Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons^™

Where Did You Come From? The Effects Of Culture, Hometown Region, And Gender On The Perception, Endorsement, And Justification Of Aggression, Lindsay Hendricks

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine whether individual factors, including culture, hometown region, and gender, would affect the likelihood of a person perceiving and justifying an aggressive act. Previous literature explored the differences between distinctive cultural subtypes, hometown regions, and gender on the acceptance of expressing aggression. Hypotheses were established to examine the perception, justification, and endorsement of aggression in a northern setting with college-aged participants. Participants were asked to watch clips from six modern American movies. After each clip, participants answered seven questions based on their perceptions. Six univariate Analysis of Variances (ANOVAs) were conducted to …

Undergraduate Major And Locus Of Control, Nicole Napowanetz

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this investigation were to further examine whether there was a relationship between gender and a locus of control orientation, as well does a specified major, in this case being STEM-related majors, constitute a higher internal locus of control? A review of the present literature demonstrates a lack of research in regards to undergraduate major and locus of control orientation. The need for further understanding in regards to the gender gap within STEM-related majors is established. To investigate further, data was collected via undergraduate students' completion of Rotter's Locus of Control I-E scale and a brief demographics questionnaire, …

Societal Stereotypes Affecting One's Body Image, Angela Gwathney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not undergraduate students allow societal stereotypes within the media to affect their self-image. Existing literature will be reviewed to show influential factors within previous studies that affect people's self-image. Relevant data extracted from the literature review will then be examined and discussed to show the existing relationship between media and self-image. Data was then collected through a Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale-3 (SATAQ-3), a questionnaire developed by Thompson & Heinberg. In examining the independent sample t-test no significant difference was found between the experimental and nonexperimental group. Correlational analyses did …

Post-Secondary Transition And Follow-Up Services In Public Education For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Nicole Haldeman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to (a) examine the post-secondary transition services that are being utilized by students of differing disability categories, (b) determine if students with emotional and behavioral disabilities receive the same services as their other disabled peers, and (c) investigate if the profession of the participants impacts the services they utilize and the regularity in which they do so. In order to investigate the usage of post-secondary transition services, New Jersey child study team members completed the questionnaire, Post-Secondary Transition and Follow-up Services in Public Education, designed by the principal researcher. A one-way analysis of …

Change Blindness And The Relationship Of College Students With Different Majors, Samuel Friedman

Theses and Dissertations

Change blindness is defined as a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a change in a visual stimulus goes unnoticed by the observer (Boundless, 2013). Change blindness can be any change in one's visual field and occurs due to the lack of attention or obstruction in one's visual field. A variety of factors influence change blindness, and gender became a major part to research. The purpose of this study was to study the influence of gender on change blindness and the relationship to college students' majors. Past research has shown us that females tend to be more visually detailed than males. …

Understanding The Role Of Post-Secondary Coaches In High Schools: A Social Capital Analysis, Lynne Haeffele

Theses and Dissertations

The research problem for this study was to understand the role of a new category of institutional agents, post-secondary coaches in high schools, who facilitate students' college readiness. This comparative case study focused on two post-secondary coaches in two high schools participating with a university in a state-funded grant project to improve college readiness. Data collection included structured interviews with coaches, students, and other school and external personnel; written descriptions by coaches of how they do their jobs; observations with field notes taken while shadowing coaches; and relevant documents, websites and artifacts. Data analysis involved both open coding and the …

An Investigation Of The Differences Between Continuing And Non-Continuing Undergraduate Special Admission Students Related To Academic Advising Factors, Kevin P. Reeves

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined some differences between continuing and non-continuing special admission students in areas of academic advising in ways that are more systematic and thorough than past research. The premise of the study is that having a clearer understanding of how academic advising affects retention might provide colleges and universities with information to optimize the collegiate experience for special admission students. Therefore, research on the effect academic advising has on special admission student retention might offer insight into how the interactions between student and advisor affect retention issues.

