Educational Psychology Commons^™

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy And Its Applications In The Elementary Classroom, Kerry Sue Abernathy

All Graduate Projects

Bibliotherapy has been used for many years as an aid to the healing process. The concept of using literature to promote mental health has been increasingly accepted as a valid therapeutic method in recent years. Bibliotherapy has, in the past, been used primarily with adults. This study will focus on recent developments to help children grow and develop a positive self-concept through literature. Book lists have been compiled from the many children's books available on the subjects of death and dying, illness, divorce, fears, handicaps, blended families, single parents, friendship, physical development, family relationships, attitudes and values, emotions and feelings, …

School Organization Placement For The Ninth Grade Student, Karen D. Garrison

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to obtain information regarding the best placement of the ninth grade student in the school organizational pattern. Thirty-six superintendents, seventy-seven high school principals and sixty-four high school teachers, in the state of Washington, responded to a questionnaire-opinionnaire regarding the physical, intellectual, emotional and social maturity level of the ninth grade student. The results showed support for the ninth grade student to be in a four-year high school grade configuration.

The Effects Of An Active Student Council On Total Student Body Behavior, James Hoffman

All Graduate Projects

This paper represents a study of the activation of iii a student council and its effects on total school climate. The activation program was outlined with specific activities described in detail. The study was designed to provide for a comparison of predetermined indicators which were measured before and after the activation took place. Conclusions included positive observations made during the course of the study and recommendations for implementing more student involvement in the ongoing business of the school.

A Synthesis Of Learning Theories For Language Development And Classroom Activities, Dawn Jackson

All Master's Theses

This paper examines the similarities among three established theories of learning with special attention given to the role of symbolic functions (especially language) in primary learning processes. The major premise suggests that educators need to know how children form concepts and how they give expression to those concepts. It also discusses general classroom implications.

Appendices are attached presenting specific classroom activities and an evaluative discussion of collaborative learning, dramatization, and affective technics.

An Opinion Survey Related To The Establishment Of A New School Psychology Program At Central Washington State College, Paul Martin Batzle

All Master's Theses

This study surveyed school psychologists, directors of programs at the local school level and a few State level directors, as well as educators of school psychologists. These four groups ranked eight roles and 92 competency statements relative to the training of a school psychologist. Overall, the four major roles emphasized were: (1) Psychological Consultant, (2) Behavior and Development Analyst, (3) Counselling, and (4) Interviewing. The State directors and educators of school psychologists appeared to rank the 92 competency statements slightly higher than the other two groups.

The Effects Of Counseling On Sociometric Status With Fifth And Sixth Grade Students, Dennis L. Cruchon

All Master's Theses

Thirty-two children, low in sociometric status, were placed in one of four treatment groups: Counseling, Teacher-Counseling, Teacher Feedback, and a Control for a period of ten weeks. Post tests were administered to determine differences in sociometric gains following treatment.

The results indicated that counseling was an effective means of improving sociometric status when compared to a control group.

Limitations of the study were discussed, and recommendations included measuring individual teacher effect on sociometric status.

The Relationship Between Self Concept Reports And Academic Achievement Of Secondary Students, Eugene A. Dudley

All Master's Theses

This study examined the relationship between self concept reports on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale and academic achievement. Thirty-one male and 24 female tenth grade students whose obtained scores on the National Educational Development Test met the criteria for under-achievers, achievers, and overachievers were given the TSCS. A significant correlation was found between GPA and total positive score (r = .28, sig. .05). Underachievers defined by low grades had significantly lower self concept scores than did underachievers defined as achieving 1 SD below their predicted achievement level on the NEDT.

Direction Of Lateral Eye Movement And Achievement Differences Among Left Handed College Students, Wayne Ferrell

All Master's Theses

Direction of eye movement during reflective though was determined for 113 left handed college students. Left movers were significantly faster readers which contradicts earlier findings for right handed subjects. Also, strength of left handedness was significantly correlated with consistency of lateral eye movement direction. No significant correlations were found between direction of eye movement and Verbal Composite or Quantitative Composite scores on the Washington Pre-College Test.

