Digital Commons Network^™

Modification Of Staff Behavior In A Mental Health Center, Craig Wendell Knapp

Dissertations

Behavioral research which has focused on improving employee behavior in business and human service organizations has pointed to an increasing need to develop simple, effective management tools which will maintain appropriate behavior changes. The purpose of the present study was to explore the controlling relationship between behavior and variables previously cited in the literature, and to develop a procedure to increase and maintain the amount of time which employees in a mental health center spent on priority activities defined by management.

Eleven male and female employees in four programs of a mental health center were exposed to conditions in which …

A Study Of Hypnotic Age Regression Using The Rorschach Scored By The Exner Comprehensive System, Scott William Trylch

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to compare Rorschach results of hypnotically age regressed subjects with three groups of controls: deeply hypnotized, hypnotizable simulators, and minimally susceptible simulators. The study tested the null hypothesis that hypnotically age regressed subjects differ significantly from subjects in deep hypnosis, hypnotizable simulators, and minimally susceptible simulators on Rorschach scores when scored by the Exner Comprehensive System. A second null hypothesis was that there would be no difference between the age regressed subjects and the three control groups in correspondence to the Exner age norms.

The 24 volunteer subjects were screened for psychological problems, then …

A Component Analysis Of Behavioral Procedures For Increasing Work Rate In Mentally Retarded Adults, Stephen Emory Wong

Dissertations

This study was a component analysis of several procedures commonly employed in behavioral vocational rehabilitation programs. The work rate of retarded subjects was assessed under four conditions: (1) baseline; (2) verbal prompts; (3) verbal prompts and social reinforcement; and (4) verbal prompts, social reinforcement, and monetary reinforcement. Subjects were four, moderately retarded, male clients of a sheltered workshop. The experimental task involved assembly of a metal knife composed of four separate pieces. Treatment effects were analyzed within a mixed multielement reversal design where each subject served as his own control. Results showed that baseline sessions, all started with the simple …

A Behaviorally-Based Graduate Practicum Program In Applied Behavior Analysis, James Harper Kaye

Dissertations

Although practica are often required of psychology students at various points during their graduate training, seldom are any resulting skills described and validated. Faculty are occasionally involved in campus-based clinics which serve some practicum students; however, when practica are based off-campus, faculty are seldom directly involved. As a result, practica are frequently uncoordinated, duplicative, and non-specific in terms of their practicum student training procedures.

Although there have been some attempts reported to systematize and coordinate either off-campus or on-campus practica, no such effort has been previously reported in relation to multiple complex organizations, both on-campus and off-campus.

In the present …

Fidelity Of Dna Polymerase In Vitro, Yannacos C. Philopoulos

Dissertations

The fidelity of DNA Polymerase I, isolated from B. licheniformis and B. stearothermophilus, was tested in the presence of carcinogens and anticancer compounds. All of these compounds inhibited (62.4-99.2%) the synthesis of DNA using Poly(dA-dT) as a template. The compounds were inhibitory at all concentration levels tested, 0.01, 1.0 and 100 mM. The fidelity of the enzyme appeared to be enhanced by the presence of these compounds, as indicated by misincorporation (50-70%), that is, the incorporation of incorrect nucleotide. Misincorporation in the presence of either carcinogens or anticancer compounds was less than that of control. The results from both organisms …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Two Different Respiratory Valves On Maximal Oxygen Uptake And Heart Rate Response Of Selected Distance Runners, Jeffry Phillip Morgan

Masters Theses

This study compared selected cardiorespiratory responses obtained from two different respiratory valves, the Modified Otis-McKerrow and the Speak Easy, a mask-type valve, during maximal graded exercise testing of eleven distance runners. The results indicated that both maximal oxygen uptake and minute ventilation were significantly different. Values for maximal VO₂ and V_E were lower with the Speak Easy by 24 and 19 percent, respectively. Further analysis revealed that those differences were significant at submaximal levels as well. The trends in those responses show that the differences increase with increasing workload. However, maximal and submaximal heart rates were not significantly …

An Investigation Of A Procedure To Assess Aggregated Item Bias In A Minimum-Competency Test, Laurence E. Rudolph

Dissertations

This study described and evaluated a new procedure to assess item bias in a minimum-competency test (MCT). This procedure was thought to be capable of estimating the degree of bias contained in a given test item. This is in contrast to traditional item bias detection procedures which focus on the presence or absence of bias in an item. Furthermore, the procedure was thought to be capable of estimating item bias in such a way that the aggregate of item bias (AIB) could be obtained.

