Digital Commons Network^™

Finding Strength In The Broken Places: Examining The Influence Of Aces On The Mother/Daughter Relationship, Taressa R. Copeland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Daughters raised by mothers who experienced childhood adversity may be ill-equipped for motherhood themselves due to the mother’s guilt and societal stigma associated with the adversity and the impact on lived experiences. Current studies fail to consider the bidirectional influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the mother-daughter relationship. Community stakeholders such as healthcare providers must find a way to support the mother-daughter relationship by providing a safe platform to share and understand experiences as well as identify opportunities for resilience. Resources are also necessary to raise awareness and support mental health. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to …

Apologetics Curriculum In A Chinese International School, William Kiel Nation

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian schools face the challenge of engaging students whose biblical views are being secularized by a culture that is individualistic and materialistic. At International Christian School Hong Kong, in response to such secular challenges, the overreliance on classical and evidential apologetics in the Bible curriculum has led to student disengagement, as these methods often fail to address the presuppositions of secular youth. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a presuppositional apologetics curriculum, grounded in Tim Keller’s Making Sense of God, compared to the traditional classical approach grounded in Keller’s The Reason for God, to determine which method better …

The Failure Of Change Management Projects In Strategy Implementation, Brandon S. Cupp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Change management is critical to strategy implementation, yet organizations frequently struggle to integrate change initiatives, leading to high failure rates. This study explores the systemic challenges associated with change management projects within strategy implementation programs, identifying key factors contributing to success or failure. The research, using a flexible qualitative case study, examines the perspectives of executives, middle managers, and front-line employees in a U.S.-based public safety apparel company. Findings reveal that ineffective communication, insufficient training and support, lack of leadership accountability, employee resistance, generational and cultural differences, and misalignment between strategic vision and operational execution significantly contribute to change management …

Student And Teacher Perspectives On Blending Popular Music Pedagogies Into Kodály-Based Elementary Music Classes, Maurine Floyd Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Kodály instructors in the United States train music educators to use American folk songs and classical Western European music as a foundation for students’ lessons; however, American music classrooms today look very different from the 1940s Hungarian classrooms when Zoltán Kodály developed his philosophy for teaching music, and there is a current need to include music that reflects the diverse student population within our schools. While Kodály “purists” may be hesitant to add music outside the realm of folk songs and art music, doing so may provide today’s learners the relevancy to stay engaged as valued members of the music …

Investigating The Relationship Between Social Media Usage, Perceived Stress, Depression And Spirituality, Jeffrey Leyland King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The rapid rise in social media usage (SMU) in the past two decades correlates with a sharp rise in depression (Dep) and self-harm in emerging adults. Many studies have focused on the aspects of diminished well-being, self-harm and suicide, and a possible association between daily spiritual experiences (DSE) and Dep, although there is a paucity of research on DSE to moderate the association. This study was guided by three theories; need-to-belong, social comparison, and cognitive dissonance. The present quantitative study aimed to explore the significance of the association between SMU, perceived stress (PS), and Dep moderated by DSE in emerging …

Media Richness In Nfl Communications: A Content Analysis Case Study, Ashley Menard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study aimed to examine the social media engagement of fans of the National Football League (NFL). The central problem identified was a lack of understanding of brand storytelling across different social media platforms, particularly concerning the richness of information each platform provided. Guided by media richness theory, developed by Daft and Lengel, this research explored the varying communication styles employed in brand storytelling on social media. The study sought to provide insights into how NFL brands can effectively utilize different platforms to enhance their storytelling and engage with their audience more richly and effectively. The results indicate that …

Changes In Royal Air Force Aviation Technology, Tactics, And Strategy From World War I To World War Ii, Daniel J. Heiser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The changes in aviation technology, strategy, and tactics in the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed at the end of World War I and throughout the Second World War would later sculpt the future of the modern era. This dissertation aims to explore the changes the RAF made which would ultimately help the Allied Forces win the Second World War and fill in the gaps of history that has seemed to have forgotten. The research shows that with the advancement of radar systems in the interwar period and the focus on fighter plane production the RAF became an outstanding fighting force. …

