Digital Commons Network^™

The Use Of Performance Data To Monitor And Support The Reorganization Of An Educational System, Ellen Spall Thompson

Masters Theses

The goal of this study was to determine the performance effects on staff and students following the reorganization of a special education facility. The organizational plan was based on the development of teaching teams where students were grouped together according to exit curricular goals. Four interventions were completed in order to assess the overall outcome of the reorganization project. At the student level, the rate of learning was monitored in order to determine whether the implementation of teams affected educational objective acquisition . At the team level, meeting agendas were surveyed to find out what effect they had on student …

Male-Female Differences In Expressed Work Attitudes: An Examination Of Sex Roles And Gender Identity, Keith A. Woods

Masters Theses

This study investigates the existence of sex-based differences in attitudes toward social relations in the work environment. Both sex role (male vs. female) and gender-identity (agentic and communal aspects of self-conception) were related to work attitudes within the context of situational (attitude disclosure) and dispositional (public self-consciousness) factors. Subjects' attitudes toward the work environment were measured by a newly-developed Work Attitude Questionnaire (WAQ) which assessed preferences for personal vs. counterpersonal and preferences for conflict vs. conflict-avoidance in social relations in the work environment.

Significantly different work attitudes were expressed by male and female subjects: males expressed greater counterpersonal and lower …

A Modification Of The Dry-Bed Training For The Treatment Of Nocturnal Enuresis, Abubaker Muftah Abdurrazek

Masters Theses

The present study explored the effectiveness of the Dry-Bed Training (DBT) method without positive practice (20 trips to the toilet) and urine alarm. It also compares the efficacy of the DBT with and without the urine alarm. Eight nocturnally enuretics, aged 6 to 12 years, were assigned to two groups, experimental and control; each consisted of three boys and one girl. During the first phase of treatment, the experimental group underwent the DBT without positive practice and urine alarm, whereas the control group underwent the DBT with positive practice but no alarm. Subsequently, the urine alarm was introduced to both …

The Marriage Beliefs Inventory, Timothy P. Peters

Masters Theses

The Marriage Beliefs Inventory is designed to measure biblical versus unbiblical held beliefs about marriage. The HBI contains five sub-scales of marriage problem areas including finances, fulfillment, communication, companionship and sex. Each sub-scale includes fifteen belief statements with which the participant chooses the degree to which he agrees or disagrees. The MBI was given to thirty couples of a Sunday school class. The test-retest reliability correlation was high (r= .76). Research relevant to the construction of the inventory, conclusions and suggestions for further research are given.

Rhythmicity, Rate, And Perceived Effort Level Of Fluent And Disfluent Children And Their Parents, Lorraine Destefano Proctor

Masters Theses

Finger tapping and CVC syllable repetition measures of 7 four to eight year old fluent and disfluent children and their mothers were evaluated. Perceptual ratings of speech rate and effort level were also completed by the children, their mothers, and nine graduate students. These procedures were used to test hypotheses that mean interval durations for tapping and for speech, and perceptual ratings of speech rate and effort level are individual in nature.

Results indicated that the subjects1 measures of mean interval durations for tapping and for speech as estimates of rhythmicity, and perceptual ratings of speech rate and effort level …

A Geophysical Investigation Of A Possible Astrobleme In Southwestern Michigan, Suhas L. Ghatge

Masters Theses

A circular pattern to the oil production in Calvin Township, Cass County, Michigan, absence of about 1200 feet of Ordovician sediments and uplift indicated by a deep drill hole in the center of the productive area and absence of anomalies on the regional gravity and magnetic maps led to detailed gravity and magnetic surveys over this structure to delineate it and provide information regarding its genesis.

The Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomaly maps show no anomaly associated with the structure. The 28-mile wavelength second harmonic residual gravity and magnetic maps show linear features in the area. Two dimensional gravity modeling …

Learning Computer Logic Architectures On Apple Ii System, Falah Reda Al-Saffar

Masters Theses

For this thesis seven computer-assisted instruction packages have been designed to illustrate the design of electronic circuits of gates , the logic of combinational and sequential circuits, and integrated and magnetic core memories.

The programs in these packages have been written in the Pascal computer language on an Apple II microcomputer and stored on a double-sided floppy disk.

