Educational Psychology Commons^™

A Validity Study Of The Joseph Self Concept Scale For Young Children, Patricia A. Lemke

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a student's self concept as compared with the teacher's evaluation of the student. The study used the Joseph Self Concept Scale for Young Children, a self-report, and the Behavioral Academic Self Esteem Evaluation, which was completed by the students' teachers. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation between the two tests. Analysis of the data showed a positive correlation, however, the correlation was not significant.

The population tested consisted of 82 students from an urban school district. Thirty-five of the students tested were female and forty-seven …

A Validity Study For The Revision Of The Joseph Self-Concept Scale For Young Children, Patricia C. Colna

Theses and Dissertations

This project was a validity study for the purpose of assisting in the development of national norms for the revision of the Joseph Self-Concept Scale for Young Children (JSSYC). The study consisted of 60 pre-school children, ages 3-5 years of age, 30 in a low socio-economic family and 30 in a higher socio-economic family. The students were given the JSSYC which consists of 21 questions. One teacher rated the children on the Social Skills Rating Survey (SSRS), including the Behavioral Section. The results were significant with the prediction of the study. Those children whose self-concept rated high on one of …

Generational And Gender Differences In Response To Traditional Male And Female Personality Characteristics, Tricia M. Cirineo

Theses and Dissertations

There are many stereotypes pertaining to what is a typical male and typical female characteristic. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in attitudes towards these characteristics between two different generations. Many theorists feel that masculine and feminine characteristics are on opposite poles of a continuous spectrum, while others feel it is possible to possess both masculine and feminine characteristics, termed androgyny. The Bem Sex Role Inventory, the measure utilized in the present study, was developed to measure masculine and feminine characteristics, as well as the concept of androgyny (Bem, 1974).

The sample in this study consisted …

The Relationship Between Locus Of Control, Gender, And Academic Achievement, Helene Eksterowicz

Theses and Dissertations

This study intended to look at the relationship between locus of control, gender, and academic achievement. The following variables were used: Rotter's I-E scale, Trice's Academic Locus of Control Scale, gender, and college GPA/grades. A sample of 59 subjects (36 female, 23 male) were obtained from the Rowan University student body and each were given the two scales. Six hypotheses were tested using correlational statistics such as the Pearson r, independent t-test, and analysis of means. Results found that a positive relationship existed between Rotter's and Trice's scales. It was also found that although no relationship existed between Rotter's scale …

Postal Workers And Stress, Bobbie A. Person

Theses and Dissertations

It is suggested that a plausible theoretical link exists between the management of change and recent killings in the United States Postal Service. The degradation of labor associated with the scientific management of technological change produces stress and frustration that weaken employee integration and undermine existing forms of social control. Certain employees reject prevailing definitions of situations provided by those in power and develop alternative meanings and patterns of behavior, including assaultive violence.

To examine this theory in more depth, 120 Occupational Stress questionnaires and rating sheets were randomly distributed to 30 Mailhandlers and 30 Machine Clerks working the "day" …

The Relationship Between Birth Order Status And Personality Traits, Michele D'Angelo

Theses and Dissertations

Alfred Adler pioneered birth order research having found that birth order had a great deal to do with how adults interact in the world and the development of personality traits. In an expansion of his theory, the relationship between birth order and personality was examined in this study. One hundred thirty undergraduate and graduate students, with ages ranging from eighteen to forty-six and different ethnic backgrounds were tested. They were group administered the BASIS-A Personality Inventory as well as a questionnaire which assessed their birth order. The BASIS-A is based on Alder's Individual Psychology and asked the participants to recollect …

Comparing The Stress Levels Of Inclusion Teachers And Non-Inclusion Teachers, Michelle Lynne Robertson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the practice of inclusion had a significant effect on the stress levels of inclusion teachers. Forty-seven elementary school teachers were compared across various teacher demographics. The hypothesis stated that the stress levels of inclusion teachers would be higher than the stress levels of regular education teachers based on the belief that inclusion teachers have a heavier workload. In previous studies, a heavier workload has been shown to be significantly related to higher stress levels. The Occupational Stress Inventory was administered in two schools in Southern New Jersey in January …

