Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating The Effects Of Brief Video Interventions On White Undergraduate Students’ Racial Attitudes, Alyssa Powers

Dissertations

In this experimental study, a pretest posttest between-groups design was utilized to investigate the efficacy of two brief multicultural educational video interventions in improving the colorblind and affective racial attitudes of White undergraduate students. Ninety-eight self-identified White undergraduate students from a large, Midwestern university were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) viewing a video on the pervasiveness of individual racism and White privilege in the United States (True Colors); (b) viewing a video on institutional racism in the United States (Segregated by Design); (c) viewing a study tips video as the neutral control condition. Participants’ colorblind and affective …

An Evaluation Of The Role Of Conditional And Unconditional Probabilities In A Precursor Functional Analysis, Cassie Ross

Masters Theses

Functional analysis assessments are extremely useful tools in determining the function of challenging behavior and designing behavior intervention plans (Iwata et al. 1982/1994), but in the case of severe challenging behavior, can be dangerous to the individual or assessor. Precursor functional analyses place the contingencies onto a precursor to the severe challenging behavior and have been shown to be an effective assessment with high correspondence to a traditional functional analyses (Rahaman et al. 2024). This study utilized a probability analysis to identify precursor behaviors and assess the time required to identify precursors. We used a modified Functional Assessment Interview to …

Using Computerized Instruction To Increase Professional Competence With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) Modifications, Paige Lee Sherlund-Pelfrey

Masters Theses

One in thirty-six children receive an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, and an estimated 5.4 million adults in the United States have previously received an ASD diagnosis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). At least seventy percent of individuals with ASD have one comorbid disorder (Valderas et al., 2009). Some common comorbid disorders for individuals with ASD include depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based therapy that can support depressive, anxiety and OCD symptoms, and has empirically supported modifications that can be used with the ASD population. However, research reports that clinicians are not …

Developing Machine Learning Models And Graphene-Based Flexible Humidity And Temperature Sensors For Machine-Learning-Assisted Sensing, Seth Hajian

Dissertations

Flexible sensor technology has recently gained tremendous momentum in both academic research and industrial applications, transitioning from conceptual frameworks to practical implementations across diverse fields. This remarkable advancement can be attributed to several converging factors, including the maturation of nanomaterial science, the advancements of machine learning algorithms, and the critical demand for intelligent sensing solutions in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation. The growing emphasis on personalized medicine and real-time health monitoring, accelerated by global health challenges, has further highlighted the necessity for accurate, cost-effective, and adaptable sensing platforms. This dissertation presents the fulfillment of three interconnected research projects focused …

The Fault Line: Understanding Tension Between Industry And Higher Education Institutions In Sustained Partnerships, David Lawrence

Dissertations

This study investigates the dynamics that influence tensions in industry–higher education partnerships and identifies effective navigation factors in sustainable partnerships. Despite the increasing prevalence, such partnerships face high failure rates due to inherent tensions. This research explores how partners from industry and higher education institutions successfully navigate these tensions using a qualitative case study approach.

This investigation employed a case study design with a multi-case two-by-two holistic matrix and an interpretive, constructivist framework. Data collection involved 16 semi-structured interviews with key individuals from nine higher education institutions and five industry organizations spanning healthcare, technology, consulting, real estate development, and accounting …

Complete Issue, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Diana Camilo, Moya Malcolm, Laura Owen, Christopher W. Tremblay

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Fundamentals Of College Admission Counseling: A Textbook For Graduate Students And Practicing Counselors, Brenda Gerhardt

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Introductory Pages, Christopher W. Tremblay, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Laura Owen, Moya Malcolm, Diana Camilo

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

The Experiences Of Graduate Students Of Color During Recruitment, Tracy Sweet, Kristabel Stark, Bridget Turner Kelly

Journal of College Access

We posit that graduate student recruitment is a form of community engagement where universities invite community members to apply. We conducted a study about the recruitment experience with 29 newly matriculated graduate students of color. Many students reported that welcoming interactions, research and courses on diversity or racial equity impacted their decision to enroll. Some barriers included lack of information, standardized tests, and funding. This study offers important insights for improving inclusive recruitment strategies.

