Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Examining The Effect Of A School-Based Treatment On Anxiety For Latino Students, Emilie J. Larsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the efficacy of a brief culturally and instructionally modified cognitive behavioral therapy program for five anxious Latino/a youths ages 8-11 years in an elementary school setting. Each student exhibited anxiety in a classroom setting as reported by their teachers and parents or guardians. A noncurrent multiple baseline design was implemented using A-B replications to assess the effects of baseline and treatment on daily self-report student distress ratings as well as daily teacher rated distress, academic engagement, and work completion. All participants completed the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale-2 pre- and post-treatment as well as a Children’s Intervention …

Effects Of A Classroom Intervention On Academic Engagement Of Elementary School Students With Anxiety, Lychelle Leatham

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study evaluated the impact of anxiety reduction on academic engagement for elementary students experiencing high levels of anxiety. For participating students, the anxiety appeared to be impacting academic performance in the school setting. Student participants received modified cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including exposure tasks with adult support in the school setting. Both anxiety and academic engagement was monitored by participating students and their teachers. Results show that this intervention has promising outcomes and provides initial support that anxiety reduction increases academic engagement for anxious elementary students

Benefits, Challenges, And Recommendations For Implementing A Sustainability-Based Service-Learning Program At Utah State University: An Initial Assessment Of The Community Bridge Initiative, Julie Koldewyn

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Service-Learning is a method of teaching that allows students to learn course content by engaging in real world applications, which can enhance student learning and benefit communities. As populations increase, many communities struggle with the corresponding issues of sustainability. A program that could use student expertise to address these concerns would be beneficial for both students and communities. This mixed-methods study explored the benefits, challenges, and recommendations for implementing a sustainability-based service-learning program, the Community Bridge Initiative (CBI), at Utah State University (USU) in relation to community needs and student responses to being in program pilot classes. Pilot classes were …

Attitudes And Behavioral Intentions Of Eighth-Grade Students Toward Figures Of Varying Body Weight, Erin L. Mcleary

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The current study examined attitudes toward and willingness to interact of 8th grade students toward their peers based on peer weight status. One-hundred-seventy primarily Caucasian, eighth-grade students (72 male, 98 female) from a public elementary school viewed a picture of a potential peer who was either average weight, overweight, or obese. After viewing the figure, participants completed The Adjective Checklist and The Shared Activity Questionnaire-B (SAQ-B. The Adjective Checklist measured attitudes toward obesity and the SAQ-B measured how they would interact with the potential peer in general social, academic, and active recreational situations. It was hypothesized that girls would rate …

A Multimedia Intervention To Increase The Likelihood That University Students In Need Will Utilize Counseling Services, Todd W. Lindsley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The primary objective of this study was to create and test an intervention designed to increase students’ positive attitudes toward utilizing mental health services. A review of the literature was conducted to establish the guidelines for creating an intervention that would effectively influence attitudes while being relatively easy to customize and adapt to different settings. The content of the intervention was informed by the literature, reviewed by a panel of experts, and tested with a focus group of students before being finalized. In order to test the effectiveness of the intervention, and experimental study was designed which included an experimental …

Perceptions Of Interethnic Dating Among College Students, Elisaida Méndez

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Department of Psychology at Utah State University proposed to examine the intersection of demographic variables. This phenomenon was studied in the context of power differential in relationships under the framework of social exchange theory and a racial hierarchy. The study examined the role of ethnicity, income, and gender in status and power balances in the perception of success of dating relationships. Social exchange theory explains the exchange of traits or resources in interpersonal relationships and relationship formation and based on a racial or ethnic hierarchy, race or ethnicity is seemingly overlooked when considering other valued traits.

The Interethnic Couples …

A Preliminary Evaluation Of The Students' Realizing Educational Potential Program, Frances Y. Tous

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Students' Realizing Educational Potential Program (REP) was implemented in the 1993-94 academic year to reduce dropout rates for ethnic minority students at Utah State University. This program is currently funded by a 5-year grant, pending renewal upon demonstration of its effectiveness. A formative evaluation was conducted to determine whether the REP program has accomplished its goals thus far, using 157 minority students. Two levels of analysis were conducted. In the first level, admission index scores, college grade point averages, and the average number of quarters enrolled were compared among three REP and non-REP cohorts. The REP program did not …

The Relationship Between Students' Evaluation Of Faculty And Students' Grades, Eun-Hee Shin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The study examined (a) the relationship between the grade students expect to receive and their evaluation rating, (b) the relationship between students' prior cumulative GPA and their evaluation rating, and (c) to what extent do other variables account for the relationship between grade and evaluation rating.

