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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Strength In Numbers: An Exploratory Case Study On The Impact Of Conflict In Multi-Institutional Higher Education Collaborations, Michele Robyn Dinicola Jan 2023

Strength In Numbers: An Exploratory Case Study On The Impact Of Conflict In Multi-Institutional Higher Education Collaborations, Michele Robyn Dinicola

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The higher education landscape is changing. Students seeking access to college are increasinglydiverse, geographically dispersed, socioeconomically challenged, and will require higher education administrators to closely examine their models to ensure they are well-suited to serve the needs of these students. Responding to these shifts will require higher education administrators to shed traditional approaches in favor of innovative, cost-effective, flexible models of education delivery. Many institutions address this challenge through a reliance on higher education consortia and collaborations. In Maryland, one approach to collaboration takes the form of multi-institutional Regional Higher Education Centers (RHEC) like the largest of them, the Universities …


Cause For Complaint: A Case Study Exploring Office For Civil Rights Complaints And Resolutions Related To Digital Accessibility At Public Colleges And Universities, Helen Gema Muñiz Bermudez Jan 2023

Cause For Complaint: A Case Study Exploring Office For Civil Rights Complaints And Resolutions Related To Digital Accessibility At Public Colleges And Universities, Helen Gema Muñiz Bermudez

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

As the number of students with disabilities pursuing postsecondary opportunities continues to grow, along with an increase in digital educational content and technology, the issue of digital accessibility becomes increasingly urgent - both as a matter of equity and access for disabled students and as a matter of social and fiscal responsibility for postsecondary institutions. When postsecondary institutions fail to meet the requirements of disability legislation, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the federal entity responsible for enforcement and complaint investigations, handling hundreds of complaints related to digital accessibility at postsecondary institutions since 2013. There …


Conflict Within Special Education For Mothers Of Children With Invisible Disabilities: A Case Study, Nicole R. Quint Jan 2022

Conflict Within Special Education For Mothers Of Children With Invisible Disabilities: A Case Study, Nicole R. Quint

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, children with disabilities receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which provides free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Evidence shows that parents of children who receive special education (SPED) experience conflict within the school system. Invisible disabilities (NVD) are unseen but affect learning or behavior in school, include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities, are eligible for special education. There is evidence that parents of children with NVD experience conflict while accessing the system and receiving services and mothers are often the primary advocate for …


Perceptions Of Shifting Time: Life Crossing The Edges Of Conflict ; A Phenomenological Study Of The Changing Nature Of Worldview Schema And Temporal Constructs When Experiencing Cultural Conflict, Ian D. Edgerly Jan 2022

Perceptions Of Shifting Time: Life Crossing The Edges Of Conflict ; A Phenomenological Study Of The Changing Nature Of Worldview Schema And Temporal Constructs When Experiencing Cultural Conflict, Ian D. Edgerly

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The conflict process has numerous facets and characteristics, but one of the least discussed within conflict or peace studies literature is the effect that time has upon, or within the conflict continuum. This project’s focus was the identification of changes within certain temporally sensitive worldview schema by members of the Charlotte, North Carolina area refugee community when entering cultural conflict. This exploration specifically focused on the shifts that occur between moving from their transient locations prior to coming to the United States, whether that be a refugee camp or living in another country under refugee status, and their final relocation …


Spiritual Intelligence: The Next Intelligence Tool For Conflict Resolution Practitioners?, Peter Tokar Jan 2022

Spiritual Intelligence: The Next Intelligence Tool For Conflict Resolution Practitioners?, Peter Tokar

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Spiritual intelligence is currently being utilized with positive results in many professional communities, yet it is practically unknown within the conflict resolution and peacebuilding communities, at least by name. Recent national polls have demonstrated a high percentages of Americans still embrace a spiritual dimension to their humanity. Although church attendance has been on the decline for the past couple decades, polls show that even the Millennial Generation and GenZ are still interested in spirituality, though in a non-ecclesiastically organized way. Although significant sensitivities remain in society and culture concerning the separation of church and state, literally millions of Americans …


Apart Yet Still Together: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of How Coparents Navigate Conflict Post-Divorce, Rebecca Anderson Jan 2020

Apart Yet Still Together: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of How Coparents Navigate Conflict Post-Divorce, Rebecca Anderson

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the experiences of parents choosing to coparent after divorce in an effort to understand the challenges and conflicts they encountered and how they managed those conflicts. The qualitative study included the experiences of 18 individuals, 9 mothers and 9 fathers through semi-structured interviews. Participants ranged in age from 31 to 52 years old. While all shared custody, they varied in custody arrangements. The number of years divorced ranged from one year to fifteen years. Parents had anywhere from one to four children between them. At the time of the divorce, children ranged in age from seven months …