Marching To College: Exploring Military-Connected Students’ Access Experiences Navigating College Choice, Latosha R. Henderson, Jennifer Johnson, Shannon Martin

Journal of College Access

This study analyzed how pre-college advising and transition experiences impact the postsecondary success of military-connected students (MCS). Each year, approximately 200,000 military veterans transition to civilian life, with around 40% seeking higher education. Despite the financial support of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, MCS face unique challenges in accessing and succeeding in higher education, including restrictive admissions policies, unclear credit transfer processes, and insufficient pre-college advising.

Through a case study approach, this study explores the college transition experiences of MCS and the role of pre-college advising in supporting these transitions. Data were collected via surveys and interviews, focusing on the participants' …

Giving Oral Histories New Life Through Community Archiving Collaborations, Marianne Swierenga, Amy Bocko

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Presentations

Oral Histories conducted by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum have found a new life through a collaborative partnership with WMU Libraries. Recorded on VHS in 1995, oral histories from Jewish resort owners in South Haven, Michigan, were digitized, described, and published openly in ScholarWorks, WMU’s institutional repository. This poster describes how the collaboration began, the workflow between institutions, and the resulting final product.

Representation Of Autism Spectrum Disorders In Realistic Fiction For Children And Young Adults Over The Past 20 Years, Jane E. Kelley, Yun-Ju Hsiao, Brenda L. Barrio, Teresa A. Cardon, Madeline G. Joyce

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

In our study, we analyzed 147 contemporary realistic fiction children’s and young adult books that feature characters with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We compared these representations with current statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For each book, we examined the character demographics, the main character, the author’s background, and representation prevalence. Our findings revealed a significant increase in the portrayal of characters with ASD over the past decade. There has also been a rise in the number of characters with ASD serving as the main protagonists in stories. We delved into the implications of gender, race, and …

Editorial Review Board Vol. 64 Issue 1

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

No abstract provided.

Teacher Autonomy And Decision Making On Curricular Book Choices, Melanie D. Koss, Kathleen A. Paciga

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This article reports findings from an email survey of 748 U.S. PreK–8 teachers. The survey invited teachers’ reflections on their autonomy in selecting children’s literature for classroom instruction and classroom libraries. In this descriptive study, researchers used frequency counts, cross-tabulations, and examination of text-based responses. Data were analyzed across three constructs of teacher autonomy: capacity, self-direction, and freedom. Findings show teachers feel well equipped to select quality literature, have more self-direction in literature used for read-alouds and inclusion in classroom libraries than for instruction, and report recent sociopolitical events in the United States have stifled their feelings of freedom. Internal …

From Disengaged To Flourishing: The Impact Of Authentic And Practical Professional Development On Teachers And Students, Julianne Scullen

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Building upon the ideas of social constructivists work in dialogic instruction (Bakhtin, 1981; Vygotsky, 1978) and self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1977), this study sought to answer: How does teacher participation in a book club impact teacher disposition to dialogic practices in the classroom? And how does teacher participation in a book club influence teacher efficacy regarding the implementation of dialogic practice? Using case study research based on semi-structured interviews, book club transcripts, and participant reflective journal entries, changes in disposition toward dialogism and efficacy in dialogic classroom practice were explored. The book club itself served as an intervention and provided teachers …

“Proving Our Worth”: Discourses Of Teacher Evaluation In Literacy Coaching, Carolyn S. Hunt, Deborah A. Macphee

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

There is increasing evidence that literacy coaching is an effective method for supporting teachers’ professional development. At the same time, teacher evaluation systems have intensified in response to reform initiatives, raising questions about what happens at the intersection of teacher evaluation and coaching. Despite the potential of coaching to promote deep reflection and professional growth, discourses of teacher evaluation can disrupt teacher-coach relationships if accountability is privileged over professional learning and coaches are positioned as experts who judge and report on teachers’ performance. The purpose of this study was to explore how dominant discourses of teacher evaluation influenced the professional …

Caregivers’ Satisfaction With And Perceived Cultural Sensitivity Of A Modification Of A Child Injury Prevention Program For Spanish-Speaking Families, Karen Padilla

