The Effects Of Operatic Voice Type On Singer Identity, Adelaide J. Mcdonald

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Within Western art music, voices are typically classified using the Fach system, which is based upon vocal characteristics and separates singers into the categories of soprano, mezzo soprano, contralto, counter tenor, tenor, bass, and baritone. Over time, these categories have become embedded with social and cultural meaning within the operatic world, leading to the development of stereotypes and expectations surrounding singers, as well as social categories and identities, referred to in this study as “sociocultural vocal categories” and “sociocultural vocal identity,” respectively. Currently, there are limited explorations of the sociocultural vocal categories and their associated stereotypes, with research on singer …

Youth Sport Organizational Leaders’ Perceived Strengths And Challenges Working With Volunteer Coaches: A Case Study, Hannah Swartz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Youth sport organizations in the United States rely heavily on volunteer coaches to deliver accessible and developmentally aligned programming, yet little research has examined how organizational leaders perceive and manage this volunteer workforce. Existing scholarship has focused primarily on volunteer coach motivations and experiences from the coach perspective, leaving a gap in understanding the views of those responsible for recruiting, training, retaining, and supporting volunteers. Guided by the youth sport social-ecological model (NYSS, 2019), the recent USOPC Commission Report, and principles of self-determination theory (Ryan. & Deci, 2000), this instrumental case study explored youth sport organizational leaders’ perceptions of working …

Motivation And Well-Being: A Study Of Wvu Extension Volunteers, Amber Renae Goff

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Volunteers are the heart of the land-grant outreach model. They bring education and resources to communities across West Virginia. Volunteers have been relied upon in many aspects of Extension programming and current budget conditions have reduced the level of staffing within WVU Extension. There may be an increased demand for volunteers to help with programming. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between motivation and the perceived level of well-being within the WVU Extension volunteer programs. The study yielded 464 responses from a descriptive survey. Based on the results, WVU Extension volunteers are motivated based on their …

Understanding The Experiences Of Online Learners In Postsecondary Education: A Phenomenological Study, Tara Woyton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Online education has expanded access to postsecondary education learning opportunities, yet attrition rates remain disproportionately high compared to traditional, in-person education. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of seven students who did not persist in their online education at a postsecondary institution, with the goal of identifying barriers to retention and potential strategies for improvement. The study applies Expectancy-Value Theory as a theoretical framework, examining how students’ expectancy beliefs, perceived task value, and perceived costs influenced their motivation and lack of persistence in online learning environments. Using qualitative data collection methods, including questionnaires and in-depth interviews, this study …

Identifying The Agricultural Mechanics Knowledge And Skills Needed By Kentucky Agriculture Teachers, Thomas Poole Jr

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The agricultural industry increasingly relies on complex machinery and technology, creating a need for skilled workers that are proficient in agricultural mechanics. School-based Agricultural Education (SBAE) programs play a crucial role in preparing students for careers in this field. However, many agriculture teachers feel unprepared to teach agricultural mechanics due to gaps in technical skills, self-efficacy concerns, and safety considerations. This study sought to determine the agricultural mechanics knowledge and skills that Kentucky agriculture teachers need to successfully teach agricultural mechanics in SBAE programs across the state. Using Wells et al.'s (2021) Agricultural Teacher Education and Agricultural Industry Partnership Model …

The Impact Of The Implementation Of The Interconnected Systems Framework (Isf) On Educators, Kayla Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Amid growing concerns around teacher retention and educator job satisfaction, this study explored how system-level frameworks, particularly the Interconnected System Framework (ISF), could influence key teacher outcomes. While the ISF has been widely associated with improved student outcomes, this research investigated its potential to enhance educator experiences, focusing on working conditions, retention rates, and school climate. Quantitative analysis revealed that schools implementing the ISF or PBIS reported significantly more favorable working conditions and school climate compared to non-implementing schools. Although teacher retention rates did not significantly differ across implementation types, notable variability within the non-implementing group suggests a need for …

The Effects Of Parenting Styles On Childhood Memories And Resilience Building, Nathaniel Paredes

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

One of the most significant agents of shaping children early in life is their parental figures. There has been extant research into parenting styles and outcomes later in life. The current study sought to understand how parenting styles can influence the formation of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PCEs and ACEs), which in turn lead to the development of resilience later in life. It was expected that participants who reported higher levels of authoritative parenting would be significantly correlated with higher levels of positive childhood experiences, and lower levels of adverse childhood experiences. Secondly, authoritarian and permissive parenting would be …

Bending But Not Breaking: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Suicidality In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Adalyn Mcmurray

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Chronic pain is a burdensome condition that has been found to be associated with increased suicide risk, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear (Domenichiello & Ramsden, 2019). The present study aimed to examine the role of pain interference and psychological inflexibility in predicting past two-week suicidal thoughts among individuals with chronic pain, with psychological inflexibility explored as a potential moderator. This study also sought to replicate and extend McCracken et al. (2018) and enhance the understanding of suicidality in chronic pain populations by using the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (Rolffs et al., 2018b), a more psychometrically sound measure …

New Psychoactive Substances Detected In Wastewater Samples Collected Along The Interstate Highway Rest Areas In Kentucky, Durga Prasad Kodati

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The rapid emergence and proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) pose significant challenges to public health and law enforcement. The potential for abuse and toxicity of these substances, which are intended to mimic the effects of controlled drugs, has been raising concerns as these compounds are designed to evade being regulated. There are traditional methods of tracking NPS, such as seizures and forensic toxicology, but they are delayed and seldom effective because these substances continue to evolve rapidly. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a promising tool for real-time surveillance of drug consumption. The primary objective of this research was …