The present study found a significant, consistent relationship between students' expected grades and their evaluation ratings of professor. The relationship between students' cumulative GPA and ratings is negligible and should not be considered an important score of bias. The implication of this study is that great caution should be exercised when using such ratings …

Using Direct Instruction To Teach Compliance To Seriously Noncompliant Students, Hans M. Michielsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This research study investigated the effectiveness of a direct instruction program (Treatment 2) for increasing compliance with teachers' instructions in students for whom manipulation of conventional antecedent stimuli and consequences (Treatment 1) had not resulted in adequate compliance. Five students participated in this study. A multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Introduction of Treatment 2 was followed by an increase in compliance by all five participants. The relationship between compliance and other appropriate classroom behaviors, as well as the relationship between compliance and qualitatively good and qualitatively poor instructions, was also investigated. Those relationships were …

The Effect Of Notetaking And Review Among Eighth-Grade Students, Nancy Lindbergy Risch

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A study was conducted in which both notetaking and review were systematically varied in order to examine viii eighth-grade student's notetaking and performance behaviors. Three formats of notes (Matrix, skeletal, conventional) were examined in combination with three notetaking strategies (take notes/review own notes, take notes/review expert notes, listen/review expert notes) to form nine conditions. Subjects viewed a videotaped lecture, reviewed their respective set of notes, and were administered the following performance tests: structured recall, factual recognition, application, and synthesis. The number of ideas, number of words, and an efficiency calculation was obtained for each notetaking protocol. Results indicated that subjects …

Marital Satisfaction As It Related To Agreement On Money Matters And Money Management Competence Among Utah State University Married Students, Carol S. Young

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between marital satisfaction, agreement on money matters, and money management competence among married couples at Utah State University . A sample of 43 student couples responded to a written questionnaire designed to measure the three variables. On all three variables measured, high scores indicated that both spouses rated themselves high on marital satisfaction, agreement on money matters, and money management competence. A positive relationships was found to exist between the four correlations, the strongest for both partners being marital satisfaction with agreement on money matters. The correlation, marital satisfaction …

A Peer-Managed Self-Control Program For Reduction Of Alcohol Consumption In High School Students, Richard Allan Carpenter

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Three treatments designed to reduce the consumption of alcohol by native American high school students were assessed and compared. Self-referred and staff-referred clients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) alcohol education and a peer-assisted self-control procedure, (2) a peer-assisted self-control procedure, and (3) a self-monitoring only procedure. All three treatments were conducted by trained peer counselors for 14 weeks. The alcohol education and peer-assisted self-control and the peer-assisted self-control demonstrated reductions in peak blood alcohol concentration, frequency of drinking incidents, and alcohol consumption. The self-monitoring only group demonstrated changes only in frequency of drinking incidents. No significant differences …

An Assessment Of The Self-Actualizing Education Program, Kathleen Pope

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Elementary school teachers enrolled in the Self-Actualizing Education training course were tested prior to and following the ten-week in-service course to measure to what extent teachers improved interpersonal communication skills in discussions with students. Teachers' positive responses (e.g., listening, owning personal feelings, offering choices to students), teachers' negative responses (e.g., judging, lecturing, rescuing), teacher talk vs. student talk, and the frequency of student misbehaviors were considered. Audio tape recordings were made of teachers as they dealt with student problems in a group discussion and in an individual discussion. Also, student misbehaviors were recorded during a 15-minute observation time.

The data …

Variables Associated With Fluctuations In Response Time On The Rorschach Test, Dean L. Gregg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A sample of 61 subjects from an introductory psychology class was administered a battery of psychological tests, among them the Rorschach and the MMPI.

The purpose was to determine the behavioral correlates, if any, of the two Rorschach variables, Mean Reaction Time, and Fluctuation in Time of First Response. This was accomplished by using multivariate statistical techniques, i.e. a factor analysis followed by a stepwise multiple regression.

