University Student Worker Productivity: A Qualitative Analysis, Amanda S. Mansfield

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Student worker productivity is an important aspect of higher education, since many functional units rely on student employees to operate. Student workers communicate with all stakeholders of universities, including incoming and current students and their families, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Universities facing issues related to budgeting, enrollment, retention, and employability of their graduates can combat those issues by strengthening the largest labor pool on campus, student workers. The study explored what it means to be a productive university student worker within the framework of Social Exchange Theory and Grounded Theory. The study sought to provide recommendations to universities …

Factors Influencing Engineering Student Persistence: A Two Institution Study, Stephen Drawbaugh

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the persistence factors of undergraduate engineering students and compare those factors at an R2 research university and a regional university. The study further investigated if these factors are different based on gender and race/ethnicity. This study used quantitative methodology to determine the significance of the differences in universities, genders, and races/ethnicities. Tinto’s (1975, 1993) student departure theory, Bean’s (1988, 2001) student departure model, Astin’s student involvement and development theory, and a study by Marra et al. (2012) provided the theoretical framework for this study. Findings from the survey sample of 52 students …

Student Knowledge Of Sexual Assault Resources, Kali Forden

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Despite the changes in policy and the endorsement of mandatory reporting among college students over time, less than half of survivors of sexual assault report the incident to police or university officials (Cantor et al., 2020). Further, while there is little research on the subject, Moore and Baker (2016) found that a student’s residence can influence whether they report a sexual assault. This project sought to extend this research to determine whether a student’s residence and knowledge of available resources effects the likelihood to report a hypothetical sexual assault. Additionally, it sought to determine the relationship between reporting a sexual …

Burnout Of Women In Agriculture, Ashley Rivers

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture is considered one of the foundations of the United States. Women have played an important but often overlooked role in the history of agriculture. Despite many significant contributions, women have been left out of the history and advancements of agriculture. This research examined the lived experiences of 56 women who are involved in production agriculture and the factors that can contribute to stress and burnout in this area. By identifying how females view their roles and various aspects of their work, valuable insights can be gained into the experiences women face. Financial challenges and gender bias were identified as …

Sociosexual Orientation And Dark Triad Personality Traits Impact On Deception In Relationships, Kristin Lena

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Within the last 10 years, research has suggested that it has become more common for individuals to engage in casual sex. Research has consistently shown that sociosexual orientation, dark triad traits, and deception are all related. This study sought to examine the linear relationship between sociosexual orientation, dark triad personality characteristics, and the use of deception in a relationship. Participants (n = 135) completed this study online and were recruited from a midsize university. Findings did suggest a positive correlation between sociosexuality and deception, as well as a positive correlation between dark triad traits and deception. The findings of …

Perceptions Of Available Funding Opportunities For West Tennessee’S Young And Beginning Row Crop Farmers, Logan Meeks

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Research quickly identified many different avenues of funding available to new and beginning traditional row-crop farmers in Tennessee, but questions surrounding local farmers’ knowledge of these opportunities are in question. Many programs specific to the New and Beginning Farmer demographic boasted the potential benefits of using these programs as well as the good work these programs are accomplishing. The current increase in cost of traditional row-crop funding continues to drive the need for more funding resources with New and Beginning Farmers. Providing resources of where farmers can find the best available funds for their operation will expand the level of …

Listen Up: Perceptions Of Audiobooks By Teachers, Librarians, And Parents, Megan Bright

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Reading is a critical component of education. From learning to read, to eventually reading to learn, students and teachers rely upon texts to help make sense of the world around them. Methods and tools vary, but teachers, librarians, and parents can all agree that reading is a fundamental skill their students need. However, students are sometimes told to limit their use of audiobooks in favor of reading with their eyes. These limitations may prevent students from finding the books they love and also limit students’ opportunities to use books to learn about the world around them. This study sought to …

K-5 Educators’ Perceptions Of Restorative Practices In St. Louis, Missouri, Jessica Ellen Finney

