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The Acquisition Of Spelling By Developmentally Disabled Adults: An Examination Of Some Variations Of The Look-Cover-Write-Check Cycle, Mark Stafford

Masters Theses

Five developmentally disabled adults were taught to spell groups of five words using the look-over-write-check cycle, in which the subject looks at the word, covers it, writes the word, then looks at the word again to check the accuracy of spelling. Four variations of this procedure were used with each of the subjects including requiring the subjects to spell the words out loud in the "look" component. The results showed that the subjects required fewer sessions and fewer trials to spell the five words when the out loud requirement was in effect. Approximations generated as the subjects learned to spell …

Analogical Reasoning Of Elderly Adults Using Three Modalities: Words, Pictures, And Figures, Judy L. Rau

Masters Theses

This study examined the analogical processing skills of elderly adults. Forty-seven subjects (ages 65-90) completed analogy tasks presented in three modalities: words, pictures, and geometric figures (90 total). The subjects for this study were elderly adults living independently in a federally subsidized apartment building. The subjects used in this study possessed characteristics similar to the "typical" American adult. Results indicated that performance does not vary significantly with age in the word and picture modalities. Significant (p < .05) negative relationships were found between performance on the geometric figure analogies and increased age and between overall performance and increased age. Significant (p < .05) positive relationships were found between education and performance on each of the three modalities as well as between education and overall performance.

The Effects Of Repeated Trials On The Cardiovascular Responses To Reading Aloud And Non-Stressful Conversation, George S. Renfrey

Masters Theses

This study assessed changes in blood pressure, heart rate, skin conductance, frontalis muscle tension, and breathing rates associated with repeated reading aloud and non-stressful conversation. Four male and 3 female normotensive subjects participated. Sixteen presentations of both verbal tasks, each preceded by a quiet rest period, were made across 8 sessions.

The results indicate that: (a) when compared with resting levels, statistically significant increases in heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and frontalis muscle tension, and decreases in breathing rates may be produced by reading aloud and non-stressful conversation; (b) systolic blood pressure changes attenuate with repeated trials; and (c) …

Implications Of Conservative Tendencies For Practice And Education In Social Welfare, David G. Gil

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This essay explores the meanings, sources, dynamics, and ideological themes of conservative tendencies in societal evolution and traces the dominance of these themes and tendencies in social welfare practice and education. The essay also suggests approaches for moving beyond these tendencies in our society and proposes an agenda for transition policies. Finally, the essay examines principles and elements of social-changeoriented political action and their implications for practice and education in social welfare.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 17, No. 2 (June 1990)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

• NORMAN N. GOROFF: IN MEMORIAM - Shimon Gottschalk
• IMPLICATIONS OF CONSERVATIVE TENDENCIES FOR PRACTICE AND EDUCATION IN SOCIAL WELFARE - David G. Gil
• PHILOSOPHICAL DISPUTES IN SOCIAL WORK: SOCIAL JUSTICE DENIED - Dennis Saleeby
• ADVOCACY/EMPOWERMENT: AN APPROACH TO CLINICAL PRACTICE FOR SOCIAL WORK - Stephen M. Rose
• EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ADVOCACY AND CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING: IMPLICATIONS OF A STRUCTURAL APPROACH TO SOCIAL WORK - Maurice M. Moreau
• BACK TO OUR ROOTS: TOWARD A SPECIALIZATION IN SOCIAL JUSTICE - Linda Cherrey Reeser and Leslie Leighninger
• THE NEW CHRISTIAN RIGHT, SOCIAL POLICY AND THE WELFARE STATE - James Midgely
• THE DEMISE OF THE CATASTROPHIC COVERAGE …

Empowerment Through Advocacy And Consciousness-Raising: Implications Of A Structural Approach To Social Work, Maurice J. Moreau

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Empowerment of oppressed clients requires of social workers to act as advocates and to assist clients in changing the dynamics which contribute to self-oppression or the oppression of others. The paper explores a five-stage process wherein oppressed individuals contribute to the social order that devalues them and, in the process, also participate in the oppression of others. The practice implications of a structural approach to social work committed to client empowerment in each of these stages are described.

