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Articles 1 - 30 of 38
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Influence Of Adolescents' Educational Aspirations And Religiosity On The Desire To Marry Among High School Seniors, Erica Scott
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The present study uses data from the 2004 Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF) to evaluate how twelfth grader's educational aspirations and religiosity influenced their desire to marry. Previous research indicates that education attained and increased religiosity increases the probability of marriage (Bumpass, Sweet, and Cherlin 1991; Goldstein and Kenney 2001; Sweeney 2002; Thornton, Axinn, and Teachman 1995). Exchange theory explains that higher levels of education increase one's odds in the marriage market, and the actual act of marriage is perceived as a "reward" to highly religious individuals (Becker 1973; Blau 1964; Edwards 1969; Friedman and Hechter 1988; Homans 1974). Results …
Public Trust In The Mass Media, Lindsey Dixon
Public Trust In The Mass Media, Lindsey Dixon
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The purpose of this research is to determine whether the public has an elevated amount of trust in the industry of the mass media. The data for the research come from the 2005 Eurobarometer 64.2. The participants consist of the population of the respective countries of the European Union Member States. The participants are all more than 15 years of age. The results of this study show that certain groups of people have an elevated amount of trust in the media, but overall the dependent variables used explain little with regard to trust in the mass media.
Commuting Analysis In A Small Metropolitan Area - A Case Study Of Bowling Green/Warren County, Kentucky, Caitlin Hagar
Commuting Analysis In A Small Metropolitan Area - A Case Study Of Bowling Green/Warren County, Kentucky, Caitlin Hagar
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
In previous studies of urban commutes, little attention has been paid to commute patterns in smaller urban areas. In this study, the concept of "excess commute" (EC) is applied to the Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Statistical Area (BGWCMSA) in Kentucky. EC quantifies the portion of commute distance explained by the overall spatial separation of jobs and households. Results in this thesis research show that approximately 65% of commute distance by persons driving alone in the study area can be explained by the physical locations of homes relative to job sites as well as the existing roadway network, leaving an EC …
Jefferson's Abomination In The Valley: A Study Of The Economic Effects Of The Embargo Of 1807 On Louisville's Frontier Economy, Williams Lewis
Jefferson's Abomination In The Valley: A Study Of The Economic Effects Of The Embargo Of 1807 On Louisville's Frontier Economy, Williams Lewis
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
This thesis examines the effects of the Embargo of 1807 on Louisville and its surrounding areas. The purpose of this study is to discover if the interior suffered to the same degree as other regions of the country as a result of Thomas Jefferson's trade restrictions. Louisville is the focus area because it is not only representative of the Ohio Valley and the interior but also because it marked the end of civilization and the beginning of the frontier. Distinctions between class, economic status, and occupation between the inhabitants of Jefferson County are also observed. This particular approach leads to …
The Effects Of Human/Wildlife Conflict On The Potential For Community-Based Ecotourism In The Kasigau Region Of Southeast Kenya, Natalie Mountjoy
The Effects Of Human/Wildlife Conflict On The Potential For Community-Based Ecotourism In The Kasigau Region Of Southeast Kenya, Natalie Mountjoy
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Many believe community-based ecotourism (CBE) can assist in conservation efforts and community development; however, little research has been done to assess the potential of CBE in a specific region. As part of a large, long-term, international research project, I define three problematic areas that may impede successful CBE efforts in the Kasigau location of southeast Kenya: bushmeat utilization, community attitudes and wildlife abundance. Samples of meat purchased from butcheries and meat markets are identified to species using molecular analysis, community attitudes are ascertained via written social surveys and transect sampling methods are used to determine the relative abundance and diversity …
An Examination Of The Factors Of Influence On Rebellious Risky Behaviors In Adolescents, Audrey Roach
An Examination Of The Factors Of Influence On Rebellious Risky Behaviors In Adolescents, Audrey Roach
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Previous research indicates that the majority of today's adolescents are engaging in or have engaged in some type of rebellious risky behavior, such as consuming alcohol or using tobacco or other drugs (Haynie, 2003; Kann et al., 2000; Loper, 2000; Markey, Markey, & Tinsley, 2003; Patton, McMorris, Donath, & Catalano, 2004; Rickwood, 2005; Steinberg & Morris, 2001). In order to decrease levels of adolescent engagement in these rebellious behaviors, the factors of influence on these behaviors must be identified and understood. While studies in the past have focused on individual factors that influence adolescent involvement in these behaviors, the present …