To Use Or Not To Use Exclusionary Discipline In Early Childhood Education? A Phenomenological Analysis Of Pre-Kindergarten Teachers In Alabama, Christal C. Coker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the lived experiences of pre- kindergarten teachers in Alabama regarding their use of and restraint from using exclusionary discipline. The study aimed to find outcomes that could potentially improve social contexts in Alabama's preschools by creating more equitable learning environments. The problem addressed by the study is that the lived experience of preschool teachers regarding their use of and restraint from using exclusionary discipline when students misbehave at school remains to be discovered. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to recruit seven preschool teachers licensed in Alabama for a one-on-one semi-structured Zoom …

Decreasing Medication Errors Among Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, Tamara J. Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Unlicensed assistive personnel, although their role is controversial, are present in many different settings and have many varying roles and job responsibilities. Yet, removing this type of healthcare worker from the job pool may lead to increased labor costs, which could be stifling to some organizations and facilities. Digging deeper, data suggests errors are due to lack of a defined scope of practice, a lack of understanding of job roles and responsibilities and decreased confidence when working in the healthcare setting. The purpose of this project utilizes a setting specific educational intervention and skills check off to increase job self-efficacy …

Irony In Luke's Gospel: Christological Revelation, God's Superior Kingdom, And A Charismatic Theology Of The Spirit, Todd Boulware

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation considers Luke’s use of irony as a strategy of theological significance—a topic not often thoroughly analyzed throughout the history of Lukan scholarship even though many scholars have noted Luke’s narrative artistry. Prior inquiries have acknowledged Luke’s use of irony and other figures of speech, but comprehensive analysis of irony as a theological motif remains largely unaddressed. This is striking since Luke uses irony throughout, starting in Luke 1 and continuing through Luke 24. In this study, narrative and rhetorical critical analysis of the Third Gospel demonstrates that Luke uses the device of irony strategically for his primary theological …

Quantifying Experiences Of Religious Abuse Among Sexual And Gender Minority Populations, Joshua Sink

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A niche venue of research around religious trauma and spiritual abuse has demonstrated adverse outcomes of individuals who feel manipulated or harmed by institutions or individuals holding an imbalance of religious power. While general claims are often made that religion is a positive force on health and psychological wellness, religious trauma is usually associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other pathological symptoms. Interestingly, an area where religion is not related to positive outcomes is among sexual and gender minorities, who show poorer health, higher suicidal rates, and poorer psychological well-being correlated with higher religiosity. While research has been conducted to …

Collegiate Music Recruiting: Using Athletic Recruiting Best Practices To Transform The Industry, Larry Jay Giddens Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The recruitment of new students is vital to every music program and can have a tremendous impact on its success. As technology evolves and the needs of the world change, so do the methods of student recruitment and retention in music departments, music schools, and colleges of music. This study covers the perspectives of collegiate music unit recruiters and compares current and potential strategies. Using a mixed methods approach, this research employs surveys to identify current music unit recruiting trends and challenges. Online recruiting, scholarship availability and facilities/staff emerge as themes within the small body of existing literature and personal …

Christianity, Conception, And Consciousness: Why A Conscious Human Mind Is Necessary To Fulfill The Conception Requirement, Vittoria L. D'Addesi

Liberty University Law Review

As artificial intelligence (“AI”) advances, it not only affects our daily life, but also implicates patent law. The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals has already held in Thaler v. Vidal that only a natural human person can be an “inventor” entitled to receive a patent, thereby excluding AI. The rationale in Thaler centers on statutory interpretation, leaving open the question of whether AI is capable of fulfilling the conception requirement—an essential element of qualifying as an inventor and receiving a patent. This Comment aims to expand the rationale of Thaler and argues that AI cannot fulfill the conception requirement; thus, …

Silicon Sentinels: Using Whistleblower Protections To Manage Information Asymmetry And Ai Risk, Jason Green-Lowe, Fynn Fehrenbach, Mark Reddish

Liberty University Law Review

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (“AI”) development, policymakers face a critical challenge: obtaining accurate and timely information about the potential risks and impacts of advanced AI systems. This Article examines the pivotal role of whistleblower protections as a mechanism to address the information asymmetry between AI companies and government officials. Employees inside AI companies are uniquely positioned to share information that can help outside regulators make wise policy decisions, but employees might be reluctant to do so unless their decision to share that information is legally protected. We propose a comprehensive framework for AI whistleblower protections as …

