Digital Commons Network^™

The Multidimensionality Of Illusory Judgments: Reexamination Of Illusion Of Control Research, Paul Keith Presson

Doctoral Dissertations

The present dissertation examines the well-established research paradigm known as the illusion of control. Until now, researchers have employed one basic paradigm which has addressed the illusion of control as a unidimensional phenomenon. In Study 1, 91 female undergraduates were presented with three induction conditions used by previous researchers. Factor analyses showed that judgments from these tasks did not tap into a single process, but rather fell into two types of illusory judgments--belief- and contingency-based. In Study 2, 182 female undergraduates were exposed to the same three induction conditions used in Study 1 plus two additional contingency tasks. As in …

Talk Before Writing: Oral Rehearsal As A Pre-Writing Strategy For High School Students With Difficulties In Retrieval, Valerie Sebern Aubry

Doctoral Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of oral rehearsal used as a pre-writing strategy by twenty-eight high school students (21 males, 7 females) with difficulties in retrieval. Study participants read texts, wrote summary-response essays, and revised their compositions in two conditions: with rehearsal and without rehearsal. A repeated measures (2 x 2) x (2) design with Passage and Order of Treatment as the between-subject variables, and Condition as the within-subject variable was used to assess differences in compositions.

Eight quantitative measures, with four considered primary, were used to evaluate differences in the quantity, complexity, content, and quality of compositions. Positive changes …

Student Interactions And Mathematics Discourse: A Study Of The Development Of Discussions In A Fifth-Grade Classroom, Sharon Marie Soucy Mccrone

Doctoral Dissertations

Mathematics reform efforts are gaining attention and support in the years since the dissemination of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards documents. Encouraging student interactions in small and large group settings, and promoting discussion and argumentation of mathematical ideas among students are two possible implications of the vision presented in the Standards. The goal of having mathematics discussions, however, can present a variety of classroom challenges. Many factors influence classroom discourse and need to be addressed in ways that inform teachers as they work toward creating a more interactive, discussion-based mathematics classroom.

The study examines the development …

Power Play: Sexual Harassment In The Middle School, Elizabeth M Allard Chamberlain

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation addresses male to female student to student sexual harassment in public middle schools, arguing that this issue is not merely a legal one, but an educational issue with legal components which demands the attention and intervention of educators. I argue that no legal policy, regardless of how explicitly it is written, or how expertly administered, can, by itself, adequately address student to student sexual harassment. This is not a fault within the legal system: it is a recognition that the law cannot do the work of education. We need to acknowledge the complexity of sexual harassment and its …

A Poetics Of Reconciliation: The Aesthetic Mediation Of Conflict, Cynthia Eames Cohen

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation, a philosophical inquiry into the significance of the aesthetic domain for reconciliation, addresses the following question: What is the nature of reconciliation, and what is the nature of the aesthetic domain, that aesthetic forms and processes should be uniquely well-suited to the educational tasks and challenges inherent in the work of reconciliation? The question is answered through the methods of conceptual analysis, with examples from the author's practice of conflict resolution, oral history and cultural work.

The first section of the dissertation identifies 'reconciliation' as an ethical and educational concept. The educational tasks of reconciliation--through which former enemies …

The Effects Of Augmented Feedback On Students' Perceptions And Performance., Karen Anne Buckner Fredenburg

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The focus of this study was to investigate the effects of various augmented feedback conditions on students' self-perceptions of ability (SPA), practice behaviors, and performance during motor skill instruction of a novel task. Fourth grade physical education students (n = 103) participating in a one week instructional unit on the skill of cupstacking were randomly assigned to one of four feedback conditions: (a) no feedback, (b) motivational feedback, (c) task or informational feedback, and (d) motivational and task feedback combined. While students practiced simple (3 x 6 x 3) and complex (1 x 10 x 1) cupstacking skills, instruction and …

Errand Into The Wilderness And America: An Analysis Of The Effects Of Puritan Symbols On The Perceived Purpose Of Education In America., E. Douglas Mcknight

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Present day America is perceived as immersed in a moral crisis due to certain cultural conditions; that national identity has fractured, resulting in a pervading sense of uncertainty and anxiety about the future; that public schools, as institutions charged with preserving the symbols of national identity and a morality that is the concrete expression of those symbols, have failed and must be reformed; and finally, that only through "schooling" can America be saved from this current cultural crisis. This rhetorical trajectory has a history that extends back to the Puritans who settled in America during the early seventeenth century and …