The Effect Of Teacher Attention And Peer Approval Facilitated By Material Rewards Upon The Disruptive Classroom Behavior Of A Male Kindergarten Child, Brynne Flanagan Lane

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to operantly condition a kindergarten boy's classroom behavior. The study consisted of four stages: (1) baseline, (2) contingent teacher attention, (3) minimal contingent teacher attention, and (4) material reinforcement. During phase II, the subject's appropriate behavior was followed as immediately and frequently as possible with teacher positive attention. Disruptive behavior was ignored. During phase III, the teacher systematically decreased the level of positive attention until the "minimum level of reinforcement," i.e.. ten per cent teacher positive attention was reach. During phase IV, material rewards were delivered to all class members contingent upon co-operative …

Remediation Of Deficit Automatic Level Functions As Related To Second Grade Reading Achievement, Jack R. Hall

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study designed to determine if remedial procedures suggested by the authors of the ITPA would improve specific psycholinguistic functions and reading achievement. The Ss were 18 second grade children placed in matched pairs. They received 15 minutes of instruction per day for 60 days. The results did not indicate a significant improvement by the experimental group when compared to the control group

Recommendations include repeating the same experimental procedures using Ss with greater psycholinguistic deficits.

Developing And Testing An Interventionist Role For Elementary Counseling, Thomas M. Hyde

All Master's Theses

In this study a counselor worked with two teachers to increase their rate of approval behavior with the goal of reducing "non-attentive" and "disruptive" student behavior. Student behavior did improve in the predicted direction. When t tests were used to compare behavior change in these classes with behavior change in two control classes, significant differences were found for the reduction of "non-attentive" behavior and "non-attentive plus disruptive" behavior.

Results indicate that such interventionist techniques my be appropriate for elementary counselors.

The Effect Of Incentive Conditions On Wisc Iq Scores, Clyde L. Praye

All Master's Theses

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children was administered to 80 Caucasian male and female children from the 4th and 5th grades in a central Washington elementary school. The test was administered under 4 conditions: (1) token contingent upon correct response, (2) verbal paise contingent upon correct response, (3) non-contingent token presentation and, (4) a control group under standardized testing procedures.

This experimental conditions had no significant effect on test results. Further analysis failed to show a differential effect of the treatment groups when high IQ scores were compared to low IQ scores or when treatment effect on test results was …

A Comparison Of Children’S Achievement Whose Mothers Are Employed Full Time And Those Whose Mothers Are Homemakers, Thomas R. Funk

All Master's Theses

This study undertook to examine the relationship between mothers' employment status and the children's achievement. 728 third grade students in the Bellingham Public Schools were used as subjects. The data was analyzed by two way analysis of variance and multiple correlation procedures. There was no relationship found between the mothers' employment ststus and the children's achievement. However, there was a relationship between fathers' occupational level, family size, children's intelligence, and children's sex and some of the achievement tests.

Time-Lapse Photography: It's Usefulness In Assessing Children's Classroom Behavior, David Glenn Rucker

All Master's Theses

Direct observation of a child in the classroom is one of the most widely accepted methods of obtaining knowledge about that child's classroom behavior. Other methods are also used, e.g. motion pictures, video and sound tap recordings, standardized assessment tests, and teacher descriptions. At this time no single method of behavior assessment is available to allow professional behavior observers complete insight into child's a child's behavior.

This study is an attempt to introduce a new observation method: time-lapse photography by comparing it with classroom observation.

A Comparative Study Of Difference In Social Maturity Levels For Ninth Grade Students Residing In A Rural Setting And Those Residing In An Urban Setting, Ruth Newland

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a comparative study of differences in social maturity levels for urban and rural ninth grade students of East Valley High School in Moxee School District #90. The study was designed to test social maturity levels of both groups by administration of the Bell Adjustment Inventory. Evaluation of the results followed showing some significant differences.

Recommendations included additional trial testing and suggestions for some modification of existing guidance program and incorporation of the Inventory into the regular testing program.

