Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Participation, Expected Payment, And No Expected Payment On Clerical Performance, James Theodore Austin

Masters Theses

Seventeen psychology students participated in a group comparison of the effects of participative decision making, defined as subject decision making in three areas of the experiment, expected payment, and no expected payment on performance of a repetitive scanning task. Measures of performance quantity and quality were assessed directly, while satisfaction and manipulation checks were evaluated via selfreport. Clerical pretest scores were used as covariates in an analysis of covariance, which revealed no significant differences on the quantity dimension but-highly significant differences (p = .03) for quality (error) performance. The findings, which may have been biased by an experimenter "instruction" effect, …

A History Of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan From 1829 To 1940, Carol Knauss

Masters Theses

Bronson Park is a 3.6-acre tract of land in the center of downtown Kalamazoo. For over 130 years the city has used this land for a public park. The land originally was donated to the county for a school and a jail by the men who owned and platted the area. Interested citizens converted the two squares into a park which, in the following years, was improved with trees, walks, and a fountain. This park became an important meeting place for the villagers who held political rallies and celebrations there. From 1829 to 1940 both the appearance and the way …

The Development Of A Curriculum Model For Undergraduate Education Of Manufacturing Engineers, Mark Allen Curtis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to identify course work that could be used to develop a specific unified undergraduate curriculum in manufacturing engineering technology, that both satisfies existing academic constraints and thinking, as well as industry's desire for a practical, yet highly qualified engineer.

The population surveyed was a combination of educators and industrial people with a vested interest in manufacturing engineering, from across the United States. The survey results, rating the relative importance of ninety seven different courses, were used to develop a model undergraduate curriculum in manufacturing engineering.

The findings supported the original hypothesis by showing that …

An Investigation Of The Instructional Communicator Style Expectations Of Nontraditional And Traditional Male And Female Undergraduate Students, Chryl Irvine Snyder

Masters Theses

Increasing numbers of nontraditional students, many of them women, are enrolling in college and university classes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the instructional communicator style expectations of nontraditional and traditional male and female undergraduate students. Students were asked to rate their own preferences on a variety of items designed to reflect instructional communicator styles. The researcher looked for differences in student expectations of their "ideal teachers" based on age and sex.

Nontraditional students rated the precise style of instructional communication higher than the traditional students who gave higher ratings to the friendly, open, dominant, and contentious styles. …

Vantage Level Analysis: A Potential Tool For Reducing Conflict In A Labor Union, Pamela S.F. Shevchik

Masters Theses

Intra-group conflict among employees can cause a break in the organizational communication which could affect productivity. A major problem is locating the specific disagreements among the coworkers to find the source of conflict and increase the likelihood that a basis for reducing conflict can be found.

This study used the Gilbert (1978) vantage level analysis as a method of sorting agreements and disagreements in a conflicting labor union. The setting was a clerical union in a public school system which was subdivided into three conflicting subgroups. There were 70 female support personnel involved. Data collected demonstrated that it is possible …

The Effects Of Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales As Antecedent And Consequent Stimuli Upon Instructional Behaviors In A Special Education Setting, Dennis L. Van Hartesvelt

Masters Theses

The present study was an attempt to determine the effects of the Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS) upong three distinct instructional behaviors when presented before instructional sessions and when presented after instructional sessions. A multiple baseline design across behaviors was used with four subjects with a reversal element used with one of those subjects. A slight positive effect of BARS presentation upon instructional behaviors occurred. No significant differences were observed between preinstructional and postinstructional BARS presentation. The relevance of the present study is explored in relation to previous BARS studies, along with the implications of the present study.

A Report Of An Internship In The St. Joseph Public Schools St. Joseph, Michigan, Dennis David Lundgren

Masters Theses

The purpose of this report is to describe a six week internship completed in the St. Joseph Public School System. The intern worked in the area of curriculum and personnel and became familiar with the role of Director of Curriculum and Personnel. Several major tasks related to that role were completed during the internship.

Chapter I contains a brief description of St. Joseph Public Schools. The chapter includes the intern's prospectus, including a description of the internship. The chapter also contains the intern's projected nature of internship experience.

