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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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The Relationship Of Grit And Social Media Addiction For College Students, Tobias K. England Nov 2023

The Relationship Of Grit And Social Media Addiction For College Students, Tobias K. England

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study explored the relationship between grit and social media. Researchers have noted a significant increase in the use of social media among college students that often results in negative outcomes, both personally and academically. Previous studies have shown that grit is a trait that negatively relates to various types of addictive behavior. However, little is known about the correlation between grit and social media addiction specifically. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between grit and social media addiction. This study collected data from the student populations of three private colleges and followed a correlational …


Challenges Affecting Educator Careers Of Black Male Teachers In K-12 System In South Carolina: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, David Jerome Williams Nov 2023

Challenges Affecting Educator Careers Of Black Male Teachers In K-12 System In South Carolina: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, David Jerome Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the multifaceted challenges that impact the careers of Black male teachers within the K-12 education system in South Carolina. Despite efforts to increase diversity in the teaching profession, Black male educators remain underrepresented, facing unique obstacles that can hinder their work due to growth and retention. Grounded on critical race theory and Black male identity theory Through in-depth interviews and rigorous analysis, this research uncovered these educators' lived experiences and perspectives on the complex interplay of factors that shape their career trajectories. The study employed a phenomenological approach to capture the essence of the challenges …


Evaluating Biblical And Theological Training In The Developing World Through The Lens Of Communication Infrastructure Theory, David Keep Oct 2023

Evaluating Biblical And Theological Training In The Developing World Through The Lens Of Communication Infrastructure Theory, David Keep

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research that shows the impact of training throughout the developing world is positive and limited. Informed by Communication Infrastructure Theory (CIT) and framed within the Cybernetic tradition, this study expands communication research to understand the impact of biblical and theological training among marginalized people in San Gabriel Mixtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. Through semi-structured interviews and direct observation, this qualitative research study shows how the curriculum developed by Shepherd’s Global Classroom (SGC) and deployed through Ezra Biblical Seminary in San Gabriel works to equip believers and church leaders in their developing-world context. The storytelling network of CIT is examined and discovered to …


Learning Professionals That Leverage Learner Agency As An Asynchronous Instructional Design Strategy: A Phenomenological Study, Misha A. Mixon Oct 2023

Learning Professionals That Leverage Learner Agency As An Asynchronous Instructional Design Strategy: A Phenomenological Study, Misha A. Mixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand asynchronous online professional learning for adults that maximizes learner agency through non-linear instructional design strategies by the lived experiences of Learning and Development professionals. The theory guiding this study is Malcolm Knowles’ theory of andragogy, as it speaks to the unique characteristics of adult learners and is the lens by which the creation of asynchronous learning experiences that maximize learner agency can be viewed. The central research question investigates the lived experiences of learning professionals who create asynchronous online professional learning for adults that maximizes learner agency through non-linear instructional …


Recruiting And Retaining Non-Traditional Secondary Music Students Through Modern Band, Luke Besong Oct 2023

Recruiting And Retaining Non-Traditional Secondary Music Students Through Modern Band, Luke Besong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the numerous research studies promoting popular music education, many school districts need to implement an ensemble that teaches popular music. On average, only 24 percent of high school students participate in an ensemble throughout their high school careers, and music educators are trying to address this through modern bands. This qualitative, postpositivist, existential-phenomenological study identifies how the implication of modern bands can increase and retain music enrollment in secondary schools and analyzes the effects on other traditional instrumental and vocal ensemble enrollments. This study examined secondary music directors’ perceptions of the impact of modern bands on traditional ensembles. To …


Direct And Indirect Effects Of Recreational Marijuana On Physical, Mental, Gestational, And Developmental Health: A Point Of Care Handout, John C. Lowman Oct 2023

Direct And Indirect Effects Of Recreational Marijuana On Physical, Mental, Gestational, And Developmental Health: A Point Of Care Handout, John C. Lowman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Review of current research on cannabis use indicates a knowledge gap among caregivers and the need for a tool making it easier to share accurate information with patients. A single-page point-of-care handout, similar to that used to advise the public about cigarette smoking, can help fill that gap. Metadata review of 76 articles was used to build a survey completed by 18 emergency room personnel (physicians, nurses, techs, hands-on administrators) before and after a brief presentation of the handout. Data analysis indicates the presentation increased awareness of marijuana use and health effects an average of 35.7%; level of comfort discussing …


