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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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A Comparison Of Student Motivation Between Two Ukulele Curricula In A Multi-Age Classroom, Jill K. Moth Apr 2024

A Comparison Of Student Motivation Between Two Ukulele Curricula In A Multi-Age Classroom, Jill K. Moth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Motivation is a topic of high interest to music educators as they attempt to understand what makes their students want to continue learning. The use of the ukulele in the music classroom has grown over the last ten years due to its versatility. Despite its popularity and music educators’ support for its use, very little research exists on students’ motivation while playing it in a general music classroom setting. Therefore, the purpose of this current study is to compare the motivation levels of two groups of multi-age fourth through sixth-grade students learning the ukulele via different curricula in the music …


Catalysts For Change: The Sacralizing Impulse Of The Second Great Awakening And Its Transformative Impact On American Higher Education, Blake S. Hart Apr 2024

Catalysts For Change: The Sacralizing Impulse Of The Second Great Awakening And Its Transformative Impact On American Higher Education, Blake S. Hart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation delves into the profound impact of the Second Great Awakening on American higher education and its enduring social consequences. Examining the period from the late eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century, the research uncovers the core belief that drove the Awakening—that America and its citizens were chosen for a divine purpose, endeavoring to manifest the kingdom of heaven on Earth. It explores how Protestant-led revivalism and social reform movements fueled by this core belief influenced the establishment and evolution of American higher education. Through in-depth case studies of Andover Theological Seminary, Lane Seminary, and Oberlin College, the research …


Conceptualizing Loneliness: Clinical Importance And Therapeutic Approaches, Joni Loehrig Mar 2024

Conceptualizing Loneliness: Clinical Importance And Therapeutic Approaches, Joni Loehrig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the lived experience and perceptions of loneliness among 41 young adults aged 18 to 25 who self-reported being lonely. Loneliness has reached epidemic levels, although its conceptual dimensions remain in their infancy. Loneliness leads to feelings of disconnection and emotional distress and is associated with chronic health issues and increased mortality rates; it is believed to carry health risks equivalent to or greater than heavy smoking, high alcohol consumption, and obesity. The pervasiveness of loneliness and its risks render it a critical problem to address in clinical practice. Participants were selected individuals whose stories of loneliness were …


Vietnam Wacs: An Exploration Of Women’S Military Service During The Sociopolitical Upheaval Of The Vietnam War Era, Carmen M. Latvis Mar 2024

Vietnam Wacs: An Exploration Of Women’S Military Service During The Sociopolitical Upheaval Of The Vietnam War Era, Carmen M. Latvis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Women’s military service has often been relegated to the footnotes of history in the larger discussion of war and military service. Despite this, women have served the United States through every major conflict since the Revolutionary War with no expectation of recognition or reward. Such service raises questions regarding patriotism, gender roles, and citizenship. This research explores those questions during the Vietnam War era, one of the most defining moments in American society and culture and argues that women’s military service was shaped during those turbulent years through persistent quiet integration, defining political intervention, and military necessity. An investigation of …


Military Veteran Career Transition Coaching Experiences: Navigating The Shift From Military Service To Civilian Employment, Miguel A. Ingle Mar 2024

Military Veteran Career Transition Coaching Experiences: Navigating The Shift From Military Service To Civilian Employment, Miguel A. Ingle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Shifting from a structured military culture is regarded as a critical juncture in the lives of military veterans. Veterans face career adaptation, identity conflict, and social integration challenges separating from the military, yet current military transition programs fail to address these challenges. Research on veterans’ transition has overlooked how career transition coaching benefits veterans’ reintegration into civilian careers, leaving a gap in understanding veterans’ challenges and successes with career transition coaching. Addressing veterans’ transition challenges is crucial for developing programs that facilitate their successful integration into civilian careers. This multiple-case qualitative study employed interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to address this …


Psychology Of Altruism: A Phenomenological Study Of Christian Leaders, Joshua G. Belk Mar 2024

Psychology Of Altruism: A Phenomenological Study Of Christian Leaders, Joshua G. Belk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Altruism is fundamentally a part of Christianity, but this phenomenon has never been researched from the perspective of Christian leaders. More than simple kindness or generosity, altruism can be defined as actions and behaviors which place a person’s own interests subordinate to another’s. This qualitative study interviews 31 Christian leaders to establish an understanding of what altruism is in the context of Christian faith. The study found that Christian leaders’ experiences with altruism redefines what was previously known about the phenomenon and its role in our lives. Examining the Christian rationale of altruism provides a richer conception of altruism and …


