Digital Commons Network^™

Too Tired To Care: Religious Orientations’ Relationship With Ego-Depleted Empathy, Mark Handley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Psychological research into various aspects of religiosity, empathy, and self-regulation has grown throughout the years. Using Wulff’s (1997) literal verses symbolic bipolar dimension of religiosity, Duriez (2004) found that participants who identified as tending to possess symbolic beliefs regarding religious symbols reported the ability to emphasize with others more than those adhering to increasingly literal interpretations of religious themes. Watterson and Giesler (2012) found that individuals who tended to have higher levels of religiosity appeared to engage longer in a self-regulatory task than those who showed lower levels of religiosity. Researchers interested in self-regulation have found individuals who had undergone …

Foot Obsessed But Not Necessarily Depressed: The Relationship Between Paraphilias And Mental Health Outcomes, Amber Eagan

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The present study aimed to examine the prevalence rates of paraphilic arousal, behavior, desire, and distress as well as to explore the relationship between paraphilic engagement and psychological distress in a college and online sample. Participants completed a number of online self-report measures that asked about their experience with seven paraphilic behaviors, their desire to experience each paraphilic behavior, distress associated with engaging in each paraphilic behavior, in addition to their current symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. The majority of the participants (69%) reported engaging in at least one paraphilic behavior at least once in their lifetime, and the …

The Influence Of Rti Upon Special Education Eligibility, Kasandra Raben

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In 2004, the federal government gave states the option of using Response to Intervention as a prerequisite to referring children for special education eligibility for learning disabilities (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004). Research has generally supported this model although anecdotal evidence has suggested that the decrease in eligibility for learning disabilities is due to the reluctance of schools to refer children for learning disability eligibility because of the time required to implement the interventions prior to referral. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence that this model has had upon eligibility numbers in a large special …

Educating Collegiate Journalists To Cover And Cope With Traumatic Events, Stephanie Elder Anderson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

STEPHANIE LYNN ELDER ANDERSON. How to Educate Collegiate Journalists to Cover and Cope with Traumatic Events (under the direction of DR. TERESA CLARK.)

This research study applied the qualitative method of open coding of data from professional journalists and journalism faculty members to determine whether trauma journalism should be incorporated into existing journalism curriculum. Trauma journalism emerged in the early 1990s but has not been integrated in most journalism programs. Prior research indicated the reasons trauma journalism is not included in most curriculum is because it is not an ACEJMC accreditation standard, there’s limited qualified faculty members to teach such …

A Presence-Only Species Distribution Model Comparison Predicting The Distribution Of The Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis), Melanie L. Torres

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Global anthropogenic impacts have incited devastating effects on both human and wildlife populations. Emerging infectious diseases (EID) are one consequence of these impacts. One particular EID, chytridiomycosis, is a threat to global amphibian populations, causing massive die-offs and several species extinctions. While predictive modeling has helped the general understanding of where the aquatic pathogen causing chytridiomycosis, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), could spread to, most models are on continental or countrywide scales. This coarse-scale modeling makes local management and conservation planning for imperiled amphibians difficult. In addition, modeling efforts can vary depending on location and species, making it necessary to test the …

Occupationally Based Career And Technical Education (Cte) Teachers' Perceived Need For Student-To-Student Interaction In Distance Coursework To Gain Teaching Certification, Tina C. Barger

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to contribute to the body of literature regarding occupationally based career and technical education (CTE) teachers’ perceived need for student-to-student interaction in distance education coursework. The study was based on a previous study by Moore, Warner, and Jones (2016). Student perceptions on the topic of student-to-student interaction were gathered. Participants in the study were CTE teachers who had entered the teaching profession from industry. Participants were pursuing or had previously pursued coursework in online/distance education formats. Findings of the study indicated that, overall, survey respondents did not have high expectations or particularly positive feelings …

Effects Of Posttranslational Modification Of Transcription Factor Gli-Similar 3 By Sumoylation On Insulin Transcription In Pancreatic Β Cells, Tyler M. Hoard

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The ability to control blood glucose levels is a fundamental component of vertebrates. In these organisms, blood glucose homeostasis is achieved through a fine-tuned mechanism that largely involves the secretion of hormones from the endocrine pancreas into the bloodstream. These hormones include glucagon, which is secreted by the α cells of the pancreas and initiates the release of glucose into the bloodstream through gluconeogenesis in the liver, and insulin, which is secreted from the β cells and signals the uptake of excess blood glucose by the peripheral tissue. Gli-similar 3 (Glis3) is a transcription factor that has previously been shown …

Does Being Kind To Oneself Help Fight Against Depression? The Potential Moderating Role Of Self-Compassion In The Relationship Between Romantic Rejection And Depression, Imfong Chan

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

A large body of research has shown that romantic rejection is significantly related to the presence of clinical depression. Growing evidence suggests that self-compassion is significantly negatively associated with depression and other psychopathologies. However, no research has explored the interactive role that self-compassion plays in the relationship between romantic rejection and depression. The present study is the first of the literature to investigate the interaction of self-compassion and romantic rejection on depression. Consistent with the previous studies, romantic rejection was significantly associated with depression. However, a moderation analysis indicated that self-compassion did not moderate the relationship between romantic rejection and …

