Digital Commons Network^™

Cognitive Interviewing Within A Mixed Methods Practice: Utilization And Methodological Exploration Of Cognitive Interviewing, Jack Riley Hebner

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Cognitive interviewing (CI) is a memory-enhancing technique used to extract more valid data from participants by addressing cognitive needs. Present research applied CI to program evaluation, theorizing that more quality data would be retrieved, especially when utilizing a mixed methods approach. The program chosen to further explore this technique and provide potentially invaluable evaluation data was the Educational Psychology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (EDPS). The sample consisted of 32 individuals, consisting of graduate students and faculty across all programs.

The overall evaluation focused on inter-program and inner program understanding which is operationalized as the ability to relay how …

An Exploration Of Refugee Policy Using Social Construction Theory & The Narrative Policy Framework, Daniel S. Amoruso

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Social Construction Theory and Narrative Policy Framework are cohesive products to assess policymaking by examining social construction variables and the formation of narratives. Although I use each independently and together, using them in conjunction helps to ascertain the difference between what someone does and says. Often, there is a substantive disconnect between the two. As with many policy arenas, interest in refugee policy has ebbed and flowed over the past ten years as the United States fluctuates from Democrat to Republican and back to Democrat administrations. Various administrations, media outlets, and separate communities often portray refugees differently; some favorably toward …

Procedural Justice And Therapeutic Jurisprudence In Idaho Drug Treatment Courts, Norma Dianne Jaeger

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative multi-case study of the operations of Idaho drug treatment courts explores the application of two theoretical frameworks: therapeutic jurisprudence and procedural justice. Semi-structured interviews, based on a phronetic iterative approach and analysis, were conducted with 20 enrolled participants and 10 judges from courts and communities of varying sizes, located in four geographic areas of Idaho. Responses suggest that these courts operate from a foundation of therapeutic jurisprudence and effectively apply procedural justice practices: respectful treatment, trust, and participant voice. The study identifies participants’ multiple life changes, including addiction recovery, as important elements of the courts’ outcomes and validates …

The Disconnect Between Spanish-Speaking Communities And Law Enforcement And The Detrimental Effect It Has On Both, Belma Kurpejovic

Honors Theses

The increase of Latino communities in mid-sized and smaller cities, along with the impact of language competency and lack of programs for law enforcement, has been sufficiently explored, yet issues persist. This study examines the disconnect between Spanish-speaking communities and law enforcement, which has created significant distrust and communication issues. Examining these communities is important because there is still a need to mend these relationships. This study explores the effects of this divide and how to help fix it. Information obtained from law enforcement officers at the Chattanooga Police Department, highlights key issues, including the lack of community-based policing, cultural …

Racial Disparities In Domestic Violence: Analyzing The Intersection Of Race And Gender, Nia Grace Sharp

Honors Theses

This research explores the intersection of race, gender, and the litigation of domestic violence cases in Memphis, Tennessee. This is explored through qualitative research that combines a theoretical framework with structured interviews of criminal defense attorneys. Utilizing a sample of 5 attorneys with recent exposure to domestic violence cases, this study aims to reveal whether or not intimate partner violence is litigated differently across racial lines. This is done through analysis of the treatment of victims depending on race, sentencing rates, and perceptions of credibility within the justice system. The methodology involves five key steps: conducting a literature review to …

Code Blue: How Police And Health Care Providers Disrupt Healing For Violently Injured Black Men, Cherrell Green

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

While Black males are disproportionately impacted by gun homicide, they are also grossly impacted by non-fatal shootings. The impact of gun violence extends far beyond the immediate physical harm inflicted by bullets; this harm can permeate and disrupt personal relationships, create lasting psychological distress, and undermine a sense of safety within communities. However, the needs of injured Black men are often overlooked in public discourse. Despite the prevalence of these traumatic experiences in the lives of low-income Black men, their response to trauma is often treated as pathology, with fewer resources devoted to addressing the adverse consequences associated with these …