The Demise Of The Catastrophic Coverage Act: A Reflection Of The Inability Of Congress To Respond To Changing Needs Of The Elderly And Their Families, Linda Boise

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper considers the recent demise of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 in the context of the needs of the elderly and their families. Although the surtax imposed on middle and upper income elderly was the ostensible reason for the anger this Act generated among the elderly, other factors related to the concerns and needs of the elderly and of their families also prevented it from being supported. This article discusses the characteristics of the Catastrophic Coverage Act as a continuation of the historical bias of Medicare in favor of acute medical care and as an effort by …

Detecting And Reporting Child Abuse: A Function Of The Human Service Delivery System, George E. Fryer Jr.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper reports the results of a regression analysis performed on 48, 499 reports of known or suspected child abuse submitted from 1974 through 1983 to the Colorado Department of Social Services Central Child Abuse Registry. Enrollments in human service programs, combined with events which precipitate enrollee use of services, and the presence of human service professionals and institutions are strongly related to the number of abuse cases reported.

A Study Management Course For High-Risk Black College Freshmen, Mark Andrew Jackson

Dissertations

Attrition of high-risk, black college students has been a perpetual problem faced by colleges and universities. The importance of not only attending college, but actually receiving a degree has substantially greater cultural, educational, societal, and financial implications for black people than for whites. Also, because of shifting demographics, the relatively high attrition rates of black students will have an even greater impact on colleges and universities in upcoming years.

A review of the literature indicates that the origins of this problem are most directly related to academic deficiencies, poor motivation, and inadequate time management and self-management. While there exist numerous …

Western News, May 24, 1990, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Search concludes with Ferraro recommended as new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dennison announces decision on Inselbergs, Benefits pool is 33.2 percent of employee's pay, Elliott to coach women's basketball, Board okays Dannison appointment, Lee Honors College, Grand Rapids building to be completed in July; Asken tells Senate

Western News, May 10, 1990, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU future may include development of research and business park, Haenicke cites critical needs in House hearing as faculty salaries and tuition stabilization, Education is key to containing health care costs, Bernhard portrait dedicated at April gathering, Gifted high school arts students to attend 28th Michigan Youth Arts Festival on campus

Western News, April 19, 1990, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Eight to receive $2,500Teaching Excellence Awards, Bernhard portrait dedication set for April 21, Haenicke calls for more growth in funded research, Targowski writes book on information systems, Lawson; former student collaborate on book that challenges approaches to study of religion, Curtis-Smith wins award from arts foundation

Western News, April 12, 1990, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Student occupation of administration building ends, Best-selling textbook by Gardner and Sichel revised and expanded for third edition, Mallinson earns alumni award; new book out, School districts set for campus recruitment during April 20 Teacher Placement Day

Western News, April 5, 1990, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Haenicke leads the charge in March 29 Detroit forum, Scott to deliver address to Presidential Scholars, WMU research centers support technology transfer, New cable television system to serve campus this fall, Grant to boost number of KVCC minority transfers, Tanis named Fellow of national society, Breisach awarded NEH senior fellowship for research on 'progressive historians', Gossman writes law text with Arthur Miller, Packaging efforts earn Wygant national award

A Study Of Bleach Effluents From Oxidative Extraction, Thomas R. Slusarczyk

Paper Engineering Senior Theses

During the 1970's oxygen delignification was primarily undertaken before the bleaching stages in a pulp mill. However, towards the end of the 1970's further research was done to promote the use of oxygen as a decoloring agent within the bleaching stages. This was warranted because oxygen delignification was known to promote decreased chemical consumption, mainly chlorine. The process that was developed came to be known as oxidative extraction. This process has become very popular due to the fact that it is easier to install and operate than the conventional oxygen delignification system. Some other advantages that this process offers are …

Women's Dilemma: Is It Reasonable To Be Rational?, Harriet Baber

Center for the Study of Ethics in Society Papers

Based on a presentation to the WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society February 17, 1990.

