Digital Commons Network^™

Prekindergarten Teachers' Experiences Using Journals To Reflect On Video Recordings Of Their Classroom Instruction: A Phenomenological Investigation, Katherine Orpilla Alvarado-Mirarchi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore prekindergarten teachers’ experiences using journals to reflect on video recordings of their classroom instruction in an eastern Pennsylvania prekindergarten program. Three theories guided this study. Knowles, Holton, and Swanson’s (2015) theory of andragogy framed this study with a focus on the unique attributes of adult learners. Kolb’s (2015) experiential learning theory informed this study with an emphasis on the importance of workplace experiences for individual development. Dewey (1967) and Schon’s (1987) theory of reflective practice examined the process of reflective thought that is initiated by uncertainty that challenges one’s beliefs. …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Job-Related Experiences Of Early Career Catholic Elementary School Principals In The Mideastern Region Of The United States, Sarah Kerins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the job-related experiences of early career Catholic elementary school principals in the Mideastern region of the United States. Alderfer’s (1969) existence, relatedness, and growth theory provides a foundation to answer the central research question: How do early career Catholic elementary school principals in the Mideastern region of the United States describe their job-related experiences? Participants were purposefully selected from a population of Catholic elementary school principals employed within the Mideastern region of the United States who had completed one but not more than five years of service. Using a transcendental …

Discipling Children And Youth: Helping The Church Enable Parents To Lead, Angela Hazel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Parental apathy in the discipleship of children has become a worrisome issue in the Protestant churches of the United States. Where once the home was the foundation of Bible learning and character building, now parents have placed the responsibility of spiritual formation of children squarely on the shoulders of the church. The church, however, is ill-equipped to fully disciple a child or youth during this transformational time in their lives. This study sought to examine the issues that lead to parental withdrawal from discipleship training of their offspring and develop a method for the church to equip and enable parents …

An Examination Of Preaching And Church Leadership Within Royal Baptist Church, Jeffie L. Powell Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout this qualitative investigation, the researcher will examine prevalent preaching and leadership styles to promote congregational growth and development. Additionally, a proposed organized dossier for Royal Baptist Church will be implemented, delineating a biblical, practical, compelling leadership style. To explore for analysis, the researcher will assess their contemporary church leadership style juxtaposing favored leadership styles found in the literature. After creating a baseline, the researcher will interview seven ministers via face–to–face, telephone, video messaging, and email, assessing their church preferred leadership style, comparing their preferred preaching and leadership style against techniques found in the literature. Lastly, the researcher will provide …

Is Utilization Of University-Sponsored Social Media Associated With Increased Social Integration And Retention Among Online Students?, Gary C. Eaton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the growth of online higher education, online student retention remains a problem for many colleges and universities. The seminal higher education retention models developed for residential students also explain the contribution to retention resulting from connecting online students with other students, faculty, staff, and connecting with the daily life of the university in order to create a sense of belonging and community. The difficulty for the university is that online students may live at such distances from the school that participation in on-campus activities or even a singular campus visit is impractical. Further, online students are often non-traditional students …

The Influence Of Ethical Leadership And Ethical Culture On Faculty Engagement, Douglas J. Lange

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this non-experimental correlational study, the researcher examined the combined influence of ethic leadership behavior and organizational ethical culture on employee engagement, where ethical behaviors acts as a mediating variable. The investigator extended the applicability of prior studies by examining a well-educated, professional working population, the faculty of colleges and universities in North and South Carolina. The study employed a survey methodology utilizing reliable and valid instruments developed by others in previous research. The findings demonstrate that ethical leadership behavior in managers acts to mediate the influence of organizational culture within the study population without regard to age, gender, or …

Plasmonic Metamaterials: Physical Background And Some Technological Applications, Benjamin G. Schmidt

Senior Honors Theses

New technological frontiers appear every year, and few are as intriguing as the field of plasmonic metamaterials (PMMs). These uniquely designed materials use coherent electron oscillations to accomplish an astonishing array of tasks, and they present diverse opportunities in many scientific fields.

