Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Factor Analytic Study Of The Weschsler Intelligence Scale For Children-Revised, John Miller

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Since the original Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC, 1949) had recently undergone a major revision in content structure of the test and in the populations utilized for standardization, the present study sought to examine the factor structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R, 1974) using test data from 126 white and black fifth graders from a predominantly lower middle class socioeconomic background. The analysis of data was performed by a principal components method of factor analysis utilizing Varimax rotation. The results of the data analysis indicated the presence of three primary group factors, and these factors closely …

Self Concept & Permanent Birth Control Choice, James Evans

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between an individual's self concept and his method of permanent birth control. The subjects consisted of two groups of males: (1) males who were seeking a vasectomy, and (2) males who were not seeking a vasectomy but who indicated that they had obtained their desired family size, or who indicated they would not consider a vasectomy. The subjects in grout, one were paired with subjects in group two according to select demographic variables such as age, race, education, and occupation. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale, TSCS, Total P Score was …

Development And Proposed Implementation Of A Career Education Curriculum Utilizing A Matrix Technique, Theo Vickers

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The results of a needs assessment and a review of other career education programs, administered by a federally funded career education project in Region 3, Kentucky, indicated that one of the requirements for developing a successful occupational program was to produce sequential career education curriculum materials for all students in the region, kindergarten through post-secondary.

The process by which Region 3’s Project Green River Opportunities for Work (GROW) career education leaders defined the scope and sequence of the materials and determined the materials’ design into a matrix format were described. Also included was a summary of the research, production, and …

An Application Of The Income Elasticity Concept To The Demand For Housing, Loyce Bagwell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Many studies approach the housing-income relationship by calculating the income elasticity of demand for housing. This study employs this approach in order to (1) test the implications of the permanent income hypothesis by using data which provide both biased and unbiased elasticity coefficients and (2) test the effects which the explanatory variable, family composition, may have on the elasticity coefficients.

The methodology involves regressing the log of housing expenditure on the log of disposable income for seven different family compositions in order to obtain the income elasticity coefficients. This approach is applied to data (cross section 1960-61 BLS consumer surveys) …

Baltimore Of Mount Pleasant: A Case Study Of The Tradition Of The Chanted Sermon In Virginia, E. Henry Willett Iii

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Analysis of theme, style and structure of the chanted sermons of a Virginia preacher shows that the chanted sermon is a powerful ritualistic expression in certain communities. As practiced among Afro-American groups the chanted sermon is a ritual expression which serves to resolve conflicts, affirm values, and meet certain socio-psychological needs.

A Methodological Consideration In The Comparison Of Two Explanatory Hypotheses Of Imagery, Paula Carter

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A replication of the Carter and Craig (1975) investigation comparing the “conceptual peg” and “relational connective” explanations as to the effectiveness of an interaction imagery strategy in paired-associate learning was performed with the suggested changes in methodology. These changes included training the subjects and presenting the stimulus and response nouns on separate screens rather than visually side-by-side. In addition, two separation imagery strategies were investigated so that the nouns were visualized on opposite sides of the imaginary visual field or on opposite walls of an imaginary room.

An interaction imagery strategy, a separation imagery—space strategy, a separation imagery—wall strategy, and …

A Comparison Of Time-Out & Response-Cost Conditions Within A Token Economy Using Trainable Mental Retardates, James Willis

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

An investigation was done on the relative effectivness of time-out and response-cost conditions in reducing inappropriate behaviors in a token-economy classroom using trainable mental retardates as subjects. A significant difference was found between baseline levels of inappropriate behaviors in each of the two conditions but no significance was indicated between time-out and response-cost conditions.

The Effect Of Gun Handling On Aggression As A Function Of Cue Saliency, Arousal & Gender, Arthur Camplone

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The traditional construct of aggression as postulated by Miller (1941) has as its basis a frustration-aggression model in which frustration is a necessary antecedent condition to and the primary causative factor of aggression. The literature is replete with studies supporting and expounding on this theme. The construct has assumed a longevity and stature rarely enjoyed in psychological experimentation.

Many recent social and learning theorists contend, however, that the research on aggression has concentrated on the displacement and satisfaction of an instinctual aggressive drive to the exclusion of environmental and learning cues which may influence aggressive and violent reactions. The recent …

A Statistical & Cartographic Analysis Of The Size-Distribution Of Retail Grocery Stores In Bowling Green, Kentucky, Luke Hall

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of retail grocery stores in Bowling Green, Kentucky using the formal element of store size as a controlling theme. This purpose was behaviorally accomplished through a cartographic analysis of the city wide arrangement and a statistical analysis measuring the degree and intensity of selected variables. A survey of pertinent literature was undertaken to discover locational trends and to uncover sixteen specific variables suggested to provide association with grocery store distribution. One general and six specific hypotheses were presented! all were rejected. The cartographic displays did, however, yield promising similarities …

