Digital Commons Network^™

The Difference In Team-Based Clinical Practices Among Healthcare Professionals When Controlling Years Of Experience, Tonya Fuller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has demonstrated that future examination of individual’s personal contextual factors concerning interprofessional collaboration is yet to be determined. This quantitative causal-comparative study analyzed the team-based practices of nurses, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists. The primary examination of the study was to determine the differences among healthcare professionals’ interprofessional collaboration experiences by the Assessment Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale (AITCS). The AITCS scoring system presents on a scale of 1-5 and measures three key collaborative practices: partnership, cooperation, and coordination. A total of 118 healthcare professionals, cutting across three professions: nurses, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists, were involved in this study. The independent …

Bedford Springs Resort: A Political And Social Annex Of Antebellum America: 1840-1860, Sara Grace Davis-Leonard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Antebellum America has been described as a period of turbulence for the nation as the North and the South grew farther apart through sectionalism. While voters relied upon the increasing partisan press to inform them of debates in Washington and the often-deliberate decision to forgo the ultimate decision on slavery, in private politicians forged friendships through social events such as parties and dinners. When the Congressional session ended in early summer, politicians often accompanied by their families would travel north to Saratoga Springs or west to the much cooler climates of the mountain resorts: Bedford Springs, White Sulphur Springs, Warm …

Intimate Partner Violence And Spirituality: A Healing Process, Sheila Diane Lundquist

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to understand how intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors, from the Atlanta area, use spirituality to heal from the abuse. The theory guiding this study is Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy of Needs as it shows how spirituality helped these women meet the needs on the hierarchy after having many of the needs ripped from them by the perpetrator(s). Intimate partner violence is a fundamental problem in the United States, especially during these times of COVID-19 and the stay-at home orders. Intimate partner violence takes a toll on the family unit, the community, and the …

The Effectiveness Of K-12 Online Music Education During The Covid-19 Lockdown, Christopher Lafser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the successes of online education, students often learn and develop skills in classroom music ensembles that cannot be replicated in online learning. Virtual learning is a new tool for some educators and during the 2020-2022 COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown, many schools were not prepared for the sudden changes the lockdowns needed. Since the lockdown, there have been few studies which examine student music engagement in 100% virtual learning as compared to in-classroom instruction. This qualitative research study examines in what ways music students engage in 100% virtual learning compared to students in a traditional classroom in the areas of musical …

A Phenomenological Approach Of Foster Parent Factors That Predict Placement Disruption Of Children In Foster Care, Latoya Ebony Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover foster parent factors contributing to foster care disruptions. Disruptions of foster care children are detrimental to the safety and well-being of the children. There are implications of foster care disruptions producing short- and long-term negative outcomes for children and families. Research indicates the emotional trauma effects of placement instability negatively impact the child’s relationships, ability to form attachments, educational outcomes, and mental and developmental stability. Foster parent factors have been identified that predict the likelihood of the parents disrupting the child’s placement and strategies for increasing placement stability in various studies. …

Wounding Words: A Phenomenological Study Of How Individuals Experience Receiving Spiritual Bypass, Peridot Reed-Gilbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently spiritual bypass refers to a person's attempt to evade or sidestep significant events in his or her life by focusing solely on the spiritual dimension “bypassing” important psychological tasks necessary for healing (Cashwell & Young, 2004; Clarke et al., 2013). Several studies have been conducted proving that spiritual bypass is a phenomenon that individuals implement on themselves. However, the purpose of this study was to address the gap in the existing research literature by examining the lived experiences of those who have experienced receiving spiritual bypass from another person. Through semi-structured interviews, fourteen participants who self-identified as having experienced …

How Successful Middle School Band Directors Display Supplemental Illustrations, Instructions, And Reference Material In Their Classrooms, Christopher Ryan Kristich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although presenting visual information is commonplace in a learning environment, many music educators could do this more effectively. This grounded theory project aimed to determine how successful middle school band directors display supplemental illustrations, instructions, and reference material in their classrooms. School administrators often require teachers to exhibit material related to the curriculum. Music educators are typically permitted autonomy with their wall displays if they maintain the educational parameters. Despite the potential benefits of displaying quality visual information, not all middle school band directors ensure that the auxiliary material presented in their room is relevant and constructive. Available resources that …

