Digital Commons Network^™

Istart 2: Improvements For Efficiency And Effectiveness, Irwin B. Levinstein, Chutima Boonthum, Srinivasa P. Pillarisetti, Courtney Bell, Danielle S. Mcnamara

Computer Science Faculty Publications

iSTART (interactive strategy training for active reading and thinking) is a Web-based reading strategy trainer that develops students' ability to self-explain difficult text as a means to improving reading comprehension. Its curriculum consists of modules presented interactively by pedagogical agents: an introduction to the basics of using reading strategies in the context of self-explanation, a demonstration of self-explanation, and a practice module in which the trainee generates self-explanations with feedback on the quality of reading strategies contained in the self-explanations. We discuss the objectives that guided the development of the second version of iSTART toward the goals of increased efficiency …

Assessing The Format Of The Presentation Of Text In Developing A Reading Strategy Assessment Tool (R-Sat), Sara Gilliam, Joseph P. Magliano, Keith K. Millis, Irwin Levinstein, Chutima Boonthum

Computer Science Faculty Publications

We are constructing a new computerized test of reading comprehension called the Reading Strategy Assessment Tool (R-SAT). R-SAT elicits and analyzes verbal protocols that readers generate in response to questions as they read texts. We examined whether the amount of information available to the reader when reading and answering questions influenced the extent to which R-SAT accounts for comprehension. We found that R-SAT was most predictive of comprehension when the readers did not have access to the text as they answered questions.

How Much Preservation Do I Get If I Do Absolutely Nothing? Using The Web Infrastructure For Digital Preservation, Martin Klein, Frank Mccown, Joan A. Smith, Michael Nelson

Computer Science Faculty Publications

To date, most of the focus regarding digital preservation has been on removing copies of the resources to be preserved from the “living web” and placing them in an archive for controlled curation. Once inside an archive, the resources are subject to careful processes of refreshing (making additional copies to new media) and migrating (conversion to new formats and applications). For small numbers of resources of known value, this is a practical and worthwhile approach to digital preservation. However, due to the infrastructure costs (storage, networks, machines) and more importantly the human management costs, this approach is unsuitable for web …

Crate: A Simple Model For Self-Describing Web Resources, Joan A. Smith, Michael L. Nelson

Computer Science Faculty Publications

If not for the Internet Archive’s efforts to store periodic snapshots of the web, many sites would not have any preservation prospects at all. The barrier to entry is too high for everyday web sites, which may have skilled webmasters managing them, but which lack skilled archivists to preserve them. Digital preservation is not easy. One problem is the complexity of preservation models, which have specific meta-data and structural requirements. Another problem is the time and effort it takes to properly prepare digital resources for preservation in the chosen model. In this paper, we propose a simple preservation model called …

The Role And Meaning Of Spirituality Among Older Adults In Western Australia, Sue Grossman

Theses : Honours

Given the large projected increase in the proportion of Australian older adults (13% in 2004 to 22% in 2031) and the personal importance placed on spirituality in the lives of older adults, it is timely to investigate the role of spirituality in the everyday lives of older adults. The present paper analyses the literature pertaining to the psychological implications of spirituality in older adulthood. The points of discussion identified in the review include the relationship between spirituality and religion, theories of spiritual development, psychosocial wellbeing, health, end of life issues, culture, and psychological practice. It is concluded that the paucity …

The Effect Of Brief Education And Dispositional Variables On Attitudes Toward Harm Minimisation Among A University Student Population, Amy Mcalpine

Theses : Honours

Attitudes are essential to understanding the individual within the context of their social world (Perloff, 2003). Australia's policy toward drug use and drug-related harm encompasses a harm minimisation approach (Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy [MCDS], 2004). Harm minimisation seeks to ameliorate the social, economic and health consequences of drug use through a comprehensive framework of supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction policies and programs (MCDS, 2004). This paper reviews the relevant literature on attitudes towards harm minimisation, both internationally and in Australia. Indeed, Australian research suggested (Bammer, 1995; Lawrence, Bammer & Chapman, 2000) that there is a heavy media …

Perceptions Of Security And Attitudes Towards Cultural Diversity And Immigration Amongst Uk Migrants In Western Australia, Nikki Isaacson

Theses : Honours

Psychological research conducted within the field of ethnic relations has revealed a strong relationship between an individual's perception of threat to their ethnocultural group and their attitudes towards the entrance and presence of other ethnocultural groups within a society. The relationship is such that the greater threat that an individual perceives, the more likely they are to hold negative attitudes. This paper provides a review of research that has investigated this relationship; revealing that although a distinct negative correlation exists between perceived threat and intercultural attitudes, a number of factors influence the relationship. Factors discussed throughout this review include the …

The Perceived Psychosocial Benefits Of Pet Ownership On Child Development: A Parental Perspective, Erin K. Leahy

