Digital Commons Network^™

Female Fantasists: Re-Visioning The Archetypal Warrior, Tammy M. Bear-Tibbs

Masters Theses

This thesis discusses female archetypal warriors in several fantasy novels written for children and adolescents. The novels examined include A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle; The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley; Dragonflight, Dragonguest, The White Dragon, Dragonsong, and Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey; and The Tombs of Atuan and Tehanu by Ursula K. Le Guin. The thesis argues that, by expanding gender roles and portraying their female characters as strong archetypal warriors, these authors force a rethinking of existing archetypal criticism. Using …

The Rhetoric Of Documentation: Two Approaches, Walt Wisnewski

Masters Theses

In an attempt to clarify how a beginner who has not yet mastered a software program is to learn to use word processing programs, this thesis examines two examples, WordPerfect and W.W. Norton's TEXTRA from the standpoint of their documentation. Software developers have adopted conflicting rhetorical strategies in their documentation: some have sought clear instruction via a rule-based rhetoric with a reliance on jargon-free standard English, and others have pursued an inferential rhetoric. These two strategies parallel two models in modern communications theory: a decoding model and an inferential model. WordPerfect seems to follow a decoding (rule-based) approach and TEXTRA …

Applying The Matching Law In A Sheltered Workshop, Kristin Elizabeth Skousgard

Masters Theses

This study assessed the validity of the matching law in an applied setting. It manipulated extraneous reinforcement and measured the rate of rocking in a 24-year-old developmentally disabled man. The resulting data were compared to that predicted by the matching law.

The results were important in three ways: (1) extraneous reinforcement systematically affected rocking in an applied setting in the manner predicted by the matching law, (2) a clinically undesirable behavior decreased in frequency, and (3) this decrease occurred in the absence of direct intervention on the target behavior. Thus, to a slight degree, scientific, practical and humanitarian goals were …

An Examination Of The Effectiveness Of Teaching Nonverbal Sensitivity To Students In An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Darla Kathleen Schurmeier

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of teaching nonverbal communication skills to undergraduate students in an occupational therapy curriculum at Western Michigan University was explored by testing students just entering the program and students leaving the campus for their fieldwork experiences. A control group was made up of undergraduate students from curricula that did not purposely teach sensitivity to nonverbal cues. The 50 subjects were tested using the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity (PONS; Rosenthal, Hall, DiMatteo, Rogers, & Archer, 1979). Comparisons were made between PONS scores and the subject's area of study, length of time in the program, gender and age. Results showed that …

Effect Of Refining On The Brightness Of Softwood Ctmp And Tmp Pulps, Ashok Kumar Mishra

Masters Theses

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of refining on the brightness of softwood chemithermomechanical (CTMP) and thermomechanical (TMP) pulps. Seven different pulps were refined using a laboratory Valley beater. Brightness, opacity, tensile index, TEA, and fines content of these pulps were determined at four different freeness levels. Scattering (s) and absorption (k) coefficients of these pulps were calculated. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were applied to determine the significance of change in brightness.

Changes in s-values were significantly affected by fiber morphology of different wood species. Refining increased the k-values of the pulps. When the …

The Development Of A Self-Help Psychoeducational Booklet Of Rational-Emotive Problem Solving, Alan D. Baldon

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Rational-Emotive Problem Solving workbook (REPS), developed by the researcher, which employs programmed learning principles to teach Rational-Emotive problem-solving techniques.

Fifteen undergraduate psychology students participated. Subjects were provided with the 69-page booklet. The subjects were guided through the Education, Self-Test, and Application components of the workbook.

Two hypotheses were tested. It was predicted that subjects would demonstrate mastery by achieving a score of 80% or better on the Self-Test section. It was further predicted that subjects would demonstrate generalization of the Rational-Emotive principles to a personal problem, achieving a score of 80 or higher …

An Examination Of The Irrelevance Of The Term Neoconservative As Used In American Ideological Debates, Mark C. Stanczak

Masters Theses

This study compared, by analysis of their publications, various people who are considered to be part of the neoconservative movement in the United States. A definition was developed, and a sample of neoconservatives was examined to see if they adhered to the definition. The examination centered around these people's individual views, as published, on economics and the Welfare State; the scope of government in a society; the Cold War and its effect on community; religion; and stability, the state and social justice.