Managing Campus Dissent: An Assessment Of University Responses To Pro-Palestinian Protests, Kathryn S. Walker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

University leaders face challenges navigating student dissent and effectively upholding free speech while encouraging students to view the world from a new perspective. Higher education institutions employ a variety of strategies to handle campus crises and mitigate negative perceptions that may arise. This qualitative research study provides insight into the crisis communication strategies employed by university administrators at ten institutions with the highest number of pro-Palestinian protest days from October 7, 2023, to May 29, 2024, through the analysis of university statements and student newspaper responses. Campus leaders found themselves in a challenging position, unable to satisfy all constituencies. Each …

Assessing Stress, Anxiety, And Burnout In Undergraduate Veterinary Technology Students, Dean Ann Daughaday-Provine

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Academic stress, anxiety, and burnout can negatively impact the mental health and well-being of students pursuing degrees in veterinary medicine. This quantitative study was designed to investigate the effects of academic stress, anxiety, and burnout on undergraduate students enrolled in Veterinary Technology programs. This study gained critical insight from current students transitioning through a rigorous curriculum of standards designed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) has established standards, outlined in policies and procedures, to ensure the quality of assessments and enhancements in veterinary education within accredited Veterinary Technology programs.

Bridging Diversity And Discipline: Stakeholder Perceptions Of Dei And Technical Rigor In Agriculture Education, David A. Yarbrough

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

School-based agricultural education (SBAE) serves as a foundational model for preparing students through classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), and FFA involvement. This study examined the perceptions of Georgia high school agricultural educators regarding how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives impact technical rigor and traditional agricultural knowledge within SBAE programs. Educators reported that DEI efforts did not compromise technical rigor, and traditional elements, such as SAE and FFA, remained central to program success. These findings suggest that inclusion and tradition can coexist, with DEI seen as a complement rather than a conflict with SBAE goals. The results provide valuable …

Understanding The Influence Of Team Identifications Influence On Perception Of States, Morgan Elizabeth Macke

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Team identification refers to an individual’s psychological connection to a team or athlete (Wann, 2006a), while rival salience involves awareness of a prominent rival team (Wann & James, 2019). This study examined the relationship between sport team identification and perceptions of a state housing a salient rival, specifically whether identification with the University of Kentucky (UK) men’s basketball team influenced perceptions of Tennessee, home to rival team University of Tennessee (UT). It was hypothesized that greater team identification would be associated with more negative evaluations of Tennessee, and that this relationship would be mediated by perceptions of the rival team. …

Factors Influencing Former State Ffa Officers To Forego Careers In Agriculture: A Qualitative Study, Shelby R. Atwood

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explores the factors influencing former State FFA Officers' decisions to pursue careers outside agricultural education and the broader agricultural industry. Despite their deep engagement with the National FFA Organization and exposure to numerous agricultural career opportunities, many former officers do not transition into related professions. Guided by the expectancy-value theory, this research investigates the personal experiences, perceptions, and external factors that shape their career choices. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with former Kentucky State FFA Officers, focusing on their motivations, barriers, and overall perspectives on agricultural careers. Key findings revealed that practical considerations, personal growth, leadership …

Personality Assessment Inventory: The Treatment Rejection Scale & Treatment Variables, Ashlee Bradley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The present study aimed to identify the role and validity of the Treatment Rejection Scale (RXR), one of the treatment consideration scales on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991), and its relationship with treatment variables in an outpatient clinical setting. The study used archival data involving 200 client files. The current study evaluated RXR scores in relation to premature, situational, and mutual terminators. Therapist-rated process variables, such as client cancellations, the number of sessions attended, client “no-shows,” and any barriers to completing treatment from the clinician’s point of view, were also considered. Additionally, the treatment outcome variable, in the …

The Role Of Faith-Based Adult Education In Black And Marginalized Communities, Brian Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how faith-based and strengths-based adult education programs impact the cognitive well-being, life purpose, and socioeconomic outcomes of Black, and marginalized adult learners. The research seeks to understand the lived experiences of participants, motivations, and barriers to inform more inclusive and effective adult education practices. Additionally, the study aims to understand what impact these organizations are having on the self-efficacy, socioeconomic outcomes of Black and marginalized students, while looking to align areas for improvement. While the study uses quantitative methods to answer research question, the focus of questions bring insight that would …

Belonging, Inclusivity, And Educational Outcomes: A Quantitative Subgroup Analysis Of School Climate, Academic Performance, And Graduation Rates, Au'yana Lee

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

National graduation rates have improved over time; however, persistent disparities reveal that prior reform efforts have not fully addressed the relational and cultural dimensions that shape student experiences. The study examines how students from historically marginalized groups perceive the school climate, inclusivity, and sense of belonging, and how these perceptions relate to their academic performance and on-time graduation. Grounded in the Life Course Perspective, Expectancy-Value Theory, and Social Capital Theory, this study conceptualizes belonging, motivation, and support as interconnected factors that influence students’ educational trajectories. Using a quantitative correlational design, this study examines the associations between students’ perceptions of school …

Relationship Between School Climate And Effectiveness, Michele D. Franklin Mrs

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to explore the relationship between school climate and school effectiveness in six rural elementary schools. School effectiveness was defined by state reading, math, and index achievement scores. The districts’ Studer Education Survey and the KSA’s Quality of School Climate and Safety survey assessment data were combined to determine each school’s climate score. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework guided the study. The study examined a rural school district’s focus on providing a system of support for reading, math, social emotional learning (SEL), and behavior (SEB) that influenced school climate and ultimately …

Research Update - January 2025, Office Of Research

Research Update

No abstract provided.