Digital Commons Network^™

Onboarding And Sense Of Belonging: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Natalia Volkonsky

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Extensive research has examined the link between onboarding and employees’ sense of belonging, yet no known studies have explored whether the type of onboarding—delivered in-person, remotely, or through virtual platforms—affects this relationship. This quantitative, correlational study investigated how onboarding quality relates to employees’ sense of belonging, whether purpose in life mediates this relationship, and whether onboarding type moderates it. A sample of full-time employees (N = 112), onboarded within the past 12 months, completed validated measures assessing onboarding quality, purpose in life, and sense of belonging. Results showed a significant positive correlation between onboarding quality and sense of belonging. Purpose …

Adults With Learning Disabilities Navigating The Transition From School To Work, Shatrece L. Jenkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of adults with learning disabilities when transitioning from academics to the workplace, with an emphasis on emotional intelligence. The two research questions asked how adults with learning disabilities described their lived experiences and experiences of emotions and emotional regulation in their transition from academic environments to the professional workplace. The theory guiding this study was the emotional intelligence theory developed by Salovey and Mayer, which was used as a determinant in building relationships and upholding social interactions. The sample consisted of 13 adults with learning disabilities working at …

The Day Of The Lord As The Unifying Theme Of John’S Revelation, Jared Michael Quirk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to argue that the day of the Lord (DOTL) is a major unifying theme within the book of Revelation. Chapters 2–3 of this study prepare the reader to accept this point by first arguing that the DOTL was a prominent theme in both the Old Testament Scriptures and the other New Testament writings besides Revelation (Matthew–Jude). After establishing the validity of the DOTL as a prominent theme in the biblical corpus (and thus as a theme worthy of John’s consideration), chapters 4–5 of this study focus specifically on the book of Revelation, highlighting how …

A Qualitative Study: The Classroom Experiences For Teachers Integrating Stem At Title I Primary Schools, Cynthia Laverne Lundy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the classroom experiences for teachers at Best Primary School. The theory guiding this study is Knowles’ adult learning theory, as it will offer a relationship between how adults learn and the classroom experiences of teachers implementing STEM integration. The central research question was: What are the lived classroom experiences for teachers integrating STEM at Title I primary schools? The hermeneutic study of the classroom experiences for teachers integrating STEM at a Title I primary school using the pseudonym Best Primary is appropriate. Purposeful sampling was used to interview teachers on-site and …

Passing The Torch: Evaluating Documentation Quality And Its Impact On Nurses’ Perceptions Of Communication Across Va Care Transitions, Shannon Collier Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Effective communication during transitions of care is crucial to ensuring patient safety and optimizing outcomes. However, current practices may fall short in supporting clear and comprehensive communication among healthcare providers, particularly during complex care transitions involving Veterans who have received targeted care coordination intervention outside of their primary Patient Aligned Care Team. The absence of standardized tools for handoff documentation exacerbates fragmented communication and ambiguity about the transfer of care management responsibilities, potentially leading to avoidable errors and care coordination failures. This project aimed to investigate nurses' perceptions of the adequacy of communication during the transition of moderate to complex …

After His Likeness: The Holy Trinity And Creation Of Humanity, Chris Trevino

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation presents a comprehensive theological and interdisciplinary examination of the Holy Trinity (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and its influence on human creativity, ethical development, and identity, as rooted in the Genesis creation narrative. Employing exegetical analysis of Genesis 1:26-27 alongside systematic theological synthesis, lexical‐theological study of צֶלֶם (ṣélem, image) and דְּמוּת (dəmûth, likeness), and historical‐doctrinal reflection on Chalcedonian definitions of the hypostatic union and kenosis, it develops a triadic framework that aligns the divine mind, heart, and will with human cognition, emotion, and volition. The study reveals that the threefold act of divine creativity (i.e., the Father’s …

The Role Of Persuasive Rhetoric In The Dynamic Transformation Of A Mediatized Social Drama: A Thematic Analysis Of The 2023 Maui Wildfire, Chinua Joi Ivey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