Open-Source; Open-Season; Open-Fire: Google V. Oracle And The Vulnerability Of Code To Copyright Infringement By Ai Harvesting, Kent Pederson

Liberty University Law Review

In Google v. Oracle, the Supreme Court was forced to decide if Google’s copying of 11,500 lines of computer code from Oracle without permission constituted copyright infringement. Much was on the line, including precedent concerning the copyright status of millions of lines of code nation-wide. In the lengthy decision, the Supreme Court avoided the central issue of holding whether the copied “declaring code” could be protected by copyright or instead was a functional tool outside of the Copyright Act. Instead, it punted the issue, assuming for the sake of argument that the declaring code that was taken was in …

Is Ai A Horse Or A Zebra: Do Ai Free Speech Concerns Require New Legal Tools?, Jennifer Huddleston

Liberty University Law Review

In 1996, as the internet was emerging into more popular use among the general public, Judge Frank Easterbrook published Cyberspace and the Law of the Horse. In this essay and lecture, Judge Easterbrook warned against the rise of specialized law for general purpose technology and instead posited that many common law legal principles will be able to evolve. As this essay and lecture posit, new technologies provide may provide an opportunity to examine if existing legal principles function optimally, but we should be cautious of interventions in the name of protecting the public from new and rapidly evolving technologies.

Nearly …

The Measure Of A Man: Considering Science Fiction And Christianity In The Regulation Of Artificial Intelligence Models, Andrew P. Connors

Liberty University Law Review

Does artificial intelligence “think,” and if it does, what should the law do about it? This article examines popular culture and the Turing Test to assess whether artificial intelligence “thinks,” applying the author’s engineering background and his Christian worldview. The author concludes that artificial intelligence mimics rather than creates and considers the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence given that conclusion. The author suggests that legal regulation should be measured, leaving important decisions to humans while at the same time encouraging development of this important, misunderstood technology.

The Effects Of Study Abroad Programs On Second Language Acquisition (Sla), Isabel Odewald

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

As study abroad programs have increased annually by 10%, numerous researchers have examined how participation in study abroad programs have affected second language acquisition (SLA) in students (Isabelli-Garcia, et. al, 2018). Reviewing previous literature evaluating the relationship between study abroad programs and undergraduate students overall academic achievement, personal growth, and career preparation, it has been found that study abroad programs impact students academically, emotionally, and cognitively. Specifically focusing on factors such as the duration of study abroad programs, personality of students, students’ motivations, and engagement with peers abroad, the current literature review provides explanations of relevant SLA theoretical frameworks and …

Artificial Intelligence In Surveillance And Privacy, Elizabeth D. Brasher

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

This paper attempts to provide insight into the new and developing world of artificial intelligence and its integration into surveillance technologies. These technologies being implemented by the government, retail companies, healthcare organizations, and more, all raise ethical questions and implications addressed in this article; other topics, such as the integration of Christian ethics and responsibilities, are also explored.

Review: Radio Rescue, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Caring, Citizenship, Cooperation, Compassion, Courage, Curiosity, Dedication, Determination, Diligence, Friendship, Inquisitiveness, Knowledge, Neighborliness, Resourcefulness, Responsibility, Work ethic

Review: The Talking Earth, Janice Delong, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 10-12

Appreciation of nature, Citizenship, Cleverness, Confidence, Coping, Courage, Craftsmanship, Creativity, Cunning, Curiosity, Dignity, Discernment, Diversity, Ethnic pride, Fear, Friendliness, Independence, Initiative, Kindness, Knowledge, Maturity, Obedience, Persistence, Perseverance, Resilience, Resourcefulness, Respect, Responsibility, Self-reliance, Self-respect, Sharing, Spunk, Strength, Survival (physical), Understanding, Wisdom, Work ethic

Review: Rain Reign, Janice Delong, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 10-12

Caring, Coping, Determination, Encouragement, Fear, Family love, Generosity, Hope, Kindness, Knowledge, Patience, Responsibility, Understanding

Review: Crenshaw, Rachel Schwedt, Janice Delong

Ages 10-12

Coping, Fairness, Family love, Honesty, Hope, Perservance, Resourcefulness, Sacrafice, Survival, Thrift, Trustworthiness