A non-experimental descriptive research design was employed to investigate the differences between …

Motivation And The Sat: What Factors Help Determine College Success Past Standardized Testing, Alexandra Vartanian

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects motivation plays in determining the success of a student in post secondary education. The relationship between high school GPA (HSGPA), SAT Scores, college GPA (CGPA), and motivation factors were examined. Motivation was measured on the Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) developed by Paul Pintrich and Elizabeth de Groot. Ninety-two participants responded to the survey. Results corroborated findings from previous research. SAT scores correlate with CGPA; relationships were also observed across several other factors, including HSGPA and CGPA, SAT and Motivation, and HSGPA and SAT scores.

Parental Support Group Member's Views On Inclusion, Kaitlyn Blasy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to measure the view that parents involved in support groups for parents of children with special needs have on inclusion. Parents were surveyed using the "Parent Opinion About Inclusion/Mainstreaming" questionnaire developed by Leyser and Kirk (2004). Children whose parents completed the survey were ages 4 through 20 and were included in various educational settings. Parents were found to be generally supportive of the idea of inclusion. Benefits of inclusion included social skills for both students with and without disabilities, academic skills, and equal opportunities. Perceived problems with inclusion included experience and adaptability of general …

The Influence Of Familial Responsibility, Extra-Curricular Activity Participation, And Employment Status On The Undergraduate Academic Performance Of Traditional And Non-Traditional Aged Students, Constance Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The present research investigated the influence of family responsibility, financial responsibility, and co-curricular activities on academic performance among traditional aged and non-traditional aged undergraduate students. It explored the association between non-academic variables and age on academic performance to determine whether there is a significant impact on academic success with students. A review of the existing literature presents factors previously implicated in affecting student performance and overall satisfaction. Data was collected from current and/or previous undergraduate students' (n=86) completion of a 16-item questionnaire, a survey developed by the principal researcher, assessing experiences and perceptions regarding collegiate satisfaction and role demands during …

Generalization Of Executive Function Skills In Inclusion Settings For Students With Asperger's Syndrome, Cassandra Marcone-Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this single case investigation were to research the effects of an intervention designated to prepare a student with Asperger's Syndrome for placement within a public high school. The student attended a specialized private school for grades 3-8. Upon entrance into eighth grade, the student entered the intervention program. This program included placement in a mainstream eighth grade social studies class with the accompaniment of the examiner. The intervention included daily feedback and strategies aimed to increase occurrences of task completion, increase executive function skills within the class setting, and decrease maladaptive behaviors. The identical areas of interest …

Bullying Among Middle School Students, Paige Pfeiffer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in opinions between students and the staff (teachers, non-certified support staff and certified support staff) in a suburban middle school with regard to bullying. The researcher summarized data from a survey administered to 671 participants within the school setting. The researcher analyzed which questions were relevant to the hypothesis, twelve questions were scored and the scores of students were then compared using a t-test to those of teachers, non-certified support staff and certified support staff. Overall, significant differences were noted between student and staff perceptions of bullying, and scores of …

Parental And Peer Support In The Lgbt Community, Andrew Midgley

Theses and Dissertations

The unique challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are putting pressure on parents, teachers, and school psychologists to find potential solutions. The purpose of this study is to examine variables that have the potential to decrease levels of depression and bullying victimization experienced by LGBT youth. Adults who identify as LGBT were asked to complete a survey reflecting on their experiences in high school. Findings indicate that parental support and peer support are associated with decreased levels of depressive symptoms. There is also an indication that the presence of a student-run LGBT support and/or advocacy group …

Relating Children In Foster Care To School Bullying, Regina Lyons

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research the correlation, if any, that children in foster care have with bullying. The researcher gathered descriptive information by attending foster parent support group meetings in New Jersey. Resource parents reported on behalf of the foster child in their care at that time. Participants were asked to report information within the current school year. Data showed that children in foster care were involved in bullying primarily in the school setting. Implication for and the importance of further research within this field were discussed.

