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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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African American Parents’ Perceptions Of How Their Digital Practices Affect The Parent-Child Relationship, Teyuna T. Darris May 2024

African American Parents’ Perceptions Of How Their Digital Practices Affect The Parent-Child Relationship, Teyuna T. Darris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study aimed to understand African American parents’ perceptions, observations, and experiences concerning their digital practices and whether or not these practices have any impact on their communication with their children. The theories that guided this study are housed in the sociopsychological communication tradition (i.e., uses and gratification theory and the family communication patterns theory) and the sociocultural communication tradition (i.e., cultivation theory). Thirty-five in-depth interviews of African American parents who completed a qualifying survey were conducted. The interview transcripts underwent a thematic analysis to understand the interviewees’ perceptions, observations, and experiences related to the research questions, which addressed …


A Qualitative Study Of Family Communication Patterns Theory Of Digital Supplementation On University Students, Heather S. Vaughan May 2024

A Qualitative Study Of Family Communication Patterns Theory Of Digital Supplementation On University Students, Heather S. Vaughan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently there is data that exists to support the benefits of traditional parental supplementation. However, the same cannot be said for digital parental supplementation. At present, it is unknown if remote interaction is necessary and whether it generates the same results in human beings, emotionally, mentally, and physically. As society continues exploring the complexities of the digital revolution and technological tools, it is imperative to explore the limitations as well as allowances in computerized communication. Even more importantly, there are several opportunities associated with digital parental supplementation that people must consider. First, digital media can provide proper parental supplementation if …


Banyamulenge Immigrants' Perceptions Of Police In The United States: A Qualitative Study, Fidele Nkomezi Sebahizi May 2024

Banyamulenge Immigrants' Perceptions Of Police In The United States: A Qualitative Study, Fidele Nkomezi Sebahizi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Banyamulenge are Congolese from South Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While research on different minority groups worldwide is prominent, research on the Banyamulenge remains scarce. This study attempts to close this void in literature. The Banyamulenge's ill-treatment was evident during the colonial period, before the DRC’s independence. It stemmed from various ideologies, including the Banyamulenge's denial of being native Congolese. The DRC is a country inhabited by numerous tribes linked to neighboring countries, sharing languages and cultures. Like many other Congolese, the Banyamulenge were on the Congolese territory before the Western colonizers' arrival before 1885. …


A Case Study Of Online Discussion Boards For First Year College Students: A Qualitative Case Study, Eric Cummings May 2024

A Case Study Of Online Discussion Boards For First Year College Students: A Qualitative Case Study, Eric Cummings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand first-year college students’ perspectives on online discussion boards in the context of learning, via the community of inquiry framework. The theory guiding this study is Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which identifies how learners create their own learning experiences in the classroom. The theory’s value comes from it being used to understand student thought in discussion boards, which is the study’s focus. A case study was the design, and the goal was to gather empirical data from discussion board experiences from students. The central research question was What are the experiences of …


A Study Of Followership In An Organizational-Wide Change Of The Ministry Of Child Evangelism Fellowship, Michelle M. Russell May 2024

A Study Of Followership In An Organizational-Wide Change Of The Ministry Of Child Evangelism Fellowship, Michelle M. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The influence of Child Evangelism Fellowship saw a significant increase across the United States of America after an organizational change following a 2001 Supreme Court case ruling. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the role of followership on the change and followership principles that emerged during the change that was implemented following the ruling Good News Club v. Milford Central School on the Good News Club ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Organizational change was defined as intentional actions promoted by leadership and intentional actions taken by followers who took advantage of the rights guaranteed by the ruling. …


Preparing Three Southern Baptist Churches In Mason, Tennessee, As Lighthouses Of Hope In Crisis And Disaster: The Intersection Of The Firehouse And The Church House During A Global Pandemic, Brian J. Styer May 2024

Preparing Three Southern Baptist Churches In Mason, Tennessee, As Lighthouses Of Hope In Crisis And Disaster: The Intersection Of The Firehouse And The Church House During A Global Pandemic, Brian J. Styer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) ministry program faces challenges due to limited awareness among Southern Baptist pastors, leading to inadequate promotion and participation. The proposed solution involves providing targeted education, improved advertising, and encouraging local leaders to promote engagement. The project aims to prepare three churches in Mason and Stanton, TN, to serve as Disaster Relief teams through specialized training and courses like ‘Introduction to Disaster Relief.’ The goal is to increase awareness of SBDR, recruit and train new members, and inspire individuals to become endorsed SBDR and Public Safety Chaplains. The project incorporates a theological foundation to integrate …


