Digital Commons Network^™

Gender In Shakespeare's Macbeth : Performances And Performativities, Christa Reaves

Theses

Critics and audiences alike have been guilty of reducing Lady Macbeth and Macbeth to the most basic form of their characters--evil. Because of their non-normative, complex gender roles, they are often misunderstood. Through the application of gender theory and performance theory, the anxieties within Macbeth surrounding and concerning gender can be explained as an issue of performance. With the understanding that gender is performative, I argue that the key to portraying the humanity within these characters is through performance of the text. In examining various stage and screen performances of Macbeth, I demonstrate that portraying these characters as realistic and …

Perceived Stimuli Size And Font Size Influences On Judgments Of Learning, Kelsey M. Mcelroy

Theses

Prior research has shown that people perceive heavier items and those presented in larger fonts as more memorable than lighter items presented in smaller fonts. This occurs despite the fact that weight and font size have been found to not impact actual recall performance. The present study examined how the physical size of the items represented in unrelated word pairs interacted with font size to influence younger adult participants' judgments of learning (JOLs; i.e., ratings regarding the likelihood of remembering an item) and actual recall performance. Results indicated that participants not only gave higher JOLs to large stimuli word pairs …

Examining The Role Of Incomplete Information On Tornado Warning Response, Kimberly T. Beam

Theses

This study is a partial replication of the Schultz et al. (2010) study, examining behavioral response to tornado warnings while driving. Prior experience with tornadoes was collected to examine its influence on response to the scenario and confidence ratings. Additionally, the effect of weather elements (hail and rain) and protective action recommendations were manipulated in scenarios after which participants were asked to choose their likely response. Lastly, confidence ratings were measured to test whether confidence ratings were influenced by participants' responses to the given scenario. Results indicated that prior experience did not influence responses given to the scenario. Results also …

Effects Of Personality, Communication, And Cross-Training On Virtual Team Performance, Jennifer L. Morgan

Theses

As use of virtual teams continues to grow, it is important to the success of businesses that the most effective individuals are selected for these teams. The present study explored which personality traits influenced the formality of communication and language use in virtual team communication. Additionally, the effects of virtual communication characteristics and cross-training styles on virtual team performance were also examined. Participants (N = 210) worked in teams of three as a team of Vice Presidents at a fictional Hollywood movie studio in the business simulation Tinsel Town to maximize profit for a simulated business year. The results of …

Exploring Exegetical Education In Mormon Gospel Doctrine Class, Michael Holton

Theses

“Mormon” gospel doctrine classes present a practical problem since the scriptural text is often bypassed in favour of thematic discussions. The use of exegesis might overcome this problem by reinstating the text as a genuine source of meaning since it gains greater applicability in modern times when its original context is fully appreciated. Indeed, “exegetical education” (the combination of a systematic study of a text through questions and subsequent application via peer-learning activities) could be a useful way to structure classes, study and discussions. Practical action research was employed in a small-scale study to explore these claims. Interviews were held …

Toly: Design To Enhance Parent-Child Relationship, Xiaoyu Wu

Theses

Toly is both a tool and a toy for children and parents. It is composed of two products: a cleaning bubble launcher and an adjustable mop. The form is inspired by sea creatures - specifically a hermit crab and an octopus - which enables Toly to combine role play and household chores. It makes kids love cleaning and provides an opportunity for parents to interact with kids while they are doing necessary housework.

Digital Divide Déjà Vu: Examining Second-Level Digital Literacy, Lisa Nicole Barber

Theses

Since the advent of the Internet, the diffusion of computers has narrowed the gap between the digital "have" and "have-nots," however researchers have identified a new disparity beyond computer accessibility as a result of the growing dependence of information on the Internet. This study will explore people's differences in online skills among users in the city of Rochester, N.Y. Based on a quota sample and a survey computer tasks are administered to evaluate internet skills. Findings suggest that there are significant differences in the amount of time it took to complete each task, while differences in education level, sex, age, …

Different Scores: Video Gamers’ Use Of Amateur And Professional Reviews, Richard Dillio

Theses

Though past research has measured the relationship between critical reviews and public response to such things as film and online products, there has been little investigation on the subject of video games. This study collected 146 survey responses aimed at gathering information on usage of amateur reviews, usage of professional critic reviews, and time spent playing games. The survey asked questions about respondents' beliefs regarding professional critics and amateur reviewers, and the review industry in general. Study respondents' views of the review industry, and their personal opinions of professional critics, show correlations with willingness to incorporate reviews in purchasing decisions. …