California Threats And Harassment Initiative: A Literature Review Contextualizing The Environment Of Threats And Harassment Of Local Elected Officials In The United States Between 2013 And 2024, Ioli Filmeridis, Rachel Hodel, Thomas Oliver

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

Given the attention dedicated to violence targeted against national figures and representatives, this literature review focuses on the less prominent, but nonetheless critical, issue of threats and harassment directed at locally elected officials. In particular, it considers school board officials, members of city councils, community college boards, elected sheriffs, city and district attorneys and mayors in Southern California as well as across the United States. It draws on traditional media coverage, academic and think tank discussions of the scope of threats and harassment faced by local officials, the drivers of threatening and harassing behavior, and their impact on local officials …

Beyond Borders: Confronting Transnational Violence Against Black Migrants, Nana Afua Yeboaa Brantuo

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

Beyond Borders: Confronting Transnational Violence Against Black Migrants explores the systemic violence and exclusion faced by Black migrants throughout their migration journey, with a focus on the U.S. immigration system. Synthesizing literature, data, and expert interviews, the paper highlights the intersecting forms of violence—political, community, racial, and gender-based—that Black migrants experience before, during, and after migration. The paper emphasizes how structural racism, anti-Blackness, and inadequate legal protections contribute to the compounded vulnerabilities of Black migrants. It calls for comprehensive policy interventions, including trauma-informed care, policy and legal system transformations, and community-based support, to address these multifaceted challenges and promote a …

Test Anxiety In University Students: Exploring The Roles Of Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, And Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Hannah Gibson

Honors College Theses

Test anxiety is the fear of being negatively evaluated, which can lead to negative behavioral, physiological, or emotional responses and impact academic performance. The effectiveness of interventions varies widely; however, progressive muscle relaxation may be able to reduce anxiety. The current study randomly assigned students to watch a progressive muscle relaxation video or an educational video before an exam in an introductory psychology course. Self-report and physiological anxiety were measured pre-and post-intervention, and traits of test anxiety, neuroticism, and conscientiousness were also measured (pre-intervention only). Conscientiousness and neuroticism did not predict trait anxiety (p = .052). Pre-intervention self-report anxiety …

Influential Nature Of Empathy In The Relationship Between Psychopathy And Aggression, Alessia M. Valentino

Student Theses

Past research discusses the development of psychopathy and its association with aggression and empathy. It highlights that while personality traits central to psychopathy are believed to arise early in life, adolescence is a critical period where these traits interact and manifest in behaviors. Some research discusses the role of empathy in moderating aggressive behavior, suggesting that interventions targeting empathy could potentially reduce aggressive and antisocial behaviors in individuals with psychopathic traits. The current study explores the relationship between psychopathic traits, empathy, and aggression in adolescents, aiming to enhance our understanding of these complex constructs and their implications for risk assessment …

The Lasting Psychological Effects Of Juvenile Arrests, Nadia Olivia Bortolin

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the enduring psychological consequences, specifically depression and anxiety, stemming from juvenile arrests and their influence on adulthood. Literature has demonstrated impacts on juvenile arrests from cultural, socioeconomic, family dynamics, and environmental elements. This study addresses a notable gap in understanding the long-term impact on mental health and employment. Research indicates a sensitivity to outcomes based on the age of arrest, with early adolescent arrests having profound effects on development and an increased likelihood of subsequent criminal activities. Developmental and risk factors, such as socioeconomic challenges and pubescent difficulties, contribute to persistent delinquent behaviors into adulthood. Some studies …