An Examination Of The Role Of Anxiety And Obsessive-Compulsive Features In Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology, Christopher Chandler
An Examination Of The Role Of Anxiety And Obsessive-Compulsive Features In Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology, Christopher Chandler
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Although Muscle Dsymorphia (MD) has received more attention in recent years, it still lacks an official classification. The current study incorporates trait anxiety and obsessive-compulsive features into an etiological model of MD in the hopes of establishing them as reliable predictors of such MD symptomatology as drive for muscularity, social physique anxiety, and negative body attitude (self). This model was based upon previous research that has linked trait anxiety and obsessive-compulsive features to eating disorders (ED). In this model, it was predicted that trait anxiety and obsessive-compulsive features would predict overall MD symptomatology, drive for muscularity, social physique anxiety, and …
The Narratives Of Ann Lee As A Core Component Of Shaker Theological Evolution, Matthew Cook
The Narratives Of Ann Lee As A Core Component Of Shaker Theological Evolution, Matthew Cook
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, or the Shakers, are a small progressive communal religious group founded in the mid-eighteenth century by a woman named Ann Lee. This thesis follows the stories told about Ann Lee by the Shakers throughout their history and documents how the changing narratives reflect the changing culture of Shakerism. As a result of being both a progressive and a communal religious society, the Shakers faced the dilemma of maintaining their religious core while maintaining a progressive stance that was consistent with the dominant culture from which they strived to separate themselves. This …
Evaluation And Needs-Based Assessment Of Special Education Teachers' Knowledge Of Austism Interventions, Dawn Richardson
Evaluation And Needs-Based Assessment Of Special Education Teachers' Knowledge Of Austism Interventions, Dawn Richardson
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is being increasingly identified in children, yet there are only a minimal number of studies examining the use of research-based intervention strategies in a classroom educational setting. This present study examined the use of Discrete Trial Training, Picture Exchange Communication System, Social Stories, Structured Teaching, and Video Self-Modeling by special education teachers with students with ASD. A questionnaire was completed by 91 special education teachers from the Green River Region Educational Cooperative, which encompasses 17 different school districts in the area of western and south central Kentucky. They answered questions about their level of training, knowledge …
Overcoming Global Ignorance: Developing Geographic Literacy In A World Regional Geography Course, Amy Seymour
Overcoming Global Ignorance: Developing Geographic Literacy In A World Regional Geography Course, Amy Seymour
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The most recent Roper Survey (2006), a study of geographic literacy among 18-to 24-year-olds, found that despite constant coverage of the war in Iraq since 2003, 63% of Americans surveyed could not find Iraq on a map. Similar shortcomings abound in the poll, pointing to what must be considered a "geographic illiteracy" among Americans. This national geographic illiteracy has global implications that range from the local to the global scale, including issues of politics, economics, foreign policy, environmental policy, and resource use to name just a few. How badly prepared, then, are students entering colleges and universities in terms of …
Examining Social Capital: A Theoretical And Empirical Assessment Using The Work Of Bourdieu, Coleman And Putnam, Brent Lovitt
Examining Social Capital: A Theoretical And Empirical Assessment Using The Work Of Bourdieu, Coleman And Putnam, Brent Lovitt
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The value that individuals attribute to their social ties with other residents can have an impact on the amount of crime that occurs within their own neighborhood. While previous criminological research has identified a negative relationship between the levels of social capital and victimization within neighborhoods, these studies often used different conceptualizations of social capital. This study seeks to extend previous research by examining the multiple dimensions of social capital within each classical approach and to assess each dimension's influence on self-reported violent victimization and property crime victimization in Chicago neighborhoods using data from the Project on Human Development in …
Gender, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Workplace Incivility, Christopher C. Brady
Gender, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Workplace Incivility, Christopher C. Brady
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The purpose of the present study was to examine perceptions of workplace incivility as a function of observers’ gender, observers’ gender-related attitudes, and the gender of the instigator and target of the mistreatment. The study included data from 102 (65% female, 90% white) participants from various occupations and backgrounds across the United States. Participants completed a web-based survey that consisted of scenarios of uncivil interactions, gender-attitudes, and various demographic information. Results suggest that observers’ gender and gender-related attitudes are important factors in how they perceive workplace incivility. Results also suggest that the gender of those involved in uncivil interactions is …
