Psychology Commons^™

Differences In Retention Rates Between Cocaine And Alcohol Dependent Individuals In A Drug-Free Setting, Barbara A. Johnston

Masters Theses

Substance abuse treatment outcome is an important area for clinical research. Furthermore, it is important to identify sub-populations which may require additional treatment services in order to improve outcome. Cocaine dependent individuals have been identified as a group that provides many challenges to clinicians and researchers due to the high incidence of relapse. The current study explored the differences in treatment retention between persons diagnosed with either cocaine or alcohol dependence. There was a significant difference between the length of stay for the two groups (p=.003). However, there was not a significant difference in type of discharge between the two …

The Effects Of Publicly Displayed Individual Feedback On Social Loafing, Nelson R. Eikenhout

Masters Theses

The decrease in individual performance output that occurs when individuals perform a task in groups in which the output is pooled has been labelled social loafing. The purpose of this study was to determine what would happen to the quantity and quality of individual performance in groups when public, individual feedback was present and absent.

An ABCBC experimental design was used. Four subjects worked individually, together in a group without feedback, and in the group in the presence of feedback making widgets out of plastic pop beads. The number of widgets made and the number of widgets made correctly were …

Differential Outcomes In A Cocaine Versus Saline Discrimination, Thomas B. Morgan

Masters Theses

The effects of differential outcomes on the speed of acquisition of a cocaine vs. saline discrimination were examined. Two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 8.0 mg/kg cocaine from saline. The experimental group was exposed to differential outcomes, where correct responses following the different injections (discriminative stimuli) were correlated with a particular outcome (either sweetened condensed milk or tap water). The control group received either sweetened condensed milk or tap water at random following cocaine and saline injections. Acquisition of schedule control and three progressively difficult testing criteria were examined. The differential outcomes group came under schedule …

An Assessment Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Psychology And Physical Health Comorbidity Among Law Enforcement Officers, Terri L. Belville

Masters Theses

A qualitative survey was employed to gather descriptive information on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and collateral psychological and physical health conditions among law enforcement officers. Three diagnostic assessment instruments for PTSD were utilized including a self-report traumatic stress questionnaire to screen for PTSD, as well as provide information on the range of personal and on-the-job traumatic events experienced by officers. At a structured clinical follow-up interview the C-DIS-R and MCMI-III were used to verify a diagnosis of PTSD and establish psychological comorbidity on Axis I and Il, respectively. A self-report physical health questionnaire was also used to assess for physical …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Adolescents And Risk For Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection, Margo A. Adams

Masters Theses

The adolescent population has been identified as the age group most quickly increasing in HIV transmission. Specific subpopulations of adolescents may be more at risk than others due to their unique situations. Characteristics commonly discussed in the literature describing individuals with attention deficits and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) are similar to those that put individuals at risk for HIV infection (i.e., impulsivity, overactivity, drug use). This anonymous survey study investigated several hypotheses suggesting that ADHD adolescents may be more at risk than controls for HIV infection. Undergraduates at a midwestern university completed the sexual behavior survey. Eight male subjects reported a …

Assessment Of The Stimulus Properties Of Mda And Mdma Stereoisomers In A Lsd-Saline-Amphetamine Discrimination, Michele Marie Taylor

Masters Theses

This study employed a three-choice drug discrimination procedure in order to further delineate the discriminative stimulus properties of the stereoisomers of 3,4- methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) and LSD (.08 mg/kg) from saline in a three-lever, food reinforced (sweetened condensed milk) drug discrimination procedure. A fixed-ratio (FR) 20 schedule with a reset condition for incorrect responses was employed. When criteria (85% over 10 consecutive sessions) were met, (+)-MDA, (-)-MDA, (+)-MDMA (.31, .63, 1.25 mg/kg) and (-)-MDMA (.88, 1.75, 3.5 mg/kg) were tested for substitution. All of these compounds produced …

The Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of Three Bibliographic Instructional Tools At Teaching Basic Library Skills, Julie M. Liew

Masters Theses

Three library instructional tools/guides. were compared to evaluate their effectiveness at teaching basic library skills to undergraduate students. A step-by-step scoring sheet was the main data collection tool used to measure subjects' stepwise responses as they interacted with computers and the library to find answers to test questions. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up test consisting of three basic library utilization questions were administered. The three experimental groups were trained with one of the following tools: · a computer self-instructional tool (Hypermedia Group), printed handouts (Handout Group), and computer help-screens (Helpscreen Group). Test scores at each of the assessment points showed no …

The Relationship Between Spirituality And Depression In Family Caregivers Of The Elderly, Mary Jean Chappel

