Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Assisted Living: Internal Communication To Align Identity And Image, Katherine Pittman Govito

Theses and Dissertations

Accomplishment of the mission of any organization relies on relationships developed. Key to these relationships is an internal communication program. As a function of public relations, the value of an internal communication program must be recognized as a requirement and implemented to achieve objectives set forth in an organization's mission statement.

This case study established the core elements of the mission statement of Meadow Glen, an assisted-living facility. The researcher evaluated its internal communication program by conducting surveys of Meadow Glen's three central internal relationships to measure alignment of its identity with its image. The three groups surveyed were: employees, …

Exploring The Relationship Among Etiological Factors Related To Eating Disorders, Diane L. Cassidy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to explore the cross-sectional relationship between personality, interpersonal problems, coping, and eating disorder symptomology. Participants were undergraduate students at a public university. Results indicated that personality was the strongest predictor of risk factors associated with eating disorders. Neuroticism was the strongest predictor, followed by conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Interpersonal and coping factors significantly predicted only four risk factors associated with eating disorders. Specifically, interpersonal problems related to being cold/distant, socially inhibited, and self-sacrificing, and the coping factors of emotional social support, acceptance, denial, and instrumental social support were all significant predictors. Implications for …

Bullying In College And Relation To Self-Esteem And Parenting Styles, Steven Russell

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates bullying in college and the relationship of bullying and self-esteem in the victims of bullying, as well as the relationship of parenting styles to bullying behavior. The study utilized N = 85 undergraduate students from a midsize northeastern university. The participants were administered a demographic questionnaire, a bullying questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Parental Authority Questionnaire. Frequency percentages were used to report incidence and types of bullying behavior. A correlation matrix was employed to ascertain the relationships between bullying and self-esteem, as well as between parenting style and bullying behavior, and a multiple regression analysis …

A Public Relations Approach To Recruiting Studio Audiences For Start-Up Shows, Chekesha K. Bunch

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis sought to determine the methods audience coordinators used to recruit studio audiences. This portion of the thesis included a ten-question interview emailed to audience coordinators for current daytime talk shows in New York City. Interviews were also conducted with production executives and a director to determine the purpose and significance of audience as well as audience-related costs.

Second, the thesis sought to answer what audiences like and dislike, what they have done, what they will do, and what they believe as it pertains to studio attendance. This portion of the thesis included a fifteen-question survey addressing incentives, show …

The Use Of Incentives In Increasing Survey Participation, Anne Glowacz

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides information on the effectiveness of incentives in increasing survey participation.

The author searched the online databases of Rowan University's Campbell Library as well as Internet search engines in an effort to locate secondary research on the topic.

The author collected and analyzed data from eight online surveys concerning the use of incentives. The surveys were completed by market research professionals.

Research indicated that the use of incentives is widespread and has become virtually necessary as the public increasingly realizes the value of providing personal information to survey administrators. Recommendations regarding the use of incentives were compiled based …

A Study Of Student Recruitment Practices At Rowan University, Daniel P. Reigel

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides advice to admissions counselors at Rowan University so they can better recruit prospective students.

For secondary research, the author did an online search of Rowan University's Campbell Library databases, an Internet search and a book search at Gloucester County Library.

The author collected data from 269 surveys distributed to prospective students at one of seven open house events at Rowan University during the 2002/2003 academic school year.

Surveys showed that students visiting Rowan University's one of seven open house events were happy with the overall program. Financial aid sessions proved to be the only part of the …

The Benefits Of Public Appearances For A Sports Figure's Image, Andrea L. Pujat

Theses and Dissertations

In this day and age of high salaries, free agency and shuffling around from city to city and team to team, sports figures are not concerned with being role models. Public appearances, management of image and the distinct understanding of how actions affect fan approval are being ignored.

This study examines the benefits of public appearances for a sports figure's image and examines if there is a discrepancy between what executives think fans feel is important and what fans really feel is important.

Six interviews were conducted with sports executives and sports professionals to gather information about the views of …

Public Perception: Comparing Tobacco Industry Public Relations Campaigns Of Today And Yesteryear, Cristin E. Kastner

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared public perception of tobacco industry public relations campaigns of today and yesteryear. Little study has been devoted to the public's changing perception of tobacco public relations since the Master Settlement Agreement changed tobacco public relations efforts in 1998.

