Digital Commons Network^™

Implications Of Fatigue And Sleep Loss On Medical Professionals And Countermeasures To Prevent Fatigue, Tracie J. Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

The number of hours worked per individual has long been limited by the law in many professional industries. Recent increases in the incidence of medical and diagnostic errors related to fatigue has led to an increased interest in health care worker fatigue. For human beings, functioning on a 24-hour basis poses unique physiological challenges. Acknowledging and managing these challenges can promote performance, productivity, and safety in 24-hour operations. Ignoring these factors can lead to decrements in human capability and to the potential for incidents and accidents that can result in tremendous societal and individual costs. Long duty hours, reduced sleep …

Emergence Delirium: Modifying Risk Factors In Pediatric Patients, Sara J. Skatvold

Theses and Dissertations

Emergence Delirium: Modifying risk factors in pediatric patients

Emergence delirium is a known post-operative phenomenon that is more prevalent in the pediatric population, especially preschool children (Chen, Li, Hu, & Wang, 2010). According to Scott and Gold (2006), "Emergence delirium is a clinical condition in which patients are "awake" but experience alterations in disorientation and other mental status changes that range from confusion and lethargy to violent and harmful behavior" (p. 100). The underlying cause of emergence delirium is not fully understood. Knowledge of risk factors that may lead to emergence delirium will assist anesthesia providers in offering an anesthetic …

Implementation Of A First-Year Seminar: Retention And Student Views Of Advising And Engagement At A Small Midwestern University, Kristi Bitz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions of a first-year seminar course as well as academic advising and other student engagement activities before and after the implementation of a first-year seminar course at a small Midwestern university. Retention rates prior to and after the implementation of the first-year seminar course were considered and comparisons of retention rates for students who completed the first-year seminar with students who did not complete the course were analyzed.

Research questions included:

1. What were student perceptions with regard to the first-year seminar course?

2. Was there a difference in advising perceptions …

Perceptions Of Five Low-Income Parents On School Readiness, Roanne E. Malm

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Participating In A First-Year Learning Community On Student Engagement, Yvette Lapierre

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Examination Of Adaptive Leadership Processes Using Action Research, Margaret Bright

All Dissertations

School districts are knowledge producing organizations faced with adaptive challenges that require new learning, innovation, and new patterns of behavior. Traditional, entity-based models of leadership rely on the knowledge of only a handful of leaders at the top of the bureaucratic ladder and fail to tap collective creativity inherent at all levels of a school or district. The purpose of this study was to engage in action research to identify emergent, interactive dynamics that resulted in a creative solution to an adaptive special education problem of closing the achievement gap for students with disabilities in one geographical area of a …

Jay Meijia On Bipolar Disorder, Hillary Mulan

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Multi-Site Case Study: Components, Strengths, & Benefits Of Studio Production In Traditional Public High Schools, Kristy M. Tartaglia

Art Education Projects

My own experiences in the visual arts lead me to a personal understanding of their importance and an interest in arts education advocacy. In order to advocate for the visual arts one must know what the arts teach and how to talk about those benefits. The lack of research on what is taught in the visual arts makes discussing the benefits difficult. Hetland, Winner, Veenema, & Sheridan (2007) began to close this gap with their findings of eight Studio Habits of Mind (develop craft, engage and persist, envision, express, observe, reflect, stretch and explore, understanding the art world) being taught …

A Qualitative Action Research Project Documenting Student Perceptions Of The Effects Of Visual Culture On Identity, Jessica M. Miccichi

Art Education Projects

I have conducted a qualitative action research project focusing on student perceptions of the impact of visual culture on teens including popular media. Students especially in high schools are bombarded with visual imagery through various technology sources. While working with high school juniors and seniors I noticed a rise in teen pregnancy and sexual confusion among this population. I wondered how much their exposure to sexually explicit imagery effected their identity and choices.

