Digital Commons Network^™

Identifying Aspects Of Musical Diversity That Engender Multigenerational Worship In Select Baptist Churches: A Case Study, Megan Scruggs Hollifield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Multigenerational worship through the avenue of musical diversity in the Baptist church is the focus of this case study. This study aims to identify critical components of musical diversity, emphasizing song selection as a key element of liturgy within corporate worship. The research undertakes an observational analysis of the relationship between musical diversity through liturgy and congregational engagement of all generations. Five Baptist churches were selected to be studied to categorize the similarities and differences in the area of multigenerational worship. The case study research model provided a variety of data collection methods through research observations, online questionaries and in-person …

Motivation To Hunt: A Qualitative Semiotic Analysis Of Moral Conflict Theory And Social Judgment Theory Of Influential Women Hunters On Instagram, Brittany Alexandra Hosmer Longoria

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research investigates the motivations of women hunters on Instagram through semiotic analysis grounded in moral conflict theory and social judgment theory. Hunting is primarily male-dominated, but the emergence of women hunters on social media challenges stereotypes and shines new light on the dynamics between gender roles, ethics, and public perceptions of the values of nature. The study examines visual symbolism, focusing on how women hunters navigate moral conflicts and social judgment in an increasingly polarizing digital landscape. Through semiotic analysis and personal interviews, the research identifies themes including motivations to hunt, which often respond to or preempt criticism …

Understanding The Essence Of The Experience: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Students' Engagement With Gamification In Higher Education Asynchronous Courses, Pamela L. Huntington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the nuanced academic lived experiences of students engaging in online asynchronous gamification activities at Central Valley Community College District (CVCCD), a mid-sized community college located in California’s Central Valley. The theory guiding this study is Landers’ theory of gamified learning as it provides a framework for understanding how the intentional integration of game elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, can influence learning-related behaviors and attitudes, aligning directly with the study’s focus on how gamification impacts student motivation, engagement, and cognitive experiences in asynchronous online discussions. The central research question …

Integrating African American Veterans Into Church Life: The Impact Of Urban Neo-Tribalism At Olivet Church, Dennis Allen Rose Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African American veterans at Olivet Baptist Church attended worship services but did not participate in broader church activities. Many remained disconnected except during annual recognition events. This project was developed to address that gap. The Veteran Re-engagement Module (VRM) was delivered through six small group sessions. It focused on helping veterans talk through their past experiences, explore how those experiences affected their faith, and reconnect with the church. The approach centered around Scripture, group conversation, and spiritual storytelling. To evaluate its impact, data came through before-and-after surveys, individual interviews, and session notes. Twelve veterans participated. Some said this was the …

Navigating The Digital Impression: A Grounded Theory Exploration Of Impression Management, Personal Social Media Curation, Cybervetting, And Whole-Person Hiring In The Hiring Process, Stacey G. Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The interaction between job seekers and hiring managers within the social media space was examined through this grounded theory research. Undergraduate college students training to work in local Christian organizations and the hiring managers seeking to hire them were the two participant types who provided the rich data for this study. Study participants included 22 undergraduate students nearing graduation from a Christian university (in 3 focus groups) and 17 hiring managers from Christian churches and organizations who participated in individual interviews. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The study gathered data from both groups to discern how …

Island Transformation: A Missional Approach To Cultivating A Jesus Culture On The Transitory Island Of South Padre., Matthew A. Wyatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The following DMin action research project explores the transformative potential of a missional approach to cultivating a Jesus culture within the transitory community of South Padre Island. The research addresses the challenge faced by OneTwo Church, where many members, entrenched in the local island culture, find themselves ill-equipped to evangelize effectively to a transient population. This paper contends that by implementing a unique missional model, the church can instigate cultural transformation from within through strategic engagement in missional evangelism. Equipping OTC with this distinctive model will shift the community’s paradigm from passive island participants to active missional agents. Central to …

Poverty And Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Qualitative Study On Student–Teacher Relationships, Anthony J. Lee Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the perception of cultivating supportive teacher-student relationships among Black students for teachers at a school district in the Northeastern United States. At this stage in the research, cultivating supportive teacher-student relationships among Black students was defined as how teachers positively relate in the classroom in ways that positively affect academic outcomes. The theory guiding this study was student involvement theory (Astin, 1984). This theory explains how students change and develop through their motivational involvement with the institution, curriculum, and social atmosphere. The central research question was: What challenges do teachers …

