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Western Kentucky University

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Communication

Articles 1 - 14 of 14

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Assertiveness As A Measure Of Satisfaction In The Physician-Patient Communication Process, Joan Delores Johnson May 1992

Assertiveness As A Measure Of Satisfaction In The Physician-Patient Communication Process, Joan Delores Johnson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In recent years medical societies have begun to recognize the effects and benefits of good communication between physician and patient. Like any other relationship, the exchange of information with fluent understanding creates a stronger bond of trust. Most applied research conducted in the area of physician-patient communication concentrates on physician behaviors which the patient views as problematic. This thesis focuses on patient assertiveness and its relationship to physician-patient satisfaction in the consultation process. Specifically, the study focuses on the relationship between patient assertiveness and physician-patient satisfaction.

For the study the researcher developed a patient questionnaire and pre- and post-physician questionnaires …


Stain Upon The Silence: Samuel Beckett’S Deconstructive Inventions, Leigh Howard Apr 1991

Stain Upon The Silence: Samuel Beckett’S Deconstructive Inventions, Leigh Howard

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In recent years, deconstruction theory has emerged as a key method for exploring public address, organizational culture, and literary discourse. Deconstruction theory encourages tearing apart hierarchy and established order to gain insights about the artifact being studied. Furthermore, the theory questions surface or superficial messages and encourages the reader to explore signals hidden below the surface. Deconstruction discounts context and places faith in experience.

Using the early plays of Samuel Beckett, this research explores deconstruction as a method to create messages. This new perspective transports deconstruction from a set of theoretical concepts into basic assumptions that enhance communication. This study …


Public Relations: Its Importance In The Public School System, Lawrence Crittenden Hunter Aug 1990

Public Relations: Its Importance In The Public School System, Lawrence Crittenden Hunter

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Literature was reviewed to determine the importance of a public relations program in the public school system. Information was retrieved from various published sources, including materials from the National School Public Relations Association, professional journals, books relating to public relations and a variety of other educational reports.

An analysis of the literature reveals the following components of a successful public relations program:

  1. A plan of action benefits the public relations program.
  2. Staff participants benefit the public relations program.
  3. Parent involvement is an important aspect of the public relations program.
  4. Community involvement is essential to a successful public relations program


A Comparison Of The Frequencies Of Selected Teaching Behaviors Of Trained And Untrained Teachers, Raymonde Antonia Frances Joseph Jan 1990

A Comparison Of The Frequencies Of Selected Teaching Behaviors Of Trained And Untrained Teachers, Raymonde Antonia Frances Joseph

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of the study was to compare the frequencies of a selected set of teaching behaviors of trained and untrained teachers in elementary schools in St. Lucia. The dependent variables in the study were the frequencies of Structuring, Questioning, Feedback and Praise behaviors. The independent variables were training, grades awarded at teaching practice, and subject areas.

Records of the lessons were obtained through the use of audiotapes. The behaviors were coded using a low inference observation schedule. The data were analyzed using means and standard deviations. The significance and inferential statistic applied was the chi-square.

Significant differences were found …


An Exploration Of Nonbroadcast Television, Betty Conrad Nov 1984

An Exploration Of Nonbroadcast Television, Betty Conrad

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In this thesis, I have focused on the uses of video, or nonbroadcast television, as an instructional tool within three different contexts, i.e., the uses of video in medical, corporate and industrial settings.

Within this exploration, several problems have come to light. First, there is a need for higher education to train students in the field of nonbroadcast education, not only for broadcast students and new career opportunities, but also for students of business, medicine, art, and other career areas. As the uses of video become more widespread, so it becomes necessary to educate those who are likely to come …


A Comparison Of Perceived Employee Satisfaction With Downward Communication Within Department Stores In Cities Of Varying Size, Karen Attig May 1981

A Comparison Of Perceived Employee Satisfaction With Downward Communication Within Department Stores In Cities Of Varying Size, Karen Attig

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Three retail department stores of varying size were compared to determine if store size affected employee attitudes toward downward communication. Chi-square and multivariate analyses were used to determine results based on a questionnaire administered to employees within three department stores. Employees within the small department store were found to be less satisfied with the communication received from their store manager than were employees in the medium size and large department stores. Employees within the large department store were found to be more satisfied with downward communication than subjects from other stores.