The Influence Of Active Procrastination And Passive Procrastination On University Students' Education And Success In College, Frank Martini Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to explore the relationship between active procrastination, passive procrastination, and non-procrastination in regards to university students' education and success in college, in an attempt to identify possible benefits of procrastination. University students were distributed a survey that classified them either as an active procrastinator (one who makes deliberate decisions to procrastinate because they feel they work well under pressure), a passive procrastinator (one who finds themselves paralyzed by their indecision to act on a task within an appropriate timeframe), or a non-procrastinator (one who does not procrastinate on most assignments) and analyzed their …

Place Of Residence And Its Impact On College Students With Disabilities, Jonathan Tarbous

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test whether the academic performance and quality of life of students with disabilities at the post-secondary level would be higher for students who reside on campus full time or commute to class. Participants were given a survey and responded to questions regarding their disability, quality of life, academic performance, and place of residence. Data analysis revealed that there is no significant relationship between students with disabilities at the post-secondary level who reside on campus and a higher level of academic performance or quality of life when compared to those who commute to class. …

Bullying In New Jersey: What Has Been Done And What Is Going On, Sarah Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

The current study investigated the new HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) legislation as part of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act for New Jersey public schools in regard to students' perceptions of severity of cyber, relational, physical and non-bulllying scenarios. The study also observed students' ability to identify non-bullying scenarios from bullying scenarios since the revisions were made in 2011. Gender and size of high school the students graduated from were also accounted for. Results of the study were obtained via a two-part survey completed by college students (n = 80). The first section asked for background information such as …

Academic Advising: A Study Of The Impact Of Academic Advising On Student Satisfaction, Stephanie Easterday

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if Rowan University undergraduate students are satisfied with the academic advising services being provided to them by the Center for Academic Advising and Exploration (CAAdE). The study investigated topics discussed between student and advisor, student's satisfaction with advising assistance, and student's impressions with their advisor. The Survey of Academic Advising, developed by American College Testing (ACT), was distributed to Rowan undergraduate students advised by the CAAdE center during spring of 2013. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the completed data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The study …

Communication: The Lost Art, Mary Zenyuk

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if technology, specifically text messaging, has an affect on young adult's face-to-face communication. Technology is improving on a daily basis. This continuous evolution and advancement in technology has paved the way for numerous methods of communication such as texting and social media. Not only has the methods of communication increased, so has the access to these methods become unlimited. This study is important to analyze how individuals are adapting their communication habits to conform with changing technology. A survey was developed and consisted of questions such as the student's age, major, preferred …

School Psychologists Involvement With Response-To-Intervention And Students With Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Difficulties, Katelyn Hickman-Poloney

Theses and Dissertations

The current school reform is being driven by shifts in thinking about school improvements, including a willingness to consider prevention versus remediation. Response-to-Intervention is a buzz word in education right now as it is the framework by which this shift in thinking is to be implemented. Preventatively addressing the mental health needs of students is a pressing issue for educational professionals as the population of students who exhibit social, emotional, and behavioral problems continues to be underserved. Since school psychologists are trained in Response-to-Intervention procedures, the purpose of this study was to determine if school psychologists are involved in Response-to-Intervention …

The Main Factors Behind First Generation College Students' Retention And Dropout, Ahmed Hussein

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that first-generation college students face many hurdles until they graduate if they did not drop out. Limited financial resources, lack of personal skills, and social supports cause many first-generation college students to struggle as they strive to achieve their academic aspirations and receive a degree. This study was developed to locate the main factors behind first-generation college students' retention and dropout. For the purpose of forming this study 84 college students were surveyed to collect data from college students themselves. The short-term study found that first-generation college students have more challenges finishing their studies and getting a …

Proactive Measures In Combating Bullying In Schools: Examining The Effectiveness Of The Bucket Fillers Program In Character Building Education, Karina Katsikis

Theses and Dissertations

Bullying continues to plague our schools. Some schools are implementing proactive solutions in the form of character building education to address bullying. The purpose of this research was to examine the character education program, Bucket Fillers, and its effectiveness on reducing bullying in one public elementary school by examining questionnaires containing homeroom teachers' evaluations. Data of behavioral incident reports from prior to the program's initiation and after were also collected and compared. The majority of teachers noticed more spontaneous positive interactions and less negative interactions between students after the establishment of the program. There was no significant correlation found between …

Passive Vs. Active Technologies In The Classroom, John Borchert

Theses and Dissertations

Modern technology is being implemented in the classroom more and more. Little has been done to identify which types of technologies are the best to use for educational purposes. Research has shown that students perform better when they are interested in the subject. This study seeks to determine if passive technologies (TV, power points, etc.) or active technologies (video games, electronic quizzes, etc.) were more effective in inspiring interest and better performance. This will help educators chose better options for technology use in their classrooms. This study required subjects answer a survey questions regarding different types of technologies they had …

