programs, Ali Dehghan

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Relationship marketing is attracting, maintaining, and, in multi-service organizations, enhancing customer relationships. Educational programs and services, like those of businesses, depend highly on the repeated purchases of their loyal customers. The purpose of this descriptive research is to investigate the relationships between factors that may lead to student loyalty in online graduate educational programs. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the relationships between service quality, technology, trust, commitment and satisfaction, reputation and ultimately loyalty. A new model is presented, which includes the results of testing these variables.

The results of this study concluded that satisfaction with the program has the …

A Pilot Study Of The Effects Of Mentoring On Disordered Eating Behavior, Marya Mccarroll

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Subclinical levels of disordered eating are problematic for both adolescent girls and young women. Not only could subclinical disordered eating lead to full threshold eating disorders without intervention, it is also associated with higher levels of psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. Unfortunately, most current interventions for subclinical eating disorders demonstrate limited effectiveness in creating lasting changes in disordered eating thoughts and behaviors. This study contributes to the literature by investigating a novel intervention for addressing subclinical disordered eating in both adolescent girls and undergraduate women. Specifically, this study attempted to detect changes in measures of …

An Exploration Of Communication And Bullying Behavior, Danielle M. Ensch

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This communication study examined in-depth interviews, the situational perceptions and self-awareness of individuals who bullied in middle school and/or high school. Research statement one is what motivates an individual to engage in bullying behavior and/or become a bully. Research statement two is the bully’s situational perceptions of bullying. Quantitative and qualitative research was implemented to set up the context and situation for underlying themes from the in-depth interviews. Results showed that children do not take responsibility for their bullying and will not stop unless forced to. Furthermore, the adults perceived parents and school officials to have an important role in …

Differences Between Post-Bariatric Patients And Controls In A Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program: Implications For Treatment, Ashley A. Wiedemann

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

A comprehensive substance abuse treatment facility began observing increased admissions who reported histories of bariatric surgeries. The present study examined what unique variables may pose risk for substance abuse among bariatric surgery candidates and what issues may affect prognosis or treatment outcome for those currently in substance abuse treatment. Participants completed a questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview. Results indicate that post-bariatric patients developed problematic substance use significantly later in life, during a time that is not normative of new development of substances; were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorders; and reported a significantly poorer …

Preface, Brad Sietz

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

LOEX came back to its home state of Michigan for the first time since 2004 for our 38th annual conference. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn. In a period of great economic upheaval, over 300 librarians were able to find the resources to attend the conference to learn about the latest and greatest in library instruction and information literacy.

The conference takes a great deal of time to plan and conduct and it would not be possible without the tre­mendous efforts of our volunteer committee, who do all this conference work in addition to their …

Spanning The University To Improve Information Literacy E-Instruction, Lindsay Miller, Robert Withers, Eric Resnis

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

In Fall 2009, the interactive information literacy module "integrity Quickstart"(iQ) was introduced to first and second-year students at Miami University. iQ, which teaches information literacy and academic integrity concepts using the dynamic Flash-based presentation tool Prezi, is a companion to the existing eScholar, a more passive, in-depth tutorial.

iQ was created through a unique campus collaboration between the Libraries, University IT and Student Affairs. This session will recount the creation and implementation of iQ, everything from scripting and storyboarding to grant support and dealing with differences of opinion involved with any collaboration. We will discuss how iQ and eScholar work …

Blueprint For A Solid Information Literacy Foundation: Building A Program From The Ground Up, Judith P. Williams

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

Belmont University's information literacy plan includes three initiatives: 1) integrate information literacy into the curriculum; 2) enhance the educational environment in the library; and 3) strengthen collaboration on information literacy goals. The plan has produced an integrated General Education/information literacy curriculum, an inviting library study and research space, and collaboration on a course ranking scale that measures library resource needs. Liaison librarians work with department chairs to complete the scale, and the rankings are factored into the budget allocation formula for the upcoming fiscal year. This session will describe the process by which this program was developed, from its beginnings …

Bibliobouts: A Scalable Online Social Game For The Development Of Academic Research Skills, Karen Markey, Chris Leeder, Fritz Swanson, Gregory St. Peters Jr., Brian J. Jennings, Beth St. Jean, Victor Rosenberg, Soo Young Rieh, Geoffrey V. Carter, Averill Packard, Robert L. Frost, Loyd Mbabu, Andrew Calvetti

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

Researchers at the School of Information of the University of Michigan are designing, developing, and evaluating BiblioBouts, an online game that helps students learn academic research skills. Players practice using online library research tools while they work on an in-class assignment and produce a high-quality bibliography, at the same time as they are competing against each other to win the game!