A Phenomenological Study Of Christian And Non-Christian Views On Human Dignity Among Marginalized Persons In Essex, Md, Jeffrey K. Belcher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand Human-Dignity views among marginalized persons living in Essex, MD, with Human Dignity being rooted in a biblical worldview, and how these views potentially relate to marginalized persons’ perceived experiences of marginalization. For the purposes of this study, Human Dignity is founded upon principles expressed in Genesis Chapters 1 and 2, and is defined as all people, made in the image of God, created to live in relationship with God, called to reflect the nature and character of God, as possessing intrinsic worth based upon God’s purpose for and calling upon …

Investigating The Nexus Of Political, Economic, And Social Constraints On The Budgetary Process: A Multimethod Approach To Unraveling The Impact On Low To Median-Income Families In Richmond, Virginia, Lauren D. Mallory

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to explore the intricate relationship between political, economic, and social constraints on the budgetary process and their consequential impact on low to median-income families in Richmond, Virginia. Utilizing a multimethod approach, the research objective was to combine quantitative analysis of fiscal allocations, economic indicators, and demographic data with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with policymakers, financial experts, and the affected families. Through a sequential exploratory design, the study aimed to employ qualitative data to understand contextual and nuanced impacts of budgetary decisions. These insights informed the quantitative phase, where statistical analysis elucidated patterns …

Vulnerable Student Populations’ Understanding Of Title Ix, Campus Support, And Supportive Resources: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study, April Lynn Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological study examined how vulnerable student populations on college campuses perceived Title IX, campus support, and campus resources. The theory guiding this study is Homans’s social exchange theory, which connects the three pillars of rules, resources, and social relationships. The connection between the theory and the study is that while Title IX has guidelines established to support students after a campus sexual assault, the guidelines do not mean much if a student who has experienced a campus sexual assault is unsure of the support and resources that are available to them. While social exchange theory highlighted the rules, …

Redefining The Role Of Assistant Principals: A Phenomenological Study On Assistant Principal Perceptions Of Principal Preparation, Latonya Freeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the on-the-job experiences and formal preparation of assistant principals in Douglas Lee School District that they perceive prepares them to be effective principals. The theory guiding this study is Burns’ theory or transformational leadership theory as it emphasizes the skillset needed to become an effective principal. The central research question was: What are the perceptions of secondary assistant principals regarding their preparedness for principalship? The hermeneutic phenomenological study is situated in a school district in South Carolina. The sample consisted of middle and high school assistant principals. The data collection …

Building Culture And Enhancing Patient Safety: A Readability Analysis Of Internal Healthcare Communications, Trevor M. Kinsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Effective internal communication is essential to creating a shared organizational safety culture, improving knowledge diffusion, and delivering high quality patient care. This study examined the readability of internal healthcare communications, including policies, procedures, and internal newsletter articles, at a mid-sized healthcare system in Michigan. Readability significantly influences cognitive load, information retention, and knowledge diffusion. Poor readability hinders these items, limiting engagement and knowledge transfer. By utilizing established readability tools, including the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level scales, this quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether internal healthcare documents meet the readability standards recommended by the American Medical Association. …

The Perception Of The Quality Of K-12 Education Through The Lens Of Black Male Students: A Phenomenological Study, Roylin Petties Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of the academic quality of K-12 education for Black male students at a small community college in western Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study is critical race theory, which supports an understanding of the United States’ systems and how these systems affect the lives of Black students. The central research question is: What are the lived experiences and perceptions of Black male community college students regarding the academic quality of their K-12 education? A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research design was chosen for the study, given …

Intrinsic Case Study On Parents’ Perspectives In Collaboration With Professionals On Transition Services, Chanda Datijan Gonzales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study describes the transition planning for parents collaborating with school and community professionals for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) at the high school level in Guam. The theory guiding this study is Schlosberg’s transition theory, as it supports parents in decision-making to help students with ID adapt to change. This study reviews how collaborative teams can be between schools and the community. The methodology examines parents’ interviews and observations and reviews the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) documents. An intrinsic case study is appropriate to understand parents’ perspectives in transition planning for high school students with intellectual disabilities. The …

Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Digital Consumption Has On Adolescent Cognitive And Behavioral Abilities: A Case Study, Latisha Lambert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand student digital consumption and its potential implications on cognitive and behavioral development at a suburban middle school in Southeastern United States. The study was guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and Veblen’s technological determinism theory, providing a dual lens for examining how environmental modeling and societal shifts in technology influence student learning and behavior. The study utilized a single-site embedded case study design. Ten middle school teachers from various grade levels and subject areas participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and teacher journaling. NVivo coding was used to identify …