Study Of The Crafting Industry In Croatia: Insight Into Individual, Sara Milic

Theses

This research explores several elements of the Croatian crafting scene; individual motivations of crafters, how the community functions and common business practices. The study is qualitative and part phenomenological, part ethnographic in nature. The main goal was to collect information and data that can act as a foundation for further research. The key methods were in-depth interviews with several Croatian crafters, observation at crafting events and content analysis of online sources and promotional material. The main findings showed that many crafters obtain artistic fulfilment from their art, some turned to crafting out of financial necessity and others were seeking independence. …

The Power Of Lyrical Protest: Examining The Rhetorical Function Of Protest Songs In The 2000s, Mary Elizabeth Quirk Cort

Theses

Until the late 1960s, serious scholarship involving the impact of popular music as political expression was lacking. Studies in rhetorical criticism tended to focus upon speeches, essays, and historical documents. Yet in the 1970s, protest songs were given more attention by scholars. However, this trend was not continued into the 2000s. By analyzing the ideological themes within the lyrics, this thesis examined the rhetorical function of protest songs performed during the 2000s. Functions identified include: historicizing a truth, using music and lyrics as a buffer to challenge a power structure, empowering the listener to overcome adversity, communicating a message to …

Greeting Message, Voice Intonation, And Reward Offered In Telemarketing Calls, Eilin Aimee Diaz Fondeur

Theses

This study determined what types of appeals were more likely to gain compliance in telemarketing calls using two samples of adults and seniors. Eight different conditions were tested with combinations of greeting messages, tones of voice, and rewards offered. Significant differences were found in favor of using an eager greeting message and aggressive tone of voice. A vigilant greeting message and an aggressive tone of voice produced the greatest number of hang ups. A significant difference was found between offering a reward or not in the pitch for seniors but not for adults. Results provide support for using the peripheral …

Veteran Identity And Gender Representation: A Critical Visual Analysis, Ruth Harvie

Theses

This study reveals struggles over gender and identity in the military and shows how representations embody cultural, political, and ideological tensions over the role of women in the military and society. A chronological series of Veterans Affairs (VA) posters communicate this over a thirty year period. Visual communication and the area of representation and identity have long been studied across multiple disciplines, but no studies exist that examine the VA images. A critical visual analysis with the application of semiotics and gender theory revealed that veteran identity is significantly different between representation of men and representation of women.

Axiom, Jon Fila, Peter Klinkon

Theses

Axiom is a short narrative video, using live-action and 3D computer graphics to re-interpret the Greek myth of Persephone through the framework of contemporary science-fiction. The aim of the video is to use narrative, approached from a design strategy that thematizes the representational role of 3D computer generated graphics, to raise questions in the minds of thoughtful viewers about the use of genetics and computer simulated worlds in the context of the vulnerable natural environment. The conceptualization of the video is explained, followed by a summary of the production pipeline, and finally an evaluation of the finished piece.

Celebrity Endorsements In Print And Twitter: Comparing Brand Name Memorability And Credibility, Lauren Palmieri

Theses

The present study investigated the differences in brand name memorability and credibility of celebrity-endorsed advertisements presented in print and in Twitter. An experiment was conducted between two groups of participants. One group received treatments for print and the other for Twitter. Participants reviewed five advertisements, one of which contained a celebrity, then responded to 11 credibility belief statements and were tested on their memorability of the celebrity-endorsed ad. Significant differences were found in favor of remembering, buying and trusting a brand/product in celebrity-endorsed print ads. Significant differences were also found in the memorability of a celebrity-endorsed ad. The print group …

What Factors Influence Wind Perceptions, Tatiana Stein

Theses

Over the last decade, wind power has emerged as a possible source of energy and has attracted the attention of homeowners and policy makers worldwide. Many technological hurdles have been overcome in the last few years that make this technology feasible and economical. The United States has added more wind power than any other type of electric generation in 2012. Depending on the location, wind resources have shown to have the potential to offer 20% of the nation's electricity; a single, large wind turbine has the capacity to produce enough electricity to power 350 homes. Throughout the development of wind …

Playing The Prince Of Cats: A Retrospective On The Process Of Being Tybalt In Romeo And Juliet, Andrew J. Weber

