Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Modern-Day Apostles On Church Leadership, Allen L. Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study explores the roles and functions of modern-day apostles in independent and nondenominational churches. Its primary objective is to define their purpose and evaluate how their perceived roles influence the growth and success of the church. The research includes perspectives from supporters and opponents of modern-day apostles, though the interviews are limited to those who support their existence. The study seeks to evaluate evidence supporting and opposing the doctrines of Cessation and Apostolic Succession. By examining various viewpoints, the study aims to shed light on the relevance of apostles in modern church leadership and whether their inclusion supports …

Educational Leadership And Advocacy For Change: A Historical Examination Of Georgia State Superintendents’ Reporting And Public Education Reform (1933–1977), Benjamin Isaac Casado

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the role of Georgia’s State Superintendents of Schools in shaping public education from 1933 to 1977, a period marked by profound social, economic, and political change. Focusing on the tenures of Dr. Mauney Douglass Collins, Dr. Claude Lamar Purcell, and Dr. Jack P. Nix, it explores how these leaders utilized the Georgia Department of Education reports to the General Assembly to advocate for legislative reforms and address the evolving educational challenges of their respective eras.

Through a detailed analysis of these reports, this study uncovers the superintendents’ strategies, priorities, and policy recommendations, shedding light on their leadership …

The Leadership Barrier: How Organizational Support, Culture, And Stigma Influence Mental Health Utilization In The Nypd, Ian Demodna

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined systematic barriers that affect NYPD officers' utilization of mental health resources. Despite efforts to provide mental health resources, deep-rooted stigma, rigid organizational culture, and inconsistent leadership support continue to impede officers' utilization. A survey was distributed to two groups of police officers: officers with 5 years or less of active service (n = 548) and 15 years or more of active service (n = 880). The survey questions focused on leadership support, organizational culture, and stigma to assess the differences in mental health utilization. The results showed no significant differences between groups in utilization (p = .437), …

Adverse Childhood Experiences And Adult Nutrition; A Correlational Study, Tabitha Ostrout

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a wealth of knowledge surrounding adverse childhood experiences and their immediate consequences. In recent years, researchers have expanded the scope of studies to explore the long-term impact of these negative early childhood events. One focus of interest is examining the connection between adverse childhood experiences and adult nutrition. To further contribute to the body of knowledge, a quantitative research study was conducted to determine if there is a correlation between the two variables. Data was collected from 106 participants to analyze the impact that adverse childhood experiences may have on later adult nutrition, as well as to investigate …

Exploring The Persistence Experiences Of Ells In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Robert J. Platt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the persistence experiences of undergraduate English Language Learners at a four-year Christian institution in New Jersey. Twelve participants were recruited from various schools within the college. The theory guiding this study was Tinto’s (1975) student integration model specifically examining this idea within the context of academic and social integration. The central research question of this study was, “What are the persistence experiences of English Language Learners at a private four-year institution in New Jersey?” To achieve this, semi-structured interview questions, journaling prompts, and focus groups were used, and data were …

Academic Performance, Violent Community Crimes, And Socioeconomic Status Of Chicago Public Schools' Students: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Bria Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe how community violence and low socioeconomic status influence the academic achievement gap among minority students at Chicago Public Schools. The theory guiding this study is Ogbu's theory as it relates to how forces within the community influence the academic performance of minority students. The research study addresses the following central research question: How do the experiences of marginalized students influence their academic performance? The methodology used includes individual interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts. Based on the analysis of interviews, focus groups, and journal responses from the 12 participants, four major …

A Quantitative Casual-Comparative Study To Determine The Difference In Perception Of Inclusive Education Among Teachers In Preschool, Elementary And Middle School, Boimah G. Sayway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative research examines differences in Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scores based on perceptions of inclusive education among preschool, elementary, and middle school teachers. The study involved a survey of 450 teachers from three districts in a large Eastern city in the U.S., yielding 159 responses, which surpasses the minimum sample size of 126. Researchers assessed teachers' self-efficacy in inclusive instruction, collaboration, and behavior management using the TEIP scale, analyzing the data with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and a One-Way ANOVA. There was a statistically significant difference found between preschool and both elementary …

