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The Effect Of An Applied Behavior Analysis Based Treatment On The Participation Of A Kindergarten Student With Autism Spectrum Disorder In A General Education Classroom, Brandi Slider May 2009

The Effect Of An Applied Behavior Analysis Based Treatment On The Participation Of A Kindergarten Student With Autism Spectrum Disorder In A General Education Classroom, Brandi Slider

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This project was developed with the intention of helping to integrate a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder more fully into a general education classroom. The study was a single case design experiment employing a multiple-baseline design across situations intended to increase appropriate participation and decrease inappropriate participation. The Competent Learner Model was used as a tool to develop observation skills and to identify target behaviors to change for the learner. An Applied Behavior Analysis based token-economy system served as the intervention, utilizing stickers in exchange for preferred activities. The intervention was applied at three intervals across two situations with …


Predictors Of Anticipated Parenting Efficacy In Younger Adults, Danielle K. Tomczewski May 2009

Predictors Of Anticipated Parenting Efficacy In Younger Adults, Danielle K. Tomczewski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Prior research has indicated that anticipated parenting efficacy, the degree to which individuals perceive that they will be an effective parent, predicts their later parenting competency (Coleman et al., 2002; Teti & Gelfand, 1991). Although additional correlates of parenting efficacy have been identified, such as knowledge of childhood development (Conrad, Gross, Fogg, & Ruchala, 1992) and prior contact with children (Coleman & Karraker, 2000; Williams et al., 1987), little research has examined the predictors of anticipated parenting efficacy. The current study examined anticipated parenting efficacy in a sample of 481 younger adults. Participants completed self-administered on-line surveys related to their …


Contributing And Constraining Factors To Collaborative Land Use Planning: Consequences Of Proposed Housing Development "In And Around" The New River Gorge National River, Candice Jo Ann Riley May 2009

Contributing And Constraining Factors To Collaborative Land Use Planning: Consequences Of Proposed Housing Development "In And Around" The New River Gorge National River, Candice Jo Ann Riley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years, population increases in gateway communities has led to developers wanting to development adjacent to public lands. Although gateway community developments provides economic benefits such as increases in jobs and tax revenues, the population increase can cause a negative change in the landscape of the public land. As a result, public land managers are approaching more collaborative ways to engage in land use planning.;The purpose of this study was to assess the level of support for collaborative land use planning in and around the New River Gorge National River in Fayetteville, WV, particularly focused on the context of …


State Supervisors Roles In Agricultural Education Curriculum: A National Study, Becky L. Ridgeway May 2009

State Supervisors Roles In Agricultural Education Curriculum: A National Study, Becky L. Ridgeway

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine state supervisors roles in agricultural education curriculum. A census survey, plus Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands were used to collect data for this study. The population included all head state supervisors employed during the spring of 2009. Of the 52 surveys sent out 36 were returned (69%). The study found that responsibility for developing and communicating career development events (CDE) and information varied by state, with the head state supervisor, executive secretary, state supervisor with FFA responsibilities or university faculty managing the events. State supervisors identified email, listserv (group email), telephone calls, …


Assessment Of The Perceptions Of Principals About School Performance In West Virginia, Connie L. Myer May 2009

Assessment Of The Perceptions Of Principals About School Performance In West Virginia, Connie L. Myer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study compares the perceptions of two groups of West Virginia school principals about the performance of their schools. Six hundred principals were sent an online, 70-item survey instrument aligned with the seven domains of the state's Framework for High-Performing Schools. Of the total 600 principals in the study, half had attended the West Virginia Institute for 21st-Century Leadership, and the other half had not. Both the parametric t-test and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U were used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups of principals. The results show a noteworthy …


Agent Based Modeling Of Power Distribution Systems, Sridhar Chouhan May 2009

Agent Based Modeling Of Power Distribution Systems, Sridhar Chouhan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The electric power system is a very vast network and becoming more complex each day. The traditional vertically monopolistic structure has been deregulated and replaced by gencos, transcos and, discos; increasing the power system intricacy. During the past few decades there has been remarkable development in software and hardware technologies for the analysis and design activities in power system planning, operation, and control. However, much still depends on the judgment of human experts. A single fault in power system can lead to multiple faults and can collapse the whole system. Power System needs a more decentralized control mechanism for solving …


A Study Of The Effects Of Well And Fracture Design In A Typical Marcellus Shale Well, Ross T. Schweitzer May 2009

