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The Effects Of Presentational Mode And Gender On Rating Errors In Classroom Speech Evaluation, Nicole L. Turley

Masters Theses

There is extensive research on speech evaluation in the area of speech communication. This study explores the effects of presentational mode and gender on rating errors in speech evaluation. Subjects were students enrolled in an introductory speech course at Eastern Illinois University. After compiling 1072 speech evaluation sheets, a 2x2x3 factorial analysis of variance was conducted. Results concluded that raters in a pre-presentational mode will be more positively lenient than raters in a post-presentational mode and raters in a control group; female raters were more positively lenient than male raters in the traits of language, material, delivery, analysis, and voice; …

Annotated Bibliography Of Matlon Guide Sources On The Use Of Humor In Public Speech, James Joseph Callahan

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of A Downhill Skiing Program On Standing Balance In Adults And Children With Various Disabilities, Colleen Kavanaugh, Tara Mcnabb, Tami Revett

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess possible improvements in balance following a downhill ski program at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The 15 subjects' ages ranged from 7-67 and were obtained by a convenience sample of participants in the Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association. Diagnoses of the participants included cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accident, hearing impaired, visually impaired, and developmentally disabled.; A pre-test, post-test design was used to assess the participants balance using the functional reach test--yardstick method. Data was analyzed by computer using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Using the t-test for paired comparisons, …

Geriatric Knowledge, Attitudes And Interests Of Physical Therapy Alumni Of Grand Valley State University, Elizabeth Johnson

Masters Theses

Gerontologic knowledge, attitudes and interest in working with the elderly were investigated and potential relationships explored. Six years of Grand Valley State University alumni (3 years Bachelor's {dollar}\{lcub} \rm N=63\{rcub}{dollar} and 3 years Master's {dollar}\{lcub} \rm N=84\{rcub} ){dollar} were surveyed. Questionnaires consisted of: a Personal History Questionnaire, to collect demographic data; the Palmore's Facts on Aging Questionnaire Part 2 with a "don't know" option added; and a modified Semantic Differential by Rosencrantz and McNevin. P-values were set at {dollar}\le{dollar}.05 to determine statistical significance. Correlations were also run on the data. Results indicate a fairly high correlation between people who believe …

The Effects Of An Eleven-Week Therapeutic Riding Program On Motor Skills As Measured By The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency, Angela M. Cripe, Angela A. Schmid

Masters Theses

The purpose of this single-case experimental design study was to determine whether or not therapeutic horseback riding was effective in improving motor skills. The subject was a 7-year-old girl with diplegic cerebral palsy. She participated in a therapeutic riding program for 11 weeks. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-SF) was administered a total of seven times (two pretests, three tests during the riding program, and two posttests). Due to the limited number of testing sessions and only having 1 subject, the results of the study are considered inconclusive. However, based on visual analyses of graphs, some improvements in …

Electromyographic Comparison Of Internal And External Obliques Using A Modified Version Of Kendall's Strength Test Positions For Upper And Lower Abdominals, Rebecca A. Currier, Margie L. Johnson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of the internal obliques (upper abdominals) versus the external obliques (lower abdominals) during a modified version of Kendall's upper and lower abdominal strength tests using surface electromyography on adults. The study was not correlated to Kendall's theory due to the necessity to have the internal oblique electrode placed on the anterior abdomen. Twenty-four women and sixteen men participated in the study. All subjects were taught two positions ("easy" and "hard") for both abdominal tests and performed eight trials. A normalized ratio was generated by dividing one "hard" trial by the …

Effect Of Thirty Second Static Stretch On Hamstring Muscle Flexibility In Subjects Over Age 65, Erin Bloomquist

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a thirty second static stretch on hamstring muscle length in a sample of healthy people over age sixty-five. Twelve individuals between the ages of 65 and 89 were randomly assigned to two groups: a treatment group which performed one repetition of a thirty second static stretch of the hamstrings, one time per day for four weeks, and a control group which did not perform a hamstring stretch. ANCOVA results were calculated as p =.046, implying a significant treatment effect. Overall power was calculated as.541. The results suggest that in …

The Effect Of Anterior Tibial Translation On Quadriceps Recruitment During An Isometric Squat, Natalie K. Howard, Penny P. Tussing

