Digital Commons Network^™

Collaboration In English Language Learner Teacher Education: Implications For Moving Theory Into Practice, Katie Erin Erickson

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study was developed to fill the gap in current research on what extent five teacher educators, from three Midwest and one Southwest teacher education program, are preparing English Language Learner (ELL) preservice teachers to collaborate in ELL teacher education. The results indicate that ELL teacher educators are not preparing ELL preservice teachers to collaborate for K-12 ELLs. The interview data supports the implication that teacher educators perceive some degree of programmatic reform in teacher education programs is necessary for the integration of collaboration for ELL education.

There are several recommendations resulting from this study. Teacher education programs …

Attitudes And Beliefs Of North Dakota Early Childhood Educators Toward Gender Constructs, Janelle Jean Ferderer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the attitudes and beliefs about gender and gender diversity held by certified practicing early childhood teachers in North Dakota Department of Public Instruction approved preschool programs. Selected children’s books were used to elicit qualitative responses that provided insight into teachers’ beliefs, attitudes, and practices regarding gender.

The theoretical framework for the study was based on Vygotsky’s theories on the Zones of Proximal Development (ZPD) and the More Knowledgeable Other (MKO), which focus on the importance of the role of educators’ influence in the social development of young children. The methodology for …

Athletic Trainers Describe Their Use Of Imagery: What, Where, When, And Why, Rachel Phelps

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Conduct an in-depth exploration of imagery use by ATs by investigating if ATs use imagery and what, where, when, and why they image.

Design: Qualitative design.

Setting: Online questionnaire.

Participants: 219 ATs (94 females, 124 males, 1 unknown) representing 6 different position titles.

Main Outcome Measure: Modified Imagery Use by Athletic Trainers Questionnaire.

Results: ATs believed instructors should be the ones to teach them how to use imagery. Results showed that 81% of the sample used imagery but 19% did not use imagery for a variety of reasons (i.e., time, lack of education). Images used by ATs fell into …

Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions Of Barriers And Facilitators To Making A Recommendation To Screen For Colorectal Cancer, Jesse Tran

Theses and Dissertations

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in North Dakota. It also ranks second in late-stage diagnosis among all cancers. High quality screening tests such as colonoscopy have shown to reduce CRC incidence significantly, but screening rates in North Dakota remain low. The literature is consistent in that a recommendation by a healthcare provider is the most influential factor in a patient’s decision to screen.

Purpose. The purpose of this dissertation was to understand how healthcare providers perceive the barriers and facilitators that affect their decision to make CRC screening recommendations to patients. Identifying …

Health And Wellness Coaching Utilization And Perspectives Of Health Practitioners Working In American Indian Communities, Jill Breyen

Theses and Dissertations

Despite increased interest in client-directed counseling methods to manage chronic disease, limited data exists about utilization of counseling skills and attitudes towards these methods among health care providers, specifically those providing care to at risk populations. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the beliefs and practices of a multidisciplinary group of health practitioners who were trained in health and wellness coaching (HWC) that included motivational interviewing (MI) techniques. The training was sponsored by the Bemidji Area Indian Health Service Health Promotion Disease Prevention (BAO IHS HPDP) program. Forty-seven trained coaches from the BAO IHS HPDP working with …

Intergenerational Effects Of Embryonic Cocaine Exposure In Zebrafish, Cody Adam Boyle

Theses and Dissertations

Cocaine addiction has both genetic and environmentally driven components. Relatively recently several groups have suggested that epigenetic regulation of gene expression might be the mechanism linking environmental influence and inheritance in drug addiction. We have shown previously that embryonic cocaine exposure increases physiological and behavioral sensitivity to the drug in longitudinal adults. In this study, we provide evidence that the effects of embryonic pre-exposure to cocaine are intergenerational in zebrafish. In addition, we show how gene expression in the zebrafish telencephalon, which includes the teleost equivalent of the nucleus accumbens, changes during acute cocaine treatment during behavioral testing. These experiments …