The Effects Of Attentional Focus And Expertise Level On Self-Selected Exercise Intensity, Melissa Abo
The Effects Of Attentional Focus And Expertise Level On Self-Selected Exercise Intensity, Melissa Abo
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of being prompted to focus on self-talk versus bodily sensations on exercise intensity chosen by participants and level of enjoyment. One hundred and forty-two undergraduate psychology students ran on a treadmill for 20 minutes on two separate days, one week apart. One day they were asked to focus on their bodily sensations and on another day positive self-talk. The order of these assigned focuses was counterbalanced. Participant's current level of exercise activity (Stage of Change) was used as an independent variable. The dependent variables of interest were self-selected exercise intensity …
Are There Personality Factors That Can Undermine Moral Judgment Development?, Nathan A. Kerr
Are There Personality Factors That Can Undermine Moral Judgment Development?, Nathan A. Kerr
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Research in moral psychology has focused on understanding what factors assist in the development of moral action and decision making. Examples of these research factors include educational experiences (Rest et al, 1986), intelligence (Rest, 1979), and social networking (Derryberry & Thoma, 2000). Personality factors facilitating moral judgment have also receive attention in recent years with Damon and Hart (1988) exploring self-understanding as a possible factor in moral judgment and Baumeister and Exline (1999) proposing that exercising self-control is often characteristic of those who often employ prosocial behavior. Pizarro (2000) suggested that those who fail to utilize empathy may think about …
Validity Of The Clinical Assessment Of Depression With The Brief Symptom Inventory, Carlie West
Validity Of The Clinical Assessment Of Depression With The Brief Symptom Inventory, Carlie West
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Depression is a disorder frequently noted in college students that can affect multiple aspects of one's life, ranging from physical health issues to interpersonal relationship difficulties. Therefore, it is imperative that the depressive symptoms of college students be identified, evaluated, and treated. This investigation explored the validity of a newly published self-report narrow-band measure of depression, the Clinical Assessment of Depression (CAD; Bracken & Howell, 2004) with an existing broad-band measure, the Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 1993). College students 18 to 52 years of age (n = 280) enrolled in undergraduate courses in psychology at a south central Kentucky university …
Validity Of The Developmental Checklist Of The Developmental Observation Checklist System, Monte Gannon
Validity Of The Developmental Checklist Of The Developmental Observation Checklist System, Monte Gannon
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
This study investigates the use of the Developmental Checklist (DC) of the Developmental Observation Checklist System (DOCS; Hresko, Miguel, Sherbenou, & Burton, 1994) as a screening measure for children birth to three years of age. Kentucky regulations require the use of the DC for screening in the KEIS-First Steps program, yet there is little information regarding the effectiveness of the measure as a screening tool. Evaluation data are presented for 51 children between the ages of 2 and 35 months on the DC and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition (BDI-2; Newborg, 2005). The DC and BDI-2 domains evidence no …
The Effects Of Intensity Level And Expertise On Attentional Focus During Exercise, Diana Gieske
The Effects Of Intensity Level And Expertise On Attentional Focus During Exercise, Diana Gieske
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
An important goal of exercise psychology is to identify factors that influence exercise adherence. More than half of Americans do not get the physical activity that doctors recommend for maintaining or improving a healthy lifestyle. Attentional focus during exercise has been identified as one casual factor with regard to exercise adherence. Attentional focus has traditionally oeen defined as associative or dissociative (Morgan & Pollock, 1977). Association implies that an exerciser's attention is focused on how his or her body is reacting to the exercise (such as sweating, muscle soreness, and breathing) or on things such as pace and split-times. Dissociation …
A Construct Validity Analysis Of A Leadership Assessment Center, Ross Love
A Construct Validity Analysis Of A Leadership Assessment Center, Ross Love
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
This study was designed to assess the construct validity of a leadership assessment center. Participants were evaluated in a leadership assessment center and completed a 360 degree feedback tool designed to measure leadership. Convergent and discriminant validity coefficients were calculated between assessment center ratings and the 360 degree feedback ratings of four different leadership competencies. Results showed little support for the construct validity of the assessment center. Additionally, results replicated prior research regarding the construct validity of assessment centers, with high correlations among different competencies within exercises and low correlations between competencies measured via different methods (assessment center-360 degree feedback …
