Digital Commons Network^™

Historical & Contemporary Reasons For The Existence Of 17,000 Unreached People Groups And Factors Being Employed To Lessen Their Number, Larry W. Lagrande

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Reliability And Validity Of A Social Skills Rating Scale For Use With Chronically Mentally Ill, Susan J. Egeler

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and concurrent validity of the Social Skills section of the Day Treatment Client Assessment, a series of rating scales used to assess behaviors of chronically mentally ill adults. Forty-one clients enrolled in a day treatment program formed the 4 subject groups. Each group met for three 1-hour music therapy sessions specifically designed to foster social behaviors. Three observers participated in each group and rated the clients' behaviors using the Social Skills scale. The observers' ratings were correlated with each other to determine the scale reliability and were correlated with staff …

Cognitive Levels Of Thinking For Religious Training Materials And Infusion Across The Curriculum, Patrick Low

Masters Theses

The major accomplishment of this project was the creation of cognitive levels of questions spanning Bloom's (1964) taxonomy of learning, fostering religious training in nontraditional class settings at Kalamazoo Christian High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Classes involved were business mathematics, health, and physical education.

Descriptors, i.e., key terms, were developed from teachers' goals and objectives. Descriptors were then checked in a concordance to help develop Scripture reference for question development. Weekly or biweekly, participating teachers and the curriculum committee were supplied draft sections of the project; they gave feedback relative to usefulness and acceptability.

The results have been termed "very useful" …

The Relationship Of Job Performance To Exercise In A Hospital Fitness Program, Sheryl A. Porter

Masters Theses

An investigation of the relationship between job performance and exercise was conducted over a one year period among a group of hospital employees. Participation in the in-house fitness program was voluntary. The experimental group was employed a minimum of one year prior to the study and exercised at least twice a week the first year the fitness program began. Job performance ratings were compared to a matched group using a correlated t-test. The findings were non-significant.

The Post-Exercise Cardiovascular Response Of Post Myocardial Infarction Males To Varying Water Temperatures In A Hot Tub, Janeen S. Docsa

Masters Theses

This study compared heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic response of post myocardial infarction males taking either vasodilator and beta blocker or just beta blocker medications, and a control, to different water temperatures in a hot tub. Twentysix adult males were observed. Each subject engaged in exercise, then sat in a hot tub for 12 minutes. Each subject repeated this procedure three times, once at each water temperature (36.6°, 38.3°, and 40°C).

The data during immersion indicated: (a) heart rate was affected by increased temperature and duration of exposure; (b) blood pressure was affected by length of exposure; (c) frequency …

The Effects Of Methylphenidate On The Learning And Performance Of A Child Diagnosed Addh, Kendra Leigh Heath

Masters Theses

The effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) on the learning and performance of a child diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADDH) was evaluated using a repeated acquisition apparatus. A placebo and three dosages of methylphenidate were evaluated in both the learning and performance components of the experiment. Dosages tested included the subject's therapeutic dosage, a dosage 5 mg higher, and a dosage 5 mg lower. Methylphenidate produced no effect of consequence on the number of errors per session, suggesting that the medication neither impaired nor facilitated learning or performance at the range of dosages investigated. Data were also collected on social …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Running Variances Due To Physiological Fatigue Among Highly Skilled Female Distance Runners, Alison B. Stanford

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to investigate the effect of physiological fatigue upon mechanical alterations in running. The investigation involved a biomedical analysis of kinematic parameters which compared running mechanics of subjects both fresh and fatigued.

The study revealed numerous alterations in running mechanics associated with fatigue. Maximum vertical displacement of the body's center of gravity was found during the toe-off phase and was significantly less during fatigue. Stride lengths were found to be as much as 2.72 feet shorter during fatigue and stride times as great as .42 seconds shorter. Extension of the support leg was less and …

Effects Of Seating Arrangement On Affective Meanings And Group Interaction In Healthy Senior Citizens, Judith Ann Boughton

Masters Theses

Occupational therapists state that environmental factors (seating arrangements) influence behavior. This ex post facto study examined the effect of peripheral versus central seating arrangement on interaction (verbalizing and looking), affect, and group climate in 41 healthy senior citizens. Nine men and 32 women aged 62 to 83 participated in two collage activities (creative and imitative) in either a parallel/nonsharing group or a project/ sharing group. Seating arrangement was added to an earlier study's independent variables (creative and imitative activities, and sharing and nonsharing groups). Dependent variables consisted of three factors of affective meaning from the Osgood Semantic Differential, evaluation, power, …