Nutrition Anthropology In Global Malnutrition In Children Under Five, Katherine Michelle Dennison Owens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Food is essential to growth and development for people and nations. Too little or too much food can lead to undernutrition or overweight, both forms of malnutrition. While there have been improvements in undernutrition, overweight is increasing, causing the double burden of malnutrition globally, which is especially true in low-income and middle-income countries. Understanding nutrition anthropology's economic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors is critical to combat malnutrition's burden in different populations. Shaping policies and investments in malnutrition need to be strategic to have a measurable impact on malnutrition improvements. This study identified nutrition anthropology factors using six economic, environmental, and socio-cultural …

Inclusion May Affect Marching Band Members Of Black Universities Differently Than Members Of White Universities: Narrative Inquiry: A Case Study, Derrick K. Yates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a lack of research on the emotional connection and support students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities may seek through their band experience versus students of Predominantly White Institutions. Some studies demonstrate that those who participate in music ensembles express heightened self-esteem, a sense of connectedness, and a positive impact on their mental and psychological well-being. This narrative inquiry research study focuses on the unexplored perspectives of three band members from historically black and three predominantly white university marching bands, regarding their emotional connections to their programs and the emotional connections and support they receive from them. The …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Teachers From The Northeast Region Of The United States And How They Cope With Workplace Stress And Burnout, Zakkiyyah W. Sally

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to better understand the lived experiences of Pre-K to 12th grade teachers from the Northeast Region of the United States as it relates to the development of burnout and stress. The central phenomenon of the study has been to discover ways teachers choose to cope and best manage stress, which can lead to burnout. This research study also served to investigate school related resources available to teachers to help support them with stress, burnout, and coping. Teachers have noted that they manage stress and burnout with various strategies, such as mindfulness, compassion, …

Sport Specific Postural Deviations: An Analysis Of Influence, Intervention, And Long Term Postural Health In Athletes, Thomas J. Mcguire Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigated sport-specific postural deviations in college-aged individuals aged 18–21 by comparing those who participated in a high school sport for at least four consecutive years with their non-athletic peers. The study aimed to identify prevalent postural deviations and explore their implications for long-term musculoskeletal health. Drawing from biomechanical and ergonomic literature, the study employed a quasi-experimental static-group comparison design to evaluate 60 participants (30 athletes, 30 non-athletes) using the PostureScreen mobile app. Postural deviations were measured in both the frontal and sagittal planes across four regions: head, shoulders, pelvis, and knees. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine …

Jesus's Theology Of Human Value Through The Use Of Rhetorical Speech In Luke 15, Daniel E. Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study is framed by the concept of Jesus’s theology of human value as articulated through rhetorical speech, with a particular focus on the stories presented in Luke 15. It seeks to examine the narratives of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the father with his two sons, analyzing the rhetorical strategies employed by Jesus and the discursive constructions crafted by the evangelist Luke. Through this hermeneutical approach, the research explores how these stories convey theological messages concerning human worth, divine compassion, and the redemptive nature of God’s engagement with humanity. Rhetorical analysis, or rhetorical criticism, serves as a …

The Gospel To The Ends Of The Earth: The Role Of The Temple And Mission In The Expansion Of The Church As Seen Through Stephen’S Sermon In Acts 7, Robert Franquiz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to answer the research question: How does Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 set a theological trajectory for the church by redefining the temple and reimagining the mission of the early church, thus propelling the church into a global movement? The findings help to fill a gap in scholarship regarding the view of the new temple as the early church moved away from the temple in Jerusalem and into mission. The research question was addressed by the study, which employed a biblical-theological hermeneutic design, incorporating Particular hermeneutics related to intertextuality to achieve a faithful exegesis …

At The Putting Green: The Economic Impact Of The Augusta National, William Lee Chomskis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigates the multifaceted economic impact of the Augusta National Golf Club on the city of Augusta, Georgia. Through a comprehensive historical, biographical, and economic analysis, the study explores how a single sporting institution has transformed a mid-sized Southern city into a globally recognized epicenter of elite sport and cultural capital. Drawing on archival research, interviews with local stakeholders, and economic data, the dissertation traces Augusta’s evolution from a strategic Confederate industrial hub to a modern city whose identity and economy are inextricably linked to the Augusta National and its flagship event, the Masters Tournament.