Border Crisis Impacts On United States National Security, Victoria Halyne Smith

Masters Theses

This thesis addresses how the United States (U.S.) currently faces various homeland and national security threats. A specific and substantial threat to the U.S. is the border crisis that began to escalate in later 2020 but has been an ongoing issue for decades. Several elements encompass the border crisis such as the political circumstances, policy passed by Congress and endorsed or drafted by the President, resources at borders, and law enforcement or security implementation. However, two vital elements to analyze within the current border crisis are the border security and immigration policies of the Trump and Biden administrations as well …

Mental Health Literacy In Middle School Classrooms: Be Resilient, Yolanda Michelle Travis

Masters Theses

When I first encountered the question, “Why is this important to me?” in our defense preparation assignment instructions, I felt overwhelmed. How could I answer such a loaded question? Here is my inspiration.

I have been clinically diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. My younger brother, who passed away in 2019, was the first person in California to die from a fentanyl overdose. He suffered from childhood trauma that severely impacted his mental health as an adult, and he was only 36 years old at the time of his death. Additionally, my mother struggles with panic attacks and depression, and my …

The Discipling Worship Leader: How Perceptions Impact The Role Of The Worship Leader, Justin Smith

Masters Theses

Although worship and discipleship are often envisioned as two distinct practices, they share fundamental aspects of spiritual formation. Worship is often restricted to music, emotional expression, and outward performance, while discipleship tends to be associated with intellectual study, biblical knowledge, and structured learning. However, both disciplines encompass holistic contributions to a believer’s spiritual growth. Discipleship extends beyond epistemology; it involves personal transformation. Worship is not merely an experience or the expression of emotions but rather transformative in nature. Both worship and discipleship, however, encompass more than the contemporary church culture often acknowledges. The two-fold research plan combined findings from a …

Spiritual Vitality Over Material Prosperity: The Nature Of A True Davidic King In 2 Chronicles, Stephen Allen Cooksey

Masters Theses

Three kings in 2 Chronicles are explicitly compared to David in the regnal formula, namely, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah. Their comparison to David is significant since David is portrayed throughout 1 Chronicles as the ideal Israelite king. This study examines the possible criteria that qualified these three kings to be positive emulations of their ideal forefather by evaluating the sacred and secular activities of each Judahite king against similar activities exemplified by David in 1 Chronicles. Naturally, closer parallels with David’s actions by certain kings implicitly tied these kings to the Davidic prototype, thereby establishing them as a true Davidic …

Recess: Utilizing Gamification To Encourage Lifelong Creativity In Emerging Adults, Julia Schneider

Masters Theses

While creative outlets are prioritized in childhood, adults in the United States are increasingly less likely to engage their creativity during leisure time, which ultimately impacts overall well-being. This project aims to explore: (1) What is creativity, and why is it beneficial? (2) What factors contribute to the decline of creative engagement? (3) How does engaging with creative outlets impact overall well-being? (4) How can play be used as a catalyst to foster creativity? Through a literature review, case studies, and visual analyses, this thesis examined and integrated existing research on creativity and play in order to effectively create a …

Curating Christmas: A Simplified Approach To Christmas Celebrations, Jillian L. Ramsey

Masters Theses

This thesis project titled Curating Christmas: A simplified approach to Christmas celebrations originated from a personal observation of rampant consumerism during the Christmas season, both in retail stores and through online haul videos. This project aims to redefine the holiday experience by shifting the focus from mass consumerism to a more intentional and meaningful celebration. Targeting elder Generation Z, particularly those with young children, the project emphasizes the curation of unique, handmade, thrifted, and sustainable items. Research for the project included a literature review, case studies, and visual analyses. The visual solution includes creating a cohesive brand identity, marketing materials …

Police Officer Recruitment And Retention: How Can The Problem Be Solved, Paul R. Eagleston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This grounded theory study aimed to understand the issues with police officer recruitment and retention for police administrators nationwide. The theory guiding this study was the grounded theory approach by Glaser and Strauss (1967) as it relates to the reasons for the loss of interest in law enforcement, including an increase in officers resigning before retiring. Data collection will explore if the police administrator being interviewed has experienced increased difficulties in recruiting potential candidates to fill vacancies and an increase in police officers in their department resigning before retirement. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with law enforcement administrators. Recruitment …