A New Normal: Testing Cumulative Prospect Theory In Defendant Plea Decision-Making, Grace Hanzelin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Plea-bargaining is a common and necessary part of the American criminal justice system and though psycholegal scholars have made great advancements in our understanding of defendant plea behavior, the field generalcy lacks a sufficient theoretical model of plea-bargain decision-making. Across two experiments, this dissertation empirically tests Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT; Tversky & Kahneman, 1992) as a potential model of defendant plea decisions. In Experiment 1, participants completed two risk aversion tasks, one economic and one adapted into a plea domain, to assess the presence of loss aversion and risk aversion in both domains. Findings suggest that, in a plea context, …

Understanding The Factors Associated With The Targeting Of Prison Gangs By Specialized Gang Units (Sgus) In The United States, Bruno Aldair Zapata

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Specialized gang units (SGUs) are prominent in police departments in the United States with their sole purpose to respond to gang activity across the country. SGUs vary in the types of gangs they target, resources available, officer composition, and the types of enforcement activities they use. SGUs have encountered various controversies such as exaggerating the gang problem in the media, for distorted intelligence in their gang databases, and for racial stereotyping and harassment among Hispanics in particular. Research regarding SGUs is limited in general, but even fewer studies exist on the targeting efforts of prison gangs by SGUs. Prison gang …

The Rage, Fall 2024, Aspen Humphries, Savannah Moore, Lottie Taylor

The Rage Zine

The Rage zine is published in collaboration with Students Advocating Gender Equality and CCU Women's and Gender Studies. Volume 3, Issue 1.

Affordable Housing Solutions: Navigating The Cienega Heights Application Process, Valerie Solorzano

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The lack of affordable housing and widespread knowledge about the eligibility and application process in Santa Cruz County has created significant challenges for the community. This project focuses on addressing these issues by increasing public awareness of affordable housing opportunities and providing guidance on the application process. MidPen Housing, a nonprofit organization specializing in affordable housing, serves as a key example of efforts to meet this need. Their development in Watsonville provides housing for low-income and farmworker families.

A key component of this project involves conducting a public educational outreach event to inform the local community about qualifying for Cienega …

Exploring The Interactive Effects Of Officer, Subject, And Encounter Factors On Police Use Of Force Outcomes, Jeremy David Barnum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Police use of force incidents are highly complex events that can be characterized by factors pertaining to the officers, subjects, and immediate encounter. These factors and the dynamic interrelationships between them encompass the situational context of use of force and have been widely studied in the criminological literature (Bolger, 2015). However, extant research has almost exclusively focused on identifying the main effects of situational factors on use of force with little consideration of how effects may vary across specific situational contexts. This limits our understanding of police use of force and complicates efforts to develop policy or training that ensures …

The Relationship Between Police Stress And Officer Misconduct, Leobardo Lopez-Cristobal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Recent high-profile and controversial police-related incidents have sparked an intensified public discourse on police misconduct. This has resulted in increasing calls for greater accountability and transparency within U.S. police agencies. Much of the existing research on police misconduct centers around two competing explanations: the "bad apples" perspective, which attributes misconduct to individual officers, and the "bad barrels" perspective, which points to systemic or organizational factors (Rojek, Decker, & Wagner, 2015). However, one factor that has been underexplored in the literature is the role of police stress in influencing deviant police behavior. Previous studies suggest a potential link between police-related stress …

Challenging Myths & Addressing Intimate Partner Sexual Violence In Lgbtq+ Relationships, Nora K. Whitten

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Intimate partner violence (IPV), including intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV), is a public health crisis that disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQ+ community. This paper draws upon related, though limited, research to identify the five prevalent myths surrounding IPSV in LGBTQ+ relationships, addressing the following misconceptions: 1) IPSV can only occur in heterosexual relationships, 2) IPSV in LGBTQ+ relationships is not as severe, 3) Women cannot commit acts of sexual violence, 4) The more “masculine” partner is always the perpetrator, and 5) IPSV is a “mutual fight” among partners of the same sex. These myths perpetuate victim-blaming, minimize the severity …