Spiritual Formation In The Pentecostal African American Church: What Factors Most Influence Perceptions, Gloria Fayetta Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study involved a sample size of 12 participants was to explore how believers perceived their own spiritual formation journey and whether length of time as a practicing Christian and regular attendance at worship services had any impact on their perceptions. The research occurred in four predominantly African American Pentecostal Churches in Oakland, California with participant interviews and sermon observations. The central research question sought a deeper understanding of how African American believers in the Pentecostal church grow spiritually through learning and practicing of the spiritual disciplines and if the variables of time and …

Parental Experiences Of Work And Family Conflict While Parenting A Child With Cancer, Marshall Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The occurrence of work-family conflict is one that many parents with children experience, however, working parents whose child has received a diagnosis of cancer face additional unique and seemingly insurmountable challenges in family and work expectations. The work and family conflict (WAFC) scale, caregiver distress scale (CDS), and financial toxicity (COST) instruments were completed via self-report by 156 participants. All 156 participants were organized into a crisis (n=15), chronic (n=90), terminal (n=49), or “other” (n=2) group based on the time since their child’s diagnosis, time-to-treatment, or type of diagnosis given. The participants in the “other” group were excluded as they …

Fearfully And Wonderfully Made, Addressing The Lack Of Special Needs Leadership At Fusion Church In Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Christina Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Problem this student seeks to address is that Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, lacks special needs leadership services.

The world views special needs individuals as a burden, but God views them as anointed sons and daughters. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus tells his disciples to let the children come to him and not to hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. This serves as a reminder that he wants every one of his followers to come to him with the hearts of children. Special needs children and adults have hearts filled with …

Teacher Learning Communities: A Qualitative Case Study Of Professional Development In Special Education, Tiffany D. Rowland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to discover the collaboration in teacher learning communities (TLCs) to support the growth of students with disabilities for special education teachers at a middle school in South Georgia. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory as it strongly emphasizes the social nature of learning and the influence of cultural context. Individuals construct knowledge through interactions with others, and the cultural environment within TLCs significantly influences professional development. This study employed a single case study design to explore how 10 special education professionals collaborate within TLCs to promote inclusive learning …

"It's About Time!" First-Year Generation Z African American Collegiate Male Time Management Practices: A Phenomenological Study, James Delano Payne Douglas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the impact of time management practices on the experiences of academic integration and social integration for first-year Generation Z African American collegiate males. African American collegiate male retention, persistence, and completion rates are lower than those of other higher education demographics. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s (1984, 1999) student involvement theory which hypothesized that student learning and personal growth results from the degree of involvement measured by the amount of time personally invested in the educational process. The central research question is “How do first-year Generation Z …

Teaching-Induced Emotional Distress: A Phenomenological Study, Elizabeth Paige White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to interpret the lived experiences of teaching-created emotional distress from secondary teachers in the Midwest. The theory guiding this study is Lazarus and Folkman’s cognitive appraisal theory, as it suggests how the body appraises the harm emotional distress can cause and how coping can limit it. The central research question is how do teachers describe their experiences of teaching with emotional distress? The qualitative research study was done through a hermeneutic phenomenology design. The data was collected through interviews, physical artifacts, and a focus group that includes 13 secondary teachers who have …

English As A Second Language Nurse Experiences With Collaborative Learning During Pre-Licensure, Baccalaureate Nursing Education: A Phenomenological Study, Candice Tart Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand how ESL nurses experienced collaborative learning with their native English-speaking peers in traditional baccalaureate-accredited nursing programs across the United States. The theories guiding this study were the Social Learning Theory (SLT) of Academic Self-Efficacy (ASE) by Albert Bandura and the Sociocultural Theory of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) by Lev Vygotsky. The central investigative research question was: What are the lived experiences of novice ESL nurses who participated in collaborative learning with their native English-speaking peers during baccalaureate nursing education? Sampling methods used included a purposive and a snowball sample …

Higher Education Instructor's Perceptions Of Student Motivation And Academic Success When Implementing Project-Based Learning: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Al Baraa Z Abu Hawili

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of instructors on the perceived impact of project-based learning on their students. Project-based learning was generally defined as a student-focused instruction method that instructors can utilize. This research shed light on the gaps in the study regarding instructors’ perception of the effects of project-based learning on their students’ motivations and academic success. Most available research discussed student perceptions of project-based learning. This research also aimed to identify project-based learning as a possible solution to the decline in students’ motivation and academic success in a post-pandemic world. The …

