Digital Commons Network^™

Binge Drinking In College: A Phenomenological Study, Kristin Andrews

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological research study examined the personal experiences, habits, and perceptions of post-secondary students who binge drink. This study was guided by 3 research questions as well as pre-existing research into collegiate binge drinking. The experiences shared by participants showed that despite serious negative outcomes, students binge drink because they feel negatives are far outweighed by the positive social interactions and fun drinking creates. While all of the participants in this study are considered binge drinkers who abuse alcohol, none of the participants considered their drinking to be problematic. The participants shared their intent to stop their current drinking patters …

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: …

Higher Education Awareness Amongst Noncommissioned Officers In The United States Army, Amanda Houser

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Insufficient research exists concerning why active-duty enlisted noncommissioned officers do not pursue education past a high school diploma. Although higher education is becoming a minimum qualification in the civilian world, only 17% of enlisted servicemembers have higher than a high school degree. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences, beliefs, and awareness of Army education benefits and the disconnect between higher education enrollment and active-duty noncommissioned officers. Two-hundred and sixty-five enlisted active-duty noncommissioned officers participated in an online survey and fifty-two noncommissioned officers participated in a one-on-one interview. Using a qualitative, grounded theory research design, both …

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 …

Doctoral Students’ Experiences Of The Pandemic And Their Perceptions Of Grit, Josie Bryant

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The pandemic has significantly changed societal structures and individuals’ lives. The early tragedies and stress of the pandemic affected health, relationships, families, education, work, travel, and immigration. Students who entered doctoral programs in 2020 chose a unique time to pursue an already arduous goal amidst unprecedented challenges. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explored doctoral students’ experiences during the pandemic and sought to understand their perspectives of grit. The study aimed to offer first-hand insight into the pandemic’s effects on doctoral students, and add critical contributions to understanding the necessary actions, support systems, and policies for a life in a …

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 …

A Geospatial Analysis Of Crime Hotspots, Campus Safety Measures, And The Campus Community’S Perceived Safety At Murray State University, Rachel Stuckey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Murray State University (Murray State) is in far Western Kentucky. Murray State prides itself on being a safe campus for prospective students. In this study spatial analysis was used to analyze the relationship among crime hotspots, campus safety measures, and students’ perception of safety on campus the campus of Murray State. A survey was distributed to students to determine the areas of the campus where students feel safe and unsafe. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) were used to determine the location of crime hotspots over eight years (2014-2022) to measure the spatial relationship between logged crime hotspots and perceived safe and …

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 …

Exploring The Moderating Role Of Psychological Flexibility On The Relationship Between Structural Barriers, Attitudinal Barriers, And Stigma On Mental Health Treatment-Seeking, Hannah Elyse Hays

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

College students face a multitude of stressors that have been found to significantly impact mental health, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use problems (Hubbard et al., 2018; American College Health Association 2022a; American College Health Association 2022b). Despite a rising concern regarding mental health, over 70% of college students denied seeking mental health treatment in the past year (American College Health Association, 2022b). Psychological flexibility could be an area of intervention because it has been found to be negatively associated with psychological distress and positively associated with mental health service seeking (Christodoulou et al., 2021; Komiya et al., …

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. …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Georgia Agricultural Education Elementary Standards Of Excellence: A Qualitative Study, James Judson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines teacher perceptions of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSEs) in elementary agricultural education. The study involved a qualitative research design with a sample of 10 elementary agriculture education teachers across multiple schools in Georgia. The research aimed to explore teachers' perceptions of the GSEs, their implementation, and the impact of the standards on their teaching practices and student outcomes. The findings indicate that while teachers generally have positive perceptions of the GSEs, there are also concerns related to the standards' flow from year to year, the use of hard-to-understand vocabulary, and the inclusion of FFA-related content. Additionally, …

Exploring Perceptions And Unveiling Barriers: Access To Academic Research Experiences For Undergraduate Students, Marc Kinnear

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

What are the implications for undergraduate students seeking higher education but have never been exposed to research experiences, either as a participant in a faculty-mentored experience, a federal research initiative/training grant, or as a participant (N-1)? This study addresses multiple variables and their potential to increase or decrease research participation among undergraduate students at two regional universities. This study also investigates to what extent Critical Race Theory tenets correlate with the increase or decrease of research participation among undergraduate students.

Sequencing Of Extended Reality Welder Training, Monica Donohue

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of integrating XR welding simulations into traditional training programs. The performance outcomes of participants were assessed by an independent American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Instructor (CWI). Participants were evaluated using the NCCER Performance Accreditation Tasks evaluation. After 20 hours of training, the participants used a traditional welder to perform a vertical 3F weld on a steel weld coupon. Three treatment groups were used to evaluate the sequence of extended reality welding simulators in a traditional welding program. Results indicate that sequencing XR practice before live welding did not …

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 …

The Effects Of Inspiratory Muscle Training On Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction In Young Adults, Allison Lyman

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a condition that results from abnormal vocal fold adduction upon inspiration (Abdel-Hamid, 2018). Symptoms of this ailment include dyspnea, choking sensations, an audible stridor, and/or coughing during physical exertion (Marcinow et al., 2014). These symptoms affect an individual’s ability to breathe adequately during exercise. A review of current literature suggests that there are a variety of interventions that can be used to reduce perceived dyspnea in individuals who suffer from EILO. One such intervention is known as inspiratory muscle training (IMT), which works to reduce dyspnea by strengthening the primary muscle of inspiration: the posterior …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Examining The Moderating Effect Of Online Social Support On The Relationship Between Time Spent Gaming And Well-Being In Mmorpg Players, Amber Clayton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The video game industry has had a long-standing effect on players for decades. With the introduction of the Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Play Game (MMORPG) genre, gamers’ social world had changed drastically with the ability to communicate with players around the globe. Many social scientists have begun studying the effects on the MMORPG genre with social functioning and overall well-being in players (Colwell et al., 1995). The purpose of this thesis was to explore players who partook in MMORPGs and see if these online games affected their well-being and social support. The obtained results (N = 113) found that MMORPG gameplay …

Bayesian Structural Time Series Methods For Modeling Cattle Body Temperature In Heat-Stressed Animals, Lacey Quandt

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Climate change has had devastating effects globally, most commonly talked about during natural disasters and rising temperatures. Notably, the climate concern is turning towards agriculture and livestock. With rising temperatures, the prolonged amount of heat stress put on animals, specifically cattle, is becoming more apparent. Heat stress has been linked to a reduction in cattle growing and fattening, feed intake, productivity, reproduction, and fertility; increased heart rates and respiration; changes in behavior; and mortality in severe cases. There are abatement strategies put in place to lower heat stress in cattle, such as improvements in shading and cooling, nutritional management, and …

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 …

Occupational Therapy Program Research Seminar, Kelly L. Taylor Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Occupational Therapy Program Research Seminar

December 7, 2022 │ 8:30AM – 12:30PM

Murray State University, Paducah Regional Campus

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 …

2022-12-02, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

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 …

Fallen Kingdom, Sarah E. Black

Honors College Theses

Fallen Kingdom is a novella situated in the genre of urban fantasy. Fast-paced with beautifully woven descriptions, this project aims to depict the experience of PTSD as readers follow Scarlett in her attempts to navigate lost memories, magic, and a new world. With danger lurking around every corner, her only hope is to realize her own strengths and motivations to save the person she loves most.

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 …