Theses

Acting as the major antagonist for the first half of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Tybalt Capulet provides a unique challenge for an actor. The character's rage easily threatens to be static unless the actor can find appropriate justifications for his actions. Facing difficulty with limited textual background information, a performer undertaking the role must develop Tybalt's sense of self by drawing not only from Shakespeare's work, but also from the setting chosen by the director. This thesis examines how the character of Tybalt was developed to fit an adaptation of the play set during the Hatfield and McCoy feud …

An Examination Of Delay Discounting In Sex Offenders With Dual Diagnoses, Chad A. Poncinie

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF CHAD A. PONCINIE. For the Master of Science degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy, presented on 21 June 2013. TITLE: AN EXAMINATION OF DELAY DISCOUNTING IN SEX OFFENDERS WITH DUAL DIAGNOSES MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Mark R. Dixon Discounting of delayed rewards by sex offenders with dual diagnoses was compared to discounting of delayed rewards by matched control non-offenders with dual diagnoses. All participants completed a hypothetical choice task in which they made repeated choices between 10 dollars/servings after a delay and an equal or lesser amount available immediately. The delay to the large reward …

Perfection: United Goal Or Divisive Myth? A Look Into The Concept Of Posthumanism And Its Theoretical Outcomes In Science Fiction, Rebecca Leah Mccarthy

Theses

As science races to keep up with science fiction, many scientists are beginning to believe that the next step in human evolution will be a combination of human and machine and look a lot like something out of Star Trek. The constant pursuit of perfection is a part of the human condition, but if we begin to stretch beyond the natural human form can we still consider ourselves human? Transhumanism and posthumanism are only theories for now, but they are theories that threaten to permanently displace the human race, possibly pushing it into extinction. This thesis will look at the …

Contesting The Mainstream? Citizen News Platforms, The Alternative Paradigm, And The Bp Oil Spill, Benjamin A. Lyons

Theses

With emerging content forums blurring the distinctions between journalistic paradigms, this study helps illuminate those which best promote alternative practice. A content analysis of Deepwater Horizon oil spill coverage compared three platforms for online citizen journalism: corporate (CNN iReport), alternative (Indymedia), and independent blogs. News stories were coded for sources, links, author-reader interaction, mobilizing information, tone for the liable parties' ability and intent in handling the disaster, and contestation of official information. Results show that Indymedia was the most alternative in inclusion of mobilizing information, critical tone, contestation of mainstream versions, ratio of alternative links to mainstream, and total usage …

Investigating Denial Of The Harmful Effects Of Corporal Punishment In A Religious Context, Stephanie Grace Cox

Theses

Corporal punishment continues to be a controversial topic. Many people who experienced spanking as children feel that they were not harmed by the corporal punishment and go on to believe that using corporal punishment on their children will not harm them, especially if it is administered calmly. This study looked at the attitudes of 203 parents in the context of religion using Holden's "Attitudes Toward Spanking a Child" questionnaire. The results of this study showed that parents that said religion guided their parenting were more likely to view corporal punishment positively and were more likely to believe that corporal punishment …

Sustainability Curriculum Inventory And Literacy Assessment: The Influence Of Values On Knowledge Of And Perceived Importance Of Sustainability Components, David James Drogos

Theses

The incorporation of sustainability education and sustainable practices in higher education serves several purposes. It prepares students for work in sustainability-focused professions, fosters environmentally responsible behavior in individuals, and helps to reduce the ecological impacts of the operational aspects of educational institutions. However, contemporary definitions of sustainability, which consider social, political, ecological, and economic influences on the environment, complicate educational initiatives. Distinct educational departments often consider sustainability through their specialized lens. Trans-disciplinary initiative must be enacted in order for sustainability education to reach its full potential. This paper outlines the results of an electronically administered faculty sustainability curriculum inventory as …

An Examination Of Memory In Children With Inattention, Hyperactivity, And Depressive Symptoms, Jordan Marie Constance

Theses

The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationships between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, and memory impairment in children. It was hypothesized that level of inattention would negatively correlated with performance on measures of visual-spatial short-term memory and verbal memory. Children with greater levels of depressive symptoms were predicted to perform more poorly than less depressed peers on effortful measures of verbal and visual short-term memory, measures of verbal working memory, and measures of verbal long-term memory recall. Results indicated that impaired performance on one measure of visual-spatial short-term memory was related to increased levels of inattention and depression. …

Window Thermal Performance Optimization In The Government Built Emirati Family House-Abu Dhabi Emirate., Tareq I.A Abuimara

Theses

Presently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the world’s largest energy consumption per capita, with the building sector accounting for 70% of the consumed energy, primarily used for cooling. In the last three decades, the UAE government launched several housing programs that fit the needs of Emirati beneficiaries while recently targeting also energy efficiency.