A Study Of The Effects Of Well And Fracture Design In A Typical Marcellus Shale Well, Ross T. Schweitzer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The problem with typical Marcellus shale wells is the lack of information that has been accumulated and the amount of information that is commercially available to the public. The Marcellus formation is a relatively new play and details involving ways to maximize production through well and fracture design has yet to be published. The Marcellus shale is important due to its large size and the economic impact that it could have on the U.S. While some companies have certain ideas about the best way to produce the Marcellus shale other companies have different ideas. Through reservoir simulation, the Marcellus could …


Electronic Clinic Journaling: The Use Of Weblogs To Support Evidence -Based Practice In Doctor Of Audiology Students, Gayle B. Neldon May 2009

Electronic Clinic Journaling: The Use Of Weblogs To Support Evidence -Based Practice In Doctor Of Audiology Students, Gayle B. Neldon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a strategy for the provision of high quality health care. The use of journals to document clinical experiences and reflection has been used in speech-language pathology as well as nursing and psychology. This study uses qualitative analysis to study what AuD students learn about evidence-based practice from writing and reading clinic Weblogs, as well as to investigate AuD students' reactions to writing and reading these Weblogs and evidence-based practice as they have experienced it. The value of sharing evidence supporting clinical practice via electronic clinic journals in the form of Weblogs among peers was explored. Analysis …


Plagiarism In High Schools: A Case Study Of How Teachers Address A Perpetual Dilemma, Geraldine J. Newlon May 2009

Plagiarism In High Schools: A Case Study Of How Teachers Address A Perpetual Dilemma, Geraldine J. Newlon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This was a multiple case study of all the 12th grade English teachers in one West Virginia county school system. Qualitative data collection methods involving teacher interviews and analysis of classroom handouts were utilized to reveal how they address plagiarism. Demographic statistics about the communities and schools was examined to enable comparisons between the schools and the participants. The research questions guiding this study were: (a) What are secondary English teachers' perspectives on plagiarism, and (b) What are secondary English teachers' practices on plagiarism. Data were collected and analyzed for any patterns, extremes, or relevancy to the related literature. Then …


How Do College/University Teacher Misbehaviors Influence Student Cognitive Learning, Academic Self-Efficacy, Motivation, And Curiosity?, Sara R. Banfield May 2009

How Do College/University Teacher Misbehaviors Influence Student Cognitive Learning, Academic Self-Efficacy, Motivation, And Curiosity?, Sara R. Banfield

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between teacher misbehaviors and a variety of outcome variables, including cognitive learning, motivation, curiosity, and academic self-efficacy. Research has yet to directly address how teacher misbehaviors affect cognitive learning. It is important to assess actual learning as opposed to perceived learning to truly measure how a students' learning is influenced by the negative behaviors. Motivation, curiosity, and academic self-efficacy have been found to have a positive relationship with learning. When misbehaviors were present cognitive learning and motivation were not found to be significantly influenced by misbehaviors. Academic self-efficacy and curiosity …


Measuring And Changing Negative Stuttering Stereotypes In Adolescents, Timothy W. Flynn May 2009

Measuring And Changing Negative Stuttering Stereotypes In Adolescents, Timothy W. Flynn

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stuttering is known to carry stereotypes, e.g., that people who stutter are nervous, anxious, and shy. Research has shown that negative stereotypes about people who stutter exist within the general population. Moreover, negative stereotypes exist among teachers, students, speech-language pathologists, and even the parents of people who stutter. While public opinion of stuttering does not vary dramatically between populations, the ways in which we might change it does. Research has shown that educational videos, books, and classes about stuttering do not appear to significantly alter public opinion positively.;This study compared the effectiveness of two forms of advocacy, a live presentation …


Capacitive Sensor Technology For Polyethylene Pipe Fault Detection, Travis W. Kirby May 2009

Capacitive Sensor Technology For Polyethylene Pipe Fault Detection, Travis W. Kirby

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This work develops a Finite Element Analysis simulation to determine if capacitive sensors can be used to detect defects in polyethylene gas distribution pipes. Currently, there is no in ground detection system to find the defect. Catastrophic results can occur if gas leaks are present and ignite. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software will be used to simulate how different shapes and sizes of capacitive sensors affect the electric field, which affect capacitance when the dielectric of a material changes. An optimal electrode size and shape was chosen from these simulations, built, and tested at the Battelle Pipeline Safety Research & …