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this review is to explore the beneficial role pets play in facilitating the psychosocial development of preadolescent children. It is proposed that the pet is perceived by both the child and parent as a developmental resource during preadolescent development, as it assists the child in accomplishing key developmental tasks such as responsibility and autonomy, socialisation and the development of humanistic qualities. This review also highlights the importance of pets in assisting preadolescents develop self esteem and identity, and examines how pets give children new perspective on important life matters such as birth, illness and death. Attainment of …

Exploring And Construing Intimate Partner Violence: Gender Differences In Public Perceptions Of Male And Female Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence, Emily Tilbrook

Theses : Honours

Intimate partner violence, a form of domestic violence, is a social problem and as a result governments are focused on implementing policies that reduce the prevalence of intimate partner violence. The common perception, established by feminist theorising and research, is that males are more likely than females to perpetrate intimate partner violence. However, this notion has in recent years been challenged by researchers whose findings suggest that males and females are equally likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence. This contention in the literature creates problems for policy makers who are attempting to reduce, if not eradicate, the occurrence of intimate …

"Destination Sabah" (Malaysia) : The Public And Private Stakeholders' Perspectives On Branding, Justine L. Nagorski

Theses : Honours

The development of a destination brand for Sabah has been dominated by numerous reports that emphasise the need to develop global awareness of Sabah, but the objectives set to achieve this goal are often idealistic in nature and offer no real solution to problems identified. The challenge, here, is to unify key messages into a consistent, clear and realistic brand and to ensure content in promotional tools accentuates the activities, experiences and key benefits of visiting "Destination Sabah". This study will begin to address these challenges by undertaking the processes that underpin destination branding through comparison to a relational network …

An Investigation Into The Effectiveness Of Paired Reading With The Incorporation Of Additional Error Corrective Procedures, Kathryn Schneider

Theses : Honours

The aim of this literature review was to examine the effectiveness of the Paired Reading (PR) intervention, a one-to-one instruction approach to improving children's fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. The effectiveness of PR in promoting a positive attitude towards reading and in increasing children's sense of self-efficacy in reading was also investigated, focusing principally on children whose level of reading was below what was expected for their chronological age. It addressed the question of how well the intervention can be implemented by parents and explored the strategies used in PR to elucidate what aspects of the intervention may contribute to its …

Do Auditory Simulations Of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Change Young Adults' Attitudes Towards Noise Exposure?, Claire Roockley

Theses : Honours

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), or hearing damage from regular exposure to loud noise, can profoundly affect a person's hearing capabilities and overall well-being. Many individuals continue to expose themselves to hazardous levels of noise, and, in turn, put themselves at risk of developing a NIHL. This review critically examines the existing literature presented on NIHL. Emphasis is placed on the increasing prevalence of NIHL in young adults from exposure to loud recreational noise. The effectiveness of current educational strategies that have been employed to reduce or prevent the occurrence of NIHL in this cohort is also examined. Research indicates that …

Social Attributions Of Asymptomatic Women Towards Anorexia Nervosa: A Qualitative Study, Natalie Mcdonald

Theses : Honours

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has been identified as a complex, potentially lethal medical and psychological disorder, typically associated with a poor prognosis (Nordbo, Espeset, Gulliksen, Skarderud, & Holte, 2006; Signorini, De Filippo, Panico, De Caprio, Pasanisi, & Contaldo, 2007, 2007; Strober, Freeman, Lampert, Diamond, Teplinsky, & DeAntonio, 2006). The current review highlights the social and psychological elements attributed to AN by sufferers (Kelley, 1973; Nordbo et al., 2006; Woolrich, Cooper, & Turner, 2006), and through a social-cognitive explanation of attribution theory, identified the conceptual relevance of lay attributions towards AN and the lack of researched connection between the two concepts (Furnham …

Users' Perspectives And Attitudes Towards Web Application Security, Leonard Ticualu

Theses : Honours

The Internet has become an integral part of the society in many parts of the world. However, as the Internet becoming more important and useful, the problems with Web security have also increased. More people today have experienced Web security threats such as viruses, spyware, keyloggers, and phishing; and a not insignificant number have encountered financial fraud because of the online activities they conducted. This research investigated the security concerns and level of awareness of users in regards to the use of web applications, by identifying users' concerns of web applications, examining the relationship of users' technical knowledge and users' …

Assessment Of Static Balance Ability In An Athletic Pediatric Population, Cailyn Rogers

Theses : Honours

There is a large amount of conjecture surrounding the reliability of methods of balance assessment and the outcome variables used to assess balance in pediatric populations. There has also been limited research conducted on the balance ability of an athletic pediatric population, and the factors which may affect that ability. The purpose of this research is firstly to determine the reliability of postural sway measures used to assess balance including: average displacement of the centre of pressure in the mediolateral and anterior-posterior directions relative to both the centre of the plate and the centre of the base of support; peak …