Emotional Intelligence And Its Relationship To Academic Success And Leadership, Sarah Long
Emotional Intelligence And Its Relationship To Academic Success And Leadership, Sarah Long
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Emotional intelligence is a relatively new construct within the field of psychology. Since its formal introduction in 1990 by Salovey and Mayer, emotional intelligence and its relationship to other constructs has been widely researched. Current research does not provide conclusive evidence of the relationship of motional intelligence to academic performance, nor does it fully address its possible empirical relationship to leadership. This study addressed emotional intelligence, as measured by Bar-On's Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), and its predictive relationship to academic success as well as to involvement and leadership in campus organizations. An archival data set was used to longitudinally assess …
The Effect Of Sporting Event Levels On Fan Motivation Factors, Amber Rickard
The Effect Of Sporting Event Levels On Fan Motivation Factors, Amber Rickard
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Over the years much research has been completed on the motivations sport fans have for attending different sporting events. However, very little has been completed in the area of fan motivation at different levels of the same type of sport. The current research study addressed the hole in the literature and examined the motivational profiles of sport fans attending different levels of the same sport. The research also addressed how event level affects the level of identification with a being a fan of a particular team. We asked 224 fans at five different levels of baseball games in the mid-south …
Some Barriers To Development In Cameroon, Kenya And Swaziland, Matthew Moore
Some Barriers To Development In Cameroon, Kenya And Swaziland, Matthew Moore
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
In the study of development, researchers attempt to identify and measure the independent variables believed to influence economic growth and social development indicators in countries throughout the world. These researchers employ quantitative cross-national research methods, also known as the variable-oriented approach, while others may pursue a more case-oriented approach and examine a handful of countries employing a historical-comparative method. Education is a variable that has been identified in both of these research traditions to be positively related to the development of a country. However, when the effects of education on development are examined cross-nationally, it is clear that the countries …
Never Alone: A "Look" At Imaginal Companions, Mary Koegel
Never Alone: A "Look" At Imaginal Companions, Mary Koegel
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
American culture tends to consider imaginary friends (or imaginal companions, as I refer to them) as a folk belief belonging in the realm of childhood. If an adult believes in imaginal companions, they are potentially subject to the social stigma of psychological labeling. The mass media reflects this perception of reality and influences social interactions regarding experiences and beliefs in imaginal companions. Fear of this social stigma limits folk group size, which potentially creates an issue with informant group size. I gathered my informants from a group of friends, whom I interviewed over a one-year period. Although there is a …
Creating Conflict: Antecedents Of Workplace Incivility, Megan Preston
Creating Conflict: Antecedents Of Workplace Incivility, Megan Preston
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Incivility is defined as rude and discourteous behavior or displaying a lack of regard for others. As indicated by prior research (e.g., Pearson, Andersson, & Porath. 2000), the frequency and conscquences of uncivil behavior may result in a decline in psychological well-being, reduced job satisfaction, decreased organizational commitment, and increased turnover. However, much of the research to date has examined the relationship between personally experienced incivility and an assortment of job outcomes (Andersson & Pearson, 1999; Cortina et al., 2001; Pearson et al., 2000). The current study is distinct in that it addressed some of the potential factors that are …
Dishonorable Treatment: Workplace Incivility, Cultures Of Honor, And Work Outcomes, Scott Kelley
Dishonorable Treatment: Workplace Incivility, Cultures Of Honor, And Work Outcomes, Scott Kelley
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Workplace incivility is defined as rude and discourteous behavior that takes place in a work setting. Research shows that this type of behavior can negatively affect the well-being of employees who are the targets. However, the impact of workplace incivility may differ from person to person. One variable that may play a role in how workplace incivility affects an individual is U.S. region and whether or not they are located in a culture of honor. In cultures of honor, such as the Southern U.S. region, individuals are theorized to be especially sensitive to insults or challenges to their reputation. Using …