The results were ambiguous. While not statistically significant, they suggest that the MMPI variables of Social Introversion and Psychopathic Deviant are more closely related to the two dependent variables than previous literature would …

The Study Of Intended Distance Based On The Migration Intention Of Utah High School Senior Students, Pyoung Kim

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examines the relationship between the distance 1975 high school seniors intended to move, referred to as intended distance, and socioeconomic and psychological factors. The research is based on information collected from separate samples of about 900 graduating seniors from the rural, urban and metropolitan areas of Utah. Utilizing the type of boundary that would be crossed in carrying out an intended move as the proxy for distance, it was found that 14 percent of the youth intended to live most of the rest of their lives out of Utah. While rural youth were more likely to intend to …

Staffing The College Counseling Center To Meet The Needs Of Minority And Female Students, Christine Rickly

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study assessed Utah State University students perceptions of the U.S.U. Counseling Center with regard to meeting students' counseling needs. The study focused on racial background and sex of counselors as significant variables. A written questionnaire was mailed to 420 students. Fifty-three percent of the questionnaires were returned.

The students' impressions of the Counseling Center were generally positive. Caucasian females were more satisfied than Caucasian males. Minority students were least satisfied. Students who had not used the center most often indicated they had no need. Many students lacked information concerning the services and availability of staff of different sex and/ …

Achievement Of Students In Introductory Social Science Courses Offered By The College Of Humanities, Arts, And Social Sciences At Utah State University, James Collins Lewis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The evaluation of student achievement in college has only recently become an important area of research. The main focus of this study was to determine the achievement of students in introductory social science courses offered by the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Utah State University. Several other variables were considered throughout the study including (1) the achievement of students in introductory courses offered by other colleges than the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, (2) the effects of using standardized and teacher-made tests in measuring achievement, and (3) the achievement gain/loss of students tested two months …

Prediction And Assessment Of Liked And Non-Liked Teachers As Rated By Various Student Groups, Nancy Ladee Fleming

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was designed to: (1) determine whether the test scores on the CPI and Teacher Inventory serve as predictors of "liked" and "non-liked" teachers, and (2) determine whether various student groups (minority, Anglo, disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged) rate "liked" and "non-liked" teachers differently on each of the three variables of the Teacher Inventory.

Ninety-two sophomore students, representing race and economic factors rated the 37 teachers of required sophomore subject matter classes on a Like-Dislike Scale and the Teacher Inventory. Two lists were thus generated: (1) teachers to whom various students rated as "liked" teachers, and (2) teachers to whom various …

Factors Associated With Marital Adjustment Of Young Mormon Married College Students, Ronald Shill Jones

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The study compared the marital adjustment scores of young college student Mormon temple and nontemple couples. Marital adjustment scores of temple couples were significantly higher than they were for nontemple couples. Responses of 20 temple and 20 nontemple couples were analyzed controlling for age, length of marriage, income, number of children, and education. The mean marital adjustment scores did not vary significantly when each control variable was analyzed in terms of its effect on marital adjustment for temple and nontemple couples. Nontemple husbands and wives were affected differently by the various control variables.

Male and female nontemple marital adjustment scores …

Relationship Of The Self-Concept To Selected Measures Of Performance Among Male Navajo Students At Intermountain School, Melvern Eugene Graham

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationship of various measures of high school performance and a measure of the self-concept were examined for the 1970-71 senior male students at Intermountain School, Brigham City, Utah. Some significant correlations were found.

Their junior year vocational training grade and grade point average were found to be significantly correlated to their self-definition score, as ere all but one of the teachers' subjective evaluations.

General aptitude, reading ability, previous years at Intermountain, and class grouping were not found to show any significant correlation with the self-definition test score. Age was found to be correlated at the .01 level with the …

Attitude Toward The American Political System Of Thai Students Attending Utah State University, Thira Rojanapornpant

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this research was to measure the attitudes of Thai students at Utah State University toward the American political system, favorably or unfavorably.

The method of this study was an opinion or attitude survey. Copies of the questionnaires were personally delivered to and collected from Thai students by the writer. Ninety-four questionnaires or 97.92 percent of the total ninety-six were returned

The conclusion of this study indicated that: Thai students' attitudes toward the American political system were more favorable than unfavorable. Moreover, the period of time spent in the United States caused little difference in change of their …

A Comparison Of Methods Used To Predict Success In Ninth Grade Elementary Algebra, Sherry Slade

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A study was conducted at North Cache Junior High School in Richmond, Utah, during the 1967-68 school year to determine an effective method of predicting which students would be able to succeed in algebra in the ninth grade. Eighth grade marks in mathematics, two algebra aptitude test scores, and student self-success ratings were compared with the final algebra grades to determine the best single predictor of success in algebra and to determine the best combined predictors of success.