The Morning After: A Phenomenological Approach To Understanding The Process Of Repair And Reconciliation In The Aftermath Of Clergy Sexual Misconduct, Damion Taj Quaye Jan 2020

The Morning After: A Phenomenological Approach To Understanding The Process Of Repair And Reconciliation In The Aftermath Of Clergy Sexual Misconduct, Damion Taj Quaye

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

American religious institutions are expected to be free from the unsettling behaviors found in secular institutions. However, scandals in churches have revealed a difficult truth; the people who operate these faith institutions are just as flawed as those who do not. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the damage caused by clergy sexual misconduct. Congregations, families, religious organizations, and the concept of the Christian church suffer because of clergy sexual misconduct. There are significant barriers to repair and reconciliation. Cases of clergy sexual misconduct in the Roman Catholic Church have received much of the attention, but the problem is bigger than …


A Brand New Narrative: Social Attitudes Toward Conflict Resolution And Inefficiency In Marketing And Branding, Emily Skinner Jan 2020

A Brand New Narrative: Social Attitudes Toward Conflict Resolution And Inefficiency In Marketing And Branding, Emily Skinner

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to bring to light infield internal assumptions, expectations, and knowledge that may influence limitations on fostering an environment that can increase a social demand for conflict resolution services, knowledge, and practices. The research explored if the field’s marketing is influenced by the macro social norms, assumptions, and expectations of conflict and if they influence how the field communicates with its market. The study’s goal was to investigate if the marketing and the branding of conflict resolution are influenced by the social fact of conflict as negative. This study explored conscious and unconscious broad patterns of common-sense knowledge, …


The Impact Of Globalization As An Economic Theory On The Mass Migration Of Vulnerable Populations, Amalia Luxardo Jan 2020

The Impact Of Globalization As An Economic Theory On The Mass Migration Of Vulnerable Populations, Amalia Luxardo

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the question of economy, of who hinders it or allows it to blossom, has become a point of contention that has led to many acts of violence. This research utilizes globalization as an economic theory as the underlying factor that causes these violent conflicts and imminent mass movements of migration. In using this lens, I emphasize that economically fueled violent conflict leads to the migration of populations and their ultimate elimination. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate and draw data from major violent conflicts in different nation-states and perform a quantitative …


“Square Peg In A Round Hole” An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Workers’ Experiences With Workplace Conflict, Katherine Joanna Sosa Jan 2019

“Square Peg In A Round Hole” An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Workers’ Experiences With Workplace Conflict, Katherine Joanna Sosa

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Conflict is a predictable aspect of organizational life. Research indicates that workers spend the majority of their lifetime at work and that unresolved conflict is one of the largest reducible costs in organizations. However, the majority of employee conflicts are not accurately addressed by rights-and-power based conflict management systems. This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study explored the experiences and perceptions of workers who had been involved in an unresolved or escalated workplace conflict that was of consequence in their lives. The study sought to learn how it impacted them and how they made sense of the conflict, their organizations, and …


Conflict, Stress And Faith Experienced By Caregivers Of Bipolar Family Members, Sharonrose Bollers Jan 2019

Conflict, Stress And Faith Experienced By Caregivers Of Bipolar Family Members, Sharonrose Bollers

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Mental health issues present challenges to the mentally ill, and to the family members who are their caregivers. Among the challenges faced by caregivers are conflict and stress. This transcendental phenomenological study explored the experiences and perceptions of caregivers of conflict, stress, and the role of faith. In addition, this study sought to learn what lessons and strategies caregivers utilized and often created while caring for their family member with bipolar disorder. In this study ten caregivers were interviewed, telephonically or face-to-face, using a semi-structured interview format. Coming from four states, some were employed, some were retired, and one was …


Women In Ministry: How Conflicts Between God's Purpose And Church Doctrine Impact The Efficacy Of Female Church Leaders, Nicole L. Davis Jan 2019

Women In Ministry: How Conflicts Between God's Purpose And Church Doctrine Impact The Efficacy Of Female Church Leaders, Nicole L. Davis

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The following research was a biographical narrative that examined the lived experiences of male and female church leaders and their perspectives on the social, moral, and religious implications of female church leadership. The purpose of this research was to explore the ideologies and identities of women leaders within the faith ministry, the definitions of ministry and leadership, the role of women in church ministry, and their understanding of marketplace ministry. I employed conflict resolution theories relating to power, change, and mental modeling as the basis of analysis for evaluating the impact of church policies and practices on the utilization of …