Early Career Teachers' Perceptions And Preparedness For Culturally Responsive Teaching When Teaching Black Youths With Behavior Challenges., Erica Brooks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In my study, I explore the perceptions and preparedness of early career teachers in the context of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) when instructing Black youth with behavior challenges. Early career teachers play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences of their students. Their beliefs and readiness to employ CRT practices are critical factors in addressing the unique needs of Black youth, particularly those facing behavioral difficulties. I investigated the perceptions of early career teachers regarding the importance of CRT and its effect on the learning environment. I examined how these teachers perceive the value of cultural responsiveness in managing …

A Quantitative Evaluation Of An Innovative Family Treatment Court Program For Families With Co-Occurring Child Maltreatment And Substance Use., Ashley Rose Logsdon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Substance use is linked to out-of-home care in over 40% of child welfare cases. This dissertation evaluated the experience of families with co-occurring child maltreatment and substance use in Family Recovery Court (FRC), an innovative family treatment court involving the judicial system, child welfare system, and behavioral health. Study One used a quasi-experimental propensity score match design, using administrative data and the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale for 68 families. The FRC group experienced better safety (substantiated repeat maltreatment), permanency (reunification), and well-being outcomes. The percentage of the FRC group who achieved reunification (81.2%) was significantly higher than that of …

The War Within: Mexican Drug Cartels And The Impact Of The Drug Trade On Society And Governance, Haris Mohammad

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the origins, activities, and societal impacts of Mexican drug cartels, while assessing the effectiveness of governmental and international responses to their development and influence. This thesis examines the evolution of the cartels, starting with their collaboration with traffickers in Colombia and concluding with their supremacy in the global drug trade. The investigation elucidates the social and political factors that have facilitated their growth. These factors include pervasive corruption, economic disparities, and inadequate governance, all of which have fostered an environment conducive to the emergence of cartels.

This thesis examines the detrimental effects of cartel involvement on Mexican …

Leading The Charge: A Case Study On The Leadership Behaviors Of Education Leaders At Title I Campuses In Texas Prisons, Ashley Mckelvey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Each year, eligible schools across the nation receive Title I grant funds through the Elementary and Secondary Act. These funds, justified in pursuit of social justice and educational equity, serve to provide supplemental education services to neglected and delinquent students. While the majority of the awarded schools operate within the traditional school setting, a very small number of schools in the United States operate within the correctional setting. These schools receive Title I Part D Subpart 1 funds. Consequently, most of the guidance pertains to best practices within traditional public schools, which provides no provision on the appropriate use of …

Foster Youth Experiencing Homelessness In Texas: An Analysis Of Risk And Protective Factors That Impact Housing Stability, Monique Willoughby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While research on youth homelessness continues to grow, not much is known about the differences that exist between states. To address specific concerns effectively, a more nuanced and granular approach to assessment is needed. Specifically, Texas youth who are transitioning from foster and other systems of care into young adulthood and more independent living will need tailored support to adequately address their needs. This study is a step in that direction. Through identification of risks factors that predict homelessness for these youth, social workers, counselors, case managers, and other human services providers and advocates can better assess, plan, and intervene …

Pretrial Release Decision-Making: Understanding The Factors Contributing To Pretrial Release Bond Information, Chelsea Sierra Queen

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

At initial appearance, judges and magistrates must strike a balance between a defendantâ??s likelihood of returning to court and the safety of the community when determining pretrial release bonds, using limited available information in short periods of time. Across two complementary studies, factorsâ??both established by literature and novelâ??are assessed to further understand judicial decision-making in pretrial settings. Study 1 was a secondary data analysis to determine whether established factors considered at release are replicated in El Paso, Texas. Study 2 used observational data to review characteristics specific to defendants and the initial hearing interaction, while similarly analyzing established factors considered …

Ai: A New Lone-Wolf Terrorism In The Digital Era (Preliminary Analysis), Marthsian Yeksi Anakotta Mya

