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The Impact Of The Act Automated Admissions System As Perceived By The High School Counselors In Utah, James Rodney Clark

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The ACT automated admissions system was adopted by the Colleges and Universities in the Utah system of higher education in 1974. The automated admission system was conceived at a time when College enrollment all over the United States was decreasing, and thus was viewed by its proponents as a positive step in alleviating some of the articulation problems between post secondary institutions, high school counselors and prospective students.

Educators who developed the program felt that it would be an advantage to prospective students by providing an admissions decision shortly after the ACT was taken. Automated admissions appears to be an …

An Attempt To Identify Moderators Of Complex Task Performance During And After Crowding, Robert Harry Robinson

Student Work

Future environments are being designed now and the psychologist must contribute his share to ensure that these environments are pleasant livable ones. As Ehrlich (1968) has elegantly pointed out, overpopulation is perhaps the most pressing problem modern man faces. Indeed, the world's population is growing rapidly. From 6,000 B.C. to 1650 A.D. the world's population grew from about 5 million to 500 million, doubling approximately every thousand years. By 1850 it had reached one billion (doubling in 200 years), by 1930 it had reached 2 billion (doubling in 80 years) and recently doubling time has been estimated at 35 years.

A Comparison Between A Clinical Sample Of Parents And Non-Parents, As Reflected By Their Scores On The Mmpi, Thomas Kearney, Casey Wegner

Dissertations and Theses

The area of childlessness, particularly voluntary childlessness, has been virtually ignored by most researchers. Pohlman claims to have been unable to find research which supports the popular idea that intentionally childless husbands and wives tend to be emotionally disturbed. However, he does note that he was able to find numerous statements from medical and social science publications which in various ways imply that the deliberately childless are usually maladjusted.

Symmetry Versus Asymmetry In Paired-Associate Learning: A Test Of The Dual Coding Theory, Jerry Manheimer

Student Work

The dual coding theory of imagery (Paivio, 1975) holds that there are two independent coding processes: Imaginal processes and verbal processes. Imaginal processes, in effect, present information ’’all at once" to the organism. Verbal processes, according to the dual coding theory, are characterized by a sequential mode of organization. Sequentially organized information is processed temporally by the organism, with meaning contingent upon the order of processing. The proposed thesis seeks to test the validity of Paivio's dual coding theory of imagery through the paired-associate learning paradigm.

Effects Of Reinforcement On Intelligence Test Behavior As A Function Of Test Administered And Sex Of Subject, Richard D. Baer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Conflicting data have been reported concerning the effects of reinforcement procedures on the intelligence test-taking behavior of normal children. Additionally, no adequately designed study to date has examined the possibility that sex may be a variable in determining childrens' response to intelligence tests administered under reinforcement conditions. The present study was designed to determine if the scores of children administered two tests, the Wechsler Intelligence vi Scale for Children (WISC) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), would be differentially affected by reinforcement procedures incorporated into the administration procedures. Additionally, it was designed to determine if sex of the children …

Linguistic Surface Structure In Family Interaction, Thomas D. Macroy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the usefulness of the linguistic processes of Distortion, Deletion, Generalization, and Semantic Ill-Formedness as constructs which differentiate the verbal communication of families who express dissatisfaction with their current intrafamilial relationships from families expressing satisfaction with their current relationships. Specifically, it was hypothesized that dissatisfied families would use these linguistic structures to a greater extent in their interaction than would satisfied families.

Thirty-one family triads (father, mother, and child) were obtained by asking families randomly selected from the local high school student directory to participate. The families were given a Revealed Differences questionnaire …

The Effect Of Inescapable Shock On Competitive Dominance In Rats, Pamela A. Cheney

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Experimental examination of the generality of learned helplessness has previously been confined to treatment and tests employing aversive motivators, such as electric shock. In the present study, rats were used to evaluate the effect of inescapable shock on their performance in a water test of competitive dominance which employs no aversive motivator. The subjects were paired and pre-tested for competitive dominance. In the experimental groups one member of each pair was treated with inescapable shock and the pairs were then post-tested for competitive dominance either 48, 72, or 168 hours after treatment. The control subjects were pre- and post-tested with …

The Effects Of Assertiveness Training On Marital Adjustment, Valerie H. Mead

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of assertive training on the marital adjustment of those participating. It was of particular interest to identify the effects of training wives only as compared to training couples jointly in assertiveness.