Intragroup Conflict Among Caribbean Students In Higher Education While Engaging In Group Work, Martha Cilla Des Vignes Jan 2019

Intragroup Conflict Among Caribbean Students In Higher Education While Engaging In Group Work, Martha Cilla Des Vignes

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of Caribbean students in higher education who experience intragroup conflict as they engage in group work. The site for this study was the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the participants were nine Caribbean students studying at the higher education level in the Republic who experienced intragroup conflict while engaging in group work. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to gain insight into the phenomenon and the key theories forming the theoretical framework were interpersonal theory, group development theory and intragroup conflict theory. The following …


A Phenomenological Research Study On The Effects Of Paternal Abandonment On Hispanic Women In South Florida And Their Conflict Management Skills, Diana Herrera Jan 2019

A Phenomenological Research Study On The Effects Of Paternal Abandonment On Hispanic Women In South Florida And Their Conflict Management Skills, Diana Herrera

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Even though women who have been abandoned by their fathers at a young age are more likely to exhibit destructive behaviors as adults, there are cases in which women develop new social skills and become successful at building new relationships (Stolberg, Complair & Wells, 1987). The main purpose for this phenomenological research wasto understand the shared experiences of Hispanic women who were abandoned by their fathers at a young age and explore their conflict management skills. This research wasguided by the following research question: What are the lived experiences of Hispanic women who were abandoned by their fathers before the …


The Effect Of A Multigenerational Workforce On Workplace Bullying, Supaporn Walton-Robertson Jan 2019

The Effect Of A Multigenerational Workforce On Workplace Bullying, Supaporn Walton-Robertson

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Workplace bullying has become increasingly prevalent in the workplace, and as such has led to instances of job dissatisfaction, and in extreme cases, workplace violence. It is important to understand workplace bullying as an organization, a manager, and particularly in the role of human resources in order to best address such situations. Current studies have evaluated the effects of workplace bullying, along with possible suggested causes – however with the vast differences in the four generations now working together in the workplace – this is an area that also needs to be addressed as the problem of workplace bullying continues …


Navigating Conflict: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Online Higher Education Subject Matter Experts, Tammi Clearfield Jan 2019

Navigating Conflict: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Online Higher Education Subject Matter Experts, Tammi Clearfield

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study, using phenomenology, examined the lived experiences of subject matter experts navigating conflict in the higher education online course development process. Examination of conflict from the perspective of the subject matter expert in this context was important because of impacts on subject matter experts, design and development team members, course quality, instructors, students, and institutions. Research questions that guided the study were: What were the potential sources of conflict encountered by the subject matter expert throughout the course development process? What did the conflict mean to the subject matter expert in the course development process? How did the …


The Political Animal: The Animal Rights Movement And Public Policy, Dorothy Jean Simnett Jan 2019

The Political Animal: The Animal Rights Movement And Public Policy, Dorothy Jean Simnett

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Social movements are consequences of social conflict. This project examines the conflicting and contentious efforts of animal rights activists at changing public policy and it evaluates the successes and failures of the animal rights movement. Animal rights activists’ challenges concerning animal rights, animal welfare and animal protection, combined with divergences from the special interest consortiums compounded by societal norms will all be addressed here. Furthermore, none of this has been previously addressed in the field of Conflict Resolution. This project highlights the challenges that animal rights advocates encounter when attempting to safeguard animal protective measures. The power struggle between animal …


Leading Change Together: Reducing Organizational Structural Conflict Through A Dialogic Od Approach Using Liberating Structures, Barbara Allen Jan 2018

Leading Change Together: Reducing Organizational Structural Conflict Through A Dialogic Od Approach Using Liberating Structures, Barbara Allen

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

As leaders must increasingly find ways to include and engage others in a power-with approach to competently meet today’s complex challenges, the problem occurs when they find themselves stuck within pre-existing systems structured for exclusion and power-over others. These conventional structures are a source of systemic conflict. This participatory action research/cooperative inquiry case study focuses on the topic of leading organizational change collaboratively in the space between formal hierarchical structures and informal human dynamics using a qualitative methodology. The purpose of this study is to understand how a newly developed Liberating Structures Problem Solving (LSPS) model of facilitation helps participants …


The Influence Of Innate Behavioral Predispositions On Conflict Stakeholder Interactions In Mediation: The Camp David Accords Of 1978, Stephen D. Merson Jan 2017

The Influence Of Innate Behavioral Predispositions On Conflict Stakeholder Interactions In Mediation: The Camp David Accords Of 1978, Stephen D. Merson

