Digital Commons Network^™

The Role And Position Of Dual Credit In P-20 Education, Aaron Heinzmann

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The trend in dual credit enrollment and deployment in secondary and postsecondary institutions has been steadily increasing over the last few decades. All 50 states have some form of dual credit that provides opportunity for secondary students to accelerate through their postsecondary pathways by earning college credits while still in high school. Students in dual credit can expect to achieve higher grade point averages in college, finish their degrees or certificates sooner, and realize postsecondary cost savings. As dual credit continues to permeate the P-20 landscape, educational leaders consider and continue to realize the benefits and drawbacks of accelerated collegiate …

The Impact Of Intra-District, Open Enrollment School Choice On Students In A Selected Georgia School District, Elizabeth Miegel

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to determine the impact of a Georgia school district’s intra-district, open enrollment Choice Program on students who participate compared to those who do not at a selected high school. Three research questions were developed: (1) does GPA differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not (2) do SAT scores differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not and (3) do AP test scores differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not. The research questions were assessed through independent measures t-tests, with …

Social Bonds And Perception: Investigating Individual And Contextual Differences In Empathic Processing, Tyler J. Robinson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Empathy is defined as the process by which individuals consciously experience affective states that are similar to a target’s affective state (de Vignemont & Singer, 2006). Singer and Lamm (2009) assert that empathy is a malleable construct and can be influenced by various factors. Relatedly, more research is needed to understand whether positive empathy patterns similarly to negative empathy (Morelli et al., 2015). The current study sought to investigate how differences in perspective-taking and degree-of-closeness influence an individuals’ emotional response to an ostensibly positive vignette. Results reliably suggest a main effect of degree-of-closeness on individuals’ positive affect, whereas relatively little …

Marching To The Music: The U.S. Military’S Impact On American Youth Through The Marching Band Movement, 1910-1990, Elise Eaton

Honors College Theses

High school bands have evolved greatly since the first band boom in the early 1920s. Beyond the performance responsibilities and commitments to football and sporting events, bands have their own cultural elements that only band members, band staffs, and families of band students truly understand. This thesis will demonstrate that high school band culture since the 1920s developed alongside the changing fortunes of the U.S. military. Accordingly, U.S. military history shaped the evolving culture of high school marching bands and other youth performing arts groups while these civilian youth groups in turn embedded and reinforced elements of U.S. militarism in …

Origin Of Differences In Child Maltreatment Between Italy And America, Morgan Huff

Honors College Theses

There is a distinct difference between the rates of child abuse and neglect in the United States and Italy. Specifically, the United States has a higher rate of child maltreatment than Italy (Bernacchi et al., 2016; Finkelhor et al., 2009). There is also variation in the types of maltreatment that the children suffer within each country (Bernacchi et al., 2016; Mehta et al., 2023). This literature review analyzes potential explanations for these differences in rates of child maltreatment by examining the ways in which this maltreatment may be impacted by access to health insurance, religion, family structure, education, poverty, and …

A Grounded Theory Study Of The Styles, Strategies, And Perceptions Of Performing Arts Leaders, Liane Weintraub, Jessica Arriaza, Stephanie Viggiano

International Journal of Regional Issues in the Arts

The responsibility of leading an arts organization is distinct from other leadership roles due to the complexity and delicate nature of balancing tactical responsibilities while also nurturing an ecosystem that encourages artistic expression. Leaders’ duties are multifarious with often conflicting aims: managing complex organizations, navigating thorny governmental policies, and addressing critical social issues to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), all while cultivating a creative environment. This study aims to identify the specific traits, characteristics, and strategies demonstrated by current arts organization leaders who are navigating the shifting demands of arts leadership. In this grounded theory study, the research team …

2023-08-25, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

2023-08-24, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

2023-08-07, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

2023-06-02, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

Household Heroes: An Examination Of Domestic Workers' Rights In The United States And Mexico, Kaitlyn Sutton

Honors College Theses

Since 2018, worker's rights have become a forefront in the battle to developing a more equitable nation in Mexico, specifically regarding domestic employees. In my honors thesis I compare the rights of domestic workers in both the United States and Mexico using elements set forth in the SA8000 Standard formed by the Social Accountability International Organization in order to analyze which country grants more access to these liberties. I then examine different cross-cultural management styles in the countries as a method for explaining the differences in right. I also discuss advocacy groups still fighting for more freedom as well as …

Prophets Of The Divine Revolution: "Bad Bishop Brown," Harry F. Ward, Claude C. Williams, And The Applied Proletarian Gospel, David W. Adams

Honors College Theses

This paper seeks to propose a unique strand of religious thought which united Marxist Christians in the United States. Using the lives and work of Bishop William Montgomery Brown, Dr. Harry F. Ward, and Reverend Claude C. Williams, this work proposes the term “applied proletarian gospel” to denote the political and religious thought of Marxist Christians who surpassed the social gospel and other proposed ideas of radical Christianity in their revolutionary and anti-capitalist thought and action. This paper finds that, although it remained a small trend among Christians, the applied proletarian gospel gave an outlet to Christians who sought to …