A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Examining Science Faculty Experiences With Change When Transitioning From Traditional Laboratories To Non-Traditional Laboratories, Jessie Bostic Mar 2024

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Examining Science Faculty Experiences With Change When Transitioning From Traditional Laboratories To Non-Traditional Laboratories, Jessie Bostic

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe science faculty’s experiences with change as they transitioned from using traditional laboratories to using non-traditional laboratories at postsecondary institutions. The theory that guided this study was the transtheoretical model of change, as it explains the processes of change the faculty may have gone through as they transitioned from using traditional laboratories to non-traditional laboratories. A transcendental phenomenological qualitative design was used with a sample of 10 purposely selected post-secondary science faculty members to answer the study’s central question: What are the shared lived experiences of science faculty transitioning from traditional …


Overcoming Barriers To Multicultural Instrumental Music Education: Towards A Practical Pedagogy, Corbin Clark Mar 2024

Overcoming Barriers To Multicultural Instrumental Music Education: Towards A Practical Pedagogy, Corbin Clark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite declaring the importance of multicultural music education, programs rarely realize this commitment within the high school instrumental curriculum. This is primarily a result of factors including limited practical knowledge and hesitation surrounding how world music supports the defined objectives of music education. However, the inclusion of world music is significant as it deeply expands students’ understanding of music. This study examines how music educators can practically include world music education in their classrooms to support one of the core arts standards, creativity. Through a convergent mixed methods action research design, this study identifies how world music education fosters individual …


Unlocking Hope: Exploring Suicide Protective Factors Through The Georgia Student Health Survey, Megan Kinsey Thrasher Mar 2024

Unlocking Hope: Exploring Suicide Protective Factors Through The Georgia Student Health Survey, Megan Kinsey Thrasher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine the relationship between teenage suicide of Georgia public high school students as it relates to school connectedness, peer support, and adult support as determined by the Georgia Student Health Survey (GSHS). The GSHS is an anonymous statewide survey instrument given to secondary Georgia public school students. Archival data from completed GSHS results were used in this analysis. The significance of the research study is to determine if the survey provides reliable information to the Georgia Department of Education and local educational agencies as a useful tool and indicator of potential …


Impact Of Worldview Development On Spiritual Vitality In Evangelical Protestant Churches: A Phenomenological Study, Nicholas Jared Curtis Mar 2024

Impact Of Worldview Development On Spiritual Vitality In Evangelical Protestant Churches: A Phenomenological Study, Nicholas Jared Curtis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The need for a biblical worldview is important in the church since only ten percent of Americans (17% in the church) have a biblical worldview (Foley, 2017, paragraph one; Barna, 2017, paragraph twenty). This is directly connected with one’s spiritual growth in the church as relationships help form one’s worldview which in turn will form one’s values and actions (McDowell and Wallace, 2019). The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the perceived impact of biblical worldview development on spiritual development in the church for pastors who oversee discipleship at doctrinally conservative, Evangelical Protestant churches in Texas. At this …


From Covenants To Classrooms: Uncovering The Impact Of Racial Segregation On Education In St. Paul, Minneapolis, And Duluth, Alexis C. Jones Mar 2024

From Covenants To Classrooms: Uncovering The Impact Of Racial Segregation On Education In St. Paul, Minneapolis, And Duluth, Alexis C. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Minnesota's history contains a narrative of segregation that not only shaped the physical landscape of its cities but also entrenched disparities in education and fractured communities. The racial covenants that first emerged in 1910 built the bedrock of housing segregation that led to segregated neighborhoods. The consequences of this systemic segregation extended beyond residential boundaries and infiltrated the corridors of education, where the harsh realities of racial imbalance often betrayed the promise of equal opportunity. By examining the interconnectedness of housing policies, school integration efforts, and community development, this study uncovers the roots of inequality and proves how Minnesota failed …


Music Education For All: A Study Of Non-Traditional Music Courses In Secondary Schools, Ormond L. Moore Mar 2024

Music Education For All: A Study Of Non-Traditional Music Courses In Secondary Schools, Ormond L. Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Most elementary schools provide music education to all students at least once a week. Music education has been proven to be beneficial to all students. After elementary school, this benefit is no longer afforded to all students. Many secondary schools only offer music education in the form of ensembles such as band, orchestra, or chorus. Students who do not have the finger dexterity to play an instrument or the aural accuracy to match pitch have no place to receive music education after elementary general music class. Non-traditional music courses such as music technology or music media and industry provide all …


Emulating Paul’S Ministry Leadership In A Diverse And Changing Cultural Landscape, Mark J. Lee Mar 2024

