Digital Commons Network^™

Covid-19 Effects On School Choral Music Programs’ Rehearsal Instruction: Exploring Responses, Sharing Teacher Perceptions On Future Preparedness, Watson Chilala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The US experienced increased hospitalizations resulting from a resurgence of COVID-19 infections from Late July to mid-September 2023. Among educators and parents, the trend brought back memories of government school closures and their school instruction-related repercussions. This qualitative holistic case study explored how school choral music directors perceive their choral music programs' preparedness to mitigate instruction-related losses should future pandemics or long-term disruptions to instruction occur. The study examined relevant literature vis-a-vis journal articles and books and conducted open-ended interviews online, by phone, and in person. This study can empower choral music education with teaching strategies to improve SCMPs’ future …

A Phenomenological Study Examining How Ages Of Attention-Deficit Diagnoses Affect Adult Perceptions Of Achievement, Janeen Kingma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to discover how adults diagnosed with attention-deficit (ADD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), at different ages, view their experiences, and how the ages of diagnoses affected their view of educational achievement and occupational success. A qualitative research design was used to collect data about the experiences of adults who were diagnosed at different ages. Guiding this study were two educational theories: Bandura’s social-cognitive theory, which promotes self-efficacy, and self-determination theory (SDT) (Ryan & Deci, 2020), which proposes that all individuals innately pursue self-optimization. A hermeneutic approach was chosen to interpret the analysis of data. …

The Coalition Development Of Allied Close Air Support Doctrine During World War Ii, David S. Stieghan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to discover how the American and British air forces worked collaboratively to provide ground support to their armies in Europe during World War II. While the official histories and scholars of the two countries concentrate on their unique national efforts, they analyze little of their cooperative efforts. By examining primary and secondary research sources to discover the experiments, doctrine development, and combat experience of both air forces, an understanding emerges that both nations combined their efforts in World War II in separate directions until beginning to work together on planning for the D-Day invasion.

By discovering the …

The Emotional, Physical, And Mental Effects Of Physiological Entrainment And Heart Coherence In The Choral Ensemble, Nicole M. Mattfeld

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite endless studies on the benefits of music related to stress reduction and decreased anxiety, there is more in-depth research in the holistic health realm, which has yet to be applied, especially to music educators. Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in the last decade, proving that music can heal the nervous system; and guide one’s body into a state of physical and emotional coherence. This study gathered existing research and applied it through the lens of the choral music educator. Guided by the founders of the HeartMath Institute and additional scientific pioneers, this mixed-method study identified methods of holistic health …

Integrating Criminological Theories In Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: A Study Of The Traci Framework's Application To Critical Infrastructure, Connor S. Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the application of the Taxonomy for Risk Assessment of Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure (TRACI) framework, a tool designed to systematically evaluate cybersecurity threats against critical infrastructure. TRACI integrates principles from Routine Activity and Rational Choice Theories to provide a detailed and comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity risks. This integration facilitates an in-depth analysis not only of how cyberattacks occur but also of the underlying reasons they are initiated, by categorizing and assessing risks based on factors such as attacker motivations and systemic vulnerabilities. By employing ANOVA to assess variations in risk assessment scores across TRACI's designated categories—Assets, Risk …

The Influence Of Socioeconomic Status On Youth Enrolled In Public Urban High Schools: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Destiny Breanna Carrington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of low socioeconomic status (SES) students who were enrolled in a public urban high school. The theory guiding this study is the theory of social cognition, as it describes the fact that since learning happens in social environments, when students are properly supported in the classroom it can change their overall outcomes. Students of low SES may need extra motivation in the classroom, diverse types of instruction, and other positive reinforcement to help them perform better. Reciprocal determinism is at the center of the vortex for social …

The Relationship Between Workplace Bullying And Organizational Commitment: Virtual V. Traditional Working Environment, Christa Lynn Bartholomew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between workplace bullying and organizational commitment in a virtual workplace compared to a traditional workplace. The importance of conducting this study was due to workplace bullying having serious implications on physical health, psychological health, family conflict, burnout, and intentional turnover which can have an effect on organizational commitment. A survey utilizing the Negative Acts Questionnaire (Einarsen et al., 1991) and the Organizational Commitment Scale (Balfour and Wechsler, 1996) was distributed to a total sample size of 83 participants. Participants in this study were between the ages of 22-65 …