Ethnocentrism And Attitudes To Cultural Diversity And Immigration: A Review ; Ethnocentrism And Attitudes To Cultural Diversity And Immigration In Western Australia, Sophie Mounsey

Theses : Honours

Increasing trends in immigration in the contemporary world have reaffirmed the importance of understanding intercultural relations within multifarious, plural societies. A research-based understanding of these societies is essential for their successful management. This review focuses upon how the construct of ethnocentrism and its composites are related to attitudes to immigration and diversity. Theoretical explanations of ethnocentrism and intergroup processes are provided, and ethnocentrism is discussed in relation to several precipitators and moderators of ethnocentric attitudes to immigration and diversity, including authoritarianism, social dominance, security, ethnic hierarchies, cultural distance, and social conditions. It is recommended that future research focuses on the …

The Needs Of Western Australian Parents Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, As Influenced By The Age Of The Child, Kerry Stedman

Theses : Honours

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) impact upon parental stress levels above and beyond other childhood disorders. Nevertheless, little systematic research has been done on the perceived needs of parents of children with ASD. The literature has, however, reported that having a child with ASD impacts upon parental well being. These parents report increased levels of stress, depression, dysphoria, fear and marital difficulties as well as other problems. Although there is a debate in current research as to whether the age of the child with ASD affects parental well being, much of the body of knowledge suggests that different stressors and needs …

The Value Of Oil Mallee Plantations And Revegetated Farm Land In The Southern Wheatbelt Region Of Western Australia For The Conservation Of The Western Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus Concinnus), Marie Short

Theses : Honours

Revegetation has the potential to enhance conservation of wildlife in rural environments, but few studies have tested whether the proposed benefits are realized. It is important to understand the role played by farm tree plantations in the landscape and how the potential biodiversity benefits may be enhanced without interfering with economic goals (Lamb, 1998). The adoption of oil mallee farming systems across the agricultural zone in south-west Western Australia is resulting in large areas of farmland being planted to native perennial tree species (Smith, 2004). While not planted for their conservation benefit, oil mallee systems may nonetheless enhance biodiversity. The …

Cinematography And Choreography: "It Takes Two To Tango", Laura Boynes

Theses : Honours

As a practicing dancer and choreographer with a developing interest in film, the lifelong struggle (where many have gone before) to capture and accurately depict choreography on screen, intrigues me.

Who should dance the camera or the choreography? These are questions that have been pondered by choreographers and theorists for centuries, with pioneers such as Busby Berkeley and Maya Deren each finding their own answers to success.

This thesis discusses the creation and production of dance film, and the importance of movement in front of and behind the camera lens. I believe experimentation and research are the most effective methods …

An Exploration Of Community, Identity, Religion And Spirituality, Sara Thomas

Theses : Honours

Research in the field of community psychology supports findings that membership, influence, integration and fulfilment of needs, a shared emotional connection, and a sense of belonging contribute to a sense of community (SOC) (McMillan & Chavis, 1986). Sarason (1993) proposes that individuals have a basic instinctual need for transcendence which leads them to seek religious groups and experiences. Hill (1993; 2000) posits that Sarason's sense of transcendence (SOT) is a construct that is closely related to and can be useful for conceptualizing and exploring spirituality and suggests that SOC may not be fully understood until Sarason's (1993) related concept of …

Space Invaders: A Cinematic Examination Of Privacy-Invasion And Defamation In The Australian Media, Vanessa Jean Barnett

Theses : Honours

The prime objective of my creative film project and exegesis is to explore the Australian commercial media's unethical treatment of its human subjects, with a particular focus on the issues of privacy-invasion, and defamation. I have endeavoured to produce a short film that prompts the audience to evaluate their own values and attitudes towards an individual's privacy. I believe my research area is significant because acts of privacy-invasion by the media can have serious negative impacts on the life of an individual. Defamation can destroy an individual's livelihood, their standing within the community, and self-esteem. I believe commercial media organisations …

Virtual Worlds: A New Paradigm For Advertising?, Nigel Devenport

Theses : Honours

This thesis explores the new paradigms that are emerging as advertising encounters the Internet. The area that I explore is the convergence of corporate advertising and the online game, Second Life. The thesis takes as its starting point the economic and social/cultural history of advertising. I examine both Marxist and cultural theories of advertising, in order to properly understand the paradigm shifts of the past. I also investigate the effect that technological change has had on the practice of advertising. Having established an historical framework I· then turn to the current state of the advertising market, as it is defined …