Potential Applications Of Drama Therapy In Table-Top Role Playing Games, Abigail Ankrom

Honors College Theses

The aim of this thesis is to define and propose potential applications of drama therapy techniques to table-top role playing games and suggest the possibility of using role playing games in a clinical setting. The thesis examines the history of drama therapy as well as the origin and mechanics of table-top role playing games, using the 5th Edition of Dungeons and Dragons as a central example. Overlap between drama therapy techniques and aspects of table-top role playing games is explored. The thesis culminates in a group of sample scenarios that could potentially be used to introduce difficult topics in an …

Poly(Ether Imide)S: Synthesis And Properties, Rachel Price

Honors College Theses

The synthesis of strong polymers is crucial to the creation of heat-resistant, durable, and mechanically useful plastics that we use every day. Poly(ether imide)s are used in applications such as food service, aerospace, automotive, and many more. This thesis will discuss the synthesis and properties of these plastics to help express a larger understanding of these polymers.

One-Dimensional And Two-Dimensional Simulations Of Helical Homopolymers: A Comparative Analysis Of Energy Stabilization And Efficiency, Matthew Hooks, Nathan Roberts, Matthew Williams Ph. D.

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

The purpose of our work is to analyze the results of a two-dimensional parallel tempering simulation of a coarse-grained helical homopolymer. We aim to measure the efficiency of the simulation and apply this efficiency to the theoretical protein free energy landscape.The stable states for helical homopolymers will be analyzed using the folding funnel theory of free energy landscapes for given polymer configurations. The genesis of each simulation is defined by a randomly configured polymer; as time progresses, the energy of each structure decreases until equilibrium is reached. Data collected after equilibrium is reached is used to understand polymer behavior for …

One-Dimensional And Two-Dimensional Simulations Of Helical Homopolymers: A Comparative Analysis Of Energy Stabilization And Efficiency​, Nathan Roberts, Matthew Hooks

Scholars Week

The purpose of our work is to analyze the results of a two-dimensional parallel tempering Monte Carlo simulation of a coarse-grained helical homopolymer. The two-dimensional simulation allows Hamiltonian exchanges across both temperature and torsion values, while the one-dimensional simulation exclusively exchanges across temperature values. The genesis of each simulation is defined by a randomly configured polymer; as time progresses, randomly generated movements of monomers decrease the structure’s energy until equilibrium is reached. Equilibrium is determined by finding the absolute minimum of the data series, computing the mean of all remaining data, and finding the intersection between the rolling average and …

"Barriers Between Client Education/Communication And Exotic Animal Husbandry", Caileigh M. Linton

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this study is to quantify the knowledge gap between clientele and veterinary staff about exotic animal husbandry corresponding to housing and diet specifically. With the rise of social media platforms and influencers, the spread of misinformation and stigma revolving around the mistrust of veterinary staff has created strife between clients and veterinary professionals. Misinformation influences pet owners to implement aspects of care into their pets lives that may be unnecessary or harmful. Consequently, as veterinary professionals attempt to educate their clients they are not always trusting of the information being provided to them. This can lead to …

2023-02-24, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

Democracy For Some: Greek-American Institutions And The Greek Junta, 1967-1974, Olga Koulisis

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

In 1967 a military junta took over Greece, silencing the democratic process in Democracy’s birthplace with the tacit approval of Democracy’s heir apparent, the United States of America. The tolerance, if not support, of Greek-American institutions to the establishment of the Greek Junta and the U.S. government’s support for that regime offers a case study of why democratic publics accept, if not bolster, their own government’s support for anti-democratic regimes. This case offers an intriguing juxtaposition because of the historical claims that U.S., Greek, and Greek diaspora identities make on democratic practice and commitment. This study examines how junta-tolerant Greek …

Collegiate Athletics Impact On Academic Performance, Chris Hill

Integrated Studies

The complex world of collegiate athletics in American universities presents a unique intersection of sports and academics, each influencing student-athlete trajectory. This research project explores the numerous factors impacting these individuals' academic performance and overall educational experience. Drawing on sources ranging from studies on institutional policies (Brecht & Burnett, 2019) to personal motivations (Firth-Clark et al., 2019), the investigation paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by student-athletes. Key findings highlight the powerful influence of external entities like the NCAA and the inherent pressures of media attention (Torres-Ronda et al., 2022). Similarly, internal dynamics such as peer …

National Health Insurance For The United States, Ashley Herrell

Integrated Studies

Approximately 46 million U.S. citizens lack health insurance despite the nation's abundant resources. The imperative for universal healthcare arises, with a proposed solution being mandatory national health insurance. This paradigm shift, championed by the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, and citizens, aims to eradicate the issue of people foregoing healthcare due to lack of insurance, promising to enhance collective well-being. The U.S. stands out among high-income countries without comprehensive universal healthcare, leading to disproportionately high out-of-pocket expenses and inferior health outcomes. Social determinants like income, race, and rural residence exacerbate the challenge by limiting healthcare access for vulnerable groups. Embracing …