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Restoration is any form of guidance or counsel toward right decision-making. One can be restored in an emotional or psychological way. The act of restoring emotional reactions back to logical thinking are the core teachings of this paper. The objective of this study was to analyze K-5 educators’ lived experiences, opinions, and perceptions in regard to this social and emotional restoration of teaching. This study advocates teacher perspectives in the art of restorative teaching and thinking for students they teach. This qualitative research study provides insight into the perceptions, opinions, and lived experiences of 10 educators regarding the implementation of …

Administrator Perceptions Of Factors Distinguishing School-Based Agricultural Education Programs As Successful, Mckinley Hunter

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education is a vital component of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) framework that encompasses classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and involvement in the National FFA Organization. This study gathered Georgia high school administrators’ perceptions of factors distinguishing school-based agricultural education (SBAE) programs as successful. Administrators identified various components important to program success for each are of the agricultural three-component model. Administrators in this study, prioritized involvement in the National FFA Organization over the other constructs, indicating that the traditional view of the three-component model can be dependent upon local needs and priorities. This research can be …

Examining Stigma In Rural Mental Health Care Settings: A Mixed Methods Approach, Lainie Krumenacker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

More than half of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime (CDC, 2021), yet stigma towards mental health affects both patients and providers. Although programs exist to address stigma, improve cultural competency among providers, and educate families on the importance of support, facilities are often limited on programs they provide due to allocation of resources and funds. Without a shift in treatment and programing, stigma will continue to impact patient care and outcome.

This study explored stigma among mental health providers in rural communities, while exploring potential differences in treatment among patients due to race. Mental …

The Effect Of Extracurricular Involvement On Teacher Job Satisfaction And Self-Efficacy, Andrew Entrekin

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the effect of teachers' extracurricular involvement on their job satisfaction and self-efficacy. It analyzes a single school district in Alabama and investigates potential factors in the declining teacher graduation rates and high teacher turnover in Alabama. This study addresses the gap in the existing research on how these extracurricular roles influence teachers’ professional well-being and self-efficacy.

The research implemented a quantitative approach, using abbreviated versions of Bandura’s Teacher Self-Efficacy Survey and the Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire to measure how those metrics are affected by coaching a sport or sponsoring an extracurricular club or organization. Analysis of Variance …

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 …

Student Support Teams In Title I Schools, Jennifer Michael

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Student Support Teams (SST) are designed to be an innovative practice that supports the diverse needs of learners to help learners grow and be successful. This study will look at the impact that SSTs have on students in the Intermediate grades (3^rd-6^th Grade) at a Title I at-risk school. The research will analyze this question, does an SST positively impact student growth in reading and math in a highly diversified Title I School? The goal of the study is to analyze the impact of SST on the academic growth of students in specific focus groups. The study …

Teacher Perception Of Instructional Coaches: A Quantitative Study On The Impact Of Support And Professional Development, Tiffany Walker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study investigates teachers’ perceptions of instructional coaches, including math coaches, reading coaches, and instructional partners. It examines how these perceptions influence teachers’ professional growth and instructional practices within a suburban school district in Alabama. Grounded in Adult Learning Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Reflective Practice, the research seeks to understand the role and effectiveness of instructional coaching in enhancing teaching quality and student outcomes across the P-20 educational framework. The study employs a survey methodology, collecting data from 55 teachers across various schools, grade levels, and subject areas to analyze their experiences and the impact of coaching on …

The Impact Of Instructional Coaching In K-12 Education, Angela Michelle Hickey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the various aspects of instructional coaching in educational environments and offer a thorough understanding of the impact on teacher growth in a small, rural school district with 90 certified teachers and four district instructional coaches. The study used a quantitative approach that utilizes pre-post assessments to gauge the influence of instructional coaching on many aspects of teacher development, such as high-impact instructional practices, classroom management, and overall pedagogical effectiveness. Statistical studies will identify any significant changes over time and investigate potential links between coaching variables and teacher outcomes. This research aims to comprehensively understand how …

Does Taking Cte Courses Affect High School Graduation Rates?, Jimmy Artrip

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses on high school graduation rates. As educational institutions look for ways to increase graduation rates and student engagement, CTE has emerged as a viable strategy. CTE aims to equip students with practical skills and post-secondary career and technical education while improving attitudes toward the educational environment. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of graduation rates from the school district with qualitative data gained through interviews with graduating students. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in graduation rates and improved outlooks and attitudes among students enrolled …