At-Risk Students' Perceptions Of Holistic Advising: A Phenomenological Study, Jonathan David Broyles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand at-risk students’ perceptions of success after having received holistic advising practices at public, four-year universities located in the Southeast United States. The theory that guided this study was Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation, which emphasizes the importance of addressing students’ academic, social, personal, physiological, safety, and emotional needs to support their academic success better. The Central Research Question was: what are at-risk students’ perceptions of success after receiving holistic advising practices? The transcendental phenomenological approach allowed the researcher to explore the phenomenon with others who have experienced the same phenomenon through …

Perceptions Of Preparedness Regarding School Violence: A Qualitative Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study, Kirkham Moyle Burbidge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to understand the school violence preparedness training perceptions of teachers in K-6 Utah schools. Bandura’s social cognitive theory guides this study by supporting knowledge via social connections and context-specific situations. The central research question was “What are the school violence preparedness training experiences of Utah K-6 school teachers?” Van Manen’s approach to researching lived experiences methodologically guides the qualitative study. Participants were K-6 elementary school teachers in Utah, recruited using purposeful and criterion sampling. Teachers were interviewed individually and in focus groups and invited to reflect on their training experience via protocol …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Missouri K-12 Public School Educators' Expression Experiences On Social Media, Jacob Murphy Small

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand how Missouri public school educators experience their expression regarding social media, seeking to understand their views and lived experiences with expressing themselves on social media. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognitive theory as it explains the learned behavior of teachers exercising their agency through social media. The central research question for this study was, what are the lived experiences of Missouri K-12 public school educators regarding their expression on social media? This study examined the lived experiences of Missouri public school teachers, gaining an insight to teachers’ …

Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Diagnosis Of Emotional Disturbance, Kimberly Ginelle Mayfield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, correlational study examines whether the number of adverse childhood experiences can predict a special education diagnosis of emotional disturbance. Emotional disturbance is one of the 13 disability categories included in the Individuals with Disabilities Act. More than 335,000 students in the United States are diagnosed with emotional disturbance. If one can find a between ACEs and a diagnosis of emotional disturbance, schools and policymakers can set up early interventions for students and parents. This study aimed to determine if the number (three or more) of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)s in early childhood could predict a special education diagnosis …

The Both/And Church: A Qualitative Study On The Motives, Processes, And Impacts Of Instrumental Music In Churches Of Christ In The Bible Belt, Samuel Scott Souder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the information available on worship styles of churches in America, perspectives of Churches of Christ who have started using instruments have yet to be explored. Since 1906, Churches of Christ have been one of many distinct religious sects in America. Expressions of this denomination are most often found in the Deep South of the United States — what many religious persons refer to as the “Bible Belt.” Known for their emphasis on weekly communion, baptism as a sacramental part of discipleship, and their embrace of extra-biblical additions to ministry like missionary societies, one spiritual practice sets them apart most …

Revealing Roots: Examining The Intersection Of Trauma, Mental Health, And Bioecological Impact On Pentecostal Black Male Pastors, Dreama Delicia Cole

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe Pentecostal Black male pastors in their understanding of (or experiences with) trauma and mental health in the context of the inclusion of bioecological effects and any thoughts about the potential impact on their congregations in California. The chosen theories complement the lived experiences of these pastors. Based on the research questions, interview questions, and data analysis, the following themes and one subtheme emerged: Their Roots Tell a Story: Lived Experiences of Identity Formation and Early Trauma with subtheme Rejection: Lived Experience of Exclusion and Emotional Wounding, Revelation: Lived Experiences of …

The Relationship Of Physical Literacy, Motivation, Cognitive Function, And Academic Performance Among Elementary School Children, Meagan A. Hartman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Physical literacy could promote the development of confidence and motivation to engage in physical activity, reducing chronic health issues within the United States. This study examined physical literacy and its relationship with motivation, cognitive function, and academic performance among fourth and fifth graders. Participants completed the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth – basic (PLAYbasic), Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM) and Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), which measured physical literacy, motivation to engage in physical activity, and cognitive function, respectively. Academic scores from the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) were collected to measure academic performance. Scores from these measures were …

Paul’S Christological Hermeneutics Of The Psalter In The Book Of Romans, Finny Samuel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the pivotal role of the Psalter in shaping Paul’s theological articulation of justification by faith in the Epistle to the Romans. The central argument asserts that Paul’s Christological hermeneutic of the Psalter serves as a foundational framework for the forensic and legal language employed in his presentation of justification by faith in Romans. The study systematically explores Paul’s theological interpretation of direct quotations from the Psalter in Romans, illuminating the forensic dimensions integral to his argumentation. Through rigorous exegetical analysis of these quotations, it is demonstrated that Paul consistently interprets these texts through the lens of Christ’s …