Differences In Life Satisfaction Among Young Adults In Different Living Situations, Jennifer Roake

Theses and Dissertations

Differences in life satisfaction among young adults in different living situations were evaluated. The aims of this study were to use the Satisfaction with Life Scale to examine the differences in life satisfaction. Levels of depression as well as purpose in life were also evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the Purpose in Life Scale. A total of 91 participants responses were included in the study, with 58 participants reporting living independently and 33 participants reporting living with parents. Independent t-tests found that individuals living at home report lower levels of life satisfaction compared to participants …

Evaluation Of An Early Intervention Program Using Eligibility Criteria, Emily Kurlansik

Theses and Dissertations

Early Intervention programs are state and federally funded programs that are available in virtually every state that provide support to children birth to three who have developmental delays. Eligibility into the program varies by state and determining eligibility for a child is a complex task that has tremendous implications on both the program and its children. A program evaluation was conducted on a branch of an early intervention program located in New Jersey to determine whether service providers were correctly identifying children who were eligible for services. Results indicated that four of out the 112 children in the program were …

The Role Of School Psychologists Regarding The Implementation Of The Anti-Bullying Bill Of Rights Act, John Kowalcyk

Theses and Dissertations

Current school psychologists in New Jersey were contacted in order to determine the attitudes, roles, and approaches of different school psychologists in relation to the new HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) legislation for all New Jersey Public Schools. This study gauged school psychologists' level of involvement in implementing the new legislation and their overall roles with regard to maintaining a safe and positive school climate. The survey, which was sent via email to school psychologists across the state, asked questions about their perceived roles in schools, the time they spent on various obligations during the workday, their involvement with the …

Racial And Socioeconomic Differences In Special Education Students Returning To General Education, Katie Aspinwall

Theses and Dissertations

Education's history has been shadowed by disparities in the quality of education delivered universally. Particularly highlighted are the disparities between the cases of socioeconomic status and racial background. Special education has been identified for decades as containing an overrepresentation of minorities classified. This study has analyzed retrospective data from the New Jersey Department of Special Education public website to examine if this pattern of overrepresentation of minorities continues to be represented in the population that returns to general education. The current study also analyzed the District Factor Grouping to investigate the implications of the school district's socioeconomic status in relation …

Suicide Prevention / Postvention: A Student, Parent, Teacher, And Other Educational Professionals Perspective, Heather Leech

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to: (1) determine the extent to which local schools are providing suicide prevention programs; (2) determine the effectiveness of suicide presentation programs; (3) examine the attitudes of teachers, parents, students, and other educational professionals regarding suicide prevention programs and; (4) determine the need for suicide prevention programs in a southern, New Jersey special services school district. A survey was distributed to 20 people in each of the following categories: teacher, parent, student, and other educational professionals. The four categories mentioned above were analyzed in the surveys. The results indicated that the participants feel that …

Gender Differences Associated To Style And Type Of Bullying, Elizabeth Benckert

Theses and Dissertations

Research shows that girls show more indirect and relational aggression bullying behavior, while boys will show more direct and physically aggressive bullying behavior (Bjorkqvist, Lagerspetz, & Kaukiainen, 1992). Girls prefer indirect aggression because they can manipulate others; while boys prefer direct aggression against others because it shows dominance and strength (Crick, Casas, & Mosher, 1997). The study was done to show a difference in gender and the style of aggressive bullying behavior they will act out in. Crick et al. (1997) explain that children tend to bully in ways that they know will inflict harm on others and damage their …

Risk Factors For High School Dropouts: Do Perceptions Of Bullying Play A Role?, Alison Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

The current study compared perceptions of bullying experiences among students in a public in-house alternative high school education program for at-risk students with those of the students in the general education population of the same high school. Eleven students enrolled in the alternative high school education program between the ages of 16 and 19 were asked to report their experiences with bullying through a school-created survey that is administered annually to the entire high school population. The results of the 2010 survey of 816 high school students were compared to the results of the 11 students enrolled in the alternative …