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Push And Pull: Using Regression Models To Study The Influence Of Economic Variables On Net Migration In Iowa Counties, Andrea White

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Migration is an intensely personal decision, but mathematical models are useful for quantifying the larger, economic aspects of it. The goal of this research is to use spatial and multiple regression models to study the influence of economic variables on net migration rates in Iowa counties. To achieve this data for many variables was collected from several sources and centered on the year 2000. S-plus software was used to create neighborhood structures, run spatial correlations and regressions, and run multiple regressions and residual diagnostics. The results showed that it is possible to develop a good regression model of migration using …

Cognitive, Emotive, And Behavioral Techniques For Depressed Children And Adolescents, Brianna G. Wilcox

Graduate Research Papers

Cognitive, emotive, and behavioral techniques for treating depression in children and adolescents are outlined. The importance of prevention and early intervention is stressed, with an emphasis on application to the school setting. Cognitive contributors to depression, disputation strategies, and behavioral interventions are explicated within the framework of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). The efficacy of REBT is cited in reference to numerous research studies.

The Effects Of Support Groups On Alzheimer’S Caregivers And The Racial And Gender Differences In The Needs Of Caregivers: A Review Of Support Group Efficacy, Lisa A. Orsborn

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to review available research pertaining to the role of support groups and the effect on caregivers of Alzheimer's persons. In addition, the present study explored the importance of defining support groups differently for those of different racial backgrounds, and the difference between males' and females' perception of or participation in support groups.

A Case Study: The Thoughts On Pleasure Reading For Children Diagnosed With Adhd, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type; Adhd, Predominantly Inattentive Type; Or Adhd, Combined Type, Heather Whitman

Graduate Research Papers

Children diagnosed with attention difficulties may face increased reading difficulties and may choose not to read for pleasure. Research questions used to explore this issue focused on what difficulties these students face in learning to read and how these affect their attitudes on reading and school performance. A second set of questions asked whether these children enjoy reading and how watching television relates to their reading? The third set of questions asked about parents reactions to any difficulties their children had in learning to read and their thoughts involving their children and reading for p)easure? The fourth set of questions …

Keyword Or Hierarchical Searching? A Quantitative Comparison Of World Wide Web Searching Methods By High School Juniors In North Iowa, Harold Price

Graduate Research Papers

In the spring of 2005, twenty 11th grade students from north central Iowa were given 5 topics to search on the Internet. All students were allowed 5 minutes to search for each of 5 topics and used identical equipment to perform the searches. The population consisted of 10 male and 10 female students. As there is a marked lack of ethnic and cultural diversity in the community, all students were Caucasian with English being their first language. All students were of similar socio-economic class since there is little variance in the community. Students were chosen based primarily on a range …

The Subjectivity Of Visual Inspection: Variables That Influence Inspector Decisions About Quality At A Cabinet Manufacturing Business, Bradley R. Bechthold

Graduate Research Papers

The following paper is an investigative project on the subjectivity of visual inspection by finished goods inspectors at a custom cabinet manufacturer located in northeast Iowa. The company manufactures custom and semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinets; with very few of the ~ 1.6 million pieces shipped each year being exactly alike in design, wood species, or color. The company employs over 1200 associates that support a three shift manufacturing operation.

The focus of the study involved the subjectivity of visually inspecting the company's finished product, while exploring elements in the manufacturing arena which affect inspector decisions. Some variables explored include …

Correlates Of Health Promotion: Meaning In Life, Religiosity, And Christian Identification, Daniel Melvin Huber

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The relationships among meaning in life, religious orientation, Christian identity, health locus of control, and health promotion behaviors were assessed using 206 Christian students from a public university. Six areas of health promotion (physical activity, interpersonal relations, nutrition, health responsibility, spiritual growth, and stress management) were measured using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. Predictions included (1) intrinsic religiosity, meaning in life, Christian identity, internal health locus of control, and God control will be positively associated with health promoting behaviors; and (2) intrinsic religiosity and internal health locus of control will be positive predictors of health promoting behaviors. Meaning in life …