With Or Without The Table, We Gather: Reinforcing Innate Resiliencies In The African American Family, Jessica L. Stevens-Eddy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study aims to determine whether food-sharing (gathering to eat) can be considered a suitable medium to facilitate increased cohesion within African American families. This study focuses on informal food-sharing as an extension of formal meal-sharing. Previous research links consistent formal meal-sharing to positive and secure identity development, better familial attachment, and improved family cohesion. These practices leave a lasting, detrimental impact on the African American family model. Additional barriers to some African American family meal-sharing practices include working extended and atypical work hours, food insecurity, and poor familial communication. There is a lack of research concerning the impact …

Clawhammer: Vincent A. Witcher And Guerrilla Warfare In Civil War Southern Appalachia, Melanie Greer Storie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Vincent A. Witcher, the subject of this dissertation, is largely unknown to Civil War historians. He is rarely mentioned, and when he is, it is primarily in connection with J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Without the 1886 New York Times article and the resulting lawsuit, Witcher might have faded away as a historical footnote for his minor role at Gettysburg. However, this dissertation argues that his libel suit represents a microcosm of the complicated nature of guerrilla warfare during the Civil War. Through a lens of memory and regional history, the Witcher case …

The Intersection Of The Sibling Relationship, Parental Divorce, And Mental Health Symptoms, Taylor A. Bufton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although sibling relationships and parental divorce are two popular areas of study, few research studies have focused on their relationship. In this quantitative study, the researcher explored the relationship between sibling relationship quality and parental divorce conflict, as well as the relationship between perceived sibling relationship quality during parental divorce and mental health in adulthood. The participant sample included 64 adults who experienced parental divorce in childhood with at least one sibling. Participants were required to complete a demographics questionnaire, the Post-Divorce Parental Conflict Scale (PPCS), the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale (LSRS), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). A Pearson’s …

University Student Choice And Attitudes Toward Second Language Learning: A Causal-Comparative Study, Jazmin Marielis Chinea Barreto

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal comparative study was to determine if student language choice at the university level affects their attitudes toward second language learning. Current literature in second language acquisition primarily focuses on English as a second language; additionally, studies that address languages other than English are primarily conducted in the United Kingdom. This study addressed this gap in the literature and added to the existing body of knowledge to ascertain student attitudes toward L2 learning based on the language of study. Participants included 190 monolingual speakers of English enrolled in a first-semester language course in a North …

And All Those Jazz Hands! A Curricular Show Choir In An Elementary Public School: A Case Study, Anne Valadia Binkley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the known benefits of adolescent participation in secondary music ensembles and the advantages of singing for elementary-aged students, researchers have yet to evaluate the positive effects of student participation in a public school elementary curricular show choir. The potential benefits of an elementary show choir in a public school can reveal more possibilities for music educators to involve students in relevant music-making. This study examines the perspectives of former elementary show choir members, parents, city officials, and elementary school administrators concerned with a public school curricular show choir. Respondents have shared views on benefits to students, families, and the …

Examining The Effect Of Utilizing 1:1 Ipad Technology On Third Grade Reading Achievement: A Causal-Comparative Analysis, Sharla E. Edwards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study examined the effects of one-to-one (1:1) iPad instruction versus traditional instruction on urban third-grade students' English Language Arts (ELA) achievement. The research is significant given the rising use of technology, like the 1:1 iPad initiative, to combat declining reading proficiency. It highlights the pivotal role of third-grade reading proficiency in future success, aligning with education policies and catering to modern learners. This study provides valuable insights for educators, administrators, and education stakeholders by elucidating the impact of technology on reading achievement. As one-to-one instruction gains prominence, understanding its influence on students' reading performance is crucial due …

Beyond Sunday Morning: Communal Singing And Corporate Identity, Justin Aaron Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Corporate worship singing long aided congregants in growing their communal identity and theological understanding of biblical principles. While modern singing trends help congregants grow their theological understanding, modern church singing trends suggest songs are not encouraging growth in communal identity mimicking cultural values of individualism in corporate worship song lyrics. Historically, individual first-person pronouns represented the individuals alongside the rest of the church; but with a rise in cultural individualism, first-person pronouns now represent individuals independent of one another. This individualistic focus can lead congregants to conclude they do not need the church and to remove themselves from the body …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Servant-Leadership Characteristics Among Those Called To Serve And Protect, Louden S.B. Suggs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to determine if servant-leader characteristics were common among recruits enrolled in basic law enforcement training programs in North Carolina Community Colleges and the relationship between recruit commitment to preserving public safety and public order and the call or natural feeling to serve others. This study explored whether law enforcement recruits inherently possessed servant-leader characteristics defined by Greenleaf and Spears (1998, 2002) and described in Matthew and Mark. One hundred eleven law enforcement recruits, both men and women, from various demographic backgrounds actively enrolled in 22 North Carolina Community College System’s Basic Law …