Chapter II describes the experiences and major tasks completed during the internship. …

An Exploration Of The Relationship Among Rhetorical Sensitivity, Communication Apprehension, And Nonverbal Decoding Ability, Mary Aileen Palanca

Masters Theses

This study explored the potential relationship which might exist among rhetorical sensitivity, communication apprehension, and nonverbal decoding ability. Three measuring instruments, the Rhetorical Sensitivity Scale, the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, and the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity, were administered to 109 participants, 68 females and 41 males. Gender and age were examined to see what effect they might have on the potential relationship. No relationship was found among rhetorical sensitivity, communication apprehension, and nonverbal decoding ability. In addition, no relationship was found between gender and the three variables or between age and the three variables. However, it is important to …

Effects Of Contingency Contracting On The Academic Performance Of Special Education Students, Carolyn Marie Nock

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of contingency contracting between parent and child on improving the academic performance of three special education students, ages 14-16, enrolled in a mainstream English class. Two of the subjects had been certified as emotionally impaired, the third as learning disabled. A multiple baseline across-subjects experimental design was employed. The completion of three academic contracts per week entitled the subjects to receive a contract consequence which the parents delivered. The parents determined contract completion based on specified criteria. Academic performance was measured by grades the subjects received on homework, tests, and …

A Comparison Of Selected Critical Writings Of Jean-Georges Noverre And Theophile Gautier And Their Continuing Influence On Dance, Kathleen Carol Tenniswood

Masters Theses

This thesis compares selected critical writings of Jean-Georges Noverre and Theophile Gautier and the impact these writings have had on dance and dancers. It also illustrates that the influence of these writings helped to shape the attitudes of the public concerning dance.

Research included primary sources, Noverre's Letters on Dancing and the Ballets and Gautier's The Romantic Ballet, and secondary sources which related to the specific area of dance. This study has contributed to the literature concerning Noverre and Gautiur and has examined their influence from their lives to the present time.

A Report Of An Internship In The Admissions And Counseling Office At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Constance M. Speers

Masters Theses

This paper describes an internship which was completed in the Admissions office of a community college in Michigan. A rationale for the internship is presented in Chapter I. An outline of the prospectus objectives is also included in the first chapter. Chapter II describes the experiences encountered during the internship. Administrative experiences with the associate dean of students are related, as are those involved in the accomplishment of two special projects. These projects were: To develop a career guidance program for the college, and to investigate special characteristics of applicants who never matriculated. The third chapter analyzes the internship experience …

A Computer System For Understanding English Text In A Kindergarten Story, Janice Anne Freyburger

Masters Theses

A computer system for natural language understanding is presented in this thesis. The system attempts to understand English in a limited domain, a kindergarten-level story about three frogs and a puppy. The system is designed with two modes of operations: the text of the story is processed and its information incorporated into a knowledge database; and as a test of the system's understanding, the system answers questions from the user about the text. If any parts of the test or questions cannot be processed, the user is asked for clarification. The functions of this system are described and analyzed. A …

Community Education, A Cooperative Effort, Mary Tracey

Masters Theses

The summer of 1981 was the period of an internship with the community education programs of Grandville, Jenison, and Hudsonville. It offered the opportunity to work closely with the directors of the three programs and to become actively involved in these programs. Special projects to work on were assigned in addition to the regular duties of the community education directors. One new program was introduced and put into operation during the internship; another was proposed but not accepted and referred back to a citizens ’ advisory committee. This paper will show how the three communities work together to share materials, …

Intelligibility Of Speech Produced With An Artificial Larynx At Various Frequencies, Sandra Arlene Merritt

Masters Theses

Word intelligibility scores of 21 listeners were used to test the hypothesis that speech intelligibility will vary systematically across speakers and fundamental frequency of electrolarynx vibration.

Twenty-one listeners transcribed audio recorded lists of CVC utterances produced with an electrolarynx by 3 speakers at each of five fundamental frequencies.

Comparative analysis of scores across frequencies and speakers were discussed in terms of:

a) source transmission characteristics of "electrolaryngeal" speech, b) implications for diagnosis/therapeusis of alaryngeal speakers.

Results indicated that intelligibility scores were significantly different between speakers and between frequencies within speakers. Maximum intelligibility scores were more highly correlated with certain frequencies …

Hemispheric Perception Of Modulated Rhythmic Patterns In A Dichotic Listening Task, Belinda Sue Ford Murray

Masters Theses

This study attempted to determine ear advantage in a dichotic listening task involving perception of tempo modulation (decrease.or increase) within repeating rhythmic patterns at initial tempi of 80 mm or 160 mm. Ear advantage was measured by reaction times to and accuracy of modulation detection.

The subjects were thirty right-handed nonmusicians with normal hearing. The rhythms were pure tones generated in real time on an Apple II computer and presented through headphones. The subjects' task was to depress a designated computer key as soon as the modulation was detected. The computer recorded each subject's response and reaction time.