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between spirituality and depression in family caregivers of the elderly. This study sought to test the following hypothesis: The level of spirituality will be negatively correlated with the level of depression for family caregivers of the elderly. A descriptive, correlational design utilizing Neuman's wholistic system theory was used with a convenience sample of 44 family caregivers aged between 32 and 88 years. Self-reporting questionnaires were mailed to clients (identified as caregivers) of a home care agency, a caregiver respite program, and a Parkinson's support group all providing services in Northern …

Intuition And The Decision Making Process Of Expert Critical Care Nurses, Kelley A. Hempsall

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of intuition and the decision making process of expert critical care nurses in providing health care for hospitalized patients. A descriptive correlational design was employed using a non-probability convenience sample of 172 registered nurses working in critical care areas. Data were obtained by a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Ninety five nurses (55.2%) responded. Data analysis included a comparison of the relationship of expert nurses' (n = 49) total scores and the total scores of the non-expert nurses (n = 46). No statistically significant difference was found in either the …

A Comparison Study Of Emergency And Medical/Surgical Registered Nurses' Understanding Of Pain And Its Management, Jo A. Oborski

Masters Theses

This replication study was designed to compare emergency and medical/surgical registered nurses' actual and perceived knowledge of the pharmacological and nonpharmacological aspects of pain and its management. A modification of the original tool that consisted of a combination of multiple choice, short answer and open-ended questions was utilized. A convenience sample representing beginner and expert medical/surgical and emergency nurses was obtained.; No difference was found between specialty or experience and current pain knowledge. All participants functioned at a similar level. Participants were unable to describe basic terms related to current pain theory and therapy. The only significant difference identified between …

The Effectiveness Of Viewing The "Life After Brain Injury" Video Tape By Family Caregivers, Nan Meyers

Masters Theses

Family caregivers readily identify the physical signs of brain injury but the cognitive dysfunction and behavioral change symptoms are less easily recognized. Families need to be knowledgeable about brain injury and how to manage its symptoms. Nurses are in the unique position to provide brain injury education for family caregivers early in the acute hospitalization. This study replicated the works of Sanguinetti and Catanzaro (1987) and Pardee (1993).; Statistical comparison of pretest and posttest knowledge and the pretest and posttest application scores were used to evaluate the effectiveness of family caregivers' ability to apply learned information about brain injury and …

The Effect Of Verbal Commands On Muscle Performance, Lisa M. Marichal, Molly K. Veen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between voice command intensity and maximum torque production of an isometric muscle contraction. Thirty nine healthy subjects ranging in age from 18-30 participated in this study. The maximum torque production of triceps brachii was measured using a Cybex II+ isokinetic dynamometer in response to varied, tape recorded voice commands. Data was analyzed by a series of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for an unbalanced incomplete-block crossover trial design. No significance was found between voice intensity and peak torque. Gender was found to impact torque …

Contributing Factors In Medication Nonadherence In Schizophrenic Clients: A Descriptive Study, Sharron E. Howarth

Masters Theses

Medication nonadherence in schizophrenic clients is a major issue for psychiatric nurses. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore factors identified by the schizophrenic client and the client's primary nurse that contribute to medication nonadherence. The Health Belief Model and Peplau's Model were the theoretical frameworks used. The sample included 20 schizophrenic clients with a history of medication nonadherence and 20 primary psychiatric registered nurses.; Face-to-face interviews using the Compliance Interview Questionnaire were conducted with the psychiatric client and the primary nurse. Results indicated a difference between nurses' and clients' perceptions of the reasons for medication nonadherence. Most …

Alcohol Consumption And Abuse Among College Students In The United States: Influences, Consequences, And Treatment, Elizabeth M. Fellows

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Children Of Alcoholics At Risk For Early Onset Drinking Behavior, Theresa M. Leen

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Assertive/Vulnerable Dimension Of Dreaming Style, William Andrew Peters

Masters Theses

This study involved the exploration of the Assertive/Vulnerable dimension of dreaming style. Assertiveness and Vulnerability, as characteristics of dreaming experience, were measured using the Dreaming Style Questionnaire-Revised that was derived from a revision of Gruber's 1988 Dreaming Style Questionnaire (DSQ.) For this study, the DSQ-R was administered to approximately 2500 participants. The structure, reliability, validity and waking correlates of the Assertive/Vulnerable scale of the DSQ-Revised was explored. Factor analysis replicated the Assertive/Vulnerable dreaming dimension, first uncovered by the original DSQ, as predicted, with the ten Assertive and Vulnerable items loading together to form one bi-polar factor. The exploration of sub-scales …

A Comparison Of Personality Correlates Of Self-Identified And Nonidentified Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Patti K. Hampsten