Autism Resources In Rural America, Amanda Long

Integrated Studies

The topic of this final project centers around the lack of services that are available to autistic children and adults in rural America and the steps that should be taken the ensure services are available as the growing population of children grow older and need full-time care. Our modern society as well as the current healthcare system are not prepared for the growing need of an ageing disabled population. Will these disabled children and young adults flood the current long-term care facilities that are already established? Will the already stretched thin Medicare and Medicaid system cover the costs associated with …

Youth In A Mental Health Crisis, William Simmons

Integrated Studies

Recent research has shown that many of today’s youth are experiencing a mental health crisis that they are not prepared to handle on their own. A large portion of youth have a mental, emotional, or behavioral issue and may not even realize it or are not able to seek help. This problem is further exacerbated by continual budget cuts made to school spending and a justice system that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation. This research paper will give a brief history of the juvenile justice system and what advances have been the most influential. It will also examine the flaws of …

Examining Early Childhood Education's Influence On Future Success, Elisabeth Meacham

Integrated Studies

There are many factors that influence the long-term outcomes of a child. This paper researches the influence that early childhood education has on children from birth to compulsory school age and the child’s future success as a student and member of society. Notable long-term research studies that are examined in this paper are The Perry Preschool Study, Chicago Longitudinal Study, The Abecedarian Projects, and Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K Study. The majority of research indicates that children that receive quality early childhood services are more prepared for school, have better grades, go further in their educational careers, are less likely to do …

Artificial Intelligence: Challenges For Future Growth, Jeffrey Forguson, Jeffrey Forguson

Integrated Studies

This paper discusses the challenges facing artificial intelligence (AI) as it relates to replicating the human brain and how these challenges are perceived by the human employee. Through my research I found approximately 19 challenges facing the growth and future development of A.I. in the workplace. A.I. is in 93% of all global industries and the remaining 7% are seriously looking into it. I reviewed academic sources to determine the challenges facing the advancement of A.I. in the workplace. A.I. extends all the way back to the 18^th century Industrial Revolution. Since that time, human employees have feared becoming …

Police Brutality In The United States, Jacob Bell, Jacob D. Bell

Integrated Studies

Police brutality is exemplified by using excessive or unjustifiable force by law enfoand federal governments have been against brutality for a long time and have taken action against it. This study examined the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. The relationship between historical events and present-day societal issues is undeniable. To shed light on the tense dynamic between black males and law enforcement officials in the United States, it's important to examine how the black population has been treated in the past. Throughout history, people of African descent have often been viewed as hostile and aggressive, which has …

In-Schools Suspension (Iss) And Out Of School Suspension (Oss): The Effects And Inequities On Special Education Students, Jennifer Connell

Integrated Studies

Abstract

The effects of ISS (In school suspension) and OSS (out-of-school suspension) on special education students is a long-debated issue. Using a high school in a rural, suburban area as a foundation, the history of special education in schools, the disproportionate handing out of punishment between general education and special education students, the effects of segregation versus having special education students in general education classes, as well as how to better support special education students in the educational setting will be explored.

In this disquisition, the history of special education in schools and the effects of suspensions on special education …

When War Follows You Home: The Final Battle Of Reintegration Among Veterans, Jenny Mercer

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper is to educate the reader about some of the most common reintegration struggles veterans face upon returning to the civilian world. The topics heavily focused on include mental health, physical health, coping mechanisms, interpersonal relationships, career and financial struggles, and community involvement. In addition to focusing on reintegration issues veterans face, there is also a relationship discussed between the culture and lifestyle of currently serving military members and how this often has a direct influence over some of the struggles veteran’s face in the future. Spreading awareness of some of the issues veterans face is …

The Persuasive Nature Of Mythology And Folklore Through Human Behavior, Entertainment, And Popular Culture, Jaylan Valentine

Integrated Studies

The purpose of the collected research explained throughout this paper is to provide information on how humanity has been shaped through history. Through the recognition of mythology and folklore as the most influential aspects in the overall evolution of mankind. The creation and use of mythology and folklore are directly intertwined with the history that humanity teaches itself through years of schooling, recorded research, and oral communication. The sharing of mythology and folklore has changed throughout history as humanity continued to grow, starting from oral storytelling and arriving at present-day cinematic displays. Some of these cinematic representations are commonly known …

Leadership In Modern Policing, Shawn Craven

Integrated Studies

The growing need for effective and moral law enforcement leadership is at an all-time high due to the changing societal needs and complexities. Modern law enforcement leaders must possess many skills and competencies that reflect the profession's demands and their communities. Effective police leadership requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement obtained through effective knowledge, skills, and abilities that are enhanced by training. A review of available research literature supports that to be an influential and effective police leader, you must possess high-quality and moralistic leadership values and attributes to advance departmental and public trust. This conclusion points …