Reading Instruction And The Language-Impaired Child: Means To What End?, Esther Feldman Levary

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This simple statement alludes to the important relationship between speech and literacy that has come to intrigue and perplex many in recent years. Speech and literacy have been recognized as two complex processes that are conceptually and practically intertwined in the great tangle called "language" (Snow, 1983; Vellutino, 1977; Mattingly, 1972). Language, "a system of communication that employs spoken or written symbols" (Harris and Sipay, 1984, p. 247), is defined as a single phenomenon having receptive and expressive modes.

Witches Every Month? The Social Construction Of Premenstrual Syndrome, Suzanne Latham

Masters Theses

Premenstrual syndrome was first reported in 1931, but it was not until the early 1980s that it received widespread attention in the medical literature and the popular press. This thesis is a sociological analysis of how physicians and others were able to define premenstrual problems as an illness. The thesis uses a phenomenological approach, referred to as social constructionism, to explore how medical researchers, physicians, pharmaceutical companies, feminists, various entrepreneurs, and others have attempted to define premenstrual problems to promote their own interests. The analytic method is documentary analysis. The thesis argues that physicians were able to make powerful claims, …

Clients' Self-Reports Of Counselor Style And Personal Change: A Comparison Of Inexperienced And Experienced Counselors, Ronald M. Crafton

Dissertations

Research suggests clients' perceptions of counselor style are important factors in successful counseling outcome (Strong, 1968). With the widespread acceptance and emphasis on practica courses in counselor education, it follows that counselor educators and clinical supervisors need empirical indicators of the level of service provided by inexperienced student counselors. Information provided by clients pertaining to specific dimensions of counselor style and personal change is rare, and until now, has been limited to experienced counselors.

When 181 clients of inexperienced counselors were compared with 363 clients of experienced counselors it was found that the inexperienced counselors were percieved similarly on 12 …

The Relationship Between Absenteeism And The Amount Of Overtime Worked In Various Job Classifications In A Metal Fabrication Plant, Thomas D. Hopkins

Dissertations

A causal comparative study was conducted to test the relationship between absenteeism and the amount of overtime worked in various job classifications. The study was conducted in a metal stamping plant. The 4.5-year study tested absence percentage data for the three classifications of skilled, service, and nonskilled employees. The study supported the hypothesis that there is a relationship between absenteeism and job classification. The study could not support either a relationship between the amount of overtime worked and absenteeism or a relationship between the interaction of job classification and overtime worked on the absentee rate. Implications were discussed pertaining to …

Parent, Student, And Teacher Perceptions Of Discipline Problems In The Middle School, Marilyn J. Giannangeli

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of parents, students, and teachers relative to specific, documented behavioral problems which occur in the middle school environment. Of particular interest were the perceptions of the frequency with which these behaviors occurred, whether these perceptions correlated with the actual frequencies as documented by formal dismissal referrals, and the perceptions of appropriateness of referral to a school administrator of these behaviors.

The sample group consisted of 230 students, 25 teachers, and 230 parents from a selected middle school in Macomb County, located in southeastern Michigan. The instrument used for data collection …

The Relationship Between Attitude Toward The Elderly And Intergenerational Contact Among Social Workers, William D. Vickers

Dissertations

The relationship between social workers' attitudes toward the elderly and personal contact with older persons was investigated utilizing a sample survey research design. The assessment instrument included The Aging Semantic Differential (Rosencranz & McNevin, 1969) to measure attitude and an intergenerational contact measure developed and field tested for the study. The instrument was mailed to a random sample of 538 members of the Michigan Chapter, National Association of Social Workers. The research questions addressed were: (1) What are the attitudes of social workers toward the elderly? (2) What intergenerational contact has been experienced by social workers? (3) Is there a …

The Small Crimes Of Arthur Payne, Franklin T. Young

Masters Theses

Prologue

People ask how I could love a man with Arthur Payne. They say he was cruel, he sold out, he never loved me, that he thought no more of killing a man than a housefly. They're right. All Arthur cared about was the message he was created to deliver. Our shared days--the September afternoons we walked alone the shore at Cape Ann with our pants rolled up, and the fringe of the Atlantic foamed between our bare toes, or the city hours when Arthur followed me as I took pictures of black kids in scuffed British Knights trying to …

Pathophysiology Of Hemorrhagic Shock And The Protective Effects Of Antioxidants, Annette Elizabeth Fleckenstein

Masters Theses

Considerable attention has focused on the role of free radicals in the pathophysiology of hemorrhagic shock. In this study, four pharmacological mechanisms for antagonizing free radical generation or reactions were compared in terms of their efficacy in attenuating post-hemorrhage (post-reinfusion) cardiovascular collapse. These included blocking arachidonic acid oxidation by cyclooxygenase (eg; ibuprofen), inhibiting superoxide radical production by xanthine oxidase (eg; oxypurinol), chelating iron (eg; desferal), and inhibiting lipid peroxidation (eg; U74006F and U78517G, Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan).