Influence Of Anxiety On Hiv Testing Behavior, Ilze Nix
Influence Of Anxiety On Hiv Testing Behavior, Ilze Nix
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The specter of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become increasingly prevalent since it first entered public awareness in 1982. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 1 million people in the United States of America (USA) are living with HIV/ AIDS. More alarming is the fact that approximately 250,000 people remain unaware of their seropositivity status, therefore putting themselves and others at risk. Ignorance concerning HIV status is due largely to two factors: either failure to take an HIV test in the first place, or, a failure to retrieve results after testing. …
Self-Injury In The Schools: A Survey Of School Psychologists, Amy Beld
Self-Injury In The Schools: A Survey Of School Psychologists, Amy Beld
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
This investigation explores knowledge, training, and practice issues for school psychologists in working with youth who self-injure. Self-injury (SI) is the socially unaccepted, deliberate, self-inflicted harm of an individual's body to reduce psychological distress, without the intention to die as a consequence. As SI is viewed as the "the next teen disorder" (Welsh, 2004), school psychologists are increasingly encountering students who self-injure. Thus, it is necessary to determine school psychologists' ability to respond to youth who self-injure. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a survey of practicing school psychologists to provide information about their knowledge and skills, …
The Rise Of A Hispanic Enclave In Davidson County, Tennessee, Jim Chaney
The Rise Of A Hispanic Enclave In Davidson County, Tennessee, Jim Chaney
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
In recent years, the United States has observed a significant increase in the Hispanic population within its borders through immigration. Since the 1980s, there has been a shift in the immigration and movement of the Hispanic population from border states to states in the southeastern United States. Many Hispanics, attracted by employment opportunities, have moved into growing metropolitan areas in the American South. In some of these cities, new Hispanic immigrants have created distinct enclaves. These enclaves provide almost all needs for the Hispanic community, such as shopping, healthcare, legal assistance, dining, employment, entertainment, and religion. This study examines the …
Detecting Malingering On The Mmpi-2: An Examination Of The Utility Of Combining The Validity Scales In A Non-Compensatory Model, Thomas James Burke
Detecting Malingering On The Mmpi-2: An Examination Of The Utility Of Combining The Validity Scales In A Non-Compensatory Model, Thomas James Burke
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The MMPI-2 is the most commonly used self-report measure for the assessment of psychopathology in forensic and psychiatric disability assessments (Bacchiochi & Bagby, 2006; Bagby, Marshall, & Bacchiochi, 2005). The MMPI-2 includes a variety of validity scales designed to detect content responsive faking (e.g., faking good or faking bad) as well as content nonresponsivity (randomly responding). The present study was conducted to determine whether a combination of validity scales to detect malingering of a psychotic disorder in a non-compensatory model would be more or less effective than using only a select few of the validity scales in a compensatory model. …
The Effects Of Attachment Relationships On The Development Of Effects Of Empathy Or Depersonalization In Adolescence, John Lamanna
The Effects Of Attachment Relationships On The Development Of Effects Of Empathy Or Depersonalization In Adolescence, John Lamanna
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Research on attachment theory supports the notion that our early attachment relationships are integral to empathic development, and that early negative attachment relationships can promote depersonalization rather than empathy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of separations from one’s primary caregiver(s) on the development of empathy or depersonalization in adolescence. Adolescents who have been separated from their biological parent(s) due to abuse and/or neglect were expected to differ on self-reported levels of empathy, dissociation, hostility, and depression when compared to adolescents who have not had such involuntary separations in their life. After performing descriptive, correlational, …
Assimilation Into A Therapeutic Community For Substance-Abusing Women, Joni Furlong
Assimilation Into A Therapeutic Community For Substance-Abusing Women, Joni Furlong
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Therapeutic communities provide structure, support and a safe living environment for individuals attempting to recover from addiction. Using peer influence, counseling, education, self-help groups, and case management, they assist residents in conforming to social norms and developing effective coping mechanisms while remaining drug-free. Prior studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of these programs. But, why are they effective for some and not others? This study explored the residents1 backgrounds and the methods employed by them to assimilate into the therapeutic community, the recovering community, and then society at large. The data confirmed my suspicion that the women's ability to conform …