The Effects Of Two Contracting Methods On Altering The Eating And Exercise Behavior Of Seven Obese Adolescents: An In-Home Weight Treatment Study, Donald Edward Montgomery

Masters Theses

Seven obese males and females, ages ranging 12-15 years, served as participants in an eight-week in-home treatment program. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of two contracting methods to influence eating and exercise patterns. Individualized exercise and nutrition programs were designed for each participant based on their health and behavior patterns at the time of the study. Four subjects were assigned to Group A (Self-Management) where contracting was established with each adolescent and based their compliance with the program. In Group B (Parental Modeling) contracting was established with the mothers of three subjects who participated along …

Auditory Temporal Processing Abilities Of Autistic Children, Theresa L. Bender

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of A Change Intervention Within The Framework Of Organization Development On The Frequency Of Use Of Nursing Diagnosis, Sandi Nuberg Gladstone

Masters Theses

Although 64% of the 32 registered nurses who comprised the staff of a pediatric unit had been formally educated in the use of nursing diagnosis, only 27.4% of individualized additions to the nursing care plans were accepted nursing diagnoses. An intervention based on Change Theory as incorporated in an Organization Development framework was initiated to increase the addition of accepted nursing diagnoses to the standard nursing care plans. The effect of the process was followed through the audit of 229 nursing care plans over a thirteen month period using a time series design. Following the intervention, 74.4% of individualized entries …

Dual-Purpose Activity Versus Single-Purpose Activity In An Institutionalized Geriatric Population, Rita M. Yoder

Masters Theses

The use of purposeful, goal-directed activity has traditionally been a central theme for occupational therapy. In dual-purpose activity the participant has two goals: successful task completion and the making of adaptive responses in the activity process. This study compares the extent to which a dual-purpose activity (stirring for the purpose of exercise and baking cookies) enhances performance in contrast to a single-purpose activity (stirring for the purpose of exercise alone) in an institutionalized geriatric population.

Thirty women between 70 and 92 years of age were randomly assigned to either the single- or dual-purpose activity. Duration, exertion, and discontinuities were measured …

New Directions Within Applied Anthropology, Eleanor Mary Dominek

Masters Theses

This study explores the relationship between applied anthropological research and traditional anthropological research in terms of structural and methodological differences. The methods and techniques of Social Impact Assessment, as practiced in North America, and of international development anthropology are also compared. It is found that different kinds of applied anthropology modify methods and techniques (a) to meet the specific needs of supporting research institutions, (b) in response to the unique nature of individual applied problems, and (c) in order to create a type of research product which is very different from that of basic research.

Becoming A Nurse: A Study Of Aspects Of Professional Socialization, Arlene Christian

Masters Theses

This study examined aspects of the professional socialization of student nurses into the role of the professional nurse. Comparisons were made between senior and freshmen nursing students, between those 25 years of age and over with those under 25, between those who had two or more years of college with those who had less than two, and between those who were nursing externs with those who were not.

The results of the data analysis offered mixed support for the hypotheses proposed. Senior nursing students exhibited higher levels of professionalism in two aspects, while the older students, those with more college, …

Comparing Three Ways Of Obtaining Exercise Adherence, Maria Sonia Acosta

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of various incentives, including course bonus points, social reinforcement, and partner assignment to encourage exercise among college students. Participants were assigned to one of three groups. Members of the structured group exercised at a specific time and location, members of the partner group exercised with a companion determined to be their best match, and members of the individual group exercised on their own. In addition to a maximum of five bonus points, members of the structured group received social praise in terms of verbal statements such as "I'm glad …

Comparison Of Individual Vs. Group Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training On State And Trait Anxiety, Janet L. Niefert

Masters Theses

This study investigated the relative effects of group and individually administered progressive muscle relaxation on the reduction of state and trait anxiety. A six-week training program was conducted for 12 graduate and undergraduate volunteers. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Relaxation State Behavioral Checklist were administered prior to and immediately following training. A Subjective Stress Record was maintained daily for two weeks prior to training and for the s ix weeks of training. No decrease was found in trait anxiety scores after training. A significant decrease in state anxiety scores was found in both individually trained and group trained subjects. …