A Reliability Study Of The Joseph Self-Concept Scale For Young Children, Jeffrey R. Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to establish test-retest reliability coefficients for the Joseph Self-Concept Scale for Young Children (JSSYC). This study employed a one-week duration between administrations of the test instrument. There were thirty-four sixth-grade subjects used, ranging in age from eleven to thirteen. The JSSYC is an individually administered, interview type self-concept measure. The adolescent version of the JSSYC was used in this study, which is designed for use with children seven years of age and older. The Pearson product-moment correlation statistical procedure was used to calculate the correlation coefficients for this sample. The correlations for both the …

A Descriptive Study Of The Opinions Of Fifth Through Eighth Grade Students On Addictive Substances, Denise Pierce

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine whether changes in attitudes would occur in students from Grade Five through Grade Eight in regard to addictive substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes. The study consisted of 85 students enrolled in a local Roman Catholic Grammar School. Students were given the Youth Attitude Survey, which was developed at Columbia University. The survey yielded results that were related to risk factors for future drug use. In a variety of areas, including whether marijuana should be legalized and if the student believed they would use drugs in the future, there was a pronounced …

A Validity Study For The Adolescent And Adult Self-Concept Retrospective Scale And The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2, Kelly R. Fleming

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of the Adolescent and Adult Self-Concept Retrospective Scale (AASRS) by comparing it to the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2 (TSCS: 2) on a population consisting of fifty-nine college students ranging in age from 18 to 20. The study also examined whether there is a significant correlation between male and female adolescents with regard to self-concept.

Two trained examiners administered the AASRS and the TSCS:2. One examiner administered the AASRS and the other administered the TSCS:2. All fifty-nine students were tested on both tests over a two-week period.

A Pearson Correlation produced …

Effects Of Divorce On Levels Of Conflictual Independence In Late Adolescence, Jill Fredricks

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of divorce on late adolescents' levels of conflictual independence during the separation-individuation process.

The sample consisted of 94 undergraduate students from Rowan University in southern New Jersey. This was a between subjects research design which involved a self-report inventory. Levels of conflictual independence were measured by the conflictual independence subscale (Cl) of Hoffman's Psychological Separation Inventory, a 138 question inventory which asks questions about one's relationships with the mother and father.

The statistical test used to analyze the data in this study was a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) as …

The Effectiveness Of Functional Analysis And Behavioral Intervention For Children Who Are Multi-Handicapped And Exhibit Challenging Behaviors, Barbara A. Horner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of functional analysis of challenging behaviors and behavioral intervention programs on children with multiple handicaps. It was hypothesized that there would be difference in the exhibition of challenging behaviors in children with multiple handicaps following administration of a functional analysis and a behavioral intervention plan. Ten challenging behaviors exhibited by seven children who are multi-handicapped were examined using the process of functional analysis (records review, Motivation Assessment Scale and Analog Setting/Environmental Manipulation) and behavioral intervention. The children ranged in age from five years, four months, to eight years, nine months. …

Comparative Study On The Incidence Of School-Related Violent Crimes In Urban, Suburban, And Rural Locales, Trina C. Ragsdale

Theses and Dissertations

Concern about school violence, crime and victimization has been a pressing issue since the 1950's. Only recently have the many facets of the complex social issue of school violence been thoroughly investigated, particularly, the high rates of violence among middle and elementary school students, and the upsurge of violence in suburban and rural school districts. Due to the increasing rate of school related violent crimes, Congress mandated districts to track the rate at which violent crimes occur in their school and develop intervention plans aimed at ameliorating the problem. Results of the study suggest school violence is not constrained by …

A Pre-Publication Reliability Study Of The Revised Joseph Self-Concept Scale For Young Children, Dianne Wilkens

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of the Joseph Self-Concept Scale For Young Children, as an instrument for measuring self-concept. The sample consisted of thirty-four first and pre-first students from the Mary E. Roberts Elementary School, Moorestown, New Jersey. The timeframe for the testing was November 1998 through February 1999. Each student was individually tested utilizing the JSSYC.

The null hypothesis, stating there is no difference between the test and re-test scores, was rejected. The alternative hypothesis, stating that there is a difference between the test and re-test scores was accepted.

