Digital Commons Network^™

Social Tensions And Acculturation: Portrayals Of German Integration Discourse, Soeren Wendland

Masters Theses

This Master Thesis deals with the portrayal of social tensions and acculturation perceptions resulting from German integration discourse. Wester, Pleijter, and Renckstorf's (2004) model for interpretative content analysis was applied to examine the portrayal of migrants and integration from three German online magazines. Germany's struggle with its multicultural aspect is described, a history of Germany as a multicultural society is provided, acculturation theory is described, the meaning of integration in Germany is illustrated, perceptions of Germans and foreigners on life in Germany are explored, and the role of the media in the integration discourse is introduced. Results show magazine portrayals …

Redeeming Proper Taste: Food As An Emblem Of Luxury In Eighteenth Century England, Hannah R. Hinkson

Masters Theses

Food: the universal language. As a platform upon which people express their worldviews, food is the most important basic ingredient to both life and social progress. Elegance, gluttony, moderation, and excess are nowhere more evident than at the dinner table; such applications are evidence of the power of food to unite and destroy entire communities. And logic suggests that because food is necessary for survival, the human condition is, in part, reflected in taste. What a person craves is an indication of that person's identity.

But the connection between the aesthetic and economic significance of food is most obvious in …

Living In The Tensions: Camus, Qohelet, And The Confrontation With The Absurd, Justin Keith Morgan

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the spiritual dimensions of Albert Camus's "cycle of the absurd"--The Myth of Sisyphus, The Stranger, and Caligula--by paralleling Camus's absurd vision of life to the various themes of the ancient text of Hebrew-wisdom literature, Ecclesiastes. Both Camus and Qohelet (the main speaker of Ecclesiastes) describe the absurdity of human existence that arises from the limitations of human reason, the futility of human action, and the certainty of death. Although Camus (an atheist) and Qohelet (a theist) begin with different assumptions regarding the existence of God--the very Being who potentially gives meaning and clarity to his creation--their similar …

Individualism And Collectivism In Chinese And American Advertisements, Siu Yu Hsu

Masters Theses

This study examined the different values in TV advertisements targeting younger Chinese (13-29), Older Chinese (55 or above), Younger Americans (13-34), and older Americans (55 or above) using Hofstede's (1984) individualism-collectivism dimensions. With the open door policy imposed in China, younger Chinese became Westernized. A content analysis of 566 TV ads was examined to test the degree of individualism, collectivism, modernity themes, and traditional themes in TV ads among the four target groups. Three hypotheses and one research question guiding this study proposed that TV ads targeting younger Chinese would score higher in individualism and modernity; TV ads targeting older …

Dancing Through Life: Symmetry And Balance Within Dance And The Form Of Jane Austen's Novels, Elizabeth Ellen Jones

Masters Theses

This thesis looks at the presence of symmetry and balance in Jane Austen's novels, especially as it is realized through period dance. In the Georgian period, the ideas of symmetry were an important aspect of both the political and aesthetic culture. Likewise, dance, often used as metaphor for courtship, reflected this societal emphasis on order and balance. As such, symmetry and its related principles, namely balance, repetition and order, are all principle themes expressed through patterns of dance in Austen's novels.

The first chapter briefly addresses Jane Austen's social position within the Regency era and her view of daily life …

On-Board Monitoring Of Engine Oil, Ryan James Clark

Masters Theses

Engine oil condition was quantified in a diesel engine through direct, real-time measurements of lubricant properties using an on-board oil-condition sensor. The sensor measures the lubricant temperature, density, dynamic viscosity and dielectric constant. Comparative bench-top experiments using ASTM methods or equivalent techniques validated the accuracy and precision of the lubricant property measurements from the oil-condition sensor for a specific temperature range. Bench-top experiments were also used to establish correlations between fuel contamination levels and changes in lubricant properties.

Through engine experiments, the change in the lubricant properties with respect to operating time was quantified. A correlation was found between the …

Sir George Paish: Ambassador Of Free Trade, Jennifer D. Bolan

Masters Theses

Sir George Paish was a noted British economist who earned his title and position. The son of a coachman, he advanced from being a teenage clerk in 1881 to joint editor of The Statist magazine by 1900. One of Paish's earliest contributions to economics was his analysis of British railways by statistically determining load capacities and carrying efficiency, published in The British Railway Position in 1902. He then argued for reform on a Board of Trade committee on railways from 1906-1908.

