Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

The Impact Of Mentoring African-American Males During Their Undergraduate Experience, Ivan D. Blount

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present qualitative study was to examine mentoring relationships for African American males enrolled at a predominately white university. Study participants met the following criteria: (1) African American male; and (2) senior class status based on earned academic credits. Characteristics such as prior enrollment at other institutions, age at the time the study was conducted, and degree program enrollment were not identified criteria. The findings of the present study include the perceptions of the impact of mentoring on the persistence, involvement in the cocurriculum, relationships with formal and informal mentors, and , in general, their successfulness ( …

Flowers In Bloom: The Experiences Of African American Undergraduate Single Mothers At A Predominantly White Institution, Erika C. Weaver

Masters Theses

Little research has been done to examine the experiences of African American undergraduate single mothers. Because of this, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of African American undergraduate single mothers at a Predominantly White Institution. Prior research identified the following themes: African American women in higher education, single mothers in higher education, welfare reform, and support systems. A qualitative study was conducted to gain an in depth understanding of five women's perceptions of their experiences at Fields University. Individual interviews were conducted with five student mothers, each of whom had one child living with her. …

Submissive And Dominant Sexual Cognitions Of College Women With A History Of Sexual Abuse, Jisun Kelly Park

Masters Theses

The study investigated the effect of timing of sexual abuse on sexual cognitions of submission and dominance. Female college students completed questionnaires containing reports of history of sexual abuse, sex guilt, social desirability, and sexual cognitions. The results show that the childhood and the adulthood abused group have more frequent positive sexual cognitions, more frequent arousal to sexual cognitions, and higher intensity of sexual arousal to these sexual cognitions. The frequency of overall cognitions was the most significant predictor in predicting all submission and dominance sexual cognitions variables. This study while replicating previous findings that survivors of sexual abuse tend …

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 …

Methodology For Evaluating Statistical Equivalence In Face Recognition Using Live Subjects With Dissimilar Skin Tones, Bryan Baker

Masters Theses

The question sought in this study is whether there is a significant statistical difference between a facial recognition system's ability to recognize dark or light skin tone subjects. In addition to the direct comparison of results from two different populations, this study also examines four factors commonly effecting facial recognition systems. The four factors tested were angle of the camera viewing the subject; both horizontally to the left and right, as well as vertically, both above and below the subject's line of sight.

Additionally, the distance the subjects are from the camera, and then intensity of the illumination on the …

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 …

Finding The Path Within The "Ego Tunnel": A Buddhist Approach To Tackling The Problems Of A Western Self, Bryan James Hinman

Masters Theses

If many of the problems associated with a Western sense of self stem from its penchant for distorting reality, it follows that to free ourselves from its grasp we would need to implement an alternative way to view our experience accurately, such as that described in the Buddhist doctrine of no-self. The dangers of becoming attached to the Western self are outlined, as well as the means of transcending them through accurate self-assessments gained from insights of no-self. In addition, considerable research is reviewed that supports this idea by suggesting that Western constructs similar to no-self, like the "quiet" ego, …

Relationship Between Indirect Aggression And Social Anxiety In A College Sample, Jennifer A. Kusy

Masters Theses

Indirect aggression, a nonphysical form of aggression, has received increased attention in research because of the manipulative nature of the act. While it usually occurs during the preadolescent and adolescent years, research has started to examine its effects in young adult and adult populations. This study examined the link between indirect aggression and social anxiety and social avoidance in a sample of college students. Four distinct groups of aggressors were identified (perpetrator, victim, both, neither), with the majority of students indicating they have had no experience with indirect aggression. Results indicated that those who experienced indirect aggression in some form …

Effects Of Statewide Training On Functional Behavioral Assessment (Fba) Knowledge, Kendra L. Brading

Masters Theses

Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a 3-tiered approach to eliminating problem behaviors by replacing them with appropriate behaviors. PBIS implementation differs depending on the tier. Implementation at Tier 1 focuses on school-wide prevention of problem behaviors. Tier 2 involves diminishing current problem behavior cases at the classroom-level. In Tier 3, a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is conducted, which evaluates the problem behaviors and determines antecedents and consequences of the behaviors so that an intervention can be planned. Training educators to conduct FBAs is linked to appropriately and accurately implementing FBAs. This study examined pre and posttest scores to …

Children's Emotion Regulation And Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, And Depressive Symptoms, Monica Renee Karsai

Masters Theses

Emotion regulation is necessary for a child to adapt to and function well in the environment. Problems in child emotion regulation have been linked with numerous negative outcomes. This paper reviews the current literature linking child social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression to emotion regulation. In addition, the relationship between parent symptomatology and child emotion regulation is discussed. A mediated model that examines the association between maternal social anxiety and the three symptom clusters (i.e., social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depressive symptoms), with child emotion regulation as a mediator, was tested. Contrary to the hypotheses, child emotion regulation did not …

