Digital Commons Network^™

The Building Of A New Left Conglomerate In The City Of Ann Arbor: Voice, The Black Action Movement, And The Human Rights Party (1965-1975), Terrence Restivo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

New Left radicalism played a vital role within both the city of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan throughout much of the 1960s and early 1970s. Three organizations, VOICE, the Black Action Movement (BAM), and the Human Rights Party (HRP), particularly allowed for student activism to become an integral part of the politcal, cultural, and social aspects within Ann Arbor. The emergence of these organizations made a once, conservative, Midwestern college town into a hotbed of radicalism that would help create a thriving New Left conglomerate in the city from 1965-1975.

VOICE, one of the leading Students for a …

Does Caring Matter?: A Qualitative Study Of Urban African American Alternative School Students Perceptions Of Their School Experiences, Past And Present, Victoria Berger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A cultural mismatch among African American school students and their teachers, due to diverse values, norms, and expectations, often provokes inappropriate teacher response to student conduct, thereby inciting disruptive student behavior. The management of this diversity when the environment is devoid of a teacher's sensitivity to the student's life can impact students' behavior, and ultimately, initiate an alternative school referral. This study examines such student-teacher interactions through the lens provided by the analogous dynamics of iatrogenic harm, wherein an intervention by a medical or other specialist results in additional impairment or disease. This study intends to reveal, through the voice …

"Doing The Right Thing": A Study Of Cross-Generational Eldercare Decision-Making In Community And Disease Context, Jeannie Baron-Yenerall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Utilizing the sociology of knowledge perspective, as well as elements of structural-functional theory this study examined the decision-making process as it relates to eldercare. Specifically, how does the knowledge of available resources, community context, and caregiving beliefs affect the caregiving alternative one chooses? Furthermore, what role does family social milieus play in the decision-making process? This research used a 20-item interview schedule developed specifically for this study; and the unit of analysis was the individual responsible for making decisions about the care received by an elder. The survey used both closed and open-ended questions, designed to capture data related to …

The Directorial Process As Applied To Harvey Fierstein's Torch Song Trilogy, Garry Lee Posey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Does Culture Matter? : Exploring The Relationships Among Parenting A Child With Disabilities, Cultural Identification, And Stress In A Group Of European American And Immigrant Latino Families, Ximena P. Suarez-Sousa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this correlational exploratory study was to delve into the experience of raising a child with disabilities by investigating the parents' level of stress and the role played by culture, acculturation, and various demographic variables suggested by the literature to influence stress were included. A purposive sample composed of 38 primarily undocumented immigrant Latino parents and 32 European American parents of children with disabilities was recruited from community agencies in a Midwest state. The most frequent disabilities were orthopedic impairments, pervasive developmental disorders, and mental retardation.

Data were collected with the Parent Survey, comprised of the Questionnaire on …

The 1980'S And Today; An Analysis Of Women's Subjective Well-Being, Michelle Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to augment the existing literature concerning the relationship between marital status, gender, social networks, and cohort effect on dimensions of subjective well-being for women. Multiple dimensions of subjective well-being are examined. Multiple regression and logistic regression are employed to examine the effects of marital status, social networks, and cohort effects on the dependent variables that tap the dimensions of subjective well-being. The analysis controls for age, race, education, income, religious attendance and region of residence. The findings report some inconsistency in regards to the current literature. Social networks and support are found to be …

The Effect Of School Culture On Science Education At An Elementary School: An Ethnographic Case Study, Lori Meier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This ethnographic case study investigated one elementary school to understand how the school's culture influenced its science curriculum design and instruction. The main data was formal and informal semi-structured interviews with key teachers to understand their values, beliefs, practices, materials, and problems with science instruction. To triangulate these data, the researcher observed classroom practice, school-wide activities, and collected artifacts and documents. Data were analyzed using a theoretical framework that emphasizes that culture cannot be reduced to beliefs, values, practices, materials or problems, but rather each aspect of culture is interdependent and mutually reinforcing. The main finding suggests that the school's …

