Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Knowing Whose [Sic] Calling: Telephone Telepathy, Clint Harvey

Masters Theses

This study focuses on the possible role of mental telepathy in perceiving the identity of telephone callers before the caller is known through the normal senses. Many people report that this phenomenon occurs frequently in their day-to-day lives prompting controlled laboratory experimentation. The data was collected during the summer of 2010. One of the most important goals in determining the existence of mental telepathy involves the replication of different modes of research in different laboratory settings. This research attempts to replicate data Rupert Sheldrake collected during the beginning part of this century, in which he reported significant findings from studies …

Diet, Physical Activity, And Lifestyle Factors That Influence Weight Change The First Year Of College, Sarah R. Gaines

Masters Theses

First year college students are at an increased risk for weight gain, which could have an effect on the future obesity status in America. Several studies indicate that weight gain does occur the first year of college; however, little research actually studies the population's behaviors prior to college. A literature review was conducted on several factors that relate to the diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes that students may undergo as they transition from high school to college. It was hypothesized that a change in these factors would be associated with student weight gain and an increased BMI the first …

Examining Two Types Of Bullying In High School: Relational Aggression And Cyber Bullying, Sharon L. Lewis

Masters Theses

Bullying has taken on a new realm as cyber bullying and relational aggression have escalated. Cyber bullying has increased due, in part, to technological advancements around the world. Cyber bullying has the ability to reach many individuals in a short time. Victims of cyber bullying may be unable to deter the magnitude of the harassment. Relational aggression is often hard to detect, as it is a subtle act such as glaring, staring, and rolling eyes at the victim. Relational aggression is more common among females than males. The current research study focuses on the prevalence and frequency of cyber bullying …

Estimating The Size Of The Informal Sector In Latin America, George T. Lesica

Masters Theses

The informal sector has always been assumed to exist but was not studied intently until the 1970s when economic events in the US and Europe led scholars to consider just how much economic activity was occurring but not being accounted for. Since that time it has been studied more vigorously but very little progress has been made in understanding it.

In this paper I develop estimates of the size of the informal sector using two different methods. First, a panel of estimates for several Latin American countries will be constructed using the Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) method for several …

Forecasting Exchange Rates Using Neural Networks: A Trader's Approach, Adam Stokes

Masters Theses

This study is to investigate the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for forecasting exchange rates. The currencies examined in the paper are the Euro, Pound, and Yen. Two different types of ANNs are used in this paper: Feedforward and Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous Input (NARX). Forecasts are made for daily and weekly exchange rates using the open, high, low, and close of the exchange rates. Many standard econometric models cannot deal with daily and weekly forecasts due to many macro economic variables not being available at such frequencies. ANNs are able to deal with daily and weekly data as …

Submissive And Dominant Sexual Cognitions Of College Women With A History Of Sexual Abuse, Jisun Kelly Park

Masters Theses

The study investigated the effect of timing of sexual abuse on sexual cognitions of submission and dominance. Female college students completed questionnaires containing reports of history of sexual abuse, sex guilt, social desirability, and sexual cognitions. The results show that the childhood and the adulthood abused group have more frequent positive sexual cognitions, more frequent arousal to sexual cognitions, and higher intensity of sexual arousal to these sexual cognitions. The frequency of overall cognitions was the most significant predictor in predicting all submission and dominance sexual cognitions variables. This study while replicating previous findings that survivors of sexual abuse tend …

Behavioral Risk Factors Of Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior In A Community Sample Of Adolescents, Sarah Ritter

Masters Theses

This study examined group differences of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents on four behavioral risk factors: risk behaviors, peer victimization, substance use, and weight related behaviors. It was hypothesized that adolescents who engaged in NSSI within the past year would endorse more risk behaviors than adolescents who did not engage in NSSI. It was further hypothesized that the higher the frequency with which an adolescent engaged in NSSI, the more risk factors they would report. Frequency was divided into three groups: "more frequently" (6 + times in the past year), "less frequently" (1-5 times in the past year) and "no …

Methodology For Evaluating Statistical Equivalence In Face Recognition Using Live Subjects With Dissimilar Skin Tones, Bryan Baker

Masters Theses

The question sought in this study is whether there is a significant statistical difference between a facial recognition system's ability to recognize dark or light skin tone subjects. In addition to the direct comparison of results from two different populations, this study also examines four factors commonly effecting facial recognition systems. The four factors tested were angle of the camera viewing the subject; both horizontally to the left and right, as well as vertically, both above and below the subject's line of sight.