The analysis of their publications leads to the conclusion that there is no cohesive movement that can be …

Solitary Aerobic Exercise As A Treatment Of Unipolar Depressive Disorders In Women, Lisa Ann Romano-Neal

Masters Theses

The effects of solitary aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms were tested on four women diagnosed with unipolar depressive disorders. A multiple baseline design was employed. The subjects individually participated in uniform one hour aerobic workouts three times a week for five to eight weeks. Heart rate measures were monitored through the utilization of the physical working capacity test with the Monark 818E Professional Ergometer. Predicted volume oxygen uptake (VO2 max) measures at post-treatment did not increase in two of the four subjects when compared to pre-treatment VO2 max measures. The mean percentage of depressed adjectives endorsed showed minimal reductions on …

The Effects Of Problem-Solving Skills Training With Chronic Schizophrenic Patients, Asiah Mayang

Masters Theses

Problem-solving skills were taught to aggressive and frequently secluded chronic schizophrenic inpatients of a psychiatric hospital. A pre-intervention/post-intervention experimental-control group design was utilized. Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to three groups: six were assigned to the “treatment group” and received problem-solving skills training involving instructions, modeling, feedback, role-playing and social reinforcement; six were assigned to the “interaction” group, involving social interactions with the trainer only; and six were assigned to the “control” group, involving no treatment or interaction with the trainer. Improved problem-solving skills on both familiar and novel video-taped skits were observed for the treatment group, but not for …

Digital Signal Processing Schemes For Fiber Optic Rotation Rate Sensor Scale Factor Linearization, David T. Dembinski

Masters Theses

This study examined and evaluated several scale factor linearization techniques for a fiber optic rotation rate sensor (FORS). The process of scale factor linearization retrieves rotation rate from an FORS signal. Open and closed loop digital signal processing schemes are evaluated on dynamic range, accuracy, and cost.

The results of these experiments show that open loop schemes require few components but have an inherently low dynamic range of operation. Extending the dynamic range of an open loop system is expensive in additional components. Closed loop systems require more initial components, but have a considerably superior dynamic range. It was concluded …

An Ergonomic Study Of Meat Processing Operations, Edgar Delgado

Masters Theses

In this study, physical stresses imposed on the different parts of the musculoskeletal system were assessed using a subjective ratings of perceived discomfort (RPD) scale in the meat industry. The effects of a microbreak system on the perceived discomfort of employees were studied. In addition, a comparison of human physical capacities (i.e., anthropometric, strength, and endurance measures) for Caucasian-American and Hispanic-Mexican employees in the meat industry was performed. These measures were also compared against those of employees engaged in manual material handling tasks. Twenty-eight employees participated in the study.

Based on this study, it can be concluded that: (a) RPD …

An Examination And Evaluation Of The Jesus Of The New Age, Kenneth Kun-No Pak

Masters Theses

This thesis examines and evaluates the predominant view

of Jesus "the Christ" among the prominent New Agers. This

view--that Jesus was only a man who acquired mystic knowledge

and power from his experiences with the Essenes and other

mystical religions of the East, and that he manifested and

exemplified the divinity which can be found in each person-generally

opposes orthodox Christian teachings of the

monotheistic divinity of Jesus Christ.

The thesis argues that various claims of these New Agers

are inconsistent (e.g. the reliability of Akashic Record),

unverifiable (e.g. esoterism), and contrary to factual data

(e.g. Notovitch's account of Jesus' …

Kinematic Considerations Of Elite Alpine Slalom Ski Racers, David Andrew Goodwin

Masters Theses

This study described specific kinematic parameters associated with success on the international level in alpine slalom ski racing. Sixteen male athletes representing twelve countries comprised the subject pool. Subject selection was based on finish position in the men's special slalom at the 1989 World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail, Colorado. Cinematographical records were analyzed by a method known as direct linear transformation.

The findings of the study indicated that: (a) hip and knee joint angles of the turning leg must approximate 1.80 to 1.83 radians and 1.82 to 2.21 radians, respectively, for efficiency in this turn; (b) a decrease in …

Improving Active Treatment Through Performance Management, Carman E. Stark

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of this project was to evaluate a performance management program using a goal setting and feedback system implemented by unit supervisors in a large psychiatric hospital. The focus of the research study was to improve active treatment for mental health patients by increasing levels of staff-patient interaction. Behaviors o f self-recording by staff and instructions and goal setting by the unit supervisor were targeted. Feedback was provided by the unit supervisor in the form of publicly posted graphs indicating percent of completed assigned activities. The four phases used in the data summary include: (1) baseline, (2) goal …

A Simulation Of A Multi-Hop Communications Network Using A Kinematic Topology Generator And Static Sphere-Packing Power Control, Kevin Charles Davis

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Ctran: Transforming Scientific Fortran Programs To Unix Based Computing Environments, Qi Chen

Masters Theses

FORTRAN is one of the most popular scientific programming languages. The efficiency, rich libraries, and popularity of FORTRAN support its continued use as a programming language for scientific computing in the near future. However, in current multiprocessor UNIX environments, C is often better supported. The desire to use existing FORTRAN subroutines within such a C environment leads to several options. In this thesis, we introduce a "modern" scientific programming language called CTRAN for this purpose.