While librarians are experts at helping students who want to learn about academic research, most students are reluctant participants because they want just-in-time personal assistance that is tailored to their unique information needs, and faculty are reluctant to cede …

Linking Through Libguides: Collaborating With Faculty Through An Adaptable Teaching And Marketing Tool, Kimbel May, Anna Leyba Delgado

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

This presentation will demonstrate how LibGuides can be used as a winning teaching and marketing tool to promote collaboration between the library and academic departments that benefit from information literacy instruction. Two librarians with a diverse range of subject liaison responsibilities will illustrate how you can successfully market LibGuides across any and all disciplines and will present examples of LibGuides created as successful research guides and instruction tools.

Granting Collaboration: Information Literacy For Faculty, Cotina Jones

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

The initiative to form a working partnership with faculty began when the librarians in O'Kelly Library became acutely aware that our students' were not able to effectively access, evaluate and use information. After devoting years to marketing library services, teaching classes and acquiring new resources, there was little response from the faculty or students.

We asked the question, "What has to happen for us to be able to infuse information literacy into the curriculum and make it important and meaningful?"

This presentation is intended to show C. G. O'Kelly Library's efforts to embed information literacy into the curriculum by educating …

Replacing Old Bridges With New – Stepping Up Student Learning By Rebuilding The Foundation With Faculty-Librarian Collaboration, Kristen L. Motz, Dr. Helen E. Woodman

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

Your foundations are set - clear syllabus, collaborative assignments, scheduled library instructions, and excellent faculty-librarian communication - but what about demonstrated learning, updated technologies, and an infusion of instruction energy? Sometimes a librarian needs to partner with faculty to initiate a demolition and reengineering of the collaborative bridge. Our dilemma: Should we patch up an existing assignment or tackle a course reengineering? Using new girders of current learning theory, measurable learning outcomes, concept maps, just-in-time instructions, research consultations, and information literacy assessments, we rebuilt the class. Dig into the foundation with us and explore using these supports to help your …

Ask This Librarian: Integrating Library Tools Into The Online Learning Environment, Molly Beestrum, Kerri Willette

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

In order to reach learners where they already are, this project integrated LibGuides into two learning management systems using an embeddable widget. Moving the library resources into the students digital home - the LMS - rather than only providing resources within the library organization, we achieved a more user-centered service. Two disparate technologies were used: 1) LibGuides for creating the course guides, and 2) the widget, which is HMTL code that was added to an LMS (Moodle and JICS) and displayed in the course page.

Course Guides (using LibGuides) were created for four pilot course partners. Guides were tailored for …

Nformation Lteracy: Taking The ‘I’ Out Of Instruction, Suzanne W. Hinnefeld, Tiffany Mcgregor, Julie Zamostny, Erin Davis, Joe Eshleman

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

Do you spend too much time behind the podium during your instruction sessions? This presentation will provide opportunities for learning and discussion on four activities designed to move you out among your students.

You will learn how a courtroom-like environment with music, props, and costuming was created at Hood College for an ESL English class to guide students through the steps of brainstorming keywords, utilizing databases, and organizing information for an argument.

A librarian from Goshen College will offer recommendations on planning a large-scale, themed, open-house; a timeline for completion; assessment of student learning; and post-event evaluation.

The Coordinator of …

Bridging The Gap: Building A Community College—Lis School Partnership, Don Latham, Melissa Gross

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

Many community college students begin their studies with the intention of ultimately continuing their education at a four-year school. However, students who enter community college with non-proficient information literacy (IL) skill levels often find it difficult if not impossible to make a successful transition. This presentation will describe a collaborative research project funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services that focuses on developing effective information literacy instruction for community college students with non-proficient IL skills and involves academic librarians at two community colleges and faculty from an ALA-accredited LIS school. The presentation will briefly describe the project itself …

Learning By Doing: Bridging Information Literacy Theory With Practice, Melissa Mallon

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

Addressing information literacy skills at the freshmen level can often result in frustration for everyone involved. Teaching the same content over and over becomes tedious for librarians and the sessions can seem irrelevant to freshmen. This presentation will detail how the presenter collaborated with the First Year Program coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to revamp the program's library component into a set of online, self-paced information literacy modules tied to an assignment. The modules reach a large number of students without overwhelming librarians. Come see how scalable instruction can improve the freshmen library experience!