Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Reintegration Experiences Of Ex-Child Soldiers In Liberia, Gracie E. Brownell

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

Previous researchers have reported the lasting effects of child soldiering and the difficulties that ex-child soldiers experience as they transition to civilian living. The primary purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding about the reintegration experiences and meaning of reintegration as perceived by ex-child soldiers located in or near Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. Furthermore, this study explores participants' expectations, perceptions of the reintegration process as well as contributing factors and obstacles to reintegration that helped shaped their reintegration experience within the context of Liberia. A phenomenological research design was used to study the reintegration experiences …

Systemic Components Of Care That Affect Self-Sufficiency For Youth Transitioning Out Of Foster Care, Amy M. Strong-Blakeney

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

Although research indicates that former foster youth fare poorly in a number of domains of self-sufficiency upon leaving care, it is unclear whether their poor outcomes are related to systemic components of care. The purpose of this study was to examine the systemic components of foster care that either promote or inhibit self-sufficiency in foster youth once they transition from care through the lens of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory. Using data gathered from both Child Protective Services and Transitional Resource Action Center's databases, the study described in this dissertation explored factors of care that most influence former foster youth's self-sufficiency. Results …

Ecological Correlates Associated With The Academic Achievement Of African American Youth, Latoya Leshea Smith

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

There has long been an achievement gap between African American youth and their European counterparts. This phenomenon has constantly been studied and continues to be a concern in not only the education arena, but also the social work field. The current study was conducted using The Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The Ecological Systems Theory was used in order to guide the current study in order to determine which factors are correlated with the high academic achievement of African American youth. The overall purpose of the proposed study was to analyze ecological correlates that contribute to academic achievement among African …

Geography Of Disability. An Analysis Based On The Socioeconomic Levels Of Two Metropolitan Areas: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon And Dallas, Texas, Silviya Pavlova Nikolova

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This doctoral project investigated the performance of disability within two different political, cultural, and socioeconomic environments. Data were analyzed from decennial census data from Mexico (2010) and the U.S. (2000) that included a measure of disability prevalence and the activities on which disability status is assessed. In Chapter 1, the relevance of the study to the understanding of disability as a context-related matter was explained. Comparative statistics and scholarly reports on disability have been used to discuss the existing discrepancies between disability trends in developing and developed countries. An emphasis for a construction of multifactorial comparative model for disability research …

Bulimia Nervosa And Substance Use Disorders: Comorbidity And Treatment, Kara Cunningham

Social Work Theses - Archive

This paper will demonstrate the connection in the professional literature that individuals who suffer from bulimia nervosa also have a high chance of suffering from a substance use disorder. Although, the literature supports this comorbidity issue, there is a lack of research on the treatment of both disorders simultaneously. The purpose of this study is to determine if clinical professionals are screening for substance use disorders among their clients who are being treated for eating disorders. The primary questions for this research project are: 1) What portion of eating disorder professionals recognize substance use disorders when treating clients who are …

A Novel Method Utilizing Approach-Avoidance To Assess The Aversive Nature Of Pain, Amber Lee Ann Harris Bozer

Psychology Theses - Archive

Pain is a multidimensional experience that involves sensory, emotional/affective, and evaluative components, yet preclinical pain research has mainly focused on testing the sensory dimension. Those suffering from pain may be confronted with complex emotional conflicts on a daily basis in which they are presented with the dilemma of choosing to satiate other motivational drives or attend to their pain. Preclinical assessments focusing on sensory mechanisms and measurements may be lacking in predictive validity for treating pain populations. Some paradigms to test the affective nature of pain in laboratory rodents have been validated, yet they focus on escape from pain. Organisms …

Gis-Based Expert Systems Model For Predicting Habitat Suitability Of Blackside Dace, Benjamin L. Blandford, John Ripy, Ted H. Grossardt, Ryan Evans, Sara Hines