A Phenomenological Study Of Bullying Experienced By Graduate Students And Faculty Through The Lens Of Power, Anne Bodensteiner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of graduate students and faculty members who experienced bullying as a result of their role in higher education. Phenomenological exploration of this topic involved interviews with 14 participants; seven graduate students and seven faculty members. Power as described by Foucault (1994) was used as theoretical framework for this research. Findings from the study revealed institutions of higher education exploit power through differentiation, institutionalization, instrumental modes, types of objectives, and rationalization. Age, gender, life experiences, and positional rank were differentials found between the subject and aggressor. Institutionalization was expressed through …

Relationships Between The Second To Fourth Digit Ratio (2d:4d) And Game-Related Statistics In Semi-Professional Female Basketball Players, Makailah Janae Dyer

Theses and Dissertations

Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a negative correlate of sports performance, although this relationship may be weak in open-skill sports. This study aimed to quantify relationships between 2D:4D and game-related statistics in female basketball players, and to quantify differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starters and reserves. Sixty-four female basketball players were measured for height, mass, and 2D:4D, with game-related statistics collected end-season. Partial correlations (adjusted for age and BMI) quantified relationships between 2D:4Ds and game- related statistics. Unpaired t-tests quantified differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starters and reserves. This study found that 2D:4D was a substantial negative correlate of blocks, rebounds, …

Toward A General Race Salience Effect: Alternative Manipulations And Group-Level Decision Making, Bradlee Wayne Gamblin

Theses and Dissertations

The race salience effect of juror decision making states that White jurors will display bias favoring White defendants over Black defendants only when race is not a prominent aspect of the crime or trial. Although past research has established this effect under certain conditions, a broader investigation of the effect is currently lacking in the literature. Furthermore, the literature has largely ignored the role that jury deliberation may have in attenuating or exacerbating the race salience effect. In total, 357 White mock jurors participated in a simulated court case about an interracial bar fight in which race was made salient …

Design And Construction Of A Robotic Vehicle To Assist During Planetary Surface Operations, Christopher Anthony Follette

Theses and Dissertations

In the near future, astronauts will explore new planetary surfaces in the Solar System. To enable peak performance, these astronauts will need to utilize all of the tools at their disposal. It is proposed that one such tool is a planetary surface rover designed specifically to assist the astronauts during their Extra-Vehicular-Activities (EVA’s).

This rover is designed and built to operate in concert with existing analog planetary surface infrastructure at the University of North Dakota (UND). This rover will be remotely controlled by an astronaut located on the planetary surface, enabling real-time operation and obstacle avoidance. The rover will act …

Social And Emotional Learning In The Ell Classroom: A Case Study, Satoko Takeda Kao

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of social-emotional learning (SEL) is to create a safe environment for students to learn in and improve peer relationships, decrease conduct problems and emotional distress, and promote academic achievement. SEL program implementation has grown over the last decade in U.S. schools; however, these programs are designed for general education, not English Language Learner (ELL) students. Furthermore, research on teaching SEL to ELL students is limited.

This study explored what SEL looked like and how bullying prevention and character education programs were adapted in an elementary ELL classroom. The theoretical framework for this study was based on CASEL’s “Five …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Negative Impact Of Falls On Health, Well-Being, And Survival Among Older Adults: An Examination Of Protective Psychosocial Mediators, Harpa Lind Jonsdottir

Theses and Dissertations

Falls can have detrimental effects on older adults’ physical and psychological health, and survival rates. However, there appears to be a protective psychosocial mediator that may lessen the negative impact of experiencing a fall on health and well-being. The psychosocial factors examined as mediators of the falls - health and well-being relationship in this study were dispositional optimism and perceived control. Participants were 232 community-dwelling older adults, age 68 or older. This study was linked to a longitudinal study including data collected in 2008 and 2010 (Grand Cities Healthy Aging Study (GCHAS). Measurements of dispositional optimism, perceived control, self-rated physical …