A paired sample correlation analysis …

A Validity Study Of The Revised Joseph Pre-School And Primary Self-Concept Screening Test, Angela Lee

Theses and Dissertations

In order to identify students with low self-concept accurately, a valid test must be developed and administered. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the revised Joseph Pre-School and Primary Self Concept Screening Test (JPPSST). The alternate hypothesis investigated in this study was that the revised JPPSST is a valid test when compared to the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale. Both tests were given to 34 African-American students at a Philadelphia elementary school. An additional research question was investigated to determine whether the test scores could be used to predict academic performance. The results of both tests were …

Retesting Parent Training: Does Parental Training Increase Parents' Self-Concept, Ronald G. Stockwell

Theses and Dissertations

Similar to studies by Gordon and others, the purpose of this study was to retest and reinvestigate whether parent training increased the self-esteem of participants. Two groups (sample (n = 15) and control (n = 10)) were pre- and posttested (at 10 and 9 weeks respectively), using the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2. Both groups showed high educational achievement and were Caucasian/White; the sample was 13 women, 2 men, while the control was 9 men and 1 woman; and, most reported above average incomes. The scores were analyzed using a repeated measures t test and non-parametric analysis, which did not find …

Parental Involvement And Its Impact On Student Performance In The Primary Grades, Charlene G. Bundy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if parental involvement increased the school performance of students in the primary grades. Research shows that parents who are supportive, monitor their child's activities, help their child, and participate with their child's school positively impact their child's school performance. The independent variable was parental involvement and the dependent variable was school performance. The sample consisted of 20 students in first, second, and third grade. A parent questionnaire was completed by parents who also provided their child's school grades in math and reading. The questionnaire asked parents to rate the frequency that they …

The Effects Of Musical Training On Academic Achievement, John Schiavo

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to look at the cognitive development of students who have formal musical training and compare them to students who lack any musical ability. The purpose of the study was to lend support to the positive effect that musical training has on space relations and mathematical abilities.

The sample consisted of twenty students enrolled in an undergraduate psychology course at a major university and twenty students enrolled in a high level music class at the same institution. Most of the subjects came from middle class backgrounds and live in New Jersey. The Differential Aptitude Test, form C, …

Empathy And Self-Acceptance: Necessary Qualities Of A Peer Helper, William T. Sharp

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a preliminary study of the qualities of people who chose to be peer helpers. A review of the literature on helping theories led to the conclusion that empathy and self-acceptance were necessary elements of a helper. This study hoped to lend support to this theory. The hypothesis stated that students electing to take a peer helping training course would have different levels of empathy and self-acceptance than those in a cooking class. These qualities were measured using a psychological inventory, and the scores of 115 adolescent subjects (n=115) were compared. There was no significant difference between students …

A Comparison Of The Home And School Behaviors Of Pre-School Age Autistic And Pdd Children, Debra L. Ribatsky

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the kinds of behaviors that were displayed in school and at home by autistic and PDD children of pre-school age. A group of twenty children were selected for this study. The children's parents and teachers answered questionnaires regarding different types of behavior exhibited by the children at different times. T-tests were conducted to compare the total amount of autistic type behaviors shown in the home environment versus in the school setting. The sub-tests of the questionnaire were also analyzed using t-tests. A significant difference was found between the overall amount of typical …

A Study Of Self-Esteem In Learning Disabled Students Across Placements, Constance Occhetti

Theses and Dissertations

This study set out to offer support for inclusion by analyzing learning disabled students in an inclusive environment and their pull-out program counterparts. The analysis focused on an examination of student self-esteem, a variable central to student success. A hypothesis stating that learning disabled students who were served in an inclusive environment will achieve higher scores of self-esteem than learning disabled students who were served in a traditional pull-out program was proposed. This hypothesis was based on previous research on the practice of inclusion, which showed positive effects for learning disabled students. The practice of inclusion has been supported throughout …

Increasing Sensitivity Toward Handicapped Children Through Inclusion, Christine Nicole Brookbank

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the benefits for non-handicapped students in an inclusive setting. The hypothesis suggested that regular education students would be more sensitive and aware of handicapped individuals when they are read stories about handicapped individuals and participate in a sensitivity program than regular education students who do not receive this form of intervention. The Acceptance Scale for Kindergarten-Revised (ASK-R) helped to assess fifty-eight second graders' perceptions of handicapped individuals. The difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of Classroom B (experimental group given sensitivity program and read stories regarding individual differences; has included child) …

Prevalence And Psychological Correlates Of Eating Disorders Among College Women, Lisa M. Lyons