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine how closed chain anterior tibial translation (ATT) affected quadriceps femoris recruitment as evidenced by electromyography.; Forty-three healthy subjects performed a unilateral squat under two conditions: anterior tibial force (ATF) and no tibial force (NTF). Two adjustable-height pulleys produced ATF by each pulling with ten percent of body weight in opposite directions on the proximal tibia and distal femur. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis was monitored using surface electrodes. Percentage change in EMG area between the two squat conditions was averaged across all subjects and muscles. …

The Physical Therapist's Role In Sexual Education Of People With Spinal Cord Injury During Inpatient Rehabilitation, Karen Ellexson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical therapist's role in sexual education of spinal cord injured patients during inpatient rehabilitation. Descriptive data were collected by questionnaire from 72 licensed physical therapists working in CARF accredited inpatient spinal cord injury units. The results indicated that although therapists rated sexual education as an important and appropriate topic in physical therapy, they addressed sexual issues only 46% of the time and initiated these discussions only 30% of the time. Significant correlation was present between the frequency of addressing and initiating discussions of sexuality and the therapists' preparedness and comfort level …

The Effect Of Verbal Commands On Muscle Performance, Lisa M. Marichal, Molly K. Veen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between voice command intensity and maximum torque production of an isometric muscle contraction. Thirty nine healthy subjects ranging in age from 18-30 participated in this study. The maximum torque production of triceps brachii was measured using a Cybex II+ isokinetic dynamometer in response to varied, tape recorded voice commands. Data was analyzed by a series of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for an unbalanced incomplete-block crossover trial design. No significance was found between voice intensity and peak torque. Gender was found to impact torque …

Implementation Of Inquiry-Based Freshman Chemistry Laboratories, Elizabeth Ann Maschewske

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to facilitate the implementation of inquiry-based chemistry curriculum devised by the College University Resource Institute (CURI) into the freshman chemistry labs at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with the aim of retaining and enthusing chemistry students in general and women and minorities in particular. Pertinent educational research is reviewed and practical strategies are recommended for the process of curriculum implementation. A pilot laboratory section is taught incorporating as many of the recommendations as possible. Pilot labs study the process of implementation and look at student perceptions and academic achievement. An action plan is developed …

Repeat Violence In The Emergency Department, Jeanne A. Dorsey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to conduct a secondary analysis of the data set obtained from the Trauma and Emergency Center Violence Project (Dorsey, 1994). It was noted during the original 6 month study of 33,098 emergency department visits that some patients threatened or carried out real violence on multiple visits.; This study (a) identified the percentage of incidents in the initial sample that were perpetrated by repeat offenders, (b) described the types of violent behaviors, (c) explored the relationship between current substance and psychiatric history and the number of threatened or real violence incidents.; A descriptive research …

Differences Between The Attitudes And Behaviors Of Oncology Nurses: Inclusion Of Sexuality Concerns As A Component Of Care, Mary Diane Ashley

Masters Theses

This was an exploratory descriptive study. The "Wilson and Williams Sexuality Survey" (1988) was used with revisions to include a definition of sexuality. The sample consisted of 109 oncology nurses who care for adult oncology clients from five Midwestern institutions. There was a significant difference in attitudes and behaviors of oncology nurses regarding sexuality as a component of care (t = -.53.96; d.f. = 109; p =0.00). It was expected that positive attitudes would yield more behaviors, this was not the case. However, a moderately strong relationship was found between the attitudes and behaviors (r = .6088; p = 0.00). …

Vocational Interest Profiles Of Critical Care Registered Nurses, Julene Beth Hannink

Masters Theses

The purpose o f this investigation was to obtain descriptive data regarding the vocational interest profiles o f a population o f currently employed critical care registered nurses. John L. Holland’s Theory o f Careers, which was used as the theoretical fi’amework, describes six major types or characteristics o f vocational personalities: Realistic (R), Investigative (I), Artistic (A), Social (S), Enterprising (E) and Conventional (C). A vocational interest assessment tool, the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) was used to determine a given individual’s vocational interests, with results recorded as a three letter profile.