The chi-square was found to be the most practical of the item bias procedures and the …

Intelligibility Of Speech Produced With An Artificial Larynx At Various Frequencies, Sandra Arlene Merritt

Masters Theses

Word intelligibility scores of 21 listeners were used to test the hypothesis that speech intelligibility will vary systematically across speakers and fundamental frequency of electrolarynx vibration.

Twenty-one listeners transcribed audio recorded lists of CVC utterances produced with an electrolarynx by 3 speakers at each of five fundamental frequencies.

Comparative analysis of scores across frequencies and speakers were discussed in terms of:

a) source transmission characteristics of "electrolaryngeal" speech, b) implications for diagnosis/therapeusis of alaryngeal speakers.

Results indicated that intelligibility scores were significantly different between speakers and between frequencies within speakers. Maximum intelligibility scores were more highly correlated with certain frequencies …

Hemispheric Perception Of Modulated Rhythmic Patterns In A Dichotic Listening Task, Belinda Sue Ford Murray

Masters Theses

This study attempted to determine ear advantage in a dichotic listening task involving perception of tempo modulation (decrease.or increase) within repeating rhythmic patterns at initial tempi of 80 mm or 160 mm. Ear advantage was measured by reaction times to and accuracy of modulation detection.

The subjects were thirty right-handed nonmusicians with normal hearing. The rhythms were pure tones generated in real time on an Apple II computer and presented through headphones. The subjects' task was to depress a designated computer key as soon as the modulation was detected. The computer recorded each subject's response and reaction time.

Reaction time …

A Comparison Of Hutchings' Low Stress Algorithm And Three Other Methods In Multidigit Multiplication For Calculation Speed And Accuracy, John Byron Connors

Masters Theses

High achieving fifth grade students were taught three alternate multiplication algorithms: Hutchings low stress, Gelocian lattice, and partial products (distributive algorithm using indentation). The two independent variables were the four algorithms (three alternate plus traditional) and three problem array sizes (3 x 2, 3, and 4 factors). The three dependent variables were percent accuracy, rate correct, and rate incorrect. A multi-element manipulation design across phases was used varying type of calculation procedure within sessions and type of problem array across sessions. Results showed that all three alternate algorithms were superior to the traditional algorithm on most dependent variable measures. Pre …

A Report Of An Internship In The Admissions And Counseling Office At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Constance M. Speers

Masters Theses

This paper describes an internship which was completed in the Admissions office of a community college in Michigan. A rationale for the internship is presented in Chapter I. An outline of the prospectus objectives is also included in the first chapter. Chapter II describes the experiences encountered during the internship. Administrative experiences with the associate dean of students are related, as are those involved in the accomplishment of two special projects. These projects were: To develop a career guidance program for the college, and to investigate special characteristics of applicants who never matriculated. The third chapter analyzes the internship experience …

Women In Educational Leader Positions: An Investigation Of Some Common Factors In Socialization, Educational Background, And Career Commitment, Elaine Barr Morris

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the socialization process, educational backgrounds, and career commitments of women in educational leader positions with women in education who had not attained leader positions. The possibility that differences exist in those areas that have set some women apart and have resulted in their pursuit and attainment of administrative positions was explored.

Fifteen hypotheses were constructed to investigate relationships between a woman's attainment of an administrative position and the following variables: (a) career status of her mother during her childhood, (b) childhood experiences similar to males, (c) educational level of her father, (d) …

The Relationship Of Treatment Team Interpersonal Communication To Staff To Client Relationships In A Residential Treatment Setting, Martin L. Mitchell

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between treatment team interpersonal communication and staff to client relationships in a residential treatment setting. Through the use of the Staff Environmental Survey and the Youth Environmental Survey, questions pertaining to treatment team interpersonal communication were correlated to questions pertaining to staff to client relationships.

The subjects utilized for the study were the staff and clients of The Starr Commonwealth Schools' residential treatment program located in Albion, Michigan.