The Relationship Between Intimacy And Marital Satisfaction In Christian Couples, Lauren Gabriele Amato Oct 2023

The Relationship Between Intimacy And Marital Satisfaction In Christian Couples, Lauren Gabriele Amato

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Current literature suggests that a connection exists between intimacy and marital satisfaction; however, much of the research has only focused on non-Christian marriages and sexual intimacy. There is little research that proves how the various types of intimacy and marital satisfaction are related within Christian couples. This quantitative study examined the predictive relationship between intimacy and marital satisfaction in Christian adults. The research focused on the following main research question: (1) Do the six sub-scales of marital intimacy (emotional intimacy, social intimacy, physical intimacy, intellectual intimacy, recreational intimacy, and spiritual intimacy) collectively predict marital satisfaction in Christian couples? It was …


Integrating Dei Strategies Into Talent Acquisition To Recruit And Retain Women Of Color In Information Technology, Mia Rai Trahan Oct 2023

Integrating Dei Strategies Into Talent Acquisition To Recruit And Retain Women Of Color In Information Technology, Mia Rai Trahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigates the perceptions of hiring teams and women of color (WOC) in the Information Technology (IT) industry about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in talent acquisition practices. While many organizations advocate for DEI, the IT industry shows a notably disproportionate representation of WOC. The research utilized a qualitative approach to incorporate the viewpoints of 12 hiring professionals and 12 WOC from the IT field to uncover recruitment strategies to enhance DEI for WOC in technology positions. Data were collected through virtual interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study reveals a positive correlation between DEI initiatives and elevated …


A Culturally Responsive Implementation Process Of A School-Wide Behavior Program Within An Mtss Framework Among Elementary Schools: A Descriptive Case Study, Ina Ramos Oct 2023

A Culturally Responsive Implementation Process Of A School-Wide Behavior Program Within An Mtss Framework Among Elementary Schools: A Descriptive Case Study, Ina Ramos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive case study was to describe if the process of the implementation of a school-wide behavior program within a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) framework in elementary schools for educators, staff, and students would be culturally responsive and inclusive. The MTSS framework for behavior was generally defined as social-emotional behavior. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and self-efficacy belief was the framework for this study as it explained the significance of the relationship between the program using a framework, such as MTSS, and the importance of being culturally responsive. The methodology that were used included interviews, focus group interviews, …


No Sunshine When She’S Gone: The Shared Experiences Of African American Men Who Have Undergone Divorce, Richard Lamont Moore Oct 2023

No Sunshine When She’S Gone: The Shared Experiences Of African American Men Who Have Undergone Divorce, Richard Lamont Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to chronicle the shared experiences of working-class/middle-class African American men who have gone through a divorce in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development, which highlights the essential roles of language and culture, and Kurt Lewin’s field theory, which suggests the field as a practical framework for researching divorce, guided this study. The research questions were as follows: How do working-class/middle-class African American men describe their experience with divorce? How do participants describe their initial understanding of the divorce process? How do participants describe the level of social support they …


Separated By Geographical Location And Lineage: A Case Study Design Using Qualitative Methodology In Research On Hope, Love, And Resilience During A Family Reunion, Cynthia Dee Reece Oct 2023

Separated By Geographical Location And Lineage: A Case Study Design Using Qualitative Methodology In Research On Hope, Love, And Resilience During A Family Reunion, Cynthia Dee Reece

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Family reunions are extensive functions in the African American community. The family members look forward to seeing one another, year after year, to share on various topics such as births, marriages, weddings, educational accomplishments, employment advancements, as well as deaths that have occurred. Often, some family members cannot attend reunions due to the distance or financial and economic hardships. Geographical location is a major hurdle to overcome when there is a lack of finances. Additionally, a mindset of not being accepted or assured of love in the family due to the perceived lineage of a family member or absence from …


An Exploration Of Defensive Mediatization Strategies And Motherhood Media Decision-Making, Emily B. Young Oct 2023

An Exploration Of Defensive Mediatization Strategies And Motherhood Media Decision-Making, Emily B. Young

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study focused on media-related decision-making in motherhood, with mediatization theory serving as a framework for the research. The study began with an overview of recent changes to motherhood and family media use. The purpose of this study was to explore the problem of how mothers make decisions about their children’s media use. After providing a basic overview of the changes to motherhood and family media use, as well as establishing the purpose and problem for the study, the literature on relevant topics for this study was discussed. Primarily, the literature review focused on mediatization theory. Next, the survey …