A Methodology For Thorough Text Preparation Of German Lieder, Emma Louise Blake

Theses : Honours

The impetus behind this study is the suspicion that singers beginning their training are either unaware of the vast amount of preparation that needs to occur when performing any work or they are aware but have no idea where to start. The understanding of text and an emotional connection with its meaning are vital to a successful Lied performance. This dissertation aims to create a method of preparing the text (of a Lied) that encourages detailed observation and creative thought, and which enables a musician with limited understanding of the German language to comfortably acquaint themselves with the repertoire. This …

The Human Rights And Social Justice Mandate Of Social Work: Environmental Health And Well-Being For The Yarloop Community, Steven Denton

Theses : Honours

Social work has a dual concern, focusing on individuals and on their environments; however the discourse of the profession tends to be limited to the social, interpersonal or familial environment. Given the prospect of the current 'ecological crisis' having significant impacts upon human well-being, this research sought to expand this conceptualisation of 'environment' to include the physical environment. This study aimed to explore whether citizens experiences of environmental problems could be understood as social justice and human rights issues. Using an unobtrusive form of qualitative research with various written and audio visual accounts from citizens from the community surrounding Yarloop …

Attitudes Towards Depression And Anxiety, Tiana Hankins

Theses : Honours

The overall aim of the present paper is to review the literature surrounding attitudes towards mental health, with a specific focus on attitudes towards depression and anxiety. This paper discusses the concept of attitudes, their nature and measurement. This is followed by a review of attitudes towards mental health, with a number of studies being examined and their results discussed. Research has found that the general public has negative attitudes towards people with mental illness; however research has also found that these negative attitudes are improving due to an increase in education and awareness surrounding mental health. The two attitude …

An Exploration Of Thresholds Of Tolerance For Changes To Sanctuary Zones Among Repeat Tourists: A Case Of Ningaloo Marine Park, Natasha Nicholson

Theses : Honours

As environmental issues become more prevalent in today' s society, natural area managers must find ways to balance the increased popularity of natural areas for recreation with environmental protection and conservational goals. One popular method to achieve this balance is through restrictions. Sanctuary zones are one type of restriction and are generally designated areas that prohibit extractive uses of natural resources, such as fishing. This study qualitatively explores the issues that affect a repeat tourist's tolerance threshold for changes to their recreational activities caused by restrictions within the Ningaloo Marine Park. This study seeks to assist natural area managers to …

An Investigation Of Musical Life And Music Societies In Perth (Western Australia), 1900-1950, Jessica Sardi

Theses : Honours

This study is centred around music and music-making in Perth, Western Australia, from 1900-1950. It examines various parts of Perth's music history using both primary and secondary sources. Chapter one uses secondary sources, both musical and non-musical, to present an exposition on musical life in Perth in this period. The following two chapters move from macro history to micro history and are based on archival documents housed in the Battye Library. The progress of music in Perth, Western Australia-due to its relatively late colonisation in relation to the eastern states-trailed somewhat behind Melbourne and Sydney. However, once established, there were …

Terrorism, Millenarianism, And Death: A Study Of Hezbollah And Aum Shinrikyo, Steven Nicholls

Theses : Honours

The relationship ·between death and the millennium is not an area of scholarship that has received adequate attention. Millenarian groups desire the creation of a paradise in the temporal world. The world is seen as corrupt and evil without hope of reform. This viewpoint leads millenarians to conclude that the temporal world must be completely destroyed and created a new, eliminating the corrupt and providing a utopia where the faithful can exist in peace. Hezbollah and Aum Shinrikyo are two terrorist groups which share this worldview, and believe that they can hasten the millennium by eliminating their enemies. This thesis …

M/Others : One Lens, Multiple Maternities, Toni Wilkinson

Theses : Honours

This body of photographic portraits re/presents the maternal relationship as a significant one in a cultural economy than 'downgrades motherhood', and fails to adequately recognise the contribution of mothers to society, as they struggle to uphold self and family in contemporary life. Throughout this work, which fuses religious visual art principles and photographic documentary, a more complex, powerful maternal figure emerges than the singular, passive and restrictive example of motherhood, commonly portrayed in art history. I undertake a comparative analysis between traditional Madonna and child icons and contemporary female photographers involved with maternal themes, to highlight that certain photographs facilitate …

Redefining Electro-Acoustic: Applying Techniques From Electronic Music To The Composition Of Pivot, An Acoustic Work For Percussion Quartet, Joe Stawarz

Theses : Honours

There are a number of characteristics that distinguish acoustic and electronic music. The most apparent difference is the nature of their sound sources, but there is also substantial variation in the compositional process and in the techniques available to composers of each medium. The history electronic music extends from two traditions: Western Ali Music and popular music. During the 20th Century, composers and popular musicians alike took advantage of the many advances in electronic equipment technology to create new styles of music. The development of electronic instruments and recording equipment offered new sounds and provided new methods for the creation …