Measuring Health And Wellness Of International Students, Jennifer Cosby, Jennifer R. Cosby

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Jennifer Cosby

MEASURING HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

2016-2017

Ed.D. in P20 and Community Leadership

Years of research focused on the physical and mental well-being of college students to promote retention. In 2013, international students numbered 819,644 and contributed $27 billion to the United States economy (Le, LaCost, & Wismer, 2016). International students are a valuable resource to the United States because they enhance the cultural diversity of the nation, bring creativity and innovation to institutions, and contribute greatly to the economy (Leong, 2015). Many studies have shown that international students report lower quality of life than domestic …

Serum Cortisol Concentrations And Behavior Assessment As Tools For Evaluating Stress In Horses Used In Therapeutic Or University Riding Programs, Shikun Chen

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Stress is known to have a negative impact on the health and well-being of animals. Physiological and behavioral changes offer objective and easy to use methods of evaluating stress in horses. However, there are limited studies showing a relationship between changes in stress-related behavior and stress-related serum cortisol concentrations in horses. This study evaluated the relationship between stress-related behavior and cortisol concentration changes in horses used in a university equine program and a therapeutic riding program. Behavior was evaluated by two trained observers during multiple riding sessions. Audio recordings were made during direct observation, and video recordings were used to …

Potential For Asymmetric Competition Among Co-Inhabiting Invasive Silver Carp And Native Shad Species In The Lower Midwest, Dalton D. Lebeda

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, Silver Carp are an invasive voracious planktivorous fish that are capable of competing with many native fish species. Until the last decade, very little was known about how Silver Carp would interact with native fish species or how quickly their populations would expand. In the early 2000’s, established Silver Carp populations were reported in Kentucky Lake although they were reported in the Tennessee River much earlier (1987). Kentucky Lake is the first large flood storage reservoir that has been invaded by a reproducing population of Silver Carp in the United States. To date, control measures for …

The Effects Of Reward-Based Training On The Behavioral Assessment Of The Domestic Dog, Shelby Vandergraff, Shelby K. Vandergraff

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Contrary to popular belief, pet overpopulation is caused more by owners failing to keep their dog than with accidental or intentional breeding (Moulton et al., 1991). Factors related to relinquishment have been researched, and concluded that behavioral problems are the most reoccurring reasons observed (Bailey, 1992; Miller at al., 1996; Patronek et al., 1996; Serpell, 1966; Salman et al., 1998, 2000; Scarlett et al, 1999; New et al., 2000; Shore et al., 2003, 2005; Mondelli 2004, Blackwell et al., 2008). When animals are relinquished to the shelter, the likelihood of the animal being euthanized increases. The purpose of this research …

With A Body Like Mine: Relationship Between Body Esteem, Perceived Rivals, And Jealousy, Cheyenne Bourland

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The current study sought to examine the relation of body dissatisfaction to jealousy and the role of perceived rivals in that relationship. Specifically, it examined whether, in women, the perceived number of rivals to a romantic relationship mediated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and jealousy in a romantic relationship. Results indicated that there was a significant relation of body dissatisfaction to jealousy in a romantic relationship through perceived rivals to that romantic relationship. Subsequent regression analyses indicated that when all variables are placed in the model, only the variables of self-esteem and narcissism were predictors of overall jealousy in the …

Habitat Useage Of Tri-Colored Bats (Perimyotis Subflavus) In Western Kentucky And Tennessee Post-White Nose Syndrome, Katherine Schaefer

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) has declined severely across its range since 2006 due to white nose syndrome, a fungal disease causing massive bat mortality in North America. My objective was to determine distinguishing characteristics of roost trees and habitat used by tri-colored bats so that the species’ needs can be considered in management plans. I mist-netted for tri-colored bats in western Kentucky and Tennessee during the summers of 2015 and 2016, and attached a radio transmitter to each captured adult bat. I tracked 15 bats to their day roosts and collected habitat data at 38 roost areas …

Impacts Of Mentoring Program On At-Risk Students, Melissa Marie Judd

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Many middle school students are considered at-risk due to attendance, lower levels of academic achievement, and behavior referrals. Mentoring programs have been in effect for decades and continue to yield positive results. The purpose of the study is to determine if fourth and fifth grade at-risk students are impacted by mentoring. The researcher seeks to determine if mentoring increases students’ attendance, increases math and reading test scores, and decreases the amount of behavior referrals. Participants were compared to their own data using a pre-tests and post-tests. Attendance comparisons were made between Spring 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters. Math and reading …

Habitat Usage Of Tri-Colored Bats (Perimyotis Subflavus) In Western Kentucky And Tennessee Post-White Nose Syndrome, Katherine Schaefer

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) has declined severely across its range since 2006 due to white nose syndrome, a fungal disease causing massive bat mortality in North America. My objective was to determine distinguishing characteristics of roost trees and habitat used by tri-colored bats so that the species’ needs can be considered in management plans. I mist-netted for tri-colored bats in western Kentucky and Tennessee during the summers of 2015 and 2016, and attached a radio transmitter to each captured adult bat. I tracked 15 bats to their day roosts and collected habitat data at 38 roost areas …

