Digital Commons Network^™

Fire/Emergency Medical Services And Coping Methods: Mitigating Traumatic Stress Symptomatology, William Mark Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals must cope with a variety of job-related stressors. One significant stressor for fire/EMS providers involves exposure to personally disturbing incidents (PDIs). To manage the untoward effects of exposure to PDIs, fire/EMS professionals use a variety of coping methods. In this study, the effectiveness of various coping methods utilized by fire/EMS professionals for mitigating the negative effects of exposure to PDIs was examined. This study provides some clarity by identifying the subjective distress associated with certain PDIs and pinpointing detrimental coping methods of fire/EMS personnel through scores on the 28-item General Health Questionnaire and …

Examination And Survey Of User Satisfaction With Internet-Based Learning Compared To Traditional Classroom-Based Learning, Melinda Carol Kushniroff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Abstract Melinda Kushniroff. AN EXAMINATION AND SURVEY OF USER SATISFACTION WITH INTERNET-BASED LEARNING COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM-BASED LEARNING. (Under the direction of Dr. Clarence Holland) School of Education, April, 2008. Although some research has been done in the internet-based learning discipline, user satisfaction with internet-based classes compared to traditional classroom-based learning requires more attention and research due to the substantial and continued growth in this area. During the 2007 Fall semester, 720 university undergraduate students, internet-based and traditional classroom-based, were randomly sampled with the only requirement that the students be participating in at least one internet class and one traditional …

Blue Skies: Education In Second Life, Matthew Poole

Christian Perspectives in Education

This article examines the educational possibilities of the online environment of Second Life, by Linden Labs. Second Life’s economic growth has attracted the attention of corporations, non-profit organizations and government entities. Unlike traditional web-based instruction, Second Life provides a three-dimensional interface through which teachers and students can enjoy a limited form of eye-contact and body language. It also permits collaboration and learning in groups. The article goes on to discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the interface for online learning. It goes on to examine current educational applications and possible future enhancements.

Learning Style Diversity In Post –Secondary Distance Education, Douglas J. Mattson, Clarence C. Holland, Karen L. Parker

Christian Perspectives in Education

During the fall semester of 2005, 153 university graduate students’ preferred learning styles were measured with the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, online version 3.1. The primary findings of the study indicated all of the learning styles and processes described by Kolb were represented in the distance learning population and suggested distance and residential learners uniquely engage the learning process. Biblical references were discussed with respect to the uniqueness displayed by study participants.

Do You Think Your Group Thinks?, Karisa G. Guetterman, Monica B. Paladini, Courtney E. Hunt, Heath M. Hudnall, Andres Claudio

Student Papers and Presentations

“Do You Think Your Group Thinks?”

An Examination of the Relationship between Groupthink and Small Group Type

The intent of our research was to analyize the six main groups in our culture and to determine which group, if any, suffers from groupthink more than the others. Groupthink is defined as “a strong concurrence-seeking tendency among members within a group that leads to a deterioration in the decision making process.” There are six main types of groups, primary groups, social groups, educational/theraputic groups, decision making/problem solving groups, work groups and mediated communication groups.

A literature review was conducted on previous studies …

Source Of Pride, Liberty University

May/June 2008

No abstract provided.

To Give Or Not To Give; Attributions Of Philanthropy Motivation In Fundraising Letters, Chelsey N. Willis

Masters Theses

Bernard Weiner’s work with attribution theory and help giving is used in this study to explore two research questions on communication in fundraising. First, the study looks at how communication from a cancer centre foundation effectively motivates their community and local philanthropists to give money to their program. The study also looks at how the donor’s response motivates the foundation to continue to attract donations. Three hypotheses were made and tested. This study started with a textual analysis of appeal letters from a cancer centre. Letters, based on the textual analysis, were then created as the variables for the study …

To Watch Or Not To Watch? That Is The Question. Identifying The Common Characteristics Of The Reality Television Viewing Audience, Laura Sipple

Masters Theses

Reality television shows are increasingly appearing on network and cable outlets each sea¬son. Not only are they advancing in number, they are consistently dominating the weekly Nielsen’s Top 10 ratings as well. This study seeks to identify the reality television show viewing audience, why captivated their interest to begin watching these shows and what kept them watching week-to-week. By identifying participants who consistently watched these programs, it was believed that various themes would arise out of this study for further analysis and comparison. In-depth qualitative interviews were utilized to further explore the following areas: (1) Who are the consistent viewers …