Honors Theses

Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. Caregivers play a critical role in reducing children’s risk of injury by adopting appropriate supervision behaviors and engaging in safety-proofing practices. The Supervising for Home Safety (SHS) program is a video-based intervention developed to increase caregiver supervision for children ages 2–5 by targeting beliefs about injury vulnerability, injury preventability, and self-efficacy for implementing safety precautions. While SHS has demonstrated effectiveness in English-speaking populations, no research has examined its adaptation and impact among Spanish-speaking caregivers. This study aimed to examine caregivers perceived cultural sensitivity and satisfaction with …

Impact Of Humor Vs. Seriousness In Advertising: The Role Of Product Type In Consumer Recall And Purchase Behavior, Cian Ortega

Honors Theses

This study examines the effectiveness of humorous versus serious advertising tones across three different product categories, which are beverage, hygiene, and health/medicine. This is done by measuring their impact on a consumer’s brand/product recall, enjoyment, and purchase intent. Historically, humor has been related to positive emotional responses while seriousness has been associated with building trust and credibility. By using a within-subjects experimental-survey design, data were collected from seventy survey respondents who viewed humorous and serious advertisements across the three product categories (hygiene, beverage, and health/medicine and then evaluated each ad based on their agreement to statements relating to brand/product recall, …

The Laureate, Nadia Famiano

Honors Theses

It is important for undergraduate artists to have an understanding of the artistic market before they start their careers. This project will provide students with the opportunity to experience the process of getting published in a formal academic journal utilizing resources from others pursuing post-secondary education in different fields. The Laureate is an art journal composed of undergraduate pieces. It gives students an opportunity to have their art(s) recognized, such as written works, photography and other visual arts. Allowing for students to have experience with an official publication, The Laureate is an engaging journal that culminates in a celebration of …

Organizational Actions And Perceptions On Scope 3 Emissions And Regulatory Impacts On Measurement, Griffin Fill

Honors Theses

This study analyzed organizations’ actions and perceptions concerning Scope 3 emissions measurement and the impact that regulations have on the measurement of these emissions. Specifically, this study investigated if organizations measure Scope 3 emissions and their reasons for doing so, the impacts of the proposal and eventual removal of the SEC Scope 3 reporting requirements on organizations, and supply chain professionals’ perceptions regarding if more regulation concerning Scope 3 emissions would be beneficial or detrimental. The goal of this study was to get an initial idea regarding the questions posed, and this study had a pilot-level scope. Therefore, this study …

Using Generative Artificial Intelligence To Improve Software-Defined Network Security: A Brief Survey, Anthony Smith

Honors Theses

This paper aims to explore various approaches to using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to improve network security in software-defined networking. While software-defined networks provide a more programmable infrastructure, they are not immune to network security threats. Through a combination of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies and generative AI, it is possible to facilitate improved SDN security approaches that promise enhanced network efficiency and protection. Among these approaches, generative adversarial networks (GAN) based models can be employed to generate adversarial traffic samples to train the proposed AI engines proven to be effective in detecting malicious network traffic. Additionally, generative artificial intelligence can …

The Interaction Between Parenting Styles, College Adjustment, And Decision Making In Undergraduate Freshman And Sophomores, Taylor Phillips

Honors Theses

Although considerable research has investigated how parenting styles impact child development, little is known about how parenting styles correlate with young adults’ adjustment to college. Parenting styles children are raised with may impact the development of skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation that influence how they react to difficult life transitions. Parenting styles may also impact a person’s decision making, including in situations involving self-control. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between parenting style, college adjustment, and self-control. This study used the Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire- Short Version, the Student Adaption to …

The Relationship Between Yoga Practice And Sports Performance Of High-Level Athletes, Molly Freeman

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to review existing literature to determine if there is a relationship between yoga practice and the sports performance of high-level athletes. As awareness of mental health in sports continues to grow, athletes and coaches are searching for therapeutic methods to promote well-being and boost sports performance Yoga is a practice combining breath, meditation, and movement that has many physical and mental benefits. This literature review explores the impact of these benefits on athletic performance. Findings that yoga can boost physical and mental fitness, two very important attributes of successful athletes, point to the practice …

Western Student Association Structure And Governing Processes: Evaluating Success For Student Government Associations, Samuel Longlet

Honors Theses

The Western Student Association underwent several reforms between March of 2020 and April of 2025. These reforms included expanding its legislative branch both in terms of pure size and internal responsibility and restructuring its executive branch to focus more on building relationships with the administration of Western Michigan University.