Comparing The School Engagement Of Middle And High School Special Education Students Enrolled In School-Based Mental Health Services, Elizabeth Anne Mcphearson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a difference in student engagement scores amongst middle and high school special education students who are or are not utilizing school-based mental health services (SBMHS). To continue improvements in the effectiveness of school-based mental health services and to assist students in personal behavior management and school engagement, the impact of mental health services must be understood. The study participants were drawn from a convenience sample of middle and high school special education students participating in school-based mental health services located in Minnesota during the 2023-2024 school year. …

Biblically-Based Songs: Agents Of Healing For Women Overcoming Rejection, Michal Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine how biblically-based songs can serve as aids to women who have overcome or are overcoming rejection. The research employs a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in which interviews, in vivo coding, reflection, interpretation, and biblical analysis explore how biblically-based songs provide or have provided aid to Christian Hispanic Women. Interviews question women about their experiences and how they cope with rejection, the importance of the Word of God, and biblically-based songs, capturing the history and healing process and transformation of the participants. Worship leaders and worship ministries will be educated, exhorted, and challenged in …

Rethinking Total Body Wellness: Physical, Financial, Spiritual, Mental, Social, And Nutritional Health In Adults For Graceful Aging, Pierre Devoseur Elzie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aims to describe the lived experiences of participants’ graceful aging journey in West Tennessee, USA. This study is grounded in wellness theories such as Wellness and Lifespan Development, drawing on insights from theorists like Halbert Dunn, Bill Hettler, Alfred Adler, and Erik Erickson (globalwellnessinstitute.org, 2022; Kornadt et al., 2020; Meyers & Sweeney, 2007). Notably, their work is instrumental in understanding how health encompasses more than nutrition and exercise alone and involves a connection within the community (Clark, 2015; Meyers & Sweeney, 2007). The data for this research will be gathered from fifteen questions during the semi-structured interviews …

Edification, Exhortation, And Consolation In A Prophetic Context, Drorester Ornas Alexander Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to 1 Corinthians 14 and Ephesians 4, edifying one another is necessary for building Christ’s body in love. Wayne Grudem, a notable theologian, stated that the gift of prophecy in the New Testament is “a human being reporting in merely human words something that God has brought to mind.” The researcher explored how and in what way people are affected by the words of prophecy in a New Testament context. Does the gift of prophecy in Christian music recordings from 2014 to 2024 provide consolation, edification, and exhortation to individuals identifying with Continuationists?

In examining songs containing prophetic contours, …

Mental Illness In African American Women: A Transcendental Phenomenology On Self-Efficacy And The Treatment-Seeking Behavior Of Secondary And Post-Secondary Educators, Sasha N. Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological research shows the influence of mental health treatment on the self-efficacy of African American women who are secondary or post-secondary educators in Northern Illinois. For African American women educators, taking care of their mental well-being and being aware of mental health conditions are crucial. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues are vital in our communities, and access to resources and support are necessary. Using self-identity theory can aid in comprehending motivations and behaviors, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment and the prioritization …

Exploring The Uses And Gratifications Of Higher Education Online Multimedia Instructional Tools: A Qualitative Study, Shelby Lord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study examined the communication goals that motivate California Community College (CCC) faculty to employ multimedia instructional tools in their online classes. Additionally, this study investigated the positive and negative impacts of multimedia instructional tools on faculty-to-student communication. A qualitative research method was utilized for this research study. Findings were obtained from June 2024 through August 2024 using 25 qualitative semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Participants were faculty who were currently teaching remote classes through the CCC system, faculty who approved the informed consent for the study, and faculty who agreed to participate in a semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis process …

United In Purpose: Establishing Community Partnerships Amongst District-Level Music Education Programs And After-School Music Organizations In Delaware, Malcolm S. Richardson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the benefits of Music Education Programs in Delaware, there was a critical need to build community partnerships to enrich the music learning experience for all participants. This research explored implementing change by connecting with community leaders and organizations. It gathered perspectives from music educators, students and their parents, school administrators, community organization leaders, and after-school program directors. A qualitative, programmatic evaluative approach was applied to examine the impact of these community partnerships between district-level music programs in Delaware. The study addressed the purpose and framework of alliances, the need for establishing and maintaining them, and potential barriers to sustainable …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Female First-Generation College Students As They Matriculate Through College: A Phenomenological Study, Rosa Denise Mcallister-Mcrae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of African American female first-generation college students’ (FGCS) academic, social, emotional, and low economic challenges while attending either a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) or a Predominately White Institution (PWI) located in the southeastern area of the United States. First-generation college students are students whose parents never attended college. Tinto’s retention theory was the framework that guided the research, particularly, the challenges faced by first-generation students. The central research question was, how do African American female FGCSs describe their lived experiences matriculating through an HBCU or …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Secondary Student Social Interaction, Matthew D. Burch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand why students and families were disengaged from school activities and did not feel connected to the overall school culture. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s theory on sociocultural cognitive development, as it identified links between culture and learning. As the data was collected, Moustakas’ design helped to comprehend the feelings, emotions, and meanings of the people involved. A phenomenological research design was used to help understand and define new and emerging issues as they pertained to why students and families withdrew from school. With a fluid approach, the design …