Communication Apprehension As A Predictor Of Proxemic Establishment, Self-Esteem, & Dogmatism, Joseph Cardot Iii May 1980

Communication Apprehension As A Predictor Of Proxemic Establishment, Self-Esteem, & Dogmatism, Joseph Cardot Iii

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Based upon limited findings dealing with nonverbal behavior and personality traits as they relate to communication apprehension, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of communication apprehension with proxemic establishment, self-esteem, and dogmatism. The study analyzed these variables utilizing subjects who were statistically either high or low communication apprehensives. Interesting results were attained. An inverse relationship between apprehension and proxemic establishment was revealed, such that dyads containing low-low members established greater interpersonal distance than dyads containing high-low members who established greater interpersonal distance than dyads containing high-high members. Communication apprehension overrode the sex variable with relation to …


The Price Of Folk: The Progression Of Two Decoy Makers’ Work From Folk To Non-Folk, Benjamin Vincent Jun 1977

The Price Of Folk: The Progression Of Two Decoy Makers’ Work From Folk To Non-Folk, Benjamin Vincent

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Applying the standards for delineating folkcraft developed by Japanese scholar Soetsu Yanagi to the work of two Maryland decoy makers, Lem and Steve Ward, revealed that the Wards’ work followed a progression from folk to non-folk. A Hearst newspaper chain article on the two carvers plus winning first place at the New York Decoy Show brought publicity far beyond that usually encountered by the average folk craftsman. These events also exposed the two brothers to a range of wealthy collectors. When the Wards began to experiment with ornately carved birds, they had a waiting, and financially capable market. The extremely …


Performance Attitudes Toward Read Or Imagined Events In “Scenes Of Passion And Despair” By Joyce Carol Oates, Bruce Creed Jul 1975

Performance Attitudes Toward Read Or Imagined Events In “Scenes Of Passion And Despair” By Joyce Carol Oates, Bruce Creed

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The object of this study is to examine the diction of “Scenes of Passion and Despair” by Joyce Carol Oates in an attempt to discover performative attitudes for the interpreter. The discussion centers on the theme of illusion and reality as it manifests itself in the story. Because this theme superimposes itself on diction, it becomes necessary to examine words in detail, searching for the manner in which words are used to create a certain degree of reality for each character of the story. The discovery of these realities reassures the interpreter that his is a faithful rendering of one …


An Analysis Of The Themes Of Guilt And Atonement In The Writings Of Tennessee Williams, James Curry May 1974

An Analysis Of The Themes Of Guilt And Atonement In The Writings Of Tennessee Williams, James Curry

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The themes of guilt and atonement have been analyzed in selected writings of Tennessee Williams. Research concerning these two themes has been developed simultaneously with Williams’s concept of the universe and man. Many of Williams’s characters seek a form of atonement or purification for their guilt which has arisen due to their “incompleteness and unnatural desires.” Williams’s basic concept concerning the universe is that it is fragmented, a universe not completed by its Creator. Consequently, Williams envisions man and his nature to be likewise incomplete. It is this incompletion in man which causes him to have “unnatural desires,” labeled as …


A Status Study Of The Counseling Services Programs In The University Of Kentucky Community College System, Jan L. Ireland Jul 1973

A Status Study Of The Counseling Services Programs In The University Of Kentucky Community College System, Jan L. Ireland

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The study involved analyzing the counseling services programs in the University of Kentucky Community College System. In addition to this, the study analyzed the academic and professional background of the counselors, determined the present duties and responsibilities of the counselors, and determined the counselors’ perceived ideal duties and responsibilities. The reason for the study was to provide information which can be helpful to different groups concerned with community colleges. Some of the information may be useful to graduate programs concerned with the preparation of counselors who intend to work in community college counseling as a profession, may find that some …


The Theatrical Innovations Of Charles Laughton, Gary Joseph Jones Jul 1972

The Theatrical Innovations Of Charles Laughton, Gary Joseph Jones

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In most journalistic studies the film career of Charles Laughton overshadows his theatrical activities to the extent that the reader is hardly aware of the importance of his theatrical innovations to the theater of our time. The more commercial side of Laughton’s career was publicized while his artistic efforts, as characterized by the innovations, were frequently forgotten. More people remember him as the man who played Captain Bligh in the movies than as the man who worked with Bertolt Brecht, created the First Drama Quartette and developed a new American art form, Readers’ Theatre.

The rationale of this study is …


The Utilization Of College News: A Study Of Newspaper Usage Of Press Releases & Their Role In Public Relations, Robert Adams Jan 1965

The Utilization Of College News: A Study Of Newspaper Usage Of Press Releases & Their Role In Public Relations, Robert Adams

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study is three-fold, and it is predicated on these assumptions. First, on the basis of the information obtained, the methods of disseminating news of student accomplishments on campus can be improved. Secondly, by knowing the form and content desired by the various papers, a college can provide more of the type of news which will be printed, therefore bringing recognition to deserving students in all areas of campus endeavor. Thirdly, by recognizing achievements of individual students, the College, indirectly, will benefit from the publicity.

It is within the framework of these formal purposes that this project …


The Career Of Edward Ward Carmack And The Cooper-Sharp Trial, Robert Franklin Crutcher Jan 1932

The Career Of Edward Ward Carmack And The Cooper-Sharp Trial, Robert Franklin Crutcher

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The subject of this thesis was suggested to the writer in October 1931, by the History Department of the Western Kentucky State Teachers College. The writer at that time was considering a number of other subjects, but seeing that material could be located easily, and that the field suggested by the subject had not been covered, this subject was chosen. When much of the material had been located and examined it was clearly seen that the material in the field could be grouped under two heads and given this title, “Career of Edward Ward Carmack and the Cooper-Sharp Trial”.

Most …