Digital Commons Network^™

Prostitution In U.S. Society: Moving Beyond Traditional Feminist Frameworks Of Analysis, Megan M. Coats

Masters Theses

In this thesis, I explore the different ways that prostitute women's voices have been silenced by groups which have historically controlled the social and academic discourse on prostitution. Utilizing the research method of standpoint epistemology, I first discuss why the prostitute activist's voices must be considered as the central source for scientists theorizing on prostitution. Next, I give an account of some historical influences which have shaped the discourse on prostitution, affecting the development of legislation regulating prostitution. Then, I provide a history of the development of the liberal and radical feminist discourse on prostitution. I also include some contemporary …

The Social Diffusion Of Safe Sex Behaviors In College Women, Sherry Pagoto

Masters Theses

With the ever rising numbers of people becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 1997) the need for preventing the spread of infection is clear. One promising intervention, based on a theory called social diffusion, involves training popular opinion leaders to act as behavior change endorsers within their community (Kelly, 1991). This study found 25-30% reductions in high-risk behaviors and 16-18% increases in safe sex behaviors in a male homosexual population as a result of this type of intervention. The current study examines the effectiveness of this intervention within a …

The Reliability Of Emg Normalization Procedures For Three Muscles Involved In Knee Extension, James John Sweet

Masters Theses

Analyses of 3 knee extensors, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis, were conducted to examine the reliability of (a) maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) across trials (2), days (5), and joint angles (5); and (b) normalized EMG responses during dynamic knee extension at 2 submaximal work loads. Strength (cable tension) and integrated peak EMG (surface electrodes) were measured during the MVIC. Subjects (N = 44) performed 2 consecutive MVICs with 2 min rest between trials at 110°, 90°, 70°, 50°, and 30° of knee flexion, followed by 2 submaximal dynamic knee extension exercises. Intraclass correlation (R) values for the …

The Effects Of Step Height, Cadence, And Choreography On Biochemical Factors In Step Aerobics, Stacie Moore

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to determine the effect of step height, speed, and choreography on ground reaction forces, electromyography of the knee extensors, and center of gravity displacement in step aerobics. Two step heights, 6 and 8 in.; two speeds, 126 and 132 bpm; and three steps, basic step, tum step, and hop step, were studied for a single subject across 5 trials. The muscles studied included the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. Results indicated: (a) significant difference existed between the cadences as well as between the step heights for the sagittal plane center of gravity; …

Spatial And Ethnic Patterns Of Real Estate Control Affecting Upward Mobility Of Immigrants In A Nineteenth Century Industrial Community, Debra S. Alfonso

Masters Theses

The subject of immigrant success has previously been analyzed in the context of ethnic characteristics, individual heroism, worker solidarity, and advancement of industrialization. Most immigrants start at the bottom of the social-economic ladder. The mechanisms of advancement vary depending on both ethnic values and the constraints of the socioeconomic system. The key variable is normally thought to be advancing occupational status.

The problem addressed is how did recent immigrants to a 19th century steel-town obtain home ownership and advancement in spite of declining industrial wages. Using a GIS system to link and analyze geographic and historical records I was able …

The Foucault Panopticon Model In Motion: The Internet As A Candidate For Corporate Abandon, Thomas Wells Brignall

Masters Theses

The possible negative impacts the Internet could have on our society, because of its powerful observation potential is the topic of this thesis. In my work I deconstruct several historical and current texts on the Internet. I then critique modern cultural constructs of the Internet and compare and contrast using historical as well as meta-analysis to dissect the real from the simulated.

I have found that a majority of the Internet's current construction lies in the hands of private companies. In my finding, using historical analysis of previous company policies that the potential to observe, track, and keep large databases …

The Effect Of Unloading Body Weight During Aerobic Exercise On Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, And Perceived Exertion, Carolynn J. Bolander

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to examine the blood pressure, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion of asymptomatic, active individuals during submaximal treadmill exercise while using an unloading system. Two levels of unloading, 20% unloaded body weight (UBW) and 40% UBW, were compared to 0% UBW. Treadmill speed was determined by the speed required to reach a steady state heart rate of 70% of maximum heart rate in an unloaded state. Twenty subjects, between the ages of 18 and 42 years, served as subjects. Subjects were grouped with respect to fitness level; walkers were those subjects who walked …

The Effect Of Caffeine On Reaction Time, Hand Steadiness, And Certain Physiological Variables, Amy K. Ryan

