Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

What Was Under The Mcmartin Preschool? A Review And Behavioral Analysis Of The "Tunnels" Find, W. Joseph Wyatt

Psychology Faculty Research

The McMartin Preschool child abuse case began in 1983 in Manhattan Beach, California, and was one of the most visible cases in history. Although two trials were conducted and no convictions were obtained, some individuals continue to believe that dozens of children were sexually abused at the preschool. In 1990 an archeologist was hired to determine whether tunnels had existed under the school because some of the children had alleged that some of their abuse took place in tunnels under the building. The archeologist’s report was issued in 1993. It concluded that evidence of back-filled tunnels had been found. This …

West Virginia Libraries 2002 Vol.55 No.5, Jennifer Soule

West Virginia Libraries Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Collaborative Musical Expression And Creativity Among Academics: When Intellectualism Meets Twelve Bar Blues, Gary P. Radford, Stephen D. Cooper, Robert W. Kubey, David S. Mccurry, Jonathan Millen, John R. Barrows

Communications Faculty Research

The Professors are a blues, rock, and sometime heavy metal band made up of communication professors from a number of New Jersey schools. Formed in 1995, the band has played in clubs in New York City as well as a number of academic venues, including the annual conference of the International Communication Association in Chicago in 1996 and the annual conference of the National Communication Association in New York City in 1998. The Professors have been featured in both local and national press, including the Chronicle of Higher Education. When we learned of the call for papers for this special …

West Virginia Libraries 2002 Vol.55 No.4, Dottie Thomas

West Virginia Libraries Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Traffic Stop Practices Of The Louisville Police Department: January 15 - December 31, 2001, Terry D. Edwards, Elizabeth L. Grossi, Gennaro F. Vito, Angela D. Crews

Criminal Justice Faculty Research

This report summarizes the findings of a study conducted using data collected by the Louisville Division of Police between January 15, 2001 and December 31, 2001. These data resulted from 48,586 interactions between law enforcement officers and citizens during traffic-related contacts.

Information was collected about the driver, the officer, and the stop event. Driver demographics included race, sex, age, residency, license number, and vehicle registration. The only information collected about the officer was officer badge number. Finally, data collected about the stop event include the date, time of day, reason for stop, activities during the stop, number of passengers, and …

West Virginia Libraries 2002 Vol.55 No.3, Dottie Thomas

West Virginia Libraries Newsletter

No abstract provided.

The Economics Of Corruption In Developing Countries, Ramchandra Akkihal, Harlan M. Smith Ii, Roger Adkins

Economics Faculty Research

Official corruption, unfortunately, is endemic in the developing world. One factor in the spread of this illegal activity has been the propensity of developing-country governments to intervene heavily in their economies, often in the attempt to guide, direct, and control economic activity in order to promote the desired pace and style of economic development. Such regulatory efforts, though now on the wane in much of the developing world, continue to generate opportunities in many countries for bureaucrats in control of scarce resources to allocate them on a non-market basis, to further their own economic, political, and social prospects.

West Virginia Libraries 2002 Vol.55 No.1&2, Dottie Thomas

West Virginia Libraries Newsletter

No abstract provided.

This One's For The Children : Collaborative Leadership In A Rural Appalachian Community, Jennifer J. Scharf

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The current research is an ethnographic case study of one collaborative community group that worked toward solving complex problems related to early care and education in their community. The methods used consisted of conducting in-depth interviews and observations, recording and transcribing group meetings, and collecting documents that furthered understanding of the group. The research questions addressed were related to the nature of the relationships among the members, leadership enactment in the group, and how they created positive outcomes and overcame obstacles they faced. Several themes emerged related to each question, confirming and extending current understanding of collaboration and collaborative leadership. …

Evaluation Of The School Psychology Program At Marshall University Graduate College, Mary L. Winters

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This research evaluates the structure, purpose, and efficiency of the School Psychology Program at Marshall University Graduate College and will be utilized as baseline research for further measures of program efficiency and accountability. This study investigates the satisfaction levels and opinions of the student population, including all current and recent students who have graduated from the program. The methods of data collection were a survey, developed primarily from the goals and objectives of the program, and telephone interviews. The information requested in these methods was structured to provide both qualitative and quantitative data. Frequency analysis of the data resulted in …

How Behavioral Dimensions Interact With Perceived Social Support Dimensions In First Time Expectant Fathers During Their Wives Pregnancy, Rhonda L. Dunder

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

While changes in women during a pregnancy are apparent, changes in the expectant father are not. However, research has documented the behavioral and attitudinal changes that take place in the soon to be father. The current study investigated which assessment measures of the behavioral dimension, which included anxiety, narcissism, and self-esteem, would correlate with each other to predict a behavior change. Correlations were also measured between variables of the behavioral dimension and perceived social support. Results found a significant positive correlation between self-esteem and narcissism. A significant negative correlation was found between self-esteem and perceived social support. It appears as …

The California Psychological Inventory As An Assessment Method Of Behavioral Change In First-Time Expectant Fathers, Michaela R. Jellen-Tennant

