Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Variables Related To Faculty Attitudes Towards Computing At Western Michigan University, Marianne P. Vakalis

Dissertations

The purpose of this study were: (a) to describe characteristics of faculty at Western Michigan University who hold favorable or unfavorable attitudes towards computing with respect to the 13 variables used in previous research; (b) to investigate other selected variables which could be used to describe faculty who are likely to have favorable attitudes towards computing at Western on which little, if any, research has been reported in the literature; and (c) to develop implications of findings for identifying possible interventions with faculty who hold unfavorable attitudes towards computing at Western Michigan University.

A Computing Favorability Scale (Shields, 1984), used …

Causes Of Juvenile Delinquency In Jordan, Ayed A. Irfaifeh

Dissertations

This dissertation sought to examine the extent to which a set of social bonding factors were helpful in preventing delinquency in the Jordanian society. A sample of 147 juveniles (male eleventh-graders) from seven public high schools in the Tafielah Covernate and its localities completed a self-reported survey. Their answers were useful in ascertaining whether or not Hirschi's (1969) social control theory was indeed applicable cross-culturally, especially in a society dissimilar to the United States. Within the theoretical confines of Hirschi's theory, the descriptive data suggest that Jordanian youth have similar cultural beliefs, values, attitudes, and affiliation to the convention order …

Members Of Minority Student Organizations And Their Perceptions Of Their Academic And Social Integration, Oris Tamaria Griffin

Dissertations

Hundreds of studies of student retention have been conducted at colleges and universities over the years, and invariably they have focused on identifying student characteristics and other factors related to retention, as well as on causes of attrition which can help us identify ways to improve this situation.

Importantly the literature on student retention has identified academic and social integration as playing key roles in student retention, although admittedly some studies have shown more promise on these variables than others.

The purpose of this study was to determine if members of any one of three organizational types (social, professional, ethnic) …

Extension Of The Audio-Visual Combination Discrimination Test, Valerie R. Davine

Masters Theses

The Audio-Visual Combination (AVC) scale (Kerr, Meyerson, & Flora, 1977) was developed to assess basic discrimination skills in the developmentally disabled population. Acquisition of such skills has been demonstrated to follow a progressive pattern. The existing AVC test assesses discrimination skills in the following hierarchy: Imitation, Position, Visual, Match-To-Sample, Auditory, and Auditory- Visual Combination. This investigation attempted to discover transitional skills between the Match-To-Sample and the Auditory levels. Twenty-four developmentally disabled adults were tested using the original AVC tool with the addition of four new discrimination tasks that were added to the existing scale to ascertain a finer gradation of …

Perceptions Of Leadership Styles Of Principals In The Archdiocese Of Detroit, Denise Seymour

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the congruence of perceptions of ideal and real leadership behavior of principals in Catholic elementary and high schools located in the Archdiocese of Detroit. The Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire (Halpin, 1957a), (LBDQ) developed through the College of Administrative Sciences at Ohio State University, was used. An instrument developed by the researcher was used to collect data on age, gender, experience and religious or lay status of principals and teachers.

The data were analyzed using the SAS Package for the IBM 4341 utilizing the CMS operating system at Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo) Statistical …

A Status Study Of Economic Education In Michigan Elementary Schools, Barbara C. Johnson

Dissertations

The status of economic education in Michigan elementary schools was examined to describe the level of programs in districts of differing state equalized valuation per state aid member (SEV), size, or stratifications by geographic region and community type. In addition, constraints and needs for curriculum development were identified and the status of economic education in Michigan elementary schools was compared to standards set by the Michigan Economic Education Council. A 15-item questionnaire was used to survey a random stratified sample of 178 principals to provide information regarding program configuration, concepts, materials, leadership, and constraints of implementation. Ninety-eight usable returns were …

The Effectiveness Of A Structured Tutoring Program Used With Migrant Students, Cortland L. Hillman

Dissertations

Among the circumstances that plague migrant students are mobility, poverty, low expectations, educational fragmentation, and cultural alienation. A typical migrant student might attend as many as three or more schools per year. More than 50% of all migrant students drop out of school, a figure nearly twice the national average for all other U.S. students. Ninety percent or more of all migrant students follow their parents into a lifetime of employment as field workers. The cost to the migrant student of not being academically successful is a life of limited opportunity.

