Digital Commons Network^™

"An Arm Around The Shoulder And A Kick In The Pants"; Thirty Years Of Assisting Underprepared Students At Minnesota State University Moorhead's New Center For Multidisciplinar Studies, Maureen Kelly Jonason

Theses and Dissertations

This case study provides the thirty-year history of the developmental program known as the New Center for Multidisciplinary Studies at Minnesota State University Moorhead, a unique alternative-admissions program for underprepared students. A review of literature on Benjamin Bloom's mastery learning approach, the history of developmental education, and the history of experimentation in higher education revealed the strengths and weaknesses of mastery learning, the primary approach used at the New Center at the beginning of the program, and also provided the socio-political-educational context for its initiation. In seeking to find out how the program started, how it has changed over the …

Cognitive And Non-Cognitive Predictors Of Retention And Academic Performance Of University Freshmen, Alice L. Hoffert

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between selected variables and the retention and academic performance of first-time, full-time freshmen after the first semester and first year of college. The variables included were students’ gender, age, ethnicity, high school grade point average, ACT score, scholarships, Federal Pell Grant, student loans, location of high school attended, and major declared or not declared.

The population was limited to a cohort at the University of North Dakota enrolled during the 2002-2003 academic year and resulted in a sample of 1,480 students. Data were collected on each member of the cohort …

Helping With The Transition To Parenthood: An Evaluation Of The Marriage Moments Program, Elizabeth Brinton Fawcett

Theses and Dissertations

In an attempt to strengthen marriages during the transition to parenthood, the Marriage Moments program was developed from Blaine Fowers' virtues based model of marital quality. Marriage Moments is a non-intrusive, mostly self-guided approach to marriage education, which is easily incorporated into childbirth education classes. The Marriage Moments curriculum stresses building marriage on a strong foundation of friendship and partnership. In this model, marital friendship is strengthened through a shared vision of life and important life goals; partnership is nurtured by the virtues of generosity, fairness and loyalty.

This program was tested on 155 married couples that were expecting their …

The Predictive Validity Of The Afit Graduate Management Program Admission Requirements: A Reassessment And Extension, Sarah E. Woods

Theses and Dissertations

This research is based on the Air Force and AFIT balancing mission requirements of personnel needed for duty and training airmen in advanced studies. Currently, over 50% of AFIT students do not meet AFIT entrance requirements. The purpose of this research was to examine criteria to determine its predictability of graduate success, as measured by graduate GPA, as well as determine whether performance is different for students who require criteria to be waived. Current AFIT eligibility criteria include undergraduate GPA, GRE test scores, or GMAT test scores. Other variables examined in this study include: GRE-Analytical test scores; rank/grade; prior enlistment; …

Coming Full Circle With Boyd's Ooda Loop Ideas: An Analysis Of Innovation Diffusion And Evolution, William S. Angerman

Theses and Dissertations

The Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) Loop ideas of Air Force Colonel John Boyd have impacted the Department of Defense (DoD), influenced military thought, paved the way for operational change, and helped to shape fighting doctrines. A wide variety of OODA Loop ideas and interpretations exist in the literature, but are unorganized and have not undergone holistic study to determine how Boyd's ideas have spread or changed over time. As such, this research analyzed a quarter century (1976-2003) sample of the OODA Loop literature to examine the diffusion and evolution of OODA Loop ideas since Boyd's original conceptualizations. This research used qualitative data …

An Exploration Of Cultural Factors Affecting Use Of Communities Of Practice, Peter L. Hinrichsen

Theses and Dissertations

On-line communities of practice are potentially powerful social learning networks that can improve organizational performance. Unfortunately, administrators of on-line communities of practice report that community members do not take full advantage of this potential. This study used Shaw and Tuggle's (2003) factors of knowledge management (KM) culture affecting organizational acceptance of a knowledge management initiative to explore this issue. It was hypothesized that respondents whose communities of practice possessed higher average community use per member would rate KM culture variables higher than respondents whose communities possessed a lower average community use. An analysis of survey data collected from Air Force …

Effects Of Uncertainty On Real World Aerospace Mission Data, Steven J. Barosko

Theses and Dissertations

Uncertainty is an age old element of warfare. How does one measure success or failure on the battlefield? This thesis explores the effect of uncertainty on real world aerospace mission data from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Sources of uncertainty are identified during data preparation and the effects of uncertainty are investigated using multivariate analysis techniques. Two distinct cases are analyzed: one case with a low level of uncertainty in predicting whether or not a mission is pre-planned or alert generated, and another case with a high level of uncertainty in predicting whether or not a mission is a success or …

Agent Based Simulation Seas Evaluation Of Dodaf Architecture, Gregory V. Destefano

Theses and Dissertations

With Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems being deeply rooted in the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) structure, it is necessary for combat models to capture C4ISR effects in order to properly assess military worth. Unlike many DoD legacy combat models, the agent based model System Effectiveness and Analysis Simulation (SEAS) is identified as having C4ISR analysis capabilities. In lieu of requirements for all new DoD C4ISR weapon systems to be placed within a DoD Architectural Framework (DoDAF), investigation of means to export data from the Framework to the combat model SEAS began. Through operational, system, …