Masters Theses

This study compared personality traits of adult children of alcoholics with adults who did not come from alcoholic home environments, for the purpose of developing treatment protocols. It was hypothesized that 1) there would be differences between clinical ACOA's and non-clinical ACOA's, 2) clinical ACOA's would differ from non-ACOA's, 3) non-clinical ACOA's would differ from non-ACOA's. Four groups were used in the comparison, adult children of alcoholics in treatment, adult children of alcoholics with no treatment history, non-adult children of alcoholics in treatment, and non-adult children of alcoholics with no treatment history. The fifty-two female participants were administered the Children …

A Study Of Inclusion, Kelly L. Cook

Masters Theses

Attitudes of 79 educators toward inclusion were investigated in relation to specific job titles, years experience, and knowledge level. Knowledge level was determined by performance on an inclusion quiz. Questionnaires were completed by subjects to determine attitude. The results indicated that performance on the quiz was related to responses on some questions. Those with more knowledge appeared to be in favor of inclusion. This is consistent with past studies. Attitudes were similar across educational disciplines. Years of experience may have some impact on attitude if coupled with other variables. Further investigation of this topic is warranted as it continues to …

Parents' Consideration Of The Preschool Child's Perspective Prior To Discipline, Cindy Fritchley-Griffith

Masters Theses

This study begins to develop a measure assessing parents' willingness to consider their preschool child's perspective, and the parents use of this information when considering appropriate disciplinary strategies. The literature on parenting includes this construct among the skills parents could use to increase the relationship and communication between themselves and their children; however, no research prior to this study shows empirical support for this construct. Thirty-two participants, all mothers of children between the ages to two and four, completed three measures: the Parent Behavior Checklist (PBC; Fox, 1994) and two measures developed for this study: vignettes (PCCV) and a direct …

The Effects Of Bibliotherapy On Self-Esteem, Luann Horton

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Survey Of Knowledge Among Illinois School Psychologists Regarding Autism, Julia Bour

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Male Serial Killers And The Criminal Profiling Process: A Literature Review, Jennifer R. Phillips

Masters Theses

A review of the relevant psychological and sociological literature regarding serial killers is presented. Also described is the investigative process and the procedures involved in constructing accurate criminal profiles. This paper examines the definition, characteristics, and classifications of male serial killers. Additionally, the paper discusses various motivations for killing serially, the importance of fantasy, and emotional, cognitive, and behavioral processes in the serial killer. The process of criminal profiling, which is a relatively new and innovative proactive and reactive investigative procedure, is also described as a tool used frequently in the investigative process of serial homicides. Also described is the …

A Study Of School Personnel's Knowledge Regarding Traumatic Brain Injury, Kelly Kay Richardson

Masters Theses

This study attempted to determine if school psychologists are more knowledgeable regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) today than in a study conducted years ago (Mira, Meck, & Tyler, 1988). Since the Mira, et al. study a federal category has been added to special education legislation, and it was hypothesized that school psychologists would be receiving more training in this area as a result of the addition of the special education category. This study also attempted to determine if regular education teachers, special education teachers, and school psychologists differ in their knowledge of (TBI). A survey from the Mira, et al. …

Strategic Transfer In Logical Abilities In Children Playing Mastermind And An Analogue, Cynthia J. Kincaid

Masters Theses

Strategy development and the use of strategy as a mechanism of transfer was examined in sixty elementary students while playing the logical deduction game Mastermind and a familiar analogue. In the first couple of two-way ANOVAs subjects showed that they are in fact learning or developing a task-specific strategy that can be applied across the two types of games regardless of which game was in the target position of a transfer paradigm. This suggests that subjects were able to focus on structural similarities rather than surface features and apply what was learned between the game isomorphs. Both the third and …

Undergraduate Knowledge Of School Psychology And The Effects Of Presentation On Graduate And Career Pursuit, Robert J. Bolin

Masters Theses

With the increasing national demand for credentialed school psychologists, it is essential that every effort be made to recruit qualified individuals into the field of school psychology. This paper describes the important role and function of the school psychologist. Research demonstrating the present and future need for school psychological services is presented. Literature investigating several factors that contribute to the gap between supply and demand is reviewed. An intervention is presented based on the recommendations of the reviewed research. A brief informational presentation on school psychology, in conjunction with distributed materials about the profession, was assessed with a retrospective pretest-posttest …

Academic Achievement Of High School Students As It Relates To Locus Of Control, Family Life Changes, And Perceived Level Of Stress, Marla M. Mcdaneld

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family life changes, perceived stress, locus of control, gender, and the achievement of grade eleven students. A literature review revealed that adolescents report a high level of stress in a variety of situations. Changes in family life and factors at school are two of the major stressors. The research suggests that an individual with an external locus of control is more likely to experience stress than an individual with an internal locus of control. The research also suggests that a higher level of stress combined with an external locus …