Digital Commons Network^™

Coping Strategies And Personality In Schizophrenia: Can These Two Factors Influence Relapse Rates And Quality Of Life?, Amanda Collins

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Many schizophrenia patients never fully recover from their illness, despite being relatively stable. Therefore, research is beginning to go beyond symptom treatment and focus on patients' quality of life. Coping strategies and personality are two factors that may influence quality of life. This study investigated the effects of specific coping strategies and personality on the outcome of schizophrenia as measured by psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and relapse rates. Results showed that symptomatology was associated with coping strategies that entailed creating a plan of action, while relapse rates were negatively associated with coping strategies that entailed mental and behavioral distraction. …

United States American Students' Experience With And Orientation Toward International Diversity In A Midwestern Comprehensive University Setting, Olga V. Kostareva

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The growing phenomenon of globalization has directly affected all levels of postsecondary institutions as evidenced by the strong emphasis colleges and universities place on internationalizing their campuses. Among the forthstanding efforts toward campus internationalization is attracting international students to American colleges and universities. Numbers of international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities have indeed been very high, placing this country in the leading position for hosting students from abroad. Hhowever, the role international students play in the overall process of internationalization has rarely been addressed. While the presence of international students is believed to contribute significantly to the intellectual …

Emergent Literacy Learning, Tera Bockenstedt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of literature was to look at research in the area of early literacy acquisition. A brief background on emergent literacy and how emergent literacy has impacted educational reform was discussed. The review of literature discussed research on emergent literacy development, in particular the skills that are appropriate for young children to acquire in preparation for entrance into formal schooling. A look at research about the influences on emergent literacy learning and the conditions that foster early literacy development was also discussed. The home factors influencing emergent literacy development and the conditions that foster early literacy …

Providing Appropriate Social Interventions For Preschool-Age Children With Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders, Angela M. Riesberg

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a variety of appropriate social interventions to use with preschool-age children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Regardless of his or her diagnostic label, each individual child requires an individualized approach to treatment. Typically, multiple interventions are necessary for a successful program.

The questions this project will address include: (a) What are some possible social interventions to use with preschool-age children who have mild autism spectrum disorders, (b) what research supports current successful social interventions, ( c) which social interventions could provide the most benefits and success, and (d) how can inclusion and interacting with typically developing …

The Availability Of Young Adult Fiction Containing Overt Gay And Lesbian Characters In Secondary Schools In Northeast Iowa Area Education Agency 1, Misty Dawn Gray

Graduate Research Papers

This study ascertained whether or not young adults had access to fiction titles containing gay and / or lesbian characters in school libraries in one geographic area within Iowa. The purpose of this study was to determine the availability of fiction titles containing overt gay and lesbian characters in secondary public schools in Area Education Agency 1 in Northeast Iowa. The methodology used for this study was quantitative content analysis. The researcher visited 45 secondary public schools in the 24 school districts in AEA 1 in Northeast Iowa in order to gain access to school library catalogs and determine which …

Constructivist Education : Exploring The Constructivist Theory And No Child Left Behind To Develop An Effective Kindergarten Program, Leigh M. Siegert

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a literature review of Constructivist Education Theories and how they can be incorporated into a No Child Left Behind (NCLB) classroom. The focal point of this paper will be the theories of Constructivist Education. In addition, will be discussed, the benefits of and problems concerning Constructivist Education. Also, guidelines for incorporating Constructivist Education into a NCLB classroom will be established. The conclusion of this paper will share which theories work and which do not. Also, recommendations for additional research are included.

Critical Elements For Leading Secondary Schools, Darci J. Wagner

Graduate Research Papers

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "living and learning must go hand in hand." I cannot remember a time in my life when this was not true. As a child, school was always a positive experience for me. I loved the challenge of mastering new skills. As I progressed through high school and college, I had the opportunity to develop my thinking and reasoning skills through challenging courses taught by master teachers. These teachers served as role models for me, displaying dedication and passion for their subject matter as well as their students.