On August 8, 2023, one of the deadliest wildfires in American history occurred in Maui County, Hawaii. The wildfires’ unprecedented impact on the town of Lahaina caused a tremendous loss of life, cultural artifacts, and property. Many suffered unimaginable conditions to survive the rapidly spreading flames, and thousands were displaced. While this tragedy evolved through the journalistic lens of the news media, reports showcased the dynamic phases of social drama punctuated by persuasive rhetoric. Mediatized hope appeals were leveraged to influence a change in the audience's attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors, revealing divergent goals for future expectations. How can mediatized …

Mathematics Self-Efficacy And Achievement Among Elementary Students Who Participate In Extended Day Mathematics Programs: A Causal Comparative Study, Maria V. Kerr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study is to examine whether there is a difference in mathematics self-efficacy and achievement among fourth and fifth-grade students who participate in extended-day mathematics programs versus those who do not. The study utilizes the Mathematics Interest Inventory (MII) and the iReady Mathematics Program to measure these variables. Student performance in mathematics is influenced by various factors, including motivation, interest, and self-efficacy. In response to learning loss from emergency school closures, schools nationwide have implemented extended-day programs to help close the achievement gap. Federal and local governments have allocated over $8 billion to support these …

Understanding Workplace Stigma And Coping Strategies Among Those Living With Chronic Migraine In The Construction Industry, Brian T. Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although a neurological condition, the cause of migraines is poorly understood. The problem is that the factors contributing to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the construction workplace are not well known. To address this problem, this qualitative case study explored what factors contribute to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the workplace in the specific context of the construction industry. The study asked the following: (a) How do workers living with chronic migraines experience and navigate associated migraine stigma in their workplace (e.g., cultural norms and disclosure)?, (b) What do workers living with …

Parental Participation In A Christian Homeschool Co-Opertaive In A State In The Southeastern Us: A Single-Case Study, Emily E. Fowler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, single-case study was to explore parental participation in a Christian homeschool co-operative in a state in the Southeastern US, identified by the pseudonym Hope Homeschool Co-op. Christopher Watkin’s biblical critical theory guided this research, emphasizing how the Bible’s unfolding story centers around a relational God. This study examined the importance of having a Christian community to parents participating in Hope Homeschool Co-op. Using a single-case study approach, data were collected from 14 homeschooling mothers who had enrolled their families in Hope Homeschool Co-op during the 2024-25 academic school year. The Central Research Question asked, “What …

Motivation And Retention In Music Education: A Phenomenological Study On Socioeconomic Status Impact, Bracy C. Martin Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The retention of middle and high school students in music education programs remains a persistent concern, particularly when disparities in motivation are shaped by socioeconomic status (SES). This hermeneutic phenomenological study investigated how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors such as funding, parental involvement, off-campus performance opportunities, and student engagement are influenced by SES and how these influences affect student retention in school music programs. Grounded in Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory and Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, the study examined how motivation and SES intersect to either support or hinder student persistence in music education.

Eight music educators from urban, suburban, and …

The Impact Of Modeling Music Literacy After English Literacy On Elementary Students’ Music Reading Abilities, Madeline Ann Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although numerous studies have been conducted to determine music’s ability to improve student achievement in other content areas, integrating general education pedagogy practices for the purpose of enhancing music education has not received the same attention. Music and language share one of the strongest and most recognizable connections, yet parallels drawn between music and language do not typically extend to the pedagogy used to teach music literacy acquisition and application. This applied research study compared the music literacy abilities of students instructed using traditional music literacy practices to those instructed using techniques modeled after English literacy practices. To determine the …

Enhancing Parental Knowledge Of Functional Medicine Interventions For Adhd: An Educational Initiative To Improve Caregiver Competency, Julie Gammer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent pediatric psychiatric condition often managed with stimulant medications that carry potential side effects and may not address underlying causes. Research findings indicate a significant gap in caregiver knowledge and confidence in treating their child's ADHD with functional medicine strategies. This project develops an evidence-based educational initiative designed to enhance caregiver knowledge and confidence in applying functional medicine interventions—such as dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and gut health restoration—as natural, root-cause approaches to managing ADHD symptoms. The project utilized a 30-minute audiovisual presentation and was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention competency tests, as well as a …