The responses of subjects from 14 treatment teams were correlated to the responses of subjects from 14 groups of …

The Effects Of Pre And Post-Performance Review Goal Setting On Subsequent Job Performance In A Human Services Setting, Christie L. Kleinhuizen

Masters Theses

Researchers investigating the effects, of performance appraisals and. goal setting techniques have focused on laboratory (rather than field) settings and/or have relied on self-report or anecdotal data to draw their conclusions. The major objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of 1) goal setting on actual job performance in a community organizational setting and 2) performance appraisals on both subsequent job performance and goals set. Two male and two female counselors in a residential treatment center served as subjects in the study which utilized a multiple baseline design. The performance of l8 repetitive administrative/custodial tasks were measured …

The Hyperactive Child And The Family: A Procedural Approach To Evaluation And Treatment, Marian Maria Sofia Van Dooijeweert

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present thesis is to evaluate the hyperactive child in a manner that true hyperactivity will not be confused with hyperactive behaviors which are caused by illnesses, stress at school, stress at home, and with normal childhood energy.

No two hyperactive children are alike. They vary in personality, problems, strengths, weaknesses, and environment. In general, hyperactive children are said to have several common characteristics such as poor performance in school, short attention spans, impulsiveness, poor motor control, low frustration levels, and an inability to delay gratification of needs and demands.

Clinical experience reveals that most hyperactive children …

Cardio-Vascular Conditioning In Pre-School Children, Patricia Anne Cole

Masters Theses

The effects of a changing criteria token economy system and a self-recording procedure on the duration and accuracy of pre-school children's distance running behavior are examined. In the first study, the use of tokens contingent on gradually longer duration of running times increased the length of time children would run, to twelve minutes, a clinically significant duration. In the second study, the use of package intervention that included a self-recording device and contingent tokens increased the accuracy with which preschoolers followed directions to run a specified number of laps. Tokens alone also increased the accuracy of lap running, but not …

Effects Of Contingency Contracting On The Academic Performance Of Special Education Students, Carolyn Marie Nock

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of contingency contracting between parent and child on improving the academic performance of three special education students, ages 14-16, enrolled in a mainstream English class. Two of the subjects had been certified as emotionally impaired, the third as learning disabled. A multiple baseline across-subjects experimental design was employed. The completion of three academic contracts per week entitled the subjects to receive a contract consequence which the parents delivered. The parents determined contract completion based on specified criteria. Academic performance was measured by grades the subjects received on homework, tests, and …

Teaching Behavior Management Skills And Assessing Generalization To The Classroom Setting, Kathleen A. Ratchford

Masters Theses

The present study investigated the effects of written rules and videotape discrimination training on the acquisition, generalization and maintenance of behavior management skills. Three classroom aides and one special education teacher in a classroom for severely mentally impaired students were required to attain 90% mastery on a set of written rules and videotape training episodes. Data on percent correct application of behavior management techniques in the classroom setting were collected prior to and immediately following videotape discrimination training. Results indicated an increase over pretraining levels in all subjects' correct application of behavior management techniques immediately following videotape discrimination training. A …

On The Effects Of Mixed Fi-Dro And Mixed Ri-Rdro Schedules On Rats' Lever Pressing, Marcelo Jose Villareal

Masters Theses

Rats' lever pressing was studied in two experiments involving mixed schedules with equivalent interval and differential-reinforcementof- other-behavior components. It was observed that temporal stimuli controlled latency times when fixed temporal criteria were used, that this control weakened as temporal criteria were increased from 3 to 7 to 15 seconds, and that it was usually weak regarding interresponse times. The mean number of lever presses per trial was likely to increase in the process, although ulterior decreases were apparent for two of the seven subjects. When random temporal criteria (approximately averaging 8 seconds) replaced fixed ones, the response rate increased. Rapid …

Recipe Design And Management In A Nutritional Data Base System, Robert G. Trenary

Masters Theses

The Nutritional Data Base System (NDBS) is an interactive information system which provides the user the ability to create and process menus, recipes and food items. Three primary program modules are thus indicated along with modules to translate user requests and process file and directory information. A discussion of standard data base concepts and an application of these concepts to the processing of recipes in the NDBS system is presented. Future possible expansions are suggested and other similar information systems are discussed.