Eating Disorders: A Study Of University Type And Prevalence, Emily C. Riggins

Senior Honors Theses

Disordered eating has become an increasing problem, especially in western culture. A study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between disordered eating among college students and type of university. Previous studies allude to the possibility of private evangelical colleges yielding more eating disorders than private non-evangelical and public colleges. College students at two east coast universities were compared on the Eating Attitudes Test and a demographic questionnaire. The research indicated that prevalence of eating disorders is not significantly different between private evangelical institutions and private non-evangelical institutions. The findings show some background, prevalence, causes, and theoretical explanation of eating …

Fyodor Dostoevsky’S And Flannery O’Connor’S Use Of The Grotesque: Irrational Or Mysterious?, Kyra E. Marken

Senior Honors Theses

Both Fyodor Dostoevsky and Flannery O’Connor used the grotesque to portray their beliefs about human nature. Both believed that mystery is a crucial element of truth and humanity’s understanding is limited. Although they employed the grotesque differently, the similarities of their style stem from the similarities of their beliefs. O’Connor often referred to Dostoevsky’s artistry and his theology, and she was influenced by both. A comparison of Ivan Karamazov in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov and Hazel Motes in O’Connor’s Wise Blood reveals the similarities in what each author believed about humanity’s capability to understand truth. What both authors believed about …

Education For Woman’S Ministries: A Rationale For And Review Of Woman’S Ministries For The Beginning Of The 21st Century, Monica Dawn Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of programs for women in the church and Christian ministries. The author will approach this project by first defining women’s ministries as well as presenting the two predominant evangelical views of women in ministry. This project will also provide an overview of issues women encounter and the needs women have in today’s culture. After presenting a need analysis, the author will provide an overview of academic institutions training women in the field of women’s studies and/or ministries as well as curriculum being used to equip women …

A Historical-Critical Examination Of North Korea's Juche Ideology Using Fantasy Theme Analysis: A Vision Transformed, Matthew Warner

Masters Theses

Scholarship on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is severely limited due to the secretive nature of Kim Jong Il and his regime; much of this secrecy and, generally, the closed nature of North Korean society is due in part to an ideology based on self-reliance, Juche. Through a communication scholarship based rhetorical examination this thesis aims to understand and explain how Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il have been able to create and sustain the Juche ideology in spite of North Korea’s poor economic and social condition. The research traces the evolution of North Korea’s Juche ideology from …

Teacher Training Manual For The Christian Education Program Of Bethesda Church, Rick Allen Wolgamott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Current teacher training in local churches often consists of asking a teacher to read pre-developed curriculum and follow the publishers’ instructions. Teachers are not being taught to critically evaluate the materials, and as a result they simply follow the directions provided. The purpose of this project is to train teachers in the local church in basic theology, hermeneutics, and preparing a Bible lesson. As a result, teachers will be trained to study Scripture and evaluate lessons based on Scriptural truth, and to prepare their own lesson plans. Recruiting and retaining teachers will become more effective as a result of providing …

A History And Evaluation Of The Revolution Generation Youth Ministries Mentorship Program, William Lee Barnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of academic and Para-church organizations reveals that few programs exist that provide a balance of academic and professional preparation for youth ministers. Revolution Generation Youth Ministries has attempted to design such a program. The purpose of this project is to explore the history and design of the Revolution Generation Mentorship Program and evaluate it in comparison to such programs. This evaluation will be accomplished through a programmatic comparison with the standards of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, accredited college programs and other internship programs. The information gathered will be utilized to strengthen the Revolution Generation Mentorship Program.

Using Career Education To Enhance School Success And Reduce The Dropout Rate, Cindy Lue Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The new career education program was developed to help over-aged and under achieving 9th graders who are one or more years behind in earning their high school diplomas. This program was designed to reduce the dropout rate and provide every student with a South Carolina State Diploma and a marketable skill upon entering the workforce. This study determined if the program reduced the dropout rate and if students participating in the career education program would show an improvement in factors established as dropout indicators. The students who met the programs qualifications began in the fall of 2006 and were studied …

Understand The Misunderstanding: A Study Incorporating Uses And Gratifications Theory On Why Chinese Film Audiences See America The Way They Do, Meng Zhao