Hegemonic Masculinity In The Everyday Lives Of University Weight Lifters, Joseph D. Johnson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examines a university weight room facility and its participants for a period of eighteen months. The purpose of the study was to answer the question: what is masculinity in the Eastern State University (ESU) weight room? Using qualitative methodological procedures, data collection consisted of complete participant observation, informal interviews, and jotted notes in the weight room, while data took the form of typewritten fieldnotes after leaving the weight room setting. What I found in the university weight room was that masculinity is deeply grounded in this particular environment. Through a weight room social typology, appearing macho, and the …

Emotional Intelligence As A Protective Factor For Risk Behavior In Adolescence, Nicole Renee Skaar

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Emotional intelligence is a concept developed by Salovey and Mayer in 1990. Since the first published work on emotional intelligence, others have modified the original idea by adding personality-like traits to the model of emotional intelligence. Consequently, there is a split in the conceptualization of emotional intelligence and the measurement of emotional intelligence; ability model assessment and mixed or trait model self-report assessment. The ability model of emotional intelligence has stood up to tests of discriminant validity over personality traits, unlike the mixed model of emotional intelligence. It is also distinguishable from cognitive intelligence, yet correlates moderately and therefore is …

Personality And Individual Differences In Health-Promoting Behaviors, Benjamin J. Bristow

Honors Program Theses

University students (N = 100) completed a self-administered questionnaire with scales assessing health attributions, dispositional optimism, and health behaviors. Health-promoting behaviors were calculated using a questionnaire measuring six components: health responsibility, physical _ activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management. Optimism was correlated with higher self-reported physical and emotional health, internal locus of health control, reliance on God through passive and active spirituality, and health-promoting behaviors. Internal locus of health control was correlated with emotional health promotion. Spirituality was correlated with both physical and emotional health promotion. Health promotion was correlated with higher scores of self-reported physical and …

Psychometric Characteristics Of The Multidimensional Anxiety Scale For Children In Adolescent Samples, Nicole Carlson

Honors Program Theses

Most children and adolescents, on any given day, experience some levels of anxiety. They worry about school, about friendships, and about their physical appearance. For most children and adolescents, these worries are considered a normal part of growing older. ln some cases, these worries take control over the child's life and seriously affect the normal developmental process. When the symptoms of anxiety become excessive and debilitating, a person may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. ln the child and adolescent literature, the three primary internalizing disorders are anxiety disorders, somatization disorders, and depressive disorders. This paper focuses on the anxiety …

Factors Affecting Judicial Decision Making, Brooke Marie Hansen

Honors Program Theses

The U.S. court system relies on the discretion of judges for most sentencing decisions. Even when there are sentencing guidelines, the judicial decision making process requires judges to use their discretion to determine the actual sentence. Personality characteristics play a role in juror decision making, as shown by studies of the effect of authoritarianism on verdicts (Narby, Culter, & Moran, 1993). Little research has focused on the personality characteristics of judges and what role they play in sentencing decisions. Judicial decision making is a debated topic as demonstrated by the fact that the Supreme Court heard the case Blakely v. …

African American Breast Cancer Health Disparities, Theresa Lynn Gaul

Honors Program Theses

Health disparities are "the differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of cancer and related adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States" (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2002). Racial and ethnic minorities experience serious disparities in health access and outcomes. Disparities in the burden of death and illness experienced by African Americans in particular, as compared with our nation's population as a whole, are particularly striking. There are a variety of factors contributing to these inequalities. The purpose of this report is to examine these factors and the consequential effects on the African American's …

Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction: A Review Of Literature And National Survey Of Urologists, Mark E. Thomsen

Honors Program Theses

Toe treatment of erectile dysfunction has improved dramatically over the past decade, including the revolutionary introduction of PDE-5 inhibitors (i.e. sildenafil citrate or Viagra). As improved treatments have been presented to the public, an increasing number of men are seeking treatment for ED. This national survey of urologists is intended to address specific questions regarding how urologists make decisions in treating erectile dysfunction. ln addition to conventional areas of interest, such as the impact of side effects and determining the motivation for ED patients to seek treatment, this survey addresses how the treatment of ED relates to the specific condition …