Experiences Of Middle School Teachers Implementing The Flipped Classroom Method With Lack Of Student Preparedness: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Kristine K. Hickman Oct 2023

Experiences Of Middle School Teachers Implementing The Flipped Classroom Method With Lack Of Student Preparedness: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Kristine K. Hickman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of middle school teachers in the United States implementing the flipped classroom model (FCM) when students are not coming to class prepared. The FCM is a framework in which students engage in passive learning activities at home by watching videos uploaded by their teachers so that they can engage in active learning activities in the classroom. The theory guiding this study is Vygotsky’s social-constructivism theory as it promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills through collaboration, which are very important skills required of today’s 21st century learners. …


Compelling Libya: Operation El Dorado Canyon As Coercive Diplomacy And Counterterrorism, Ronald Tracy Boyd Oct 2023

Compelling Libya: Operation El Dorado Canyon As Coercive Diplomacy And Counterterrorism, Ronald Tracy Boyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

On Tuesday morning, 11 September 2001, the United States was attacked by a small terrorist cell from a group called al-Qaeda. On that day, the United States was at war with terror. However, this was not the first time the United States dealt with terrorism. Thomas Jefferson sent a fleet of warships from the fledgling US Navy and a contingent of US Marines to deal with the Barbary Pirates operating on the "shores of Tripoli," the terrorists of the day. It is interesting that another president, Ronald Reagan, also sent a contingent of US Air Force and US Navy aircraft …


The Inability Of Negative Higher Criticism To Undermine The Biblical Portrait Of Jesus Christ, Brett Arthur Seybold Oct 2023

The Inability Of Negative Higher Criticism To Undermine The Biblical Portrait Of Jesus Christ, Brett Arthur Seybold

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Paul Tillich described, the attempt of historical criticism to find the empirical truth about Jesus of Nazareth as a failure. John Dominic Crossan described this lack of consensus among critical scholars regarding the person of Jesus as “a bad joke.” This lack of consensus by skeptics, as well as their shared reluctancy to abandon the task of attempting to make sense of who Jesus Christ truly was historically serves as the backbone of this dissertation where I argue that Jesus transcends negative higher criticism in particular and the post-Christian mindset in general. I argue that He constitutes a suis generis …


Understanding First-Year Rn Turnover And Retention Strategies: An Integrative Review, Kelly Rose Swirple Oct 2023

Understanding First-Year Rn Turnover And Retention Strategies: An Integrative Review, Kelly Rose Swirple

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this integrative review was to identify themes within the literature related to the first-year turnover of new graduate nurses within the hospital setting and what nursing leaders can do or have done to increase retention. This review was not intended to evaluate specific interventions implemented in response to turnover, such as nurse residencies, transition to practice, and mentorship programs. This review’s overall purpose was to better understand why new nurses leave their jobs within the first 12 to 24 months, the best practices to reduce first-year turnover, and how nursing leaders best support new graduates. According to …


Determining The Effectiveness Of Gender-Based Integrated Care For Women Veterans: An Integrative Review, Karina Karin Espinoza-Palmer Oct 2023

Determining The Effectiveness Of Gender-Based Integrated Care For Women Veterans: An Integrative Review, Karina Karin Espinoza-Palmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) improves their services to keep up with the needs of the rapidly-rising population of minority veterans, the aspects of gender-sensitive care must be tailored to the needs of women veterans. The purpose of this integrative review was to discover and critique evidence-based research studies of women veterans to determine the state of gender-sensitive care for improving access and coordination care, specifically to enhance mental health approaches needed at VA settings. The women veterans minority population is the fastest growing group of patients in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Women veterans are less likely …


Augmented Reality Experience And Perception Theory: A Quantitative Study Using Eye Tracking To Investigate How Mobile Phone Users Perceive Multiple Layered Depths, Donna C. Templeton Oct 2023

Augmented Reality Experience And Perception Theory: A Quantitative Study Using Eye Tracking To Investigate How Mobile Phone Users Perceive Multiple Layered Depths, Donna C. Templeton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research explores how mobile augmented reality experiences are perceived and interacted with by using a quantitative eye-tracking study to record user eye movement behavior. Visual communication is vital in today’s increasingly visual society and current technology gives evidence of much promise in adding additional engagement, information, and interactivity through augmented reality. Though smartphone technology allows all smartphone users to access and experience browser-based augmented reality, there is little research on design aspects from a user experience perspective, such as the influence of layered depths in an augmented scene. The purpose of this study was to explore the variable of …