There were a total of 56 subjects sampled for this study, constituting 28 marriages, all investigated for marital adjustment. All of the subjects were volunteers and were obtained through the Women's Center at Utah State University. The subjects were placed in one of two treatment conditions depending upon the condition for which they volunteered. The wives only treatment condition …

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 …

Influence Of Clinicians' And Clients' Religion On Diagnosis Of Mental Illness, Robert Dombey Wadsworth

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Theorists propose that because psychodiagnosis is not a completely objective procedure, it is influenced by sociocultural values. It was hypothesized that religion might be one aspect of sociocultural values which influences psychodiagnosis. The present study sought to determine, by using a clinical analogue design, whether psychologists' formal diagnoses of clients are biased by their present religious affiliations and activity levels, their religious upbringing (assessed by their fathers' and mothers' religious affiliations and activity levels), the clients' religious affiliations and activity levels, or interactions between psychologist and client religious variables. Questionnaires were sent to 228 psychologists licensed to practice in Utah, …

Factors Affecting The Conditioned Reinforcing Strength Of Stimuli In Differential Reinforcement Of Other Behavior And Fixed-Time Schedules, Alexander M. Myers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two experiments were conducted in an attempt to provide a direct, response-independent test of the delay-reduction hypothesis of conditioned reinforcement. In both experiments, pigeons made observing responses, by pressing a treadle, for stimuli associated with the schedule component in effect. The consequences of an observing response were varied; an observing response produced: a) either the stimulus associated with the shorter component or the stimulus associated with the longer component depending on the schedule component in effect; b) the stimulus associated with the short component only; c) the stimulus associated with the long component only; or, d) neigher stimulus (no consequence). …

A Study Of Variables Which Are Associated With Successful And Unsuccessful Furloughed Prison Inmates, Sharon Goodwill

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two types of variables which might be differentially associated with the performances of prison inmates while on furloughs were studied. They were, 1) demographic data in the central files of inmates known to have been successful or unsuccessful on furlough, and 2) personality test data taken on groups of inmates who could be expected to be either successful or unsuccessful on furlough, given the demographic data in the central files which is found to discriminate between the two groups.

Demographic data was gathered from the files of adult male felons housed in correctional institutions in the following states: Virginia, Pennsylvania, …

The Development Of A Video Tape Procedure To Train Awareness Of Behavioral Cues Of Anxiety, Brian Lee Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of the present investigation was two-fold: (1) to develop a training procedure which might be helpful in trying to teach beginning counselors how to recognize levels of anxiety by observing silent, nonverbal behavior of clients in association with EMG feedback, and (2) to assess the effectiveness of this procedure by using it to train a group of graduate psychology students. Graduate trainees exposed to the training procedure were compared with a control group of students to determine whether the training procedure effectively taught the skill.

Using the split image capabilities of a videotape recorder, video tapes were made …

A Validity Study: Relationship Between The Self Inventory Scale, The California Psychological Inventory, And The Adjective Check List, David Newbold

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The specific objective of this research was to begin assessment of construct validity of the Self Inventory Scale.

Subjects were 100 Utah State University students, living in university dormitories, chosen at random.

Subjects were administered the Self Inventory Scale and the California Psychological Inventory. Subjects submitted names of peers, one of whom was asked to complete an Adjective Check List describing the subject.