Do You "Like" Your Body?: The Effect Of Facebook Investment On Self-Objectification, Body Shame, And Disordered Eating, Chandra Feltman

Masters Theses

The model derived from objectification theory proposing that body shame mediates the relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating has been empirically supported in numerous past studies. The present study extended the research on objectification theory by first examining this model in a sample of 71 female undergraduates and then investigating what effect Facebook investment had on the study's variables. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing selfobjectification, body shame, disordered eating symptoms, and Facebook investment. Results demonstrated that body shame fully mediated the relationship between selfobjectification and disordered eating. Analyses also revealed Facebook investment to be a significant predictor of self-objectification in …

Panic!: Anxiety Sensitivity, Perceived Stress, And Social Support As Predictors Of Uncued Panic Attacks In College Students, Julie Lynn Kaspar

Masters Theses

Uncued panic attacks are prevalent in the college student population. In the current study, anxiety sensitivity, perceived stress, and social support were explored as predictors of uncued panic frequency. Additionally, family support and close friend support were compared. A sample of 117 college students from Eastern Illinois University were assessed using an online survey that included a one-item uncued panic frequency measure, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale-College Version (College CASSS). Results indicated that all three predictors were significant when tested independently. When placed in a hierarchical regression, …

Role Of Exercise On Psychological Health Of College Students, Shannon L. Goering

Masters Theses

Campus recreation centers have been gradually developing within the past decade to not only serve as recruitment tools for perspective students, but to promote better physical health in college students. Also throughout recent years, researchers have linked participation in physical activity to improved mental health. Targeting the college-aged population, the present study examined the relationship between physical activity and psychological well-being in college students, specifically those who use the student recreation center (SRC) on campus. A sample of 210 university students completed various measures to assess overall psychological well-being (i.e., level of mood, selfesteem, stress, & life satisfaction) and regular …

Perceptions Of Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Treatment Acceptability: Cultural Trends, Sarah Girresch

Masters Theses

A survey study, usmg a convenience sample, was conducted to assess relationships between adult perceptions of childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and treatment acceptability. Trends in perceptions about ADHD were also examined among African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanics. Ninety (90) participants completed questionnaires developed by the authors that evaluated beliefs about the etiology of ADHD, sources of information used to learn about ADHD, perceptions of stigma associated with ADHD, trust in the system, and attitudes about treatments. Participants overwhelmingly expressed a neutral perspective regarding ADHD-related perceptions. However, beliefs about etiology, endorsement of nonprofessional information sources, and trust in the system …

The Power Of Words: The Use Of Language In Ethan Frome, Heather Faye Spear

Masters Theses

Edith Wharton's novel, Ethan Frome, has been sharply criticized for its tragic ending, yet Wharton's compelling storytelling which depicts universal conditions of mankind accomplishes something powerful through its narrative: it defends language. The complicated relationship between the three main characters, Zeena, Ethan, and Mattie is rooted in their utilization of language. Using a combination of close reading for textual analysis and identifying a communicative style for each character, this thesis asserts that how the characters in this novel utilize language contests the meaninglessness and relativity supported by deconstructionists. Wharton clearly illustrates Zeena's linguistic power over both Ethan and Mattie, and …

Freshmen Perceptions Of Academic Support In The Residence Halls, Katherine E. Schmidt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of freshmen students on the subject of academic support in the residence halls. Prior research in the field indicated there are many different approaches to academic support in the residence halls such as the professional and resident assistant staff, academic programming as well as the physical environment, and exploring living learning community programs. The prior research also indicated the need to identify the unique millennial generational needs as well as the goals of integrative learning. A qualitative study was conducted in three focus group settings to gain an understanding of …

Special Education Teachers' Perspectives Of The Functional Behavior Assessment Process, Stephanie A. Woodley

Masters Theses

This study investigated special education teachers' perspectives of the functional behavior assessment (FBA) process including assessment methods, behaviors warranting an FBA, and perceptions. It also explored FBA training, time commitments, and participants. Ninety-eight special education teachers who graduated from a special education program at a state regional comprehensive university two or more years ago completed a survey designed for this study. Results indicated FBA training and time commitments as concerns. Overall, assessment methods and behaviors leading to FBA development were similar; however, some variances were found when compared by grade levels. Significant statistical differences were found in the use of …

Turning The Silver Screen To Gold: An Analysis Of Opening Weekend Box Office Success, Jennifer Muser

Masters Theses

Success at the box office can be difficult to predict. While one combination of stars, budget, or praise produces a blockbuster, the slightest tweaking in a sequel can produce a bomb. The objective of this research is to model the opening weekend box office revenue per screen based on a set of variables parsed from the Internet Movie Database and using a critical review index variable retrieved from Rotten Tomatoes.com. First, the author estimates opening weekend revenue per screen from a sample of 1116 movies as a function of the movies' characteristics, such as genre, MP AA rating, critical rating, …