Working And Providing Care: Increasing Student Engagement For Part-Time Community College Students, Daniel Leingang

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among external time obligations of work and care giving by part-time students, their participation within structured group learning experiences, and student engagement. The Structured Group Learning Experiences (SGLEs) explored within this study include community college programming activities of orientation, accelerated developmental education, first-year experience courses, student success courses, and learning communities. Student engagement was measured by the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) Benchmark values. The focus of this research was to explore how differing levels of time spent working for pay and in providing care for dependents impacted …

The Effects Of Subject Presentation Types In Problem Based Learning (Pbl) Problems On Student Motivation: A Pbl Implementation In Speech Language Pathology, Elaine Kim Pyle

Theses and Dissertations

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an evidence-based instructional approach designed to maximize one’s ability to use static knowledge as evidence for solving authentic problems (Barrows, 1986). Students have been observed as underprepared or skipping steps during the PBL process due to fatigue or low motivation (Czabanowska, Moust, Meijer, Schr��-B夫, & Robertson, 2012). This study considered the impact of the presentation of the PBL subject (i.e., the key character involved in the problem) on student motivation within the context of Speech and Voice Science curricula. The results of this mixed-methods study showed the frequency of engagement behaviors declined overall. Although engagement levels …

The Impact Of Gender, Victim Weight, And Victim Responsibility On Attributions Of Blame And Responsibility In A Case Of Nonconsensual Pornography, Carolyn Ann Uhl

Theses and Dissertations

The sharing of sexually explicit messages or photographs, known as sexting, is on the rise. As a result, nonconsensual pornography, commonly referred to as revenge porn, is also increasing. Victims of nonconsensual pornography suffer a variety of negative consequences following the distribution of their photographs. Various case and victim characteristics of nonconsensual pornography cases may alter observer perceptions of these situations. This study utilized a mock police report describing a case in which a former romantic partner distributed nude photographs of the victim online without the victim’s consent. The police reports were identical, apart from manipulations of victim gender, victim …

The Impact Of Social Norms On Young Women's Health-Related Risk Perceptions, Intentions, And Behaviors, Karen Elizabeth Vanderzanden

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that social norms may influence individuals’ engagement in potentially dangerous behaviors. The current study examined the influence of descriptive norms and injunctive norms on risk perceptions, intentions, and behavioral outcomes for tanning and binge drinking. Participants were 359 Caucasian women between the ages of 21 and 25 years old residing in the United States who completed online surveys via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The study employed a 3 (Descriptive norm information: high risk estimate vs. low risk estimate vs. none) x 3 (Injunctive norm information: approval vs. disapproval vs. none) x 2 (Target risk behavior: tanning vs. …

Parents Of Adolescent Children With Mental Illness: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Lived Experience, Lindsay Yates

Theses and Dissertations

The current exploratory study aimed to understand the experience of parents whose children have severe and persistent mental illness. It was hypothesized that themes developed from parents’ responses to interview questions would indicate the presence of a) grief, b) trauma, c) subjective burden, and d) objective burden. Participants were 13 parents, comprised of conveniently sampled biological parents and legal guardians. Each parent was independently interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed by the principal investigator. Transcripts were analyzed using consensual qualitative analysis. An in-depth analysis of each transcript and cross analysis of transcripts yielded seven domains: …

Identified Stressors And Coping Mechanisms Of Occupational Therapy Students, Amy Fitzsimmons, Ashley Zimmer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this research study was to gather data on stressors experienced by occupational therapy students during their program and how they cope with their identified stressors. The rationale for this study was the lack of and inconsistent research regarding occupational therapy students, how they experience perceived psychological stress during their program, and how they cope with their identified stressors.