CPI subscale scores were correlated with Self Inventory Scale subscale scores, to determine the relationship between underlying constructs. Sixty-four of the 126 correlations computed were significant at the .01 significance level. Similarity of construct and configurational analysis …

The Temporal Distribution Of Short-Duration Keypecks In Variable-Interval Schedules Of Reinforcement, Joseph G. Williams

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An experiment was conducted in order to determine the duration of pigeons' keypecks during three separate variable-interval schedules of reinforcement. Pigeons were exposed to variable interval (VI) 30 sec, VI 60 sec and VI 120 sec schedules of reinforcement for twenty sessions each. Response durations were analyzed in terms of VI schedule, location in time during the inter-reinforcement interval and any pattern of short and long duration pecks. Mean duration of response was reliably different for three out of four birds for VI 30 sec and VI 120 sec schedules of reinforcement. The VI 30 sec schedules produced longer durations. …

The Use Of Self-Control Procedures With Pre~Adolescents Classified As Educable Mentally Retarded, Lizabeth A. Mcgill

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effectiveness of self-recording and self-reinforcement procedures implemented in the classroom setting with six pre-adolescent children classified as Educable Mentally Retarded was determined relative to changes in on-task behavior. A multiple baseline design was used and each subject was exposed to both a self-recording procedure and a self-reinforcement procedure. After an initial baseline period, three subjects were exposed to self-recording first, and three subjects went through self-reinforcement first. Contingent reinforcement was not provided for accuracy in either self-recording or self-reinforcement patterns. Observations were conducted to investigate generalization effects of each procedure, and two weeks of follow-up observations were conducted to …

Personality Variables & Sex-Role Classifications Of "Total Woman" Participants, Lou Brown

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The "Total Woman" philosophy and previous research concerning the development of sex-roles, androgyny, how women view themselves and personality differences in group members were reviewed. Since no previous research on the personality variables and the sex-role classification of "Total Woman" participants had been reported, an exploratory study was undertaken. In order to assess personality variables the Personality Research Form-E was administered to 67 "Total Woman" participants from two southern cities. The "Total Woman" subjects were found to have a significantly higher need for Harmavoidance and a significantly lower need for Autonomy, Change, Play and Understanding than the norm group. The …

An Analysis Of Behavior Acquisition And Maintenance With Conditioned Reinforcers Developed Through Pairing, Marion M. Walton Jr.

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of The Role Of The Electrodermal Activity In Reduction Of Snake Phobia, Mohammad Jaafar Behbehani

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Television Advertising And Children, Vince Delange

Honors Theses

Thesis begins by examining the learning and cognitive processes and development of children, followed by a history of advertising to children, then explores the traditional concerns with advertising to children. The author discusses research findings and makes recommendations regarding advertising to children.

Employee Reactions To Job Characteristics: A Partial Replication, Artegal R. Camburn

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Modification Of Verbal Deficits Of Rural Teachers, Elizabeth Zissu

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Developmental Changes In Context Effects And Picture Recognition Memory, Nancy Hancock

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Physical Attractiveness And Sex On Teachers' Evaluations Of Children's Essays, George Joseph Bluth

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Family Mobility And Maternal Attitude On Adolescent Personality, Jean M. Irwin

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Gender Label On Young Children's Interpretation Of An Infant's Behavior, Susan Sterkel Haugh

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Perceived Velocity Of Apparent Movement: Evidence For A Distance/Time Rule, Kathleen Ann Carlson

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Review Of The Behavioral Techniques For Weight Reduction And Control In Adults, Carol Kerr Hardee

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Obesity has been an increasing health problem in the United States. In recent years, extensive research has been on the use of behavioral techniques for weight control. Although traditional methods of treatment have not proven to be long-term, some behavioral studies have indicated maintenance. Findings indicated that self-control methods are most effective when they are presented through therapist instruction, which is gradually faded. A full behavioral program for weight control would also include basic adjunct procedures, i.e., monitoring of calories or food, exercise, stimulus control, and social reinforcement, as well as major behavioral methods such as covert sensitization, contracting, bibliotherapy, …

Androgyny And Psychological Adjustment Of Heterosexual And Homosexual Women, Deborah R. Donison

Masters Theses

Early research on the study of lesbianism was largely psychoanalytically oriented and contended that homosexuality was a form of psychopathology. Many have found that female homosexuals have a deep sense of inferiority and suffer from neuroticism. Recent investigation however, indicates that this is not necessarily the case. It has now been found that lesbians are no more neurotic than female heterosexuals. Furthermore, several other investigators have found lesbians to be better adjusted, in some respects, than heterosexual women.

Such differences are accountable for a number of reasons including the use of nonpatient subjects, reduction in sampling errors and the use …