Understanding Perceptions Of Lived Transition Experiences Of Supplemental Instruction Leaders At A Historically Black University, Cecil Wayne Mayhall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand perceptions of lived transition experiences for supplemental instruction (SI) leaders at a large public historically Black research university in the Southeastern United States. Using the transition theory of Schlossberg et al. as a theoretical framework, this study attempted to answer the central research question: How do supplemental instruction (SI) leaders at a large public historically black research university in the Southeastern United States perceive their lived transition experiences? Sub-questions attempted to address participants' perception of the situation, self, support, and strategies when moving in, through, and out of, the SI …

School Structure As A Mechanism For Crime Deterrence, Daniel Glenn Hennigan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An examination of the relationship between school structure and community strength will be conducted. School structure will be categorized based on the organizational structure of the institution. Schools are conceptualized and categorized as Kindergarten-12th grade (K-12th), 9th-12th grade schools (9th-12th) and Combination schools. Combination Schools are defined as any school that does not meet the criteria of either K-12th Grade or 9th-12th Grade, generally 6th-12th, 7th-12th or 8th-12th. Community strength will be examined through property crime rates, violent crime rates and individual crime statistics. Analyses will also include proportional or ratio examinations per 1,000 students. A literature review will be …

An Investigation Into The Redemptive Uses Of Technology To Help Churches Reach The Lost And Make Disciples, Scott W. Sherman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a compelling rationale for investing the time and energy to develop a successful digital discipleship program. There is a mandate to reach the lost. There is a command to make disciples of all nations. Theologically there is significant and sufficient biblical evidence that discipleship and can happen remotely. Evidentially, Christian digital community has occurred successfully and with levels of engagement needed for spiritual accountability and growth. Following a non-empirical mixed methodology based on Bernard Lonergan for evidence gathering and subsequently incorporating a redemptive Augustinian methodology akin to The City of God, we have fulfilled the purpose of being …

Approaches In Preparing Transfer Degree Students For University Study: A Case Study Of A Community College In Rural Southwest Virginia, Melissa Suzanne Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand approaches for preparing students for their transition to a four-year university following completion of a transfer-focused associate degree at a community college. The theory guiding this study was Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory. The study followed an embedded, single case study design and included faculty members, staff, administrators, and students within the transfer division, along with general college staff at a rural community college in southwest Virginia. The study used surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data which was analyzed to identify relevant themes and unique approaches to preparing transfer …

A Review Of Education Policies And Their Impact On Gang Participation For Youth, Sarah Sanders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Youth have suffered from gang violence in schools and neighborhoods at different rates per the Concentric Zone Model and the Strain theory. Gang violence is a concern for Little Rock, Arkansas. This study will follow the Concentric Zone Model and the Strain theory for data collection and evaluate the extent of gang violence linked to education in response to Zero-Tolerance policies for the Little Rock School District (LRSD) and Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD), showing a holistic explanation of crime. This study will review secondary data from LRSD, PCSSD, and local law enforcement agencies to cross-reference reports of concerns …

Does Work Arrangement Affect Turnover Intention? Investigating The Mediating Role Of Organizational Trust, Perceived Organizational Support, And Work Locus Of Control, Valerie A. Boyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Countless U.S. employees were shifted to and from different work arrangements both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Though previous research has shown links between workplace factors and organizational outcomes, there is a gap in understanding how different post-pandemic work arrangements and individual differences influence employee work attitudes. This study assessed 315 U.S. employees to investigate the relationship between different work arrangements (WA) and turnover intentions (TI), and the mediating effect of organizational trust (OT), perceived organizational support (POS), and work locus of control (WLC). Eligible participants included full-time U.S. employees over the age of 18 that worked in their …

Promoting The Use Of Suicide Prevention Mobile Applications Among Clinicians To Reduce Suicide & Suicidal Behaviors In Adults Aged 18-45, Papetua Jepkoech Kimutai