The Effect Of A Learning Skills Course Including Group Counseling On Low Achievers In The Community College, Paul E. Borg

All Master's Theses

A Learning Skills course consisting of study skills, goal direction, and self-understanding was tested among volunteer community college low achievers. Treatment integrated didactic, group discussion, and affective experiences in 18 hour-long sessions. Nineteen subjects received treatment; 25 subjects formed a matched control group; and 41 non-volunteers formed two additional control groups. An apparent trend toward GPA improvement was noted for all groups, but all measurements on GPA and a study survey were non-significant.

The Effect Of An Increase Of A Mother's Complimentary Behavior On Her Child's Crying Rate And In-Task School Behavior, Mark Connot

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to decrease an eight year old boy's disruptive crying rate in his home by ignoring his negative behavior and selectively complimenting his acceptable behavior. A check in the boy's classroom was made to determine if a generalization effect or transference of positive behavior from the home occurred. Crying behavior in the home was reduced significantly. There was no observed significant change in school behavior.

Operantly Conditioning A College Student's Study Behaviors, Norman L. Culbertson

All Master's Theses

A 20 year old, male, sophomore college student, who was considered an underachiever, was confined to a laboratory study room for a specified number of observed hours during a period of three weeks. An attempt was made to operantly condition increased study behaviors by the E's control of study break reinforcers. The experiment consisted of three phases, conditioning, reversal, and reconditioning. Statistical results showed that when reinforced in this manner for study behaviors, the S significantly increased his amount of study time and number of pages read. It was concluded that (1) operant conditioning procedures could be used successfully to …

Evaluation Of The Consistency Of Informants’ Reports For Children’S Ratings With The Progress Assessment Chart, Craig Allen Gilroy

All Master's Theses

Seven TMR, seven EMR, and seven regular pupils were rated on the P-A-C I by observers who viewed the children in their classrooms or by using parents and teachers as informants. Ratings were compared for consistency between groups and between raters by means of percent agreement figures and proportional t tests. Few significant differences were found between raters within groups. Significant differences were found in the majority of the cases when parent, teacher, and observer ratings of handicapped and regular children were compared.

An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Student Grades And Parental Attitude Towards The Teacher, Jerry C. Fritts

All Master's Theses

Realizing that the parents play an important role in the total educational process, the primary purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between student grades and parental attitude toward the teacher. It is contended that there is a relationship manifesting itself in the form of a positive correlation and it behooves those in education to do something to cultivate an atmosphere more conducive to educational success. Developing a mutual respect and willingness for cooperation between home and the teacher would serve to greatly enhance a child's educational experience. Another purpose of this study is to …

Time Sampling Technique Applied To Counseling Practicum, William David Thomas

All Master's Theses

The analysis of interactions between individuals was developed primarily within the structure of classroom education. The historical development and refinement of educational interaction analysis was examined to set its use in the counseling situation into appropriate perspective. Many forms of interaction analysis have been used to investigate a wide range of variables. The review of the literature revealed discrepancies in the reported changes, if any, that took place in the verbal behavior of student counselors as a result of practicum training. To clarify this situation somewhat, this study attempted to observe student counselor verbal behavior change in association with practicum.

Problem Solving Ability And Effective Group Behavior Of Introductory Education Students, Gary Lewis Lord

All Master's Theses

The need to understand group processes in the classroom and to use them to develop more effective learning is growing among educators. The group and its dynamics comprise significant conditions for learning and work either for or against the individual's development. One of the most significant learning developmental characteristics that is readily influenced by group variables is the individual's ability to solve problems. Not only is problem solving ability influenced by group variables, but it is through group process methods that this ability is most effectively learned. Thus, problem solving is believed to be a social skill. That group variables …

Duration Of State-Dependent Learning Induced By Ncfs-Ecs, Larry Wayne Morris

All Master's Theses

This paper investigated the course of the state-dependent function induced by NCFS-ECS at 24 hr. time intervals, beginning at 24 or 48 hrs. after NCFS-ECS treatment and terminating at 120 hrs. Results of both experiments indicate a state-dependent effect lasting up to 72 hrs., was absent at the 96 hr. retention test but, apparently returned by the 120 hr. retention test. Recommendations included investigation of fixed time intervals after the 120 hr. retention test.