Written history of tobacco industry public relations served as the base of determining perception of yesteryear. Surveying 281 undergraduate Rowan University students determined today's public perception of tobacco industry public relations.

Significant survey findings include:

• 80 percent felt the tobacco industry is not honest about the products it sells
• Half said the tobacco industry should not run its own …

Perceptions Of Public Relations: Key Communicators Share Their Opinions, Kamali A. Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

This study had three main purposes: first, determine how key communicators (those who talk to many people on a daily basis and share their opinions with others) in today's society feel about the public relations field; second, show that positive public relations does take place; and third, change the negative perceptions society holds for public relations, so that public relations will lose its negative image.

The author used many sources to obtain research for this thesis, including Rowan University's on-line databases, the University of Delaware's on-line databases, Internet searches, the Rowan catalogue, DELCAT and Temple University.

The author collected data …

Internal Communication: The Changing Roles Of Human Resources And Public Relations, E. Morgan Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides public relations and human resource professionals with information on which office is communicating to employees.

For secondary research, the author did an online search of Rowan University's Campbell Library databases and an Internet search.

The author collected data from 51 online surveys distributed to public relations, human resources and communication professionals.

Surveys indicated that the human resource office deals largely with communicating training, policy and management decisions to employees. Survey responses indicated that the public relations office reports new product/service updates and community involvement/activities to employees.

The author also conducted an e-mail interview with an internal communications …

Aids In The African-American Community: Celebrities As An Ineffective Communication Strategy, Wendy A. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine whether using celebrities to deliver HIV/AIDS prevention awareness messages to the African-American community is an effective public relations strategy.

Celebrities are used to persuade people to buy shoes, cars, toothpaste, etc., but can they persuade people to change risky behavior: protecting themselves and others from the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases?

Research conducted for this thesis found celebrities to be effective tools when their actions coincide or mirror the message. Celebrities that are perceived to be irresponsible or whose lyrics and/or actions do not coincide with safe-sex aren't taken …

Does The Accelerated Reader Program Motivate Fifth Grade Students To Read Beyond The Classroom?, Paula A. Girard

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this qualitative research were to (a) determine if the Renaissance Accelerated Reader program provided motivation for fifth grade students to read beyond the classroom; and (b) to determine if the Accelerated Reader program acted as a catalyst to affect changes in students' reading behaviors as a result of extrinsic rewards. Seventy-six students participated in the study between October 2002 and March 2003. Results showed that students were clearly motivated by extrinsic rewards and preferred choosing to read books on the Accelerated Reader list to those that did not have an accompanying A.R. quiz. Rewards, points and recognition …

State Of The Union Addresses And Their Impact On Popularity And Credibility, Lea L. Shapiro

Theses and Dissertations

This is a study of the impact of presidential messages and style upon the American public following the annual State of the Union address. This researcher focused on two similar presidents, Ronald Reagan and William J. Clinton. The State of the Union addresses used were for the years 1982 and 1994, respectively. The impact was measured by the poll results taken before and after each State of the Union speech.

A content analysis of each address was done to determine the major themes and messages and to determine which of those messages resulted in increased poll numbers.

Additionally, this researcher …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Non-Ambulatory Clients In The Treatment Of Depressive Symptoms, Kevin C. O'Leary

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to expand the current research on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the treatment of depressive symptoms with a non-ambulatory client experiencing dysthymic depression. Using a single subject AB design, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was implemented during weekly sessions with Beck Depression Inventory and the Leahy Anxiety Checklist for Patients as outcome measures. Results suggest that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be used in the treatment of depressive symptoms in non-ambulatory clients. Clients with physical disabilities who experience mental illness have unique requirements suggesting the need for additional research.