Why Are Soft Skills Missing In Today's Applicants, Robert Schooley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The employers in our country are claiming students are graduating high school and college without the soft skills to succeed in this country’s workforce. This study examined what are soft skills and why are they missing from recent graduates. The study took an historical approach to trace how soft skills have been used and ignored in our nation’s educational history to the point where employers are claiming they are missing in today’s job applicants. The study then conducted focus groups with elementary, middle and high school teachers to assess they ideas on why soft skills are missing or if …

The Impact Of Kinderquest On Reading And Math In Early And Intermediate Elementary Students, Stephanie Sullivan

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This paper explored the history of education, including how the focus has evolved into the current demand for a qualified workforce, and the practices of retention and social promotion. Grade level retention research examined the positive and negative impacts on students, as well as alternative intervention approaches. An in-depth study of an early intervention program, KinderQuest, was conducted to determine the relationship between students’ reading and math achievement. Data was analyzed by comparing students that participated in the KinderQuest program and students that progressed through the traditional progression of kindergarten through Grade 6. Additionally, reading and math scores of KinderQuest …

Valhalla In Escrow, Deena Lilygren

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

A collection of short stories.

Impact Of The Accelerate You! Instructional Model On Student Success, Tyra F. Henderson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examines a multi-faceted instructional model used in Applied Technologies programs at a medium size community college. The model accelerates students who have not met placement test benchmarks into college level math with the support multiple strategies utilized in the model, specifically team teaching in the technical and math courses, a learning community structure, weekly tutoring, and a first year experience course. This study examined the impact of the instructional model on student success, specifically course grades and semester-to-semester persistence, and on students’ personal qualities, specifically mindset, grit, and study skills self-efficacy. Mixed methods research design examined statistical significance …

Implementation Of A Flipped Classroom In A Non-Majors’ Biology Course, Leah Good

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Changes to teaching practices have been requested in almost every field of science and mathematics but their implementation can be daunting. The flipped classroom has become a popular method in K-16 education for integrating active learning in the classroom. Research on the implementation of flipped classrooms has been met with mixed results, however. I sought to determine the effectiveness of the flipped classroom while addressing methodology needs cited by past studies including: using both faculty and student demographic variables, addressing assessment performance using concept inventories, and studying faculty who are not experts in education. I found that flipped and non-flipped …

A Performance Study Of Apis Mellifera With Dietary And Forage Restrictions During Spring Colony Establishment In Lyon County, Kentucky, Dominique Wood

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

One-third of our worldwide fruit, nut and vegetable production is completely dependent on the existence of pollinators. Commercial honey bees, Apis mellifera, have an annual economic value of $15 billion in the U.S. Additionally, their honey is valued at $150 million annually. In Fall 2006, commercial beekeepers observed sudden mass disappearances of whole colonies. By Spring 2007, the condition, dubbed Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), raised environmental and fiscal concerns while the cause(s) continued to be sought. Forensic examinations of hive samples did not reveal a singular cause of CCD. The results pointed to a collection of detrimental factors affecting …

A Qualitative Investigation Of Fixed Versus Growth Mindsets Of Third And Fourth Grade Students, Stacey Keown, Stacey Keown

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore individual mindsets of elementary students and determine the extent to which mindsets reflect fixed or growth perspectives. During this qualitative study, individual interviews were conducted with third and fourth grade students, including ESL (English Second Language) students, middle class students as well poverty stricken students, special education students, and gifted students that attend South Heights Elementary. The findings report the mindsets of fixed or growth perspectives on perseverance through failures and personal grit. Conclusions were drawn based on the findings gathered to determine a correlation between students’ mindsets and their involvement with …

Horse Use And Management In University Equine Programs, Hui Zhao

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Horses are utilized in numerous higher education programs in United States. However, there is limited information on horse use, especially in university and college programs. Due to increasing enrollment, greater demand is placed on horse use while institutions are experiencing reduced funding and smaller herd numbers. Thus, this project was conducted to evaluate horse use and management in university and college programs. It was hypothesized that most equine programs over used their horses. A pilot study was conducted to validate the instrument used for the overall study. The survey instrument was created on SurveyMonkey® and released to equine programs (n …

Breed Quality Scores For Post-Cervical Artificial Insemination And The Effects On Farrowing Rate And Total Born At A Commercial Swine Facility In The Southern United States, Kathryn R. Prus

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this experiment was to determine the possible relationship between a sow’s ease of breeding on the first service and the farrowing rate and total born. This study was conducted in a commercial farrowing unit in the Southern United States utilizing pen gestation with stock of 6,000 head. Five hundred ninety-seven sows were bred between the months of April and May 2017 were selected for this study. All animals were inseminated using a post-cervical artificial insemination catheter unless insertion of the inner catheter was impossible. The semen dose fell within the following parameters: concentration of 1.5 x 10 …

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 22, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 21, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 19, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 15, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 14, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.