Journal of Terrorism Studies

This article addresses two fundamental inquiries: can AI engage in acts of terrorism? If so, how might such a phenomenon occur? My hypothesis posits that AI is capable of independently committing acts of terrorism, a classification derived from the study of terrorism known as lone-wolf terrorism. To address these dual issues, this article adopts a criminological approach, which is further elaborated through an examination of lone-wolf terrorism and the advancement of artificial intelligence. As is widely recognized, contemporary terrorist organizations have harnessed technological advancements in the realm of information and communication to perpetrate acts of terrorism within the digital sphere. …

Addressing The Gap: A Need For A Gender-Based Approach In Indonesia’S Deradicalization Program, Raneeta Mutiara

Journal of Terrorism Studies

An effective deradicalisation program is the key to combating violent extremism and reducing potential harm to society from radical ideologies. A gender-based approach to tackling violent extremism among women has received esteemed recognition from the governments of many countries. Various international organizations and scholarly institutes have also approved the advantages of this method. This work aims to find and address the gap in the current deradicalization program in Indonesia for future development in both academic and practical areas of this subject matter. An integrative literature review is used as a method that involves synthesizing previous research and integrating empirical findings …

Influence Of Officers’ Race, Suspects’ Characteristics, And Arrest Contexts On Police Homicide Victim Risk Factors, Dominique Damon Block

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Media attention on the fatal use of force by law enforcement personnel has worsened the divide amongst the police and minority communities, intensifying the lack of confidence between groups. Further research is called for to understand how the fatal use of force by law enforcement is influenced by officer race, suspect race, and characteristics of the alleged crime. Implicit bias theory and procedural justice theory were used as theoretical and conceptual frameworks. The three research questions examined the extent to which characteristics of the officer, characteristics of the alleged perpetrator, and circumstances of the homicide predicted (a) perpetrator mental illness, …

An Exploration Of Texas Latinos’ Perceptions Of Law Enforcement And Undocumented Immigration In The United States, Marika Dawkins-Cavazos, Camille Gibson

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Given increased trepidation about undocumented immigration in the United States, this study offers an examination of the extent to which Latinos who represent different generations of immigrants perceive United States law enforcement and the current state of undocumented immigration. It gives voice to Latinos, the most significant demographic crossing the border. The topic is relevant given policymakers’ interest in addressing the moral panic over increasing immigration to the country and an interest in law enforcement legitimacy as an essential ingredient in their effectiveness in combating crimes. This qualitative study using semi-structured interviews describes the perceptions of 40 Texas Latinos regarding …

Memo Metodológico: Aproximación A La Revisión De Literatura Usando El Modelo General, Particular, Específico (Gpe) [Avance De Tesis], Agustina Cinanni, Cristo Leon

Journal of Roleplaying Studies and STEAM

El presente artículo detalla un estudio exploratorio cuyo objetivo fue aproximar una revisión de la literatura con fines de adquirir las herramientas necesarias para la elaboración y optimización del proceso de revisión de literatura en una tesis de grado de Licenciatura en Historia, mediante la aplicación del Modelo General, Particular, Específico (GPE) como herramienta integral para la pre planeación, planeación, ejecución y evaluación de dichas revisiones. La introducción del estudio enfatiza la creciente complejidad de formular preguntas de investigación pertinentes en el panorama académico actual, resaltando la necesidad imperativa de adoptar una perspectiva unificada para la indagación eficaz dentro de …

Perceptions Of Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals On Community Reentry Programs To Reduce Recidivism, Kelly Sieger

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was conducted to identify the perceptions of experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals who have been actively involved in community-based reentry programming (CBRP). Utilizing a qualitative interview approach with previously incarcerated persons, the study’s focus was to identify the differences in literature, lived experiences, and the connection between CBRP and recidivism through the perceptions of formerly incarcerated persons who have completed CBRP. A key goal was to identify difficulties in the reentry process through the perception of lived experience and offer suggestions for improvements through the lens of actuarial justice. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, data was collected through …