Mothers' Intervention Strategies In A Structured Question-Answer Dialogue, Marcia C. Hill

Masters Theses

Language intervention strategies of the mothers of ten normal and ten language-impaired children were compared. An experimenter asked each child questions of varying difficulty about a storybook, in the presence of the mother, who was free to help her child as needed. Both the children's and mothers' utterances were coded. The frequency and types of mothers' strategies were analyzed. The analysis revealed that mothers of normal children intervened significantly more often than mothers of language -impaired children, when all interventions were considered. However, the differences were not significant when only interventions related directly to the predetermined questions were considered. The …

The Training Of A Few Response Forms Under Multiple Controlling Variables, Mary-Ann Wiermanski

Masters Theses

This study investigated the acquisition of a few response forms under different controlling variables using both a topography based language (TB) (i.e., signing) and a stimulus selection based language (SSB) (i.e., touching symbols) with three language deficient developmentally disabled individuals. The subjects were taught to name, to ask for, and to touch keys that opened boxes that contained some form of reinforcement. Most of the keys' names were trained across more than one set of controlling variables per session. Before training began for a given key under a new condition, a transfer test was conducted, investigating the possibility of stimulus …

The Patterns Of Cultural Behavior Which Promote And Disrupt The Transmission Of Malaria In Haiti, Janet Jenks Sloan

Masters Theses

Malaria is in epidemic resurgence in the Limbe region of Haiti as a consequence of the termination of internationally-sponsored eradication programs. The presence of endemic disease cannot be considered an exclusively biophysical phenomenon; it is also an aspect of human adaptation within a particular environment. The biocultural ecology of Haiti the biocultural context must be understood and the complexity of the interaction of these factors appreciated. Any ameliorative intervention program must be based on a multiple strategy approach that is compatible with the realities of the cultural context of the human ecology of Haiti.

Interview Training For College Students: A Behavioral Approach Versus A Self-Help Approach, Toni Yvette Woolfork

Masters Theses

This study was designed to train college students to interview effectively for a job. Ten upper-level students were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group participated in a 16-hour training program consisting of modeling coaching, behavior rehearsal, peer and trainer feedback and instructional training. The techniques were used to train students to interview effectively, using the appropriate verbal behavior and nonverbal behavior. The control group's training consisted of a videotape and reading materials. There were significant differences between groups on the verbal behavior, but not on the nonverbal behaviors.

Characterization Of The Lipopolysaccharides (Lps) From Four Transposon Generated Symbiotic Mutants Of Rhizobium Trifolii, Robert G. Shatters Jr.

Masters Theses

The LPSs from four symbiotic mutants of R. trifolii were isolated and characterized. The mutants were obtained from Dr. Barry Rolfe of The Australian National University. Three mutants have Tn5 insertions in the "nod" regions of the symbiotic plasmid. The fourth has a 30 kb deletion. This deletion includes the majority of the "nod" regions. All mutants fail to nodulate clover and fail to induce markedly curled root hairs, i.e. they are hac-nod-. The LPSs were purified as described by Carlson et al. 1978.⁷ The polysaccharide portion of the LPSs was purified by treating the LPSs in 1% HAc …

The Purification And Partial Characterization Of The Surface Polysaccharides From Three Fast-Growing Rhizobium Japonicum Strains, Madhav P. Yadav

Masters Theses

The fast-growing strains of R. japonicum were originally isolated from China. They are acid-producing Rhizobia and are capable of nodulating soybeans. These isolates share a common host-specificity (Peking soybean) with the slow-growing R. japonicum strains even though their biochemical properties are more closely related to other fast-growing Rhizobium species. The surface polysaccharides from three fast-growing R. japonicum strains--USDA201, USDA205, and HC205--were isolated and partially characterized. Strain HC205 is a nod⁻ mutant of USDA205 which lacks the symbiotic plasmid. These surface polysaccharides consist of extracellular, capsular and lipopolysaccharides (EPSs, CPSs and LPSs). The EPSs from all three strains are very similar …

The Development Of A Substitute Teacher Handbook For Paris High School, Paris, Illinois, Lois M. Kloker

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to devise a handbook for the substitute teachers of Paris High School, Paris, Illinois. The handbook was designed to aid the substitute teacher in carrying out the duties necessary for the continuity of the educational process during the absence of the regular teacher. A data base was formed from several sources. Valuable, but limited, information was derived from professional journals. Input was received from the substitute teachers of Paris through a questionnaire; from the superintendent, the principal and the faculty through interviews; from the Paris Union School District No. 95 Policy Manual; and from …

A Study Of The Dual Role As Athletic Director And Principal, James A. Cook

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate job satisfaction perceptions of individuals holding positions which combined the functions of principal and athletic direction. Specifically, this study compared actual workload with desired workload, (i.e., that which would provide a reasonable amount of job satisfaction). The study was predicated on the research findings that indicate that the amount of work is relative to a given individual as opposed to being an absolute quality.