Weathering The Storm: A Phenomenological Study Of K-12 Special Educator Resilience And Retention, Kimberly M. Wisinski May 2024

Weathering The Storm: A Phenomenological Study Of K-12 Special Educator Resilience And Retention, Kimberly M. Wisinski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to interpret the lived experiences of K-12 special education teachers (N = 16) from large, suburban districts in Illinois who have persisted in their positions beyond four years. Understanding factors that contribute to the longevity of special education teachers is not only vital for enhancing the educational landscape for students with disabilities but also for informing district-level strategies aimed at fostering teacher retention. This study was guided by Bronfenbrenner's Process-Person-Context-Time (PPCT) bioecological systems theory, which provided a framework for exploring the various systems that influence special education teacher retention. To achieve triangulation …


The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Christian School Administrators As They Work To Foster An Environment Conducive To Student Biblical Worldview Development: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Margaret E. Pope May 2024

The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Christian School Administrators As They Work To Foster An Environment Conducive To Student Biblical Worldview Development: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Margaret E. Pope

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of Christian school secondary administrators as they foster an environment conducive to student biblical worldview development. The theory guiding this study is Leithwood’s iteration of transformational leadership, as it recognizes the influential role school leaders play in the motivation and growth of teachers. Additional consideration of Erdvig’s model of biblical worldview development in evangelical Christian emerging adults was used as the conceptual framework recognizing that the faith elements of worldview formation are unique and relevant to the topic of the study. The central research question was: What …


A Quantitative Study On Operational And Organizational Stress On Game Wardens, Lori A. Perez May 2024

A Quantitative Study On Operational And Organizational Stress On Game Wardens, Lori A. Perez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There has been a notable gap in research concerning stress among game wardens within the law enforcement field. Game wardens encounter operational and organizational stressors similar to those faced by traditional law enforcement officers. Previous research on stress in game wardens has predominantly focused on operational stress, the transition of their duties towards more traditional law enforcement roles, and various stress-inducing factors. This quantitative study utilized the Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) survey to analyze both operational and organizational stress in Maine Game Wardens. The research aimed to address two primary research questions: firstly, examining organizational and occupational stress utilizing the …


Music Educator Turnover In West Virginia: What Is Keeping Music Teachers In Their Classrooms And Why Are Others Leaving?, Jeremiah Dayne Smallridge May 2024

Music Educator Turnover In West Virginia: What Is Keeping Music Teachers In Their Classrooms And Why Are Others Leaving?, Jeremiah Dayne Smallridge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although there is much literature related to teacher recruitment and retention, little is applied specifically to music education, and very little focuses on music education within rural school districts like those that are common to West Virginia. Moreover, there is almost no research at all dedicated solely to West Virginia’s unique music teacher retention statistics. Therefore, this study collected data using a survey that was administered to working music teachers in several West Virginia counties. This mixed-method study identified why the music educators chose to stay in their positions. In addition, it also identified reasons that may have made the …


Black Consonance And Dissonance Theory: As Explored Through The Social Media Use Of Black Women In Late-Adolescence, Iris Goode-Middleton May 2024

Black Consonance And Dissonance Theory: As Explored Through The Social Media Use Of Black Women In Late-Adolescence, Iris Goode-Middleton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Media messages play a crucial part in teaching people how to view themselves and others through the representations of things like gender roles, racial groups, and perceptions of what is deemed beautiful. There is an abundance of stereotypical images of Black women in the media. In addition, they are also inundated with unrealistic beauty standards reflective of Eurocentric ideals of attractiveness that do not include them. Social media allows for content containing stereotypes about Black women and beauty criteria that do not include them at unprecedented rates. This narrative qualitative study aimed to examine how social media content used by …


The Lived Experiences Of Perimenopausal Christian Women: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Sheri Collinsworth Cobarruvias May 2024

The Lived Experiences Of Perimenopausal Christian Women: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Sheri Collinsworth Cobarruvias

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Perimenopause (PM) is a natural physiological process indicating the start of the non-reproductive phase of a woman’s life, which is a significant life event and a global health issue that affects millions of women worldwide. PM produces the most physiological changes in a woman’s body than the other phases of menopause. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of PM Christian women from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective through the lens of feminist theory. Data were gathered through virtual semistructured personal interviews with a sample of 10 participants focused on their physical, biological, psychological, emotional, mental, cognitive, social, relational, and religious/spiritual experiences …