This study aims at optimizing the window thermal performance in relation to orientation in a typical house within a representative governmental housing program. Often enough, housing orientation is governed by urban planning layout, where windows rarely show any adapted heat control treatment in relation …

Is Theoretical Rationality Derivatively Normative?, Kevin Charles Kifer

Theses

In the recent normativity literature, much attention has been paid to the question of whether rationality is normative. As rationality requires every agent’s attitudes to be logically consistent—and prohibits inconsistent attitudes—we might wonder whether we always have a reason to be rational. The normativity of rationality faces a strong skeptical challenge by Niko Kolodny (2005, 2008). Kolodny’s “why be rational?” challenge denies that we always have a reason to be rational. Andrew Reisner (2011) takes up this challenge and argues that—at a minimum—we necessarily have a strong reason to satisfy requirements of belief consistency and that this reason is parasitic …

I Am Pakistan, Shehzil Malik

Theses

I Am Pakistan is a project that aims to address the question of whether interaction design can be used to create human connections and foster the intrinsic motivation needed for becoming an agent of social change.

Pakistan is a country riddled with crippling problems such as poverty, illiteracy, terrorism and injustice. There is a need to make young people aware of proactive measures they can take to help change this dire situation.

Figures show that around 55% of Pakistani nationals are under the age of 25 with over 30 million Internet users in the population. This indicates that there is …

Oh My Plant: A Creative Design For Building Emotional Relationships Between People And Plants, Boran Song

Theses

While speaking with plant owners, I realized that one of the main reasons why people's plants were dying was that people lacked emotional relationships with their plants. In creating Oh My Plant, I wanted to help busy people to easily improve their gardening skills and to create an emotional relationship between people and their houseplants.

When our lives become busy and stressful, it is easy to forget to take care of our own bodies, let alone our houseplants. Yet houseplants offer numerous benefits to people, beautifying the environment and purifying the air.

I believe that the design for Oh My …

How Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Adults Are Affected By The Current State Of Real Estate, Kelly Metz

Theses

The goal of this Capstone Project is to address the important problems that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHOH) population incurs when purchasing real estate property, whether it is pre-existing or new-built. The project will help raise awareness to DHOH Adults on what is important during the house buying process. This outlines the process for purchasing both pre-existing and new-built homes through research and interviews from approximately 10-20 DHOH people that have experienced the process themselves and a licensed Real Estate Agent. The end result of this project will be converted into a handbook for DHOH Adults.

Facebook And Relationships: A Study Of How Social Media Use Is Affecting Long-Term Relationships, Rianne C. Farrugia

Theses

An online survey was conducted where 255 respondents provided information about their significant other. Respondents answered questions dealing with elements of relationship satisfaction, Facebook usage, surveillance, and jealousy. Results indicate a correlation between Facebook usage and relationship satisfaction. Individuals with varying levels of Facebook usage were shown to have a positive correlation with jealousy levels in their relationship, meaning as Facebook use increased, jealousy also increased. Altman and Taylor's theory of social penetration (1973) was used to describe the stages in a relationship from orientation into a relationship of stable exchange. This developmental theory illustrated the growth in relationship phases. …

Rescue Breathing In Noisy Environments, Brianna Slutsky

Theses

This study considered rhythmic performance of rescue breathing by trained emergency responders and lay persons. Participants were asked to complete rescue breathing in 10 different scenarios. Such scenarios were intended to evaluate the effects of target rhythms and distractors on the responder's ability to administer rescue breathing ventilations at the appropriate rate and rhythm, in accordance with the standards established by the American Red Cross (2011). Current research concerning rhythmic performance with target and distractor rhythms suggests that auditory rhythms, whether target or distractor, have a greater influence on the motor behaviors of the human than visual rhythms. This research …

Silence So Loud, Qian Li

Theses

In this thesis I will examine the relationship between dolls and human beings through a series of oil paintings and installations that involve the arrangement of canvases and small, three dimensional figures. The dolls that I paint are a metaphor for how humans interact. I also have incorporated language into the paintings. By lining up paintings of the dolls to "say" several short statements, each mouth on a doll's face is formed to represent part of a spoken word. Although the dolls attempt to say something, silence still remains. In the following document my childhood influence, and struggle of transforming …