I started off planning research through a feminist and engaged pedagogical lens, specifically adhering to bell hook’s (1994) principals of “holistic teaching”, which focuses on emotional as …

A Study Of Expressed Emotion In Psychiatric Nurses And Its Relation To The General Role And Effects Of Emotions In Nursing, Lauren A. Buck

Senior Honors Theses

Nurses play a vital role in the health and care of a patient. Through that care, the nurse has the ability to improve the patient’s experience or ruin it. A vital component influencing the care provided are the emotions the nurse displays toward her coworkers, patients, and patients’ family members. The emotions of a nurse may positively or negatively impact a patient. The studies that examine the impact of the nurse’s emotions on patient’s outcomes are varied and few. The communication and emotion of nurses are likely to impact their care and, from that, the patient’s outcome; however, there is …

Promoting Innovation In Hospitality Companies Through Human Resource Management Practices, Song Chang, Yaping Gong, Cass Shum

Hospitality Faculty Research

In this study, we investigate how hospitality companies can promote incremental and radical innovation through human resource management practices (i.e., selection and training). Data from 196 independent hotels and restaurants operating in the People’s Republic of China show that hiring multi-skilled core customer-contact employees and training core customer-contact employees for multiple skills both have a significant and positive effect on incremental and radical innovation among hotel and restaurant companies. The two human resource management practices are also found to have a negative joint impact on incremental but not radical innovation. The implications for promoting innovation in hospitality companies are discussed.

Using Social Judgment Theory To Identify Preexisting Attitudes In Millennial Audiences Of Public Radio, David W. Morrissey

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

As the Millennial generational group (individuals aged 34 or younger at time of publication) ages, it becomes a more important fundraising target for public radio organizations. This study explored ways to get members of the Millennial generational group more actively involved as financial contributors to public radio organizations. The Literature Review examined a brief history of public radio in the United States, including its move to listener funding, and the consolidation and homogenization of programming, which only occurred relatively recently and during the formative years of Millennials. The study used Social Judgment Theory as a theoretical framework to help identify …

A Case Study Of The Rhetorical Styles And Content Used In Devising And Delivering A Workplace Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Program As An Example Of A Gender-Related Power Construct In A Private Sector Workplace With A Predominantly Male Workgroup, Kimberly Campbell

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This work examines what rhetorical approaches were used in the devising and delivery of workplace training materials that address intimate partner violence and gender-related power constructs in a predominantly male workplace and why these approaches were chosen. Specifically, this study analyzes the language used throughout the discourse for the purposes of determining how language can shape the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of the participants. The data was obtained using the qualitative methods of rhetorical analysis and interviewing. The materials were analyzed and this data was synthesized with the results of interviews with the author of the discourse. Supporting research examines …

An Expectancy Violations Theory Study Of Employee Satisfaction, Melissa Cleland

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study seeks to find what drives employee satisfaction using the expectancy violations theory. An exploration of the literature including Judee Burgoon’s expectancy violations theory against leadership credibility, narcissistic communication, and use of power are fully discussed. Ethnographic research is used to study a nonprofit organization, the three employees of Nonprofit XYZ were surveyed, interviewed, and observed over a two week period. The Executive Director of Nonprofit XYZ allowed full access to her office space and employees, however, didn’t participate in the study. The results of the study showed that employee satisfaction was a direct result of specific leadership attributes …

Relationship Maintenance And Facebook, Kelli Kapp

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Research to date on Facebook users has not included part of Generation Y, those born from 1976 through 1989. This study examined the use of Facebook to maintain relationships to extend previous work by Steinfield and Lampe (2009), Pennington (2009), and Bryant and Marmo (2009) whose work served as a lens for comparison. A survey questionnaire (N=215) was administered to Facebook users to determine their uses for the site, frequency of use, and perceived closeness of Facebook friends. Results suggested Facebook has become a daily part of respondent’s lives. Questions regarding Facebook use indicated the number one motivator for using …

What Is The Perceived Impact Of Social Media On Personal Relationships In Adolescence?, Samantha Sexton

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

A study was conducted to review the perceived impact social media plays in children’s personal relationships during adolescence. Surveys and interviews were sent out to 50 subjects in an effort to gather and compile information for analysis. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (Meerkerk et al.) was used in a survey format and administered to participants to access their perceptions in which their child(ren) and/or grandchild(ren)’s use the internet and social media. A 5-point Likert Scale was also implemented in order to provide measurable analysis. Adult anxiety in regards to social media was observed at different levels depending on the developmental …