In this study a structured tutoring program in reading …

A Comparison Of Sociological And Demographic Factors Of Custodial And Noncustodial Single Fathers, Daniel D. Petterson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what differences, if any, exist in the sociological and demographic factors that are observed to be characteristics of fathers who have custody of their children, as opposed to fathers who do not have custody of their children. A review of the literature revealed that a large amount of information has been collected dealing with the situation of single mothers, but that nothing comparable exists regarding single fathers. The evidence from the literature also indicated that the increase in single fathering is at least paralleling the increase in single parenting in general. It …

The Relationship Between Absenteeism And The Amount Of Overtime Worked In Various Job Classifications In A Metal Fabrication Plant, Thomas D. Hopkins

Dissertations

A causal comparative study was conducted to test the relationship between absenteeism and the amount of overtime worked in various job classifications. The study was conducted in a metal stamping plant. The 4.5-year study tested absence percentage data for the three classifications of skilled, service, and nonskilled employees. The study supported the hypothesis that there is a relationship between absenteeism and job classification. The study could not support either a relationship between the amount of overtime worked and absenteeism or a relationship between the interaction of job classification and overtime worked on the absentee rate. Implications were discussed pertaining to …

Parent, Student, And Teacher Perceptions Of Discipline Problems In The Middle School, Marilyn J. Giannangeli

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of parents, students, and teachers relative to specific, documented behavioral problems which occur in the middle school environment. Of particular interest were the perceptions of the frequency with which these behaviors occurred, whether these perceptions correlated with the actual frequencies as documented by formal dismissal referrals, and the perceptions of appropriateness of referral to a school administrator of these behaviors.

The sample group consisted of 230 students, 25 teachers, and 230 parents from a selected middle school in Macomb County, located in southeastern Michigan. The instrument used for data collection …

A Study Of Leadership Styles Of The County Sheriffs In The State Of Michigan, David A. Miramonti

Dissertations

This study sought to determine if there was an identifiable preferred leadership style used by law enforcement administrators, as represented by the county sheriffs in the state of Michigan. The study also sought to determine whether there was any relationship between certain previously identified variables and leadership style preference. Finally, the study gathered information about the background of county sheriffs.

The available literature in the field established the main hypothesis: that a humanistic style of leadership is preferred. Eight other hypotheses were developed to analyze the relationship between the variables of age, educational level, education major, years in law enforcement, …

The Relationship Between Attitude Toward The Elderly And Intergenerational Contact Among Social Workers, William D. Vickers

Dissertations

The relationship between social workers' attitudes toward the elderly and personal contact with older persons was investigated utilizing a sample survey research design. The assessment instrument included The Aging Semantic Differential (Rosencranz & McNevin, 1969) to measure attitude and an intergenerational contact measure developed and field tested for the study. The instrument was mailed to a random sample of 538 members of the Michigan Chapter, National Association of Social Workers. The research questions addressed were: (1) What are the attitudes of social workers toward the elderly? (2) What intergenerational contact has been experienced by social workers? (3) Is there a …

Perceptions And Evaluations Of University Principal Preparation Programs By Michigan Public School Principals, Linda Berk Voit

Dissertations

In this study, Michigan public school principals reported their evaluative perceptions regarding: (a) the degree to which 9 of the 12 generic skills were developed in their university administrator programs, (b) the frequency and effectiveness of the instructional modes used to develop these generic skills, and (c) the ideal instructional modes which are most effective for developing these skills.

Both this replicated study with revisions and the completed Texas A&M University project (Witters-Churchill, 1988) were based upon recommendations made by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Performance-Based Consortium.

The population of this study, 3,202 principals from Michigan public schools, …

An Alternative Model For School District Organization In Michigan, William M. Johanns

Dissertations

School districts should be organized in an efficient manner while also being equitable to all. Reorganization of school districts could help meet these criteria. At present Michigan has 529 school districts varying in size from 75 to 200,000 students. Due to the large variation in number of students in districts, it is very difficult to achieve equity. During the period 1940 to 1964, progress toward equity occurred when school district reorganizations dropped the number of districts from 6,239 to 545. But since that time few reorganizations have taken place; consequently, Michigan residents continue to bear a high cost in efficiency …

Comparisons Of Learnings From Structured And Nonstructured Visits To A Science Exhibit, Rosario Canizales De Andrade

Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of an activity worksheet during a museum visit to a science exhibit might help students achieve the objectives proposed for the visit. Two types of museum visits were identified: structured and nonstructured. During the structured visit students used the activity worksheet that focused their attention on concepts, displays, and activities presented in the exhibit. During the nonstructured visit, students did not use any attention-focusing device; instead, they interacted with the exhibit according to their own interests and preferences.