The Perceptions Of Army Instructional Systems Specialists Regarding A Formalized Training Program: A Phenomenological Study, Amber Danyel Elizabeth Brouillard May 2024

The Perceptions Of Army Instructional Systems Specialists Regarding A Formalized Training Program: A Phenomenological Study, Amber Danyel Elizabeth Brouillard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions of Army Instructional Systems Specialists regarding implementing a formal training plan at a military training installation. The theory guiding this study is adult education theory, developed by Malcolm Knowles, as it illuminates how adults perceive learning and their training preferences. This study design includes the description, reduction, imaginative variation, and essence of the lived experience with data collection from nonprobability sampling, and criterion sampling was used because all participants experience the same phenomenon. Data was collected using interviews, journal prompts, and focus groups. The data analysis spiral …


The Perceptions Of Principals, English Language Arts Teachers, And Librarians Regarding The Role Of School Librarians In Their Schools Being Identified As National Blue Ribbon Award Winning Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: A Qualitative Case Study, Beth Mcguire May 2024

The Perceptions Of Principals, English Language Arts Teachers, And Librarians Regarding The Role Of School Librarians In Their Schools Being Identified As National Blue Ribbon Award Winning Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: A Qualitative Case Study, Beth Mcguire

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to discover the perceptions of the role and programs in school libraries that support academic achievement in the school community for educational professionals at National Blue Ribbon Schools in the United States. Perceptions regarding the role of school librarianship surrounding academic achievement were explored from four National Blue Ribbon Schools locations during 2022 and 2023 in kindergarten through Grade 12. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The central research question was: How did educational professional self-efficacy influence the implementation of school library programs during the attainment of the National Blue …


Using Media Equation Theory To Assess The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality Technology In Organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging (Deib) Training, Michael L. Oetken May 2024

Using Media Equation Theory To Assess The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality Technology In Organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging (Deib) Training, Michael L. Oetken

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The emergence of immersive virtual reality media technology is providing human beings with a new communication platform to engage beyond the traditional frameworks of video media, audio media, and static webpages on the Internet. These communication media technologies offer users an immersive environment in which they are able to communicate and interact with fellow human beings and non-human entities in life-like mannerisms. Most importantly, this technology also has the potential to bridge gaps and solve problems within the context of certain cultural and societal issues. The issue of communication deficiencies surrounding the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) …


The Role Of Gender Stereotypes And Societal Pressures In Creating Impostor Syndrome In Black Female Entrepreneurs, Marlene Bernadine Phillip May 2024

The Role Of Gender Stereotypes And Societal Pressures In Creating Impostor Syndrome In Black Female Entrepreneurs, Marlene Bernadine Phillip

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the role of gender stereotypes and societal expectations in creating impostor syndrome among Black female entrepreneurs. The study used Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as a foundational framework. Gender role theory was employed to examine the psychological and behavioral traits associated with different genders based on societal norms. Social role theory contributed to shaping the theoretical framework of this study. The research answered three key questions: (a) How do the lived experiences of Black female entrepreneurs affected by impostor syndrome impact their business decision-making and overall business performance? (b) To what extent do …


Changing The Narrative: Developing Evidence-Based, Communication Strategies To Address Health Disparities Of Black Women In The United States, Emmerline Francesca Nelson-Rogers May 2024

Changing The Narrative: Developing Evidence-Based, Communication Strategies To Address Health Disparities Of Black Women In The United States, Emmerline Francesca Nelson-Rogers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black women experience health issues at disparate rates when compared to their racial counterparts. Although these health disparities can be linked to health behaviors, they are deeply rooted in historic, racial systems that govern our lives today. More often than not, changes in health behaviors are at the forefront of addressing these health disparities rather than historical health trends of Black women in the U.S. This study aims to discuss why the change needed is a change in the narrative for why these health disparities exist and persist as well as a change in narrative about the role Black women …


A Phenomenological Study: Experiences Of The Church Of God In Christ Women And The Power Of Resilience, Debra Wylene Martin May 2024

