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A Diversity Dilemma: A Qualitative Research Study On The Past And Present Racial And Cultural Demographics Of Formal Music Education Students, Destiny Deberry Stone-King

Masters Theses

This thesis study examined the relationship between the preference for popular music, racial identity, and the decision to participate in school music courses and ensembles, aiming to understand how the interaction of these factors influences the demographics of music students. The researcher analyzed previous research on music preference, the history of music education in the United States, commentary on the music education system, and personal accounts of music educators and former music students. The researcher used a historical qualitative research design and meta-analysis to answer three research questions: 1) How does a musician’s racial identity, musical preference, and musical training …

The Apologetic Implications Of Paul's First Missionary Journey, Mark Garro

Masters Theses

This thesis takes a careful look at Paul’s first missionary speech in Acts 13 and the larger narrative of his first missionary journey in Acts 14, asking two main questions: What is Paul saying in his first recorded sermon, and what can the modern church learn from it, particularly when it comes to apologetics and suffering? Through literary and exegetical analysis, this study examines how Paul’s message fits into the broader narrative of Acts, paying special attention to the historical setting, rhetorical flow, and theological implications of the speech. The research is grounded in a wide range of scholarship and …

Intrinsic Case Study On Parents’ Perspectives In Collaboration With Professionals On Transition Services, Chanda Datijan Gonzales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study describes the transition planning for parents collaborating with school and community professionals for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) at the high school level in Guam. The theory guiding this study is Schlosberg’s transition theory, as it supports parents in decision-making to help students with ID adapt to change. This study reviews how collaborative teams can be between schools and the community. The methodology examines parents’ interviews and observations and reviews the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) documents. An intrinsic case study is appropriate to understand parents’ perspectives in transition planning for high school students with intellectual disabilities. The …

Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Digital Consumption Has On Adolescent Cognitive And Behavioral Abilities: A Case Study, Latisha Lambert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand student digital consumption and its potential implications on cognitive and behavioral development at a suburban middle school in Southeastern United States. The study was guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and Veblen’s technological determinism theory, providing a dual lens for examining how environmental modeling and societal shifts in technology influence student learning and behavior. The study utilized a single-site embedded case study design. Ten middle school teachers from various grade levels and subject areas participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and teacher journaling. NVivo coding was used to identify …

Nutrition Anthropology In Global Malnutrition In Children Under Five, Katherine Michelle Dennison Owens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Food is essential to growth and development for people and nations. Too little or too much food can lead to undernutrition or overweight, both forms of malnutrition. While there have been improvements in undernutrition, overweight is increasing, causing the double burden of malnutrition globally, which is especially true in low-income and middle-income countries. Understanding nutrition anthropology's economic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors is critical to combat malnutrition's burden in different populations. Shaping policies and investments in malnutrition need to be strategic to have a measurable impact on malnutrition improvements. This study identified nutrition anthropology factors using six economic, environmental, and socio-cultural …

Jesus's Theology Of Human Value Through The Use Of Rhetorical Speech In Luke 15, Daniel E. Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study is framed by the concept of Jesus’s theology of human value as articulated through rhetorical speech, with a particular focus on the stories presented in Luke 15. It seeks to examine the narratives of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the father with his two sons, analyzing the rhetorical strategies employed by Jesus and the discursive constructions crafted by the evangelist Luke. Through this hermeneutical approach, the research explores how these stories convey theological messages concerning human worth, divine compassion, and the redemptive nature of God’s engagement with humanity. Rhetorical analysis, or rhetorical criticism, serves as a …

At The Putting Green: The Economic Impact Of The Augusta National, William Lee Chomskis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigates the multifaceted economic impact of the Augusta National Golf Club on the city of Augusta, Georgia. Through a comprehensive historical, biographical, and economic analysis, the study explores how a single sporting institution has transformed a mid-sized Southern city into a globally recognized epicenter of elite sport and cultural capital. Drawing on archival research, interviews with local stakeholders, and economic data, the dissertation traces Augusta’s evolution from a strategic Confederate industrial hub to a modern city whose identity and economy are inextricably linked to the Augusta National and its flagship event, the Masters Tournament.