Examining The Predictive Weight Of Perceived Organizational Support And Job Embeddedness On Turnover Intention, Tyler J. Swansboro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Generation Z personnel are entering the workplace in monumental numbers. As this understudied population enters the work domain, the business environment will continuously struggle to adapt to their new perceptions, motifs, and thought processes. When these new workers enter the workforce, many will inevitably enter the leisure and hospitality industry. This specific industry has the highest turnover rate in America (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2022). To further the understanding of retention, this study was structured to explore the predictive weight of perceived organizational support (POS) and job embeddedness (JE) on turnover intention, to assess which construct was the stronger …

The Nurse's Lived Experience Of Transferring Nutrition Knowledge To Patients: A Descriptive Phenomenology, Kendrah Lynne Cunningham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study aimed to gain insight into the nurse’s lived experience of transferring nutrition knowledge to patients. Nurses play an important role in assisting the patient to become more proficient in health and nutrition literacy to make proper choices related to their nutrition. It is necessary to evaluate the lived experience of the nurse in transferring nutrition knowledge to patients. There is a gap in the literature on nurses’ experience in providing nutrition knowledge to their patients. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study examines the lived experience of nurses in transferring nutrition education to their patients. This was …

A Qualitative Study Of Media Dependency Theory On Tiktok Citizen Journalists, Jaron David Paschke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the problem with depending on citizen journalism for news updates on TikTok during Hurricane Ian. To accomplish that, three types of qualitative content analysis were deployed to answer three separate but related research questions. First, a conventional content analysis was used to determine if the communicative roles of citizen journalists differed from their mainstream media counterparts during a crisis. Second, a summative content analysis was used to determine how effective crisis communications from citizen journalists were when compared to those produced by the mainstream media. Lastly, a directed content analysis was used …

Peer Feedback Among Nursing Students: Does It Enhance Learning?, Sydney Everett, Rachel Joseph, Tracey Turner, Dorothy Murphy

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Background: The American Nurses Association (ANA) describes that peer review is essential for excellent nursing practice and describes the principles of Peer Review. The Magnet program has embraced this in clinical excellence. Peer feedback has multiple benefits.

Purpose: The purpose of this manuscript is to examine the literature on peer feedback and identify the benefits of peer feedback on student learning and information retention.

Methods: Search terms such as Peer assessment, peer coaching, peer tutoring, peer-assisted learning, and informal peer learning were used to retrieve peer-reviewed publications from databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The term Peer feedback …

Effectiveness Of Training Jacksonville Church Of God Seventh Day To Minister Biblical Truth To Seventh-Day Adventists, Dirk E. Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study addresses Jacksonville Church of God Seventh Day’s lack of understanding of how to communicate biblical truths effectively to local Seventh Day Adventists. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent a training program could improve the confidence of church members to share biblical truths with Seventh-day Adventists. The method of study involved training eleven members of the church. These members were from different races, ages, and genders. The training program consisted of seven one-hour training sessions. The data collection methods included interviews and surveys. The results of this study indicate that a training program can …

Exploring The Impact Of Spiritual Disciplines Among Disciples Of Christ, Sharon Yvette Hardy Hunter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Spiritual disciplines have long been recognized as a means to foster more significant spiritual growth and maturity in the life of disciples of Christ. However, in today’s culture, there is a perceived lack of commitment to spiritual growth with new and established disciples of Christ of the twenty-first century vs. those of the twentieth century at Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan. Therefore, this study will look at the impact of introducing spiritual disciplines to new disciples of Christ to foster more significant spiritual growth and a commitment to a life of faith in Christ. Although faith community members embrace a …

A Model For Biblical Worldview Development In Non-Denominational Christian Young Adults: A Dissertation-In-Praxis, Calvin Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The ideas of worldview and worldview development have not been around long but have been a matter of interest and understanding in the non-denominational area of Christianity, along with the field of scholarly research. Organizational theories play a major role in the development of all individuals. The purpose of this dissertation-in-praxis study was to test and apply a theoretical model for biblical worldview development among non-denominational Christians, ages 24-29. A qualitative method was employed using an applied research design following a deductive research approach. A worldview model was created to help understand the worldview perspective of participants. In qualitative research, …

The Single Father In The Christian Church And Their Struggles, Kennedy Abbott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project is about a severe but unseen problem in the church. The single fathers in the Christian church have been quietly struggling because many do not seek help. Caretakers of this single-father ministry identify and are aware of the struggle affiliated with single fathers, summarized from personal experience in Chapter One. In Chapter Two, this research elucidates the severity of the problem related to children separated from either parent, possibly leading to behavioral concerns in school, the community, and the home. The fundamental principles of this research derives from gathering data relevant to this research to support this …