Perceptions Of Benefits From Middle School Agricultural Education Programs, Michael Hunter

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

As agriculture education continues to evolve across the state of Georgia and the country, leaders need to understand the dynamic vision and the importance of this industry. Utilizing P-20 education initiatives and new concepts, leaders can implement agriculture education in more schools to increase diversity and provide students with opportunities to participate in the three-component model of agriculture education. This research aimed to explore the perceived benefits that high school principals, CTAE directors, and agriculture teachers have on middle school agriculture education programs. This research was confined to the Georgia FFA North Region. Findings indicated no significant evidence that middle …

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 …

Alternatively Certified Educators’ Impact On The Nation’S Current Teacher Shortage, Allison Heald

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The teacher shortage experienced across the United States within the K-12 system has garnered the attention of policymakers nationwide. While the alternative certification route made a way for potential new educators to enter the field through abbreviated certification program requirements, the school systems that offered positions to this group of educators had to be willing to take extra steps to ensure their success. Alternatively certified educators within all subject areas specified the need for additional support within the following areas: catered professional development opportunities, reduced extracurricular expectations, mentor/mentee programs, and extended planning time. Based on data collected through previous research, …

Take My Perspective, Please: Perspective Taking’S Impact On Insecure Attachment And Phubbing, Connor Brown

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Phubbing is defined as the act of ignoring another individual (e.g., significant others, friends) by devoting attention to one's phone (Chotpitayasunondh & Douglas, 2018). Previous literature indicates that insecurely attached (anxious and avoidant) individuals are more likely to phub than others (Sun & Miller, 2023a). This study examined correlations between attachment styles and phubbing, finding that avoidant attachment was not significantly correlated with phubbing, while anxious attachment was. As well as examining the correlation between phubbing and perspective taking, results indicate that there was not a significant correlation. The primary interest of this study sought to investigate perspective taking as …

Stakeholder Engagement: Challenges, Metrics, And Tactical Solutions In Higher Education Strategic Planning, Stephanie Miller Gillen

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Effective stakeholder engagement is critical in higher education strategic planning, particularly as institutions face challenges such as changing demographics, technological advances, and evolving student expectations. This study explores the complexities of engaging diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, community members, and governance, in the strategic planning process. Using a qualitative approach, the research examines how stakeholder engagement practices contribute to the development of strategic plans. The study emphasizes the importance of moving beyond superficial engagement to foster genuine collaboration and accountability, ultimately enhancing higher education institutions' adaptability. The research provides valuable insights for institutions aiming to enhance the efficacy of the …

Silence Is Not Golden: Exploring The Trade-Offs Between Transparency And Burden In Dirs Reporting, Katie Nelson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the United States federal government's Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), which is an instrument that is used during emergencies to gather information on what five communication avenues are not actively working at the time of the emergency or during the recovery process. The synthesis provides a framework for characteristics that cite the necessities for this study on DIRS. Examining DIRS will help us understand its strengths, limitations, and potential improvements. Evaluating the details of historical and global research on emergency communications are gathered. The analysis provides insights into DIRS's past, present, and future. Bring to light future …

The Effects Of Early Exposure To Prescription/Illicit Drugs And Drug Metabolites On Larval Zebrafish Behavioral And Motor Function Development, Jacob Thomas, Dena Weinberger, Bikram Subedi, Brandon Capps

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

THE EFFECTS OF EARLY EXPOSURE TO PRESCRIPTION/ILLICIT DRUGS AND DRUG METABOLITES ON LARVAL ZEBRAFISH BEHAVIORAL AND MOTOR FUNCTION DEVELOPMENT

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Biology

Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters In Science

By Jacob Thomas, B.S., Murray State University

December 2024

Acknowledgements

Brandon Capps, who pretty much did a whole third of the legwork on this project and saved me lots of headaches;

Chandler Maddox, one of the University of Kentucky’s finest undergrads who came in from the top rope with a folding chair …

Early-Career Georgia Agriculture Teachers' Agricultural Mechanics Professional Development Needs, Christopher Crump

