Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Qualitative Analysis Of Nine Nonverbal Communications Texts, Edward J. Cavin

Dissertations and Theses

Throughout the past decade, numerous texts have been published which claim to be ideally suited for use in a basic, introductory nonverbal communication course. Many authors state that their text will comprehensively cover all aspects of the field of nonverbal communication. Unfortunately, many of the texts cover only a portion of the concepts which have been deemed as essential for inclusion in a beginning nonverbal communication course.

With the plethora of material relating to this topic on the market, there is a need for a comprehensive evaluation form by which an elevator could determine the specific method of layout (manner …

Involvement, Social Class And Attrition In Higher Education : The Case Of The Stop Out, Terrence Scott Daugherty

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis tests the validity of three theories purporting to explain the attrition of stop outs -- why students interrupt their studies with the intent to return to school. Data were gathered at two schools, Portland State University and Reed College. Two theories, those of social class and involvement, were tested at each school as contending explanations of attrition by path analysis of parsimonious models derived by factor analysis. These theories were found to explain little of the variance of attendance pattern (less than 4.3 percent) at either school. No particular lines of causation could be demonstrated at either school. …

A Study Of Factors Affecting Cognitive Style In Mexican-American Children, Anne Kelter Gehrig

Dissertations and Theses

In recent years cognitive style has become the focus of much educational research. Many educators believe that instructional effectiveness can be maximized by utilizing the student's preferred cognitive style as a springboard for introducing new concepts as well as by restructuring educational practices so that the child learns to deal effectively with diverse cognitive styles. Early research on cognitive style focused solely on behavioral indicators. Today many researchers acknowledge that, in order to understand cognitive style, one must examine brain processing, as different styles of thinking result from the manner in which each hemisphere of the brain processes information.

This …

Adolescent Chemical Substance Use And Abuse : Environmental And Personal Determinants, And A Proposed Model For Group Intervention, Lindy Louise Low Lecoq

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of the literature review is to identify consistent patterns regarding adolescent use and abuse of chemical substances, especially alcohol and marijuana. Acute physical, cognitive and social effects of alcohol and marijuana use are outlined, and environmental and personal determinants of drug use and abuse are examined. Methods of prevention and intervention are discussed and, from the research findings, a model group counseling program designed for the school setting is proposed. Adolescent use of both marijuana and alcohol is found to be modal by age 16-17. The physical, cognitive and social effects are pervasive and especially damaging to chronic …