The Teacher's Contingent Use Of Praise And Privilege To Improve Classroom Study Behavior, Margaret E. Taylor

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this experiment to determine if the study behavior of an entire classroom and two target students could be increased by teacher implementation of a program of contingent praise and privilege for appropriate study behavior. It was proposed in this study that a regular classroom teacher receiving instructions in the concepts of reinforcement theory from a school psychologist intern, would be able to elicit significant behavioral changes in the classroom as the result of the implementation of this contingency program.

Retroactive Inhibition Versus Proactive Inhibition As A Function Of Variable Time Interval Among Elementary School Children, Tom L. Warren

All Master's Theses

As a study of phenomena which affect learning, the inquiry into retroactive and proactive inhibition and their varying functions should be of vital interest to both psychology and education, particularly to those educators and learning theorists who work with elementary school children. Also, it is hoped that this study will provide more reliable and statistically significant data on the question of whether retroactive inhibition is greater than proactive inhibition of retention. And, in addition, if there is a difference between retroactive and proactive inhibition when the retention test is immediate or follows soon after original learning, will this difference disappear …

A Survey Of The Integration Of Exceptional Children In Regular Classrooms, Catherine A. Greene

All Master's Theses

Educational practice in the past has been to segregate exceptional children by placing them in self-contained special education classrooms. Recently, however, this method has been questioned by leading special educators. Proponents of segregation of exceptional children admit to inadequacies in the present situation, but they argue that such inadequacies can be remedied and do not justify placing exceptional children in regular classrooms. Proponents of integration maintain that exceptional children live in a heterogeneous world and as adults will live and work in a heterogeneous world; therefore, these children should have a school setting that is like the world in which …

The Use Of Selected Films And Film Discussions In Modifying Social Distance In Elementary School Children, Stanton C. Baker

All Master's Theses

When conflicts involving interpersonal relationships arise within the school setting, it would appear appropriate to attempt to cope with these conflicts within the framework of the school; particularly the classroom. Many methods of modifying behavior through group procedures have been attempted with varying degrees of success. It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effectiveness of one such method; a fiIm-discussion technique. This program was developed to modify behaviors, attitudes and/or perceptions which interfere with the development of constructive interpersonal relationships within an elementary classroom.

Mark Twain's Study Of The Effects Of Slavery And Its Relationship To Training, Sharon Faye Nielson

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of Mark Twain's treatment of slavery, especially in relation to his theory of training. In his novels Huckleberry Finn, Puddn'head Wilson, The Prince and the Pauper, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Twain portrays the effects of slavery and training on the personality of the slave and the slaveholder. Twain deals largely with the psychological effects of slavery, which tend to dehumanize both slave and slaveholder, deeply and permanently marking their personalities.

Informational Components Of Attribute Identification And Rule Learning Aspects Of Conceptual Behavior, Christianne White

All Master's Theses

Two experiments were performed to discover the affect of equalization of positive and negative instances in the presentation of stimuli for Attribute Identification and Rule Learning problems. 56 student volunteers from CWSC were used as subjects. Stimuli were presented to them either according to the traditional truth table representation (four classes for every four trials) or by presenting an equal number of positive and negative instances. The results showed that tasks requiring identification of the relevant attributes among stimulus characteristics were performed better if the stimuli were equalized for positive and negative instances.

The Effects Of Intradimensional Variability On Conceptual Rule Problems, Kay C. Vodarski

All Master's Theses

Conceptual ability, which is acquired through a learning process, is of interest to the behavioral scientist. Investigation of task and subject related variables in concept learning should lead to a better understanding of the cognitive processes. Moreover, such knowledge would have implications for educators in their methods of instruction even though results from the laboratory sometimes appear quite remote in their practical application to classroom behavior. The present study was concerned only with the rule learning aspects of conceptual behavior.