Self-Harm : A Review Of Its Nature, Assessment And Treatment, Cj Yerington

Graduate Research Papers

Self-harm is becoming more and more prevalent in clinician offices and is still an occurrence that mental health professionals do not agree upon in several ways. To this day, there is a debate among mental health professionals, as even to what term it should be referred to as, the exact definition that should represent selfharm, and most importantly the proper and most effective way to treat it. Amongst all of the professional disagreeing there are clients who are presenting with self-harm and are not getting proper treatment and, in some cases, may be walking away with worse self-harm ideations than …

Constraint On Leisure: An Autoethnography Of Constraining Factors In My Leisure Experience, Leila Ghayoor-Rod

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will review the literature related to constraint on leisure and the factors that determine participation and non-participation in variety of leisure activities. This study clarifies existing review of literature by an autoethnography of my lived experiences regarding leisure activities. My personal narrative explains some of the barriers that I as a woman faced in my leisure activities living in American society which were influenced by the way activities and environment are designed. Finally, the last chapter has some recommendations and suggestions to leisure service providers regarding how they can eliminate or reduce constraints on leisure and create …

Understanding The Effectiveness Of Sponsorship: A Review Of Literature, Xiaoyan Su

Graduate Research Papers

Sponsorship of sports, arts and cultural events has increased dramatically over the past decade. Considering that corporate sponsorship is a mainstream marketing communication tool, it has been increasingly important to gauge the relative effectiveness of sponsorship in a marketing context. A better understanding of sponsorship is essential to property owners and potential sponsors. Studies conducted on sponsorship were grouped, examined and synthesized using the following underlying elements: objectives of sponsorship, theoretical frameworks of how sponsorship works, evaluation of sponsorship effectiveness, and factors influence the effect. On the basis of this analysis, guidance for sponsorship management and future research are provided.

Delivering English Language Camps In China, Jennifer Hall

Graduate Research Papers

As China aims towards educational reform, particularly in the learning of the English language, western ideologies and resources can be incorporated and shared for the betterment of their future. English language camps in China have great potential to provide rich opportunities for exchanging individual worldviews, promoting cultural understandings, experiencing professional and personal growth, and fostering meaningful and lasting friendships across cultures (Wighting, 2005). As a highly successful program, Camp Adventure™ Youth Services has the ability and resources to expand their services and meet the needs of these newly emerging programs.

The purpose of this study was to develop an English …

What Does Research Tell Us About Coeducational And Single-Sex Physical Education, Jaimie Mcmullen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper looks to examine the issue of coeducational and single-sex physical education since the inception of Title IX. Although there does not seem to be an overwhelming consensus in the research surrounding the issue, there is quite a large body of research and strong potential for further inquiry. The electronic databases of EBSCOhost, Expanded Academic ASAP, and PsycARTICLES were consulted to explore the literature. In addition, the investigator searched several research journals including: Journal of Teaching in Physical Education; Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Physical Educator; Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport; Adolescence; and Journal of …

A Review Of Selected Determinants Of Youth Physical Activity, Emily M. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

As identified in the Healthy People 2010 report (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2000) leading health indicators are: physical activity; overweight and obesity; tobacco use; substance abuse; responsible sexual behavior; mental health; injury and violence; environmental quality; immunization; and access to health care. For the purposes of this paper, the health indicator under review will be physical activity. Regular participation in physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of premature mortality, coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes in people of all ages. Physical activity participation may also improve mental health and aids in …

Examining Coaching Efficacy, Amanda Marie Truax

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Effects Of External Rewards On Elementary Students' Motivation To Read Independently, Benjamin David Olsen

Graduate Research Papers

In an age of increased accountability, even down to how well, and how much, students read independently, teachers are looking for ways to motivate students to read. One popular way schools and teachers have looked to increase motivation is with reading incentive programs. Despite this widespread enthusiasm for such programs there has not been solid, replicable research that has supported the continued use of incentive programs to increase students' future motivation to read. This study examined how a reading incentive program affected students' motivation and attitudes toward reading and the time they spent reading. Research was guided by the following …