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Suicide among adults aged 18-45 has increased significantly and has become a challenge to public health worldwide. The purpose of this scholarly project was to promote the use of suicide prevention mobile applications by clinicians to reduce suicide and suicidal behaviors among adults (18-45 years old). Safety Plan suicide prevention mobile app was used in addition to the standard method of preventing suicide. A quasi-experimental design was conducted to promote a suicide prevention mobile app in clinical practice. The clinician participants included three family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and five psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)The data were collected using pre …

How Irish Women Survived During The Ulster Plantation, Theresa Cartabuke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When the English implemented the Ulster Plantation, many political, social, economic, and religious changes occurred throughout Ireland. When discussing this topic, women largely have been left out of the equation. This dissertation will bring forth new evidence regarding the ways in which Irish women were able to survive during the Ulster Plantation. Many life-altering changes occurred during this time and many women had to do what was necessary to ensure their survival by adapting to new environments and the English way of life. This dissertation will discuss how women were able to utilize English law to benefit their lives and …

Leadership Professional Development On Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Causal-Comparative Study, Yolanda Michelle Gilyard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to determine if there is a difference in self-efficacy between teachers who are in the process of receiving leadership professional development, those who have completed leadership professional development, and those who have not received leadership professional development. This study is significant because it aims to determine if self-efficacy is different between teachers who are in the process of receiving leadership professional development, those who have completed leadership professional development, and those who have not received leadership professional development. The school district is a Title 1 school with an 87.9% poverty rate. Due …

A Phenomenological Study On The Mental Health Stigmatization And Faith Of Christian African American Genx Men, Kenneth Jerlette Mickie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary goal of this study was to examine the Mental health stigmatization and the faith of Christian African American GenX men. Mental Health within the African American community is a topic that is often considered taboo and seldom discussed. African faith plays a prominent role, many still experience contradictory feelings about receiving mental health treatment due to the worry of being judged and stigmatized. Therefore, it is critical to understand African Americans' perceptions of depression and views of depression treatment, including cultural stigmas and religious, spiritual, and socioeconomic barriers that may deter individuals from seeking or accepting treatment in …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study: The School Principal's Experiences With Education Law, Vanessa Calderon Donahue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to understand the school principal’s experiences with education while managing their school sites. The study applies Knowles' theory of adult learning to create relevant and practical learning and to produce continuous professional development programs on education law for school principals. The central research question guiding this study is: How prepared are principals when addressing legal issues while managing their schools? This hermeneutic phenomenology research study utilizes a constructivist approach to build an understanding of school principals' experiences with education law based on the insights of study participants. The participants comprised ten elementary, …

A Phenomenology Of Post-Adoption Experiences Of Adoptive Parents, Omowunmi Omotade Ehikhametalor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the post-adoption experiences of adoptive parents in Jamaica. Studies carried out in other jurisdictions are valuable but do not capture the unique experiences of adoptive parents in Jamaica; therefore, this current study sought to fill the research gap. This study's theoretical framework comprises Schlossberg’s transition theory, attachment theory, and parent effectiveness training (PET). Data were collected from a stratified purposive sample of twelve participants using a brief demographic survey, in-depth interviews, and participant journaling. The data were analyzed using Moustakas’ model, and four themes emerged, namely: the inception of adoptive parenthood, the journey …

Hormone Therapy Among Women Within A Clinical Setting: Health Literacy And Teach Back Method To Increase Understanding Of Potential Benefits And Risks Of Treatment, Mariah L. Petersen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project was to examine hormonal therapy among women between the ages of 40 and 55 within a clinical setting. This project assessed women’s understanding of hormonal therapy for various treatments as well as the risks. The intervention utilized the teach-back method. The project also included the 10 essential elements the provider needs to be competent in the teach-back method. A pre- and post-test were given to patients to measure improvement of knowledge and understanding. The goal is to improve patients’ understanding of these treatments and to help them ask questions if they do not fully understand …

Exploring Spiritual Leadership Theory's Beneficial Member Outcomes By Women Who Founded And Lead Nonprofit Evangelical Christian Organizations, Barrie Milton Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem under investigation has two facets: the lack of testing the Spiritual Leadership Theory (SLT) in religious organizations and the lack of any study of Christian women who lead the nonprofit evangelical ministry organization or the classical Christian education (CCE) school they founded or cofounded. This qualitative phenomenological study addressed this problem by exploring the phenomenon of beneficial member outcomes from SLT’s practice by these women who lead those Christian organizations. The literature review includes SLT’s compatibility with Christian leadership and an extensive analysis of the biblical, theological, and historical literature concerning the leadership role of women in the …