Digital Commons Network^™

Spatial And Temporal Varitations In Dissolved Calcium In The Kentucky Lake Watershed In Relation To Zebra Mussel Colonization, Kelsie Meystedt

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element on earth’s crust. Plants and animals require calcium for structure and intracellular metabolism. Recent studies have shown that dissolved calcium (Ca2+) freshwater ecosystems is of growing concern as the increasing concentrations of this element are implicated in altering the natural environment and biota. Elevated levels of dissolved calcium and sporadic re-emergence of an invasive species, namely zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Kentucky Lake in the recent years served as a motivation for this study. The objective of this study was to determine spatial and temporal variations in dissolved calcium in selected streams, Kentucky …

“I Ask Questions!”: An Investigation On Conspiracy Theorizing, Epistemic Curiosity, And Social Vigilantism In Examining Fanatic Conspiracy Theory Support, Hillary Copeland

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study uncovered factors associated with increased conspiracy theory fanaticism by examining the structural components of conspiracy thinking to predict continuous support for specific conspiracy theory propositions. Participants' level of discordant knowledge in conspiracy thinking, comprised of subjective certainty and locus of perceived social opposition, was quantified to predict continuous support for specific conspiracy theory propositions (H1). Findings suggest that underlying differences in the epistemic structure of conspiracy theorizing can be measured to predict the potential negative outcomes of increased conspiracy thinking. Social vigilantism was also examined as a partial mediator to help explain the relationship between discordant knowing conspiracy …

The Effects Of Early Identification And Intervention On Reading Scores At The Kindergarten Level, Cara Milby

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that reading fluently is the key to success: academically, economically, socially, as well as to a healthier lifestyle (Forrest, 2018; Wanzek et al., 2018). While research has shown that Response to Intervention (RTI) is a positive instructional program that will increase primary students’ academic abilities at grades 1 and 2 (Richards et al., 2007), there is a need for more research regarding RTI with kindergarten students. This quasi-experimental quantitative research study examined if early identification and intensive intervention through the addition of Response to Intervention (RTI) at the kindergarten level will lead to increased reading scores and better …

Kōlams In Graph Theory: Mathematics In South Indian Ritual Art, Nathan Hartmann

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Kōlams are a ritual art form found in India, most commonly in the southern state
of Tamil Nadu. Comprised of different interlocking knots, these women-drawn designs are placed on the entrances to people’s home to showcase the household’s emotional state and ask the earth goddess Bhūdevi for forgiveness. More aesthetically pleasing kōlams are considered latshanam, where the design permeates beauty; monolinearity is one such aspect that implements latshanam. Using graph theory, we examine one style of these drawings, the labyrinthine variety, to identify if a given kōlam is monolinear and how to construct monolinear kōlams.

Georgia End Of Pathway Assessments, Lindsey Garner

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Georgia End of Pathway Assessments (EOPAs) are given to students by every Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education (CTAE) teacher across the state yearly. CTAE programs are awarded federal funding based on the results of the EOPAs. EOPA’s are designed to provide students with an assessment after they complete a CTAE pathway and provide the student with an industry certification. This qualitative study was designed to determine if the current EOPA’s for Georgia Agriculture Education pathways are in alignment with the current state standards for those courses. Six high school agriculture teachers from across the state of Georgia participated in this …

Link Between Mathematics Pedagogy And Missouri Assessment, Mary E. Hartnett

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The researcher studied the correlation between mathematics pedagogy and fifth grade test scores on the Missouri Achievement Program Mathematics Test, utilizing data from 2019 to avoid the effects Covid-19 had on the education system. All fifth graders attending public schools in Saint Louis County were studied using the data released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The first research question pertained to a correlation between mathematics pedagogy (Spiral, Strand or Blended Method) and overall fifth grade test scores on the Missouri Assessment Program Mathematics Test. The second question tested whether correlation existed between mathematics pedagogy and test …

Implications Of Lgbtq Identity On Help-Seeking In College Students, Matthew T. Allen

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

LGBTQ individuals find themselves experiencing both mental and physical health concerns at disproportionate rates than cisgender and heterosexual individuals. However, LGBTQ individuals have been shown to seek help for these concerns. Studies examining this phenomenon on college campuses have focused predominantly on mental health concerns. This study hoped to look at both physical and mental health concerns and determine the implications of an LGBTQ identity on help-seeking behavior in college students. The study utilized quantitative research methods through targeted snowball sampling on social media and email. At the conclusion of the collection period, 61 participants completed a survey that included …

A Phenomenological Study Of K-12 Educators' Perceptions Of Social Emotional Learning For K-12 Students In Southern Illinois., Ruth Cahill