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty-four randomly recruited first-time expectant fathers, ages 24 years to 38 years were individually administered the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) during the first and third trimester of their wife’s pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to assess whether there are attitudinal, behavioral, and personality changes that occur in an expectant father over the course of his wife’s pregnancy. It was hypothesized that the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), which is designed to measure interpersonal behavioral attitudes, behavioral patterns, and personality traits, was able to detect that change. The results suggested that no significant change occurred in the expectant father’s attitude, …

Love Attitudes: A Developmental Process In First Time Fathers, Dennis Klenowski

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty-four first time expectant fathers age 20 to 38 were individually administered a set of behavior and attitude assessments during the first, second, and third trimesters of their wives pregnancy. This particular study focused on the Love Attitudes Scale. Research indicates that fathers are expected to go through behavior and attitude changes during their wives pregnancy due to several possible reasons like stress, an unhappy marriage, or love development. The main objective of this study was to measure whether or not first time expectant fathers experienced any significant attitude changes during the pregnancy. A second objective was examining if certain …

Attachment And Memory : Does Attachment Experience Influence Eyewitness Testimony?, Fani Lougklou

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In an effort to examine the relationship between internal working models of attachment (Bowlby, 1969) and eyewitness testimony for child abuse (Lindberg, Kieffer, & Thomas, 2000), college students first watched a video of a mother hitting her son on the head and knocking him to the floor. After this, they filled out the Attachment and Personality Dynamics Questionnaire (APDQ) (Lindberg & Thomas, 1998). Finally, they were tested about details in the video, their memories for inferences about the characters, and their memories for the gist. They were also given several questions about their personal experiences with the type of discipline …

Gender Differences In Gross And Fine Motor Abilities In Preschool Aged Children In West Virginia, Kelly R. Pennington

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in gross and fine motor abilities in preschool aged children in West Virginia. Subjects consisted of 21 males and 16 females. Data was collected via the West Virginia Educare Initiative using the Carolina Curriculum for Preschoolers with Special Needs. Results of this study indicate that there are no significant gender differences in either gross motor or fine motor abilities in preschool aged children.

Attitudinal And Behavioral Changes Demonstrated By Expectant Fathers As Measured By The Index Of Self Esteem, Terry G. Savage

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty married men who were expecting their first child were tested in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy with the Index of Self Esteem to see if the subjects experienced a significant drop in self esteem during the course of pregnancy. The current study focused on the attitudinal and behavioral changes in the subjects as measured by the index of self-esteem. A decrease in self-esteem of the expectant fathers was not found, however the lack of diversity within the sample may account for the results. It would be necessary to conduct more extensive research to be more representative …

Perceptions Of Job Satisfaction In An Icf/Mr Environment, Jeffrey Shrewsbury

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This paper examines the relationship between perceived communication between employees, their supervisor, and the effect of perceived communication on overall job satisfaction of the employee in an ICF/MR environment. The paper also examines the length of time in a particular job and the potential effects of time as a predictor of overall job satisfaction. Benefits and communication are also examined in an attempt to determine which of the two makes the better predictor of overall job satisfaction for employees working in an ICF/MR environment. The subjects examined came from respondents to an employee attitude survey conducted by a large provider …

Non-Physical Abuse Behavioral Changes In First Time Expectant Fathers, Sheila Tarr-Stiglich

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The nine months of a pregnancy produce monumental physical and psychological changes in the pregnant woman. Past research has indicated that intimate partner abuse can occur during this time. The objective of the current study was to determine if a change in non-physical abusive behavior occurred in men as they experienced the first pregnancy of the wives, and if so, could it be measured by a particular instrument. Thirty-three men were given the Non-Physical Abuse of Partner Scale, along with a battery of other instruments throughout the course of the pregnancy, in attempt to measure change. Results indicated no significant …

The Effects Of A Token Economy System In Comparison To Social Praise On The Manifest Behaviors Of Elementary Learning Disabled Students, Kimberly Waggy

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a token economy system in comparison to social praise on the manifest behaviors of learning disabled students at an elementary school in West Virginia. The null hypothesis of this study was that there would be no significant difference between a token economy system in comparison to social praise on the manifest behaviors of learning disabled students. The following research question was examined in this study: What are the effects of a token economy system in comparison to social praise on the manifest behaviors of learning disabled students?

Literature relevant …

Cultural Awareness Sensitivity Training, William L. Underwood

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In this study, employees of the Federal Correctional Institution in Ashland, Kentucky; the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota; and the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan were surveyed to determine the need for a Cultural Awareness Sensitivity Training program for staff within the United States Bureau of Prisons. In addition, if the need for this program was established, the Cultural Awareness Study was formulated to determine the scope and breadth of the coverage of the program. The respondents were asked to answer 72 questions in the following areas: (1) diversity training; (2) need assessment; (3) staff demographics; (4) inmate …

The Relationship Between Education And Police Stress : Associate Degree Versus Bachelor Degree, Jamie M. Case

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Research was conducted to further investigate whether police officers with Bachelor degrees experience less stress than officers with Associate degrees. Sixty police officers from the Charleston Police Department were the respondents in the study. The officers were measured regarding levels of stress experienced from inter-departmental issues, rule, and regulations. The respondents were also evaluated using the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, Job Satisfaction Index, and Stress Quiz. While there were no significant differences between the two groups, police officers with Bachelor degrees reported less stress than officers with Associate degrees.