Identifying Online Communities As Self-Sustaining Ecosystems For Fulfilling Members' Needs, Elliot S. Volkman

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The following study shows what current online community members expect of their communities, and how each member plays a vital role in the self-sustaining ecosystem. In the past online communities were self-contained and managed by moderators who would often generate much of the content, and set guidelines for the users within the community. Based on the results of this study members now show that there are two different types of Lurkers (Active and Passive), which make up the majority of all members within a community. Active Lurkers have been identified as those who share content externally and back to their …

Symbolic Convergence: A Case Study Of Magnum, P.I., Melissa C. Wessman

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The study that follows examines the depiction of Vietnam veterans in the television series Magnum, P.I., particularly the representation of the struggles Vietnam veterans faced when reintegrating into civilian society after the war. Assessment of the series using fantasy theme analysis reveals that Magnum, P.I. generates a shared understanding for regular viewers of the post-combat experience for veterans. This is important to note because entertainment media, namely television, is a far-reaching outlet that can be utilized to teach and expand viewer understanding of social issues, such as the plight of veterans. Also, the struggle of veterans to reintegrate into society …

Sneaky Peeks: An Examination Of The Use Of Subliminal Messages In Children's Television And Film, Mary Patricia Charvat

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis project is an account of how advertising agencies and film and television companies make use of subliminal messaging and product placement to manipulate viewers‟ subconscious minds. According to research, there is some skepticism in some areas as to the effectiveness of their subliminal messages. However, it is clear that there is some recognizable effect; statistics show an increase in obesity and self-image and self-esteem problems spurred on by subliminal messaging in television and film aimed at the young. The selected literature included well-known books on subliminal messages and other materials covering 50 years of research. The literature also …

Cracking The Case: Uncovering Key Communication Practices Of Successful Financial Professionals, Heidi Struve Currey

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The economic events of recent years have unquestionably had an impact on the financial services industry; however the challenge to retain quality financial services professionals has been a struggle for decades. A review of the literature found that Cognitive Bias Theory, Social Judgment Theory, Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Narrative Paradigm Theory uncovered two potentially valuable communication techniques that could be used by financial professionals: asking questions and sharing stories. The philosophical and ethical underpinning of this study assumed that all financial professionals view every client relationship as if it were personal; so that when a financial professional experiences success …

Direct Instruction And African American Middle School Students, Zelda Togun

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study examined teacher-created instruction and direct instruction using The Muted Group Theory. The study questions were: RQ1: Which is the better method for teaching African American middle-school children? RQ2: What role does Muted-Group Theory play in the academic choices offered to families of African American middle school children?

Friends On Facebook: The Impact Of Facebook On Interpersonal Friendships Of Female College Students, Kathryn T. Schultz

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Using the Internet is extremely common among college students, and one major function of Internet use is communicating with friends from their offline lives. With the popularity of social networking sites, it is important to explore how the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) is impacting female college students' relationships. Two theories provided a foundation for this study: Walther's social information processing theory (2002) and Baxter and Montgomery's relational dialectics theory (1996). Quantitative research was done for this work by surveying female college students regarding their feelings about Facebook's potential impact on their interpersonal friendships. Some initial findings include that, of …

Cultivating Culturally Empathic Environments In The Academic Setting, Sharon-Rose Lau

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Teachers, as leaders and facilitators in the classroom, not only disseminate information, but ultimately propagate and perpetuate ideologies that shape their students' cognitive world. However, with the enrollment of minority students increasing in the United States, greater challenges are encountered as teachers struggle to promote advocacy, respect, and understanding in the classroom. Navigating the relationally ambiguous or uncertain requires certain cognitive tools. The Uncertainty Management Theory which encompasses relational mindfulness and empathy assists individuals in developing the communicative skills necessary to fortify relational contingencies. This thesis explores the communicative methods teachers use to create culturally empathic environments within the academic …

A Critical Analysis Of Direct To Consumer Advertising Of Prescription Medications Using Language Expectancy Theory, Lisa Marie Emig