The Impact Of Early Literacy Intervention Groups In Conjunction With Reading Recovery., Lori Ann Brocato

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The positive, early experiences of children in school can be closely linked to their future success in school and career. Reading Recovery has been successful in helping at-risk first-grade children accelerate and become successful readers and writers. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether or not Early Literacy Intervention Groups have any effect when used in conjunction with Reading Recovery. This study will examine the following questions: (1) How do Reading Recovery children without Early Literacy Intervention compare to those with this experience on entrance scores into the program? (2) How do Reading Recovery children without Early Literacy …

Diverse Roads To Literacy: Examining The Literacy Learning Of Six First Graders., Deborah Rickards

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this descriptive multiple-case qualitative study was to observe six students--three students who initially experienced difficulty with early literacy tasks and three who initially encountered success. It was conducted in a classroom with an exemplary teacher using literature-based instruction, the writing process, integration across curricular areas, and an intervention strategy designed to accelerate the learning of the students who encountered difficulties with literacy tasks. This research was conducted to examine the following questions: (a) How did each child interact with reading/writing materials and with other readers and writers within the classroom? (b) how did the teacher interact with …

The Relationship Between Media Exposure, Personal Experience And Education On The Public's Perceptions Of People With Disabilities: A Correlational Study, Melissa Lynn Reichley

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Relationship Between Media Exposure, Personal Experience and Education on the Public's Perceptions of Disabilities seeks to determine whether there is any correlation between people's opinions about people with disabilities (PWDs), and their media consumption, education, and experience or contact with PWDs. The author compares such perceptions between respondents with and without disabilities. While research suggests nondisabled people view people with disabilities to varying degrees of negativity depending on the level and type of disability and accompanying social stigma attached, this researcher questions whether frequency of media exposure is having a positive influence on media consumers' perceptions of PWDs (which …

Factors That Contribute To The Progress Of High School Students In A College Distance Education Course, Joni M. Flowers

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examined the factors that contributed to the high school students' progress in a college-level, distance education course. Four high school students, two seniors and two juniors, were selected to participate in the study. They were simultaneously enrolled in high school and the college distance education course. The researcher in the study was also the instructor. Her lectures were presented to the students via prerecorded videotapes. The college course involved the use of three distance education technologies: video-based instruction, email, and the World Wide Web; A qualitative methodology using a multiple case study design was used in this study. …

The Influence Of Violence Upon Academic Achievement Among African American First Time College Students., Diana F. Kelly

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the relationship between early exposure to violence--both personal and community--and the later academic achievement of African American first time college students. The study incorporated several variables that were thought to impinge upon the academic achievement process. Specifically, those variables were divided into several groups: background factors (socioeconomic status, high school academic record, personal and community violence exposure), student characteristics (locus of control, educational aspirations and expectations), and university characteristics (campus safety, academic and social integration). Student achievement was measured by students' expected grade point average, as indicated on a student questionnaire. University administrators, professors, and researchers who …

Factors Influencing University Enrollment Status Of High School Students Recruited To Attend Louisiana State University., Allison Bennett Harris

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a model existed which significantly increased the researcher's ability to accurately explain whether or not a recruited student will enroll based upon current recruitment strategies and demographic characteristics. The population for this study was defined as all prospective freshmen students who were recruited to attend Louisiana State University in the fall of 1995 and fall 1996. A random sample of the population was drawn from the population of prospective high school graduating seniors on the admissions data base for the years 1994-96. Each recruitment year sample was stratified into three groups …

An Investigation Of Consistency Between Theoretical Orientations To Reading And Planning For Reading Instruction: A Three-Year Study., Norma Jean Paris

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this three-year study was to investigate the participants' theoretical orientations to reading over time. By presenting an in-depth description of the thoughts and actions, as related to the research questions, of nine student teachers during their student teaching experience, and again three years later as elementary teachers, this study provided valuable insights into the degree to which a well-defined theoretical orientation to reading is internalized and how it manifests in classroom practices. The research questions that were investigated included the durability of theoretical orientations to reading, consistency between theoretical orientations and planning for reading instruction, and the …

Factors Affecting Motivation To Use Computer-Based Training., Dian Lampkin Seyler

