Digital Commons Network^™

Trainers' Perspectives Of Teacher Professional Development, Harun Parpucu

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Considerable attention in the literature has been given to perspectives of teachers and administrators regarding effectiveness of professional development for teachers. However, there is a paucity of research regarding perspectives of trainers and facilitators of professional development for educators. Thus, this dissertation study focused on trainers’ perspectives on effective professional development. More specifically, the study investigated these research questions: (1) What goals and objectives do trainers set for their professional development sessions?; (2) How do trainers facilitate professional development?; (3) How do trainers know they achieved the goals and objectives of their professional development?; (4a) Why do trainers do what …

Women's Occupational Health And Safety In The Informal Economy: Maternal Market Traders In Accra, Ghana, Joyceline Amoako

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Improving maternal health and women’s health is necessary, especially in countries with high maternal and child mortality rates. Most research on maternal health focuses on women’s reproductive health and, as a result, very little is known about the impact of occupation on maternal health (World Health Organization, 2006). It is also interesting to know that “Occupational Health Research” has been heavily criticized for the general absence of a gender standpoint, usually resulting in the exclusion of women and their concerns at the workplace (World Health Organization, 2006). In Ghana, an open-air market is an integral place of work for women. …

Post-Trip Blues: Full Time College Students' Emotional And Motivational Post-Trip Transition From Adventure Break Trips, Nichole Crockford

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Full time students who attend break long collegiate outdoor recreation adventure trips receive multiple benefits from spending time with a small group of students out in nature. Coming home from these positive experiences may lead some individuals to negative feelings. Students may struggle to find the motivation needed to return to their previous schedule and match the demands of work that is expected of them. Very little is mentioned about the topic of post-trip emotion and motivation levels, even though an argument for vacation is to experience positive benefits that help not only the individual but also the workplace.

Research …

Perception Of Preservice Teachers On The Implementation Of Multicultural Education, Winnie Esther Akinyi

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was twofold:

(1) To examine perceptions of preservice teachers on the implementation of multicultural education; and

(2) To investigate the extent to which preservice teachers are willing to implement multicultural education.

Snowball sampling method was used to find the participants for this research study because part of the sample for the study was very rare or limited to a very small subgroup of the population (minorities and seniors). Three preservice school teachers participated in the interview process, the results were audio recorded.

The results indicated preservice school teachers of different demographic characteristics held different beliefs …

A Study Of Non-Profit Leaders' Risk-Taking Propensity And Managerial Leadership Styles, Younis Q. Al Hassan

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Risks are an inherent part of life and in nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in particular. Nonprofit organizations struggle to respond to changes imposed by external and internal environmental influences. These influences revolve around the myriad social, cultural, political, environmental, and economic changes and their attendant challenges. The NPOs now face yet another challenge, which is a significant managerial leadership deficit. The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine whether nonprofit leaders’ risk-taking propensity (RTP) is associated with their managerial leadership styles (MLS). Furthermore, the study will examine if age, gender, level of education, size of an organization, and number of …

Therapist Self-Doubt When Facing Severe Psychopathology In Adolescent Males, Zachary Mark Meehan

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Achieving expertise in psychotherapy is a complex task, fraught with obstacles that impede progress (e.g., cognitive and information processing, accuracy of self-appraisals; Tracey, Wampold, Lichtenberg, & Goodyear, 2014). Contrary to popular opinion, years of experience does not make for an expert therapist. Research indicates that more seasoned therapists are not necessarily more effective than less seasoned therapists in terms of client outcomes. Expertise requires not only time, but also an intention to improve; and the use of appropriate feedback systems. Certain therapist characteristics can reliably predict therapy process and outcome. For example, the degree to which therapists feel uncertain regarding …

Influence Of External And Internal Factors On Financial Advisors' Guidance Of Clients In The Area Of Charitable Giving, Angela J. Gorsuch Widner

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Charitable giving plays a vital role in the ability of nonprofit organizations to carry out their missions to contribute to the well-being of society. Research suggests that most wealthy Americans have an interest in being philanthropic and giving to nonprofit organizations. Financial advisors often play a substantial role in helping their clients understand the complex policies related to charitable giving. As the experts, financial advisors play an important consultative role in making sense of the benefits that can come as a result of charitable giving.