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis explores the relationship of Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTCA) and Language Expectancy Theory (LET) by conducting a critical analysis of three medications used to treat depression. Society and the medical profession have created a dichotomy between the well and pathological state. The study reviews if DTCA uses language and visual cues to influence the use of medications, to downplay potential side effects, to portray life as better when taking a medication and to remove personal responsibility for health. There are common elements used in DTCA of antidepressants. The review of the common elements shows the use of specific …

Commenting On The News: How The Degree Of Anonymity Affects Flaming Online, Frank Mungeam

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The internet has become the number two for news (Pew Research Center, 2011). News organizations which previously did not allow commenting on the news now routinely permit anonymous commenting on stories on their online news websites. This practice has resulted in widespread reports of personal attacks known as flaming (Hlavach & Freivogel, (2011). This study examines the degree to which the anonymity of users affects their tendency to engage in flaming in online news forums through a qualitative analysis of four different types of news stories on four different news websites, two allowing anonymous comments and two requiring use of …

An Examination Of Workplace Racial Microaggressions And Their Effect On Employee Performance, Ronee L. Hunter

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Although laws regulate blatant discrimination in the workplace, researchers have shown that invisible racism occurs through everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental communications. Invisible racism, in the form of microaggressions, includes subtle comments that negate or invalidate the thoughts, feelings, or experiences of a person of color. Microaggressions are words or actions that occur in communication that communicators may be unaware are a form of racism. Racial microaggressions were examined in this study through the lens of symbolic interactionism. This theory studies race as a structural category reproducing inequality, and it illuminates the influence of culture and communication "to reproduce racism …

Does The Use Of Technology In The Classroom Increase Students' Overall Academic Performance?, Jessica Mariah Brown

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Technological advances and a decrease in the cost of technology have resulted in nearly 93 percent of public schools classrooms in the United States having access to the Internet, and a considerable increase in educational programs that incorporate technology into the curriculum (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 2005). Due to the prevalence of technology in the classroom, the effectiveness of such programs has become a prevailing research topic amongst social scientists. This thesis reviews past research and provides an analysis of relevant studies conducted within the last ten years. Using Daft and Lengel's media richness theory as a basis, this …

The Components Of A Healthy Culture: Umpqua Bank, Joanna Nasser Mansour

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

When analyzing an organization's success, taking a cultural approach allows the dissection of key components necessary to determine and produce such findings. Culture brings more to the table than just the values and ways an employee is expected to conduct their daily job duties. Umpqua Bank, an Oregon-based bank, was the organization chosen for this study because the employees take great pride in its unique retail bank culture. Geertz's Cultural Approach (1973) and Edgar Schein's (1991) idea of Three Levels of Culture: core beliefs and assumptions; values and behavioral norms and artifacts were utilized, along with other communication theories used …

Nonverbal Communication In Small Group Leadership: Using Nonverbal Competence To Increase Group Cohesiveness, Angela Tice

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Cohesiveness is an important component of small groups and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the group. The purpose of this study was to research leaders' nonverbal cues and the potential effect they have on group cohesiveness. Grounded in Burgoon's expectancy violations theory, Pearce and Cronen's coordinated management of meaning theory, and Mead's symbolic interactionism theory, this study examines the leader's ability to demonstrate their competence in nonverbal communication, and as a result increasing the group's cohesiveness. The data for this exploratory study came from two different surveys, non-participant observations, and participant interviews. This study revealed that positive nonverbal communication …

Bridging The Gap Between Interpersonal Communication Skill Differences In Employees: An Interpersonal Communication Training Curriculum, Denise Marie Crowell

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The workforce is a social environment where particular skills are essential in order for employees to perform well, have a competitive edge and succeed in their careers. Interpersonal communication is one of the skills needed in every type of workplace setting. The ability to actively and empathetically listen, adapt communication style according to others and situations, confirm others in communication, resolve conflict, manage tone in writing and effectively communicate in a group are all crucial skills for employees that require exceptional interpersonal communication. However, constructivism theory suggests that due to variances in cognition, not everyone is able to communicate interpersonally …