Masters Theses

The Uses and Gratifications Theory states that audiences are active and they seek satisfactions when selecting media. This theory redirects the typical theoretical emphasis on media content to an emphasis on the active audience. The present study focuses on this theory by evaluating the gratifications Chinese audiences receive when watching American films. It discovers gratifications Chinese audiences seek in films, in general, and how their gratifications may be fulfilled by watching American films. The preference for American films among a majority of Chinese audiences would likely affect Chinese audiences’ understanding of the American culture. To be more precise, the study …

Interpersonal Effects On College Age Children Based On The Parenting Style In Mothers With Bipolar I Disorder, Marissa L. Monger

Senior Honors Theses

Bipolar Disorder is a socially crippling disease. Not only does it affect the one with the diagnosis, but it also affects the family through caregiver burden, particularly the children. Children of mothers with Bipolar Disorder encounter positive and negative effects from an upbringing by mothers with Bipolar I Disorder. Some symptoms of a mother’s Bipolar Disorder influence the child’s attachment style, coping mechanisms and sociability. A study was conducted testing how the parenting style of mothers with Bipolar I Disorder affected the college age students in their childhood and their current interpersonal experiences. A two part survey rated statements about …

A Literature Review: Current Trends In Holistic Nursing, Angela J. Wolf

Senior Honors Theses

There is scarcity of documentation that seeks to define spirituality relating to holistic nursing; consequently, a literature review was formulated to define spirituality and guide nursing practice towards recognizing the importance of and implementation of spiritual care. By researching the current trends in peer-reviewed journals from the past three years and analyzing associated articles, this paper addresses the need for a comprehensive definition of spirituality. Key concepts such as belief, values, interconnectedness with self, others and God, energy, hope and transcendence will be analyzed, and the accumulated data will be complied into a framework that is easy for a nurse …

Program Evaluation Of Child Advocacy Centers In West Virginia, Christopher Baker

Senior Honors Theses

In West Virginia, the law mandates a multidisciplinary team (MDIT) approach, (involving the collaboration of legal, social work, and other professionals), in dealing with child abuse. West Virginia code also mandates a periodical case review, requiring the MDIT members to review all open investigations of child abuse. In some counties, the MDIT includes a Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The CAC has three broad goals, which are (a) to make the process of reporting child abuse as easy and free of trauma as possible for the child, (b) to help coordinate the investigation, and (c) to be a strong support and …

The Impact Of Imaginary Companions On Social Development, Emily Bloom

Senior Honors Theses

The imagination and creativity of children is often puzzling to the adult mind. Pretend play and make-believe friends are often prevalent in the life of a child. Past research shows a relationship between the use of the imagination in children’s play and their social, cognitive, and emotional development. Furthermore, there are a number of gender differences in the type of imaginary play and pretend friends children create. Children of all ages reported engaging in make-believe play. Therefore, this study investigated whether children create imaginary companions as a result of their social adaptability or socially adapt in the way that they …

Shaping Future Generations, Lynnea D. Strathdee

Senior Honors Theses

Due to the extent and variety of research available on the topic of child-targeted advertising, it was determined that an appraisal of the current state of the situation was necessary in order to determine the best course of action. After summarizing the history of children’s advertising and considering the arguments on both sides of the debate – from the children’s advocates and the advertising industry – the previously recommended solutions were evaluated in the paper. Each of these possible solutions were considered, and led to the proposal of a best solution. Supported by research, the best solution advocated a joint …

The Worldviews Of Hinduism And The Christian Believer, Will Hedrick

Senior Honors Theses

In this thesis, the Vedanta branch of Hinduism will be studied in order to gain an understanding of this diverse religion. The Vedanta concept of God, the self, the problem of life, the cause of this problem, the solution, and means to reach this solution will be examined in detail. After explaining these concepts, they will be compared with Christianity in order to see what common ground exists. Along with this, apologetic thoughts will be presented so that the Christian can better evangelize the Hindu. Finally, the concepts will be reexamined with the goal of finding truths that may help …

Textile Dyes: Techniques And Their Effects On The Environment With A Recommendation For Dyers Concerning The Green Effect, Charity Goetz

Senior Honors Theses

Abstract This thesis examines different classes of dyes, the processes they require, their use on different textiles, and their potential effects on the environment. Additionally, experiments with natural dyes were conducted and documented. Natural berries, roots, and other dyestuffs were collected and used to dye both natural and synthetic textiles. Through research and experimentation, the different types of dyes and techniques were compared and contrasted. Each type of dye has benefits and disadvantages. Every system of dyeing produces waste along with the finished product. Current government standards regarding textile waste are discussed as well as ways to reduce costs while …