Secondary goals of the study were to determine if gender-related …

An Investigation Of Elementary Teachers' Self-Perception Of Burnout While Participating In A Professional Development Change Process, Lana L. Callihan

Dissertations

Teachers are experiencing pressures from the demands of educational change required in their profession. The quality of education is reflected by the competency of the teacher. The research suggests that efforts should be directed toward identifying a process for change that will reduce the feelings of burnout which block the energy and enthusiasm needed for change.

This study investigated the question, "Does involvement in a professional development process modify a teacher's perceived feelings of burnout?" The professional development models studied were the Collaborative Curriculum and Professional Development Process (CCPDP), Instructional Theory Into Practice (ITIP), and the Michigan School Improvement Process …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Self-Esteem And Job Satisfaction, Dolores Davis Wickett

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there was a positive and significant relationship between nurses' perceptions of self-esteem and job satisfaction. The review of related literature led to the development of a primary research hypothesis: There is a positive and significant relationship between self-esteem and job satisfaction of nurses. Two additional secondary hypotheses were developed to look at the relationship of self-esteem and job satisfaction with selected demographic characteristics.

The sample consisted of 48 full-time registered nurses employed as public health nurses by a health department. The health centers are located in a southeastern Michigan …

Comparison Of Five Role Groups Of Michigan Participants In Nassp Assessment Centers, Janice I. Blanck

Dissertations

The purposes of this study were (a) to describe the relationship of job assignment and assessment center performance; (b) to extend the research on the content validity of the NASSP Assessment Center Project (Schmitt et al., 1982); and (c) to determine if there were statistically significant differences among five role groups of Michigan educators for each of the 12 NASSP Assessment Center skill dimensions and the overall ratings. A one-way parametric analysis of variance was used to determine the significant differences among mean scores for the five role groups of elementary, middle, and high school teachers; assistant principals; and quasi-administrators. …

A Study Of The Relationship Of Class Size And Student Achievement On The Michigan Educational Assessment Program Fourth Grade Test, Ralph Burde

Dissertations

In this study the relationship and differences in student achievement and class size were investigated. The population of the study was the 111,199 students who completed the fall 1988 Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP, Michigan State Board of Education, 1988) fourth grade test. The MEAP is a criterion referenced test and is the state of Michigan's only achievement test.

The independent variable of the study was class size. The dependent variables of the study were student achievement as measured by the students' fall 1988 MEAP reading, mathematics, and combined reading and mathematics test scores. The hypothesis of the study, supported …

The Relationship Of Supplemental Instruction And Final Grades Of Students Enrolled In High-Risk Courses, Sally A. Pryor

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant relationship between attendance at Supplemental Instruction (SI) and final course grades. This study focused on a program where only undergraduate students led SI sessions. The subjects were 268 students enrolled in three high-risk science courses at a public university in the Midwest during fall semester 1988.

Three research hypotheses were investigated: (1) There is a significant relationship between level of attendance at SI and final course grades. (2) Students who attend SI earn significantly higher final course grades than students who do not attend SI. (3) There …

Relationships Of Mbti Types And Hbdi Preferences In A Population Of Student Program Managers, Ruth Elizabeth Dewald

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between two recognized personality assessment instruments, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI), both developed for normal, healthy adults. The extent and direction of the MBTI-HBDI relationships were determined through analyses of data from administration of both instruments to the same population, 800 student program managers attending the Defense Systems Management College (DSMC), Fort Belvoir, Virginia, during 1986-1987.

The research hypothesis, formulated from psychological theory, brain dominance research, and empirical literature sources, postulated specific relationships among the 16 MBTI types and HBDI quadrants. In addition, six …

The Effects Of School Size And Leadership Style On Teacher Job Satisfaction, Jon C. Haezebrouck

Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of school size and the principal's leadership style on teacher job satisfaction. Also studied was the relationship between leadership style and school size. Three standard control variables-sex, age, and ethnicity-were investigated to see if the sample showed any significant differences in satisfaction levels. A random sample was taken from 525 Michigan public high schools and their principals. The objectives of this study were to provide schools or school districts with criteria that could be used to make changes that maximize the achievement of both organizational and individual goals and to provide principals with information about …

Competencies Needed By The Chief Executive Officer Of A Local Affiliate Of The National Urban League, Inc., Walter Melvyn Brame

Dissertations

This study, using a modified Delphi method, generated and measured the perception of importance for twenty-three competencies needed for the effective leadership of a local affiliate of the National Urban League. Second, the study sought to determine which of the competencies were performed, shared, delegated or not performed at the respective affiliates. Third, the study sought to determine the extent to which selected demographic factors were related to the perception of importance. Last, the study sought to build a consensus as to the importance of the competencies.