Masters Theses

The problem of this study was to analyze the effect of caffeine on heart rate, blood pressure, reaction time, and hand steadiness. Subjects (N = 20) were classified as high-caffeine users or low-caffeine users. Heart rate, blood pressure, reaction time, and hand steadiness were measured. Subjects then consumed 24 oz of coffee containing 345 mg of caffeine in a 5-min period. Dependent variables were measured again at 30, 60, and 90 min after caffeine administration. Significant differences were found among test time means for every dependent variable except hand steadiness. No difference was found between the high-caffeine-use group and the …

How Phonemic Awareness Training And Direct Phonics Instruction Effect The Decoding Ability Of Children With Reading Problems, Lynda Elaine Thatcher

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to study how phonemic awareness and direct phonics instruction can effect the decoding abilities of children with reading problems. The importance of having phonics and phonemic awareness in the initial teaching of reading to young children was discussed. A review of the literature indicated that there is causative correlation between phonemic awareness and decoding skills. The research demonstrated that phonemic awareness intervention programs were very effective in increasing reading skills. Finally, the research implied that an effective reading program for young children with reading problems should include both phonological training and phonics instruction. In …

Effects Of The Prbar And Powerbar On Fat Metabolism, Chad F. Witt

Masters Theses

The purpose was to compare the effect of dietary supplementation using two different energy bars, the PRBar and the PowerBar, ingested 1 hour before exercise, on the exercise metabolism of endurance athletes. Four dependent variables were measured: respiratory exchange ratio (R), oxygen consumption (VO₂), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood glucose. Independent variables were bars (2), trials (2), and sample time. Sample times occurred at 5-min intervals for R, VO₂, and RPE. Blood glucose was sampled before exercise, at 15 min and 25 min during exercise, and after exercise. Subjects completed four 35-min training runs, …

The Effect Of Guided Imagery And Music Workshops On Locus Of Control And Self Concept Of Mental Health Outpatients, Roberta Wigle Justice

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of guided imagery and music (GIM) in a group format on the locus of control and self-concept in mental health outpatients. Twenty adult mental health consumers took part in the experimental study with 10 subjects in the experimental condition and 10 subjects in the control condition.

The revised Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS:2) short form (Fitts & Warren, 1996) was used to measure self-concept and the Levenson Locus of Control Scale (Levenson, 1981) was used to measure locus of control. Pre- and post-test data collected from these instruments revealed no significant …

Phonological Awareness Training: Effects On Phonological Awareness And Reading Skills, Cassie Nelson

Masters Theses

Past research has established that phonological awareness skills are an important precursor to the development of reading (Jenkins & Bowen, 1994; Catts & Karnhi, 1986; Bradley & Bryant, 1978; Frith, 1981). Results of numerous phonological awareness training programs have been published (Ball & Blachman, 1988, 1991; Lundberg, Frost, & Petersen, 1988; Bradley & Bryant, 1983, 1985), however, none have compared the roles of professionals involved in teaching phonological awareness skills. Additionally, the effectiveness of various service delivery models has not been reported. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of a phonological awareness training program on kindergarten children's phonological …

The Effects Of Habitual Physical Activity On Number Of Colds And Incidence Of Cold Symptoms, Katie Lynn Maniatis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to compare frequency of colds and symptoms of upper respiratory infection in college students who have different levels of habitual physical activity. Subjects were Eastern Illinois University students (N=535, aged 18-25). A survey was conducted which included questions inquiring about demographic information, physical activity habits, the number of colds contracted the month before the survey, and symptom number and severity. Data collection occurred between February 12th and March 1st, 1998. This particular time period was chosen for several reasons, including that student stress level should have been lower than at the beginning or end …

Perceptions Related To Healthful Eating And Physical Activity Among Eastern Illinois University Students, Wendy N. Zaucha

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Survey Of Illinois Speech-Language Pathologists And School Psychologists Regarding Selective Mutism, Sarah Megan Toland

Masters Theses

A questionnaire was designed by the examiner to identify the views and knowledge of Illinois school psychologists and speech-language pathologists regarding selective mutism. Subjects consisted of 119 school psychologists and 106 speech-language pathologists, who completed the questionnaire.

The results of the survey revealed that both Illinois school psychologists and speech-language pathologists viewed themselves as partially responsible for the assessment and treatment of selective mutism, however, both samples indicated low levels of comfort in their ability to successfully provide those services. Additionally, very few of the respondents in either group had received formal training in the area of selective mutism.