Reaction time …

The Effects Of Pre And Post-Performance Review Goal Setting On Subsequent Job Performance In A Human Services Setting, Christie L. Kleinhuizen

Masters Theses

Researchers investigating the effects, of performance appraisals and. goal setting techniques have focused on laboratory (rather than field) settings and/or have relied on self-report or anecdotal data to draw their conclusions. The major objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of 1) goal setting on actual job performance in a community organizational setting and 2) performance appraisals on both subsequent job performance and goals set. Two male and two female counselors in a residential treatment center served as subjects in the study which utilized a multiple baseline design. The performance of l8 repetitive administrative/custodial tasks were measured …

The Effects Of Intermittent Schedules Of Reinforcement On The Generation Of Adjunctive Behavior In Humans, Kenneth L. Hearn

Masters Theses

The primary goals of this study were: (1) to determine if interim behaviors occur with humans responding under intermittent schedules of reinforcement; -and, (2) if interim behaviors do occur, to compare the characteristics of those behaviors with the characteristics of adjunctive behavior in nonhumans. Two developmentally disabled males, ages 15 and 19, served as subjects. The subjects pressed a white panel for food, tokens and plastic objects under several schedules of reinforcement. The response rate on the white panel and the duration of interim behaviors that occurred during the inter-reinforcement intervals was measured using standard electro-mechanical equipment. All behaviors were …

Pastoral Production Systems In Eastern Africa: A Comparative Analysis, Stephen Speranza

Masters Theses

This thesis aims at examining variations in pastoral production systems of some Eastern African pastoral societies. It explores interactive models for such variations which focus on specific ecological, socioeconomic and social-structural factors of pastoral production per se. These models highlight some of the factors which create differing degrees of homogeneity or heterogeneity among Eastern African pastoral societies in general.

This problem is of intrinsic interest in anthropology because of the general lack of consensus as to the major factors related to pastoral variations in Eastern Africa or more importantly, in determining which factors are directly responsible for influencing modes of …

The Use Of Twilight Training In The Treatment Of Cigarette Smoking Behavior, John Joseph Seltenreich

Masters Theses

This study involved the application of a relatively new biofeedback training procedure known as twilight training to the treatment of cigarette smoking behavior. Twilight training is the facilitation of a state of low arousal, whereupon audio material designed to affect the health of the subject is presented. Two subjects received training, and the results showed no change in their frequency of smoking and no ability to enhance the twilight state with training. Although the amount of training received differed between the two subjects, there were no differences noted between them. Possible reasons for present results and probable changes for future …

Counseling And Support Program For Retarded Adults: A Grant Proposal, Claudia Jo Unruh-Degood

Masters Theses

A grant is proposed to develop a consumer based counseling and support program to provide rehabilitation/ rehabilitation services in the areas of emotional, interpersonal and behavioral functioning for mentally retarded adults. A variety of therapeutic groups and a peer counseling program will be designed to utilize known principles of behavior. Provisions will be made for maximum client-consumer participation in all decision making processes of the program. Pre and post-treatment assessment measures will be employed to evaluate individual progress. It is expected that this treatment program will reduce emotional disturbance and maladaptive behaviors in the target population of mentally retarded adults. …

Open Marriage And Intimacy: A Perspective For Biblical Marriage Counseling, Alton R. Melton

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Contemporary Struggle For Power In Iran, Reza Assadi

Masters Theses

Historically speaking, the Iranian power straggle is not new. It is, however, the contemporary contest for power which is the focus of this thesis. This study analyzes the struggle for power precipitated by the Iranian Revolution of 1979. It integrates information from a variety of sources, examines key conceptual schemes, major theories of revolution, theories about Islamic Marxism, and describes events which influenced various groups, organizations and individuals in Iran to seek power for themselves. A salient feature of the study is an examination of Iranian communism. Efforts are also made at forecasting how the Iranian power struggle is likely …

Effects Of The Serotonin Depletor Parachlorophenylalanine Upon Shock-Induced Aggression And Pressing Responses In Rats, Robert G. Sewell

Masters Theses

The literature concerning the effects of d, l-parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) upon shock-induced aggression (SIA) is reviewed and found to be inconsistent. PCPA, a known serotonin depletor, has behavioral effects in a variety of other procedures which collectively suggest that PCPA should produce SIA enhancement. The present study was designed to analyze PCPA (300 mg/kg) effects upon SIA in rats restrained spatially close to an inanimate target and panel operandum. The results showed marked increases in both aggressive biting and panel pressing for several days following each PCPA treatment for each subject tested. These data were interpreted to indicate that serotonin depletion …

Design And Implementation Of Computer Assisted Instruction In Money Concepts For Elementary Students, Jack H. Bender

Masters Theses

The internship with Hartley Courseware, Inc. culminated with the creation of nine money concept programs. The programs were designed for a 48K Apple II microcomputer (trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.) with Applesoft in ROM and one disk drive. Text size was expanded through use of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium's high resolution text subroutines.