Opinions On Government Spending On Social Security: A Year And Cohort Analysis, Melissa Castora

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper is an analysis of American's opinions on government spending on Social Security. The main objectives were to analyze the effect of year and cohort membership on the likelihood for American's to say that they think the government is spending too little on Social Security. The data was obtained from the General Social Survey. Results of the analysis conclude that year is statistically significant in predicting the likelihood of those who say the government is spending too little on Social Security. When comparing every year to 1994, 1996 is the only year that year that respondents were less likely …

Rapitalism, Martin Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My paper questions the degree to which the hip hop subculture is oppositional to mainstream American society and its ideals. Toward that end, I examine the structure of the hip hop industry and its subculture. While the hip hop subculture in America consistently has projected images of rebellion and resistance to many of the mores, constraints and values of dominant society, the actual structure and organization of the hip hop subculture have mirrored, supported and promoted the values of the dominant culture in the United States. I begin by examining the structure of the main elements of the hip hop …

An Investigation Of Principals' Attitudes Toward The Knowledge And Use Of Learning Styles In Therapeutic Settings, Renee Pancoast

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In March, 2006 the Principal's Attitudes Toward the Knowledge, Value, and Application of Learning Styles with Students in Therapeutic Settings survey developed by the author was distributed to 120 principals belonging to the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. Two mailings yielded a return of 68 (56.6%) usable survey instruments from which principals' self-reporting on knowledge, value and application of learning styles was examined. Focus for this study was provided through three research questions: (a) to determine to what extent principals in therapeutic settings self-reported general knowledge of learning style applications, (b) to determine to what extent principals exhibit …

The Effect Of Social Presence On Teacher Technology Acceptance, Continuance Intention, And Performance In An Online Teacher Professional Development Course, Jo Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) could explain the relationship between teacher's acceptance of an online teacher professional development course and their continuance intentions regarding online teacher professional development (oTPD). This study focused on the perceptions of the teachers as opposed to the design or implementation of oTPD. The participants (N=517) were mostly teachers (88.8%) enrolled in a statewide online course to provide classroom teachers with the latest knowledge of research-based instructional reading strategies. The course was offered over a 10-14 week period during the Spring 2006 semester through a public state …

Catching Satisfaction: Personal And Political Framing In The Homebirth Movement, Nasima Pfaffl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis illuminates the experiences, motives, and framing process of a cohort of homebirthing women in Tucson, Arizona who embody the collective action frames of the national homebirth movement. A model of birth frame construction, alignment and adoption is presented that expands current theory on social movement framing processes, cognitive liberation, and life politics in health and self-help related movements. The study explores the evolution of homebirth midwifery nationally and locally. It articulates the main collective action frames that argue against standard maternity care and presents the alternatives proffered by the homebirth movement. It presents micro-level experiences of movement pioneers, …

A Focus Group Of Adolescent Haitian Immigrants: Factors Affecting Their Perceptions Of Academic Success In A Florida Public High School, Mercedes Pichard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this ethnographic research was to examine the perceptions of academic success of adolescent Haitian immigrant students who have arrived in the United States within the last five years and attend a public high school in Florida. The Haitian students were asked to explain the tensions they perceive between Haitian societal and educational norms and beliefs and American ones, and explain their perceptions and concerns regarding success. The importance of their perceptions as influences on their behavior was related to Bandura's Social Cognitive Learning Theory. The relevance of certain questions concerning academic success for Haitian students was investigated …

10x The Talent = 1/3 Of The Credit: How Female Musicians Are Treated Differently In Music, Meggan Jordan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This is an exploratory, qualitative study of female musicians and their experiences with discrimination in the music industry. Using semi-structured interviews, I analyze the experiences of nine women, ages 21 to 56, who are working as professional musicians, or who have worked professionally in the past. I ask them how they are treated differently based on their gender. Three forms of subtle discrimination are inferred from their narrative histories. First, female musicians are mistaken for non-musicians. They are encapsulated into inferior roles, like "the gimmick," "good for a girl," and "invisible accessory." Second, band mates and band managers control women's …

