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A Multi-Configuration Display Methodology Incorporating Reflection For Real-Time Haptic-Interactive Virtual Environments, Mohammad F. Obeid

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

There is a natural need for real-time min-or reflection in many interactive virtual reality applications to achieve visuo-haptic collocation through optical reflection. Its use, however, calls for adjustments to the original model since a mirror reverses image characteristics. This thesis introduces a design and implementation of a generic configuration component for virtual environments that adjusts image characteristics and haptic interfaces to accommodate various display setups while preserving the correct orientation and properties of the original models in the graphical scene. Four different but related approaches were developed for image connection and are compared and contrasted against primary criteria. The haptic …

How Counselors Are Trained To Work With Bisexual Clients In Cacrep-Accredited Programs, Laurie Anne Bonjo

Theses and Dissertations in Early Childhood Education

In spite of recent progress toward addressing the need for cultural competence with lesbian and gay-identified clients, bisexual-identified clients continue to be marginalized in the principles, theories, and methods of studying sexuality as well as in the training provided by counselor educators. A descriptive content analysis was conducted to determine what is currently taught about bisexuality and bisexual-identified clients in CACREP-accredited counseling programs. Instructors teaching multicultural counseling in CACREP-accredited programs were asked to provide syllabi, as well as information on textbooks and supplemental materials. Combining constructionism with queer theory and elements of post-positivism, I explore the magnitude to which bisexuality …

Individual Differences And Usage Of Learner Control, Katelyn J. Cavanaugh

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Past learner control research has shown discrepant findings for hypothesized learning outcomes. In order to shed light on these inconsistent findings, this study investigated adult learners' use of learner control features in an online training program, and examined the usage in relation to individual differences. A sample of participants recruited from a crowdsourcing website was given a high level of learner control, and their progress was tracked as they completed an online Microsott Excel training program. It was hypothesized that learner behavior during training partially mediated the relationship between individual differences and learning outcomes in a high learner control training …

The Impact Of Trainee Characteristics On Transfer Of Training Over Time, Kristina N. Bauer

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Given that organizations invest a considerable amount of time and money into the training and development function, it is imperative that trainees transfer the learned material back to the job and continue to use the knowledge/skills. Yet, most studies have not assessed the transfer process over time (i.e., maintenance). Based on the lack of empirical investigation of maintenance, the current study had two goals: (1) to identify which factors are most important for skill maintenance (2) to identify when factors are most important to skill maintenance. To these ends, a model was developed and tested that examines the trainee characteristics …

A Further Test Of Strain Theory: Does Gender Discrimination Contribute To Theft By Employees?, John A. Casten

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

This study was an examination of General Strain Theory's contention that gender discrimination. as a source of strain. can lead to deviant behaviors. Specifically. the effects of gender discrimination in the workplace on theft by employees. The study was unique in that it utilized a sample split three different ways. First, by gender, second by perceived and actual measures of both crime and discrimination, and third, by combined versus separate discrimination measures. The third item being particularly unique. The study utilized bivariate correlations and logistic regression throughout for statistical analyses. The results indicated that combined measures were not as effective …

Bullying Among School-Aged Children, Alfreada Brown-Kelly

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

This thesis investigates the relationship between gender, race and strains. Using data collected from the 2005-2006 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children, the study examined children's outlooks and experiences relating to an extensive range of health related activities and lifestyles. Specifically, this study examined the ways in which males and females bully and if black students bully more than white students. Furthermore, the study examined race and gender differences in bullying, and the impact of strains on these relationships. It was found that both race and gender are significant predictors of bullying when controlling for measures of strains and other demographic …

The Rq-Tech Methodology: A New Paradigm For Conceptualizing Strategic Enterprise Architectures, Christine Ann Hoyland

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to develop and apply a system-theoretic based methodology and corresponding model for Enterprise Architecture development. Enterprise Architectures can assist managers by illustrating the systemic relationships within an organization and the impact changes to the organization could make. Unfortunately, today's modeling practices are proprietary, time-consuming, and generally ineffective as tools for understanding the consequences of strategic-level planning decisions across all levels of the enterprise. This research supports the conclusion that system-specific solutions produce islands of technology and can be prevented by employing better enterprise change planning.

This research combined the practice of Enterprise Architectures with …

Graduate News, Office Of Graduate Studies, Old Dominion University

Graduate News

May 2013 issue of Graduate News from the Office of Graduate Studies (now, ODU Graduate School).