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Billions of dollars are spent each year on training in an effort to increase productivity so businesses can stay competitive. However, little is known about factors that impact the trainee's decisions to use what they learned in these training programs, back on the job. Guided by a conceptual model of training evaluation and research, this research examined the influence of five sets of variables on training participant's motivation to use what they learned during a computer-based training (CBT) program in a large petro-chemical plant in southern Louisiana. The variables included in this study were: individual and general attitudes (love of …

The Preparation And Production Of Rapid Sequential Aiming Movements In Motor Control., Dongwon Yook

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Three experiments are reported that attempt to further our knowledge of the preparation and production of rapid sequential aiming movements. Specifically, these experiments examined possible reasons why in sequential aiming responses, the second movement segment (MT2) is consistently performed more slowly than first and third movement segments (MT1 and MT3). In the first experiment, participants struck 1, 2, or 3 targets in sequence without the benefit of visual feedback and without time stress to determine if MT2 is slowed due to a visually based on-line trajectory-correction process. The results showed that MT2 was not slower than MT1 under these condition. …

Teacher Conceptions And The Curriculum: A Longitudinal, Multicase Study Of College Chemistry Teaching., Charles J. Killebrew

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Strategic innovations and interventions to reform college science teaching will be required to promote the retention and achievement of those students who might otherwise elect to defect at the entry-level courses. The extent to which this can be achieved will depend upon educational research into ways that the science curriculum can be restructured to accomplish the dual function of enhancing science literacy while promoting recruitment to scientific careers. To explore these issues, four introductory college chemistry classes were observed over a period of two years. The classes were designated either as traditional or conceptual. Selection into these categories was based …

The Effects Of The Louisiana Systemic Initiative Project On Two Rural School Districts In Louisiana., Tanya Maria Jones

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This study provides a description and analysis of the effects of a mathematics reform initiative on classrooms in two rural communities. It describes the sites, details interactions that take place in the classroom, and enumerates teachers' perceptions of the change. A mixed methodology was used to support the findings. Qualitative data were collected through classroom observations and interviews and quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires. Quantitative results indicated that teachers who participate in the training have the opportunity to learn more about new teaching strategies in mathematics and are likely to change their teaching practices in mathematics. Findings reflected that …

A Model Junior High School Title I And Learning Assistance Program (Lap) Handbook, David Carthum

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model junior high school Title I and Learning Assistance Program (LAP) handbook. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding Title I/LAP programs was conducted; existing school district documents (i.e., state and local LAP reports, building plans, building accreditation report, department plans, parent involvement plans, shared decision-making team plans) were examined. Additionally, Title I/LAP information and materials from selected schools were obtained and analyzed.

A Uniform Dress Code Policy For Middle/Junior High School, Cynthia A. Thoman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a model uniform dress code policy for the student population of a selected middle/junior high level school district in Washington State. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding student dress codes and policies was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected public schools currently using student uniforms was obtained and analyzed.

A Descriptive Study Of Motivation Factors Leading To The Selection Of A School-To-Career Transition Curriculum By High School Students In Arkansas, Virginia Stevenson Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of the study was to identify elements that encourage high school students to select the school-to-career curriculum. The study included elements from successful school-to-career programs, background of the history of vocational legislation, and an examination of motivation theories including goal-setting, needs satisfaction, and choice. A survey was administered to 175 students in four districts in Arkansas. Students were given open- and closed-response questions to determine their present interest in the school-to-career curricula and elements they considered motivational. A univariate analysis was conducted. Responses were placed in a frequency distribution. The responses from the surveys indicated enrollment would increase …

1996-1997 Annual Report, South Carolina Institute Of Archaeology And Anthropology--University Of South Carolina

Annual Reports

The review presented in this Report is for the period July 1996-June 1997 and summarizes the ongoing research, public service, and educational benefits of the Institute's programs.

Contents:

Table of Contents.....p. iii
Introduction.....p. 1
Administrative Division.....p. 5
Office of the State Archaeologist.....p. 9
Research Division.....p. 13
Underwater Archaeology Division.....p. 21
Savannah River Archaeological Research Program.....p. 27
Cultural Resources Consulting Division.....p. 33
Archaeological Society of South Carolina.....p. 35
Archaeological Research Trust.....p. 37
Staff.....p. 39
Appendix A - Publications.....p. 43
Appendix B - Editorships.....p. 49
Appendix C - Papers Presented.....p. 51
Appendix D - Creative Endeavors.....p. 55
Appendix E - Courses Taught.....p. …

The Moral Atmosphere Of The Elementary School And The Question Of Gender., Suzanne Beauclair Roy