The Retail Wave: A Look Into The Future Of The Apparel Industry, Sarah Clemens

Honors Program Theses

Where is the apparel industry headed? The need for retailers to diversify and understand current consumer needs will be the focus for survival as we move through the information age. Technology has and will continue to push the market into new ideas that allow niche retailers to stay slightly ahead of the game. Software to meet apparel consumer needs may be the answer for high end retailers. These retailers have an opportunity to embrace the consumers' internal problems by affirming that problems such as anxiety, obesity and depression exist. Software could help reach not only the consumer's money, but their …

Study Of Reciprocal Teaching And Peer Coaching At Central Middle School, Rebecca Mohorne

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of Reciprocal Teaching is to improve reading comprehension through the use of cognitive strategies. The strategies teach students to think about what they are reading and learning. It also promotes collaboration between the student and teacher in the learning process.

This study was designed to evaluate the implementation of Reciprocal Teaching at Central Middle School. If the initiative is to be successful, implementation should result in higher test scores in reading comprehension. The data from this study will tell us what we are doing well and what we can prove regarding the implementation of Reciprocal Teaching. As other …

Use Of Physical Activity As A Form Of Punishment: Attitudinal Influence On Behavior, Mackenzie Rae Casey

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Integrating Technology And Education, Jori L. Showalter

Graduate Research Papers

The following literature review challenges the idea of integrating technology into the educational curriculum. It will reveal the value of integrating technology into the curriculum, along with possible problems that might occur. Some of the problems examined in the review relate to the overwhelming amount of information found on the Internet, problems with the Internet trying to replace the current curriculum, safety issues involved with Internet use, and staff development concerns. The review also identifies what a model school integrating technology might look like and the influence it plays in the core subject areas.

The In-Home Leisure Education Program For Primary Residential Caregivers Of Adults With Dementia, Kimberly R. Quint

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will review the literature related to an in-home leisure education program for caregivers of adults with dementia. First, information regarding the significance of in-home care and the potential effects of caring for an adult with dementia will be presented. Next, the various types of caregiver interventions will be explained. Additionally, the benefits of leisure for both caregivers and persons with dementia will be highlighted. The implications for developing an in-home leisure intervention for caregivers of adults with dementia will be identified and an existing at-home recreation program will be described. Finally a proposed methodology for further study …

Meeting The Leisure Needs Of The Forth-Coming Baby Boomers: Research And Programming Development, Heather Schantz

Graduate Research Papers

Perceptions and realities to provision of services for senior citizen have begun to emerge. In order for leisure service agencies to succeed with these new perceptions, management practices will have to be altered in order to meet the needs of these populations. The author presents past and present perceptions of senior citizens, leisure programming models and develops a leisure programming model in order to better serve the baby boom population. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate current lifespan models and leisure programming models and determine if community recreation service departments will meet the leisure needs of the …

Effect Of Hardiness On Mental And Physical Health, Angela J. Ziesman

Graduate Research Papers

The impact hardiness had on mental and physical health was examined. Hardiness, a stress resistant personality construct, consists of three interrelated components: commitment, control, and challenge. Numerous studies revealed that hardiness significantly decreased one's disposition toward mental and physical illness. In addition, results indicated that hardy persons are more inclined to utilize transformational coping strategies. Some researchers argued that the hardiness-illness relationship may be confounded by one's level of neuroticism as well as by hardy individuals maintaining better health practices than their non-hardy counterparts. Overall, hardiness was found to serve as a buffer in the face of stressful circumstances, more …

The Success Of Early Reading Interventions, Tammy A. Theroith

Graduate Research Papers

Learning to read means developing decoding skills in order to make meaning out of printed words. To make meaning, the reader uses a number of sources of information that are sometimes called cues. These cues include phonics, syntax (how language is put together), semantics (meaning), schema (background), sight words and others. In order for these words or information to be processed two events must occur. First, the learner must use learned reading strategies, and second he/she has to self-monitor.