An Experimental Analysis Of Preference For Rate Building, Andrew R. Lightner May 2009

An Experimental Analysis Of Preference For Rate Building, Andrew R. Lightner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Educational research suggests that rate-building procedures produce superior academic performance and are preferred by participants when compared to traditional methods. However, these studies have not controlled for critical variables, such as practice, that might influence preference and performance. The current study compared two conditions using behavioral performance and preference measures; one condition had a correct response rate criterion and the other had an overall correct response criterion. Reinforcement and feedback were held constant across conditions. Most participants preferred the condition that did not have a rate criterion. Performance outcomes produced by the two conditions were not substantially different. This implies …


Design And Testing Of The Wvu Challenge X Competition Hybrid Diesel Electric Vehicle, Howard Andrew Mearns May 2009

Design And Testing Of The Wvu Challenge X Competition Hybrid Diesel Electric Vehicle, Howard Andrew Mearns

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The WVU Challenge X Team was tasked with improving the fuel economy of a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox while maintaining the stock performance of the vehicle. A through-the-road-parallel hybrid diesel-electric was implemented to accomplish this goal. The greatest potential for improvement to hybrid electric vehicle technology is in energy storage in terms of cost, size, lifespan, and efficiency. Currently, battery cost is limited by the expense of the base materials. The characteristically low power density of electrochemical energy storage rather than energy density is responsible for the size of current hybrid energy storage systems. A limited lifespan is inherent in electrochemical …


Predictive Modeling Techniques With Application To The Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica Cerulea) In The Appalachian Mountains Bird Conservation Region, Matthew Buhrl Shumar May 2009

Predictive Modeling Techniques With Application To The Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica Cerulea) In The Appalachian Mountains Bird Conservation Region, Matthew Buhrl Shumar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many statistical approaches have been used for developing predictive models for wildlife presence/absence and abundance, each with varying levels of accuracy and complexity. As concerns for declining species intensify and anthropogenic impacts on habitats increase, the ability to quickly quantify and map species distributions and abundances over large regions will become increasingly important. To date, there is no set of best practices for modeling specific wildlife groups. My primary objectives with this thesis were to (1) compare model techniques for ease of use and accuracy, and (2) compare resolution of species occurrence data and its effect on model accuracy.;For the …


The Introduction Of Forgiveness Into A Path Analytical Model Of The Association Between Parental Divorce And Adult Attachment, Amanda L. Wheat May 2009

The Introduction Of Forgiveness Into A Path Analytical Model Of The Association Between Parental Divorce And Adult Attachment, Amanda L. Wheat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Several factors (i.e., parental divorce, parent-child relationship quality, interparental conflict, individual forgiveness) that have been investigated separately in relation to adult romantic attachment were examined alongside family forgiveness, which has not previously explored in relation to attachment. Undergraduate students (N = 299) completed several surveys online for the current study. Several significant findings emerged when factors were considered in path models individually, and in an overall path model built on the basis of those individual model findings. Maternal and paternal social support, maternal negative interactions, and family forgiveness were moderators of parental divorce---romantic attachment relations. Based upon these findings, it …


Studies Of Chemomechanical Gels And Collective Behavior In Chemical Systems, Zhaoyang Huang May 2009

Studies Of Chemomechanical Gels And Collective Behavior In Chemical Systems, Zhaoyang Huang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The synthesis, structure and properties of stimuli responsive gels are reviewed. A flow through reactor is constructed by attaching a secondary chamber to the output of a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The dynamical behavior of the primary and secondary chambers is characterized by carrying out the bromate-sulfite-ferrocyanide reaction in the reactors. The dynamical behavior of the secondary chamber was found to mimic that of the primary chamber. In addition, the secondary chamber offers spatially homogeneous and non-stirred pH oscillations for chemomechanical oscillators and walkers. Chemomechanical oscillators are obtained by placing poly(NIPAAm-co-MAAc) gel rods of diameters less than 530 mum …


The Effects Of Active Living Every Day Online On Physical Activity, Amy M. Sidwell May 2009

The Effects Of Active Living Every Day Online On Physical Activity, Amy M. Sidwell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 14-week intervention based on Active Living Every Day (ALED) Online. Outcomes of the 14-week online program and the process of delivering the program were analyzed. Outcome considerations included: whether ALED Online increased physical activity among participants (as measured through step counts), whether physiological changes (cholesterol and body mass index) were apparent throughout the intervention, and whether participants progressed or regressed through the Stages of Change (SOC). Process measures included examining the nature of retention of participants in the program and the quality of participants' responses to the "Life …