The Effects Of Reinforcement Magnitude On The Transfer Of Stimulus Control, L. Martin Grabijas

Masters Theses

Communication training for the developmentally disabled is becoming a vital component among residential training facilities. Such education necessarily entails the transfer of stimulus control from a prompt stimulus to a stimulus inherent in the task. The current study investigated the effects which different values of a reinforcer may have on the transfer of stimulus control. Three severely, mentally retarded adults were taught manual sign language, while two values of the reinforcer were varied according to two classes of response: preprompt and postprompt responding. A within subjects design was incorporated with a delayed prompting procedure in identifying the precise moment of …

Menstrual Cycle Status, Body Composition And Dietary Characteristics Of Female Collegiate Gymnasts, Dance-Majors And Non-Athletes, Robyn Lesley Mills

Masters Theses

This study investigated the incidence of regular menstrual cycles, secondary amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea in collegiate female gymnasts, dance-majors and non-athletes. Menstrual cycle characteristics and eating attitudes were surveyed by questionnaire. Dietary status was determined by a 5 day dietary diary, and body composition was measured by hydrostatic weighing to determine the relationship of these variables with menstrual cycle status.

The frequency of amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and regular cycles differed significantly (p<.05) between activity groups. The gymnasts reported the highest incidence of amenorrhea (16%) and oligomenorrhea (32%). A significant difference (p<.05) was found between activity groups for age at menarche, percent body fat, dietary status and eating attitudes.

Statistical analysis of the main effect of menstrual cycle status showed a significant difference for caloric intake and eating attitudes. The amenorrheic subjects consumed fewer calories and scored higher on …

Ipsilateral Electromyographic Activity Of Shoulder Muscles During Unilateral Maximal Resistance Of Grasp In The Prone-On-Elbows Position, Bryan John Wodaski

Masters Theses

This study reports the relationship between electrical output of the deltoid muscle and the pectoral is major muscle (clavicular portion) ipsilaterally, following maximal resistance to grasp of the non-dominant hand while in the prone-on-elbows position. Forty-two normal college students were recruited from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental subjects' shoulder muscles' electrical activity was measured for changes from baseline to maximal contraction during two trials. The control group was measured in the same manner but they were not asked to contract their hand against resistance. For both groups electrical activity was …

The Use Of Repeated Acquisition As A Technique For Establishing A Behavioral Baseline With Victims Of Alzheimer's Disease, Michelle D. Stone

Masters Theses

Three subjects suspected as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) victims were trained on a behavioral chain of three sets of three poker chips, each set differing in color and position, to investigate subtle changes in learning and performance behaviors over time. For each session the subjects learned a new three-response sequence with a marked poker chip serving as the correct response for each set. A within-session learning curve resulted for all three subjects with the errors in the learning trial (LT) exceeding the errors for the performance trials (PT1 and PT2). Only Subject III demonstrated a stable pattern of learning, with the …

A Study Of Adult Undergraduate Students Attending Eastern Illinois University, Huey-Li Li

Masters Theses

Adult students over the age of 25 have comprised a significant proportion of student body in traditionally youth-oriented institutions of higher education. At Eastern, adult students comprised 7.2 percent of the population of undergraduate students in the Fall, 1986. Based on an institutional survey, this study attempted to gain a deeper understanding about adult students' academic and personal experiences of returning to a four-year university.

One-fourth of the adult students (N=183) were randomly selected and invited to participate in this study. A total of 104 adult students returned the questionnaires. Participants' responses were categorized into six groups in accordance with …

Follow-Up Study Of Counselors Using Individualized Career Plans, Margaret Slattery Fiorillo

Masters Theses

Statement of the Problem

This study took place in public high schools in east central Illinois. The subjects studied consisted of 13 school counselors who were using Individualized Career Plans in their respective high schools. All of these counselors had received a mini grant from the Career Guidance Center, Region 9, Lake Land College, Mattoon, Illinois.

The study was done to provide information from the counselors involved about usage, evaluation, future plans, advantages, and disadvantages of Individualized Career Plans.