Menstrual Dysfunction And The Female Athlete: A Review Of Literature, Allison D. Pohlman

Graduate Research Papers

Despite the fact that elite female athletes are categorized as being the model of optimal health, many are plagued with menstrual dysfunction. Menstrual dysfunction is a very personal, private condition that may show very few outward symptoms; however, with increasing numbers of competitive female athletes several trends have begun to emerge. Focusing specifically on the gynecologic perspective, the most significant problem has been the disruption of the normal menstrual cycle, resulting in 2 delayed puberty, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, and decreased bone density or osteoporosis.

Compounding the issues of the disruption of the normal menstrual cycle are the physical and psychological stresses …

Forming Developmental Mentoring Relationships: An Analysis Of Pre-Match Training, Kasee Fuller

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to observe the pre-match mentor training session at three Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs in Iowa and determine if the mentors are trained to form developmental relationships with children.

Multi-Agency Inclusive Recreation Service Delivery Model: An Assessment Of Services, Angela Rae Glanz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of recreation agency staff involved in a multi-agency inclusive recreation program serving individuals with disabilities in the Cedar Valley region. This study focused on analyzing the agency staff perceptions of 20 service quality attributes offered by the Together We Play program. Importance-performance analysis, an evaluation tool, was used to determine the effectiveness or satisfaction of the inclusion services being offered. Participants in the study (N=43) completed the survey instrument containing four sections: (a) perceived importance of20 service quality attributes, (b) perceived effectiveness of 20 service quality attributes, ( c) agencies …

Rethinking Life Online: The Interactional Self As A Theory For Internet-Mediated Communication, Marcelo Vieta

Iowa Journal of Communication

Informed by the philosophies of Martin Heidegger, George Herbert Mead, and Alfred Schutz, this paper presents an emerging concept called the interactional self to illustrate how there are no clear phenomenological distinctions between the so-called "virtual world" and the dichotomously positioned "real world" in Internet-mediated communication settings. Ultimately, the paper shows how the philosophies of human experience can help the communication researcher better conceptualize the tight intermingling of the online with the offline, users' phenomenologically-rooted use-contexts, performative practices, and intersubjective life-world experiences in Internet-mediated sociability.

The Impact Of Adolescents' Perceptions Of Interparental Conflict On Adolescents' Aggressive Communication Traits, Christine E. Rittenour, Scott A. Myers

Iowa Journal of Communication

This study examined the relationship between interparental conflict and adolescents' aggressive communication while utilizing tolerance for disagreement as a mediating variable. Participants were 159 high school students. No significant relationships were found between perceived interparental conflict and adolescents' tendencies to approach arguments, adolescents' tendencies to avoid arguments, and adolescents' verbal aggressiveness. When controlling for tolerance for disagreement, no significant relationships were found between perceived interparental conflict and adolescents' tendencies to approach arguments, adolescents' tendencies to avoid arguments, and adolescents' verbal aggressiveness. Post-hoc analyses revealed that adolescents living in intact homes reported lower levels of interparental conflict than adolescents living in …

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Annual Report Of The Registrar 2004/2005, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Definitions
--- Annual Report Data
--- Summary of Attendance
--- Attendance by Session
--- Full-time Equivalency Enrollment
--- Degrees Granted
--- Degree Summary
--- Program Certificates
--- Pupils in Price Laboratory School
--- Miscellaneous Enrollment Information
--- Degrees Granted by College, Degree Objective, and Racial/Ethnic Classification

Using Space To Describe Space: American Sign Language And The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, Cindee Calton

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

My study sought to combine two topics that have recently generated much interest among anthropologists. One of these topics is American Sign Language, the other is linguistic relativity. Although both topics have been a part of the literature for some time, neither has been studied extensively until the recent past. Both present exciting new horizons for understanding culture, particularly language and culture.

The first of these two topics is the study of American Sign Language. The reason for its previous absence from the literature has to do with unfortunate prejudice which, for a long time, kept ASL from being recognized …