Section Abstracts: Education

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Education Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

Section Abstracts: Medical Science

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Medical Science Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

Section Abstracts: Statistics

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Statistics Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

91st Annual Meeting Of The Virginia Academy Of Science: Proceedings

Virginia Journal of Science

Proceedings of the 91st Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science, held at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, May 22-24, 2013.

Section Abstracts: Psychology

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Psychology Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

Section Abstracts: Environmental Science

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Environmental Science Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

Section Abstracts: Natural History And Biodiversity

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Natural History and Biodiversity Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

New Perspectives In Leadership: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Public Speaking, Leo S. Lo

Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of overcoming the fear of public speaking.

The Role Of Personality In Individual Perceptions Of The Value Of Visual Journaling In Art Therapy Graduate Education, Daniel J. Koon

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This preliminary qualitative study used a mixed methods approach to explore the relationship between personality and individual perceptions regarding the value of the self-care practice of maintaining a visual journal. Twenty-two students from the Graduate Art Therapy and Counseling Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School participated in a pre-screening session, in which they completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Form M Self-Scorable. Ten of the twenty-two participants, five introverts and five extraverts, were selected based on the results of the MBTI. Over a one-month research period, participants each completed two ten-question surveys and a face-to-face interview. Participant responses were compared …

Altered Bookmaking With Lgbt Individuals: A Coming Out Process, Amber Nicole Lewis

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

According to current research, there is a scarcity of literature aimed at providing art therapy support groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) individuals to who are having difficulties revealing their sexuality orientation and gender identity. Fear of disapproval from family, work colleagues, school peers, and the general public make this process difficult. Group therapy and involvement in supportive LGBT communities are efficacious methodologies that could potentially help this community by providing a supportive place that is safe to explore their struggles (Davies, 1996). The coming out process could be addressed by developing accessible group art therapy experiences as a …

Art Therapy From Client And Therapist Perspectives: A Mixed Methods Study, Danielle L. Jweid

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

In order to constantly improve and enhance any field, research must explore all aspects. This study explored the experience of art therapy from the clients’ perspective and how the therapist views the client experience.

The participants in this study included two client-therapist dyads that were tracking the art therapy treatment experience over the course of four to five weeks. The study involved quantitative and qualitative data collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaires were filled out by therapist and client at the end of each session for the duration of the study and then the results were quantified and presented …

The Impact Of The Art Show And Open Studio On The Adolescent Art Experience: Considerations For The Field Of Art Therapy, Kimberly A. Huston

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

As adolescents developmentally explore their self-concept, their involvement in art can help foster a positive artist identity and positive self-concept. Art therapy research is lacking in the quantitative effects and effectiveness of an open studio and art show on adolescent art self-concept. In this non-clinical study, three adolescent participants, ages 13-14, attended three 90-minute open studio sessions and one concluding art show. Results were measured by the Art Self-Concept Inventory (ASCI) pre- and posttest. Additional quantitative and qualitative data was obtained by the Art Experience Questionnaire at the conclusion of the intervention. Results showed that score on the ASCI increased …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Emotional Experience Of Adults Taking The Art Therapy-Projective Imagery Assessment, Emily Hege

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This study is a phenomenological qualitative study on the emotional experience of adults taking the Art Therapy-Projective Imagery Assessment. The literature review of this study includes research on: the emotional experience of test taking, therapeutic, collaborative, and person centered assessment, emotional response to looking at art, emotional regulation during test taking, as well as research on art therapy assessment. This participants of this study included four adults between the ages of 18 and 16 years of age, recruited from the Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning at Eastern Virginia Medical School. The participants were administered the Art Therapy- Projective …

Perceptions Of Art Therapy Among Medical Students, Laura A. Sibiski

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This study utilized a mixed methods survey to address the perceptions of art therapy among medical students currently enrolled at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Of 530 students, 179 completed the online survey, which resulted in a 34% respondent rate. Overall, respondents indicated that they find the treatment of psychosocial factors/symptoms secondary to medical illness very important and psychiatry and psychotherapy/counseling as somewhat effective in doing so. The respondents reported a lack of knowledge regarding the field of art therapy and an overall interest in learning more about art therapy and the program specific to EVMS. Suggestions for further integration …

Depressive Symptoms And Bookmaking In Group Art Therapy With Female African American College Students, Joselyn Spence

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This mixed methods study examined the experience and effects of bookmaking in art therapy on the depressive symptoms of a 22 year-old female African American college student through a six-week art therapy intervention using bookmaking. It was hypothesized that bookmaking in art therapy would lead to a decrease of depressive symptoms. The hypothesis was supported as evidenced by a 14-point decrease on the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Additionally, the participant reported that the experience with bookmaking in art therapy was an effective tool in decreasing her depressive symptoms by giving her an outlet and a place to share her feelings.