The Influence Of The Brazilian Dictatorship On Brazilian Music: A Rhetorical Analysis Of Protest Songs, Fernanda P. Rezende

Senior Honors Theses

In 1964, Brazil suffered a military coup that established a dictatorship in the country until 1985. During this period, the armed forces used unrestrained violence to suppress the opposition, and the government placed a heavy censorship on the media and the arts. Music was a targeted area due to its great influence on society, especially on the youth, and many songwriters and singers were exiled. In order to escape from the censors and still be able to convey a revolutionary message to the people, they had to use different literary devices and create new methods of writing. It was in …

The Essentials Of Financial Planning For College Graduates, Amy E. Williams

Senior Honors Theses

As graduation day approaches, many college students look forward to a time of independence when they can pursue their lifelong dreams and passions. Due to a lack of knowledge about personal finance, young adults are inadequately prepared to manage their money after they graduate from college. These individuals usually make many detrimental mistakes until they finally learn how to make good financial decisions; however, most never master this art. If college graduates have the correct knowledge and motivation for getting control of their finances, they can achieve financial security by making wise decisions from the start. College students need to …

The Enemy In The Screen: A Collective Case Study On Perpetrators Of Internet Crimes Against Children, Janet M. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This collective case study explored the phenomenon of Internet crimes against children from the perspectives of select Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigators. The research focused on three questions: (1) How do select investigators describe perpetrators of Internet crimes against children? (2) What, if any, common characteristics do participants identify among the perpetrators and (3) How do participants' descriptions compare and/or contrast? Data was obtained utilizing semistructured, conversational interviews with eight ICAC investigators. Three main themes emerged from these interviews: general demographic descriptions, motivations and behaviors. Perpetrators of Internet crimes against children were found to be predominantly non-Hispanic males. Other …

A Critical Examination Of The Biblical Teaching On The Image Of God, And Its Implications For Christian Living, Timothy T. Faber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a biblical understanding of what it means to be human. The purpose and intent of God in creating man in His own image is explored. How being made in the image of God impacts one’s life and purpose is also considered. In this process, the effects of sin on the image of God, how man attempts to compensate for sin’s damage, and how man expresses the image of God as a result of sin are discussed. Finally, the ways Christ demonstrates that He is the exact representation of the divine nature, the …

Separate Threads Or A Single Woven Piece? A Phenomenology Of The Integration Of Faith And Learning, Elizabeth Canby Sites

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenology investigated integration of faith and learning among eight Liberty University faculty members. Criterion sampling was used by asking 150 randomly selected graduate students to nominate the professor from whom they had learned integration the most. All participants described their holistic, existential, faith-praxis integration. Themes pertinent to their understanding of integration included the inseparability of faith from their being and a sense of calling. The outworking of their faith was seen in two main themes: teaching practices that included Biblical truth, and the humility and deliberate actions that develop relationships with students, colleagues and staff. Counseling and generalist participants …

Job Satisfaction Of Adjunct Faculty Serving In The Online Environment At A Private Evangelical University, Anita Satterlee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to describe levels of satisfaction of the adjunct faculty who teach in online modalities of instruction at a private evangelical university located in the southern United States. The three faculty groups included in the study were (a) online adjunct faculty (independent contractors), (b) adjunct faculty (university full time staff and administrators teaching part-time in the online program) and (c) full-time residential faculty who teach online courses in the distance format. The abridged Job Descriptive Index and the abridged Job in General index were chosen to survey respondents regarding satisfaction levels. The results of the …

Entering The Virtual Teacher’S Lounge: The Efficacy Of Community In Computer-Mediated Communication Based Environments For Professional Educators, Randall S. Dunn

Faculty Dissertations

This study seeks to illuminate an understanding of naturally forming online communities of professional educators in the context of off-line communities. Essentially, an online discussion forum for educators is evaluated for the purpose of determining whether the forum provides a “space” conducive for the development of a community of professional educators as benchmarked against an understanding of offline community formation and existence. The foundational works of Ferdinand Tonnies, James Coleman, and Ray Oldenburg are used to develop 13 characteristics of community - as understood in the context of informal social communities as opposed to the types related to more formal …