Additionally, the distance the subjects are from the camera, and then intensity of the illumination on the …

Issues In The 2008 Presidential Election: Perceptions Of The Candidates And Their Links To Vote, Justin T. Cross

Masters Theses

Can the electorate's beliefs on issues be used as a predictor of vote? More importantly, do voter's perceptions of a candidate's position overshadow the party identification model? Arthur H. Miller and Thomas F. Klobucar (2003) studied this subject by analyzing the 2000 American Presidential Election. The aim of this paper is advance their study, by creating a more robust test of their model. The 2008 election is analyzed using data from the American Nation Election Time Series Survey. This election was chosen because it identifies the economy, as the most important issue (CNN exit poll). If issues could have more …

Finding The Path Within The "Ego Tunnel": A Buddhist Approach To Tackling The Problems Of A Western Self, Bryan James Hinman

Masters Theses

If many of the problems associated with a Western sense of self stem from its penchant for distorting reality, it follows that to free ourselves from its grasp we would need to implement an alternative way to view our experience accurately, such as that described in the Buddhist doctrine of no-self. The dangers of becoming attached to the Western self are outlined, as well as the means of transcending them through accurate self-assessments gained from insights of no-self. In addition, considerable research is reviewed that supports this idea by suggesting that Western constructs similar to no-self, like the "quiet" ego, …

Relationship Between Indirect Aggression And Social Anxiety In A College Sample, Jennifer A. Kusy

Masters Theses

Indirect aggression, a nonphysical form of aggression, has received increased attention in research because of the manipulative nature of the act. While it usually occurs during the preadolescent and adolescent years, research has started to examine its effects in young adult and adult populations. This study examined the link between indirect aggression and social anxiety and social avoidance in a sample of college students. Four distinct groups of aggressors were identified (perpetrator, victim, both, neither), with the majority of students indicating they have had no experience with indirect aggression. Results indicated that those who experienced indirect aggression in some form …

Effects Of Statewide Training On Functional Behavioral Assessment (Fba) Knowledge, Kendra L. Brading

Masters Theses

Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a 3-tiered approach to eliminating problem behaviors by replacing them with appropriate behaviors. PBIS implementation differs depending on the tier. Implementation at Tier 1 focuses on school-wide prevention of problem behaviors. Tier 2 involves diminishing current problem behavior cases at the classroom-level. In Tier 3, a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is conducted, which evaluates the problem behaviors and determines antecedents and consequences of the behaviors so that an intervention can be planned. Training educators to conduct FBAs is linked to appropriately and accurately implementing FBAs. This study examined pre and posttest scores to …

Children's Emotion Regulation And Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, And Depressive Symptoms, Monica Renee Karsai

Masters Theses

Emotion regulation is necessary for a child to adapt to and function well in the environment. Problems in child emotion regulation have been linked with numerous negative outcomes. This paper reviews the current literature linking child social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression to emotion regulation. In addition, the relationship between parent symptomatology and child emotion regulation is discussed. A mediated model that examines the association between maternal social anxiety and the three symptom clusters (i.e., social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depressive symptoms), with child emotion regulation as a mediator, was tested. Contrary to the hypotheses, child emotion regulation did not …

Do You "Like" Your Body?: The Effect Of Facebook Investment On Self-Objectification, Body Shame, And Disordered Eating, Chandra Feltman

Masters Theses

The model derived from objectification theory proposing that body shame mediates the relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating has been empirically supported in numerous past studies. The present study extended the research on objectification theory by first examining this model in a sample of 71 female undergraduates and then investigating what effect Facebook investment had on the study's variables. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing selfobjectification, body shame, disordered eating symptoms, and Facebook investment. Results demonstrated that body shame fully mediated the relationship between selfobjectification and disordered eating. Analyses also revealed Facebook investment to be a significant predictor of self-objectification in …

Panic!: Anxiety Sensitivity, Perceived Stress, And Social Support As Predictors Of Uncued Panic Attacks In College Students, Julie Lynn Kaspar

Masters Theses

Uncued panic attacks are prevalent in the college student population. In the current study, anxiety sensitivity, perceived stress, and social support were explored as predictors of uncued panic frequency. Additionally, family support and close friend support were compared. A sample of 117 college students from Eastern Illinois University were assessed using an online survey that included a one-item uncued panic frequency measure, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale-College Version (College CASSS). Results indicated that all three predictors were significant when tested independently. When placed in a hierarchical regression, …