Western News, July 29, 1982, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Bernhard urges University community to vote, Consortium to sponsor exhibit at Crossroads, Gayl F. Werme is appointed as WMU Trustee by Gov. Milliken, Experiments held at Biomechanics Laboratory, Kuhle named new women's tennis mentor

Western News, July 8, 1982, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: UCCS evaluation phase completed, Future Board of Trustees meetings listed, Warning! File cabinets may pose a hazard, Mission statement is approved by Trustees, Emeritus writes 'Easiest to Read' textbook, McIntosh beats out Russian runners, Computer Center will offer free DPL workshop

The Effect Of Pressdrying On Bogus Medium, Judith Lynn Reames

Paper Engineering Senior Theses

Pressdrying is simultaneous pressing and drying. It employs a steam heated roll in some type of extended nip.

This study was made to determine the effects of pressdrying on 100% bogus medium. Pressure during pressdrying and nip residence time were constant. Freeness and solids content before drying were varied. Pressdried sheets were compared to sheets dried under no pressure but produced under otherwise similar conditions.

At any given freeness level, the pressdried sheets were higher in density and ring crush, and lower in tensile and caliper. Variance of solids content before drying showed no trend for tensile. Based on significance …

Et Tu, Judy Blume: Are The Books Girls Choose To Read, Sexist?, Jon Shapiro, Geraldine Snyder

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The decade of the 1970' s could be characterized as period of feminine consciousness, a period of concentrated awareness of social and economic imbalances and injustices, which led to thorough examinations of educational materials. Sexism was discovered to be rampant, though perhaps not unexpected, throughout reading materials intended for young people. Many studies examined the frequency of appearance of male and female characters, which a majority focused on sex role stereotyping.

Measureable Effects Of A Read-Aloud Program, Roslind C. Hooper, Victoria Chou Hare

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The following report demonstrates that reading aloud to first-grade children impacts not only on their experiential backgrounds but also on their language-appropriate behaviors, in ways which are easy to measure. In the study to be described, both traditional and novel means of measuring program gains are utilized to marshall still more empirical support for reading aloud to children.

Reading Horizons Vol. 22, No. 4

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Complete issue of Reading Horizons volume 22, issue 4.

Using College Reading Assignments To Improve Reading/Thinking Skills, Rose Yesu Jacques

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The purpose of this study was to determine whether instruction in certain critical reading skills would improve the overall reading ability of college freshmen. The skills of recognizing assumptions, reasoning deductively, interpreting, drawing inferences, and evaluating arguments were the critical reading skills chosen for inclusion in this study. Besides the primary purpose cited, the procedures used in this study provided opportunities to investigate related questions.

Helping Children Construct Meaning: Comprehension Strategies That Work!, Barbara Johnson

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

There has been widespread concern that students in today' s educational system are not comprehending what they read. Reading comprehension can be taught (Durkin, 1978-79; Pearson & Johnson, 1978); however, Durkin reports that almost no comprehension instruction was found in grades three through six. Less than 1% of classroom time was spent on direct instruction in reading comprehension. Durkin further reports that an adequate definition of reading comprehension instruction could not be found in research reports or other educational publications. Lack of comprehension instruction may be due to the fact that teachers have not acquired an adequate understanding of reading …

A Comparison Of Syntactic Structures In First-Graders' Oral And Written Language, Linda Lehnert

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

If an elementary program included writing activities from the beginning of first grade, migpt students' written language be as syntactically complex as their oral language? A review of the literature found no study in which a comparison of syntactic features had been made between first-graders' oral and written utterances. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to compare the same subjects' oral and written language samples. Using T-unit analysis, 19 first-graders' oral and written language samples were compared to determine similarities and differences in specific syntactic structures.

Wmu Board Of Trustees Regular Meeting June 25, 1982, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

• Acceptance of the Agenda
• Minutes
• Correspondence
• President's Remarks
• Academic Personnel Report
• Non-Academic Personnel Report
• Gift and Grant Report
• Western Michigan University Board of Trustees Meeting Dates for 1982/83
• Revision of 1981/82 General Fund Operating Budget
• Resolution re Building Maintenance and Repair Projects
• Continuation of Budget for 1982/83
• Recommendation re Fall Semester 1982 Tuition Schedule
• Recommendation re Student Health Maintenance Fee
• Recommendation re Purchase of Bond
• Recommendation re Signing of Contract for John E. Fetzer Business Development Center
• Mission Statement
• Board Committee Reports
• Public Comments
• Adjournment