Attitude Toward Women’S Role And Self-Concept In College Women, Susan Fisher

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study was designed to help answer the question: Do women with nontraditional attitudes toward the role of women in society obtain higher self-concept scores than women with more traditional attitudes toward the role of women? A second question was also investigated: Do women with non-traditional attitudes toward the role of women report that they behave more assertively than women with more traditional attitudes? One hundred and eighty-five undergraduate females were administered the Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS), the Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS), and the College Self-Expressions Scale (CSES). Subjects were included in one of the three experimental groups …

The Protestant Ethic Effect: Children In A Multi-Choice Situation, Patricia Anderson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Twelve kindergarten and 16 first grade children were placed in a four Protestant Ethic to obtain tokens choice situation in order to investigate the Effect (PLE). The task for each child was to trade for candy. These tokens were available from three black boxes (choice locations) which were rotated in a clockwise manner around the four corners of the testing room. These three choice locations were as follows: (B1) a location where the child was allowed the option to manipulate switches and/or obtain freely accessible tokens, (82) a location at which tokens were freely accessible, and (84) the work location …

The Effects Of A Social Stimulus On The Protestant Ethic Effect In Rats, Gary L. Cotton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether rats’ preference to freeload (eat food pellets from a food cup) or to work for food (obtain food pellets by bar pressing) could be influenced by observing either a working or freeloading model in an adjacent operant chamber.

Following equal amounts of bar press and freeloading training, 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats approximately 100 days cold were divided into three experimental groups. The first group was permitted to view a working model while being presented a choice between bar pressing and free-loading. A second experimental group was exposed to a freeloading model …

Effects Of Different Levels Of Precision Of Knowledge Of Results On The Acquisition Of A Motor Skill, Wenda D. Johnson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Students enrolled in two beginning bowling classes received the same basic instruction on bowling techniques, but practiced under two different levels of precision of knowledge of results (KOR). The experimental group practiced by rolling at a full set of ten bowling pins with each ball (precise KOR). The control group practiced by shadow bowling (general KOR). There were no significant differences between groups in the effects of the two practice conditions upon the acquisition skills. There were no significant groups by tests interaction either. There was, however, a significant trials effect across groups. It was concluded that although both practice …

The Cartographic Design Of Highway Symbolization On State Road Maps: A Discussion & Critique, Peter Momcilovich

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study concerns the inherent problems of cartographic design in regard to road symbols on official state road maps. The generalization and selection of proper road symbols is considered the most importantelement of cartographic design. Relevant to cartographic design are knowledge of color science and the problems involved with the lack of scientific literature on the psychological responses from map symbols.

The methodology followed along normal lines of a survey of cartographic literature, data gathering from opinion polls on road map usage, and correspondence with state highway departments and commercial mapping companies concerning map design of state road maps. Elementary …

The Hensley Settlement: An Oral Folk History Of Its Material Culture, Michael Morse

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A number of aspects of the life style and material culture of a mountain settlement in Eastern Kentucky are studied to provide a portrait of life in that region in the early part of this century.

The Hensley Settlement was established about 1903 when two families, the Hensleys and the Gibbonses, moved onto a 509 acre survey on top of Brush Mountain near Middlesboro, Kentucky. luring the course of almost forty—eight years on the mountain, the settlers multiplied into a community of over eighty people and constructed in excess of 100 log buildings. They had their own school, gristmills, and …

Increased Recall For Low Anxious Subjects Using Increased Anxiety, Charles Webb

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A sample of 14 low anxious (LA) male and 18 LA female subjects was drawn from introductory psychology classes. The effect of increased state anxiety, using differing instruction procedures, upon serial recall learning was studied. The Multiple Affect Adjective Check List was used as a measure of anxiety, and a Hull memory drum with nonsense syllables was used as the learning task. Results indicated that there was a significant (p < .05) increase in learning for females but no significant increase in learning for males. This study is in agreement with the majority of studies which found differences due to sex. The female subjects gave results more consistent with drive theory in relationship to increased state anxiety and learning than male subjects. A hypothesis to explain why males do not yield as consistent results as females in relation to increased anxiety and learning is stated. Implication for further research is also discussed.

The Effects Of Experiential-Gestalt Growth Groups On A Measure Of Self-Acceptance & Acceptance Of Others, Danny Brown

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Two experiential-Gestalt oriented growth groups were conducted with the purpose of determining the effects such a group process has in increasing an individual's acceptance of himself and others. The sample included 26 students who had volunteered to participate in a growth group experience. Ten volunteers were assigned to a control group while the remaining 16 volunteers were evenly divided into two growth groups. Experiential groups met for two hours once a week for eight weeks. Focus of the groups was primarily on the moment to moment experiencing of individual participants and the interaction among them. In order to assess the …

Perceptual Reactance & Female Athletic Participation, Elliot Herman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Three groups of females: contact athletes (basketball players), noncontact athletes (tennis and golf players), and nonathletes, were tested to determine their perceptual reactance. It was predicted that since women contact athletes tolerate more pain than women noncontact athletes and nonathletes, they should reduce their estimations of the test block more than noncontact athletes and nonathletes. It was also predicted that since women noncontact athletes tolerate more pain than women nonathletes, they should reduce their estimations of the test block more than the nonathletes. These predictions parallel previous findings for men. The results demonstrated no significant differences between the three groups …

Procedures For The Processing, Cataloging, And Classification Of A Non-Circulating Historical Art Print Collection, Linda Ray

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In order to establish specific procedures for processing, cataloging and classifying the art print collection at the Kentucky Library, Western Kentucky University, data were gathered from three sources. These were: (1) information on current procedures used in the Kentucky Library, obtained through an interview with Riley Handy, the Kentucky Librarian (2) a search of related literature and (3) a questionnaire survey of other institution having art print collections.