Role Of Exercise On Psychological Health Of College Students, Shannon L. Goering

Masters Theses

Campus recreation centers have been gradually developing within the past decade to not only serve as recruitment tools for perspective students, but to promote better physical health in college students. Also throughout recent years, researchers have linked participation in physical activity to improved mental health. Targeting the college-aged population, the present study examined the relationship between physical activity and psychological well-being in college students, specifically those who use the student recreation center (SRC) on campus. A sample of 210 university students completed various measures to assess overall psychological well-being (i.e., level of mood, selfesteem, stress, & life satisfaction) and regular …

Perceptions Of Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Treatment Acceptability: Cultural Trends, Sarah Girresch

Masters Theses

A survey study, usmg a convenience sample, was conducted to assess relationships between adult perceptions of childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and treatment acceptability. Trends in perceptions about ADHD were also examined among African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanics. Ninety (90) participants completed questionnaires developed by the authors that evaluated beliefs about the etiology of ADHD, sources of information used to learn about ADHD, perceptions of stigma associated with ADHD, trust in the system, and attitudes about treatments. Participants overwhelmingly expressed a neutral perspective regarding ADHD-related perceptions. However, beliefs about etiology, endorsement of nonprofessional information sources, and trust in the system …

Mentor Perceptions Of Closure In Formal Youth Mentoring Relationships, Anna Maria Peterson

Masters Theses

In formal community-based youth mentoring relationships, mentors and mentees travel through phases of a relationship from inception through closure. To form an understanding of mentor perceptions of the closure phase of those relationships, a Glaserian grounded theory survey was conducted. Mentors located in central Illinois participated in the survey providing their perceptions, insights and experiences regarding the closure phase of the youth mentoring relationships in which they were involved.

Key Factors Affecting Color Reproduction On T-Shirt Fabrics Using Heat Transfer Printing, Molly Frank

Masters Theses

Dye sublimation heat transfer printing is commonly used to transfer an image to fabric for small production runs. This process is very inexpensive and is very quick. Unlike digitally printing on fabric, there is no need to treat the fabric once the image has been transferred onto it. Heat transfer printing is also commonly used due to the fact that three different factors can be controlled while printing. These three factors are the temperature, the dwell time, and the pressure. Color reproduction is easy to do once the correct combination of these three factors is found. The temperature, time, and …

Communication In Intercultural Marriages: Managing Cultural Differences And Conflict For Marital Satisfaction, Tiffany G. Renalds

Masters Theses

This qualitative study investigated the phenomenon of intercultural marriages, particularly the unique internal and external elements that impact communication and conflict within intercultural marriages of varying lengths and the intercultural communication competencies utilized by spouses in intercultural marriages. The research focused on three questions: (1) Which internal and external factors impact the effectiveness of communication between spouses in intercultural marriages the most? (2) Which communication competencies do spouses in intercultural marriages develop in order to address cross-cultural differences? (3) How do spouses in intercultural marriages experience and deal with conflict within their intercultural marriages? Data was obtained employing semi-structured interviews. …

Improvements To Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades To Aid In Self-Starting, Joseph P. Tillman

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Design And Evaluation Of Laboratory Practices For An Advanced Computer Networking Curriculum, Jorgealberto Zetino

Masters Theses

Educators in the area of computer networking face the challenge of developing successful academic courses that can increase students' comprehension and interest while improving their competitiveness in the job market. This situation requires the development of a curriculum with emphasis on current industry needs and practical activities that can provide students with hands-on experience. This study focuses on the development oflaboratory practices in three areas of significant importance for the industry: network security, wireless networks and voice over IP. The objectives of the laboratory practices are to improve the use of equipment in the telecommunication laboratory at Eastern Illinois University, …

Turning The Silver Screen To Gold: An Analysis Of Opening Weekend Box Office Success, Jennifer Muser

Masters Theses

Success at the box office can be difficult to predict. While one combination of stars, budget, or praise produces a blockbuster, the slightest tweaking in a sequel can produce a bomb. The objective of this research is to model the opening weekend box office revenue per screen based on a set of variables parsed from the Internet Movie Database and using a critical review index variable retrieved from Rotten Tomatoes.com. First, the author estimates opening weekend revenue per screen from a sample of 1116 movies as a function of the movies' characteristics, such as genre, MP AA rating, critical rating, …