The research is structured …

The Exploration Of Self-Management Support Programs For African American Adults Ages 18 To 75 In Harnett County, North Carolina, Moya Camille Henny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the health needs and self-management experiences of African American adults ages 18 to 75 living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Harnett County, North Carolina. The study aimed to understand how self-management support programs could be better tailored to meet the cultural, social, and behavioral needs of this population, who face a disproportionate burden of these chronic conditions. Guided by Critical Care Theory, Chronic Care Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, the research examined how systemic inequalities, community resources, and personal beliefs shaped participants’ ability to manage their health. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews …

Evidence-Based Autism Assessments: Utility Of A School-Based Autism Evaluation Fidelity Checklist, Melissa Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has demonstrated limited use of evidence-based autism assessments in school settings. The use of fidelity checklists for evidence-based interventions for autism are a focus of research; however, there are not any fidelity checklists or tools for measuring evidence-based autism assessments. This study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to create and utilize a school-based autism assessment fidelity checklist rubric with a retrospective model. This study began with a focus group to refine the rubric and provide social validity. Then, the rubric was used to measure the fidelity of 52 initial school-based autism assessments across two time periods, one …

Pass It On: Developing Children's Identity With Biblical Storytelling At First Baptist Church Of Sanford, Caleb Mccord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In a culture where many youths are not only leaving the church but also facing psychological issues like identity crises, it is important that children develop their identity as God’s Word prescribes rather than the preference-based identities pushed by secular parties. To best ensure this development, then it is essential that children receive biblical storytelling from both the church and also the parents at home, the latter of which is underutilized in many modern Christian homes. This thesis posits that if parents are made aware of the need for biblical identity development and trained to do so, then they will …

Phenomenology Of Dissociation During (R/S)-Ketamine/(S)-Ketamine Therapy For Depression, Daniel William Cable

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the dissociative experiences of patients who are receiving ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. This research was guided by the principles of phenomenological inquiry and focused on the subjective experiences of individuals and sought to explore the nuances of dissociative experiences and offer insight into its potential therapeutic implications.

The research used a qualitative methodology involving participants who have experienced ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. The setting was a controlled clinical environment where the therapy sessions were conducted. To collect data, open-ended, semi-structured interviews as well as follow-up interviews were conducted with the participants in …

Development Of A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (Pbpk) Model And Evaluation Of Antioxidant Capacity For Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, Christopher L. Basel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop an equation to calculate the approximate concentration of active components in orally administered Polypodium leucotomos fern extract (PLE) and to develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for an active component of PLE or its metabolite to address the need for human pharmacokinetics (PK). Model differences based on ethnic groups were also investigated. This was a quantitative study using secondary data. It has been estimated that skin cancers account for approximately 40% of all human cancers and that approximately 13,000 people will die of skin cancer in 2024. People with darker skin experience …

Single-Working Parents’ Psychological Autonomy And Psychological Well-Being And The Mediating Role Of Work-Life Balance, Patrina Anastasia Lowrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Single-working parents (SWPs) shoulder dual roles and responsibilities, often resulting in strained psychological autonomy (PA), psychological well-being (PWB), and work-life balance (WLB) across their work and nonwork domains. These overlapping responsibilities create challenges in sustaining a quality of life over time. The specific problem this study addressed is that many SWPs in leadership positions do not manage their emotional center well, and the relationships among their PA, PWB, and WLB remain unknown. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether WLB mediates the relationship between PA and PWB in adult SWPs. Research questions were developed to explore …

The Frequency Of Academic Advising: A Quantitative, Predictive Study On Postsecondary Second-Year Student Satisfaction, Angelia M. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between student satisfaction with academic advising, the frequency of academic advising activities, and the type of postsecondary institution (community college or public university). This study is important in providing valuable context for re-evaluating how academic advising efficacy is assessed and structured in postsecondary institutions. Through convenience sampling of second-year community college and public university students, data was collected via a self-paced online survey of 110 participants. In addition to demographic information, the survey incorporated the Academic Advising Inventory to measure student satisfaction with academic advising. Multiple linear …

Predictive Correlation Analysis Of Admissions Criteria To A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program And Graduation Success, Mark Amir

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between admissions criteria and academic success in a non-traditional, weekend-format Doctor of Physical Therapy program known as Palisades Weekend University. This study contributes to the literature by exploring how cognitive and non-cognitive variables may predict student outcomes. The sample included 112 participants enrolled between 2016 and 2021 at a private university in New York. Data was collected using the General Self-Efficacy Scale via Google Forms, and archival admissions data was obtained from the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Logistic regression analysis assessed the predictive relationship between self-efficacy, …