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

This study presents a GIS-based predictive habitat suitability model for the blackside dace, a federally-listed threatened species of the Upper Cumberland River basin in southeastern Kentucky. The model is a rules-based system which incorporates expert knowledge about habitat preferences for the species. The five habitat factors identified by experts and included in this model are stream gradient, canopy coverage, riparian vegetation type, riparian zone width, and stream order. Using GIS, the five habitat parameters were parameterized and combined across the entire stream network. Combinations were evaluated by blackside dace experts in terms of habitat suitability. The resulting model was tested …

Is It A Sample Or A Population? The Illustrative Case Of Home Team Advantage

Journal of Economics and Finance Education

We discuss the problem of distinguishing between samples and populations when analysts have all potentially available observations at their disposal. Introductory business statistics textbooks place considerable emphasis on the finite population correction factor, and unwary undergraduates may be tempted to make inappropriate use of it. Economists have good reasons for generally abjuring the use of finite population correction factors, but introductory econometrics texts neglect to convey those reasons. We use an illustrative example from sports: Home Team Advantage and demonstrate that standard confidence interval procedures, based on classical statistics, give reliable insight into expected value.

Gender Differences In Out-Of-Class Effort In Principles Of Economics And Finance

Journal of Economics and Finance Education

This paper investigates out-of-class effort in Principles of Economics and Finance by taking advantage of on-line technology that allows tracking of actual student activity. It reports differences between males and females in terms of completion rates for reading assignments, quizzes, and homework. Specifically, females are more likely than males to complete the readings in a timely fashion, submit on-line quizzes, and complete optional assignments. The gender gap disappears once academic motivation and psychological measures of locus of control and fear of failure are taken into account.

A Pedagogical Framework For Capital Structure: Incorporating Non-Tax Advantages Of Leverage

Journal of Economics and Finance Education

This paper is a pedagogical tool suitable for advanced master-level courses or introductory PhD-level courses. College textbooks present a framework of capital structure that incorporates tax-driven theories but often excludes the non-tax advantages of debt. Some textbooks discuss the non-tax-driven advantages of debt but they are never reflected back into the original framework– a void that this paper attempts to fill. I present a comprehensive framework that illustrates the fact that leveraged firms gain additional value beyond tax-deductibility.

Editor's Note: Introducing A Newly Rebranded Journal, Damon P. S. Andrew

Journal of Applied Sport Management

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Front Matter for Volume 5 Issue 3.

Front Matter

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Front Matter for Volume 5, Issue 4.

Back Matter

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Back Matter for Volume 5, Issue 4.

Extending And Customizing Content Discovery For The Legal Academic Community With Innovative Interfaces' Pathfinder Pro: The Pence Law Library Approach, Sima Mirkin

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

Incorporation of technological tools into teaching methodology is an ongoing process. Using graphic illustrations with explanations, this article will demonstrate the functionality of one such tool, Innovative Interfaces’ Pathfinder Pro, a context-sensitive linking mechanism, in conjunction with the Pence Law Library online catalogue. The article also discusses the benefits of using this tool in legal research instructions and distance learning programs.

Predicting Students’ Confidence: How Teacher Feedback And Other Sources Influence Self-Efficacy In Mathematics Classrooms, Megan Kleine-Kracht Thomas

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

In this two-part dissertation, the sources of self-efficacy were investigated for elementary and middle school students in mathematics classrooms. In the first study, the Sources of Middle School Mathematics Scale (Usher & Pajares, 2009) was validated with a younger sample. Participants included 367 fourth- through sixth-grade students; these participants completed two surveys investigating their beliefs regarding their capabilities to perform successfully in mathematics. This study included an examination of the psychometric properties and a confirmatory factor analysis of the Sources of Middle School Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale, and an investigation into the relative power of mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasions, …

An Examination Of Education Services For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders In Rural Areas, Melissa A. Murphy