Emulating Paul’S Ministry Leadership In A Diverse And Changing Cultural Landscape, Mark J. Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry project is to train ministry leaders by studying the cross-cultural leadership characteristics of Apostle Paul. Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church is part of the sad statistic of traditional churches that have been declining for the past thirty years. This will continue unless leaders of the church embrace the diverse culture and nature of the surrounding community. Cross-cultural leadership is needed in this time of multi-cultural communities and there is no one better than Paul to demonstrate this indispensable cross-cultural ministry paradigm. If leaders at Central are trained and motivated to embrace Paul’s cross-cultural …


Blacks' Intergenerational Trauma Triggered By Police Misconduct, Anselma Johnayala Mar 2024

Blacks' Intergenerational Trauma Triggered By Police Misconduct, Anselma Johnayala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A plethora of studies on intergenerational trauma and a nascent body of studies regarding policing are amalgamated in this phenomenological research approach. This phenomenological study aimed to understand the adverse experiences of Black individuals’ interactions with law enforcement and how these involvements contribute to the transmission of trauma. The intergenerational trauma of Blacks’ experiences could be processed through Critical Race Theory (CRT), Personal Construct Theory (PCT), and Bowen’s Multigenerational Family Systems Theory (BMFST). Each theory explains the relationship between a person’s experiences, the generational response and functioning, and the existence of racial bias as proliferated in the oppression of one …


Military Veterans And Yoga Teacher Training: A Phenomenological Review, Stephen L. Rego Mar 2024

Military Veterans And Yoga Teacher Training: A Phenomenological Review, Stephen L. Rego

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to discover the experiences of military veteran graduates of two Veterans Yoga Project (VYP) cohorts. The theory guiding this study was phenomenological inquiry, founded by Husserl and expanded by Hegel, Heidegger, and van Manen, as it explored the lived experiences and potential intersection of wellness in military veterans. The candidates for participation were recruited from the VYP MRYTT yoga training program 2021 Cohort 1, providing 16 graduates, and 2022 Cohort 2, providing 23 graduates. This study discovered 1) the lived experiences of yoga teacher training (YTT) in military veterans, 2) a conceptualization of military veterans’ …


A Transcendental Phenomenology On Parents’ Motivational Beliefs Towards Involvement In Their Children's Education: The Lived Experiences Of Parents Whose Children Have Attended A Kinder Through Fifth Grade Foreign Language Immersion Program, Kate Marie Kempen Mar 2024

A Transcendental Phenomenology On Parents’ Motivational Beliefs Towards Involvement In Their Children's Education: The Lived Experiences Of Parents Whose Children Have Attended A Kinder Through Fifth Grade Foreign Language Immersion Program, Kate Marie Kempen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand parents’ lived experiences in relation to their motivational beliefs for involvement in their children’s education in a K-5 foreign language immersion program. The central research question guiding this study was: What are the lived experiences of parents whose children have attended at least 2 years of a K-5 foreign language immersion program regarding their motivational beliefs towards involvement in their children’s education? Three sub-questions addressing the specific aspects of motivational beliefs were used to further examine parent involvement. The theory that guided this study was the Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler model …


Developing Health Ministries Beyond The Disparities In The Community, Tasha Renea Berry-Lewis Mar 2024

Developing Health Ministries Beyond The Disparities In The Community, Tasha Renea Berry-Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an upswing in the lack of awareness concerning disparities and the lack of resources available in many of the neighborhoods in the Chicagoland area. The Washington Park and Bronzeville areas are two (2) communities among several others in the Chicago area that are considered to be low-income neighborhoods with minimal resources and an increasing concern of disparities. As a church in the community, it is vitally important we provide a place of hope and trust for people to come for help and refuge. Developing a service such as a health and wellness ministry …


The French Piano School's Pedagogical Influence On Louis Moreau Gottschalk's Piano Etudes: A Narrative Inquiry, Kenner Layne Bailey Feb 2024

The French Piano School's Pedagogical Influence On Louis Moreau Gottschalk's Piano Etudes: A Narrative Inquiry, Kenner Layne Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While many of Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s compositions for piano are highly regarded and figure prominently in recordings and recitals, pianists tend to overlook the composer’s etudes. The purpose of this study was to examine these neglected pieces and evaluate their contribution to the piano etude literature. A secondary focus was exploring the nature of Gottschalk’s lessons with Camille-Marie Stamaty in the French school of piano and comparing their traditional master-apprentice relationship with today’s teacher-student dynamic. This study employed a qualitative narrative inquiry research model, which updates the historical biography with renewed storytelling. To illustrate the importance of Gottschalk’s etudes, this …