This paper consists of an explanation of the scientific background of PMMs and some technological applications of these fascinating materials. The physics section addresses the foundational concepts necessary to understand the operation of PMMs, while the technology section addresses various applications, like precise biological and chemical sensors, cloaking devices for several frequency ranges, nanoscale photovoltaics, experimental optical computing …

Application Of An Intuitive, Glove-Type Remote Control With Haptic Feedback To Quadcopters, Luke M. Stacey

Senior Honors Theses

Although remote controllers for drones, based upon a classic two-joystick architecture, are unwieldy, they still see widespread use. As a replacement, we propose a remote control with a glove-based architecture that utilizes haptic feedback from the quadcopter. The proposed controller should be far more intuitive, making drone flight easier and more intuitive. Additionally, since the pilot will have one hand free, he or she can use maps, electronics, and other aids much more straightforwardly than with a two-handed controller. While our technology is designed for drones, it also could see further usage in a wide variety of civilian and military …

The Prevalence And Consequences Of Poor Posture In Children And Adolescents, Timothy Kounter

Senior Honors Theses

Correct posture is identified as a crucial aspect of healthy bodily functioning. The scientific community continues to discover evidence suggesting that improper sitting and standing posture results in musculoskeletal pain, degradation of ligaments, hindered respiratory functioning, and even increased feelings of negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Whether due to limited physical capabilities, a lack of knowledge regarding the importance of physical posture, or other reasons, much of the general population consistently partakes in improper posture for increasing bouts of time despite the research. Technological advancements in particular seem to be exacerbating the situation, with the youngest and most …

Common Areas To Integrate Young People Into Active Church Ministry Roles, David M. Gantt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

All throughout Scripture one can see God calling and using young people to carry out important parts of His narrative. Research has shown that seventy percent of young people drop out of church following high school graduation. One of the reasons this group is leaving is due to a lack of opportunities within ministries in the context of the local church for young people to serve. Through the investigation of applied research and surveys completed by pastors, youth pastors and other church pastoral staff of one hundred forty-seven different churches, the author will identify ministry practices that churches today are …

Book It, Bullies: Using Children's Literature To Address Bullying In The Classroom, Kamryn Gottier

Senior Honors Theses

Bullying is an ever-present issue rampant in schools and society today. It is incredibly eye-opening to consider the striking rates, harmful effects, and possible coping mechanisms associated with bullying. When considering this heavy topic from an educator’s point of view, it is critical that children’s literature be discussed as a powerful weapon to combat bullying. Educators should utilize literature to address bullying and initiate discussions concerning this challenging subject within their classes; prepare their students for being in an inclusion classroom among peers with and without disabilities; inform their students about disabilities that some of their classmates may be diagnosed …

Financial Accounting Classification Of Cryptocurrency, Jonathan Foy

Senior Honors Theses

Currently, a large range of opinions exists regarding the appropriate classification and regulation of cryptocurrency. From the legal perspective, some suggest that cryptocurrency investments are too speculative. As a result of this, it is suggested that cryptocurrency should be more heavily regulated. This would be done to prevent speculators from losing vast wealth. Other legal analysts suggest that an increasing cryptocurrency regulation would have a detrimental effect on the state of cryptocurrency, and its use would cause long-term problems. From the accounting perspective, opinions vary. Some suggest an accounting classification that would make cryptocurrency cash equivalents; others suggest an accounting …

Homebound: Sts-M1301 A Study On Television Writing In The Science Fiction Genre, Matthew Crouch

Senior Honors Theses

This project is a scene-by-scene outline of an original television pilot script in the science fiction genre. The outline is based on research conducted in both the television and science fiction fields, providing the project with a firm foundation in television screenwriting structure as well as insights into the characteristics of the science fiction genre. Additional research was carried out on the topic of developing realistic, engaging characters for the screen. This project serves to broaden the writer’s portfolio upon graduation while giving him a chance to study the world of television, which contains numerous differences from the field of …

Audience Responses To Gender Stereotypes In Advertising, Laura Genn

Senior Honors Theses

Advertising has demonstrated linguistic, contextual, and sexual gender stereotypes since its inception; it seems poised to continue doing so as advertising’s presence in society proliferates. Upon analyzing these stereotypes, examples can be found throughout media, especially in television. All this begs the question: Are these stereotypes actually effective at selling products or services to their intended audience? Do men react positively to stereotypes of men or women; and vice versa, how do women react? If gender stereotypes are employed in advertising purely through force of habit and not evidenced prudence, then the advertising landscape stands to gain immensely from taking …

Foreign Direct Investment In Developing And Transition Economies, Ngan Ong

Senior Honors Theses

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an important trading phenomenon which takes place universally. FDI is one of the key drivers for world economic growth as it alleviates and promotes international business. In fact, the primary activities of multinational corporations make a significant contribution to the practice of FDI around the world. This paper initially discusses several benefits of both inward and outward FDI fluxes in developing and transition economies. Moreover, disclosure on potential risks from FDI inflows is presented. This research also mentions current scenarios and future prospects regarding FDI in the less industrialized regions based upon the annual World …

