Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Meeting Minutes, Wku Staff Council

Staff Council

Minutes of May 7, 2008 meeting.

Ross, Nancy (Fa 239), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 239. Paper: "[Family Health Traditions]" written by Nancy Ross for a Western Kentucky University folk studies collection.

Is Conscientiousness Related To Performance Rating Accuracy And Perceived Difficulty In Rating?, Jeremy Alexander

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Inaccurate ratings of job performance can have severe consequences for many organizations and the individuals in them. The present study examined conscientiousness and its relationship to performance rating accuracy and perceived difficulty in providing a rating. Rating accuracy was assessed by calculating deviations from true scores, while personality and perceptions of difficulty were acquired via self-report. Additionally, the relationship between perceptions of rating difficulty and the amount of information available for rating instrument items was investigated. The first two hypotheses were not supported, but as hypothesized, the relationship between rating difficulty and information available was negative and significant. Implications for …

Using Evidence-Based Guidelines To Evaluate Research Support For The Use Of Social Stories With Children With Autism, Elaine Fister-Hull

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Social Stories have gained wide acceptance and popularity as an intervention for children with autism and autism spectrum disorders, yet it is unclear whether this intervention method meets the standards of an evidence-based intervention. With a push in educational and mental health fields to use only evidence-based interventions, there is a need to determine whether or not this popular method meets this standard. The research literature on Social Stories has been reviewed for this project. An analysis of each article was conducted to evaluate clinical utility and treatment efficacy. Using the clinical utility and treatment efficacy information, as well as …

Pay Increases Subsequent To Fmla Leave: The Role Of Organizational Justice, Douglas Berry

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research indicates the importance of studying organizational justice and its impact. Further, research has indicated a relationship between perceptions of organizational justice and pay increase decisions. However, the present research is the first to incorporate the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave into the equation. In short, this research addressed whether an employee's absence for FMLA-covered reasons impacts the perceived justice of subsequent pay increases for that employee. Specifically, it was hypothesized that the employee's length of absence, tenure, performance, and/or pay increase would impact justice perceptions. Participants evaluated vignettes manipulating these factors, then rated the fairness of pay …

Characteristics Of Faculty Evaluation Formats For Promotion, Tenure, And Annual Review, Angelette Gardner

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The present study attempted to identify common and unique characteristics of faculty performance appraisal formats and procedures by analyzing characteristics of formats and procedures from the psychology departments of 28 universities, including Kentucky Council on Post-secondary Education (CPE) benchmark schools for Western Kentucky University as well as schools that have Industrial/Organizational psychology master’s degree programs. It was hypothesized that schools with Industrial/-Organizational Psychology programs would have better formats as defined by eight legal factors. However, this hypothesis was not supported. The hypothesis that graphic rating scales would be the most common method for collecting appraisal data was supported. It was …

The Visual Perception Of Elasticity, Elizabeth Y. Wiesemann

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Two experiments were designed to evaluate human sensitivity to elasticity. Elastic objects bend when a force is applied to them. Observers saw two computer-generated bending rods (defined by the motions of 50 dots) on any given trial and were required to judge which rod was more flexible. Elasticity difference thresholds were calculated for each observer for each of three bending conditions. The rods bent in a plane that was either frontoparallel or oriented 42.5 or 85 degrees from frontoparallel. The results showed that observers could precisely discriminate between bending rods of different elasticities, independent of whether the bendings occurred in …

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Hiv Status In Kenya, Kimberly Fletcher

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the greatest threats to stability and development in Kenya. The country's infection rate is estimated between seven and eight percent, making it one of the highest in the world. Several studies have been done that examine subpopulations such as truck drivers, sex workers, and migrants. However, to date there is little research that examines who, across the country, is contracting HIV. Kenya's 2003 Demographic and Health Survey includes data that make it possible to determine which groups have the highest odds of being infected. The question of who is contracting …

Ua35/1 Doers & Deeds Vol. 7, No. 5, Wku Provost

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by the WKU Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs to highlight the activities of faculty, staff and alumni.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 52, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Articles:

• Rowell, Larry. Emergency Plan Completed to Be Tested This Month
• Ulber, Emily. ONE Campaign Concert
• Ryan, Eileen. College Democrats Inactive as Primary Approaches
• Ulber, Emily. Students Rally to Prevent Instructor’s Termination – Shannon Schaffer
• Sharrett, Luke. A Thousand Words – Onur Demir, International Student
• Ryan, Eileen. O.C. Star Visits Campus – Ben McKenzie, Elections
• Day, Michelle. Brad Cowgill Resigning as Council on Postsecondary Education President
• Wilson, Laurel. City to Hear on Funding Report for Downtown Redevelopment
• Erskine, Anne. Editorial Cartoon re: Marsupial Awards
• Marsupial Awars: The Good, the …

Comparing Parent Ratings Of Referred Preschoolers On The Child Behavior Checklist And Behavior Assessment System For Children - Second Edition, Jennifer L. Bour

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

It is essential for school psychologists assessing children to use instruments that are reliable and valid. The focus of the current study is to determine whether or not the parent preschool versions of two popular behavior rating instruments, the Behavior Assessment System for Children – Second Edition (BASC-2; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2004) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000), are consistent measures of similarly-named behavioral constructs in preschool-aged children. Parents of 95 preschoolers referred to a nonprofit child evaluation clinic because of behavioral or developmental concerns completed both the BASC-2 and CBCL during an initial evaluation session.

The …

The Effects Of Personal Characteristics And Religious Orientations On Identification With All Of Humanity And Humanitarian Behaviors, Derek Z. Brown

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This research examined the effects of personal characteristics (empathy and authoritarianism) and religious orientations (Christian humanitarianism and religious fundamentalism) on identification with all humanity and resulting humanitarian behavior.

This research also tested two hypothetical models (personality is primary, religion is primary) for the relationship between identification with all humanity and resulting humanitarian behavior. Two samples, consisting of 221 students and 158 adults, completed measures of authoritarianism, religious fundamentalism, dispositional empathy, Christian humanitarianism, identification with all humanity, and an assessment of humanitarian behaviors.

As hypothesized, Christian humanitarianism and empathy were positively correlated with identification with all humanity and humanitarian behavior. Furthermore, …

The Effectiveness Of A "None Of The Above" Answer Option In Multiple Choice Grammar Tests, Andrea Sides

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study examines the use of "none of the above" (NOTA) as an answer option in a multiple-choice grammar test. Results from previous research on this topic have been mixed. Two forms of a grammar test, one without a NOTA option and one with a NOTA option, were developed and administered to a sample of 160 undergraduate students. Differences between the forms in item difficulty and discrimination were examined. Analysis revealed no differences in item discrimination or item difficulty between items without a NOTA option and items with a NOTA option. A discussion of the results, limitations, and suggestions for …

Evaluating Faculty Performance: A Comparison Of Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales Developed For Western Kentucky University Psychology Department Faculty, Travis Yanul

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The current study consisted of a comparison of Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) developed in 2001 and 2008 for the evaluation of the performance of faculty in the Western Kentucky University Psychology Department. BARS generally are less susceptible to various types of rating error than are other rating formats, and are highly relevant to the target job because they utilize behavioral examples of performance. Furthermore, BARS development requires the participation of job incumbents. In both 2001 and 2008, Psychology Department faculty members were involved in every phase of the development process of the BARS instruments addressed in the current study. …

Ua12/2/1 Walk The Line, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Special commencement edition of the College Heights Herald.

• Department of English Graduates
• Thanks
• Music Department Graduates
• Davies, Chris. I Will Always Look Back on My Western Experience – Soccer
• Smallwood, Kathy. I Am Sad to Leave Behind My Home – McLean Hall
• Stinson, Kelly. This Moment Is Finally Here
• Schedule of Events – Commencement
• College of Health & Human Services Graduates
• Johnson, Jeanne. It Was the Most Unbelievable Experience – Student Government Association
• Redmon, Ben. Leaving the Party at 10:30 – Interfraternity Council
• Bell, Michelle. I Will Always Be A Hilltopper
• Sorce, Jeff. Fall in Love with a Small Town …

Ua35/11 Arête May 2008, Honors College

Arête: Honors College at WKU Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 51, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Articles:

• Rowell, Larry. Allison Carter Family Settles; City to Pay $1 Million
• Day, Michelle. Regents Approve 9 Percent Tuition Increase, Finalize 07-08 Budget Cuts
• Ulber, Emily. Washington D.C. Bands Play Tonight at ONE Campaign Concert
• Ryan, Eileen. Sophomore Aims for Stardom – Stephie Lyn, Nashville Star
• Rowell, Larry. College Heights Herald Faces DUI Charge – Holly Brown
• Day, Michelle. Attorney General Says Hiring of Council on Postsecondary Education President Was Illegal – Brad Cowgill
• Erskine, Anne. Editorial Cartoon re: Printing vs. Trees
• Unlimited Printing = Unlimited Waste
• Walker, Elaine. …