Cancer Cluster Communications: Bridging The Gap Between Science And Public Perception, Loretta A. O'Donnell

Theses and Dissertations

In response to the increasing request for cancer cluster investigations and the challenges in communicating the complexities of the studies and results, the author conducted case studies of childhood cancer cluster investigations in Dover Township, New Jersey and Fallon, Nevada to review state government communication and responses from residents. The purpose was to assess the residents' understanding and acceptance of the communication and to recommend guidelines for similar investigations based on lessons learned by officials and on recommendations by health risk communication experts in the public and private sectors. The study included content analyses of newspaper articles, intercept surveys, mail …

The Attitudes And Experiences Of Sixth Grade Teachers Towards Media Specialists On Either A Fixed Or A Flexible Schedule, Lori Cooney

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to discover if fixed or flexible scheduling in library media centers was related to the attitudes and experiences of sixth grade teachers towards library media specialists. Surveys were sent to selected sixth grade teachers working in public schools in Burlington County, New Jersey. Questions were designed to gain information from sixth grade teachers on their attitudes and experiences in regards to planning and team teaching opportunities with the library media specialists, availability of the library media specialist and the library media center during the school day, and the ability of the library media specialist to assist …

A Case Study Of The Efficacy Of Community Policing In Camden, New Jersey, Sophia L. Peele

Theses and Dissertations

Community policing initiates a valuable relationship between police and residents. It is often viewed as a problem-solving method of policing. Many police departments across the country have instituted this philosophy into one unit. However, some police administrators have found ways to implement community policing throughout the department.

This study was developed to determine the attitudes of both the patrolling community policing officers and the residents to evaluate the efficacy of community policing. The study was also used to determine if the uses of public relations skills increase the officers' ability to communicate effectively with residents of the community. Patrolling officers …

Collection Development Of Non-Christian Religious Holiday Books In Elementary School Libraries, Kelly Bigley Craig

Theses and Dissertations

While many Christian holiday books for children are widely reviewed and available from mainstream publishers, it is more difficult to find and evaluate books about non-Christian holidays. Elementary library collections may under-represent non-Christian religious books because of a lack of school library media specialists' personal knowledge about non-Christian holidays. This study surveyed school library media specialists through a written questionnaire about the variety and size of their library's current collection of non-fiction books about non-Christian religious holidays, and determined how school library media specialists approach collection development in this area. The sample and population consisted of 124 elementary public school …

How To Recruit More International Students, Chien-Wen Huang

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to determine international students' perspectives regarding the (U.S.) school application process, and 2) to compare recruiters' perspectives regarding the application process. Results indicated affordable tuition and alumni's satisfaction greatly influenced potential students' willingness to seriously entertain matriculation at U.S. schools. Major findings from the study included: Asian students represent over half (55%) of all international students on U.S. campuses; the United States remains the preferred destination for the vast majority of international students (80%) due to its advanced educational system; and recruiters, by a wide majority, chose paper-based application forms over online …

Television Public Service In Philadelphia: A Thing Of The Past?, Jill Flanagan

Theses and Dissertations

The researcher carried out this study to determine if national trends in television public service have influenced decision makers in Philadelphia and to provide public relations practitioners with detailed information about local practices. Online and library searches were conducted to secure information about television public service. In addition, the author interviewed communication experts, surveyed staff at six local channels and reviewed station materials.

The author found that Philadelphia's television stations continue to provide free airtime to charities along with traditional public service campaigns. However, research shows that paid PSA campaigns and third-party advertising agreements have grown in popularity. Public relations …

An Analysis Of Basic Public Relations Needs Of Non-Profit Associations, Jennifer Szwalek

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the basic public relations needs of nonprofit associations, tiered according to association structure.

A sample of 100 non-profit association executive directors, obtained from the International Association of Association Management Companies (IAAMC), were surveyed by e-mail and in-depth interviews on their public relations needs. Twenty percent of the sample chose to participate.

Online research was conducted at the Web sites of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and within the Association Management Company (AMC) section, the International Association of Association Management Companies (IAAMC) and the Association Management Institute (AMCInstitute).

Research steps also …

The Past In The Future: A Content Analysis Applying S. R. Ranganathan's Five Laws Of Library Science To Libraries And Information Services In Young Adult Science Fiction, Bruce Duboff

Theses and Dissertations

S. R. Ranganathan's Five Laws of Library Science are considered the basis of modem library philosophy. They have remained after over seventy years as the seminal concepts by which other library science guidelines are judged. However, the world has changed dramatically since 1931, and these laws, along with Ranganathan's philosophy, may be in jeopardy of obsolescence.

What has science fiction written about future libraries? Speculative library and information trends and issues like those discussed in science fiction literature are relevant not only for librarians, but for society as well as it wrestles with the issue of information overload.