Understanding Educators’ Experiences With Chronic Student Absenteeism In Rural High Schools In Southwest Virginia: A Phenomenological Study, Tina Louise Dean

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand educators’ experiences and the influences chronic absenteeism has on low-income rural high school students in Southwest Virginia. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognition theory on learning, which develops through interaction and modeling. The central research question was, “How do teachers describe their experiences with chronic student absenteeism in rural high schools in Southwest Virginia?” A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used, and the researcher focused on 10 educators from rural high schools in southwest Virginia who had experienced student chronic absenteeism and/or truancy. Data for this study was collected …

Exploring The Role Of Online Fan Communities During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study, Misha Alarie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals increasingly turned to online fandom communities for social support and companionship. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the impact of digital communities on individuals' social support networks throughout and beyond the pandemic. Through an exploration of participants' lived experiences within virtual spaces, specifically Reddit, the research sought to comprehend how interactions within online fandoms address individuals' social needs and influence their overall well-being. The research examined how people find online communities, their interactions, perceptions of group dynamics, how these spaces can change them, and their role in offering support during and after …

Lived Experiences Of Black Clergy Counseling White Female Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence In Predominantly White Churches Of Christ, Archie Ray Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of Black male pastors in predominantly White Churches of Christ who provide pastoral care to White female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). These Black male spiritual leaders often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking help, yet they may face unique challenges shaped by cross-racial, gender, and theological dynamics. This study examined how spiritual beliefs, educational preparation, and ministerial experiences influenced the responses of the participants to IPV. The findings revealed that in the absence of formal IPV training and institutional protocols, pastors often relied …

The Impact Of The Mcgirt Supreme Court Decision On Federal Water Policy Within Shared Watersheds, Travis Alexander Younce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explored the following research question: What are the public policy implications of the McGirt Supreme Court decision on federal water policy and regulations governing shared watersheds between state, tribes, and federal control? Specifically, this study examined the changing freshwater availability within Oklahoma and Montana. Oklahoma is one of the nation’s most diverse water management lands, with over 85% of its water within tribal boundaries. Eleven lakes and reservoirs in central Oklahoma provide water to the increasingly urbanized population. This dissertation aimed to identify integrated regulations regarding water policy and impacts by examining requirements, use, clarity, and climatological data …

The Experiences Of University Health Science Students Participating In A Short-Term Medical Mission Trip, Peggie L. Williamson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of university health science students who participated in a short-term medical mission trip (STMMT). Student participation in a STMMT was generally defined as active involvement in an 8-day healthcare initiative undertaken by supervised university health science students who provided medical care and education to underserved regions. Purposeful criterion and convenience sampling were used to select ten participants from a group of university health science students registered for a STMMT to Belize in 2025. The two theories guiding this study were Husserl’s Transcendental Theory, designed to provide a …

Stressors Causing Career And Technical Education Teachers To Experience Burnout: Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Christina C. Perez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the stressors and coping strategies for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in career and technical education in Texas’ public education system. The theory guiding this study was the transactional model of stress and coping proposed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman. The use of this theory will impact the lives of CTE teachers facing challenges in their current roles and taking on extra duties compared to non-CTE teachers. The central research question focused on how CTE teachers experience major sources of stress and burnout. In addition, the sub-questions will support …

Telepsychiatry In The Management Of Chronic Mental Illness: A Quantitative Study, Jason Andrew Lam

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The use of emergency departments for chronic mental illness is a growing problem and contributes to overcrowding. Preventing psychiatric patients from using an ED for their chronic mental illness is a key part of reducing this problem. Telepsychiatry allows patients to access psychiatric care from wherever it is convenient to them with shorter wait times for appointments. This study compared emergency department use between in-person and telepsychiatry utilizers to determine if one group had fewer occurrences than the other. Through an anonymous online survey, data was collected and analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques. This study concluded that patients using telepsychiatry …

A Strategic Study Seeking To Increase Tithe And Offering At The Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Harlem, New York, Silburn I. Reid

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral thesis explores the complex relationship between church members and financial giving at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church. The study aims to understand why members refrain from contributing to tithes and offerings by examining their trust in local church leadership and the denomination at large. The study identifies several underlying reasons for the reluctance to give by using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, teaching seminars, and participant group observations. These are grouped into three primary themes: transparency, education, and dissatisfaction with church governance. One of the key findings was that the lack of trust in church leadership …

