Digital Commons Network^™

Policy Analysis : Personal Responsibility And Work Opportunity Act Of 1996, Eric Jorgenson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Interactive Television For Instruction In Rural Elementary Schools, Drina Pauline Hansel

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment Policy, Todd Feland

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Identifying Indicators Of Program Quality In U.S. Baccalaureate Aviation Programs, Paul Douglas Lindseth

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Environmental Attitudes And Behaviors: An Examination Of The Antecedents Of Behavior Among Air Force Members At Work, Mark S. Laudenslager

Theses and Dissertations

A questionnaire was randomly distributed to members of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB, OH, with 307 returned. The survey was designed to test the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model developed by Icek Ajzen, and the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) model explored in this research effort. Validation and measurement of the TPB in relation to an organizational setting was accomplished, with the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) developed. The behaviors and intentions individuals have towards recycling, energy conservation, and carpooling were examined, with the demographic variables of gender, age, and education also investigated. …

Censorship Of Textbooks And Supplemental Books In North Dakota Secondary Schools From 1989-1994, Jeffrey L. Lofthus

Theses and Dissertations

Censorship of school books and other materials has long been an issue in the United States. North Dakota has not been exempt from censorship, and the public schools in Drake, Minot, and Napoleon all experienced censorship battles.

This study examined the extent of censorship in North Dakota public high schools and determined what policies are used to handle challenges to textbooks and supplemental reading materials. A model policy for reconsideration of educational materials is recommended.

This study focuses on academic freedom, challenges to textbooks, library books, and other materials, humanistic education, the new age movement, reconsideration policies, secular humanism, and …

Status Passage Of The Science Fiction Fan: Becoming A Member Of The Science Fiction Fan Subculture, B. Diane Miller

Theses and Dissertations

In the 1930's a middle class subculture developed around the popular culture genre literature known as science fiction. This subculture calls itself "Fandom" (Sanders, 1994; Bloch, 1962). I have chosen to investigate the status passage of the science fiction fan (Glaser and Strauss, 1971); or to phrase this as a question: What is the process of becoming a member of the subculture of science fiction fandom? Throughout this monograph, I refer to the members of the science fiction fan subculture as SF Fandom to distinguish them from other “fandoms” that have grown and branched off from the original group.

In …

An Evaluation Of The Factors Used To Predict Writing Ability At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Darrin E. Farr

Theses and Dissertations

A study of 574 students at the Air Force Institute of Technology compared performance, education, and experience factors (the later two as stated by the students themselves) to a locally developed estimate of true writing ability (WGPA). This exploratory research was additionally intended to assess the effectiveness of AFITs current writing student skill diagnostic and instructional system. Direct (essay evaluation) and indirect (objective test) evaluations of AFIT student writing ability were analyzed for their predictive impact. The statistical analysis procedures used in this study included the factor analysis of a survey, ANOVA, the adjustment of multiple correlations due to measurement …

A Model For Successful Reutilization Of A Military Installation: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, Maria L. Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research concerning base closure and reutilization focused on the roles of government agencies and the assistance they provided. This study looks at the community and the impact of installation closure. The process of planning for reuse of an installation is difficult and confusing. The guidance provided by the government has changed drastically since the first closures announced in the 1988 Base Realignment and Closure Committee recommendations. This study focuses on the strategy employed by Kettering, OH to successfully reuse Gentile AFS upon closure. As the final part in a longitudinal study, the research focus was lessons learned and implementation …

The Use Of Literature In Teaching Equality In The Primary Classroom, Frances Dvorak

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Interdisciplinary Team Experiences Of Three At-Risk Middle School Students., Judith Ann Davison-Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study focuses on the experiences of three at-risk middle school students in an interdisciplinary team organization. The purpose was to investigate the attitudes and experiences of these students as they engaged in the activities of an interdisciplinary team. The sources of data were the descriptive field notes generated by observation, in-depth interviews of the participants, documents from the site, and a field diary which contained the author's reflective insights.The portraits of the at-risk students studied revealed personal characteristics and behaviors that challenged their opportunities for successful school experience. The portraits also detailed elements in their family backgrounds and …