Modeling And Analysis Of Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Damon B. Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

The forces at play in reconstruction operations are a complex system of time phased interlocking cause and effect relationships that are not thoroughly understood. A model capable of capturing the general dynamics involved in post-conflict reconstruction would provide insight to decision makers regarding potential policy alternatives. This research effort demonstrates the viability of using systems dynamics modeling techniques to simulate the establishment of public order and safety in a post-conflict reconstruction operation (Phase IV operations). A high level generic framework is developed that can be used as a general template for modeling post-conflict reconstruction. It is then demonstrated with a …

Aggregation Techniques To Characterize Social Networks, Sara E. Sterling

Theses and Dissertations

Social network analysis focuses on modeling and understanding individuals of interest and their relationships. Aggregation of social networks can be used both to make analysis computationally easier on large networks, and to gain insight in subgroup interactions. Aggregation requires determining appropriate closely knit subgroups as well as choosing a measure or measures to represent the network data. This thesis provides the analyst with several techniques for using aggregation to analyze the characteristics of social networks. The contribution of this research lies in its ability to analyze a wide variety of social network structures and available data through two methods for …

Measuring Prejudiced Attitudes Toward Mexicans In Latter-Day Saint Missionaries During Missionary Service In The American Southwest, Jared A. Montoya

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the foundations of prejudiced attitudes toward Mexicans held by White Americans and to investigate a means of reducing it, paying specific attention to prejudice found within a subpopulation of White Americans. The origins of American prejudice toward Mexicans are outlined using both historical and psychological explanations. An understanding of these origins leads to the notion that increased favorable contact is the best method for reducing prejudice. A field study focusing on prejudice toward Mexicans among ecclesiastical volunteers demonstrated that missionary service can be considered a means of favorable contact. Eighty-one White American …

The Development Of A Service-Learning Curriculum At The University Of North Carolina At Greensboro, Donna Jeffers Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to (a) successfully create a required service component in an undergraduate course that specifically addresses service learning and (b) develop recommendations for implementation of community service experiences in an existing academic department curriculum. Students, faculty, higher education institutions, and professional organizations contributed numerous suggestions for successful institutionalization of service learning. Relating course content to meaningful service, developing partnerships with community agencies, and providing faculty with recognition for service courses contributed to successful service-learning programs. The results revealed barriers to participation in service-learning activities, such as student and faculty apathy, lack of administrative support, and …

Utah's Plight: A Passage Through The Great Depression, Joseph F. Darowski

Theses and Dissertations

The Great Depression marked a fateful passage in the annals of the American people. President Roosevelt's New Deal, the nation's signature response, proved to be a determined but erratic reaction. Against the backdrop of a nation deeply mired in an unrelenting international depression, dramatic events played themselves out in the lives of the men and women of Utah. Throughout, fidelity to principles of independence, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency were sorely challenged.

The people of Utah found succor in two almost diametrically opposed responses. The New Deal offered an amalgam of programs and panaceas through which the federal government attempted to deliver …

The Relationship Between Imagery Use And Confidence In Coaches, Matthew G. Smiley

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Attitudinal Changes That Occur As A Result Of High School Transition Classes, K. K. Bradshaw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if high school transition classes alter student attitudes toward school, their peers, teachers/administrators or level of parental involvement. A large suburban high school class was administered a Likert Scale pre and posttest at the beginning of the course and at its conclusion. In addition to the pretest/posttest survey, students were grouped into six categories depending on their entering high school grade point averages. This delineation sought to ascertain if academic achievement either exacerbated or enhanced student perceptual indices on the survey. The data analyzed used an ANCOVA technique. Students were divided into …

Superintendents In Arkansas: An Examination Of Expectations And School Effectiveness Research, Tracy Selby Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study examined the expectations that six superintendents within the state of Arkansas held for building level administrators in effective elementary schools. Expectations were compared to the seven correlates of effective schools. Findings indicated that superintendents had at least one expectation related to each correlate. The major finding was for building level administrators to be strong instructional leaders. Other expectations included: (a) focusing on student learning, (b) knowing and living the expectations of the district and school, (c) being aware of things in the school building and on the campus, (d) communicating with staff and parents, (e) analyzing data, …

The Social Network And Attachment Bases Of Loneliness, David M. Ouellette

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis tests Robert S. Weiss's 1973 theory of loneliness, which claims two types of loneliness: emotional and social. Emotional loneliness is the affective reaction to the absence of a close attachment bond. Social loneliness stems from inadequate integration into a social network. Undergraduate residents of a university dormitory completed questionnaires on loneliness, attachment, personality, and relationships with other dorm residents. Patterns of relational ties among participants were evaluated using social network analysis, specifically density, tie strength, and four forms of centrality. Results reveal that, while controlling for neuroticism, the network measure of outdegree and the two attachment dimensions accounted …