Comparison Of Nutritive Value, Cost, Viscosity, And Acceptability Among Three Developed Oral Nutritional Supplements And A Standard Commercially-Prepared Supplement, Christa R. Huxel

Masters Theses

The consumption of oral nutritional supplements may help prevent, or delay, malnutrition in the older adult population. Developing acceptable supplements, and discovering alternative methods to providing nutrition to older adults, is vital. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate three oral nutritional supplements in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors that were similarly priced and contained similar nutritive value as compared to the standard commercially-prepared supplement Ensure®. The study also focused on the comparison of appearance, smell, flavor, aftertaste, viscosity, and overall acceptability and preference between the researcher-developed and standard supplements. The researcher-developed supplements were less expensive per …

An Examination Of Implicit And Explicit Attitudes Toward Steroids/Hgh In A Sample Of College Athletes And Nonathletes, Dominic Gray Morais

Masters Theses

Recently, media has placed more attention on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and human growth hormone (HGH) due to confessions and positive drug tests by professional athletes concerning their use. The idolization of these athletes by younger individuals, especially athletes, incites concern about their attitudes toward such substances. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes toward AAS and HGH in athletes and nonathletes. One hundred forty three male and female intercollegiate athletes (N = 83) and undergraduate and graduate Kinesiology and Sports Studies majors (N=60) at a Division I Midwestern University volunteered for the study. …

Existence Of Burnout In Undergraduate Athletic Training Students In An Accredited Athletic Training Education Program, Holli Ann Newcomer

Masters Theses

Athletic training is an American Medical Association (AMA) - recognized allied health care profession. With long hours, limited time off, and a variety of people to care for, this profession is one in which the athletic trainer may experience high stress loads and burnout. Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity (Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, 1996). The purpose of this study was to examine undergraduate athletic training students and determine whether or not they displayed symptoms of burnout and to what extent. Thirty …

Undergraduate Leadership Development Perceptions, Jordan Baumgardner

Masters Theses

Since the founding of America's first institution of higher education in 1636, one of our primary purposes has been to develop leaders. There is a plethora of literature focused on leadership, yet there is a dearth of literature from the perspectives of student. The purpose of the present study was to understand how undergraduate student leaders defined leadership, their perceptions of how they experience this phenomenon, and how they perceive their development ofleadership skills and abilities. Through a mixedmethod approach, this study sought to understand leadership from the students' perspectives. Findings from the present study suggest that a single definition …

Student Athlete: From Recruitment To The Academic, Athletic, & Social Experiences, Moetiz Y. Samad

Masters Theses

Student-athletes in the present study seemed more athlete-students in that they were consistently more concerned about their athletic performance than their academic performance. With the number of road trips and early scheduled classes, students freed up their mid-afternoons to late evenings for the respective sport of which they were a part of. By conducting such research, a number of different elements became clearer during the researcher's efforts to find out why an athlete chooses a specific institution, the nature of his or her overall university experience, and the interpersonal relationships college athletes make throughout the course of their undergraduate careers.

Differential Predictors Of Overt And Relational Aggression In Outpatient Youth, Andrea Hadley

Masters Theses

Youth overt (OA) and relational (RA) aggression are linked to future maladjustment and problems such as delinquency, poor academic achievement, and depression (Crick, Ostrov, & Werner, 2006). Although these two types of aggression overlap, overt and relational aggression have been consistently identified as distinct forms of aggression. Researchers explored the overlap between overt and relational aggression and review differential predictors of these aggressive behaviors in a sample of clinically- referred youth ages 8 to 1 7. Youth and parent beliefs about overt and relational aggression, psychopathology, conduct problems, and parenting styles as differential predictors for overt and relational aggression were …

Nonliteral Language Used By Teachers In The Classroom, Jenna K. Szybowicz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research project was to determine ifregular education and special education classroom teachers used a varying amount of idioms in the classroom. Two groups of subjects were involved in the study; 12 regular education classroom teachers (four first grade; four second grade; and four third grade) and 12 primary crosscategorical classroom teachers. The teachers were observed for one to two hours via naturalistic observation methods during math and language arts lessons. The sample was transcribed and analyzed using Systematic Analysis of Language Transcriptions (SALT). The transcriptions were coded for the following criteria: nonliteral idioms[n] (e.g.,just a minute); …

Romantic Conflict: A Problematic Integration, Alyssa Obradovich

Masters Theses

Though conflict is to be expected in most romantic relationships, research determines the amount of conflict within a relationship is likely to peak in the dissolution phase. Ending relationships is rarely easy, and the experience can be wrought with mixed emotions and uncertainty. Problematic integration theory offers a perspective that specifically deals with uncertainty and ambivalence but has yet to be applied to romantic conflict. This thesis examines uncertainty in conflict within the dissolution phase of romantic relationships. This perspective offers a more holistic view of how couples negotiate uncertainty in dissolving conflicts.