A review of the research and literature revealed that few publications have been targeted toward workload and the dual educational administrator. The implications of job-related work, as it …

An Analysis Of The Administrative Operation Of Project Abe (Arts In Basic Education) In Community Unit District #1, Charleston, Illinois, Suellyn Garner

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to analyze the administrative operation of a project called Arts in Basic Education (hereafter referred to as Project ABE), of which the author was director. The project was developed through ESEA Title IV-c grants in the six elementary schools of Community Unit District Number One in Charleston, Illinois, from 1978-1982. In 1983, through a contract from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (Chapter II), Project ABE began a dissemination program which allowed 60 other schools in Illinois to adopt it. This paper is a result of …

A Proposal For The Development Of A Computer Literacy Curriculum In The Charleston School District, David Robert Carey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop a computer literacy infusion plan for Community Unit School District Number One in Charleston, Illinois. The plan was developed to extend and build upon the existing computer usage study prepared in 1982. Specifically, this plan was prepared to provide direction and recommendations in the form of curriculum development, planning for staff development, and improved software and hardware selection processes for the elementary schools in Charleston.

A review of the research and literature revealed that the computer and its use has developed at a remarkable rate since the late 1970's. Successful projects throughout …

An Evaluation For The Reading Program For Rome Community Consolidated School, James Edward Burnes

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Houghton Mifflin reading program in the Rome Community Consolidated School District in Dix, Illinois. The Houghton Mifflin Reading Program was implemented in the Rome School District in the fall of 1980. This study was designed to evaluate the reading program to determine if it is meeting the purposes and objectives that the district personnel believed it would meet and to ascertain if it is as effective as the Houghton Mifflin Company purports it to be.

This study was divided into four chapters. Chapter I furnishes background information concerning the Rome School …

A Proposal For The Implementation Of A Quality Circle Program At Cumberland High School, Joseph A. Ciaccio

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this study was to implement a participative management program at Cumberland High School in Toledo, Illinois. The researcher, who had been principal at the school for five years, believed that participative management may be a solution to what he perceived as problems within the school. These problems included low teacher morale, below average student achievement, and a lack of open communication between individual teachers and administrators. In addition, teacher gains in effectiveness and productivity as based on formal teacher evaluation reports, were minimal.

The Quality Circle participative management approach, as reviewed in literature, seemed …

Teachers' Perceptions Of School Effectiveness Factors In The Stewardson-Strasburg School District, Edward Lee Allen

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this field study was to determine how the Stewardson-Strasburg schools in Stewardson, Illinois, would do when assessed on school effectiveness factors. As high school principal for the district since 1982, the researcher saw the need for a systematic means of receiving teacher input regarding their perceptions of how well the district measured up on school effectiveness factors. The researcher viewed teacher perceptions of the district's school effectiveness factors as a useful starting point for commencing what will be an ongoing study for improving the quality of education in the Stewardson-Strasburg public schools.

Procedure

The …

The Effect Of Applying The Cognitive Dissonance Theory On Improving Pre-Service Teachers' Attitudes Toward Individuals Labelled Exceptional, Kelly Randick

Masters Theses

This thesis study developed from an interest in and an awareness of the need to modify attitudes of pre-service teachers toward those who are labelled exceptional. The effects of negative attitudes toward those labelled exceptional have been repeatedly reported in the literature. Negative attitudes toward those labelled exceptional are reported to have resulted in differential treatment toward and lowered self concepts/esteems of those with disabilities. There had been an inclination for individuals without disabilities to place emphasis on the differences between people with disabilities and those without. These differences were reported to have negative connotations. The central purpose of this …

The Effects Of Immediate Vs. Delayed Knowledge Of Results On The Acquisition And Retention Of Multiplication Tasks, Lynn Ruth Kidwell

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of three feedback conditions on a multiplication task. Data were obtained over a nine week period of instruction with a single individual. Both correct and incorrect responses were charted and analyzed in the results. A pretest and two posttests, one immediate and one after six weeks, were given to obtain information about the retention of the multiplication tasks.

Results of this study showed that practice with immediate feedback and practice with delayed feedback were significantly better than no feedback without practice for correct responses. Practice with immediate feedback was significantly better than …

Minimal Competency Testing In Community Unit # 2 In Mattoon, Illinois, Lila E. Sullivan

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the competency testing program in Community Unit # 2 in Mattoon, Illinois, and in particular the English Competency Tests at grades 9 and 11. Although this field study studied techniques and methods from the Mattoon school district, the researcher believes that these procedures could be adapted to serve as a reference for any school district contemplating competency testing.