The Impact Of Preaching The Image Of God As Disability-Inclusive, Laurie E. Thompson Oct 2023

The Impact Of Preaching The Image Of God As Disability-Inclusive, Laurie E. Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to Howard (2010), the North American Mission Board (NAMB) considers the disabled community in America to be unreached by the church. Hardwick (2021) also writes, “The disability community is the most unique community, the largest minority group in the world” (p. 12). This quantitative descriptive research study explored the frequency of preaching the biblical principle imago Dei, found in Genesis 1:27, in a way that includes the disabled, and how this preaching may impact disability-inclusivity in the church. The Word of God states, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them” …


Recommendations To Solve The Problem Of Low Map Growth Reading Scores For Ninth And Tenth Grade Students At Christopher Columbus High School, Luis M. Villanueva Oct 2023

Recommendations To Solve The Problem Of Low Map Growth Reading Scores For Ninth And Tenth Grade Students At Christopher Columbus High School, Luis M. Villanueva

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide recommendations to solve the problem of low Reading scores on the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth test for ninth and tenth graders at Christopher Columbus High School (CCHS) in Florida. The problem was that 52.7% of the students at CCHS that took the MAP Growth test during the 2021-2022 school year were not at their corresponding grade level in Reading (CCHS, 2022). The rationale for this study was that it is critical to assist the first and second-year students at CCHS in improving their reading competencies – one of two sections, …


Bruised By Their Transgressions: A Phenomenological Study Of Healing From Traumatic Religious Experiences, Sharron Y. Riley-Seymour Oct 2023

Bruised By Their Transgressions: A Phenomenological Study Of Healing From Traumatic Religious Experiences, Sharron Y. Riley-Seymour

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the impacts of religious/spiritual abuse (RSA) on women abused by Christian religious leaders in their adulthood, describing their treatment experiences and identifying effective elements of their healing processes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women who had experienced RSA in adulthood. Four central research questions guided the interview protocol: 1) How do participants describe what led them to seek therapy? 2) How do participants describe their therapeutic/healing processes? 3) How do participants describe what they found helpful/not helpful or effective/ineffective in their treatment/healing processes? 4) How do participants describe factors influencing their treatment/healing processes? The interviews …


A Phenomenological Study Of Teachers' Lived Experiences With Cell Phones In The Classroom, Matthew Dado Oct 2023

A Phenomenological Study Of Teachers' Lived Experiences With Cell Phones In The Classroom, Matthew Dado

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover high school teachers' experiences with cell phones in the classrooms during instructional time at Quaker High School. The theory guiding this study is Jean Piaget's constructivism theory, as it argues that knowledge is produced, and meaning is formed through the experiences of one's physical or mental actions in their environment. The methodology for this dissertation includes a study design that utilizes a phenomenological study method and consists of thirteen teachers from various backgrounds and locations. The setting for the study is a high school in Pittsburgh, PA. The data collection and …


Perceptions Of Maternal Satisfaction Over The Course Of A Child’S Developmental Stages, Kristen Cartwright Ross Oct 2023

Perceptions Of Maternal Satisfaction Over The Course Of A Child’S Developmental Stages, Kristen Cartwright Ross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Every motherhood experience comes with its own set of difficulties and experiences that might impact the level of life happiness for the women who inhabit it. Life satisfaction falls under the general heading of subjective well-being as it draws on comparison processes in which people assess how their present circumstances measure up to social norms and cultural ideals. This study aims to understand the changes in maternal satisfaction throughout the children's developmental years to understand potential avenues for improvement in the maternal experience, as well as provide clinical providers with the knowledge they need to help women experiencing either extreme …


To What Extent Do Environmental Regulations Curb Air Pollution And Enhance Production, Productivity, And Innovation?, Emmanuel Wabi Wangi Oct 2023

To What Extent Do Environmental Regulations Curb Air Pollution And Enhance Production, Productivity, And Innovation?, Emmanuel Wabi Wangi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study delves into the fascinating relationship between environmental regulations, air pollution reduction, and their subsequent impact on production, productivity, and innovation. By adopting Porter’s hypothesis approach, the study aims to shed light on a crucial aspect overlooked in previous studies - the prerequisite of “well-designed environmental regulation,” as Porter’s hypothesis emphasizes. The study uses microeconomic principles, whose conclusions propose a novel framework for crafting effective policies that balance curbing air pollution and fostering economic growth. Specifically, the study advocates for a tax rate on pollution that aligns with the marginal cost of the polluter within the industry. This approach …