A Phenomenological Study: Experiences Of The Church Of God In Christ Women And The Power Of Resilience, Debra Wylene Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the perceived experiences of Black women in the Church of God In Christ (COGIC), who hold senior leadership missionary roles, and the power of resilience they appear to possess. Previous studies (Starr-Parker, 2012) regarding women in the COGIC discuss barriers for women in leadership; however, there is a gap in the literature that explores the perceived tenacity of women who hold senior leadership missionary roles. The researcher did not aim to criticize the Church of God In Christ doctrine but to examine the perceived experiences of Black women in that church who hold senior leadership missionary …


Using The Motivated Information Management Theory And The Social Support Theory To Understand Caregiver Perspectives Of Currently Available Health Communication Regarding Dementia: A Qualitative Study, Sara J. Alig May 2024

Using The Motivated Information Management Theory And The Social Support Theory To Understand Caregiver Perspectives Of Currently Available Health Communication Regarding Dementia: A Qualitative Study, Sara J. Alig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Dementia brings a cascade of changes into the life of not only the person facing it, but also the lives of the supporting family and caregivers. Dementia manifests with a gradual decline, or in some cases, a variably progressive decline in cognitive abilities. This decline requires the individual to rely more and more on caregivers. Caregiving necessitates the giving of oneself for another’s sake and oftentimes results in negative physical and social-emotional side effects. To navigate through the changes that are happening to their loved ones, as well as to themselves, caregivers need educational and social support. The purpose of …


A Basis For Removal Or Retention Of Black Folk Songs In Music Education According To Black Americans In The Music Community, Ashley Yarbrough May 2024

A Basis For Removal Or Retention Of Black Folk Songs In Music Education According To Black Americans In The Music Community, Ashley Yarbrough

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the contribution of a large body of musical literature by Black Americans from the late nineteenth century forward, few musical contributions of Black American slaves have been properly attributed from the centuries prior, and many were credited to White Americans. In recent years, cultural sensitivities and misinterpretations toward the early music of Black Americans have created a movement to remove many of these songs from circulation and in particular, music education repertoire. In this study, the folk music created by Black Americans from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century was explored in order to determine the motivational factors according …


An Examination Of The Perceived Impact Of Social Networking On Discipleship In Yalobusha County, Mississippi, Gary Bernard Walton May 2024

An Examination Of The Perceived Impact Of Social Networking On Discipleship In Yalobusha County, Mississippi, Gary Bernard Walton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Significant technological advancements in this new digital age and culture have increased digital and online technology. However, churches faced many challenges in integrating, creating, and transitioning new media platforms to develop a cooperative network society to train and equip disciples. Some research showed that many clergies vehemently opposed the use of digital platforms for discipleship, primarily because those leaders believed that digital discipleship platforms were insufficient in power to be transformative as compared to what would occur at a traditional church location (Campbell & Garner, 2016). This phenomenological research study aimed to understand better the perceived impact of social networking …


Barriers To Mental Health Treatment Among U.S. Army Aviation Personnel, Aric James Raus May 2024

Barriers To Mental Health Treatment Among U.S. Army Aviation Personnel, Aric James Raus

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Safe and effective Army aviation operations require a clear focus from all involved. Yet, after more than two decades of U.S. combat aviation operations, little is known about the barriers experienced by aviators when considering mental health evaluation and treatment. An extensive literature review found no published studies examining mental health treatment hesitance among Army Aviation personnel or the perceived acceptability of self-help treatment options. This study identifies the relationships between age, gender, and aviation career specialty on the self-disclosed instrumental, attitudinal, and stigma-based barriers to care among U.S. Army aviation personnel. Additionally, the research determines relationships between the population’s …


Salvation May Just Be A Click Away: A Case Study In The Impact Of New Media Communications In The Evangelical Church In The Bible Belt, Robert Montgomery Peerson May 2024

Salvation May Just Be A Click Away: A Case Study In The Impact Of New Media Communications In The Evangelical Church In The Bible Belt, Robert Montgomery Peerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This was an exploratory qualitative case study into the usage of new media in the evangelical church within the context of the Bible Belt region of the United States. The problem with the current status of new media communications within the evangelical church is that some churches seem to struggle with using these mediums successfully. The purpose of this study was to gather information on how churches are using new media communications in their environment and equip churches with greater knowledge and tools on how to leverage new media communications to grow the Kingdom. This study features three main research …


The Effects Of Online Learning On Mental Health During A Pandemic, Christina J. Mcrae May 2024