Methodology: The researchers utilized a quantitative exploratory survey design to discover perceived psychological stress and coping methods in Master’s of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students. Prior to recruitment, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was received. Respondents were recruited through …

Leisure Occupations For Adults With Physical Disabilities: A Guide For Occupational Therapy Practice, Kelsey Glatt, Tracy Perish

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Limited research is available addressing active leisure participation and how leisure participation affects quality of life (QOL) of individuals following physical disability. Research shows a correlation between adaptive leisure participation and higher rated life satisfaction, community integration, perceived competence, and reduced negative mood states (Chun et. al., 2008; Lundberg et al., 2011a). There are currently no occupational therapy assessments for clients with physical disabilities having a goal of participation in active leisure occupations.

Purpose: To provide information and resources to occupational therapists and clients with paraplegia or lower tetraplegia spinal cord injury (SCI) in order to enhance participation in …

Lived Experience Of Individuals Who Had A Disruption In Ability To Drive, Shelby Hoskinson, Graydon Larsen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Driving is both a highly valued occupation within the United States and an occupation that is frequently addressed by occupational therapists. According to the CDC (2017) there are more than 40 million older drivers ages 65 years or older within the United States. There is extensive research pertaining to the value of the occupation of driving as well as evaluation and treatment approaches for the occupation of driving following an injury or illness. While driving is sometimes the best option after an injury or illness, there are situations when returning to driving is not realistic or safe for the …

Addressing Sleep Deficiencies In Older Adult Residents Of Long-Term Care Facilities: Presenting A Flowchart For An Interdisciplinary Approach, Peter Owens, Tavin Deru

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is a growing population of older adults, or those people over 65 years old in long term care (LTC) facilities who report sleep deficiencies at a heightened rate, leading to decrease function, cognition, and social participation while increasing mortality, morbidity and the risk of falling (Booth & McMilliam, 2009; Cipolli, Mazzetti, & Plazzi, 2013; Crowley, 2011; Dzierewski et al., 2014; Helbig et al., 2013; Kuck, Pantke, & Flick, 2015). Occupational therapists (OTs) offer non-pharmacological sleep interventions in the long-term care facilities but are not present at many relevant sleeping times. This scholarly project is a flow chart aid to …

Brief Exposure To Images Of Friends Via Social Media Leads To Higher Momentary Risk For Eating Psychopathology Among College Women Who Internalize The Thin Ideal, Erin Elizabeth Murtha-Berg

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the causal effects of brief exposure to images of friends via social media on state body image satisfaction and momentary desires to engage in weight-loss behaviors among college women and the moderating influence of trait thin-ideal internalization, appearance comparison, body satisfaction, and eating psychopathology on these effects. This was a 2-phase study. Participants (N=183) completed baseline measures online before attending a laboratory appointment. During the laboratory appointment, participants completed an exercise to identify the one similar-aged, female Facebook friend with whom they engaged in the most photo-related activity recently. Participants completed measures of state body image satisfaction …

The Influence Of Mentoring Relationship Quality And Satisfaction On Novice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, Matar Ahmed Alessa

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the influence of mentoring relationship quality, mentoring satisfaction, and mentor matches on novice teachers’ self-efficacy. Additionally, the study continued to explore a Midwestern State’s mentoring program features, novice teachers’ needs, and challenges of working conditions. The study surveyed 340 novice teachers, with a returning rate of 43.5% (N =148), including 10 participants who provided partial responses. Participants were assigned from different grade levels and school demographics. The study found statistical correlation between mentoring relationship quality and novice teachers’ self-efficacy. Also, mentor matches by school, content, and grade levels did not show a statistical influence on mentoring relationship …

Using The Expectancy-Value Theory To Understand Why Women Persist Or Leave Collegiate Stem Programs: A Mixed Methods Study, Joseph Appianing

Theses and Dissertations

Concerns have been raised about the ability of the U.S. to maintain its global technological competitive advantage in the future because of American college students’ attitudes—particularly women—toward STEM programs and careers (Chen, 2013; Ehrenberg, 2010; Palmer & Wood, 2013). Many female students graduate from high school academically well-prepared to pursue STEM majors, and many choose to pursue STEM majors in college, yet many also leave those majors (Chen, 2015; Hill, Corbett, & Rose, 2010). Theories such as perceived value and expectations for success (Eccles et al., 1983), self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977, 1986), and self-determination (Deci & Ryan, 1985) have been advanced …