Comparison Of Nutritive Value, Cost, Viscosity, And Acceptability Among Three Developed Oral Nutritional Supplements And A Standard Commercially-Prepared Supplement, Christa R. Huxel

Masters Theses

The consumption of oral nutritional supplements may help prevent, or delay, malnutrition in the older adult population. Developing acceptable supplements, and discovering alternative methods to providing nutrition to older adults, is vital. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate three oral nutritional supplements in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors that were similarly priced and contained similar nutritive value as compared to the standard commercially-prepared supplement Ensure®. The study also focused on the comparison of appearance, smell, flavor, aftertaste, viscosity, and overall acceptability and preference between the researcher-developed and standard supplements. The researcher-developed supplements were less expensive per …

Why Does The United States Give Foreign Aid?, Abalo Awesso

Masters Theses

This thesis examined many controversies surrounding the distribution of U.S. foreign aid, most precisely the factors explaining the allocation of U.S. foreign aid, the congressional foreign policy behavior related to foreign aid decisions, and the impact of foreign lobbying. The findings suggest that the United States' security interests appear to be the central basis on which the United States distributes its Gross Bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA). Meanwhile, the congressional foreign policy behavior reveals that even though the Democrats are more likely to sponsor most foreign aid bills the Democratic Party's control in Congress does not guarantee that all or …

Differential Predictors Of Overt And Relational Aggression In Outpatient Youth, Andrea Hadley

Masters Theses

Youth overt (OA) and relational (RA) aggression are linked to future maladjustment and problems such as delinquency, poor academic achievement, and depression (Crick, Ostrov, & Werner, 2006). Although these two types of aggression overlap, overt and relational aggression have been consistently identified as distinct forms of aggression. Researchers explored the overlap between overt and relational aggression and review differential predictors of these aggressive behaviors in a sample of clinically- referred youth ages 8 to 1 7. Youth and parent beliefs about overt and relational aggression, psychopathology, conduct problems, and parenting styles as differential predictors for overt and relational aggression were …

Romantic Conflict: A Problematic Integration, Alyssa Obradovich

Masters Theses

Though conflict is to be expected in most romantic relationships, research determines the amount of conflict within a relationship is likely to peak in the dissolution phase. Ending relationships is rarely easy, and the experience can be wrought with mixed emotions and uncertainty. Problematic integration theory offers a perspective that specifically deals with uncertainty and ambivalence but has yet to be applied to romantic conflict. This thesis examines uncertainty in conflict within the dissolution phase of romantic relationships. This perspective offers a more holistic view of how couples negotiate uncertainty in dissolving conflicts.

The Effects Of Teaching Styles On Student Knowledge, Ryan Devries

Masters Theses

This study analyzed the effects that the instructor has in determining if student knowledge of a given subject is significantly impacted when teaching styles differ. The study examined the effects of the independent variable (learning through instruction style) on the one dependent variable: knowledge (gained and retained).

Traditional educational methods often vary between instructors, even when those instructors teach the same course. Teachers' objectives are to present the course information in a way that will be the most beneficial to the student. The teachers have to consider situational factors, goals for the course, learning styles, and level of learning. "In …

Test-Retest Reliability Of The Acters-2, Alaine A. Benson

Masters Theses

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is one of the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorders in children. Behavior rating scales are often utilized in the assessment and treatment monitoring for AD/HD. This study investigated the testretest reliability of the ADD-H Comprehensive Teacher's Rating Scale 2nd Edition (ACTeRS-2). The ACTeRS-2 rating scale is comprised of four behavior subscales, which include conduct areas frequently displayed by children with AD/HD. The subscales consist of Attention, Hyperactivity, Social Skills, and Oppositional behavior items. For the purpose of this study, data were collected on 124 students in third, fifth, and sixth grade who attended public …

School-Based Support As A Mediator Between Homophobic Bullying And Depression In Sexual Minority Youth, Jamie Henkelman

Masters Theses

School-based support as a mediator between the relationship of homophobic bullying during high school and depression later on was examined retrospectively using a sample of 195 participants who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning. Participants were recruited from a Midwestern state via email and social networking sites through their college campus' Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender campus groups. The survey was conducted online and used the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale to measure depression symptoms. The modified version of the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network's Community Climate survey was used to measure schoolbased support and homophobic bullying. Results …