Suggested Core Materials For Early Childhood Programs, Erin Feingold

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to examine current available resources related to emergent literacy in order to create a core list of literature for early childhood center libraries. "Research suggests that the foundation for academic success is laid well before a child enters the public schools" (Smith, Fairchild, and Groginsky, 1997, p. ix). The researcher described past and present Federal initiatives that support these efforts. Current curriculum guidelines and recommendations from national organizations for early childhood learning centers were examined to determine what resources were needed to provide a framework for learning. Studies examined emphasized that exposing children to …

Infectious Diseases Of The Eye: Loa Loa, Onchocerciasis, & Trachoma, Lindsay N. Wise

Honors Program Theses

On December 16, 2006, I will graduate from the University of Northem Iowa with University Honors and a B.A. in both biology and psychology. I have always been interested in medicine and diseases, and this semester I wanted to explore some options for my future. At the start of the semester, I was considering applying to optometry schools after graduating from UNI. I am also highly interested in going on a mission trip, and perhaps a medical mission trip. ln light of these interests, I decided to design my senior honors thesis around infectious diseases of the eye. With the …

Mom's The Word: The Portrayal Of The Single Mother/Son Relationship In Children's Literature, Sheryl Renee Haveman

Graduate Research Papers

Our culture is abounding with boys being raised solely by their mother. Awareness of the impact of divorce and the importance of a male role model for a young boy has increased and is represented in literature. Authors of children's literature have been continuing the tradition of dealing openly and honestly with many society issues. Despite the large number of books that include single mothers and their sons, the researcher questioned whether or not children's picture and chapter books were accurately portraying the dynamics involved with the single mother/son relationship.

The purpose of this study was to examine children's literature …

A Textual Analysis Of The Role Of Women In Historical Fiction For Young People, Jennifer Youngblut Gassman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this textual analysis of the role of women in historical fiction written for young people was to identify whether the portrayal of women in contemporary historical fiction varies from pre-Feminist era historical fiction. This researcher’s goal was to seek examples and compare the portrayal of women in novels written before and after 1970. Twenty-four novels were selected from historical novel bibliographies. Twelve novels written before 1970 and twelve written after 1970 were read and any identified patterns were included in the sorting process. Research questions seeking resolution were: how were women portrayed in historical fiction written for …

A Literature Review And Grant Proposal For A Women’S Wellness Program, Laura Poppen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to propose a program for single mothers concerning the physical and psychological benefits of health, leisure, and physical activity in transitional housing facilities. Research has shown that physical activity and leisure are physically and psychologically beneficial for people of all ages, ethnicity, and status (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1996; American College of Sports Medicine, 1996; Chollar, 1996; Biddle, Fox, & Boutcher, 2000; Judelson, Dell, 1998; Ponde and Santana, 2000; Jackson, Morrow, Hill, & Dishman, 2004). This proposed grant identifies the ways in which physical activity and leisure can be combined in order …

Key Components In An Online Class, Renae Darlene Farrell

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on what needs to be in place to have an effective online class. Instructional design models, interactive learning communities, learning theories, and instructional/student technology training are some of the issues that the literature review documents. The purpose of this literature review is to examine research on the topics of the instructional design process and the transformation of a traditional classroom to an online classroom. The conclusions formed within this document are based upon literature reviews about the topics of effective online classes. This review has led to a conclusion that online education can be an effective …

Strategies For Bridging The Gender Gap In Technology Use : From Education To The Workplace, Martha Frazier

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review is about strategies for bridging the gender gap in technology use in the classroom and the workplace. The research done on the subject indicates that a gender gap does exist in the classroom and the workplace. Women and girls have not been encouraged to participate in classes or training that will prepare them to make the transition from the classroom to the workplace. The conclusion of this review suggests several methods to aid instructors and employers in bringing about equity in the classroom and the workforce. The implementation of diversity training, mentoring, and role modeling are just …

Face-To-Face Training Versus Web-Based Training : Which Instructional Approach Is Better?, Nichola J. Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

Training skilled employees is essential in determining the success of an organization. Determining which type of training, whether face-to-face or web-based, will best serve the needs of an organization remains an issue. This literature review will attempt to answer the questions, "How do adults learn; what is web-based training; what is face-to-face training; is web-based training more effective than face-to-face training; and can web-based training and face-to-face training be combined?"

