Digital Commons Network^™

Human Papillomavirus Knowledge, Beliefs, And Behaviors Among Community College Students: Why Should It Matter?, Eric Pittman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (U.S.). Approximately 42.5 million individuals in the U.S. are infected with disease-associated HPV, and 13 million new cases occur every year. It is estimated that 85% of sexually active adults will be infected with HPV at some point during their lifetime. Most individuals infected with HPV are asymptomatic and clear the virus without any complications. However, in some individuals, the virus persists. Prolonged HPV infection has been associated with six different types of cancer and genital warts. There are approximately 37,000 cases of HPV-associated cancers …

The Predictive Value Of College Entrance Exams On Retention Of Domestic, First-Time, Full-Time Freshman At The University Of Mississippi, James D. Corner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the predictive value of college entrance exams specifically the ACT and SAT on the academic retention of domestic, first-time, full-time freshmen at the University of Mississippi. With the rise of test-optional admissions models, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this research investigates whether standardized test scores remain relevant in forecasting student success, defined by persistence from freshman to sophomore year and academic performance measured through GPA in the first and second semesters. Drawing upon a conceptual framework that includes pre-college characteristics, standardized assessments, and early academic performance, this study challenges the long-held assumption that standardized exams …

Distress Tolerance And Links With 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure, Colter K. Clayton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality. Psychosocial factors are associated with blood pressure control and preliminary evidence has linked greater distress tolerance to lower blood pressure. The present study examined associations between distress tolerance and key blood pressure markers (24-hour mean blood pressure, nocturnal dipping) among community-dwelling adults (N = 60) using the noninvasive gold standard of blood pressure measurement—ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Separate hierarchal linear regression analyses did not reveal any significant relationships between distress tolerance and 24-hour mean systolic, …

Comprehensibility, Accentedness, And Intelligibility Of English Varieties As Perceived By Japanese Learners Of English, Kana Machida

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In response to Japanese learners of English having limited exposure to various English accents in education, this study investigates their comprehensibility, accentedness, intelligibility, and familiarity with different accents. Twelve participants evaluated how easy speakers were to understand and the extent of their accentedness, and transcribed their speech.

Quantitative analysis revealed that Japanese learners of English struggle with understanding certain accented varieties of English, particularly Nigerian English, and are unfamiliar with them. In contrast, General American English and Southern American English speakers were generally perceived as less accented and easier to understand. However, results from the listening transcription task indicated that …

Working With Parents/Guardians To Provide Support And Knowledge For Structured Literacy Spelling Instruction At Home, Claire Rearick Fearn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation in practice explores the role of spelling instruction within the framework of the Science of Reading (SOR) and Structured Literacy (SL). This research examines how spelling, a vital yet acquired literacy skill, is foundational to reading and writing development and should be taught explicitly and systematically through SL principles. Drawing on research in cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and educational research the study highlights how the brain learns to read and spell, reinforcing the need for evidence-based instruction that integrates both encoding and decoding practices. Despite research starting the importance of teaching spelling utilizing SL methods, spelling instruction and …

Navigating Cultural Transitions: The Adaptation Experiences Of Bangladeshi International Students In The Usa, Khadiza Tul Kubra

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how Bangladeshi international students adapt to life and study in the United States. I conducted in-depth interviews with students at the University of Mississippi to understand their everyday experiences. My focus was on how they manage cultural, academic, and social challenges. I used segmented assimilation theory, Berry’s acculturation model, and Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital to guide my analysis. The findings are shared in three main parts. First, I discuss how students use community support and religious networks to feel at home. Second, I look at how they deal with language barriers, classroom culture, and identity shifts. …

Attitudes And Motivation Of Saudi Students Learning Chinese As A Foreign Language In Saudi Arabia, Emad Hamuh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to examine the attitudes and motivation of Saudi learners toward learning Chinese as a foreign language (CFL), the effectiveness of Chinese teaching pedagogy, and the learners’ perceptions of Chinese culture and its impact on cross-cultural communication. This study is qualitative in nature, incorporating a qualitative instrument of data collection (in-depth interviews). The target population includes 8 Saudi CFL learners and 4 instructors at two universities in Saudi Arabia, namely King Abdulaziz University (KAU) and the University of Jeddah (UJ). The findings revealed that some Saudi CFL learners exhibited positive attitudes toward CFL learning, primarily influenced by their …

Motivating Students To Read, Lashonda Renee' Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This applied research study was conducted to motivate third-grade students to increase the amount of time that they read each day at school and at home to support further the passage of the Third-Grade Summative Assessment. In the study, I examined the implementation of the Accelerated Reader Program to establish student reading goals and to enhance the school’s reading culture. I used teacher interviews, teacher surveys, and parent surveys in this study. The findings revealed that students who passed the Mississippi Third-Grade Summative Assessment increased their reading proficiency. A positive impact was made on the students’ reading proficiency, attitudes, motivation, …