Fundraising Techniques For Nonprofit Organizations, Brandi Pelham

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Framework For Effective School-To-Home Communication, Michael Shawn Ward

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the modes of communication that schools use with parents while identifying which modes are most preferred by parents. This study offers information toward expansion of school-to-home connections in elementary schools. This study demonstrates that what educators and parents think about parental involvement is not always the same. The conclusions that emerged from this study can be used by educators to develop a better understanding of parental needs and wants in the area of communication and parental involvement. From this base, research might be conducted in other grade levels and/or other states to determine if similar patterns exist. …

Achievement Test Scores Of African American Students Attending Magnet And Non-Magnet Schools, Sadie M. Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any statistically significant differences among the reading and math scores of African American students attending magnet and non-magnet schools in a large urban school district. This study involved a posttest-only design. Groups were not randomly assigned, but rather assigned to the two groups based on their classification as magnet or non-magnet. Thus, this study was a quasi-experimental posttest-only design with the non-magnet schools assigned to that group based on the school's demographic variables matching the schools in the magnet group. A two-sample t-test was the statistical procedure used for …

Explaining Retention In Community-Based Movement Organizations, Sarah Kathryn Diehl

Theses and Dissertations

An individual's initial acceptance of a recruitment pitch from a community-based social movement organization is usually based upon minimal information about the group and its efforts. It is only during the subsequent period of orientation that new members begin to learn more about the organization. During this period, the retention of new members is dependent on the successful alignment of individual and organizational frames. The failure to achieve such an alignment is likely to result in the new member's departure from the organization. This study explores the frame alignment process during early orientation to community-based SMOs. Using nineteen qualitative interviews …

The Longterm Effects Of Television Mediation On Lds Young Single Adults: An Exploratory Study, Jennia Parkin

Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory study examines what Latter-day Saint young single adults remember about their parents mediating the television and its use, and how those recollections contribute to their current attitudes and values toward the media, as well as their media choices. A stratified random sample of 267 LDS young single adults across the United States and outside the state of Utah responded to a cross sectional mail or online survey. The three mediation styles established by Valkenburg, Krcmar, Peeters, and Marseille (1999)—Restrictive, Instructive, and Coviewing—were used as the independent variables while scales assessing television offensiveness levels, attitudes, orientation, and usage were …

A Qualitative Study Of The Lived Experience Of Single, Gay Adoptive Fathers, John Daryl Matthews

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study expands the existing literature on fatherhood, single parents, and gay and lesbian adoption to include the unique experiences of single, gay men who became adoptive parents after "coming out", or establishing a gay identity. To illustrate these unique and common experiences, individual ethnographic interviews were conducted with 16 fathers residing throughout the United States, as well as internationally. Specifically, this study explored the participants' experiences through their reflections of the adoption process, and through their experiences after the family was established. The participants had experiences to those found in previous studies on gay and lesbian adoption and …

Claiming The Frontier : A Study Of Northeastern New York, 1749 To 1775, Erik L. Towne

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

I'Ve Done My Job : Elderly North Dakotans Talk About Right Living, John J. Weber

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Prince Vladimir And Russia's Conversion To Christianity : Cultural And Economic Connections Between Kiev And Constantinople, Jennie Weber

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Queering George Farquhar's The Recruiting Officers, John Tollef Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Selecting Appropriate Product Concepts For Manufacture In Developing Countries, Danielle Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

There is a noticeable lack of production of indigenously engineered and manufactured products in Less Developed Countries (LDC's). Few products developed in these LDC's could be viable in competitive markets or even sold as components and supplies to other manufacturers of competitive goods. Assumintg that these less developed countries do not innovate and manufacture because they cannot, the next logical question to ask is why can they not?

This thesis looks at the problems of manufacture and design in LDC's from the standpoint of Product Development. It begins by looking at development theories, namely top down and bottom up and …

Camden City Environmental Center Site Based Curriculum And Teacher Activity Guide, Wanda D. Little

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this curriculum and teacher activity guide is to provide Camden City School District's Environmental Center Program with a curriculum for kindergarten through fourth grade students. The curriculum provides students with site-based lessons and activities that are aligned and correlated with New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science, and the Excellence in Environmental Education Guidelines For Learning (K - 12). The Site-Based Curriculum and Teacher Activity Guide, upon approval by the Camden City School District Board of Education, will provide students with guided discovery experiences that introduce new ideas, dispel misconceptions and reinforce previous learning.

The scope …

Past, Present And Future Of Language Policy In Kazakhstan, Aliya S. Kuzhabekova

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an analysis of the historical preliminaries, current state and directions of further development of the language policy in the former Soviet and presently independent Republic of Kazakhstan. Such an analysis is of special interest for sociolinguistic theory. The uniqueness of the linguistic situation challenging contemporary Kazakhstani language policy-making consists in the fact that Kazakh, the native tongue of the ethnic majority and the de jure state language of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan, is too lexically underdeveloped to successfully compete in most of the communicative domains with Russian, the state language of Soviet Kazakhstan and the alternate …