A Qualitative Descriptive Study: What South Carolina Church Leaders Believe About Congregational Active Shooter Preparation, Charles David Watts Jr. Feb 2024

A Qualitative Descriptive Study: What South Carolina Church Leaders Believe About Congregational Active Shooter Preparation, Charles David Watts Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to establish a baseline of understanding what experiences South Carolina Southern Baptist church leaders have in active shooter training and what they believe about preparing, training, and equipping congregations for an active shooter incident in their house of worship. This researcher examined how church leaders prepare, train, and equip congregations for security threats like active shooter incidents. This study fills a gap in the existing literature, adding to the research by Auten (2021), Rainer (2017), and the FBI (2016). This researcher examined how churches prepare for security threats like active shooter incidents. …


The Lived Experiences Of In-Service Teachers' Perceptions Of Culturally Responsive Education: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology, Joshua J. Jackson Feb 2024

The Lived Experiences Of In-Service Teachers' Perceptions Of Culturally Responsive Education: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology, Joshua J. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to identify, describe, and interpret the lived experiences of in-service teachers with culturally responsive education. The theory guiding this study was the social cognitive theory, emphasizing reciprocal determinism, or the bi-directional relationship between the personal, environmental, and behavioral determinants. This study's central question asked, " What are the lived experiences of in-service teachers concerning the concept of culturally responsive education?" The study took place in a large, suburban school district in Florida. The researcher selected 10 participants who have at least three years of classroom experience and have received an equity-micro-credential, which …


The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning On Organizations Cybersecurity, Mustafa Abdulhussein Feb 2024

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning On Organizations Cybersecurity, Mustafa Abdulhussein

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As internet technology proliferate in volume and complexity, the ever-evolving landscape of malicious cyberattacks presents unprecedented security risks in cyberspace. Cybersecurity challenges have been further exacerbated by the continuous growth in the prevalence and sophistication of cyber-attacks. These threats have the capacity to disrupt business operations, erase critical data, and inflict reputational damage, constituting an existential threat to businesses, critical services, and infrastructure. The escalating threat is further compounded by the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which have increasingly become tools in the cybercriminal arsenal. In this dynamic landscape, the emergence of offensive AI introduces …


Crisis Management And Peer Support, Kevin H. Eaton Feb 2024

Crisis Management And Peer Support, Kevin H. Eaton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods Doctor of Ministry Research Project examined peers’ roles during crisis management situations and sought to improve their knowledge, skills, readiness, and confidence during crises. Peers are often the first to see precursors of a crisis or are the first present when a crisis ensues. This was true in the ministry context of a United States Army Reserve unit. A training program was developed to equip participants on crisis precursor identification, prevention, intervention, stabilization, post-intervention, and normalization concepts and techniques. Additionally, ethical consideration, professional resources, and resiliency concepts were trained. The concepts were delivered via an online web-based platform …


The Lived Experiences Of Premarital Counseling And Its Influence On Martial Satisfaction, Donna M. Saulter-Carney Feb 2024

The Lived Experiences Of Premarital Counseling And Its Influence On Martial Satisfaction, Donna M. Saulter-Carney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of married couples from various demographic backgrounds who have engaged in premarital counseling in Maryland. How do couples experience premarital counseling is the study’s central research question. The theory guiding this study is Gottman’s (1993) cascade model of marital dissolution. This model offers a theoretical framework for understanding how minor issues in marriage can exacerbate and foster the entire marital experience. The study is quantitative research using an interpretive phenomenological design to recruit the participants for the study. The study conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with couples to …


A Mixed Methods Study To Evaluate The Nature Of The Lead Pastor's Psychological Capital And The Impact On Leading Church Revitalization, Toney Allen Cox Feb 2024

A Mixed Methods Study To Evaluate The Nature Of The Lead Pastor's Psychological Capital And The Impact On Leading Church Revitalization, Toney Allen Cox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In response to the substantial amount of church revitalization that is necessary to cause a noteworthy decrease in the 70 percent of churches in America that are declining or plateauing (Rainer, 2019, para. 4), lead pastors carry a biblical responsibility to lead churches into growth and spiritual health (Jamieson, 2011, para. 15-16). While church planting is a respectable portion of the macro solution, revitalizing declining or plateaued existing churches is an equally significant part of the solvent. However, a substantial majority of revitalization literature and education focuses on the practical methodology of implementing church renewal and emphasizing the lead pastor’s …