The Achievement Gap: Predicting The Effects Of Protective/Risk Factors On Student Grades, Kathleen Pechtold

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The achievement gap has been extensively studied in urban and low-income schools. This study looked at the opposite end of the demographic spectrum to inform a wealthier, low-minority district of the predictive nature of risk and protective factors present in the lives of 10th-grade students as reported by the students. The purpose of this study was to see if student perceived effects of risk and protective factors in four environments have a predictive correlation to student grades. Using the socioecological framework the non-experimental, descriptive, correlational study used archival data to determine if risk and protective factors show a correlation for …

Cryptography: Mathematical Advancements On Cyber Security, Kristin Bower

Senior Honors Theses

The origin of cryptography, the study of encoding and decoding messages, dates back to ancient times around 1900 BC. The ancient Egyptians enlisted the use of basic encryption techniques to conceal personal information. Eventually, the realm of cryptography grew to include the concealment of more important information, and cryptography quickly became the backbone of cyber security. Many companies today use encryption to protect online data, and the government even uses encryption to conceal confidential information. Mathematics played a huge role in advancing the methods of cryptography. By looking at the math behind the most basic methods to the newest methods …

Partner Pornography Use And Effects On Female Partners: The Moderating Effects Of Religious Coping And The Sbw Stereotypy On Women's Mental Health And Relationship Satisfaction, Aretha Raquel Guidry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pornography use is wide-spread, and its detrimental effects are clearly outlined in the literature. In contrast to the abundance of literature related to male use and its influence on the user, female partners, and relationships, there is a dearth of empirical findings addressing racial differences and various coping mechanisms potentially moderating the link between pornography use, mental health outcomes, and relationship satisfaction. To this end, the present study examined the mental health outcomes of female partners, as moderated by religious coping and the strong Black woman (SBW) stereotypy, and the subsequent effect on relationship satisfaction. Participants in the study completed …

Visuals In Music Promotion: Developing An Effective Visual Marketing Campaign Within The Musical Brand Of The Bluegrass Genre, Grant Cochran

Masters Theses

The American genre of bluegrass music is a style of music that is not widely commercial and is not supported by large promotional budgets. This thesis researched historical and current visual designs for the promotion of bluegrass music. A research survey was also conducted to determine what kind of promotional design would most effectively appeal to fans of the genre. The results of that research survey was applied to promotional materials that are to be made available to a newly started bluegrass music festival.

A Grounded Theory Study Of The Ideal Components Of An Orientation For A Distance Education Doctor Of Education Program, Kristy Ann Motte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a model for a distance education (DE) Doctor of Education (EdD) program orientation based on the perspectives of students, non-persisters, alumni, faculty, and administrators. As students pursue a DE EdD, they must navigate a variety of stages and may require different levels of support at each stage. To develop a model that bridges the different stages of the EdD, this study sought to answer the following research questions: (a) How do DE EdD students persist in each stage of the doctoral journey? (b) How do DE EdD students integrate (socially, …

Pay-For-Play In College Athletics: A Phenomenological Study Of Former And Current College Student-Athletes’ Perception Of Pay-For-Play, Brittany Dobson

Masters Theses

The literature suggests the conceptual definition of amateurism set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the increase in corporate athleticism within the NCAA has resulted in a controversial debate concerning the pay-for-play model, which would allow student-athletes to receive additional compensation. Numerous studies related to pay-for-play have been implemented, however, few have examined how student-athletes feel about the pay-for-play model. The purpose of this study will be to explore student-athletes’ perceptions of pay-for-play. In order to understand student-athletes’ perceptions of pay-for-play, a phenomenological research design was chosen. Three former and two current NCAA Division I student-athletes from Liberty …

Advancing Film Through Art & Design: A Study Of The Influence That Film And Fine Art Have On The Independent Film Market, Jamall Rashaud Mcmillan

Masters Theses

The Influence of Graphic Design and Fine Art in Film is a exploration into the impact that an investment of the arts has on film and more specifically the independent film market. Most independent filmmakers have to develop their productions with little to no budget. In doing so they must work to create a marketable film to the best of their ability. There in-lies the issue; they are doing it to the best of “their” ability. The issue that is in focus with the notion of ability is that a major component that is left out of the equation to …