The purpose of this study was to explore how financial advisors work with clients in …

Beyond "Born This Way": Reconsidering Trans Narratives, Ashley Elizabeth Meyers

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

When most Americans hear the words “trans” or “transgender”, celebrities like Caitlyn Jenner, Chaz Bono, or Laverne Cox likely come to mind along with their highly public stories of medical and social transition. While these celebrity representations have served to increase visibility for the trans community throughout the United States over the past decade, trans representation remains limited in terms of intersectionality and a narrow focus on celebrity stories and themes of essentialization, dysphoria, and medical transition. At the same time, research on trans narratives also remains focused almost exclusively on trans women and men who experience dysphoria and undergo …

The Impact Of Sexual Assault On Sexual Risk-Taking, Melanie Alison Reyes

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Sexual assault survivors experience a variety of adverse psychological and behavioral outcomes after their assault, such as engagement in sexual risk behavior (Testa, Hoffman, & Livingston, 2010). Previous research has reported risk factors among sexual assault survivors, such as survivors’ self-reported insecure attachment (Oshri, Sutton, Clay-Warner, & Miller, 2015), difficulties with emotion regulation (Walsh, DiLillo, & Messman-Moore, 2012), and substance use coping (Ullman, Relyea, PeterHagene, & Vasquez, 2013). Given that sexual risk behavior is also associated with these variables (e.g., Hotton, Garofalo, Kuhns, & Johnson, 2013), the current study examined whether these variables may mediate the association between sexual assault …

Preschool Teachers' Beliefs And Actions Concerning Creativity In The Classroom, Latisha Lynn Smith

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine preschool teachers’ beliefs and actions associated with creative pedagogy. This study partially replicated a study by Cheung (2017) and allowed for comparisons among American, Greek, and Chinese preschool teachers. This qualitative study used case studies to examine preschool teachers’ beliefs related to the definition of creativity, effective creative pedagogy, and contextual factors related to promoting creativity. Participants included three preschool teachers in rural settings in the Midwestern United States. Data included an initial interview, the completion of the Early Childhood Creative Pedagogy Questionnaire (Cheung & Leung, 2013), two lesson observations, and reflection …

Seeing The Forest For The Trees: Elementary Stem Environments That Nurture Creativity And Innovation, Lisa Jo Chizek

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examined creativity in schools through the lens of nine rural Midwestern public school fifth grade students in a student-centered, inquiry-based science classroom within a STEM Framework. Previous literature suggesting the importance of nurturing creativity in schools (Florida, 2004; Executive Office of the President, 2018; K. H. Kim, 2016; Csikszentmihalyi, 1999) inspired the purpose for this dissertation. What is missing is the perspective of creative youth. Phenomenology as a research method is a “systematic attempt to uncover and describe the structures, the internal meaning structures, of lived experiences” (van Manen, 2016, p. 10). Through student voices, this qualitative study …

The Relationship Of Walkability, Social Capital And The Built Environment In A Blue Zones® Demonstration Site Community, Thomas Manford Flack

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Today, communities throughout the world seek to design, develop, and organize their natural and manmade features to promote a higher quality of life and community livability. The term “built environment” includes both natural and manmade areas, facilities, and structures but also social and cultural factors which are unique to a given community; this term is used to frame a dialog around this topic (Flack et al., 2013). Increasingly, greater attention has focused on crafting the built environment to promote more walkable streetscapes, and opportunities for community engagement and social capital have become more prominent in the minds of citizens, community …

The Relationship Between Psychological Factors And The Gait Analysis Of A Total Knee Arthroplasty Patient: A Case Study, Tyler S. Rogers

Honors Program Theses

Rehabilitation through the use of physical therapy for the total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or knee replacement,procedure can be an arduous process. The purpose of this study is to identify any relationships between various psychological factors and angular variables observed during the functional activity of gait for TKA patients. Application of these results may be utilized by physical therapists to maximize the quality of personal patient care provided while allowing patients the opportunity to successfully return to the functional activity of walking. Psychological factors that were examined included those noted in the self-determination theory studied by Ryan & Patrick (2009): motivation, …

Effects Of Political Ingroup/Outgroup Rejection On Behavior And Physiology, Hannah Rose Lentfer

Honors Program Theses

Previous research shows that both exclusion and intergroup threat can increase prejudice and biological markers such as cortisol. Exclusion from an outgroup should increase prejudice and cortisol more than similar interactions in an ingroup since it incorporates both exclusion and intergroup threat. Change in cortisol and prejudice was examined in fifty participants who were excluded by either a politically-based ingroup or outgroup. Two t-tests were conducted to examine the change in a) cortisol and b) prejudice as a function of experimental ingroup/outgroup conditions. Additional analyses were also conducted to further explore cortisol changes and similarity. Cortisol increased more in participants …

The Relation Between Disordered Eating, Stress, And Anxiety In First-Year College Women, Jenna K. Anderson

Honors Program Theses

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses which can impact any individual. Although they can negatively affect anyone, they disproportionately affect young women. The same is true for individuals with disordered eating. Disordered eating is more common than clinical eating disorders. The term disordered eating refers to subclinical eating disturbances. Past research has demonstrated a relation between disordered eating, stress, and anxiety. The current study expands upon this by examining these variables in first-year college-enrolled women. Participants were n=99 first-year college women who filled out the DASS-21, the EDE-Q, and a demographics questionnaire. Based on previous results, it was hypothesized that …