It was found that historically valuable art prints, which are used primarily as documentary resources, need to be carefully processed and stored so as to preserve and protect them from damaging effects …

Personality Correlates Of Field Dependence/Independence In Preadolescent Children, James Koch Jr.

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between perceptual style as measured by the Children’s Embedded Figures Test (CEFT) and personality as measured by the Children’s Personality Questionnaire (CPQ). The sample included 69 fifth grade students of which 30 were male and 39 were female. All subjects were preadolescent children, of average intelligence, from lower class and lower-middle class socioeconomic homes.

Multiple regression analyses were utilized for the total sample and for each sex using the CEFT as the dependent variable and the 14 CPQ scales as independent variables. It was judged more meaningful to interpret only …

The Effects Of Locus Of Control On Performance In Self-Directed Study, Jane Vaughn

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A sample was taken from a self-directed statistics/experimental psychology class to investigate the relationship between locus of control orientation of the students and their academic performance. Self-directed study was defined as student oriented learning with few lectures and the use of contingency points (points earned for work completed) as reinforcement for completing work packets and projects. (The null hypothesis was that there is no relationship between grades and locus of control in the self-directed class.) It was found that internals progress through a self-directed class setting at a significantly faster rate than do externals.

The Experimental-Gestalt Growth Group, Daniel Miller

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Volunteer college students participated either as members of two experimental experiential-Gestalt growth groups or as members of a control group. The experimental groups met for one two hour period per week for eight weeks. It was hypothesized that the experimental group members would change significantly in the direction of increased self-actualization as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) while the nontreatment control group members would not. A comparison of pre- and posttest scores for the groups indicated no significant effects of the group process. Increases occurred over the nine week period for both experimental and control subjects. The importance …

A Concurrent Validity Study Of The Acting Out Score Of The Hand Test, Arthur Dosch

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In an investigation of the concurrent validity of the Acting Out Score (AOS) of the Hand Test, the AOSs of 32 normal college students were compared with the scores they obtained on two clinically popular self-report criterion measures of hostility and aggression, the Buss-Durkee (BD) and the Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire (HDHQ). The AOS did not significantly differentiate between high and low scoring groups on either the HDHQ or BD although both criterion measures were found to be significantly related.

Crimes & Illness: The Psychological & Criminal Defects Derived From The Architectural & Spatial Design In Public Housing Projects, David Preece

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The architectural and spatial design and two public housing projects, Brownsville and Van Dyke, located in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York, were tested to determine their effects upon the crime rates and mental illness. While keeping the socio-economic factors under limited control, a data comparison approach was used to illuminate any difference in the crime and mental illness rates between the two projects. A significant difference in the crime rates was noticed between them with the Van Dyke Houses having a higher crime rate. Since Van Dyke also had a significantly higher percentage of mental illness than compared …

Risk-Taking Propensity In Relation To The Choice Of Vasectomy As A Preferred Method Of Contraception, Kathleen Hines

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The present study investigated the possible relationship between the degree of risk-taking propensity and the choice of vasectomy as a preferred method of birth control. Three sample groups, vasectomy seeking men, their wives, and men using contraceptive measures other than permanent sterilization, were tested for degree of risk-taking. The instrument used to measure risk-taking propensity was The Desire For Certainty Test (Brim, 1955). In addition, selected demographic variables were analyzed for the two groups of males to assure a relatively greater degree of homogenietv among these two male sample groups. A Dunnett's Test was used to assess the difference between …

A Comparison Of Self-Perception Between Facilitated & Leaderless Developmental Groups, Gloria Gatti

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Change in self-perception, assessed by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), F scale and an experimenter developed self-perception measure, was examined for participants in facilitated and leaderless developmental groups and a control group. The subjects, students in sophomore level psychology courses, were administered the MBTI, F scale, and self-perception measure one week prior to the first developmental group session and one week after completion of nine group sessions. No significant difference was found in amount of change in self -perception between the three groups. It was concluded that brief low intensity developmental groups may not produce significant positive chance in self-perception …

Comparative Analysis Of Definitions Of Social Group, William Schock

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A set of categories for the analysis of definitions of social group and a set of categories developed by the author were compared to determine which set had the greater parsimony and utility. The sets of categories were compared in order to specify the areas of agreement and disagreement. The sets of categories were applied to a sample of early European and American sociologists' conceptions of social group and a sample of 22 introductory sociology text definitions. Smh's inclusion of non-human individuals, one-way communication, and noncontemporaneous group members in his set of categories was unsupported by the samples of definitions. …