The research is structured …

A Phenomenological Study Of Intergenerational Trauma Of African Americans In The South And Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Cassandra W. Mclaurin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of the ancestors of African Americans in the South and how generational trauma has affected them as it pertains to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS). Intergenerational trauma for African Americans in the South and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome is a condition that many people are unaware of. The research examines how trauma passed from slaves to their ancestors and how the institution of slavery manifests itself into behaviors that lead to social problems in the African American community today. The theories that guide the study are Derrick Bell’s …

The Exploration Of Self-Management Support Programs For African American Adults Ages 18 To 75 In Harnett County, North Carolina, Moya Camille Henny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the health needs and self-management experiences of African American adults ages 18 to 75 living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Harnett County, North Carolina. The study aimed to understand how self-management support programs could be better tailored to meet the cultural, social, and behavioral needs of this population, who face a disproportionate burden of these chronic conditions. Guided by Critical Care Theory, Chronic Care Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, the research examined how systemic inequalities, community resources, and personal beliefs shaped participants’ ability to manage their health. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews …

Evidence-Based Autism Assessments: Utility Of A School-Based Autism Evaluation Fidelity Checklist, Melissa Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has demonstrated limited use of evidence-based autism assessments in school settings. The use of fidelity checklists for evidence-based interventions for autism are a focus of research; however, there are not any fidelity checklists or tools for measuring evidence-based autism assessments. This study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to create and utilize a school-based autism assessment fidelity checklist rubric with a retrospective model. This study began with a focus group to refine the rubric and provide social validity. Then, the rubric was used to measure the fidelity of 52 initial school-based autism assessments across two time periods, one …

Pass It On: Developing Children's Identity With Biblical Storytelling At First Baptist Church Of Sanford, Caleb Mccord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In a culture where many youths are not only leaving the church but also facing psychological issues like identity crises, it is important that children develop their identity as God’s Word prescribes rather than the preference-based identities pushed by secular parties. To best ensure this development, then it is essential that children receive biblical storytelling from both the church and also the parents at home, the latter of which is underutilized in many modern Christian homes. This thesis posits that if parents are made aware of the need for biblical identity development and trained to do so, then they will …

Single-Working Parents’ Psychological Autonomy And Psychological Well-Being And The Mediating Role Of Work-Life Balance, Patrina Anastasia Lowrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Single-working parents (SWPs) shoulder dual roles and responsibilities, often resulting in strained psychological autonomy (PA), psychological well-being (PWB), and work-life balance (WLB) across their work and nonwork domains. These overlapping responsibilities create challenges in sustaining a quality of life over time. The specific problem this study addressed is that many SWPs in leadership positions do not manage their emotional center well, and the relationships among their PA, PWB, and WLB remain unknown. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether WLB mediates the relationship between PA and PWB in adult SWPs. Research questions were developed to explore …

The Role Of Data Analytics In Detecting Unemployment Insurance Fraud: A Case Study Of State Governments In The United States, Tina Louise Carkhuff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The unprecedented surge in unemployment insurance claims during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed state labor agency systems in the United States to significant fraud risks, resulting in billions of dollars in improper payments. This study investigated the role of data analytics in detecting and mitigating unemployment insurance fraud, with a focus on state government responses. Using a single-case study approach, I examined how advanced data analytics, including machine learning, predictive modeling, and strategies to identify fraudulent claims, can reduce fraud within unemployment insurance systems. The study also included an investigation of systemic vulnerabilities and the impact of policy improvements on fraud …

The Frequency Of Academic Advising: A Quantitative, Predictive Study On Postsecondary Second-Year Student Satisfaction, Angelia M. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between student satisfaction with academic advising, the frequency of academic advising activities, and the type of postsecondary institution (community college or public university). This study is important in providing valuable context for re-evaluating how academic advising efficacy is assessed and structured in postsecondary institutions. Through convenience sampling of second-year community college and public university students, data was collected via a self-paced online survey of 110 participants. In addition to demographic information, the survey incorporated the Academic Advising Inventory to measure student satisfaction with academic advising. Multiple linear …

Understanding Educators’ Experiences With Chronic Student Absenteeism In Rural High Schools In Southwest Virginia: A Phenomenological Study, Tina Louise Dean

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand educators’ experiences and the influences chronic absenteeism has on low-income rural high school students in Southwest Virginia. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognition theory on learning, which develops through interaction and modeling. The central research question was, “How do teachers describe their experiences with chronic student absenteeism in rural high schools in Southwest Virginia?” A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used, and the researcher focused on 10 educators from rural high schools in southwest Virginia who had experienced student chronic absenteeism and/or truancy. Data for this study was collected …