Where Was I?: Engagement Strategies For Students With Attention Deficit Disorders, Brenna L. Herrmann

Honors Program Theses

Throughout my time in the elementary classroom I have been flooded with instances where my cooperating teacher or I, myself, have struggled with students who are inattentive or disruptive during class. This not only makes it difficult for that specific student to learn, but also has the possibility of preventing others from learning. My most memorable experience of teaching students like this has been with a brilliant student who was clinically diagnosed and medicated for the hyperactive subset of attention deficit disorders, more well-known as ADHD. The following thesis is the research and creation of strategies to help teach students …

Why? Because I Like You: Effects Of Familiarity On Perceptions Of Media Trustworthiness, Stephanie G. Shartel Dunn

Iowa Journal of Communication

Familiarity and parasocial relationships (PSR) play a definitive role on perceptions of trustworthiness and credibility. In this study, the role PSR play in the evaluation of political commentators is tested. Research presented demonstrates familiarity and PSR allow commentators to cultivate perceptions of trustworthiness and overcome retraction/corrective messages. Findings suggest increased familiarity and higher PSR generate more positive message evaluations, higher assessments of source credibility, and increased likelihood of persuasion.

The Dilemma Of Being Colin Kaepernick: An Examination Of The #Takeaknee Protest Using Heider's Balance Theory, Ashley A. Hanna Edwards, M. Elizabeth Thorpe

Iowa Journal of Communication

Colin Kaepernick and the #takeaknee protest have been simultaneously criticized and praised. Critics argue that Kaepernick disrespects veterans and the country, while supporters suggest he is an advocate for social justice in the mistreatment of people of color, particularly by law enforcement. Beyond partisan politics, this paper shows that critics and supporters alike are evaluating Kaepernick's protest on the basis of perceived consistency between his identity and behavior. Drawing on Heider 's balance theory, we argue that individuals who focus on Kaepernick 's identity as a professional athlete will be critical of the protest because it is out of balance …

The Influence Of Goals On Sexual Initiation, Shawna Harris

Iowa Journal of Communication

In an effort to utilize theory to understand sexual communication, this study examined if the Goals-Plans-Actions Theory's conceptualization of goals would relate to the use of direct and indirect sexual initiation strategies. We surveyed 111 participants and asked them to identify the salient goals and strategies used when initiating sex with a partner. Although relational resource goals and identity goals were rated high, they had no effect on the use of direct or indirect initiation strategies. However, the primary goal of having sex and conversation management goals positively correlated with the use of direct and indirect initiation strategies.

Student Engagement Within The Use Of Graphic Novels, Melissa Felsenthal

Graduate Research Papers

Student engagement in novels is a key factor in whether or not a student can be successful in reading. The purpose of this study was to analyze student engagement with graphic novels and traditional novels, and to describe any preferences students had when selecting novels to read independently. The study was centered around two questions: How does the reading of graphic novels impact the level of reading engagement? Do students prefer the use of graphic novels over traditional novels within their own independent reading? The study consisted of interviewing eleven sixth grade students about a graphic novel that they picked …

Determining And Addressing The Needs Of Transracial Korean Adoptees In Higher Education, Alison Yoo-Jung-Kim Dickinson

Honors Program Theses

One out of ten Korean Americans is estimated to be an adoptee (McGinnis, 2007). The majority of these adopted Korean Americans are transracial adoptees (TRAs), a group that has not received enough attention despite their unique experiences, perspectives, and needs. On top of the unique challenges TRAs face throughout life in general, most young adults go on to pursue a higher education which is a developmentally challenging time for anyone, pushing students to define their own values and personal identity (Long, 2012). According to the U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs (2018), there were 20,800 transracial Korean adoptees (TRKAs) …

Data Analytics Of Job Market Requirements For Technology Related Doctoral Degrees, Sidra Meo Rajput

Graduate Research Papers

To remain competitive in the twenty first (21) century, industries are forced to rapidly embrace new innovations in both automation technology and information technology. This rapidly changing technological landscape has created a state of flux for industries and academia alike.

What is required of most workers in this millennia across the globe is technical skills and this requirement is heightened for workforce with graduate degree credentials. Today's work force are required to constantly keep up with new productivity improvement concepts, tools, and technologies. This necessity mandate continues education throughout one's working age.

In order to conquer this phenomenon, institutes of …

Empowering Children's Social Ecology: Reenvisioning Postconflict Reconstruction And Education In Rural Liberia, Kristen N. Mcnutt

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Despite the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement calling the end to Liberia’s back-to-back civil wars in 2003, Liberia’s peace remains fragile with a high number of out of school children, especially in rural communities. As an indicator of state fragility, rural education needs to be a priority in post-conflict reconstruction. This thesis emerged to support the nongovernmental organization, Supporting Programs in Community Empowerment (SPICE), an emerging Liberian-based nongovernmental organization.