A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis Of Educator Perspectives On The Benefits Of Multisensory Instruction In Elementary Classrooms, April L. Tinoco

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of elementary teachers who have implemented multisensory instruction within their teaching practices, specifically in northern East Coast Florida kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. Multisensory strategies that use human senses are being looked at through teachers’ perceptions of this practice and how they influence student learning. The theory guiding this study is Shapiro’s embodied cognition theory (2019), which is based on the principle that cognitive processes are enhanced through learning that occurs because of interactions between the body and the environment. The central research question guiding this study is: …

Immigration Federalism In The United States: Texas Case Studies, Kelly A. Atwell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the immigration federalism framework for public administrators in Texas border cities. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of public administration officials in managing immigration challenges and integrating immigrant populations into their communities. The guiding theory is Friedman’s immigration federalism framework, emphasizing state and local actor involvement in developing immigration policies (Friedman, 2022). Friedman’s framework explains why cascading effects of federal level actions are inapplicable at the local level and how a theory meeting communities’ needs is preferential to the removed policies instituted at higher levels of government. …

The Ability Of Algebra Final Grades And Teas Scores To Predict Undergraduate Nursing Student Grade Point Averages: A Quantitative, Non-Experimental, Predictive Correlational Study, Jeanna L. Kerchner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A major concern for many nursing programs is student completion rates. This is due in large part to the demands and rigor of curriculum in accredited nursing programs. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlational study was to determine if final nursing program GPA can be predicted by the linear combination of college algebra final grades and TEAS scores in an undergraduate nursing program at a private university. A quantitative, non-experimental research design was used to address the proposed study’s purpose. The study’s sample of participants was purposive and convenient in nature, and was accessed using an existing, archival …

The Lived Experiences Of Teachers Who Implement Behavioral Interventions To Support Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders In Inclusive Classrooms: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Kelly O'Quinn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the behavioral intervention efficacy of supporting students with emotional and behavioral disorders for teachers in an inclusion classroom setting in the state of Georgia. This study utilized Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as it explains how people perceive their abilities to accomplish certain tasks. This study aimed to answer the following question: What are the lived experiences of teachers who implement behavioral interventions for students with emotional and behavioral disorders in inclusion classroom settings? This study used a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to its design to understand the attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of …

A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Rural West Virginia, Kristen Shaylee Copenhaver

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe young adults’ experiences with high-functioning ASD and ACE in underserved regions of West Virginia. As ACEs are more prevalent in low-income and underserved communities, it can be essential to focus attention on the autism population and their recollection of the events that occurred, as well as the challenges they have experienced receiving treatment to adequately address their needs in West Virginia. The theory guiding this study was the theory of mind, coined by Premack and Woodruff; This theory focuses on the deficits in a person's mental state (Beaudoin et al., 2020), …

Perceptions Of Competency, Adequate Training, And Job Satisfaction Of Intensive In-Home Counselors In Hampton Roads, Virginia, Sueann Nicole Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to explore the perceptions of intensive in-home counselors in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area regarding their adequacy of training, competence, and job satisfaction. Participants were recruited from community-based agencies offering intensive in-home counseling services. These counselors work with at-risk children and families that face complex challenges like trauma, poverty, and behavioral instability. The theories guiding this study were Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory and Core Self Evaluations Theory, which provided a dual framework for examining intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing participants’ perceptions and experiences. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with participants, which allowed for in-depth exploration of …

Analysis Of The Relationship Of Spirituality And Spiritual Bypass On The Resilience Of Survivors Of Homicide In The U.S., Katie Ann Wiggins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The quantitative study examined the influence of spirituality and spiritual bypass on the resilience of homicide survivors, an area with limited research. This correlational design used multiple regression analysis to investigate how spirituality and case solution status moderated the effects of spiritual bypass on the resilience of homicide survivors. While substantial studies address grief from natural and sudden loss, there have been few that explore the experiences of homicide survivors grieving loss due to murder. It was the researcher’s anticipation that there would be a positive effect between spirituality and resilience in addition to the negative effect on resilience from …