Student Ethnicity And Teacher Expectations, Daisy Mercado

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between student ethnicity and teacher expectations and how these expectations were communicated to students through the types of questions they were asked. The subjects for this study were twenty-two second grade students. The first phase of the study consisted of observations in which the questions asked by the teacher and the ethnicity of the student were recorded. They were later categorized as low order and high order questions. Finally, a Chi square test was used to determine if there was a significant relationship between ethnicity and teacher expectations. The study revealed that no significant relationship …

The Relationship Between Self-Esteem And Romanticism Among Parenting And Nonparenting Adolescents, Francine D. Ramsey

Theses and Dissertations

This study's purpose was to assess the difference between romanticism and self-esteem among parenting (n=13) and nonparenting adolescents (n=18). One subject did not specify status. Parenting adolescents where those who were or had been pregnant. Nonparenting adolescents were those who had never been pregnant. Of the thirty-two subjects, 29 were African American and three were Hispanic. All were a part of a social support group. The subjects ranged in age between 13 and 19. The Dean Romanticism Survey and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory combined were administered. An independent t-test was performed on the variables. The results indicated that parenting adolescents did …

A Study Of Public Relations Practice In The Tobacco Industry: Misuse And Social Responsibility, Andrew M. Casper

Theses and Dissertations

The study's major purpose was to improve the quality and reputation of public relations practice in private industry. The study examined needed improvements m public relations by focusing on the ineffectual and negative practices of the tobacco industry, Also, the study reviewed public and media perceptions of tobacco companies.

The research involved telephone inquiries, information from not-for-profit organizations, and a review of 108 publications using the headings, "Public Relations" and "Tobacco Industry."

Other research included an opinion survey administered to 100 undergraduate students at Rowan College of New Jersey.

Survey results found that a majority of students, smokers, and nonsmokers …

The Effects Of Single Parenthood On Juvenile Delinquency, Lisa A. Barbetti

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the effects of parental separation and divorce on the occurrence rate of delinquent acts committed by male youths. The age of the child at the time of parental breakup, parental education, and parental employment were also measured for effects on delinquent behavior. The sample consisted of sixty male youths between the ages of twelve and fourteen. The students were sampled while in homeroom at several Vineland, New Jersey public schools. The data analyzed in this study was obtained through administration of a twelve question self report in which the students circled …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A Pupil Assistance Committee's Interventions In A Secondary High School In New Jersey, John P. Taima

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project was to determine if Pupil Assistance Committee interventions reduce student classification and entry into special education. Also as part of the research project was the statement that the Pupil Assistance Committee intervention process enables students to succeed in the secondary school systems of the state of New Jersey. Success, for the purpose of the research project, was defined as a reduction of behavioral referrals, academic improvement and achievement, and resolution of crisis situations. The school that the Pupil Assistance Committee served was a secondary school in a suburban section of southern New Jersey. Observations, …

The Effects Of Premenstrual Syndrome On Women With Mental Disabilities, Richard H. Doughty Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that P.M.S. has a negative effect for women on many aspects of life. P.M.S. seems to affect social situations, family life, stress, mood, substance abuse, and crime. The purpose of this one way analysis study is to evaluate the effects of P.M.S. on women with mental disabilities with non-compliant behaviors. Fifty women, whose intelligence quotient levels range between severe and profound, who reside in an institution for individuals with mental disabilities were selected for this study. Each woman has some type of non-compliant behavior. Each female has been placed on a behavior modification program plan to reduce …

The Faculty Writing Seminars As A Means Of Faculty Development: Enhancing Faculty Writing, Improving Instructions, And Fostering Collegiality, Joyce A. White

Theses and Dissertations

University faculty are charged with three major responsibilities: research, teaching, and service. While universities have developed various strategies to assist faculty in balancing these professional demands, minimal institutional effort has been devoted to nurturing faculty writing, despite the fact that scholarly research productivity is in reality the primary criterion for decisions regarding promotion and tenure. In the last ten years, however, several faculty writing support groups have been instituted to address this aspect of faculty development.