A Quantitative Study Of The Effects Of Algorithmic Recommendations On Users Of Streaming Services, Katarina Smikova Feb 2024

A Quantitative Study Of The Effects Of Algorithmic Recommendations On Users Of Streaming Services, Katarina Smikova

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the proliferation of streaming services has dramatically augmented access to television as a medium for cultural narration, facilitated by rapid technological advances. The popularity of streaming platforms has prompted companies to leverage sophisticated recommendation systems and algorithms. These tools are used to tailor content offerings based on consumer behavior analytics. However, these algorithmic recommendation systems have potential detriments, particularly their capacity to perpetuate biases and inequalities and raise concerns over consumer privacy rights. The purpose of this study was to examine the nuances in the influence of algorithmic recommendations offered by various streaming services on …


Some Aspects Of The Theology Of The City In Ane Literature And Biblical Protology And Eschatology: A Comparative Study, Vlatko Dir Feb 2024

Some Aspects Of The Theology Of The City In Ane Literature And Biblical Protology And Eschatology: A Comparative Study, Vlatko Dir

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The city is an essential accomplishment that is embedded in the foundations of human civilization. From its mature appearance in Sumer and its developed forms throughout the ANE world, the city held a high place in cosmology, cosmogony, and anthropogony. The ideology and theology of the city created by the ANE peoples were built around and presented through the interplay of the triangle of influences and dependencies formed by the city, the temple, and kingship in conjunction with the gods. The question is whether the same construct is ingeminated in the Bible. This dissertation strives to provide an appropriate context …


The Signs Of Cinema: Exploring The Effects Of Signifying God In Shadowlands, Bad Times At The El Royale, And The Tree Of Life, Eric Wescott Smith Feb 2024

The Signs Of Cinema: Exploring The Effects Of Signifying God In Shadowlands, Bad Times At The El Royale, And The Tree Of Life, Eric Wescott Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the cinematic semiosis of God, to understand how God is signified through the film medium, and to explore possible effects of this signification on the American Christian mythos. This qualitative study was conducted as an artifactual analysis study. The selected artifacts were three films and two works of literature. The film artifacts were Shadowlands, Bad Times at the El Royale, and The Tree of Life. The literature artifacts were A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis and The Book of Job. The practice of close reading was given to each artifact …


Redefining Disproportionate Arrest Rates: An Exploratory Quasi-Experiment That Reassesses The Role Of Skin Tone, Soren G. Brockdorf Feb 2024

Redefining Disproportionate Arrest Rates: An Exploratory Quasi-Experiment That Reassesses The Role Of Skin Tone, Soren G. Brockdorf

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The New York Times reported that Black Lives Matter was the third most-read subject of 2020. These articles brought to the forefront the question of disparity in arrest rates for darker-skinned people. Questioning arrest disparity is understandable because virtually everything known about disproportionate arrest rates has been a guess, and virtually all prior research on disproportionate arrest rates is questionable because of improper benchmarking (the denominator effect). Current research has highlighted the need to switch from demographic data to skin tone data and start over on disproportionate arrest rate research; therefore, this study explored the relationship between skin tone and …


Does Intergenerational Trauma Influence Growth Or Fixed Mindset Among Ethnic Minorities?, Kevin Ladunn Thomas Feb 2024

Does Intergenerational Trauma Influence Growth Or Fixed Mindset Among Ethnic Minorities?, Kevin Ladunn Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Intergenerational trauma is a phenomenon commonly experienced by ethnic minorities in the United States. This type of trauma can profoundly affect individuals, families, and communities. Despite the prevalence and importance of intergenerational trauma, little research has investigated the link between intergenerational trauma and individuals’ mindsets. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand the perceptions, experiences, and beliefs of ethnic minorities with intergenerational trauma regarding fixed and growth mindsets. The theory guiding this study was Carol Dweck’s mindset theory. To assess the influence of intergenerational trauma on ethnic minorities’ mindsets, 12 individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds were …


Understanding Complicated Grief, Resilience, And Coping Skills In African American Women: A Phenomenological Study, Gyna M. Grant Feb 2024

Understanding Complicated Grief, Resilience, And Coping Skills In African American Women: A Phenomenological Study, Gyna M. Grant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Complicated grief can have an impact on the resiliency and coping skills of African American women in ways that can be damaging in their daily life routines. Research studies have focused on the female population affected by complicated grief, but none of these studies have looked specifically at the African American female population. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences and resiliency of African American women coping with complicated grief following significant loss utilizing an open-ended survey. The population for this study was African American women, living in the southern areas of Connecticut, who …