The Thrill Is Here: An Instrumental Case Study Of The Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop Experience, Spencer Lewis Byrd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This instrumental case study aimed to discover blues music education's pedagogy, content, and teaching strategies. This was accomplished by examining authentic blues teaching through the lenses of music learning theory, the Danielson framework for teaching, and the spiral curriculum. The study built on literature relating to the historical, musical, and extra-musical contexts of the blues, popular music, community music, and workshop settings. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Workshop Experience served as the single case for investigating authentic blues music education. Nine instructors, two students, two interns, and two board members participated. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, live observations, and video …

A Content Analysis Of Non-Profit Organizations Social Media: Through The Lens Of Compliance-Gaining & Persuasion, Meredith Diene Kiljan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Non-profit organizations utilize social media platforms like Instagram to reach the community, fundraise, convey their mission and vision, establish themselves, and educate others. This study examined whether the communication artifacts of selected nonprofit organizations employed Cialdini's (2021) compliance-gaining strategies through an eight-week qualitative digital content analysis on Instagram to address the problem of understanding how non-profit organizations use Instagram tools to influence and persuade their audience. Compassion International (@compassion), CARE (@careorg), and Direct Relief (@directrelief), the three non-profit organizations chosen in this study, demonstrated the usage of Cialdini’s (2021) compliance-gaining strategies within their digital media communication strategy. Non-profit organizations operate …

Intentional Discipleship: Implementing A Theology Of Discipleship For Spiritual Growth, Sheina L. Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the greatest needs for the church today is to equip believers to become biblically informed, fully developed disciples so that they are prepared to carry out the mission of Christ. Without fully understanding mature discipleship practices, believers cannot fulfill the Great Commission to “go, teach and baptize” to make other disciples. The failure to understand and teach these practices has led to complacency, lack of interest, and the inability to become disciples among long-term church laity. This dissertation implemented biblical discipleship teachings and practices in a local church through a Sunday School curriculum and was evaluated through participant …

The Power Of The “Like”: A Quantitative Study On The Facebook Emoji As Social Support, Lina Rawlings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study aimed to evaluate how receiving a Facebook “like” correlates to the perception of social support and how much this correlation is moderated by the age and gender of the users. The social information processing theory guided the study, providing a framework to explain how communicators adapt to the restriction of nonverbal cues by creating surrogates to maintain interpersonal relationships in computer-mediated communication circumstances. For the central research question, findings revealed that receiving a Facebook “like” positively correlates with perceptions of social support from Facebook friends and family. While no significant correlation was found between the gender of …

A Qualitative Research Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of K-12 School Teachers Who Serve African American Students Who Speak African American Vernacular English, Kayla K. Davies

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the proposed transcendental phenomenological study will be to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of k-12 schoolteachers working with African American students and their usage of AAVE in the State of Maryland. The theories guiding this study are critical race theory and Krashen’s second language acquisition theory. This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study will collect data from 12 participants in the state of Maryland using individual interviews, focus groups, and letters. The data will then be analyzed using Braun and Clarke's qualitative descriptive research data analysis plan. The data showed that k-12 schoolteachers mainly perceived AAVE as a …

Extended Reality In Flight Attendant Training: Perception And Acceptance, Levi L. Breeding

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to understand the perception of extended reality (XR) technology in flight attendant training. Comparing and contrasting current approaches to flight attendant training in the United States and XR technology yields similarities and many differences. Two common methods require flight attendants to demonstrate proficiency in several areas, such as aircraft familiarization, emergency procedures, and security procedures, to qualify as a working crew member of commercial aircraft. This study examines the views of flight attendants. The data analysis compares demographic information, technology use, and understanding of the technology. Results of the study indicated no significant effects or relationships between …

Redesigning An Effective Pathway To Consumer Loyalty For Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Stephen P. Panczak

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The qualitative case study aimed to study the impact of leadership behaviors on delivering hospitality frontline employee services to customers to sustain consumer loyalty and gain a sustainable competitive advantage in the South Florida hospitality and tourism industry. The flexible design allowed the researcher to develop specific research questions while focusing on the problem statement, which addressed the potential inability of U.S. business leaders in service-related industries to gain customer loyalty, resulting in the possible loss of competitive advantage for the organizations. The researcher selected a highly successful South Florida luxury hotel resort, and twenty-nine professionally diversified participants were interviewed …