This study examined the University of North Dakota Faculty Writing Seminar to determine the effectiveness of the Seminar as a means of increasing scholarly …

A Study To Increase Educational Interaction Between The Adult/Child Within The Treehouse At The Philadelphia Zoo, Jennifer L. Studley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to conduct a study assessing adult/child interaction in the TREEHOUSE that will yield a series of recommendations to assist in meeting the educational objectives of the TREEHOUSE.

The author conducted a naturalistic study employing adult/child observations and interviews. The groups studied consisted of between two and five individuals, including one adult and one child. Twenty-two groups were observed and eleven groups were interviewed, four of which were both observed and interviewed. Data was recorded and analyzed. Major findings were presented in the form of text, graphs and charts.

Interaction between adults and children did …

Self-Esteem In Relation To Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Ethnic/Cultural Origin, Family Characteristics, And Academic Achievement In Middle School Students, Constance Black Kalanek

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence is a time of rapid developmental change and transition. It is crucial stage in the process of building self-esteem and preparing for adulthood. It is during this period that adolescents will develop a positive or negative perception of themselves.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self esteem and the variables of gender, socioeconomic status, ethnic/culture background, family characteristics, and academic achievement. The survey population consisted of 13,373 participants from 15 states. Nine middle school students were selected to participate in in-depth interviews. The majority of students were White (54.%), followed by Black (18.2%), Hispanic …

Influence Of Supplemental Food For Striped Skunks On Duck Nest Success In The Prairie Pothole Region Of North Dakota, Donovan G. Pietruszewski

Theses and Dissertations

Predation on clutches of upland nesting ducks has been implicated as a major cause of low duck production in the Prairie Pothole Region. Management techniques that reduce predation rates and are socially acceptable are of interest to wildlife managers. This thesis examines differences in nest success of upland nesting ducks in areas where supplemental food was provided (treatment areas) for striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) compared to areas where supplemental food was not provided (control areas). Differences in nest success between areas occupied by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) were also examined. The study was conducted from 1993-94 …

A Comparison Of The Learning Styles Of Community College Versus Four-Year College And Male Versus Female College Students, Michele M. Booth

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the learning styles of community college versus four year college General Psychology students and male versus female college students from the combined groups, to ascertain if differences in learning style existed between the groups. The study identified David Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory elements that were important to the males/females and community college/four-year college students.

The sample included 16 General Psychology students from Salem Community College, and 29 General Psychology students from Rowan College. There were 27 female and 18 male students who participated from Salem Community College and Rowan College combined.

All …

The Educational And Cultural Experiences Of Children Born To African Parents In Selected American Public Schools: The Bicultural Dilemma., Kate Uchechi Onyeneho

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to examine and describe the educational and cultural experiences of children born to African parents in selected American public schools. It was also designed to identify the educational needs and expectations of these children and their parents. The results of this study will assist schools, parents, communities, and other government agencies to form ties with the original homelands of children born to African parents to prepare these children to function properly in both American and African cultures. The results of the study will also provide useful recommendations to the American Embassies in African countries to orient …

Nature Among The Mormons: An Ecocritical Approach To Mormon Literature, Gail D. Ballard

Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly, environmentalists have focused on Judeo-Christian tradition as the cause of Western culture's ecological crisis. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the charges against Judeo-Christian tradition and to show how the revealed doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide possible solutions to environmental challenges. The resulting Latter-day Saint environmental paradigm will be superimposed on selected Mormon literature to determine how effectively the doctrines taught by Church authorities filtered into popular Mormon culture.