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this Phenomenological study was to analyze K-12 educators’ lived experiences, opinions, and perceptions regarding the impact of social emotional learning implementation in a small school district in Southern Illinois. Results revealed four consistent codes: Educator competence – the participants revealed that they did not feel competent enough to correctly implement SEL due to lack of consistent, on-going SEL training; Efficacy – due to school closures, virtual instruction, and inconsistencies caused by the corona-virus pandemic, SEL implementation in the school district was discontinued until further notice; Perception – the participants expressed that when implemented correctly, they believe that …

Effects Of Plasma Sample Handling On Equine Insulin Assays, Lauren Willett

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Often, the assumption is made that the results of the various laboratory tests being run are accurate, and that abnormal results reflect a physiologic change occurring in the patient. Unfortunately, this assumption is not always true. Inaccurate results, for various reasons, are an inherent part of diagnostic testing. Having inaccurate results is often worse than having no results at all, because they can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or result in unnecessary testing, wasting the client’s financial resources, or potentially expose the patient to unnecessary risks in pursuit of the cause of an abnormality that does not exist. With appropriate …

Comparison Of Corticosterone Concentrations Between Serum And Fecal Samples As A Measure Of Stress In Male Broilers., Kayla Weinacht

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Stress has long been a topic of interest in the poultry industry due to its potential negative effects on chicken health and production of both eggs and meat. With increased global growth in egg and broiler production, more attention has been paid to the stressors that affect chickens in modern poultry operations, particularly environmental temperature and stocking density. Improving quantitative measurement of stress is always needed in poultry welfare research. In most studies, blood serum is measured for corticosterone, one of the biomarker hormones associated with stress in chickens. Methods of collecting blood serum are by their nature disruptive to …

The Effect Of An Afterschool Makerspace Program On Academic Achievement Of Sixth-Eighth Grade Students, Teresa Lampe

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of participation in an afterschool makerspace program on middle school students' academic achievement, grades, and school attendance. An experimental group of 237 sixth-eighth grade students participated in an afterschool makerspace program during the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 school years. A control group was selected using stratified random sampling of students from the same schools, grades, and special education designation who did not participate. The data included science and math NWEA scores, science and math grades, program attendance, school attendance, and gender. The data were analyzed using an independent t test with a 95% confidence …

An Exploratory Study Of Ergonomics In College Students, Wesley Ryan Tinker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between poor ergonomic conditions and student physiological discrepancies. This examination provided great insight into students’ daily experiences and concerns for their futures. The methodology used for this study was quantitative as two source data sets were collected and analyzed. The tool REBA was used to measure the specific body angles while students sat working. A survey yielded great results, giving the students an opportunity to subjectively choose options.

This exploratory study allowed the researcher to use quantitative data to answer this study’s research questions. The research questions asked from this study were …

Self-Diagnosis & Pathologizing Normality During The Information Age, Chelsey Eaton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Self-diagnosis has become a concern for medical and mental health diagnoses. More people are engaging in self-diagnosis based on information that was obtained from the internet, including websites, social media platforms, and online forums. There are several reasons one may choose to self-diagnose. Some common reasons outlined in research are the desire to fit in with others who share similar characteristics and having a label to explain one’s experiences. Past research has shown that people frequently search for mental health information online, but they may not understand or may misinterpret the information that is found. This study aimed to address …

The Relationship Between Student Performance In English Language Proficiency And Academic Content Assessments, Rosa Wolford

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

As the number of English Learner (EL) students continue to increase in the United States and accountability increases for their growth and achievement in both English language proficiency and state content assessments, it is essential that educational agencies examine the predictive relationships between the assessments to ensure appropriate supports for English Learners are provided. Subsequently, the purpose of this study was to determine if there is a predictive relationship between the WIDA ACCESS Literacy and Overall Composite scores and the TNReady English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments scores of sampled EL students in fourth through twelfth grades among the subgroups …

Women Pursuing An Agricultural Systems Technology Degree, Tanya Milam

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This phenomenological research study examined the factors influencing women to pursue an Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) degree and their self-efficacy in that field of study. Two research questions guided this study and data was analyzed from interviewing women enrolled in an Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) program at a mid-western university. The resulting four categories of Agricultural Experiences, Aptitude, Support, and Motivation were broken down into themes. The results were also applied to the theoretical framework of self-efficacy associated with career choice theories. Limitations of scope and generalizability indicate that further investigation of this topic is highly recommended.