We begin with a brief review of the history of scientific programming languages. An introduction of CTRAN is given in Chapter HI. In Chapter IV, …

Comparison Of Behaviors Of Suspected Sexually Abused And Nonsexually Abused Preschool Children Using Anatomical Dolls, Rita Kenyon-Jump

Masters Theses

Using anatomical dolls, the play behaviors of nine sexually abused preschool children (five males, four females), ranging in age from 3-5 years, were compared with nine preschool children with whom there was no suspicion of sexual abuse and who were matched on the basis of age, gender, race, family status, and socioeconomic status. There was no significant difference between the two groups on explicit sexual behavior (vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse with thrusting motions between the dolls or between the child and dolls and masturbation by the child). The groups were significantly (t (8) = 2.19, p < .05 ) different when behaviors with suspicious sexual implication were combined with explicit sexual behaviors. There were no differences between the groups on measures of aggression, anxiety, and nonsexual behavior. The occurrence of the suspicious sexual behaviors is discussed and reviews of previous doll research and physical evidence of child sexual abuse are provided.

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Verbal Vs. Nonverbal Cue-Controlled Relaxation In Reducing Test Anxiety, Marilyn J. Christensen

Masters Theses

This study compared the effectiveness of verbal vs. nonverbal cue-controlled relaxation in reducing test anxiety. Twenty-four subjects participated. Subjects received training in progressive muscle relaxation with one treatment group using a verbal cue and one treatment group using a nonverbal cue. The control group was offered relaxation training at the completion of the study. The Suinn Test Anxiety Behavior Scale (STABS) (Suinn, 1969) was administered at pre- and post-training in addition to a comparison of the subjects' quiz scores before and after relaxation training was completed.

The findings from this study indicated thats (a) the groups did not differ; however, …

The Effects Of Audiotape Self-Monitoring On Direct Instruction Teacher Presentation Techniques, Kay D. Simon Brynildson

Masters Theses

Prior research has shown that several Direct Instruction teacher presentation techniques are functionally related to student academic achievement. Unfortunately, variability exists in the implementation of Direct Instruction programs with regard to these critical teaching skills. Monitoring of Direct Instruction teachers appears necessary to ensure program effectiveness. The present study employed a multiple baseline across subjects experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of audiotape self-monitoring in improving and maintaining five Direct Instruction teacher presentation techniques: clear signalling, pacing, corrections, contingent reinforcement and student accuracy. The subjects were two middle school special education teachers who taught Direct Instruction corrective reading programs. Both …

Extension Of The Audio-Visual Combination Discrimination Test, Valerie R. Davine

Masters Theses

The Audio-Visual Combination (AVC) scale (Kerr, Meyerson, & Flora, 1977) was developed to assess basic discrimination skills in the developmentally disabled population. Acquisition of such skills has been demonstrated to follow a progressive pattern. The existing AVC test assesses discrimination skills in the following hierarchy: Imitation, Position, Visual, Match-To-Sample, Auditory, and Auditory- Visual Combination. This investigation attempted to discover transitional skills between the Match-To-Sample and the Auditory levels. Twenty-four developmentally disabled adults were tested using the original AVC tool with the addition of four new discrimination tasks that were added to the existing scale to ascertain a finer gradation of …

Progressive Muscle Relaxation As An Adjunctive Treatment For Moderate Asthmatics, Kellye Hutton Slaggert

Masters Theses

This study examined the effects of parent assisted progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training on moderate asthmatics. Three children between the ages of 7 and 12 participated in the study. After 3 weeks of PMR training and daily practice, the parents became involved in prompting their children to use PMR when an attack appeared likely.

The findings from this study suggest that parental prompting of PMR was instrumental in decreasing the frequency of attacks, increasing peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) values, and decreasing the severity of attacks for 2 of the 3 subjects. The long term implications for using PMR as …

Robert Grosseteste's De Ubero Arbitrio, Andrew L. Pearson

Masters Theses

De Libero Arbitrio of Robert Grosseteste (ca. 1170-1253) represents his primary exploration of that aspect of man's relationship to nature, to other human beings, and to God, known as free choice. This thesis explores the relationship of his treatise De Libero Arbitrio to his treatises De Veritate, De Veritate Propositionis, and De Scientia Dei. It also offers an outline and summary of De Libero Arbitrio and presents an English translation of Ludwig Baur's edition of the first recension of this treatise with updated notes.