Results …

Parent Perceptions Of Speech And Language Characteristics Of Children With Fragile X Syndrome, Trina Marie Ungrund

Masters Theses

Children with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) have significant speech/language difficulties. Additional information is needed regarding the demographics and speech/language characteristics of this population. Participants in this study were parents of children with FXS. Contact persons for three FXS support groups were notified of this study and were asked to provide surveys to parents of children with FXS. The survey was completed by 50 parents of children with FXS who answered questions concerning their child's demographics and speech/language characteristics. Information on speech/language characteristics was gathered through use of a severity rating scale. This severity rating scale was used to rate the …

The Effects Of Field-Based Learning On The Knowledge, Behaviors And Practices Of Teachers And Students, Mary Jo Kosco

Masters Theses

The outdoor environment has the potential to serve as a teeming laboratory with numerous opportunities for students to study various science-related phenomena and processes. However important teachers deem outdoor experiences in science, they also bear doubts about their abilities to teach in these natural surroundings. Providing teachers with the training necessary to teach using field-based activities would help develop and strengthen the teachers' and consequently their students' interest in science, their background knowledge of basic science concepts and processes and possibly affect their behaviors towards the environment. This study was designed to measure the extent science teachers' field-based learning experiences …

Principal Perceptions Of School Breakfast Programs In Small Enrollment Illinois School Districts, Teresa M. Martin

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate school breakfast programs in small enrollment districts in Illinois. The review of literature and research indicated that school breakfast programs may improve student achievement, behavior and attendance, and that providing a breakfast to hungry children may increase their readiness to learn.

The study took place in 1997-98, using a survey instrument designed by the author to collect perceptions about school breakfast programs from Illinois principals. A random sample of 75 principals was selected from all Illinois school districts with student enrollments of less than 1,000 which had breakfast programs. Surveys were returned …

Internet In The Classroom, Nathan J. Aslinger

Masters Theses

Purpose of the Study

This study was conducted to determine the role of the Internet in Illinois high schools, how it is integrated into the business education curriculum, and the status of technology in these high schools. Most schools are "hooked up" and the teachers are usually trained through internal workshops. Some schools even have a specific "Internet" course. The following questions are the research questions used for this study:

1. What is the general status of the Internet in secondary schools as perceived by business teachers?

2. To what extent is the Internet being included in the secondary business …

Middle School Student Assistance Programs In The Sangamon Area Special Education District, Thomas H. Mulligan

Masters Theses

Schools face a growing population of at-risk students. For years, educators have searched for ways to assist at-risk students address their problems and improve academically. One program that has been implemented in many schools is called a student assistance program (SAP). Student assistance programs generally involve a core team, called the student assistance team (SAT), comprised of teachers, administrators, and guidance personnel. The student assistance program involves identifying student problems, referring students to the SAT, an in-depth study of information concerning the student, suggested interventions, support systems, and follow-up procedures. This study was done to determine what formal procedures, if …

An Exploration Of The Undergraduate Experiences Of Faculty, Shannon M. Horn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the undergraduate experiences of faculty members at one institution. A review of the literature revealed that there does seem to be a positive relationship between faculty-student interaction and the student's retention at the university level. Students are also more likely to persist if they have become involved in out of class activities. The need to bring these out of class activities in line with the academic mission of the university is clear. Students need to be developed in all aspects of their life.

As student affairs administrators seek to help create seamless …

How West Germany's Ostpolitik Contributed To German Unification, Lothar J. Noetzoldt

Masters Theses

This thesis describes and examines two decades of political relations between East and West Germany and their respective allies, and also presents a thorough analysis of political developments and events that took place from the beginning of West German Ostpolitk in 1969 until unification on October 1990. The term unification is used because Germany was not re-unified within the pre-war borders of 1937.

One of the principal goals of this thesis focuses on the discussion on the influence Ostpolitik alongside with the policy of rapprochement toward the GDR and USSR had on achieving a working relationship between Bonn and East …

Speaking Of The Raj: Kipling, Forster, And Scott On The English Language In British India, Victoria K. Tatko

Masters Theses

In my thesis I examine how language, particularly the English language, participated in the Raj, as depicted thematically in Rudyard Kipling's Kim (1901), E. M. Forster's A Passage to India (1924), and Paul Scott'sThe Raj Quartet (1966-1975): The Jewel in the Crown (1966), The Day of the Scorpion (1968), The Towers of Silence (1971), and A Division of the Spoils (1975). I show that all three authors portray language as central to British colonialism in India; the connection between the English language and the Empire grows increasingly problematic as the linguistic situation becomes a metaphor for the state of …