The Effects Of Online Learning On Mental Health During A Pandemic, Christina J. Mcrae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the effects of online learning on mental health. The focus included six aspects: academic performance, physical activity, social isolation, food insecurity and other stressors, pros and cons, and religion and mental health. Each aspect included advantages and disadvantages that adolescent students experienced. The study included 6th - 12th graders attending a Charter school. The eligibility requirement was that participants participated in online learning during the 2020-2021 school year. Academic performance data was obtained from the school office for students who attended the school during online learning and requested from parents if they attended other schools. Both positive …


Phenomenological Analysis Of Training Effectiveness For Multiracial Ministry Received By Black Pastors Graduating From Southern Baptist Seminaries, Timothy D. Griffin May 2024

Phenomenological Analysis Of Training Effectiveness For Multiracial Ministry Received By Black Pastors Graduating From Southern Baptist Seminaries, Timothy D. Griffin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the perception of preparedness for multicultural ministry of current black senior pastors who earned a Master of Divinity or Doctorate at one of the six Southern Baptist Seminaries, each of which can also be classified as predominantly white institutions (PWIs). The theory guiding this study was Racial Formation Theory (Omi & Winant, 2014). This theory suggests race as being a socially constructed paradigm that is manipulated by political, social, and economic forces. The researcher convened an expert panel of black ministers who are part of a conservative Baptist organization. This panel …


Empowerment And Advocacy Culture Within Higher Education For Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Case Study, Rachel R. Kovach May 2024

Empowerment And Advocacy Culture Within Higher Education For Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Case Study, Rachel R. Kovach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the impact that advocacy and empowerment practices have on the intellectual disabilities community in academic and social constructs for students within community colleges and disability programs on the West Coast of California. The theories that served as the foundation of this study are intergroup contact theory and empowerment theory. Intergroup contact theory assures that the acceptance of societal norms and expectations must be agreed upon and embraced by all within a subpopulation for cultures to adapt and advance. Empowerment theory states that a fundamental goal during moments of progress and struggle …


Evangelism Development In A Multigenerational Rural Church, John E. Baldwin May 2024

Evangelism Development In A Multigenerational Rural Church, John E. Baldwin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Berea Baptist Church in Rockville, VA lacks a multigenerational means of evangelism.


Perceived Stress From Covid-19 On High School Students With Previous Trauma In A Rural County In The Southeastern United States, Kari Anne Russell May 2024

Perceived Stress From Covid-19 On High School Students With Previous Trauma In A Rural County In The Southeastern United States, Kari Anne Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic created historical trauma that will be felt for years to come. As the world begins sifting through the impacts, adolescents with previous trauma could be among the greatest sufferers. Rooted in trauma theory, this study aimed to examine the effects on high school students with previous trauma in a rural county in the southeastern United States. Variables such as previous mental health or counseling services, gender, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, and number of generations living in the home were all examined for those students having four or more ACEs. Through a quantitative design and with passive …


The Impact Of Guided Doodle Note-Taking On Reading Comprehension: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Kayla L. Dewald May 2024

The Impact Of Guided Doodle Note-Taking On Reading Comprehension: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Kayla L. Dewald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental nonequivalent control-group study is to determine the impact of guided doodle note-taking strategies on middle school students’ reading comprehension. The importance of this study is the impact the data makes on the best practices of teacher instruction. The sample size is 101 students set in a city district in the Southeast United States. The students vary in socioeconomic levels, with many of them falling below the poverty line and representing a wide variety of ethnicities and races. Data was collected using pre- and post-test practices. The instrument utilized was the Reading Comprehension Scale. Data were …


Perspectives Of High School Orchestra Teachers In Urban And Suburban Settings In Using Social-Emotional Learning Techniques, Dale A. Kokot May 2024

Perspectives Of High School Orchestra Teachers In Urban And Suburban Settings In Using Social-Emotional Learning Techniques, Dale A. Kokot

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A need exists for more literature concerning high school orchestras in an urban setting versus a suburban neighborhood and the different styles of social-emotional learning strategies implemented in each. Universities and other professional development specialists now teach teachers social-emotional learning procedures and processes. However, these specialists often must provide orchestra directors with more specific skills. There also should be more differentiated instruction for high school orchestras in an urban setting versus what school corporations require of teachers in a suburban-specific area. Teachers must identify the demographics of where and to whom they teach and tailor lesson plans and social-emotional techniques …