Cardiovascular function, cerebral blood flow, arterial blood gases, serum glucose, and plasma vitamin E were examined in a hemorrhage/reperfusion model using urethane-anesthetized rats. …

Blessed Be The Ties That Bind: A Critical Analysis Of The Changing Language In The Organizational Mission Statement As A Form Of Downward Communication, Jacqueline A. De Haan

Masters Theses

In this study, the differences in language between an historical and new organizational mission statement were examined. The critical interpretive perspective was utilized; grounded theory was the method used to analyze changes in values and organizational identity.

The findings from this study indicated that the changed mission statement was different from the historical mission statement in three ways: in values and identity, in structure, and in use of voice. The findings were discussed and implications for organizational members considered.

Ethnography Of A Lesbian Community In Michigan, Carol W. Burton

Masters Theses

The purpose of this master's thesis is to describe the structure and workings of a community of women in a major western Michigan metropolitan area, who identify themselves as lesbians, and to describe how this subcommunity relates to the dominant American culture in the area. This study examines the ways in which these lesbians define themselves and their subculture.

To facilitate this research, the researcher participated in the group's meetings, both formal and informal, and spoke with individual members about the history of the group, organizational principles, problems and concerns, formal and Informal rules of conduct, values, and any other …

Self-Control In Children: The Impact Of Reinforced Commitment, Michael G. Winter

Masters Theses

The present study attempted to determine whether offering a reward to subjects for "commiting" to a large, delayed-reward task affected their degree of self-control as assessed by the "switch point." Two boys and two girls between the ages of three and five participated.

The results of this study indicate that providing a reward for making a commitment to a future behavior involving a large, delayed-reward task does have an effect on a child's degree of self-control as measured by the "switch point." In addition, the "switch point" has been shown to be a useful tool for assessing a child's degree …

Teacher And Student Discourse Variables In Academic Communication, Janet M. Sturm

Masters Theses

This study was designed to analyze the oral communication exchanges between first, third, and fifth grade teachers and their students. It was based on the hypothesis that discourse parameters of linguistic quantity and complexity and communication acts change over grade level, much as the discourse parameters of caregivers with young children have been found to do. The language of teachers and students in 15 classrooms was examined by measuring 6 form and quantity variables and 11 communication act variables. Results showed significant differences for some form variables (MLU, mazes, and Type-token ratio) and some communication acts (convey content, mark content, …

The Effect Of A Multi-Component Treatment Package On Seat Belt Usage Among Hispanics, Senez Rodriguez-Charbonier

Masters Theses

This study analyzed the impact of a combination of approaches on the frequency of seat belt usage in a large Hispanic community in western Michigan. Subjects in either a treatment or a no-treatment control condition were observed weekly for seat belt usage while arriving at church over several months. They were observed for four weeks prior, during and after an intervention program. Subjects in treatment condition attended weekly group meetings where they viewed seat belt use promotion videos, publicly signed behavioral contracts agreeing to use their seat belts, and received permanent prompts which were installed on the dashboard of their …

An Analysis Of Four Performance Techniques For Paraprofessional Direct-Care Staff Working With Developmentally Disabled Adults In Group Homes, L. Martin Grabijas

Dissertations

The habilitation and training of the developmentally disabled has improved markedly in the last two decades. The creation of small, community-based living facilities has allowed these individuals to move from restrictive settings into the community where training in daily living skills can occur in a more natural fashion. While this movement has been positive for the consumer, the preparedness of the staff working in those facilities has not been adequately addressed. Many human service agencies use a generic training package to prepare their staff, yet current research indicates that such training is less than adequate, both in terms of preparing …