The best single predictor of success in algebra was the student's final mark in eighth grade mathematics. The best combined predictors of …

Remedial Reading: Evaluation Of A Reading-And-Study Course With Implications For A College Reading Center, Antoine T. Powell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the method of teaching a "How to Study" class in helping students more adequately meet their reading needs.

Research was conducted to test the reading gains made by students in the program with respect to ability and group size. The results indicate that group size had the greatest effect as to changes in reading behavior.

Instruction was based on diagnosing student needs. It was shown that a significant number of students who decreased in rate of reading, increased in comprehension. The same diagnostic principle was observed for those …

A Follow-Up Study Of Mound Fort Junior High's Ninth Grade Class Of 1962-63, Helen Heaps

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The intent of this study was to follow up the students of Mound Fort Junior High School's ninth grade class of 1962-63 in order to secure information and facts about members of that class and to answer the following questions: (1) What has happened to the students educationally? (2) What has happened to the students vocationally? (3) How many students have served or are presently serving the armed forces? (4) What is the marital status of each student? (5) How did the high school graduate compare with the dropout in test scores, grade point average, attendance, awareness of counseling services, …

Control Of Behavior Through Reinforcement Menus, Gary Lyndle Holt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Reinforcement menus were used to change response probabilities while maintaining control over two ''trainable," female, mentally retarded children.

An empirically determined reinforcement menu representing high probability behaviors, five for S₁ and four for S₂, was used in a contingency management system. Instructions were given concerning the contingencies for obtaining reinforcement. Subjects were allowed the opportunity to engage in a high probability behavior only after successful completion of fixed units of reading or arithmetic tasks. After stable performance was established, four additional menus were prepared to approximate in increasing degree, low probability behavior. Measurements were taken of task …

An Experiment To Determine If Teacher Preparation In A Small High School Can Be Reduced By Alternating Class Scheduling, John Carl Tuft

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine if by alternating certain classes biennially the number of different teaching preparations could be reduced thus decreasing the teachers' load. The study also attempted to ascertain the effect this type of scheduling had upon the attitudes of teachers and students toward these classes. A further attempt was made to determine if mixing students from two grade levels resulted in the younger student being penalized with respect to his cumulative grade point average.

The significant conclusions that can be drawn from the results follow:

Teachers, generally, thought well of the project and desires …

A Comparison Of The Academic Achievement And Social Adjustment Of Mentally Retarded Students, C. Thomas Musgrave

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Public awareness of the problem of mental retardation is relatively new. Professional services in this area are less than one hundred and fifty years old in America. In essence, the treatment of the mentally retarded since ancient times has been very harsh. The Spartans from ancient Greece left all defectives exposed to the elements to die. They were treated with aversion and subjected to many indignities.

A Description And An Evaluation Of The Admissions Policy At Utah State University As It Relates To Low Performing Students, Vincent Eugene Erickson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It has been evidenced by the increased amount of contacts being made in Counseling Services of Utah State University that students have been very much concerned about whether or not they should be in college. The discussion concerning which college to attend has been heard often among high school graduates, and for many, Utah State University has been a first choice. An increased drop-out rate among students has been found in the past few years. This study has been accomplished to determine which of the entering students at Utah State have been sufficiently prepared to enter into a course of …

An Analysis Of The Achievement Gains Made By Students In Ability-Grouped Vs. Random-Grouped Classroom Units, Luan H. Ferrin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Because of the rapid advancements being made in the field of knowledge, educators, as well as those in other fields, must periodically take inventory. Current practices, policies, and methods must be carefully scrutinized to determine if they are the most effective. The group or class method of instruction is one such area.

A Comparison Of Aspiration Levels Of Students In Ability-Grouped And Randomly-Grouped Schools, George Aaron Jeffs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Grouping students with in the school setting has long been a concern to all those associated with the educative process. Much investigation has been devoted to the position of level of aspiration as influential motive forces for educational, occupational, and social achievement. Many avenues of grouping have been investigated and some very thoroughly. However, research concerning grouping in relation to level of aspiration in the school setting appears to be extremely limited. This study is designed to further investigate this issue. It might be said that this study consists of essentially two phases: (1) the development of instruments for measuring …