A convenience sample was obtained from the critical …

Caring Behaviors In The Emergency Department: Perceptions Of Patients And Nurses, Marcia Moerman

Masters Theses

Caring is recognized as an essential element in the definition of nursing. The purpose of this research study was to identify and compare the perceptions of caring behaviors held by patients in the emergency department with Registered Nurses who practiced in the same department.; Two questionnaires were used to obtain data. The first was an instrument listing 30 caring behaviors. The responses were listed by mean for the patient group and the nurse group. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the magnitude of the difference between the two groups. The second was a demographic questionnaire describing characteristics of …

Knowledge, Sources Used And Factors Considered In The Surgical Treatment Decisions Of Women With Breast Cancer, Debra J. Bisel

Masters Theses

The purpose of this replication study was to examine how women with breast cancer reached their decision for surgical treatment (Ward, Heidrich and Wolberg 1989). Twenty-one women who met the surgical criteria, i.e. option for Breast Conserving surgery or Modified Radical Mastectomy, completed four surveys 1 to 7 days post operatively. The women were divided into two groups, 13 who had Breast Conserving surgery and 8 who had Modified Radical Mastectomy. The surveys assessed demographic characteristics of the groups, the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer, factors considered important in reaching the decision for surgery and the sources of information …

Crisis Anticipation, Janet A. Tucker

Masters Theses

This study builds on two qualitative studies, one by Smith (1988) and one by Rew (1988a) which investigate the characteristics of crisis anticipation as defined by critical care nurses. A convenience sample of critical care nurses from three Midwestern hospitals was shown a random ordered list of thirty characteristics of crisis anticipation identified in the Smith (1988) and Rew (1988a) studies. The nurses scored each characteristic on importance to the concept of crisis anticipation. Nurses were divided into two groups by experience level, and group scores for each characteristic were developed using the Fehring (1986) technique. Group scores were compared …

Relationships Among Role Strain, Hardiness, And Academic Achievement, Evelyn Clare Rutlin

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of role strain versus that of hardiness in predicting academic achievement in first semester female ADN students. A convenience sample of 61 students from Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan, participated in the study.; The Lengacher Role Strain Inventory and the Cognitive Hardiness Scale were used to assess role strain and hardiness. Academic achievement was determined by the grade received in the nursing fundamentals course.; Correlation coefficients were used to determine correlation among the variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to explain the variance. Neither role strain nor …

Analysis Of The Relationship Between Initial Neurological Status And Adaptation Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Margaret D. Carriker

Masters Theses

Trauma is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Approximately 4% of victims incur life-long debilitating alterations in physical and personal integrity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between initial neurological status following traumatic brain injury and adaptation. The study used a retrospective single group repeated measures design. Subjects were patients admitted to an acute care rehabilitation program and completed in patient and outpatient rehabilitation regimes (N=49). All had traumatic brain injuries with Glasgow Coma Scale Scores documented on admission to acute inpatient hospitalization. The Glasgow Coma Scale was used to assess …

Nurses' Perceptions Of The Profession Of Physical Therapy In The Inpatient Setting, Sharon Vanmullekom, Joanne Childs

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interprofessional relationship that exists between nurses (RNs) and physical therapists (PTs) as perceived by RNs in the inpatient setting. A questionnaire, the Interprofessional Perception Scale, (Ducanis & Golin 1978) was modified and sent to 230 day shift nurses who have contact with PTs at four West Michigan hospitals. Forty-five percent of the surveys were returned. RNs responded to the following questions regarding the nursing and physical therapy professions: how would you answer; how would PTs answer, and how would PTs say that you answered, for 15 interprofessional issues. Differences between how …

Lyrics And A Social Movement: The Rhetorical Influence Of Bob Marley's Lyrics On The Rastafarian Movement And Universal Culture, Kurt B. Roberts

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Challenges Of Wellness Programming In Midwest Colleges And Universities, Patricia Vanmierlo

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to investigate challenges associated with programming wellness activities in the university setting. Telephone interviews were conducted with 50 college/university wellness program coordinators in the Midwest United States. Campus Recreation/Recreational Sports employed 72% of the respondents, the remainder were employed by Athletics, Health Services, Physical Education, or a combination of those listed. Likert scales were used to gauge degree of barrier severity and amount of collaboration with various university departments. Ninety-eight percent of coordinators work with professionals outside of the department in which they were employed. The departments that most often collaborate include Campus Recreation, Health Services, …

In Pursuit Of A Path: A Collection Of Short Stories About Women, Stacey M. Lafeber

Masters Theses

This collection of short fiction, narration and empathetic characters, through third-person tells the stories of five different women struggling to be themselves, essentially telling the struggle of women and humans everywhere.

