Digital Commons Network^™

The Initial Application Screening Process For P-12 Potential Teacher Candidates, Brian Edward Neighbors

Masters Theses

This study was designed to understand what factors determine how a school district hiring official takes a stack of many applicants and screens those down to a few to bring in for a face to face interview. The application process is seldom a focus in teacher education curriculum, and the study sought to see how important the application documents were in determining how the candidate was viewed by the hiring official. The researcher conducted one on one interview with a selected sample of district hiring officials using a qualitative inquiry method. Interviews were analyzed to determine how district size and …

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. …

Estimating The Size Of The Informal Sector In Latin America, George T. Lesica

Masters Theses

The informal sector has always been assumed to exist but was not studied intently until the 1970s when economic events in the US and Europe led scholars to consider just how much economic activity was occurring but not being accounted for. Since that time it has been studied more vigorously but very little progress has been made in understanding it.

In this paper I develop estimates of the size of the informal sector using two different methods. First, a panel of estimates for several Latin American countries will be constructed using the Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) method for several …

Forecasting Exchange Rates Using Neural Networks: A Trader's Approach, Adam Stokes

Masters Theses

This study is to investigate the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for forecasting exchange rates. The currencies examined in the paper are the Euro, Pound, and Yen. Two different types of ANNs are used in this paper: Feedforward and Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous Input (NARX). Forecasts are made for daily and weekly exchange rates using the open, high, low, and close of the exchange rates. Many standard econometric models cannot deal with daily and weekly forecasts due to many macro economic variables not being available at such frequencies. ANNs are able to deal with daily and weekly data as …

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 …

The Affect Of Surface Hydrophobicity On Wind Erosion Probed By Atomic Force Microscopy, Bradley Eric Frost

Masters Theses

Several field and laboratory studies have shown indirectly the effects of atmospheric humidity on soil particle adhesion through reduced resistance to movement by wind as the humidity decreases. Similar studies have also shown that increased hydrophobicity has the same effect on susceptibility of soil particles to movement by wind as reduced humidity. Theoretical models of idealized soil particle cohesion by water menisci in equilibrium with the atmospheric humidity have been used to explain these results. However the interpretation of these phenomenological results has never been tested by direct measurement of soil inter-particle cohesion as a function of humidity and hydrophobicity. …

Westfield College: Fighting For The Soul, Ryan M. D'Arcy

Masters Theses

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ developed quickly in the United States in the nineteenth century. The denomination, against strong opposition at first, became a great supporter of church-sponsored schools. Westfield College was the school the denomination founded in Illinois. It, like the denomination's other schools, reflected the beliefs held by the denomination. It generally allowed individual interpretation regarding the applications of biblical teaching, particularly regarding baptism. The schools, however, held their students and faculty to a tight moral code and tried to act upon that code in the community by banning alcohol sales, supporting women's rights, and …

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 …

Is Anthropogenic Habitat Change The Driving Force Of Rapid Evolution Of Southeastern U.S. Coastal Deer Populations?, Nicole L. Storm

Masters Theses

Many factors, such as genetics, food availability and the exact food species, can affect the growth rate and asymptotic size of animals. Since the I 960's, the coastal areas and islands in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have become vacation destinations with large and lavish resort communities built to accommodate the large number of visitors to areas that were once called home by just a small number of residents. These developments brought with them non-native plants and improved soil quality for both native and non-native plants. During this same time period, the whitetailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) native to …

Catalytic Activity Of Titania And Titania-Containing Nanomaterials: And, Spatial Distribution Of Silica Surface Groups Using A Tethered Amine Catalyst, Ramkumar Samala

Masters Theses

Titania and titania-containing nanomaterials are semiconductor photocatalysts and are widely used to degrade (i.e. oxidize) organic matter. The adsorption and catalytic properties of highly dispersed titania prepared using sulfate and pyrogenic methods, and fumed containing mixed oxides, were studied using catalytic decomposition of methylene blue primarily by kinetic methods. Commercial ultrafine titania (PC-100, PC-105 and PC-500), fumed Ti 02, and the mixed oxide of 80% Silica/20% Titania (ST20) were studied. Catalytic activity as measured by methylene blue decomposition kinetics was highest per gram for non-treated ultrafine titania PC- 500 which has the highest SsET and smallest particle size. However this …

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 …

Effect Of Siblings And Peers On Social Interaction Of Children With Autism, Laura E. Welsh

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact that siblings and peers have on the social skills of children with autism. Subjects included six children with autism between the ages of five and eight years of age. Subjects were observed playing with a typically-developing sibling for two one-hour sessions. Half of the subjects were observed playing with a typically-developing peer for two one-hour sessions. During each structured play session, toys from a preselected set were presented one at a time. The children were instructed to play together with no further adult interaction. Data were analyzed for joint attention, …

Issues In The 2008 Presidential Election: Perceptions Of The Candidates And Their Links To Vote, Justin T. Cross

Masters Theses

Can the electorate's beliefs on issues be used as a predictor of vote? More importantly, do voter's perceptions of a candidate's position overshadow the party identification model? Arthur H. Miller and Thomas F. Klobucar (2003) studied this subject by analyzing the 2000 American Presidential Election. The aim of this paper is advance their study, by creating a more robust test of their model. The 2008 election is analyzed using data from the American Nation Election Time Series Survey. This election was chosen because it identifies the economy, as the most important issue (CNN exit poll). If issues could have more …

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 …

Mentor Perceptions Of Closure In Formal Youth Mentoring Relationships, Anna Maria Peterson

Masters Theses

In formal community-based youth mentoring relationships, mentors and mentees travel through phases of a relationship from inception through closure. To form an understanding of mentor perceptions of the closure phase of those relationships, a Glaserian grounded theory survey was conducted. Mentors located in central Illinois participated in the survey providing their perceptions, insights and experiences regarding the closure phase of the youth mentoring relationships in which they were involved.

Key Factors Affecting Color Reproduction On T-Shirt Fabrics Using Heat Transfer Printing, Molly Frank

Masters Theses

Dye sublimation heat transfer printing is commonly used to transfer an image to fabric for small production runs. This process is very inexpensive and is very quick. Unlike digitally printing on fabric, there is no need to treat the fabric once the image has been transferred onto it. Heat transfer printing is also commonly used due to the fact that three different factors can be controlled while printing. These three factors are the temperature, the dwell time, and the pressure. Color reproduction is easy to do once the correct combination of these three factors is found. The temperature, time, and …

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 …