From 1909-1915, Paish was an independent consultant to Chancellor of the Exchequer David Lloyd George, who became Prime Minister …

While The Nation Looked On: A Framing Analysis Of Print News Media Coverage Of Terri Schiavo's Final Days, Aubrey Blankenship

Masters Theses

One of the richest areas of current research in mass communication involves framing theory. Originally developed by Erving Goffman (1974), framing is used by the media to organize content. As such, it has implications for the values, beliefs, and actions of those exposed to that content. This study attempts to apply framing theory to a controversial issue and event profusely covered by American mass media: the case of Terri Schiavo. To accomplish this, coverage of her final month by two print newspapers, The New York Times and the New York Post, was analyzed for prevalence (present or absent), level …

Singing From The Village, Bonnie Lynn Bost

Masters Theses

Singing from the Village brings to light some basic problems in education for a village school near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, South India. While problems of poverty, social strife, possible over use of rote learning, lack of critical and creative thinking are discussed, the focus of this study is the problem of how the children hear western melodies differently because of the musical vocabulary their ears and brains have become accustomed to in their village. Singing from the Village attempts to examine village songs and compare them to a western children's song, Praise Him, Praise Him sung each day at the …

"There's Something Wrong About The Way You Look, There's Something Wrong With You": Memorable Messages Concerning Identity And Body Weight, Scott A. Richmond

Masters Theses

This thesis examined the body weight discourse through interviews concerning memorable messages received prior to and after a period of weight loss, along with messages' effects on individuals' identities. As the communication of messages concerning body weight and identity had yet to be thoroughly examined, this study worked to illuminate how the discourse is communicated.

Emergent themes were discussed, such as pre-weight loss messages communicating a separate social identity, less social desirability, and advice about body weight. Post-weight messages themes of acknowledging a change in appearance, positive valuation of the change, and questions on the weight change were also examined. …

An Exploratory Study Of Predictors Of Academic Success In A Graduate Nursing Program, Lori B. Brown

Masters Theses

Identifying qualified students who are most likely to be successful in their graduate nursing studies is the goal of the admission process. Because fiscal and human resources are often limited, it is important that universities admit students who have the academic capabilities necessary to complete the degree requirements. This study attempted to determine whether the established admission criteria for graduate nursing students at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) reliably predict success within the graduate nursing program and if so, whether any one criterion is a better predictor of success. For the purpose of this study, success was defined as completion …

It Is Well With My Soil: Ecocriticism Of Wendell Berry's Jayber Crow And Hannah Coulter & Marilynne Robinson's Gilead And Housekeeping, Lauren Hoessly

Masters Theses

Ecocriticism places nature as the central subject of life, but avoids analysis of human relationships as an integral part of man's relationship with nature. Wendell Berry's novels Jayber Crow and Hannah Coulter, and Marilynne Robinson's novels, Gilead and Housekeeping posit ecocritical claims about man and his work in nature without forsaking the union of the body and soul. Thus, Berry and Robinson connect relationships between people to this work in nature in order to reveal the relationship between man and God. They integrate principles of environmental recovery with Christian principles of redemption, and thereby offer new possibilities for ecocritical writing …

Social Media Dialogue: An Analysis Of The Social Media Presence Of Selected Fortune 500 Companies, Philip J. Luca

Masters Theses

This paper investigates the manner in which the companies engage various publics in the realm of social media. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the type of communication Fortune 500 companies use in their social media presence. Analyzing the web sites, Facebook fan pages and Twitter accounts of 21 Fortune 500 companies, the present study assesses the dialogic efforts of these companies using Kent and Taylor's (1998) five dialogic principles. Results suggest that the researched companies have an established social media presence. The accounts are developed but not distinctly dialogic. Further research may assess the quality of the …

Communication In Intercultural Marriages: Managing Cultural Differences And Conflict For Marital Satisfaction, Tiffany G. Renalds

Masters Theses

This qualitative study investigated the phenomenon of intercultural marriages, particularly the unique internal and external elements that impact communication and conflict within intercultural marriages of varying lengths and the intercultural communication competencies utilized by spouses in intercultural marriages. The research focused on three questions: (1) Which internal and external factors impact the effectiveness of communication between spouses in intercultural marriages the most? (2) Which communication competencies do spouses in intercultural marriages develop in order to address cross-cultural differences? (3) How do spouses in intercultural marriages experience and deal with conflict within their intercultural marriages? Data was obtained employing semi-structured interviews. …

For Wanting Of A Meal: An Exploratory Study Of Meal Provisions At Medium To Large College And University Food Services In Illinois, Evan J. Mcwhirter

Masters Theses

This cross-sectional analysis of vegetarian provisions in medium to large college and university food services was developed to facilitate more inclusive institutional food services in higher education. The primary investigator interviewed eight college and university food service directors for the purposes of the study. The overarching theme emerging from the study was that food services are amenable to change current food provisions as long as the students voice their opinions and eat the food thus prepared.