The methodologies for this action research project was a needs assessment, which resulted in the development of the Needs Assessment Report: Paving the Way for the Future of Liberian Children. Through …

Understanding Esl Undergraduate Students' Beliefs About Learner-Centered Instruction, Mahjabeen Hussain

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study was undertaken to determine undergraduate ESL students’ beliefs about learner-centered teaching (LCT) practices in English classes and to understand to what extent their learner-centered learning experiences influenced their beliefs about the quality of LCT practices. The study involved explanatory sequential mixed-methods. The Learner-centered Battery Student Survey and focus group interviews were used to collect data. One hundred and twelve undergraduate ESL students at a Midwestern university took part in the survey, 17 of whom, predominantly Asians, subsequently took part in multiple mini focus groups that lasted approximately 50-70 minutes each. Quantitative data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-Tests, and …

Increasing Student Perceptions Of Success And Inclusion Through Strategic Programming Of Underrepresented Composers, Joyce J. Beyer

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

There is a disproportional representation of women and people of color in orchestra and classical music. Both on the stage and in the music being performed, white and male musicians are more prominent than women and people of color. This disproportionality impacts underrepresented people, especially young students.

A study was done to see if introducing students to successful women and people of color who were musicians would increase student perceptions of success and inclusion in orchestra. The study included 37 students from 5 public school orchestra programs. The treatment was a series of pre-designed mini-lessons on underrepresented musicians. Growth was …

Motivation To Call Police: The Exploration Of Racial And Risk Averse Motivation, Alivia Lauren Zubrod

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

When calls are made to the police, the magnitude of their impact is often overlooked. When calls are made to the police and there is no crime, police resources, time, and energy could be wasted (Sampson, 2002); however, when no call is made to the police and there is a crime, human lives could be put in danger (e.g., Felson, Messner, Hoskin, & Deane, 2002). Based on highly publicized news reports, it appears that being a racial minority is enough motivation to call the police in some situations (e.g., napping or humanitarian work; Griggs, 2018; Williams, 2018b). Aversive racism theory …

Impact Of Social Support On Saudi Women With Type Ii Diabetes Living In Saudi Arabia, Fatimah Al-Khidhr

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of social support on Saudi women with Type II Diabetes. This study describes the different types of social support (emotional, instrumental/tangible, informational, and appraisal) offered to Saudi women who have Type II Diabetes living in Qatif City, Saudi Arabia. Lastly, this study aims to assess the types of social support that Saudi women receive from others (i.e. spouse, family members and friends, and peers) in order to improve the quality of life. A qualitative design, semi-structured interview technique was used. The data was collected by using a screening questionnaire and …

The Relationship Between An Alternative Form Of Cognitive Reflection Test And Intertemporal Choice, Jiuqing Cheng, Cassidy Janssen

Faculty Work

The cognitive reflection test (CRT) has been popular because it has demonstrated a good predictive validity of a variety of biases in judgment and decision making. Thomson and Oppenheimer (2016) further developed a second version of the cognitive reflection test, CRT-2. Although CRT-2 has been found to be associated with several biases in judgment and decision making, its relationship with intertemporal choice remains unclear. Previous studies have shown that intertemporal choice characterizes the competition between intuition and reflection, and can be predicted by the original CRT. To further validate CRT-2, the present study tests the relationship between CRT-2 and intertemporal …

Master's Recital In Jazz Pedagogy: A Performance-Demonstration Of Rhythm Section Instruments, Trumpet, Electric Wind Instrument, Synthesizer, Compositions, And Arrangements By Demetrio Lyle, Demetrio Lyle

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

My education at the University of Northern Iowa in the Master of Music, Jazz Pedagogy track has included two full academic years of continuous study as well as one year of independent study. During my two years in residence, I had the pleasure of experiencing an in-depth curriculum of classes, ensembles, and applied lessons, as well as opportunities to lead large and small ensembles. All of these components were designed to make me into a more effective jazz musician in the disciplines of performance, composition, arranging, and pedagogy.

The latter of these disciplines acts as the synthesis of the recital …

The Impact Of Chronic Poverty On Children's Behavioral Health And Learning Outcomes, Anna Catherine Rasmussen

Honors Program Theses

Chronic poverty is an unfortunate reality many children face every day. The current literature review evaluated the impact poverty has on children’s behavioral health and learning outcomes. Research consistently shows that children living in poverty experience higher rates of conduct problems, such as Conduct Disorder (CD), as well as increased learning problems, such as Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) and diminished academic success. There are several theories for this relation, encompassing both environmental and biological influences, which are reviewed herein. The overall conclusion is that living in poverty negatively impacts children’s behavioral and learning outcomes.