A Comparison Of Outcome Reinforcement Contingencies And Process Reinforcement Contingencies Using Concurrent Training With The Severely Mentally Impaired, Nancy Lonsberry

Masters Theses

This study compared the effectiveness of Outcome and Process reinforcement contingencies using concurrent training to teach severely mentally impaired students to perform component tasks. Each student was trained to assemble a four-piece apparatus using either the Outcome contingency or the Process contingency. The Outcome method was defined as a contingency where the final outcome of a component task has been achieved and a reinforcer is delivered contingent upon that outcome. The Process method was defined as a contingency where reinforcement occurs after the performance of each step in the sequence and when the final outcome of the task has been …

Development Of A Neural Net Model For The Assignment Problem, Philip Paul Moss

Masters Theses

This thesis traces the development of a neural net model which will solve the assignment problem. In addition, the neural net model was compared for optimal performance with four other algorithms: two greedy methods and two well-known solutions, Vogel's Approximation Method (VAM) and the Hungarian method. Assignments were made to randomly generated problems using each method and the results were compared.

The findings from this testing indicated that: (a) the assignments selected by the neural net model were closer to optimal than the two greedy methods and VAM, and (b) the assignments selected by the neural net were not optimal. …

Simulation Of Bromide Transport In A Layered Aquifer Using Two-Dimensional And Three-Dimensional Computer Models, Kathleen Michelle Hewitt

Masters Theses

Simulation of a two-well tracer test at a site near Mobile, Alabama was performed and compared with the experimental breakthrough curve. The models used to simulate the test results were the three-dimensional USGS code HST3D and the two-dimensional USGS code MOC. The results of the three-dimensional model were also compared with the results of the two-dimensional model.

The three-dimensional model HST3D predicted the measured breakthrough curve accurately with the exception of early arrival times of the tracer in the withdrawal well. The two-dimensional model MOC did not accurately predict the bromide concentration in the withdrawal well during the two-well test. …

Analogical Reasoning Of Elderly Adults Using Three Modalities: Words, Pictures, And Figures, Judy L. Rau

Masters Theses

This study examined the analogical processing skills of elderly adults. Forty-seven subjects (ages 65-90) completed analogy tasks presented in three modalities: words, pictures, and geometric figures (90 total). The subjects for this study were elderly adults living independently in a federally subsidized apartment building. The subjects used in this study possessed characteristics similar to the "typical" American adult. Results indicated that performance does not vary significantly with age in the word and picture modalities. Significant (p < .05) negative relationships were found between performance on the geometric figure analogies and increased age and between overall performance and increased age. Significant (p < .05) positive relationships were found between education and performance on each of the three modalities as well as between education and overall performance.

The Acquisition Of Spelling By Developmentally Disabled Adults: An Examination Of Some Variations Of The Look-Cover-Write-Check Cycle, Mark Stafford

Masters Theses

Five developmentally disabled adults were taught to spell groups of five words using the look-over-write-check cycle, in which the subject looks at the word, covers it, writes the word, then looks at the word again to check the accuracy of spelling. Four variations of this procedure were used with each of the subjects including requiring the subjects to spell the words out loud in the "look" component. The results showed that the subjects required fewer sessions and fewer trials to spell the five words when the out loud requirement was in effect. Approximations generated as the subjects learned to spell …

Blaise Pascal: From Birth To Rebirth To Apologist, Lew A. Weider

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of A Multi-Component Treatment Package On Seat Belt Usage Among Hispanics, Senez Rodriguez-Charbonier

Masters Theses

This study analyzed the impact of a combination of approaches on the frequency of seat belt usage in a large Hispanic community in western Michigan. Subjects in either a treatment or a no-treatment control condition were observed weekly for seat belt usage while arriving at church over several months. They were observed for four weeks prior, during and after an intervention program. Subjects in treatment condition attended weekly group meetings where they viewed seat belt use promotion videos, publicly signed behavioral contracts agreeing to use their seat belts, and received permanent prompts which were installed on the dashboard of their …

Michigan Apple Pest Identifier And Manager Expert System, James R. Schalk

Masters Theses

The Michigan Apple Pest Identifier and Management System (MAPI) is a knowledge- based consultation software system. MAPI was designed to provide the user with the ability to identify insects which may harm the apples of Michigan orchards and to project occurrences of maximum adult emergence. A discussion of standard entomological and expert system concepts and the application of these concepts to the processing of information by the Michigan Apple Pest Identifier and Management System is presented. Future possible expansions of the system are suggested.