Theses and Dissertations

Eating disordered behaviors of fasting, binge-eating, and vomiting and purging have increased in prevalence and are approaching epidemic proportions. It is estimated that 1 in 100 females age 12 to 18 are anorexic, while as many as 1 in 4 college-age women are thought to be bulimic or engage in other forms of disturbed eating. Research indicates that those who are eating disordered are more dissatisfied with their bodies, have lower self-esteem, and have a greater tendency to endorse sociocultural mores regarding thinness and attractiveness. The present study investigated a) the prevalence of eating disorders among college women, and b) …

Social Engagement: Depressogenic Factors In The Elderly, Joell P. Worster

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine whether those elderly nursing home residents who maintained social engagement would be less depressed then those elderly nursing home residents who did not maintain social engagement. The study consist of 21 residents who resided in a nursing home. All subjects were given the Geriatric Depression Scale and asked to respond to the 30 question by yes or no. A Mann Whitney Test was performed on the depression scores from the results of the Geriatric Depression Scale. The results were significant with the prediction of the study. Those elderly residents in the nursing …

A Study Of The Formal Operational Thought Ability Of College Students, Justin J. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to measure the formal operational thought capacity of the college student and unveil any gender differences regarding this ability. Formal operational thought is important to the success of every student because it implies the ability of humans to reason scientifically and analytically and to think abstractly.

34 male and 40 female college students were selected from an on-campus apartment facility to be part of the study. The sample ranged in age from 17 to 21 and represented class standings from the freshman to senior level. The subjects included 45 Caucasians, 9 Hispanics, 17 African-Americans, and 3 …

A Descriptive Analysis Comparing The Academic Success Of Student Athletes And Non-Student Athletes, Daniel P. Crowe

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to measure and compare the academic success of student athletes and non-student athletes. The suggested hypothesis was that student athletes would perform better academically because of factors relating to accomplished goal setting and discipline. This study implies that student athletes are more prepared for academic success because of their goal oriented behaviors.

206 students participated in the experiment. There were 141 athletes and 65 non athletes. Those who were described as an athlete were a participating member of a varsity sport. The students were all members of a local Catholic high school. With the permission of …

A Study Analyzing The Ability Of The Yellow Brick Road Screening Test To Predict Future Academic Achievement, Nancy Lazzaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of the Yellow Brick Road kindergarten screening instrument to predict future academic achievement using CAT scores as indicators of student performance. There were 31 subjects used in this study. Subjects were selected randomly from the respective elementary school population. The study followed a longitudinal design. Yellow Brick Road scores were obtained, in addition to CAT scores in grades 2, 4, and 6. All scores were recorded anonymously with the permission of the respective school Board of Education.

The data was analyzed using a paired sample T test. Based on the …

A Study Examining The "I Like Me" Program And Its Effects On Self Esteem, Julie Ridgway

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the "I Like Me" Program and determine if the implementation and use of the "I Like Me" Program, in addition to the standard curriculum, in a second grade classroom will significantly increase the students' levels of self esteem as compared to students who are only exposed to the standard health and social studies curricula.

Two samples of students were pretested using the Piers-Harris Children's Self- Concept Scale. The "I Like Me" Program was implemented into one of the two classrooms (Sample B) over a 20 week period of time. The program consisted …

A Study Of Self-Concept As It Relates To Academic Achievement And Gender In Third Grade Students, Grace S. Woods

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a positive relationship exists between self-concept, academic achievement, and gender. The subject sample consisted of fifty-two students from a suburban public school district in southern New Jersey. Twenty-seven females and twenty-five males participated in the study. The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale was used to evaluate self-perception. Academic achievement was evaluated with the use of math and reading grades from the students' report cards. The correlation coefficient results indicated that a significant relationship between self-concept and both reading (.291) and math (.307) achievement exists. Frequency polygons were used to display the distribution …

The Effects Of Elementary Peer Mediation Program On Disciplinary Action In The Schools, Elizabeth Anne Haws

Theses and Dissertations

Peer mediation programs offer students options. Students can choose mediation instead of name-calling, yelling, or letting conflicts grow until they explode into violence. Little is known about the effectiveness or manner of implementing these programs. This study examines 62 black male students in grades 4, 5, and 6 from a Burlington County, New Jersey, suburban, public K-6 elementary school. Some data suggest disciplinary action is decreased with a cadre approach to peer mediation established in the school. More attention should be paid to evaluating peer mediation and conflict resolution programs. Under peer mediation programs, students in conflict and peer mediators …