Facebook Usage By Small-Town Governments: A Multi-Case Study In Southwestern Virginia, Adam Luke Tolbert Oct 2023

Facebook Usage By Small-Town Governments: A Multi-Case Study In Southwestern Virginia, Adam Luke Tolbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this mixed methods multi-case study is to analyze (1) how small-town governments are using the Facebook social media platform to serve residents; (2) the results that are experienced by the small-town governments and residents in the town’s use of Facebook; and (3) the factors that influence the small-town governments to use Facebook to serve residents. The setting for the study is three small-town governments (Abingdon, Lebanon, and Marion) located in Southwestern Virginia. The theoretical framework guiding this study is the T3 Framework for Innovation by Dr. Sonny Magana. This theoretical framework, originally created to assess the use …


A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lack Of Baptist Church Participation In Seminole County, Florida, Ismael Melendez Oct 2023

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lack Of Baptist Church Participation In Seminole County, Florida, Ismael Melendez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explores the reasons for a lack of participation in in-person Baptist churches and the rise of participation in online Baptist churches in Seminole County, Florida. The theory guiding this study was Martin Heidegger’s hermeneutical framework which focuses on the commonality of experiences. Heidegger believed that to arrive at the essence of a phenomenon a researcher must go through the revisionary process of what Heidegger termed the Hermeneutic Circle. The principal research question in this study explored existing relationship(s) between in-person and online Baptist church leaders and how such relationship(s) contributed to a lack of church participation. The …


Clinicians’ Self-Disclosure Within The Therapeutic Alliance With A Trauma-Related Disorder, Jenna J. Lamaster Sep 2023

Clinicians’ Self-Disclosure Within The Therapeutic Alliance With A Trauma-Related Disorder, Jenna J. Lamaster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how therapists build therapeutic alliances with their clients in trauma-based therapy using self-disclosure in the southern United States. The field of psychology benefitted significantly from a clearly defined and operationalized study that focused on the specific forms and usage of self-disclosure within the trauma-based therapeutic alliance, which advances the current research and uncovers the understanding of this potentially helpful intervention. The researcher used a case study approach and collected data using a semi-structured interview approach. These interviews were then examined using coding and the NVivo software. Theoretical coding was utilized …


Lack Of School Choice And The Mental Health Of Rural Parents: A Phenomenological Study, Lisa Deforest Holland Sep 2023

Lack Of School Choice And The Mental Health Of Rural Parents: A Phenomenological Study, Lisa Deforest Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of parents whose children have limited educational options in rural North Carolina. The theory chosen to guide this study was choice theory, founded by William Glasser, as it explains that all behavior including reactions to others’ choices, and the body’s reaction to stress are chosen by the individual (Glasser, 2001). Additionally, choice theory recognizes the basic needs of survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun, and their impact on behavior which Maslow identified in his hierarchy of needs model (Glasser Institute for Choice Theory, n.d.). Parents want to …


Influence Of K-12 Oss Experience On Black Students Who Have Graduated From Post-Secondary Programs: A Qualitative Study, Andria Michelle Watkins Sep 2023

Influence Of K-12 Oss Experience On Black Students Who Have Graduated From Post-Secondary Programs: A Qualitative Study, Andria Michelle Watkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of African Americans who had served at least two out-of-school suspensions (OSS) during their K-12 epoch but whose life outcomes did not reflect the deficit outcomes that researchers often use to describe that population. The central research question asked: What are the lived experiences of African Americans who had served at least two OSS and persisted to the completion of a post-secondary program? Guiding questions were implemented to understand further the phenomenon: How do African Americans believe their identity has been positively or negatively influenced by OSS? and …


A Case Study Exploring Teachers' Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Professional Development On Their Implementation Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Self-Efficacy, And Student Outcomes, Cala M. Allison Sep 2023

A Case Study Exploring Teachers' Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Professional Development On Their Implementation Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Self-Efficacy, And Student Outcomes, Cala M. Allison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the professional development program on their implementation of culturally responsive pedagogy, self-efficacy, and student outcomes at Wyatt Elementary School. The theories guiding this study were Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and the culturally responsive pedagogy framework. Combining these theoretical frameworks contributed to understanding how teachers internalize and implement culturally responsive pedagogy based on the knowledge obtained during professional development. This study utilized a single case study design to examine teachers’ perceptions at Wyatt Elementary School (pseudonym), an urban family school in the Mid-Atlantic United States. …