The Lived Experiences Of African American First-Generation Higher Education Students In The Artificial Intelligence Chatbot College Admissions Process: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Felecia M. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of African American first-generation higher education students as they navigate the AI chatbot college admissions process at universities throughout the United States. The theory guiding this transcendental phenomenological study is Rawl’s theory of social justice, as it explained the equal distribution of social values such as wealth, income, opportunity, and liberty. Van Manen's thematic analysis is used to explore the lived experiences and perspectives of the participants. The central research question for this study was, “What are the lived experiences of African American first-generation students who use …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Middle School Students’ Social-Emotional Learning And Sense Of Community In Collaborative And Non-Collaborative Learning Environments, Edielou Saroca

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a difference in social-emotional learning and a sense of community between middle school students whose teachers engage in collaborative learning structures and teachers who do not. This study is important because it addresses a gap in the literature regarding the impact of collaborative learning on middle school students’ social-emotional learning and sense of community. This study provides information and support to educational institutions to manage challenging behaviors in the classroom and enhance social-emotional and sense of community skills. The sample comprised 140 middle school students who attended …

Storytelling Pedagogy To Promote Musical Expression Through Community Building In The High School Ensemble Class, Hector E. Ayerdiz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite research on technical pedagogical techniques to improve musicianship in students, there are still some non-conventional pedagogical approaches that educators have not researched in detail. Among these is purposeful storytelling to develop community and vulnerability in students to enhance musical expression and technique. This study sought to understand the impact of the music teachers' use of storytelling on high school music ensemble students. It also investigated storytelling's usefulness in developing music skills and techniques in students by forming positive learning environments. Guided by narrative design, this qualitative research study looked at the phenomenon of storytelling in the high school music …

Spirituality And Perceived Insider Status: A Study Of Organizational Commitment Of African American Female Leaders In Fortune 1000 Companies, Toni Y. Stubbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the relationships among spirituality, perceived insider status, and organizational commitment among African American female leaders within Fortune 1000 companies. Using a cross-sectional design, the research gathered data from 119 participants through online surveys that included the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), the Perceived Insider Status Scale (PIS), and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Analyses included Pearson correlations and mediation modeling to address the research questions. The results revealed a strong, statistically significant relationship between perceived insider status and organizational commitment. Although spirituality did not directly predict organizational commitment, it demonstrated a small but significant mediating effect between …

Sustaining The Score: A Narrative Inquiry Comparing California Teacher Induction And Adult Ensemble Participation For Music Educator Longevity And Growth, David Haley Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The relationship between music educators' participation in adult ensembles and any perceived benefits to their teaching careers remains underexplored. At a time when teacher recruitment and retention rates are unsustainable, this information can help provide ways to engage educators in a way that benefits both themselves and the academic success of their students. This qualitative study examines the perspectives of music educators across a wide variety of ages and grade levels. This study compares explicitly the formal, mandated support of California’s teacher induction program with the informal, voluntary support found in adult ensembles. Many music educators in California began their …

Ethnic Diversity And The High School’S Band Repertoire, Shane Ryan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the development of strategies to increase diversity in the music classroom, there is still room for further advancement. Ensuring that each student is represented in the class allows everyone to feel appreciated and work together. Research has shown the current state of diversity and inclusion in band literature selections and has presented recommendations for the next steps. By modeling Whitmore’s diversity in band literature research, this mixed-method research study identified the criteria by which band literature has been selected over the past five years. Perspectives on social issues, database availability, and educators making changes have emerged as themes through …

Childhood Adversity And The Development Of The Imposter Phenomenon, Elissa M. Jeter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The imposter phenomenon comprises a set of emotions, cognitions, and behaviors occurring throughout the lifespan of an individual to protect against feelings of inadequacy. The consequences of the imposter phenomenon are significant to both individuals and the organization they work for, as it can cause significant emotional fatigue and burnout. These consequences include anxiety, depression, isolation, burnout, and job abandonment. Throughout decades of research, there have been mixed results regarding the causes of the imposter phenomenon. A possible commonality among these causes of the imposter phenomenon is childhood adversity. The sample used in this study was adults between the ages …