Millennial Music Students: Perceptions Of General Stress, Performance Stress, Physical Health, And Mental Health, Elizabeth Plapp

Masters Theses

The participants in the current study were examined utilizing qualitative research. Focus groups were conducted to examine the experience of music majors in relation to general stress, performance stress, physical health, mental health, and well-being strategies.

Results found participants perceived stress as ambient due to excessive non-credit course, studio and private practice loads, expectations for participation outside of coursework, practicing toward an ill-defined concept of 'success', and poor time management skills. Participants discussed a continuum of stress from performance before private instructor and peers (more stressful) to a general audience (less stressful). Participants expressed a moderate amount of physical health …

An Examination Of The Intersection Between Alcohol Use And Unanticipated Consequences For College Females, Jessica A. Wright

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the intersection between alcohol use and unanticipated consequences for college females. The second purpose of this study was to examine how the participants perceived their risk of sexual assault. Prior quantitative research in this field indicated that binge drinking is a predictor of risky behaviors. Research also showed that many negative consequences, including sexual assault, can occur as a result of binge drinking. A qualitative study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the drinking behaviors of college females in their own voices, as well as their perceived risk of negative …

Direct Inference Instruction: The Effects On Fourth Grade Students' Reading Comprehension And Motivation, Kalee Bengtson

Masters Theses

This research investigated student motivation and comprehension when an inference strategy was explicitly taught to fourth-grade students. Students in the experimental group (n=18) received instruction in an inference strategy developed for the purpose of this study that was based upon the five-step inference strategy created by Fritschmann, Deshler, and Schumaker (2007). Scaffolding instruction, the teacher modeled questioning the text and answering questions using a graphic organizer. After the teacher modeled the process, students worked in groups to read the text, question the text, make inferences, and answer questions at the end of the text. Finally, students completed the process independently …

Economic & Political Factors For Renewable Energy In The United States, Jeremiah Daniel Yokley

Masters Theses

The results of this study provide some insight to how qualitative regime variables affect the production of renewable energy in the United States. Specifically this paper found that while working with other variables the political affiliation of the President of the United States and the party holding the majority of seats in the United States House of Representatives and Senate can aid in forecasting renewable energy production growth. With this insight it is possible to better prepare for future energy investments by either governments or the private sector. This paper specifically examines total renewable energy production, hydroelectric energy production, solar …

Familial Factors And Attachment Styles Of Male And Female Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Kristina M. Decker

Masters Theses

In the United States, alcohol use disorders represent some of the most prevalent mental health disorders. Research has begun to explore parental alcoholism and its impact on children and families. The present study sought to examine the relationship between parental alcoholism and adult attachment styles in adult children of alcoholics (A CO As), as well as the relationship with several familial factors such as gender of the alcoholabusing parent, family cohesion, family satisfaction, parent-child attachment, physical abuse, and verbal abuse. A sample of 223 college students completed a series of measures on parental alcoholism, family cohesion, family satisfaction, parent-child attachment, …

Diet, Physical Activity, And Lifestyle Factors That Influence Weight Change The First Year Of College, Sarah R. Gaines

Masters Theses

First year college students are at an increased risk for weight gain, which could have an effect on the future obesity status in America. Several studies indicate that weight gain does occur the first year of college; however, little research actually studies the population's behaviors prior to college. A literature review was conducted on several factors that relate to the diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes that students may undergo as they transition from high school to college. It was hypothesized that a change in these factors would be associated with student weight gain and an increased BMI the first …

The Effect Of Different Squat Depths And Loads On Acute Vertical Jump Performance In Recreationally Trained College Age Men, Alex Hoffman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the full range of motion squat, the supramaximal loaded partial range of motion squat, or countermovement jumps alone elicited a subsequent acute increase in vertical jump height in recreationally trained college age men. The sample consisted of 14 college age men (ages 21.7 ± 1.5) that had engaged in lower body resistance training at least once per week during the previous year. Each subject was classified as recreationally trained based on a relative strength ratio of 1.75 ± 0.31.