A Comparison Of Measures In Physical Fitness And Biological Maturity Between Female Gymnasts And Females Not Involved In Organized Sport, Cara Kokenes

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in physical fitness and biological development between two groups of twelve year old females. One group consisted of idividuals who had been involved in competitive sport for at least two years while the other group was not involved in organized sport. Two groups of 20 subjects were examined in terms of height, weight, flexibility, strength, body composition, maturation, eating attitudes, and cardiorespiratory endurance. The results indicated that the gymnasts were significantly (p<.05) shorter, lighter, stronger in regard to left hand grip strength, lower in percent body fat, less biologically mature, and had greater cardiorespiratory fitness than the non-gymnasts. No significant differences were observed in right hand grip strength or eating attitudes. It was concluded that maturation level as well as gymnastic training played a major role in influencing values obtained through measurements of physical fitness.

Relations Of Explanatory Style, Learning Orientation, And Gender With Children's Academic Performance, Jennifer Grubar

Masters Theses

Several explanations have been offered to account for sex differences in academic achievement patterns. Two in particular have been looked at extensively in past research: learned helplessness/mastery orientation theory and attribution theory (explanatory style). Most studies look at these two explanations separately, but it seems important to examine them together. The present study explored how learning orientation, explanatory style and gender relate to children's academic performance.

The hypotheses of this study were that more girls would fall into the helpless category, but would still be optimistic and would have higher grade point averages (GPA' s). More boys were expected to …

Differences In Burnout Among Special Education Teachers, Mike D. De Boer

Masters Theses

A random sample of special education teachers in Iowa completed survey materials including the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a demographic and background information questionnaire (N=179). Results suggested that special educators in Iowa generally experience moderate levels of emotional exhaustion, low levels of depersonalization, and low levels of personal accomplishment. Demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, years of experience) did not predict burnout, nor did most job-related factors (e.g., number of students served, type of classroom setting) . The only factor found to predict burnout in this study was the type of student served. Future research should focus on individual factors that …

Learning Disabilities: The Definitional Dilemma, Gretchen Burman

Masters Theses

As professionals in the fields of education and psychology, we often focus on the children who are having difficulty learning in and adjusting to school, children who may have learning disabilities. We examine test results and what they say about how a child learns; we consider what the teacher says about the difficulties the child has in the classroom. Teachers discuss how frustrating it is to work with children who are ''slow learners" or who "learn differently." However, the definition of learning disability is so variable that we may fail to identify, or we may over-identify, those with a learning …

Occupational Stress Levels And Perceived Stressors Of College Athletic Directors In The Midwest, Jennifer R. Venzon

Masters Theses

Increasing job responsibilities of athletic directors (ADs) may lead to higher occupational stress (OS) levels, and as a result, increased health risks. Identification of work stressors may help individuals to better prepare for their job requirements and cope with OS.

This study was designed to determine the effects of individual demographics on stress and to identify the perceived OS levels of ADs, their major stress-causing tasks and stressors. Surveys were sent to college athletic directors in the Midwest (N=72); 76.4% of the surveys were received (n=55).

The sample reported high degrees of stress evident in their profession, but indicated low …

Gender And University Athletic Status As Factors In Rape Myth Acceptance, Johanna L. Moore

Masters Theses

Two hundred eighty-seven students representing each of the four undergraduate levels and the graduate level participated in this study. Participants completed questions about personal characteristics and the long form of the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale developed by Diana Payne (1993). A 2 x 2 analysis of variance was used to assess the effects of gender and athletic status (intercollegiate athlete vs. nonathlete) on the overall RMA score and seven subscale scores. Results showed that men had higher rape myth acceptance than women on all subscale scores and total RMA scale. Athletes as a group had higher RMA than nonathletes on …

Report Card Grading And Adaptations For Students With Disabilities: A Survey Of Practices In East Central Illinois, Melissa L. Jones

Masters Theses

The issue of grading the academic performance of students with disabilities has become a challenge as the restructuring of special education has placed these students in general education settings. A survey was conducted within the Illinois counties of Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, and Shelby in hopes of determining current policy, desired grading formats and practical grading adaptations for students with disabilities. One hundred responses, which questioned the attitudes and opinions of each group, as well as written policy and guidelines were solicited from each of four defined subgroups (teachers of special education, elementary level classroom teachers, secondary level …