The study was divided into five chapters. Chapter One gives background information on the rising interest in competency testing and a definition of terms associated with competency testing.

Chapter Two is a review of …

Similarity/Dissimilarity Of Couples Communication Competence In Relationship To Their Marital Satisfaction, Thomas Kenne Worthen

Masters Theses

Research has shown that similar communicator styles leads to effective communication, and effective communication leads to relationship satisfaction. Using an extension of balance theory, this study analyzed the relationship between spouses similar/dissimilar communication competence ratings and their marital satisfaction.

Subjects consisted of 44 married couples from a midwestern university and the surrounding area. The Communication Adaptability Scale was used to measure communication competence. The Marital Adjustment Test was used to measure marital satisfaction. Using a t-test no significance was found.

The overall competence score of each spouse was broken down into six separate factors (appropriate disclosure, articulation, social experience, social …

The Effects Of Dogmatism, Rhetorical Sensitivity, And Attitude Valence On Selected Speech Ratings, Chris B. Geyerman

Masters Theses

This study empirically examined the demand characteristic construct and the information processing construct of the rating error paradigm. The findings of this study indicated that the position advocated by the speaker with respect to the attitude valence of the raters significantly influenced the speech evaluation process. This study provides support for the demand characteristic construct and the information processing construct of rating error theory. Implications in terms of pedagogy, theory, and future research are discussed.

An Experimental Study Of The Effects Of Modularity On Resource Consumption In Software Development, Alan D. Christiansen

Masters Theses

"Many authors have encouraged the use of modular programming techniques in software development. In fact, there is almost total agreement within industrial and academic circles that modularity is a desirable feature of any software package. Unfortunately, the desirability of modular design is almost always voiced without support from experimental evidence.

This thesis consists of an experiment comparing the resource consumption of programmers based on the modularity practices employed during the design and programming phases of software development. The experiment tests the effectiveness of modularity in reducing psychological complexity of software.

The results of the research show that in some cases …

A Simple Method For Organizing Nearly Optimal Binary Search Trees, Joy L. Henderson

Masters Theses

"Improving the efficiency of retrieving information concerns users of computer systems involved in many applications- One way of addressing this concern is to organize a sorted sequence into a binary search tree. Knuth's Algorithm K is a bottom-up organization algorithm that always constructs a binary tree which minimizes average search time. However, the cost of executing Algorithm K is prohibitive for a large tree. The aim of this work is to find a less costly method of organizing sorted sequences into nearly-optimal binary search trees.

We present a top-down organization method which yields better average search times than top-down methods …

A Comparative Study Of Filipino And American Student Essays: Common Errors And Sentence Length, Paz Navarro Canilao

Masters Theses

Error analysis and modified contrastive analysis were used to examine what type of writing difficulties were common to a selected group of De La Salle University (Philippines) and Eastern Illinois University freshman students, and what the average length and range in variation of length of the essays were in each group. The essays analyzed in the study were descriptive, and written within a span of fifteen minutes.

The results of the analysis showed that De La Salle and Eastern Illinois students have the following major difficulties: syntax, spelling, agreement, the use of comma, and the use of the s marker. …

The Effects Of Self-Monitoring On The Disruptive Behavior Of Students Identified As Severely Behavior Disordered, Claire Thompson Vanvickle

Masters Theses

The study investigated the effects of self-monitoring on the disruptive behaviors of four male senior high school students who were identified as having severe behavior disorders. Using a multiple baseline across subjects design, the students were randomly assigned to 30, 25, 20, and 15 days, respectively, of intervention conditions. The independent variable consisted of self-monitoring of ten appropriate behaviors that had been cooperatively identified by the students and teacher; each student was required to classify his behavior as appropriate or inappropriate at five intervals during their mathematics class. The dependent variables, measured daily, were the mean frequency of occurrence of …

Sex Differences, Intimacy, And Attractiveness In Reported Self-Disclosure: Same-Sex Dyads Vs Opposite-Sex Dyads, Edmund Forst Jr.

Masters Theses

This study empirically examined the effects of sex (gender), intimacy, and attractiveness on reported self-disclosure. The results were supportive of the attractiveness, intimacy, and gender of the self-disclosee variables in their relationship to self-disclosure. Results failed to support hypotheses involving the gender of the self-discloser variable.

The independent variables used in the study were: (1) Gender¹ of the self-discloser (male-female), (2) Intimacy (intimate friend, acquaintance, and stranger), (3) Gender² of the self-disclosee (male-female), and physical attractiveness (Attractive or Unattractive). The dependent variable used was the amount of perceived self-disclosure. A 2x3x2x2 analysis of variance used to test each …