The perceptions of the importance of the twenty-three competencies on a four point …

Industrial Applicability Of The Joint Committee's Personnel Evaluation Standards, Michael Jay Orris

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine the degree to which The Personnel Evaluation Standards developed by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation (1988) were applicable and could be applied in a specific industrial setting. Strengths and weaknesses of a specific corporate evaluation process were examined by using the Standards and guidelines within the Standards as a benchmark. The Standards were also used to recommend possible improvements in the design and development of the system.

The method used to apply the standards was patterned from the five steps outlined in "A General Approach to Applying the Standards" …

An Analysis Of The Content And Methods Of Instruction At Michigan Institutions That Prepare Principals, Thomas E. Engel

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the content and the methods of instruction of programs that prepare principals in Michigan. The study sought to answer three specific questions: (1) To what extent do the programs develop the generic skills required of principals? (2) To what extent do the programs develop the specific skills required of principals? (3) What are the dominant methods of instruction used in the programs?

The study was conducted using the rating exercises recommended in the NASSP's 1985 monograph Performance-Based Preparation of Principals. At each of five Michigan universities, a team of raters were asked …

Characteristics And Human Skills Of Women Who Manage Women: A Community College Case Study, Susan Young Duley

Dissertations

A case study has been used to examine women administrators managing subordinate women managers in an educational organization. This study focused on four women administrators in a community college, including the president, vice-president, two deans, and subordinate women managers who report to the four women administrators.

Participant observations, interviews, and document analysis were supplemented by use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to investigate the research question: How do individual characteristics relate to management relationships of four women administrators working with subordinate women managers? Interviews, informal observations, and document analysis were also used to investigate the second research question: How …

A Content Comparison Of Nontechnical Curricula For Engineers, Bryan Lynn Lundgren

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to compare and critique the nontechnical curricula content of three Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) degree program model curricula. Curricula content areas that are similar were critiqued by employers of engineers. Model curricula importance and first year BSE nontechnical skill performance were rated by engineering supervisors. The main postulate is that differences among actual, model, and employer-desired nontechnical curricula are factors that may influence curricula change in engineering education. A secondary purpose was to investigate whether the proportion of nontechnical courses to total required courses in BSE college degree programs changed between 1975 …

Determinants Of Student-Faculty Informal Contact, Alan W. Barr

Dissertations

There was an examination in this study of the relationship of classroom experiences (cues) and professorial initiative to the frequency of informal student-faculty interaction in the freshman year. The research was conducted at an independent, four-year urban college in the state of Michigan with a predominantly commuter population. A survey instrument was administered to the entire freshman class in the Spring semester of 1988. Information was derived from the survey on the nature and frequency of informal faculty-student contact.

Out of the 137 freshman receiving surveys, 101 returned them. The response rate was 74%. Data from one survey returned were …

An Assessment Of The Relationship Between Decision-Makers' Opinions About Comprehensive Sex Education And Factors That Influence Those Opinions, M. Terri Voit-Devine

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to investigate decision-makers' opinions about what was to be contained in comprehensive sex education programs, the degree to which decision makers believed course information was likely to be part of their own curriculum, and how much support they believed the community would give to various parts of the curriculum.

The instrument used in the study was created by combining parts of surveys by Wayne (1981) and Marini and Jones (1983). The study compared the opinions of decision makers about guidelines to be used when implementing sex education, reasons for offering sex education, reasons for …

Intuition In Decision Making By Human Service Administrators, Judith Huber Halseth

Dissertations

The phenomenon of intuition includes insights and hunches, as well as the ability to pick up clues and to see patterns. The role of intuition in interpersonal relationships, in problem solving and decision making, and in creativity makes it an important cognitive faculty. As a complement to more systematic and deductive decision making, intuition provides creative insights, especially when people consciously acknowledge intuition.

This study focused on the experience of intuition as reported by 25 administrators in human service organizations. In face-to-face interviews, the 10 women and 15 men who were known to use intuition were asked open-ended questions about …