The Taino Are Still Alive, Taino Cuan Yahabo: An Example Of The Social Construction Of Race And Ethnicity, David Cintron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Definitions and boundaries of race and ethnicity are socially constructed. They are malleable inventions created by the negotiation of ascribed ideas from outside groups and asserted notions from the inside group's membership. The revitalization of Taíno identity and culture within the Puerto Rican and related communities is a classic case example of this negotiation. Although objective conditions exist to recognize the descendants of these Caribbean aboriginals as an identifiable group, their identities are contested and sometimes ridiculed. Even though Taíno heritage is accepted as an essential root of Puerto Rico's cultural and biological make-up, this group has been classified as …

Science Self-Efficacy In Tenth Grade Hispanic Female High School Students, Maria Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historical data have demonstrated an underrepresentation of females and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. The purpose of the study considered the variables of gender and ethnicity collectively in relationship to tenth grade Hispanic females' perception of their self-efficacy in science. The correlation of science self-efficacy to science academic achievement was also studied. Possible interventions for use with female Hispanic minority populations might help increase participation in STEM field preparation during the high school career. A population of 272 students was chosen through convenience sampling methods, including 80 Hispanic females. Students were administered a 27-item questionnaire taken …

Public Religious Participation: A Comparison Of Three Distinct Birth Cohorts, Diane Prather

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research has demonstrated that many factors affect levels of religiosity in American religion. This study extends the research on the relationship between cohort membership and public religious participation and individual personal involvement. Most of the research pertaining to the effects of cohort on religiosity has been devoted to comparisons between the Depression Era and Baby Boom Cohorts. This study extends research in this area by including Generation X to the extent possible. Using the General Social Surveys, this analysis employs an age/period/cohort analytical framework to examine religious involvement. Sociodemographic variables that are associated with religiosity are included in the analysis. …

Leadership Orientations Of Senior Administrators At American Metropolitan Universities, Diane Trees

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Universities in the United States continue to evolve far beyond traditional concepts. While problems of an academic, economic, governmental, and educational nature beset any university, the metropolitan institution must grapple with these issues not as an individual entity but as a partner in a group of many players. Educational leadership for the American metropolitan university necessitates distinct and unique skills. This study sought to explore leadership behaviors of senior administrators at American metropolitan universities as conceptualized by Bolman and Deal's Four-Frame Model of Leadership (1991). Using Bolman and Deal's (1990) Leadership Orientations Survey (Self) instrument with an additional Respondent Information …

Disillusionment, Kimberly Lockhart Noll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Educational Facilities Planning: A Systems Model, Frederick Story Withum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Utilizing a primarily experiential literature base, a thematic analysis of text and a synthesis of literature from education, educational administration, architecture, and organizational sociology, a systems model of public educational facilities planning was developed. The model represents a theoretical construct from which design professionals and educators can better organize, understand, analyze, communicate, and research complex cause-effect relationships that occur when educational facilities are designed and constructed. The Systems Model for Planning of Educational Facilities attempts to: (1) identify and describe complicated social, cultural, political, and economic mechanisms at work when public schools are designed and constructed in a pluralistic democratic …

An Examination Of The Bio-Philosophical Literature On The Definition And Criteria Of Death: When Is Dead Dead And Why Some Donation After Cardiac Death Donors Are Not, Leslie Whetstine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Human fascination with transplantation has been portrayed in mythology and legend as well as in art and literature throughout history. It has both horrified and captivated our collective conscience and has progressed, in a relatively short time period, from science fiction to a modern accomplishment that can improve longevity and enhance quality of life.