The Best Leadership Practices Of Principals In High Performing And High Poverty Schools In Ohio, Mark Furda May 2009

The Best Leadership Practices Of Principals In High Performing And High Poverty Schools In Ohio, Mark Furda

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The current accountability movement faced by schools throughout the country has prompted educators to close the achievement gap or else face a barrage of federal, state, and public backlash. Schools which have met overall standards will not be considered successful unless they have done something to close the achievement gap. The gaps generally occur among the economically disadvantaged students, minority groups, and those with learning disabilities. The subgroup of particular interest for this research is low socio-economic status students (SES). Principals are the instructional leaders of their buildings. This research focuses on how school leaders are helping disadvantaged students.;To determine …


Employing Laboratory Physical Modeling To Study The Radio Imaging Method (Rim), Jun Lu May 2009

Employing Laboratory Physical Modeling To Study The Radio Imaging Method (Rim), Jun Lu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Geological anomalies such as faults, sandstone intrusions, sudden thinning and severe undulation of coal seam will greatly affect the production and safety of mining operations. Since most of these geological anomalies in coal mines can increase the attenuation of the electromagnetic signal, the radio imaging method (RIM) is capable of locating the zones of geologic anomalies in underground mines. By using a low frequency EM signal, the RIM technology is the most promising geophysical tool for exploring the geological anomalies ahead of the modern longwall faces which are normally wider than 1,000 ft. However, when a number of anomalies co-exist …


Success From The Voices Of Educators, Katherine Eddy Cox May 2009

Success From The Voices Of Educators, Katherine Eddy Cox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines teachers' conceptions of success through interviews of fourteen educators from a rural county in a Mid-Atlantic state. The results find that the critical elements of success are student-oriented, practice-oriented, and policy-oriented; the consensus definition of success is caring for individual students; and the beliefs and values of educators are in making a difference for every student. Relationships, joy in learning, and fair testing are enabling of success within the community and culture studied. In terms of challenges and needs---parents are often named as the biggest barrier to success; secondly, having time to teach as well as possible; …


A Needs Assessment Of West Virginia Environmental Educators: West Virginia Environmental Education Association And West Virginia University County Extension Agents, Amanda Rae Swecker See May 2009

A Needs Assessment Of West Virginia Environmental Educators: West Virginia Environmental Education Association And West Virginia University County Extension Agents, Amanda Rae Swecker See

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia is a state full of a variety of environmental education (EE) programs---both formal and nonformal. However, in order to be effective, educators must have the most updated and user friendly resources readily accessible through various supporting organizations or agencies. The WVEEA is a new state-wide group dedicated to improving EE programs, and supporting EE through its members.;The ultimate goal of EE programs is to improve environmental literacy and foster environmentally responsible behavior. Environmental literacy gives people the awareness, knowledge, ability, motivation, commitment and skill to work with others to resolve environmental problems and prevent new ones. EE activities …


How Influential Are They? The Role Of Parents, Social Support, Attachment, And Autonomy In College Students' Likelihood To Experience Social Anxiety, Andrea M. Jones May 2009

How Influential Are They? The Role Of Parents, Social Support, Attachment, And Autonomy In College Students' Likelihood To Experience Social Anxiety, Andrea M. Jones

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Previous research has found that parental control predicts social anxiety and is moderated by parental proximity, as measured by the amount of contact one has with their parent; however there have been no studies examining how levels of parental proximity may change over the course of a young adult's life. The purpose of the current study was to examine how variables previously associated with social anxiety change across a semester of college. The current study examined parental proximity, autonomy, social support and social anxiety at three points across the semester. Thirty-nine undergraduate students at West Virginia University participated in the …


Characterization And Classification Of Clayey Soils Forming On Limestone In The Eastern Panhandle Of West Virginia, Brian Cooley May 2009

Characterization And Classification Of Clayey Soils Forming On Limestone In The Eastern Panhandle Of West Virginia, Brian Cooley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