An Evaluation Of A Collaborative Effort In High School Science Classes To Support Teaching And Learning Through Professional Development, Shalanda Saulsberry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to improve high school teachers’ instructional practices through professional learning. This applied research study, using program evaluation, sought to improve science instruction in building their capacity through instructional practices. Faculty interest was created from reviewing various school and district data sources, observing the practices of science teachers, and having informal conversations with students about learning. Although professional development was provided in the past, there was a need for content-specific science professional learning to change teachers’ instructional practices. Through targeted professional development sessions, as well as observation and feedback, there was a goal of increasing …

1:1 Ipad Implementation & Standardized Testing, Kristen Lane Whitehead Zemek

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between 1:1 iPad implementation and student performance on the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) standardized tests. As school districts increasingly adopt 1:1 technology initiatives, it is critical to understand their impact on key academic outcomes. This research examines the extent to which the consistent use of iPads in the learning environment influences student achievement in core subjects. By analyzing test score data from schools with established 1:1 iPad programs, this paper seeks to provide empirical evidence to inform educational stakeholders, administrators, and policymakers. The findings aim to contribute to the broader discourse on technology integration …

Academic Achievement Variables: Significance Devalued By Correlated Variables, Ray J. Yancy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This correlational study investigates the relationship between student academic achievement and various external factors, including funding, student attendance, school attributes, and family income, across 147 Tennessee K-12 public school districts. Using Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) and End-Of-Course (EOC) scores to define student achievement, the study analyzes data from over 1900 schools during the 2023-2024 school year. Employing the statistical analysis software - SPSS - for descriptive and correlation analysis, the study excludes schools with incomplete data. The findings reveal significant correlations between student achievement and 80% of the external variables, rejecting the null hypothesis in 12 of 15 cases …

Loneliness And Ambulatory Blood Pressure, Patric Justin Leukel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is by extension associated with potentially life-threatening events (e.g., heart attack, stroke). Loneliness, which has been linked to cardiovascular health problems, may be an important risk factor for hypertension. Most studies exploring psychosocial factors and blood pressure focus on single-point measurements of blood pressure, which have notable limitations. The current study investigated the association between loneliness and markers of hypertension (i.e., mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure dip, average pulse pressure, and AASI) in a diverse sample by utilizing an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device. Sixty …

Meeting The Mandate: An Applied Research Study On Improving Student Success In Advanced Placement Courses., Heather Bryan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Educational policy influences the landscape of American public schools. School leaders are tasked with navigating change and addressing unforeseen repercussions stemming from shifts in educational policy. As Mississippi moved to integrate Advanced Placement courses in all high schools, school leaders were tasked to comply and provide systems of support for school and student achievement. These unintended consequences led to an adjustment in expectations and rigor in all classrooms. This applied research study with program evaluation aimed to mitigate this change and support not only Advanced Placement students, but all students, to facilitate student growth and achievement. The program sought to …

A Sociolinguistic Study Of The Bani Malik Dialect In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Mansour Almalki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My research aims to examine how the dialect of the Bani Malik community, a minority group in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has been influenced by its contact with the urban dialect of Mecca. It also aims to record Bani Malik speakers’ attitudes toward their heritage dialect. Thirty-six Bani Malik speakers of different age groups, genders, and amounts of contact with Meccan speakers were interviewed for 30 minutes each. Quantitative data analysis was used to investigate the influence of the Meccan dialect on one Bani Malik morphological feature, the first-person singular possessive marker < -i:h>, and two phonological features, the diphthongs [ai] and …

Improving Teacher Effectiveness, Keith D. Powell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This applied action research with a program evaluation aimed to determine if the Improving Effectiveness Three (IE3) program which is composed of professional development on the Professional Growth System (PGS), engagement in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and participation in the New Teacher Academy (NTA) improves teacher effectiveness at North Panama High School (NPHS) as measured by the Mississippi Professional Growth System.

For the past five years, the United States has struggled to fully staff public schools with highly effective teachers. This struggle is increasingly difficult in several southern states. North Panama High School, surrounded by more affluent school districts, experiences …

Creating A Mentorship Program For Assistant Principals To Improve Instructional Leadership, Shadonica Sharee Scruggs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective instructional leadership is essential for strengthening teachers’ instructional capacity and improving student outcomes. However, many assistant principals often lack the mentorship and targeted professional development needed to thrive in this critical role. Providing them with the right support can bridge this gap, empowering them to become transformative leaders in their schools. In this study, I explored the development and implementation of a mentorship program designed to strengthen the instructional leadership skills of assistant principals with the ultimate goal of enhancing student learning outcomes. Using an applied research design, I collected data through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with assistant …

In Defense Of Intellectual Autonomy, Paisley Agyare Boaitey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent attention in virtue and social epistemology has been devoted to analyzing intellectual virtues. However, intellectual autonomy is underappreciated and has been underexplored. The lack of specificity about the formal character of autonomy makes evaluating it as an intellectual character trait and virtue difficult. Here, I will examine extant accounts of intellectual autonomy and show why puzzles about them remain. I then offer intellectual autonomy under a compositional framework. Ultimately, I aim to show that intellectual autonomy—when adequately conceived—is a viable intellectual virtue that epistemic agents in an intellectual community [ought] to cultivate and maintain.