An Investigation Of The General Population's Understanding Of Forgiveness, Wen-Chuan Rita Chang

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the general population's understanding and views of forgiveness and to examine if gender was a factor related to one's understanding of forgiveness and motivation to forgive. In this study, structured interviews were administered which allowed a focus on the personal views and experiences of forgiveness and descriptive statistics were used to explain the common patterns in responses among the participants. Forty-nine participants, ranging in ages from 15 to 54, were selected to be interviewed on their views and practice of forgiveness. Of the 49 participants, 15 were males and 34 were females.

Attributing Success And Failure : Attribution Theory At Work, Ellen M. Shay

Graduate Research Papers

Attribution Theory demonstrates how people can appropriately attribute success and failure. Teachers must learn how to help students handle their successes and, perhaps more importantly, their failures. If teachers are not successful in this endeavor, the students will not succeed in a traditional school setting.

Cns Connections, Winter 2006-07, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Natural Sciences.

CNS Connections

Inside this issue:

-- Message from the Dean
-- Mini-robots duel in sumo competition
-- Earth Science offers B.S. in air quality
-- College News
-- Biology prof helps test method to reduce erosion
-- Title II grants fund CNS science education projects
-- Update from the Centers
-- Change of address for Computer Science
-- Carver grants strengthen CNS programs
-- Partnership for Goods starts at UNI
-- Faculty and Student Research Highlights
-- Ensuring a bright future for UNI
-- Alumni News
-- CNS Advisory Board

The Relationship Of The Co-Curriculum With Student Faith Development: Challenge And Support At A College Of The Church, Eric Bradley Braun

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Luther College (Decorah, IA) is a liberal arts school of 2550 students that has been affiliated with the Evangelical Church in America since 1861. Its mission includes a higher calling to help students connect faith with learning, freedom with responsibility, and life's work with service. The college co-curriculum includes more than seventy campus organizations, seventeen intercollegiate sports, thirteen music ensembles, a comprehensive work-study program, and numerous community connections. Amidst these chaotic activities and events, relationships, and challenging learning environments, student faith is developing. Administrators at the college do not seem to understand the significant relationship of the co-curriculum with student …

Self-Injury: An Analysis Of The Behavior, Causes, And Effective Treatments, Lindsey Huyser

Honors Program Theses

Society has also become obsessed with the quest for a perfect body (Lader & Conterio, 1998). Often, this causes great damage for the self-esteem of women because they are pressured to live up to these high expectations. Self-injury is a way to make women feel better. There has been a rise in women working outside of the home as well, making latchkey children a normal occurrence. Children are often home by themselves when they return from school in today's world, which leaves them with nobody to talk to when problems arise. Self-injury can become a way to heal these issues.

Cooperative And Competitive Games: An Examination Of The Effects Of Goal Structures On Social Development, Courtney J. Darby

Honors Program Theses

It is the purpose of this review to examine the results concerning social development in the context of cooperative and competitive games. First, research supporting the use of cooperative games will be discussed, including studies that have findings relating to aggression, and then research supporting the use of competitive games will be discussed. A personal position statement on the value of cooperative and competitive games for social development will be presented as well.

The Effects Of Divorce On Children And Interventions For All Members Of The Family Unit, Laurie Arieux

Honors Program Theses

ln 1989 more than 1 million children, on average, were affected by divorce in the United States and this number has risen to over 40% of the population under 18 in recent years (Amato & Keith, 1991 a). The assumption is that this number will continue to grow. When one considers that there are also parents who suffer from these stresses the number grows substantially into something worthy of much consideration. With so many people being affected by this growing trend the desire to understand the differences it has on families is growing. Divorce changes children in many ways including …