The primary obstacle for transplantation is no longer scientific in nature but is predominantly one of supply and demand and carries with it attendant ethical concerns. Specific to this work is the question of whether a particular method of organ procurement known as Donation After Cardiac …

A New Theory And Measure Of Ethical Work Climate: The Psychological Process Model (Ppm) And The Ethical Climate Index (Eci), Anke Arnaud

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With this dissertation I developed a new theory and measure of ethical work climate (EWC). Currently, there exists one dominant theory and measure of EWC developed by Victor and Cullen (1988, 1987). Even though researchers have identified problems with this theory, such as inconsistencies with regard to its limited theoretical scope and troubling psychometric properties, it is the most widely utilized framework for conceptualizing and testing EWC. Therefore, I propose to develop an improved theory and measure of EWC, one capable of addressing some of the principle shortcomings of earlier efforts. Building on Rest's (1986, 1979) "Four-Component" model of individual-level …

An Applied Study Of Putnam's Social Capital Theory In Pontotoc County, Mississippi / By Kanin L. Reese, Kanin L. Reese

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Real Deal : Experiencing Authenticity In The Music Of R.L. Burnside, Matthieu Dessier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Differences In Alcohol Behavior Between Fall Semester And Spring Semester For College Freshmen / By Sara Rodriguez Trout, Sara Rodriguez Trout

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Making Of A Monument : Investigating Mound Stratigraphy In The Yazoo Basin / By Erin L. Stevens, Erin L. Stevens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Marriage Education And Brief Couples Counseling, Tina Livingston

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated marital adjustment for couples participating in one of two treatment groups; the Brief Integrative Couples Counseling model(Young & Long, 1998, 2007); and the PREPARE/ENRICH Empowering Couples marriage education weekend workshop (Olson & Olson,2000). This study examined the following research questions: Do couples show a different level of marital adjustment following Brief Integrative Couples Counseling compared to those who receive a marriage education treatment?; Do couples show greater marital adjustment following Brief Integrative Couples Counseling compared to those who participated in a Marriage Education weekend workshop treatment over time? This article presents an exploration of mean marital adjustment …

Investigation Of The Impact Of Video-Based Anchored Instruction On The Implementation Of Inclusive Practices By Students With Learning Disabilities, Christopher O'Brien

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For several years emerging trends in special education services have favored inclusion for students with disabilities. Concurrent to this evolution of philosophy in special education has been the advent of what could be considered inclusive instructional practices--those methods that aid in the successful inclusion of students with disabilities. These inclusive practices include co-teaching, cooperative learning, peer-mediated instruction, positive behavioral support, embedded learning strategies, and content-enhancements (Ehren, Lenz, & Deshler, 2005; King-Sears, 1997). As inclusive placements become an increasingly common standard of practice, particularly for students with learning disabilities, the need to assist general educators in establishing inclusive classrooms becomes a …

Organizational Change At The Service Delivery Level: An Investigation Into The Perceived Reaction To Change Initiatives In Moral, Larry Cochran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the speed of change increases, federal agencies are challenged more often to develop and implement improvements to existing programs, new programs to meet new needs, or adjustments to programs based on changed circumstances of delivery. Built on the foundation of systems theory, expectancy theory, and field theory, this research seeks to explain why some managers do not propose changes in their organizations---even when the very survival of the organization is at risk. By measuring the fields of influence encountered by managers, we find that the chain of command is supportive of change initiatives. Other organizational elements--human resources and legal …

The Effect Of Cognitive Styles Upon The Completion Of A Visually-Oriented Component Of Online Instruction, Jia-Ling Lee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine whether a person's prepositioned cognitive style influenced learning achievement in a visually-oriented task for an online learning environment in higher education. Field dependence-independence was used to identify individuals' cognitive styles. A true experimental study was conducted in the fall 2005 term at the University of Central Florida. This researcher followed Dwyer and Moore's research (1991, 2002) and divided learners into three groups (field dependent [FD], field neutral [FN], and the field independent [FI] students). Eighty-three preservice teachers participated in this study; the data from 52 of the FD and the FI participants were analyzed …