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Much research and media attention in recent years has focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a pervasive developmental disorder that impacts children in multiple areas of their lives. Early identification and intervention, as well as access to mental health, behavioral, and pediatric services for this population are crucial to their later outcomes and quality of life (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2001; Blane & Borden, 2008; Jacobson & Mulick, 2000; Rogers & Vismara, 2008). Unfortunately, research suggests that access to educational services may be complicated for individuals living in rural areas (Applequist, 2009; Collins et al., 2005, Ludlow, Conner, & Schechter …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Client Feedback In Group Psychotherapy, Norah C. Slone

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

A review of the adult psychotherapy outcome literature reveals decades of empirical studies that support the efficacy of group treatment for mental health concerns (Burlingame, Fuhriman, & Mosier, 2003; Horne & Rosenthal, 1997). Although research demonstrates positive results for the utilization of group therapy, between 33-50% of clients drop out before treatment is completed (Baekeland & Lundwall, 1975; Wierzbicki & Pekarik, 1993). Methods for improving psychotherapy retention have been addressed through the application of a client feedback model (i.e., monitoring treatment outcome routinely). Although using client feedback has been found to be beneficial for improving retention and even enhancing client …

The Impact Of Racial Identity, Masculinity, And Academic Self-Concept On The Academic Achievement Of African American Male High School Students, Howard Lloyd

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Previous literature has evidenced that young African American males are experiencing less academic success than their Caucasian male and African American female counterparts (Davis, Williams, & Williams, 2004; Flores, 2007). The deceleration of achievement in this population has spawned some inquiry into the struggles of African American students. However, investigators have primarily examined differences in sex, school attributes, socioeconomic status, family structure, and other external factors. Previous research has also highlighted the unique obstacles young African American men face in education settings. While researchers have identified several external predictors of academic achievement among African American males, scant information relates to …

Engaging Young Professionals In Credit Unions: Reviving A Movement Through Online Social Networking, Meet-Ups, And Events, Rebecca Spachek

Capstone Collection

Credit Union young professionals feel distanced from their jobs and comparatively less satisfied than their older coworkers. The industry is failing to retain young talent causing a growing gap between the young professionals and aging leaders. The Cooperative Trust is a network of young professionals working to close this gap by connecting and engaging members with the larger Credit Union Movement. This paper will examine the question, “Have active members of the Cooperative Trust experienced an increase in engagement in the credit union movement since joining the Cooperative Trust?”.

A New Model: Improving Adult Experiences In The Holy Land With Effective Pre-Departure Information, Resources And Procedures, Sarah A. Loan

Capstone Collection

Since September 11, 2001, Group Travel Directors (GTD) has noted an increase in self-reported anxiety among adult travelers preparing to depart to the Holy Land. This observation has been made by long-term employees both objectively and subjectively by comparing evaluation scores, cancellation percentages, tracking numbers of phone calls from anxious travelers and through staff accounts of conversations with travelers. GTD staff reports that clients often are inclined to make rash decisions based on perfunctory judgments influenced by media coverage.

GTD has collected evaluations from adult travelers for more than twenty years in an effort to better understand traveler perceptions of …

Study Abroad And Identity: The African American Experience, Alicia Ranney

Capstone Collection

Not all students are alike, nor should they be treated as 'one size fits all' in study abroad. Students have different backgrounds, goals, and expectations of what they will gain from an international academic experience. Minority students face different types of challenges in study abroad than their non-minority counterparts.

This paper seeks to answer the question “does study abroad change the identity of African American students?” and examines the challenges of identity and racism and how those two factors may decrease participation rates of African Americans in study abroad. Students from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan were surveyed before and …

Leadership Development For Pro-Environmental Behavior Utilizing Peer To Peer Communication And Learning: An Academic Pilot Project, Mark Wayne Carrera Ma

All Student Scholarship

There is a cultural perception that the onus of responsibility for shark conservation falls on the shoulders of environmental and scientific communities’ leaders. Given the diminutive size of these two communities when compared to the vastness of American society, responsibilities should be shared by leaders of educational organizations who can communicate with greater populations. The general public must be encouraged to act pro-environmentally for effective shark conservation to ever take place in the world.