High shrink-swell potential soils forming from limestone have been noted in the Great Valley of West Virginia, but the taxonomic name of these soils does not indicate this potential. With increased pressures on land use from an increasing population in the Eastern Panhandle, it is necessary to have detailed soil information for soil scientists, county planners, engineers, and others. The objectives of this research were to characterize three soils forming on limestone, evaluate their shrink-swell potential, and classify these soils. Field observations and laboratory data indicate that Carbo and Swanpond soils have a high shrink-swell potential, whereas Hagerstown soils do …


A Kinetic Study Of Decyl Phosphite Stabilizers, John K. Snodgrass May 2009

A Kinetic Study Of Decyl Phosphite Stabilizers, John K. Snodgrass

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Decyl phosphite stabilizers are used to improve the molecular stability of polymers during processing and end use giving durability to the many plastic products used in daily life. By understanding the governing kinetics of the decyl phosphite reaction system, improvements and alternative manufacturing methods may be possible. Diphenyl isodecyl phosphite, phenyl di-isodecyl phosphite, and tri-isodecyl phosphite are the products of reacting isodecanol and triphenyl phosphite in the presence a sodium methylate. Concentration and time data were collected by performing laboratory reactions at various reactant ratios and temperatures.;Analysis of laboratory data shows that the system can be adequately described by five …


Development Of A Web-Based Woody Biomass Energy Expert System, Sabina Dhungana May 2009

Development Of A Web-Based Woody Biomass Energy Expert System, Sabina Dhungana

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Woody biomass is evolving as a potential bioenergy feedstock at an industrial scale to provide the required supply for industries relying on these resources at necessary levels and feasible costs. In order to effectively utilize woody biomass for energy, it is essential to know in advance the availability of biomass, the equivalent energy provided, and the associated procurement costs. Expert systems, using computer based programming and containing knowledge bases reflecting the knowledge of human experts in the field, are being used in industrial facilities for real time problem analysis and knowledge enhancement. This study draws on this approach and attempts …


The Content, Nature, And Ethics Of Pastoral Counseling By West Virginia Baptist Ministers, Nancy Landis-Taylor May 2009

The Content, Nature, And Ethics Of Pastoral Counseling By West Virginia Baptist Ministers, Nancy Landis-Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

While there is considerable literature available on pastors and the ministry and much writing concerning therapists and secular counseling as well as pastoral counseling, very little has been written concerning counseling by pastors without professional counseling training. This neglected area of research is unfortunate considering many pastors are considered or required to be counselors by their churches and denominations. In addition, there is minimal training in pastoral counseling in most seminaries, leaving many pastors to assume a role for which they may be unprepared. This exploratory study used a self-report instrument specifically developed for this research endeavor to collect information …


Gourd'geous, A. Noel Slowikowski May 2009

Gourd'geous, A. Noel Slowikowski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Finding a voice to articulate my passion for making utilitarian pottery has been the central focus of my graduate studies. As a ceramic artist, I strive to make work that celebrates clay's tactile qualities, history, environmental responsiveness, and beauty. My research involved investigating different clay processes, fabrication methods, glazes, and contemporary/historical influences. The end result is a body of work that expresses a balanced blending of clay, nature, and history.


Zoned Out: Conflict And Perceived Threat In A Rural-Urban Fringe Area, Jennifer Chambers May 2009

Zoned Out: Conflict And Perceived Threat In A Rural-Urban Fringe Area, Jennifer Chambers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Zoning and other restrictive land use policies are quite common in the United States and are frequently enacted as a response to the rapid growth and change within a city or county. Past research on zoning has primarily examined the positive and negative consequences of zoning ordinances, often focusing the analysis on neighborhood change. This study inductively examines the conflict that emerged in one county when new zoning ordinances were proposed through an in-depth analysis of nearly 300 newspaper forums, observations of three public hearings, and interviews with key informants. Concerned with activists on both sides of the zoning issue, …


Bidding At The Prison Auction House: An Exchange Of Prisoners' And University Students' Perceptions Of Crime And Punishment, Kate J. Dubois May 2009

Bidding At The Prison Auction House: An Exchange Of Prisoners' And University Students' Perceptions Of Crime And Punishment, Kate J. Dubois

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

During the spring of 2006, a new program was instated at West Virginia University that provided an arena for undergraduate Criminology majors and residents of a correctional facility to discuss and learn about issues within the criminal justice system. The class took place at a correctional facility. After leaving the class, the students were expected to write a reflection paper on the discussions that took place within the classroom to return at the next session. The purpose of this research is to conduct a thorough analysis of the reflection papers of each student across the 15 weeks. The findings suggest …