Keywords: …

Peer Response And Assistance To Suicidal Thoughts And Behavior In University Students, Lindsey Katherine Hunter

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Suicide represents the second leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults (CDC, 2022). Many interventions employed on college campus focus on peer support which has been previously related to reductions in suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB, e.g., suicidal ideation, suicidal plan, suicide attempts), but students may not have the experience needed to increase confidence or knowledge in providing support (Hirsch & Barton, 2011; King et al., 2008). Further, previous research has identified factors including exposure to STB, direct engagement in STB, knowledge, and stigma regarding suicide which have had mixed impact on confidence and helping intentions in supporting …

An Analysis Of P-20 Education At San Ildefonso Pueblo In Northern New Mexico, United States, Martin Edward Strones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This research study provides an inquiry by conducting a qualitative analysis of the conditions and issues associated with students at the San Ildefonso Pueblo in Northern New Mexico. For decades the education of San Ildefonso and Native Americans who live in the State of New Mexico has been ignored. This has been just the way it was, that is, until Wilhelmina Yazzie, a Native American, saw her son struggling in an unsatisfactory school system and decided to take action. This case was originally filed in McKinley Country, New Mexico, in 2014, home to largely Native American students for the Navajo …

Pov - You Have Adhd: Examining Predictors Of Self-Diagnosis Of Adhd On Tiktok, Olivia Bowden

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Online self-diagnosis refers to an individual using the internet and applying their own knowledge to diagnose themself with a disorder without the input of a professional (Farnood, 2021). Social media platforms, such as TikTok, have created an environment full of mental health related information that may not always be correct. Individuals on this app may believe the videos they watch and which may ultimately lead to self-diagnosis. There has been a trend of popular mental health disorders on appearing TikTok, such as ADHD. The present study sought to examine potential predictors of self-diagnosis of ADHD through TikTok. This study examined …

Relationship Between Social-Emotional Learning And Post-Secondary Job Satisfaction, Sean Demaree

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aims to respond to two challenges. The first is a gap in literature and research around the impact of social-emotional learning (SEL) beyond graduation from high school. While many studies have been conducted on the impact of SEL in schools, few examine how the use of SEL schools supports students in their post-secondary success. The second challenge centers on the current job market crisis in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, specifically with job satisfaction and retention of employees. This study invited employees at five large companies in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area to respond to a two-part survey. …

Can Middle School Students Learn Agriculture From Behind A Computer Screen? A Comparative Analysis Case Study Of Online Vs Traditional Middle School Agricultural Courses In Rural Georgia, Roseanna Volz

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Online education is growing in popularity. Traditional schooling is losing the monopoly of being the only teaching method available to students (Nguyen, 2015). Online learning has evolved throughout the development of online education (Sun & Chen, 2016). Many schools focus on the core content classes for online education like math, science, social studies, and English language arts, but school systems are starting to grow their curricula (Bedard & Knox-Pipes, 2006). This quantitative study was a comparative analysis of an online and traditionally taught agricultural education course. Middle school students completed 12 assignments throughout six weeks. The grades from the assignments …

Habitat Use And Diel Movements Of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys Molitrix In Two Southeastern Reservoirs, Levi Umland

Honors College Theses

Bigheaded carp have spread rampantly throughout the Mississippi watershed and continue to spread by navigating through rivers, locks, and dams. The long-term effects these species will have on our ecosystems and natural resources is unknown. Their movements, behavior, and general seasonal patterns are well studied within rivers. However, their movements and behavior within reservoirs is poorly understood due to their initial numbers within reservoirs being lower than in rivers. To address this gap, I investigated the distribution and movement rates of Silver Carp within two reservoirs, Kentucky Reservoir and Barkley Reservoir, and possible correlative variables, including wind, temperature, residency, sex, …

Biological Remediation Of Fragipan, Corey Hale

Honors College Theses

The fragipan layer in the soil is a naturally occurring subsurface layer that restricts water percolation as well as inhibits root growth. A fragipan layer can be found almost ubiquitously across Southwestern Kentucky. This limits how agriculturalists manage soils in this area. It has been recently discovered by the University of Kentucky that Annual Ryegrass roots produce 3,4 dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DHPPA) that reacts with this hardpan to weaken the layer. Certain bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria can also synthesize DHPPA through a breakdown process of chlorogenic acid. This reaction typically happens in the human digestive tract. …

The Importance Of Teaching Personal Finance, Ryan Brewer

Honors College Theses

Personal finance is a foreign concept to many, yet it is an essential concept for all. This research project considers the impact of a personal finance course being taught in an organized, non-profit setting. A community church offers a finance course to their congregants on an annual basis that is designed to teach short- and long-term personal finance concepts to individuals and families to encourage adequate budgeting and investment practices. This specific project will evaluate the participants skillset and confidence in their financial goals before and after they are involved with the course. The data of study will be collected …