Identifying Aspects Of Musical Diversity That Engender Multigenerational Worship In Select Baptist Churches: A Case Study, Megan Scruggs Hollifield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Multigenerational worship through the avenue of musical diversity in the Baptist church is the focus of this case study. This study aims to identify critical components of musical diversity, emphasizing song selection as a key element of liturgy within corporate worship. The research undertakes an observational analysis of the relationship between musical diversity through liturgy and congregational engagement of all generations. Five Baptist churches were selected to be studied to categorize the similarities and differences in the area of multigenerational worship. The case study research model provided a variety of data collection methods through research observations, online questionaries and in-person …

Understanding The Essence Of The Experience: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Students' Engagement With Gamification In Higher Education Asynchronous Courses, Pamela L. Huntington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the nuanced academic lived experiences of students engaging in online asynchronous gamification activities at Central Valley Community College District (CVCCD), a mid-sized community college located in California’s Central Valley. The theory guiding this study is Landers’ theory of gamified learning as it provides a framework for understanding how the intentional integration of game elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, can influence learning-related behaviors and attitudes, aligning directly with the study’s focus on how gamification impacts student motivation, engagement, and cognitive experiences in asynchronous online discussions. The central research question …

Integrating African American Veterans Into Church Life: The Impact Of Urban Neo-Tribalism At Olivet Church, Dennis Allen Rose Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African American veterans at Olivet Baptist Church attended worship services but did not participate in broader church activities. Many remained disconnected except during annual recognition events. This project was developed to address that gap. The Veteran Re-engagement Module (VRM) was delivered through six small group sessions. It focused on helping veterans talk through their past experiences, explore how those experiences affected their faith, and reconnect with the church. The approach centered around Scripture, group conversation, and spiritual storytelling. To evaluate its impact, data came through before-and-after surveys, individual interviews, and session notes. Twelve veterans participated. Some said this was the …

Examining Home Confinement Of Offenders In The Mississippi Delta, Malcolm Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recidivism was identified as a persistent problem in the criminal justice system. Accordingly, prison overcrowding was also an identified problem in the prison system. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of home confinement for offenders in the Mississippi Delta. This research used rehabilitation theory to conduct a qualitative analysis of home confinement in the Mississippi Delta, as well as identify any unique challenges to the program presented by rural conditions. A purposive sampling technique was used to solicit participation, and a total of 12 participants were included in the study. The participants were interviewed using a …

Toward Secure And Inclusive Educational Metaverse: Insights For African Countries, Nkosikhona T. Msweli

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The rapid growth of immersive learning platforms has introduced critical identity security challenges. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of over 200 publications (2005–2025) on AI and security issues in virtual educational environments, using Scopus as the primary source. Findings reveal a surge in research after 2022, with China, the U.S., and India as leading contributors, while African representation remains limited. Key concerns include cross-platform vulnerabilities, deepfake threats, and challenges in implementing blockchain-based identity verification. The study also highlights algorithmic bias and ethical issues in identity authentication, emphasizing the need for inclusive, transparent AI systems. The paper provides insights to …

Gratifications That Contribute To Compulsive Youtube Use Among University Students, Mkhululi Tshepo Ncube, Zweithini Mabhena, Wallace Chigona

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This study investigated the gratifications contributing to compulsive YouTube use among university students. Compulsive YouTube use, marked by an inability to regulate consumption despite negative impacts to the user, is analysed through the Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G) and Compulsive Internet Use (CIU). Specifically, the study examined how different gratifications—such as emotional support, habitual viewing, and escapism—drive compulsive use patterns. A cross-sectional survey strategy was employed, collecting data from 175 university students through structured online questionnaires. The study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the relationships between the identified gratifications and compulsive usage behaviour. The findings …

The Shorthorn: December 7, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: December 6, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: December 5, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: December 4, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 30, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 28, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 29, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 27, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 20, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 21, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 15, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.