The study also was conducted to determine whether or not the Career Guidance Center should continue funding and support of Individualized …

Administrative Field Experience, Richard E. Manuell

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The Individualized Career Plan In Effingham Unit Schools, Larry Micenheimer

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this field study was to develop an Individualized Career Plan program for use at Effingham High School. An Individualized Career Plan is based on a process that relates a student's formal learning experiences to his/her career goals. The Individualized Career Plan is a tool for students and staff to use to coordinate school career developmental experiences. The Individualized Career Plan is used as a roadmap for the future to help students make effective career decisions.

Procedure

A review of the literature and research included information from field test sites around the state and from …

The Inter-Rater Reliability Of The American Association On Mental Deficiency Adaptive Behavior Scale (School Edition) Using Secondary Special Education Personnel As Raters, Jimmy L. Camp Jr.

Masters Theses

The concept of adaptive behavior has been present in the definition of adaptive behavior for many years. With the advent of intelligence testing, adaptive behavior was deemphasized, but later reemerged as widespread dissatisfaction with the testing movement grew among researchers in the area of mental retardation. The importance of the concept of adaptive behavior has been affirmed by the American Association on Mental Deficiency (A.A.M.D.), which developed a dual criteria system of defining mental retardation that included adaptive behavior as a major component. The Federal government later adopted this classification system for funding purposes in P.L. 94-142.

The valid and …

Analysis And Trends Of Education And Employment: 1985 Fountain Central High School Graduates, Beverly J. Shelton

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived quality of education and the employment expectations of the 1985 graduates of Fountain Central High School and to gather current statistics on those graduates. Subjects comprised 103 graduates of a rural, west central Indiana public high school. The graduates were administered a survey to determine opinions and perceptions of education received, to determine whether they were employed or continuing their education, and to determine what trends may be developing or maintained.

Today' s students reflect a much wider range of preparation, as indicated by grades and class rank. The test …

The Effects Of Various Adenosine And Xanthine Analogues On Mammalian Sperm Motility, Daniel Joseph Cushing

Masters Theses

Caffeine, theophylline, and a number of other xanthine analogues have been shown to stimulate the motility of mammalian spermatozoa. The mechanism by which these compounds act was assumed to be cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibition. However, it has recently been shown that many of the responses elicited by alkylxanthines and their analogues in various tissues are not the result of cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibition but by antagonism of endogenous adenosine. Using the recently described transmembrane migration method this study observed the effect of a number of xanthine and adenosine analogues on mammalian sperm motility. The hypothesis to be tested was that the increase …

The Use Of Traditional Articulation Tests In Phonological Analysis, Teri L. Moser

Masters Theses

Phonological analysis is an established, comprehensive, and effective means of assessing the speech patterns of unintelligible children. However, many practicing speech-language pathologists have not incorporated this procedure into their diagnostic batteries and continue to use traditional articulation tests because of convenience and familiarity of the tests (Garber, 1984). If articulation tests could be modified to assess phonological simplification processes, speech-language pathologists may be more likely to use this method of speech analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine if traditional articulation tests employing a phonological analysis procedure are a valid measure of phonological simplification processes.

This study compared …

Music: A Nursing Intervention For Increased Intracranial Pressure, Carol Roberts

Masters Theses

Individuals with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from all causes are subject to periods of marked increased intracranial pressures. Research since the 1960's has focused primarily on pathophysiologic causes and on variations between pathologies. Since 1978, nursing research has identified increases in ICP with patient-related activities such as suctioning, vagal stimulations, positioning, turning, noises, and emotive conversations. The use of therapeutic touch has been identified as a nursing intervention that correlates with a lowering of ICP. Since auditory pathways have been shown to be intact even in severely brain-injured individuals, the use of music (the universal language) may be effective in …

Patient Perception Of Severity Versus Actual Clinical Severity In Acute Myocardial Infarction (Coronary Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation), Denise Kay Busman

Masters Theses

Myocardial infarction affects many people each year. Patients begin to form ideas regarding their myocardial infarction and perceive elements of their environment shortly after admission to the Coronary Care Unit (Runions, 1985). One of the ideas formed concerns the severity level of their myocardial infarction. The pupose of this study was to identify factors contributing to patients' perceptions of the severity level of their myocardial infarction and in turn compare these perceptions with predicted clinical severity. Numerous studies have explored patients' psychosocial reactions and adaptation to coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. However, few studies identify patients' perceptions of events …