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the moral atmosphere of the elementary school and ask: How does the elementary school principal contribute to the moral atmosphere of the elementary school? In addition to this question, this study also explored the likenesses and differences between male principals and female principals in regard to the degree to which the principal practiced either an "ethic of care" or an "ethic of justice." Four case studies were constructed using data collected from observations and interviews that were conducted in four elementary schools. Also, two female principals and two male principals were …

The Role Of The Unit As A Cognitive Bridge Between Additive And Multiplicative Structures., Nancy Sutton Alexander

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The rational number domain is known for the great difficulties it presents for students and teachers. As students construct knowledge of fractions, they search for connections to existing knowledge. Procedures from the whole number domain are tried, but many do not work on the new numbers! Recent research has focused on the unit as a way to link whole number and rational number understanding (Behr, Harel, Post & Lesh, 1992). Studies have suggested that students intuitively form units (Lamon, 1994), and that this intuitive knowledge can serve as a foundation for rational number understanding (Lamon, 1994; Mack, 1990). Golding (1994) …

Technical Training Program Evaluation: Present Practices In United States' Business And Industry., Skip Twitchell

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

There is a lack of information on training evaluation. For those studies addressing the amount of evaluation that occurs and in which samples can be identified, the samples are non-random. There have been very few reports on the methods used for evaluation or the reasons why there is so little evaluation. This study used a random sample selected from members of the ASTD professional practice area titled, Technical and Skills Trainers. It can be argued that this is an informed sample involved in a training area that produces objective outcomes and should produce a favorable picture of training evaluation. Questions …

A Descriptive Case Study Of An Alternative Education Program For Credit-Deficient Youth: The Graduate Academy, Virginia M. Wallace

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to analyze and evaluate the development and implementation of an experimental, school-within-a-school alternative environment, the Graduate Academy, after the first year of implementation. The study addressed those factors which set the Graduate Academy apart from the traditional school setting including the intake process, recruitment of teachers, selection of curriculum, staff development, incentives, ecological factors, parent involvement, and school-business partnerships. The subjects of the study were high school students who shared credit deficiency as their common risk factor. The methodology used was the descriptive narrative case study chosen because of the complexity of the alternative …

Investigating Assessment Strategies In Mathematics Classrooms : A Cd-Rom Resource Enabling Teachers To Explore Assessment Strategies In Mathematics Education, Tony Herrington, Len Sparrow, Jan Herrington, Ron Oliver

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Number Sense In School Mathematics: Student Performance In Four Countries, Alistair Mcintosh, Barbara Reys, Robert Reys, Jack Bana, Brian Farrell

Research outputs pre 2011

Since 1988 teams of researchers in the United States, Japan and Australia have been involved in a collaborative research project to assess the mental computation ability of their students. The results of this research have been reported elsewhere (Mcintosh, Bana & Farrell 1995; Mcintosh, Nohda, Reys & Reys 1995). The researchers involved were Professors Robert and Barbara Reys of the University of Missouri - Columbia, Professor Nobuhiko Nohda of the University of Tsukuba and Alistair Mcintosh, Jack Bana and Brian Farrell of Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia.

The United States and Australian researchers went on to assess the number …

Schooling And The Experience Of Adolescents In Kenya, Ayorinde Ajayi, Wesley H. Clark, Annabel Erulkar, Karin Hyde, Cynthia B. Lloyd, Barbara Mensch, Cecilia Ndeti, Barry Ravitch, Elisabeth Masiga, Shiprah Gichaga

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

The Government of Kenya is committed to providing equal education opportunities to all of its citizens. As a result, there has been rapid development in education since independence to ensure that as many children as possible enroll in schools and complete their studies. This study was carried out primarily to get a holistic picture of the school environment for adolescents and other relevant factors that might interfere with the whole learning/teaching process. Special attention was paid to the education of girls and the factors that might lead to their dropping out of school. The study was conducted jointly by the …

Getting Ready For Total Joint Replacement Surgery: A Pre-Operative Education Program, Jason R. Delaney

Theses

Today's health care system is in a state of constant flux attempting to merge, decrease jobs and increase profits. A method to accomplish the goal for increased profits is to have a decline in the number of days any patient remains in the hospital. One such facility attempting to achieve this goal is a 340 bed acute care hospital in the Midwest.

ln the view of the author it seems possible for the physical and occupational therapy departments to have the ability to improve outcomes and decrease the total amount of time any patient remains hospitalized. With this in mind, …