Exploring Views Of The Family Unit As Conveyed By Kinetic Family Drawings Created By Children From The Filipino-American Group, Rebecca Masia

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

There have been contrasting opinions about children’s drawings. Considerable research is in support of culture having an influence on the drawings of children and adolescents, in that there are visible differences in drawing style, content, etc. Whereas, other research states that many characteristics in children’s drawings are universal constructs. Focus was placed on the family unit in terms of art assessment because research supports that the family cannot be understood outside of the context of culture. The current study sought to recognize how children portray the family unit and whether culturally-specific patterns would emerge through their family drawings.

Due to …

Zombies As A Generational Metaphor: Connections Between George A. Romero, Zombies And Fandom -- A Critical Study, Alfredo Torres

Communication & Theatre Arts Theses

Since the creation of the modern day zombie by George A. Romero in his directorial debut with the genre altering film Night of the Living Dead in 1968, zombie have been associated with becoming a metaphoric representation of social and cultural issues surrounding the times these films were released, with Romero's films being at the forefront of this phenomenon. A review of Romero's career including his influences was examined as well as the film history of the zombie subgenre, the connections it has to its fans and how the fans influenced the development of the genre. A survey was connected …

Empathic Communication: Lifespan Influences And Transgressional Associations In Military Romantic Relationships, Samantha Faith Levan

Communication & Theatre Arts Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the influences and transgressional associations of empathic communication in military romantic relationships. Through varying attachment styles, deployments, and combat experience, soldiers have a unique set of circumstances that impact the use of empathic communication in relationships. Since the effectiveness of empathic communication is also limited by unreliable communicative technologies, infidelity effects were also tested. A 66-item online survey was placed on Survey Monkey with links from social media networking websites, like Facebook and Twitter. Surveys were anonymous and only taken by soldiers who had experienced at least one deployment. The goodness of …

Cognition In Adults’ Experience Of The Art Therapy-Projective Imagery Assessment, Gaelan Harmon-Walker

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The Art Therapy-Projective Imagery Assessment (AT-PIA) is a direct-observation clinical interview consisting of six drawings. It is administered by art therapists to children, adolescents, and adults to identify developmental level, areas of clinical concern, strengths, defenses, diagnoses, and potential for engaging with art processes and materials in a therapeutic relationship. Although assessment remains a research priority for art therapists, paucity exists in the literature regarding art therapy clinical interviews.

This qualitative multiple case study explored the experiences of five adult standardized patients, recruited from the Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning. Participants were individually administered the AT-PIA and then …

Body Image: Indicators And Concern As Demonstrated In A Brief Art Therapy Group, Ashley Busch

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Research indicates that adolescent girls are prone to partake in pathological eating habits and internalization of the “thin ideal,” which increases their predisposition for developing a negative body image. Negative body image, in turn, increases the risk of developing an eating disorder. This study examined art therapy’s effectiveness in identifying body image concern in a group of pre-adolescent girls. Three girls participated in the single-session art therapy intervention that contained three art tasks related to body image. Two qualitative measures and one qualitative pretest/posttest measures were included to evaluate body image concern and the overall effectiveness of the intervention. Each …

The Three Dimensions Of Cultural Competency In Art Therapy Education: Awareness, Knowledge, And Skills, Evans Baker

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The subject of multicultural competent practice has gained attention from the mental health professions for the last few decades. Many health profession’s associations took actions to ensure that cultural competent practice is one of the major focuses in the educational setting. The American Art Therapy Association understood the necessity of multicultural competency education and in December 2011, announced the Multicultural / Diversity Competencies as a guideline for practicing art therapists and educators to establish cultural competency standards. Lack of research in the subject of multicultural competency inspired this study to examine the art therapy education program in a wide range …

Searching For Graphic Indicators Of Resilience In A Homeless Youth Population: A Research Proposal, Aubrey Hall

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The presence of resilience in a person may determine their ability to bounce back from adverse experiences. This proposal suggests art therapy as an excellent modality for building resilience and therefore also a means for measuring the degree of resilience an individual possesses. Information regarding the Person Picking an Apple from a Tree (PPAT) drawing is analyzed in the following paragraphs and connections between the drawing and resilience are discussed. This researcher supports the PPAT directive as a tool for assessing resilience in a homeless youth population.