South Central Kentucky Audubon Society (Mss 205), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Papers, newsletters, minutes and yearbooks of the South Central Kentucky Audubon Society. Also includes correspondence related to the establishment of the Society in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 50, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Regular features include:

• A Thousand Words
• Annie’s Outlook comic strip
• Beyond the Hill
• Classifieds
• Crime Reports
• Diversions
• Letters to the Editor
• Opinion
• Sports

Articles in this issue:

• Brown, Holly Packing Silent Heat
• Day, Michelle. Regents to Finalize Cuts, Raise Tuition
• Hale, Marianne. Parking Loses Three Bus Drivers, Updates Shuttle Schedule
• Greer, Lindsey. A Thousand Words – Mazna Al-Marzooqi
• Siders, Neil. Ruckus Bill Shelved Because of IT Concerns
• Wilson, Laurel. City to Auction Surplus
• Diehm, Jan & Susie Laun. New Editors Bring Fresh Ideas
• Abston, Jason. Extra Money Going into …

Interview With James Ashby Regarding Ccc (Fa 81), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Oral Histories

Transcripton of an oral interview done with James Ashby, b. 1915, as part of a project entitled "A History of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Mammoth Cave National Park" (FA 81). Ashby discusses his experiences as a CCC worker first in Trigg County, Kentucky and then at Mammoth Cave, where he was a cook. He mentions recreational and social activities at the camp. He also discusses his experiences growing up in Drakesboro, Kentucky and Cave City, Kentucky. There are two transcripts for this interview; the second shorter transcript is attached as supplementary material.

Meeting Agenda, Wku Student Government Association

Student Government Association

Agenda for April 22, 2008 meeting.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 49, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Articles:

• Brown, Holly. A Grim Anniversary Approaches – Katie Autry, Murder
• Brown, Holly. Board of Regents to Vote on 9 Percent Tuition Increase Thursday
• Ulber, Emily. ONE Campaign Leaders Lobby In Washington, D.C. – Poverty
• Wilson, Laurel. Supporters of Fair Housing to Press for City Ordinance – Landlord-Tenant Act
• Rowell, Larry. Police: Burglar Thwarted at Sie of Recent Shooting – Eros Berisaj
• Rowell, Larry. Retiree Remembered as Hardworking – Chester Davis, Obituary
• Day, Michelle. Downing University Center Food Court Worker Dies, A Wonderful Employee & Friend – Maxine Crawford …

Seconds, Wku Student Government Association

Student Government Association

Seconds newsletter.

Peyton, Sunny E. (Fa 219), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 219. Paper: "Stirring Our Brew: A Halloween Fairytale" written by Sunny E. Peyton for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class.

Davis, Sarah (Fa 224), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 224. Paper: "Derby Day" written by Sarah Davis for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class.

Cobb, Sheila Marie (Fa 223), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 223. Paper: "[Folk Medical Beliefs]" written by Sheila Marie Cobb for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class.

Hexing (Fa 228), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 228. Paper: "Hexing" Personal Experiences That Were Possibly 'Hexing' Episodes." Written for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class. Author's name withheld at time of donation.

Poindexter, Karen S. (Fa 225), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 225. Paper: "A Ghostly Experience in Breeding, Kentucky" written by Karen S. Poindexter for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class.

Norris, Keith (Fa 226), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 226. Paper: "Superntaural Storytelling Session and Subsequent Events Which Occurred in Jefferson County, Kentucky" written by Keith Norris for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 48, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Articles:

• Siders, Neil. Student Government Association Bill Pushes for Free Music – Ruckus
• Coulter, Amber. No Horsing Around: Pre-Veterinary Students – Agriculture, Jenks Britt
• Day, Michelle. Students May Suffer from Federal Loan Cuts – Student Financial Aid
• Ryan, Eileen. Barak Obama Campaign Opens Local Office – Elections
• Powers, Mary. A Thousand Words – Ting Ting Zhao, Yu-Pin Cheng, Po-Chien Cheng, International Students
• Chester L. Davis, Former Professor Dies at 84
• Student Charged with Indecent Exposure – Marreon Allen
• Assault Reported in Cravens Library – Addison James, William Pape
• Rowell, …