A placement program tests students' abilities and recommends the appropriate starting point. Six programs introduce information on coin values and numerous money concepts. The later programs develop sequences of actions in the purchasing process. The practice test and test programs progress through the complete purchase procedure. …

Exercise As Antecedent Control Of Various Inappropriate Behaviors, Jan E. Bachman

Masters Theses

The effects of several levels of exercise on inappropriate behaviors of four trainable mentally impaired subjects were observed in a school setting. Treatment conditions, which occurred as the first daily activity, included (a) Phase I, daily alternating conditions of warm-up exercises and jogging at a moderate rate for a short distance; (b) Phase II, daily alternating conditions of no exercise and jogging at a vigorous rate for a moderate distance; and (c) Phase III, jogging at a vigorous rate for a moderate distance on consecutive days. For one subject two additional conditions, (a) Phase IV, jogging on consecutive days at …

The Effects Of Self-Recording On The Generality Of Parenting Behaviors, Sonia Beatriz Meyer

Masters Theses

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of parental self-recording from audiotapes of family interactions on effective parenting skills and on the generality of their application to three different times of the day in which different child behaviors occurred.

Two single parents were instructed to deliver correct commands and differential reinforcement and to code and graph their verbalizations from audiotapes. Self-recording was introduced in one situation at a time, while audiotaped assessments were made by the parent in all three situations throughout the day. Both positive and cost incentive systems were used for the delivery of tapes …

A Study Of Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister Of Singapore, And Tengku Abdul Rahman, Former Prime Minister Of Malaysia, Utilizing A Personality Theory Approach, Joan Alice Lim

Masters Theses

James David Barber's typology for categorizing political leaders forms the foundation for this study.

Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of Singapore, and Tengku Abdul Rahman, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, are categorized vis-a-vis the active-positive, active-negative, passive-positive, and passive-negative continuua as defined by Barber. The classification is made by utilizing biographical data.

The classifications are then validated by survey data Utilizing the semantic differential, questionnaires were sent to 377 prospective respondents to determine their perceptions of Lee Kuan Yew and Tengku Abdul Rahman. Half of the survey items (21) measured the active-passive spectrum and half (21) measured the positive-negative.

The …

Jesuit Rings From Fort Michilimackinac And Other European Contact Sues, Judith Ann Hauser

Masters Theses

An in-depth search of historical documentation and archaeological references indicates that there exists very little information on Jesuit rings. The primary references were statements in the Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents which strongly suggest that Jesuit rings were used as religious items by missionaries in the area known as New France.

Cleland (1972) hypothesizes that changes in the design, quality, and production of the rings over a 60 year period Indicate that the rings were used as trade items. .Very little has been published on this subject but there is some support for this hypothesis.

The largest number of rings …

Rational-Emotive Therapy: A Literature Review, William T. Castell

Masters Theses

This paper reviews the literature cm rational-emotive therapy (RET). The focus was on literature published from 1975 to the present, with emphasis on literature reviews and theoretical studies. Background material by Albert Ellis was included. A historical perspective is given of RET's origin and development. Its philosophy,, theory, and techniques are surveyed. Articular attention was given to RET's application to emotional education and undisturbed populations, especially those who exhibit creativity, high productivity, and above-average capabilities.

Most writers confirm the validity of RET’s theoretical base and conclude that it is effective as a preventive and curative method of psychotherapy. Others criticize …

The Effects Of Contracting And Self-Monitoring On The Academic Performance Of Middle School Students, Carol Elaine Parker

Masters Theses

The Guided Study Center (GSC), a contractual study center for middle school students, was described as a potential cost-effective method of individualizing education. The effects of attending the GSC, self-monitoring, and GSC attendance in conjunction with self-monitoring were examined in a multiple baseline design across seven fifth and sixth grade students. Of five subjects who participated in the contracting and self-monitoring phases of the study, three showed increases in average percent correct performance of 10 to 15 percent during contracting, one showed an increase of 8 percent during contracting in conjunction with self-monitoring, and one showed no changes in performance. …