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This constructivist grounded theory study will explore the possibility that early socio-cultural experience in concert with innate cognitive mechanisms are essential components of a dual process of decision-making. Each element may influence conflict actors toward predictable predispositional behaviors manifest as bias. Specifically, we are concerned that these biases will influence the perceived and actual neutrality of the principle mediator thus compromising a mediation success. The presence of these predispositions in both mediators and conflict stakeholder challenges the validity of the conclusions in other research that does not consider the true impact of cultural dissonance on more than a superficial insinuation …


Johnny Just Come (Jjc): An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study On The Intra-Extended Family Conflict Experience Of Undergraduate Nigerian Immigrant College Students In The United States, Ann Maureen Nwabuzor Jan 2017

Johnny Just Come (Jjc): An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study On The Intra-Extended Family Conflict Experience Of Undergraduate Nigerian Immigrant College Students In The United States, Ann Maureen Nwabuzor

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Within the last twenty years, the number of undergraduate-age Nigerian immigrants to the United States has substantially increased. Most young Nigerian immigrants moved to the United States for better educational opportunities for themselves. The United States is viewed as the land of opportunity for young Nigerian immigrants because of the numerous options available in American universities. However, the reality of life as an immigrant especially for young Nigerian adults is often a challenging experience. Young Nigerian immigrant students face a lot of adversity because they have to deal with issues such as a new school environment, a foreign culture and …


Preschoolers Aggressive Behavior Toward Others Is It Child-Play? Is It Bullying?, Brenda W. Williams Jan 2017

Preschoolers Aggressive Behavior Toward Others Is It Child-Play? Is It Bullying?, Brenda W. Williams

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Bullying in schools is largely discussed when referring to middle and high school students. Students in preschool are often considered to be too young to carry out acts of bullying. Unfortunately, this is contrary to the truth. Bullying among children aged 2-5 is very common, although it can easily be dismissed as a normal stage in child development. Educators and observers argue that bullying in preschool occurs when a child or a group of children intimidate another child or group of children to the point that it becomes a behavioral pattern. Evidence shows that 2-5 year-olds engage in acts intended …


Trends In The Match Of Early Intervention To Student Need: A Grounded Theory Study In Student Support Within One Florida School District, Amanda K. Ellzey Jan 2017

Trends In The Match Of Early Intervention To Student Need: A Grounded Theory Study In Student Support Within One Florida School District, Amanda K. Ellzey

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The educational research literature confirms that students identified with emotional and/or behavioral disabilities are the most at-risk for school failure, grade retention, and dropout of all student groups. Legislation passed by federal and state entities seeks to support these and all students with recommendations for emotional, behavioral, and academic tiers of intensified supports; yet with dwindling funding and resources, these well-intentioned mandates often go unmet. Using archived records of 16 students in one Florida school district that were eventually placed into Self-Contained Emotional/Behavioral Disability classrooms, this dissertation examined existing trends in the match of intervention to student need, patterns in …


Darfur Conflict: A Phenomenological Study Of Female Victims’ Perception Of Justice, Careen Hutchinson Jan 2017

Darfur Conflict: A Phenomenological Study Of Female Victims’ Perception Of Justice, Careen Hutchinson

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study used hermeneutical phenomenology to understand how female victims of the Darfur conflict perceived justice, as related to their lived experiences. Reports from the various international media and Human Rights Organizations and United Nations agencies have revealed a disproportional number of victims’ claims on the lack of effective legal ramifications for perpetrators and the high impunity rates that rob victims of achieving justice for the atrocities they have experienced. The purpose of this investigation was to discover how and if the challenges that the victims’ experienced shaped their interpretation of justice, and how they made meaning of …


Conflict, Clergy And Culture: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Identities And Conflict Resolution Approaches Of Jamaican Church Leaders Residing In South Florida, Davina Clarke Jan 2017

Conflict, Clergy And Culture: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Identities And Conflict Resolution Approaches Of Jamaican Church Leaders Residing In South Florida, Davina Clarke

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The study of conflict resolution has ballooned in the last few decades, but the literature remains sparse regarding leaders’ perspectives of navigating conflict. Currently, researchers have not addressed the conflict experiences of Jamaican church leaders residing in South Florida. Using phenomenology and social construction theory, I explored the lived experiences of this population as they addressed conflict. Twenty-two church leaders from Rhema Word Ministries International and affiliated organizations answered interview questions for an average of 45 to 60 minutes each. The data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed, yielding seven core themes: solving problems, exercising faith in God, demonstrating compassion, building …


Conflict Resolution Behaviors And The Affect Of Identity Standards And Empowerment Needs On Individuals Using External Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices, Amy R. Parker Jan 2016