On Developing A Behavioral Paradigm To Measure Intolerance Of Uncertainty: The Ambiguous Approach Index, Heather Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research in clinical psychology over the last 40 years has solidified intolerance of uncertainty (IU) as an important transdiagnostic etiological and maintenance factor of affective psychopathology. Theoretically, IU is the dispositional cognitive tendency underlying anxiety related avoidance behaviors, such as worry, checking, and hypervigilance which lead to increased functional impairment. IU is associated with increased severity of numerous psychological concerns including anxiety, depression, and other commonly comorbid conditions. Further, higher levels of IU are found in clinical than non-clinical samples, emphasizing its role in mental health outcomes. However, behavioral paradigms used to differentiate between individuals of different diagnostic groups or …

Lucumí Language Preservation In Cuban Literature: A Study Of Miami Santeros’ Perceptions, Dayni Deysi Diaz Mederos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Santería is an Afro-Cuban religion that has played a significant role in shaping Cuba’s cultural identity and that of its diaspora. Lucumí, a liturgical language primarily derived from Yoruba, is at the core of its religious practices. This language has been incorporated into the works of Cuban writers such as Lydia Cabrera, Alejo Carpentier, Nicolás Guillén, Miguel Barnet, and Nancy Morejón. While previous scholarship has examined Lucumí from linguistic and literary perspectives (Olmstead, 1953; Castellanos, 1939; Concordia, 2012; Ramos, 2013; Matibag, 2017), little attention has been given to how santeros, practitioners of Santería, perceive the representation of their sacred language …

Excarnation, Ugochukwu Damian Okpara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A collection of poems.

The History Of The Delta State University Music Department, Steven Gregory Hugley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the history of Delta State University's music department from its inception in 1925 as Delta Teachers College to the closure of the department in May 2024, just shy of the University’s centennial. The study examines the ensembles offered, student and faculty participation, and degree programs throughout the years. It also considers the department's development and the factors leading to its closure, with insights into future plans. The research provides a comprehensive overview of the music department’s evolution and impact over nearly a century.

Differing Russian Translations Of British Pre-Victorian Era Politeness In Literary Texts: A Case Study Of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice, Olga Ponomareva

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This case study investigates the translation of pre-Victorian-era politeness in Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice into Russian. The study addresses translators’ challenges when transferring cultural and social nuances from the original English texts to their Russian counterparts. The primary objective of this research is to analyze how Russian translations handle the concept of politeness, comparing strategies used by two translators, which is achieved through a comparative analysis of selected excerpts from the novel, focusing on the translation of politeness as defined by Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory. The study contributes to translation studies, showing the importance of cultural …

The Relationship Between College Entrance Exam Scores And First-Year Undergraduate Grade Point Averages At A Regional Public University: An Exploratory Analysis, Kaitlyn Sanson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the relationship between college entrance exam scores and first-year college grade point averages for first-year students enrolled at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Using a three-manuscript approach, the dissertation in practice explores the predictive validity of college entrance exam scores in higher education admissions, evaluates the effectiveness of these exams in forecasting academic success, and connects leadership philosophy to data-driven decision-making in admissions policies.

Manuscript One introduces the problem of practice by situating college entrance exams within the broader context of college admissions. While entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT have traditionally been …

The Ole Miss, University Of Mississippi

The Ole Miss (1897-)

The Ole Miss Annual, 2025

A Kid's Guide To Infectious Disease, Abby Carroll

Honors Theses

A Kid’s Guide to Infectious Disease is an educational illustrated book intended for young pediatric patients, ages three to five. This project was inspired by my personal interests, involvement at the University of Mississippi, and experience as a medical assistant. Over the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work as a medical assistant, interacting with many pediatric patients and their families at HealthPointe Primary Care. As a pre-physician assistant student studying biology, I was inspired to create a resource for these kids by both my classes at the University of Mississippi and my passion for pediatric …

12.02.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Email Address Matters

All of Us Researcher Symposium

Welcome Anya Goldman

The Relationship Between Religious Coping Styles And Eating Disorder Risk In Christians In A University Setting, Meghan E. Aubuchon

Honors Theses

Existing research on eating disorders and religion is beginning to gain momentum in the present day, but research is lacking on the topic of religious coping and eating disorder risk. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between two known styles of religious coping—positive and negative—and eating disorder risk in University of Mississippi students, faculty, and staff who identify as Christian. A survey consisting of basic demographic questions, the EAT-26, and the Brief RCOPE was distributed via emails sent by the office of IREP to students, faculty, and staff at the University of Mississippi. A total of 330 participants were …

Finding Aid For The St. Philomena Catholic School Collection (Mum00822)

Archives & Special Collections: Finding Aids (alphabetical)

Scrapbook containing photographs of St Philomena Catholic School in Pass Christian, MS

The View From Ventress - 2023-2024 Academic Year, University Of Mississippi, College Of Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts Newsletters

News from the College of Liberal Arts

November 21, 2024, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.