This study …

The Effects Of Collaboration Between The Elementary Teacher And Educational Media Specialist On Non-Required Student Library Usage, Kimberly A. Mccauley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there was a difference in third grade students' non-required school library uses if collaboration on a weekly basis between the educational media specialist and classroom teacher was present. The study contained one experimental group, consisting of one class of third grade students who received collaborative instruction and one comparison group who did not. A comparison of these two groups' non-required library use and their circulation habits, as well as the types of activities they participated in when they were in the library led to the following results: Increased exposure …

Identifying The Attitudes Of Rowan University's College Of Education Graduate Students Towards Web-Enhanced Courses And The Use Of Webct, Kathy J. Cyliax

Theses and Dissertations

Many important issues need to be addressed in order to implement distance education programs successfully. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of using technology for course delivery, the attitudes of the students participating must also be considered. The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of a sample of College of Education graduate students at Rowan University in order to understand their acceptance of or resistance to Web-enhanced courses and the use of WebCT as an instructional delivery tool. Surveys were delivered to 24 professors in the College of Education, who used WebCT as an instructional tool, to …

Budget Expenditures Of High School Library Media Centers In Southern New Jersey, Patricia V. Glave

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the expenditures of southern New Jersey high school library media centers for the 2001-2002 school year. The applied research design employed mailed questionnaires to collect data from the sample of library media specialists from all public high schools in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem counties in New Jersey. Descriptive survey research and statistics were used to describe the characteristics of expenditures in print, non-print and electronic resources for 56 responses. Relationships between expenditures and socioeconomic rank were discussed, as were sources of funding.

As a region, public high school library media centers …

A Study Of Adult Patron Library Use And Satisfaction With The Federal Street Branch Of The Camden City Free Public Library, Aaron L. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how adult patrons were using the Federal Street branch of the Camden City Free Public Library. Additionally, the study measured patron satisfaction with the current level of service that the library was providing. One hundred and three responses were collected over an eight week period. Patrons were asked to evaluate twelve services based on present level of service and importance. From these responses the researcher was able to calculate satisfaction. The services were divided into three service areas: Information Services, Print and Electronic Resources and Library Services. Results of the survey showed …

A Library Use Study Of Deptford High School Seniors' English Paper Resources, Anne Denning

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the resources used by high school students enrolled in honors, college preparatory, and general English courses in the completion of their research papers. This applied research study was conducted with the use of a written questionnaire, which was administered to Deptford High School seniors of all academic levels in their English classes. The population and sample of this study were one and the same, 213 Deptford High School senior English students. All seniors attending English class on the day the survey was administered comprised the sample. No attempt was made …

Minor League Baseball Pr Guidelines: Techniques For First Year Class A Teams, John Sadak

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to accumulate information relative to the various public relations practices, methods and procedures utilized by the 60 Class A Minor League Baseball teams and to determine the extent of common public relations elements. Although the 60 teams are located in different markets, results of interviews and surveys of the teams led the author to conclude that some current practices are common among them.

Phone interviews were conducted with four practitioners to determine a preliminary list of items important to a Minor League Baseball promotional campaign. From that list a survey was created and mailed …

The Educational Role Of United States Holocaust Museums/Centers, Christie Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

There are almost three hundred Holocaust museums/centers in the United States whose precise function is unclear. This study of 131 participants was concerned with what materials/resources were in their collection and what educational programs were offered. The electronic mail survey also asked: Who is able to use their collection? Who uses it most frequently? Where do they get funding? What is their main objective: preserve history or educate the public? The results showed that United States Holocaust museums/centers see themselves as responsible for education and furthering public understanding of the Holocaust. There are different angles future research about the relationship …

The Undecided Student And Self-Assessment: A Journey Toward Decision, Lucia A. Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this single subject study were (a) to create a profile of the undecided student in regard to academic and career direction and (b) to explore the effectiveness of self-assessment tools as aides for the undecided student. An undergraduate student, who voluntarily came to a Career and Academic Planning Center, was chosen based upon (a) her declaration of being undecided regarding the direction of academic and career pursuits and (b) her willingness to explore self-assessment tools. After selection, the student was given (a) a single item questionnaire, to solely determine whether she was decided or undecided regarding career …