Despite the inspired teachings of Latter-day Saint prophets, Mormons remain unimpressive in their environmental practices. My research will show that while …

Journey: Connections To A Pioneer Past, Judy Shell Busk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a record of a journey into the pioneer past both literally and metaphorically. The physical journey retracing the Oregon and Mormon trails was made in September of 1993, the year I was a National Endowment for the Humanities/Reader's Digest Teacher-Scholar; however, my intellectual and emotional journey into the lives of pioneer women covers several years of study. I compare my life experiences with those of pioneer women whom I studied, using geographical settings on the trail trip as memory triggers. My husband, as my traveling companion, plays an important role in this journey of discovery. Major themes …

Christian Feminist Publications And Structures Of Constraint: A Comparison Of Daughters Of Sarah And Exponent Ii Within The Contexts Of Neo-Evangelicalism And Mormonism, Sasha S. Cluff

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis uses content analysis to compare two conservative Christian feminist publications: Daughters of Sarah, produced by neo-evangelical feminists, and Exponent II, produced by Mormon feminists. Findings are based on insights from three main theories: Debra Minkoff's organization-environment perspective, Nancy Folbre's model of collective action based on structures of constraint, and the church-sect typology from the sociology of religion literature. Although both organizations similarly endeavor to integrate feminist and religious identities, the loose boundaries of evangelicalism allow Daughters of Sarah to explore a more liberal feminist agenda and interact with broader feminist sources while still remaining within the …

Nutritional And Alimentative State Of The Canaviri, Pocohata, Colina Blanca, Puente Arriba And Villa Arriendo, Ingavi Province, Department Of La Paz - 1996, Juana F. Moraima Gonzles Tapia

Theses and Dissertations

The intent of the present work responds to the necessity of the settlers in depressed areas of La Paz's Altiplano in Bolivia of knowing the reality surrounding the unfolding of their lives. The focus takes into account only one part of all that weighs down on them: that part dealing with their nutritional and alimentative state. This study takes in the communities of Canaviri, Pocohata, Colina Blanca, Puente Arriba, and Villa Arriendo of the Ingavi Province in the Department of La Paz. The variable taken into account is the families' nutritional situation; these families possessing the same status in the …

Induction Into Academia: The Experiences Of New Occupational Therapy Faculty, Catherine R. Acre

Theses and Dissertations

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) estimates the number of therapists in the nation's occupational therapy workforce at 46,357. Silvergate (1994) estimates a 71% shortage based on the actual vacancies for occupational therapy personnel currently exists. In response to the growing demand for occupational therapists, the number of academic programs in occupational therapy has increased. Currently there are 85 accredited occupational therapy programs and 30 developing programs in the United States. In addition, for every newly available student space in professional-level programs, there were a reported 3.4 applicants. With only five doctoral programs in occupational therapy in the United States, …

Teachers Of The Lost Year, 1958-1959: Little Rock School District, Sondra Hercher Gordy

Theses and Dissertations

The Little Rock Central High Crisis of 1957 has been examined by numerous scholars from a variety of perspectives. Much less research has been devoted to the following year--the Lost Year, 1958-59--when Little Rock high schools were closed to all students, black and white. The entire period surrounding these two academic years found this Southern American community electrified with racial conflict, societal disruptions, and political machinations. Though all people in the community were affected by such unsettling times, no lives were more disrupted than those of teachers. Closed schools meant the interruption of professional careers. The confusion within the community …

An Examination Of The Relationship Among Job Satisfaction, Educational Satisfaction, And Post-Industrial Change For A Selected Sample Of Graduates Of Master’S Degree Programs In Business, 1970-1990, Sherry Tomlin Sandkam

Theses and Dissertations

Post-industrial society in the United States is characterized by a knowledge explosion which has been accompanied by an increase in occupational complexity and specialization and the ongoing need to upgrade knowledge and higher education at the master’s level, especially in professional programs. Research supports a consensus about the positive outcomes of master’s education in general, however, conflicting data exist regarding master’s degree programs in business, including criticisms of graduates, declining application and enrollment patterns, and concerns on the part of graduates with the major organizational changes which are occurring in the workplace as post-industrial society moves from a goods-producing to …