The West Wing : President As Symbol, Sarah E. Cavendish

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examines how the character of President Bartlet is constructed on The West Wing. Fifteen episodes from October 2001 to January 2002 were taped and reviewed for this research. Real life presidential settings and presidential roles are used as a starting point for analysis. The application of these characteristics to President Bartlet describes how this character functions as a credible fictional president. Suggestions for future research are also presented.

Behavioral Change In First Time Expectant Fathers' Aggression, Helen V. Davis

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty-two first time expectant fathers, 23-38 years of age, were recruited on a voluntary basis. They were tested on several behavioral measures throughout the course of their wives’ pregnancy. The Aggression Inventory (AI) was utilized during the first and third trimesters of the pregnancy in order to determine whether or not men become more aggressive over the course of a woman’s pregnancy. A two-way repeated measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized. The Wilks’ Lambda Multivariate test of effect for time yielded an F of .186. At an alpha level of .05, it was not significant. The Wilks’ Lambda multivariate …

An Analysis Of Client Records To Determine The Efficacy Of A Child Abuse Prevention Program For Parents, Monica Lynn Dellamea

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The alarming amount of abuse and maltreatment incurred by children in the United States has drawn large scale public attention only over the past century. Governmental agencies have since implemented programs to protect children from abusers after the abuse has been reported and sufficiently proven. Over recent decades new types of programs have originated to protect children before abuse occurs by educating parents who possess high risk factors for abusing children. These types of programs operate on the assumption that if parents can become knowledgeable about basic fundamentals of child development, learn to deal with daily stressors and challenges, and …

The Effect Of Locus Of Control And Stability On Academic Achievement In Eighth Grade Students From North Central West Virginia: A Comparative Approach, Tasneem Edmonds

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to learn more about how locus of control and stability affect academic achievement. Eighty-three eighth grade students at Cheat Lake and Westwood Middle Schools were given two questionnaires that took between thirty and forty-five minutes to complete. The study was conducted in a classroom environment during regular school hours. Both student assent and parental consent were collected. Confidentiality and voluntary participation were explained to all students. After the data from the questionnaires were obtained, comprehensive grade point averages and SAT 9 scores for each student from the previous year were collected. This GPA and …

Dancing With The Bag Lady, Mora Lee Finnerty

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Predominantly explores the author's decade-long struggle with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, from pre-onset to present day. Other universal themes include dysfunctional family life, discrimination, materialism, adolescence, alcohol and drug abuse, music, religion, academia, married life, hypochondria, disease, and death.

The Relationship Between Education And Police Stress: Bachelor's Degree Versus High School, Cathy S. Gatson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Sixty law enforcement officers from the largest municipality in the state of West Virginia were evaluated concerning levels of stress or anxiety experienced from organizational issues and interdepartmental rules and regulations. These findings were subsequently compared with the officers level of educational attainment, specifically Bachelor’s degree versus high school education. Specifically, comparisons were made regarding officers with a Bachelor’s degree and those with high school education and scores from the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, the Job Satisfaction Index, and the Stress Quiz. Additionally, comparisons of the scores were made between officers with a Bachelor’s degree and officers with a …

Medicalized Childbirth In The United States: Origins, Outcomes, And Opposition, Martelia L. Henson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study focuses on childbirth in the United States as a medical event, specifically concentrating on the historical development of medicalized birth and the cultural and social ramifications of this transformation. The main objective is to apply various aspects of social movement theory and movement dynamics to the rise of obstetric medicine as it is documented in the existing body of childbirth literature, in order to achieve a greater understanding of the appropriation of American childbirth practices by the medical profession. Also included is a discussion of various birth reform movements that have attempted, and are attempting, to challenge the …

Symbolism And Ritual As Used By The National Socialists, Stephanie M. Holcomb

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Utilizing symbolism and ritual, the most important factors leading to the rise of National Socialism in Germany are examined. The thesis delineates the general history of Germany up to the rise of Hitler and reviews several major historical works on the Nazi’s rise. It also examines the theoretical literature on symbolism and ritual before analyzing the Nazi’s use of symbolism and ritual in their ascension to and maintenance of power.

Detecting A Male's Attitudinal Change During The Course Of A Partner's Pregnancy Using The Index Of Marital Satisfaction, Melanie Ann Hummel

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty-one married men who were expecting their first child were tested in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy with the Index of Marital Satisfaction to see if the subjects experienced a significant drop in marital satisfaction during the course of pregnancy. Previous research has shown that couples’ marital satisfaction significantly declines after the birth of a baby, but little research has explored the male’s attitudinal change during the pregnancy itself. The current study found that there was no significant change in the subjects’ marital satisfaction from early to late pregnancy. A larger study with a sample more representative …