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural mechanics is a prominent topic in Georgia Agricultural Education, as it is the agricultural subject matter area with the second-largest enrollment across all school systems in the state. However, with Georgia agricultural teacher preparation programs only requiring three credit hours in the subject matter area, questions arise as to whether Georgia agriculture teachers are properly prepared to teach this subject matter area, especially if those teachers did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. This nonexperimental, quantitative study assessed early-career Georgia agriculture teachers’ professional developmental (PD) needs in agricultural mechanics. Qualtrics was utilized to collect responses to a research …

Relationship Analysis Of Storyline Curriculum Engagement And Academic Performance, Cassandra Shockley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Secondary educators are responsible for moving students from dependent learners to independent individuals who can solve problems and be productive members of society. Science education has changed since 2012 when the PISA and TIMSS results were analyzed and showed that American students perform significantly lower than other countries. In 2013, Kentucky adopted new science standards that replaced the extensive lists of facts to be memorized with a set of performance expectations. Students are now tested on their ability to apply content knowledge to solve a phenomenon. Seventh-grade science teachers in classrooms with wide ranges of academic readiness have resisted switching …

The Effectiveness Of Aac Training For Nursing Students To Increase The Knowledge And Success For Communicating With Patients With Complex Communication Needs, Hanna Hill Webb

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Effective communication is an essential practice for nurses and is fundamental for the care of patients. Nurses have significant difficulties communicating with patients with complex communication needs (CCN), which can lead to communication breakdowns and sentinel events. While AAC is a viable option for communicating with patients with CCN, nurses do not receive any training on how to effectively communicate or use AAC with patients with CCN. Nursing students are in the ideal position for learning how to use AAC and communicate with AAC, as they are in the process of learning and entering the field for medical placements. This …

Factors That Influence Males To Teach Agricultural Education, Ashley Thoron

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The need for more males entering the teaching profession is linked to the idea of the gender gap in school with females outperforming males, and the need for young men to have strong role models. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine factors that influence males to teach agricultural education. This study utilized an adapted version of the Ag-Ed FIT Choice Instrument to collect data through a modified version of Dillman’s Tailored Design Method, with three contacts of a pre-notice letter, emailed instrument, and a thank you/reminder. The population consisted of male agricultural education students enrolled in teacher …

Changing Demographics In Career & Technical Student Organizations, Elizabeth Hunt Galloway

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The state of Georgia’s demographics has consistently changed in the last twenty years. Since 2010, the population of Georgia has steadily increased by 1% (Georgia Population by Year, County, Race, & More, 2023). A mirror of the state population increases occurred in the school system with 1% growth each year between 2010 and 2022 (Georgia Population by Year, County, Race, & More, 2023). The demographics of the state of Georgia has changed along with the population with an increase in Hispanic and Black population while the White population has decreased (Hauer, n.d.). The need to increase membership in Career Technical …

A Statewide Examination Of Racial Equity, Culturally Responsive Teaching, And Career Technical Education Outcomes In Kentucky, Reginald L. Mcdaniel Jr.

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the implementation of Racial Equity Policies (REP) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) practices in Career and Technical Education (CTE) across the Commonwealth of Kentucky's public school districts. This quantitative research incorporates perspectives from district leaders, educators, and administrators, exploring the interplay between racial equity policies and teaching practices. The study highlighted the influential role of district leaders in shaping positive perceptions and awareness of the tools available to support equity work. The study also revealed disparities among districts, with urban areas leading integration, while rural districts express confidence in their commitment to racial equity.

The study's practical …

Georgia Elementary Agriculture Education Pilot Program: An Extensive Look Into The History, Development, And Success, Christa Steinkamp

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Georgia Elementary Agricultural Education (EAE) was formally introduced through the 2018 Senate Bill 330 (SB33); a two-part bill passed with unanimous support in both the House & the Senate. The first part of the bill included the three-component model of school-based agricultural education for high schools and middle schools which includes classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development through the National FFA Organization. The second part of SB330 introduced an elementary agricultural education (EAE) pilot program. The three-year pilot program started in the 2019-2020 school year with twenty-five schools; and concluded with thirty-one schools at the end of the …