The current study was five weeks long. The acute enhancement of vertical …

Student-Athletes And Their Willingness To Contribute Financially In The Future To Eastern Illinois University Athletics, Joseph Richard Ethington

Masters Theses

The present study examines the perceptions of student-athletes at a mid-sized Midwest public university. The study relates the athletic, academic, and social experiences of student-athletes to their willingness to make financial contributions to the department of Athletics in the future. By knowing the degree of association to an athletic-department and/or sport team, predictors can be established to determine potential donors and their preferred recipient of support. In order to study these predictors, student-athletes were administered a survey and asked to participate in oneon- one interviews. Survey protocols were administered via a web-based survey instrument which received a response rate of …

Student Athletes' Perceptions Of Academic Support, Career Support And Personal Support, Chandra R. Golden

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of student athletes concerning self identity, academic support, career support, and personal support. Qualitative methodology was used to gather information through in-depth focus groups. Participants were male and female student athletes from a mid-size Midwestern Public University.

Findings indicated there is an inherent struggle to balance multiple roles with one usually elevated over the other. Second, participants appreciated the academic support of the university, but indicated its influence ranged from extremely helpful and appreciated (Athletic Academic Support Staff) to moderately helpful (Major Specific Academic Advisors) to least helpful (Regular Academic …

Financial Well-Being Among Selected Students At Eastern Illinois University, Eric John Mazoch

Masters Theses

This study examined the financial well-being of Eastern Illinois University undergraduate students. Specifically the areas of financial debt, stress, and specific buying habits were addressed in determining the financial status of EIU students. The study was completed during spring 2011 by means of an online survey.

Significant correlations were found between the level of debt students had and their overall level of self-reported stress using a local five item semantic differential measure. There were no significant differences between student academic class standing and collective outstanding debt. Major on-campus versus off-campus spending differences were the cost of utilities and in the …

Assessing Transfer Student Needs At Eastern Illinois University, Samantha J. Noblit

Masters Theses

This qualitative study was designed to assess the transitional needs of transfer students at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Ten students who transferred to EIU in the fall of 2009 were interviewed to compile valuable feedback and data that could ultimately be used to enhance transfer student programming. Five students who experienced a difficult academic transition and were placed on academic warning were interviewed as well as five students who remained in good academic standing with the institution. With the diverse backgrounds and experiences from the interviewees, many different results were concluded. Transfer student transitions were effected by living on campus, …

A Program Evaluation Of A University Volunteer Program, Stacey Patricia Jaksa

Masters Theses

The present study was created to explore the phenomenon of volunteerism as it relates to integrated learning by showcasing a "best practice" in implementing a service-learning or volunteer program at an institute of higher education. Central Michigan University has been nationally recognized for its Volunteer Center program and through a mixed methods design the present study evaluated the program using qualitative and quantitative data collected by the researcher. The study was guided by four primary research questions:

1. What are student perceptions of the Volunteer Center and the programs it offers
2. What is the value, if any, that students and/or alumni …

Behavioral Risk Factors Of Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior In A Community Sample Of Adolescents, Sarah Ritter

Masters Theses

This study examined group differences of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents on four behavioral risk factors: risk behaviors, peer victimization, substance use, and weight related behaviors. It was hypothesized that adolescents who engaged in NSSI within the past year would endorse more risk behaviors than adolescents who did not engage in NSSI. It was further hypothesized that the higher the frequency with which an adolescent engaged in NSSI, the more risk factors they would report. Frequency was divided into three groups: "more frequently" (6 + times in the past year), "less frequently" (1-5 times in the past year) and "no …

Social Dimensions Of Lake Ecology: Stakeholder Perception Surveys Used To Design Effective Lake Management Plans, Laurie Nannini

Masters Theses

Lake conservation management plans have exhibited varying levels of success through out Illinois. Recent research, in eutrophic lakes shows that pollution at any level stabilizes when stakeholder cooperation is enhanced by high conformist tendency and social concern. Involving stakeholders in preliminary stages of lake management plans creates more legitimacy and connectedness with the local government as well as stakeholder involvement with management plans. Public opinion data also allows policy makers to sustainably involve stakeholders in management plans. Members of the Illinois Lake Management Association were surveyed on their perceived threats to lakes, preferences on lake facilities and activities. Responses were …

Vocabulary Acquisition Through Fast Mapping In Children With Autism, Lynne Barcus

Masters Theses

Fast mapping is a cognitive process that facilitates acquisition of new vocabulary through brief exposures to words and their referents. Research has shown that typically developing children and those with Down syndrome, specific language impairment, or mental impairment acquire new vocabulary through fast mapping, although with different levels of success. This study explored the effectiveness of fast mapping to facilitate vocabulary acquisition in children with autism. A multiple baseline across subjects design was employed with four children with autism. After a pre-test to determine which food and animal objects were unfamiliar to each subject, a series of fast mapping trials …