Variations In Video Game Play Habits And Beliefs Over Time, John Adam Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological research about the consequences of playing video games has grown exponentially, correlating to the exponential growth of the video game industry. In the past decade, a major impetus has related to the concept of video game addiction, pathological gaming, or Internet Gaming Disorder. While the presence of this problem is widely accepted and there is growing knowledge about the factors contributing to its development and perpetuation, there is minimal research speaking to intervention. The primary purpose of the present study was to identify a potential pathway to educate members of the gaming community about pathological gaming, with the hope …

The Problem-Solving Approach Of Health And Education Professionals Who Have Experience In The Arts As An Artist And Personal Experience In Trauma, Chanel Myers

Theses and Dissertations

Clients face many different obstacles within healthcare and education settings. Professionals in health and education fields are in a position to be a problem-solving resource to clients, students, and patients. The subset of professionals being examined are problem-solving professionals, who work with clients/students/patients, within the health and education fields, who self-identify as an artist, and also have experienced trauma with chronic struggling. How do problem-solving professionals in health and education fields who self-identify as an artist and have experienced trauma with chronic struggling approach problem-solving in their profession? This study used qualitative methods and interviewed ten participants. This study found …

Distributed Team Communication Preferences: A Case Study Of Community-Based Medical Schools, Jessica Sobolik

Theses and Dissertations

It’s surprising that in the 50 years since computer networks were created, geographically distributed teams still face communication challenges. Businesses manage geographically distributed teams across the globe seemingly well, but in higher education, communication between geographically distributed teams on different campuses is a challenge. Faculty-administrators, staff and students are focused on their day-to-day tasks, and send e-mails and voicemails without giving much thought to how those messages are received on the other end. Often, the recipient of that communication reacts negatively, causing conflict.

This mixed-methods exploratory-sequential study qualitatively explored communication challenges, solutions, preferences, and feelings of connectedness and conflict among …

Cameroonian Immigrants Switching From Non-Stem To Stem-And-Related Fields In The United States, Delphine Ngum Tamukong

Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies on STEM education in the United States (U.S.) have largely focused on such issues as the ever increasing need for more STEM workers, STEM attrition/retention, the gender gap in STEM, encouraging more STEM enrollment both at college and post-graduate levels, and the use of modern technology to facilitate STEM education. Other studies have considered the impact of immigrants on STEM education in the U.S. and on the U.S. economy in terms of either creating or filling STEM jobs. Many of those studies underscore the importance of immigrants in boosting the high skilled, much needed, STEM labor force and …

The Prediction Of Nonmedical Prescription Stimulant Use In College Students, Danielle Lynn Beyer

Theses and Dissertations

The use of prescription stimulant medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall, has increased dramatically over the past two decades (Zuvekas & Vitiello, 2014). Particularly concerning to public health officials has been the escalation of college students who report nonmedical prescription stimulant use (NPS). Studies have identified cognitive enhancement (i.e., increased concentration, etc.) as the primary motive for college students to engage in NPS (DeSantis et al, 2011; Smith & Farah, 2011). Additional findings suggest individuals involved with Greek organizations and/or individuals who maintain lower cumulative grade point averages (GPA) report significantly higher rates of NPS than Non-Greek and/or higher GPA …

Perceptions Of Dress Code Compliance, Kristen Nicole Leighton

Theses and Dissertations

Recent media coverage of middle and high school dress code controversies has called into question the fairness of such regulations on students’ clothing. The current study investigated gender differences in reactions to dress code violations and how reactions varied based on the race of the student who violated the dress code. The current study also explored how individual differences in hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, and social dominance orientation influenced judgments about dress code violations. Judgments about dress code violations were not found to vary based on the gender of the participant or race of the target. Social dominance orientation, however, …