Conflict Resolution Behaviors And The Affect Of Identity Standards And Empowerment Needs On Individuals Using External Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices, Amy R. Parker

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with communication impairments (CI) are at a distinct disadvantage when attempting to interact through more traditional conversational means. Although their intentions may be similar to peers, physical limitations make verbal articulation of thoughts and feelings a more laborious undertaking. For some, the use of external augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has offered an otherwise unavailable communicative opportunity. However, this type of communication requires more of the non-AAC using conversation partner and, unlike traditional forms of communication, may increase the likelihood of miscommunication. Although there is agreement as to the importance of understanding the experience of individuals using external AAC, …


Corruption And Conflict: A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Nigerian Citizens, Farouk A. Raheemson Jan 2016

Corruption And Conflict: A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Nigerian Citizens, Farouk A. Raheemson

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of Nigerian citizens on corruption and conflict. A review of the literature found a gap in the understanding of the lived experiences of participants on corruption and conflict in Nigeria, and this study was designed to fill that gap. Using a purposeful sampling method, the investigator targeted 20 Nigerian citizens who have experienced corruption and conflict. The phenomenological method provided the basis for a reflective structural analysis that exposes the meanings and essences of the lived experiences of the participants on corruption and conflict in …


Conflict Analysis Of Economic Perceptions And Misperceptions In The United States, Miryam Lindberg Jan 2016

Conflict Analysis Of Economic Perceptions And Misperceptions In The United States, Miryam Lindberg

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Economics plays a vital role in people’s lives and societal development. Research shows a prevalence of large deficits in economic literacy among the U.S. population, which may help perpetuate misperceptions about how economic systems operate and why they render specific results. The issue of human nature and how it influences policy design is explored. The purpose of this study is to explore Americans’ perceptions and misperceptions regarding three economic systems—capitalism, socialism, and communism—to determine if there is a generational gap. Furthermore, this research explores how people acquire their epistemological assumptions on economics in the era of Internet; and how perceptions …


Motherhood Redefined: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of The Lived Experiences Of Lesbian Mothers And The Sociopolitical Conflicts That Shape Their Narratives, Melissa Miller-Munoz Jan 2016

Motherhood Redefined: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of The Lived Experiences Of Lesbian Mothers And The Sociopolitical Conflicts That Shape Their Narratives, Melissa Miller-Munoz

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the lives of lesbian mothers with children conceived through insemination or the adoption process in an effort to understand the conflicts they encountered along their journey to motherhood and how they managed those conflicts. The qualitative study included in-depth interviews conducted with six participants. The participants’ ages ranged between 25-60 years old. Interview results were analyzed to explore participants’ narratives in regards to their experiences, relationships, identities and transformation into motherhood. This research highlights significant ongoing developments in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) studies and seeks to intersect the boundaries between interpersonal …


Accommodation, Avoidance And Submission: How The Interpretation Of Biblical Submission As The Low-Self Conflict Modes Affects The Christian Marriage Relationship, Kipi L. Fleming Jan 2015

Accommodation, Avoidance And Submission: How The Interpretation Of Biblical Submission As The Low-Self Conflict Modes Affects The Christian Marriage Relationship, Kipi L. Fleming

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The concept of submission is foundational to Christian teaching. Jesus modeled submission in his obedience to the Father even to his sacrifice on the cross, and both Paul and Peter included exhortations for Christians to submit to God, to governmental authorities, and to one another, but the most specific directive was to wives to submit to their husbands. Despite the centrality of the concept, the exact definition of biblical submission of wife to husband is a matter of interpretation, tradition, and personal opinion. This dissertation utilized a 58-question survey in an attempt to determine how a person’s definition of and …


Identifying The Factors That Influence Changes In Aggregate Sentiment Among The Masses: An Analysis Of The Measure Of Consumer Sentiment Through A Conflict Analysis And Resolution Lens, Michael Carl Letamendi Jan 2014

Identifying The Factors That Influence Changes In Aggregate Sentiment Among The Masses: An Analysis Of The Measure Of Consumer Sentiment Through A Conflict Analysis And Resolution Lens, Michael Carl Letamendi

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

The University of Michigan's Survey Research Center developed a tool to quantify how people feel towards the state of the economy. Dr. George Katona, a psychologist and professor at the University of Michigan developed the Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) in the 1940s. As decades of data were collected on aggregate consumer sentiment through the 50s and 60s, a discovery was made. The ICS seemed to indirectly predict the direction of the economy by accurately anticipating aggregate purchasing versus saving decisions. The index is even used today by the U.S. Government to measure consumer confidence and has been noted to …