Diversification Of Suffering: An Analysis Of The Historiography Of The Home Fronts Of First World War Germany And Austria-Hungary Of The Past Quarter-Century, Gage Overton

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

The scholarship analyzing the home fronts of Germany and Austria-Hungary during the First World War has grown sharply in the past quarter-century. These studies revealed many details that were scarcely known to many historians and introduced perspectives of the home front that were largely ignored beforehand. The scholars highlighted in this analysis all provide discussions which have deepened our understanding of the war, like the German government's punishment of women for "sexual treason," the extent of Vienna's devastation caused by hunger and disease, and the relationship between theatre and Austrian identity. Overall, the recent scholarship on this subject has demonstrated …

Exploring Sleep Knowledge And Predictors Of Sleep Hygiene In College Students, Mirielle Erpelding

Honors College Theses

Sleep: something so crucial to successful daily functioning, yet also something so easily discarded in turn for something more stimulating. In college, there are late nights, early mornings, use of electronic devices, and the constant “always-on” mentality, all of which impacts student sleep hygiene. To define, the American Academy for Sleep Medicine (AASM) considers “sleep hygiene” as a pattern of healthy sleep behaviors that improve one’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and awake more refreshed (2020). The current study has two goals: 1) assess knowledge of recommended sleep practices in the college population, and 2) identify predictors (among sleep …

Around The World In Two Days: Walt Disney's Epcot Center And The World's Fair Tradition, Annie Davis

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

This work views the performative and consumerist traditions of the World's Fair and how Walt Disney World's EPCOT Center was essentially created to exist as a "permanent World's Fair" in theme park form. From viewing the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis and the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair alongside Epcot Center (1982) the similarities in the visitor experience are analyzed. Walt Disney's presence at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair seems to work as testing grounds for ideas with lower stakes than presenting permanent attractions, some of which would later be moved to the parks. Epcot Center offered …

Defining Heroinism: Heartthrobs Refining Heroines In 18th And 19th Century Women's Literature, Grace M. Gibson

Honors College Theses

This project will explore the emergence of “heroinism,” a uniquely feminine way in which early female authors approached the heroine’s journey. Barred by male expectations of female conduct both in society and literature, eighteenth and nineteenth century women daring to “attempt the pen” forged stories of heroines with conventions and tropes distinctly, though not entirely, separate from those told of centuries of heroes. I intend to track the ways in which these early tales of heroines told by women strayed from the traditional heroic plot, with unique motivations, mentors, trials, and rewards, but also how they were shaped and confined …

Interactive Addressing Of Body Insecurity In Adolescent Females, Haylee Cox

Honors College Theses

The research consists of various explorative literary reviews regarding the physical, mental, emotional, and social impacts of body image insecurity among adolescent females. This thesis will consist of pulling from the website I developed that deals with education and activity regarding the subject at hand to equip adolescent females with the means to cope when healthily struggling with body image insecurity. The website includes referenced studies and techniques for middle-grade students searching for avenues to cope with the emotional stressors of unhealthy body perception and the effects that follow. Topics addressed include body image, social media, the weight of words, …

Equine Kinesiology Tape Application To Equine Hock Joints: Impact On Lameness And Movement Evaluation, Kiara Jones

Honors College Theses

Discomfort in the hocks of horses can cause lameness, resulting in poor performance. Diagnosis by veterinarians typically includes evaluating movement or use of ultrasound or radiography to evaluate tendons, ligaments, or bones. Treatment methods and times vary depending on diagnosis, but often include joint injections, medications, and stall rest. Treatments can be costly both financially and regarding time off from practice or competition. Alternative practices such as using equine kinesiology tape to support joints may improve comfort and movement for lower cost. The objective of this project was to evaluate the ease of use and effects of equine kinesiology tape …

Personality Traits In The Workplace: Examining The Light Triad And Its Relationship With Job Satisfaction, Sarah Catherine Overton

Honors College Theses

The expanding psychological research into several “dark traits” of one’s personality (Moshagen et al., 2018) has presented a void in examining more positive characteristics. In recent years, Kaufman and colleagues (2019) developed the “Light Triad” to provide a more holistic perspective on humankind. The Light Triad is a construct encompassing benevolent personality traits, including humanism, faith in humanity, and Kantianism. Most relevant to the current study, Kaufman and colleagues (2019) found a significant relationship between the Light Triad and life satisfaction. Furthermore, life satisfaction is also positively correlated with job satisfaction (Rice et al., 1980). Given these relationships, it was …