These women, who are in the minority--a lesbian, a single career woman, a black woman, an elderly woman and a young college woman--especially represent the wonders and beauties and complexities and difficulties of being a woman. Their obstacles though are society, homophobia, gender, race and age.

However, despite their obstacles and their opponents--themselves, family, friends, co-workers, employers—somehow they reach within themselves and find new strength to emerge from their …

Graduate Students Reactions To An Educational Philosophy Class Presented Over Eastern Illinois University's Distance Learning System, Terry D. Seldomridge

Masters Theses

The idea of distance learning is not a new concept, but as new technologies have been developed the instructional design of distance learning has changed drastically. At first instruction was delivered using correspondence classes through the mail, but today the classes are delivered over interactive televised networks made up of multi-site classrooms. To deliver these classes new methods of instructing students have been developed.

The purpose of this study was to assess graduate student reactions to an Educational Philosophy class taught by distance learning methods in Fall 1995 and Spring 1996. Pre- and post-course surveys were used to assess student …

Factors Influencing Choice Of Major Of Eastern Illinois University Students, Carolyn A. Horsman

Masters Theses

Factors influencing choice of major of Eastern Illinois University students were investigated. Qualitative reasons and positive influence of individuals by roles were measured with weighted responses. The results indicated that course content, special abilities in the field, employment opportunities, the opportunity to work with people, and the opportunity to contribute to society were ranked as most important. The roles of mother/step-mother, father/step-father, high school teacher, and college teacher were ranked as most influential. Females ranked the opportunity to work with people and the opportunity to contribute to society as the most important reasons with the mother/step-mother role as most influential. …

Parents' Consideration Of The Preschool Child's Perspective Prior To Discipline, Cindy Fritchley-Griffith

Masters Theses

This study begins to develop a measure assessing parents' willingness to consider their preschool child's perspective, and the parents use of this information when considering appropriate disciplinary strategies. The literature on parenting includes this construct among the skills parents could use to increase the relationship and communication between themselves and their children; however, no research prior to this study shows empirical support for this construct. Thirty-two participants, all mothers of children between the ages to two and four, completed three measures: the Parent Behavior Checklist (PBC; Fox, 1994) and two measures developed for this study: vignettes (PCCV) and a direct …

Deconstructing Myths About Rap Music, Andrea Scott Morgan

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Systematic Tactile Application On Confrontational Naming Performance And Its Influences On Motivation And Rapport In Elderly Persons, Christine M. Fraser

Masters Theses

The present study was designed to examine two questions related to speech output in the elderly population: 1) Does a regimen of touch massage therapy increase speech output as measured by confrontational naming performance on the Boston Naming Test in elderly persons residing in nursing homes or living alone in relatively non-stimulating communication environments, and 2) Is touch/massage therapy a useful method in establishing rapport between an elderly client and the clinician subsequently motivating the client to increase their desire to communicate.

A total of ten subjects were selected to participate in the study. Eight were residents of nursing homes, …

Chaucer's Use Of The Absalom Archetype In The Knight's Tale And In The Miller's Tale, Sharon Hardin

Masters Theses

Although Chaucer did not write The Canterbury Tales until after the death of Edward III, Chaucer's youth was spent in the company (albeit on the fringes) of the war-like king and his war-like sons. Surely, as the young Chaucer performed his duties and perhaps read stories or listened to the gossip spread by servants and courtiers, such as the account of Edward's having ravished a defenseless woman, impressions formed in Chaucer's mind. Perhaps such rumors as that Edward's son Lancaster had designs on his father's throne added to and solidified those impressions into opinion, and a character type was born, …

The Impact Of Prekindergarten Participation Upon Academic Placement, Mary Suddarth

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Prekindergarten Program for Children At Risk of Academic Failure had impact on a child's future academic placement. Current uncertainty regarding continued ISBE or federal funding of programs makes such a longitudinal study imperative. This study examined the 1995-1996 academic placement, including additional resources required, i.e., Title 1, speech, or learning disabled services, for 40 children who participated in the 1990-1991 Hamilton-Jefferson Counties Educational Service Region cooperative prekindergarten program in Jefferson County. Results indicated that all children reached expected placement, regardless of one …