The Western Student Association between 2020 and 2025 has become more successful in advocating, allocating, and being a shared governance partner, representing the three executive functions of a Student Government Association.

While the Western Student Association is more successful in 2025 than it was in 2020, the institutional weaknesses of an …

The Impact Of Marijuana Edibles On Fetal Development In Pregnant Adolescents And Young Mothers, Rachel Doyle

Honors Theses

With the growing prevalence of marijuana use for both recreational and medicinal purposes, this study explores the impact of edible cannabis consumption on fetal development in pregnant adolescents and young mothers. While most existing research focuses on smoked cannabis in adult populations, this review highlights a significant gap regarding the unique risks of edibles among younger, vulnerable users who may perceive them as safer. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study examines the physiological effects of THC in edible form, as well as the social, economic, and healthcare factors influencing its use. Key areas of focus include maternal health, placental …

Prevalence Of Imposter Syndrome Among Undergraduate Students At Western Michigan University, Thomas Leasure

Honors Theses

Imposter syndrome (IS) is a psychological phenomenon that many people can experience throughout their life, especially for students pursuing higher education. It can be described as feeling unworthy of one's accomplishments, or being “found out” as a fraud. Certain demographics may suffer from imposter syndrome more than others, like students in STEM or first generational students. Thus, it is important to better understand the prevalence of imposter syndrome here at Western Michigan University. This issue was studied by conducting a survey among undergraduate students looking at demographic information and severity of imposter syndrome. The data was then coded and analyzed …

Latino Student Engagement In Rsos At Hcob, Angel Cordero

Honors Theses

Latino students at the Haworth College of Business (HCOB) are significantly underrepresented in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), raising concerns about inclusivity and engagement within the college’s extracurricular community. This study aims to identify the barriers preventing Latino business students from participating in RSOs, exploring factors such as cultural representation, language preferences, financial constraints, and perceived social inclusion. Using a Qualtrics survey distributed to Latino business students at Western Michigan University, this research collects qualitative and quantitative data to assess their experiences and perspectives on campus involvement.

Findings reveal that many Latino students feel disconnected from existing RSOs due to a …

How Discriminatory Housing Policies Segregated Kalamazoo, Jacob Walsh

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the historical and contemporary legacy of racially discriminatory housing policies in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Using primary documents, census data, and secondary literature, it examines how government-sanctioned practices like redlining, racially restrictive covenants, urban renewal projects, and exclusionary zoning contributed to the segregation of Kalamazoo’s Black residents. Contrary to the narrative that residential segregation in northern cities was merely “de facto”, the thesis emphasizes the deliberate nature of these policies, carried out by federal, state, and local institutions in collaboration with real estate and banking industries.

The research focuses on the lasting economic impacts of redlining, especially in neighborhoods …

Impact Of Witnessing Intimate Partner Violence For Elementary Age Children: Counseling Recommendations, Makayla Essington

Honors Theses

This literature review explores the significant impacts that witnessing intimate partner violence (IPV) has on elementary-aged children and presents evidence-based counseling interventions to support their healing. Children are not always direct victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, simply witnessing intimate partner violence (IPV) in the home has significant impacts on children, such as emotionally, physically, cognitively, and behaviorally. This literature review highlights the significant impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV) on children’s mental health, including risk of anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and PTSD symptoms. Witnessing intimate partner violence also impacts the physical health of children, including risk for sleep disturbances …

Voting Rights Expansion To Achieve Voting Equity, Emily Tuller

Honors Theses

Socioeconomic disparities often correlate with lower voter participation, potentially leading to underrepresentation of disadvantaged communities in policy decisions. Michigan's recent voting rights expansion aims to increase accessibility and participation. This study examined the relationship between county-level poverty and voter turnout and assesses the impact of expanded voting rights on turnout in Michigan's poorest counties. We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing voter turnout data from the 2020 and 2024 elections, obtained from the Michigan Secretary of State website. Counties’ median household income data were obtained from County Health Rankings to identify high- and low-income counties. We conducted a correlation analysis to …