Cultural Kingdom Architects: Defining Success In Building God’S Kingdom, Philip Roy Bassham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Identifying success or failure in “Building God’s Kingdom” can be challenging, considering the various circumstances and contexts in which one may find himself. The American Church is somewhat divided on what success looks like in this pursuit, and therefore people in ministry can feel discouraged or unaffirmed when their measure of success does not hold up to others’ views of perceived ministry success. The purpose of this project is to shed light on the various measures of success in building God’s Kingdom and enable church leaders to feel justified and affirmed in their approach. The research for this project will …

Worship Ministry Leadership: Principles For Age-Related Transition And Succession, John Rollin Mohler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The tenure of a long-serving worship pastor is affected by many variables, but few are as impactful, challenging, yet unexamined, as the pastor’s age. In this historical research study, the researcher assesses the best strategies of professional development necessary for aging worship pastors as they transition for lasting relevance and honorable succession. This study focused on the necessities of cultural engagement and people development as a means to maintain, among other things, platform credibility and leadership reproduction. Historic rationale and precedent was established through the examination of principles of age-related recalibration, transition, and succession from the researcher’s own experience, as …

The Relationship Between Alternative Career And Technical Education (Cte) Teacher Licensure Requirements And Cte Teacher Shortage, Britton H. Devier

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Career and technical education (CTE) continues to face an annual shortage of qualified teachers in the profession. This shortage has caused an increase in the use of alternative certification/licensure pathways across the United States. These alternative pathways are highly divergent from state to state. Limited research has investigated CTE teacher shortage and the alternative certification/licensure requirements that contribute. Using archival data, this correlational study looked to determine if CTE alternative certification/licensure requirements can predict CTE teacher shortages. Logistic regression analysis was used to review all 50 states and the District of Columbia and determine if any of the criterion variables …

Join The Band: Benefits Of Engaging Intergenerational Volunteers In The Local Church Worship Ministry, Jamie R. Coates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout the Bible and much of church history, intergenerational ministry was the common practice. However, in recent decades many local evangelical churches have abandoned the practice of intergenerational ministry and have instead embraced age-segregated ministry models. Reflecting this shift, age-segregated worship ministries within the local evangelical church have become the norm. This qualitative study examined biblical examples and teachings regarding worship and ministry and examined worship and ministry practices from throughout church history. Analysis of the research findings addressed the characteristics of an effective intergenerational worship ministry. Although facilitating an intergenerational worship ministry is a complicated endeavor, this study revealed …

A Correlational Study Of The Demographic And Job Factors Related To Job Satisfaction And Burnout Among School Psychologists, Carla Donahue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

School psychologists are uniquely trained to provide a variety of services within a school setting. Because of the diversity in job responsibilities and the growing expectations of school psychologists across different settings, low rates of job satisfaction and high rates of burnout are contributing to school psychologists leaving the profession, and fewer students enrolling in school psychology programs. The shortage of school psychologists exacerbates the problems, with low job satisfaction and high rates of burnout as practicing school psychologists often serve more students and schools than is recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists. Studies of job satisfaction and …

Moral Incongruence And Perceived Addiction: A Contemporary Dilemma With Pornography Use, David Lewis Shelton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Exposure to pornography has become more widespread due to the Internet, with the age of exposure as early as 13 years of age. With the shift of the moral narrative that pornography use is harmful personally and relationally, many who advocate against pornography use do so primarily on the basis of its maladaptive effects on the user and the user’s relationships. Within the context of the moral disapproval of pornography use, this study assesses the relationship that age, church attendance, and spirituality have with perceived addiction to pornography. This study hypothesized that age, church attendance, and spirituality will have a …

Wirtschaftswunder: A Study Into The Causes And Catalysts Of The German Economic Miracle, Nate R. Hodder

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the West German economy to find the reason for “Wirtschaftswunder,” the German economic miracle, and contrast the decisions made after WWII to those made after WWI. The approaches of foreign powers in these periods are also analyzed. After WWI, the subsequent hyperinflation and economic collapse is mainly found to be a result of poor economic decisions within German institutions, although the collapse was almost certainly supplemented by poor foreign policy decisions by the Allied Powers. Wirtschaftswunder was made possible by Ludwig Erhard’s reforms, which are found to have been much more important …

Predators At Large: Dateline Nbc And Reality Tv, Meagan Shelley

The Kabod

In the age of digital media, entertainment is king, regardless of origin. One need not look very far to see the incredible impact digital trends have had on the media industry as a whole. While other television genres are skyrocketing, the realm of reality television outmatches nearly every other competitor. In 2013 alone, over fifty percent of primetime audiences were watching their favorite reality TV show (Webster). According to polls done at the turn of the twenty first century, over sixty-eight percent of the American population between the ages of eighteen and twenty-nine would say that they like or love …