Be A Part Of The Plan - Engaging People - Linking The World, Charlotte Narjes

Cornhusker Economics

The Nebraska Broadband Planning Initiative, in its fourth year, is designed to increase adoption and utilization of broadband in communities and regions. Goals of this initiative include:

Increase adoption and utilization of Broadband in communities and regions with an emphasis on unserved and underserved regions.

Work as a region in developing regional Broadband plans that increase adoption and utilization of broadband.

Increase understanding of importance of Broadband as a foundation of economic growth.

The Initiative is focused around the following project areas:

Mapping

Planning (capacity building, technical assistance and regional planning).

Affordable Care Act And Your Ag Business, Marilyn R. Schlake, Carroll S. Welte, Charlotte Narjes, Jim Crandall

Cornhusker Economics

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is steadily moving forward. Whether you agree or disagree with the ACA, the fact is that it is currently the national law. Already we are seeing changes affecting how hospitals, doctors and insurance carriers operate. Regulations impacting individuals and businesses in the areas of benefits covered, maximum out-of-pocket costs, taxes and penalties began on October 1st. Spend time now to evaluate how these changes will affect you, your family and your business operations.

Using Math Curriculum Based Assessments To Predict Student Performance On The Pennsylvania System Of School Assessment Math Test, Joseph H. Lucas

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Today, a considerable emphasis is placed on students’ performance on state-wide achievement tests. In light of the mounting pressure for accountability for student academic achievement on state-wide tests, the use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) methods for monitoring student progress, identifying students at risk for failing state tests, and identifying skill deficits to be addressed through interventions to increase student performance could prove beneficial. This study examined the relationship of the Measures of Academic Progress Math CBM (MAP) to performance on the Pennsylvania System of School Achievement (PSSA) with correlational analysis and the calculation of sensitivity and specificity indices and kappa …

Adult Adhd And The Relationship Between Self-Reported Frequency Of Cognitive Distortions, Anxiety, And Depression, Craig Strohmeier

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD often includes strategies to address cognitive distortions. Although identifying cognitive distortions as part of a causal chain related to disorders such as anxiety and depression has been well studied, limited research has focused on the relationship between ADHD and cognitive distortions. The goal of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between ADHD, cognitive distortions, anxiety, and depression within a group of adult outpatients from an ADHD treatment center (N = 30). Results indicated that the severity of ADHD symptomatology, identified through a self-report scale, was significantly related to the self-reported …

Osteopathic Medical Student Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Chronic Pain, Amelia Grace Gradwell

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Chronic pain is a prevalent presenting problem for patients in medical settings, yet how physician knowledge and attitudes about those with chronic pain may influence the treatment of this condition is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of osteopathic medical students about pain management, with particular emphasis on chronic pain, in an effort to address the lack of chronic pain research currently available. A review of current literature, including an overview of chronic pain, is included. This study used original data, collected from first and fourth year D.O. students at a …

Play And Treatment Outcomes In A Cognitive-Behavioral Program For Children With Anxiety: The Role Of Child Involvement And Collaboration, Enid S. Flagg

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study examined a mediation model of the relationship between play, process variables (child involvement and collaboration), and treatment outcome in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of CBT for childhood anxiety disorders. Additionally, it explored the use of play in CBT for children. Participants (N=43; M age = 10.09) took part in a RCT which evaluated the effectiveness of an individual cognitive-behavioral treatment (ICBT) versus a family cognitive-behavioral treatment (FCBT), for childhood anxiety disorders. Archival data (videotaped treatment sessions) at a university based clinic for childhood anxiety disorders was coded for treatment interventions (play and cognitive-behavioral) and process variables (child …

Religious Cognitive Belief, Emotional Attachment, And Behavioral Commitment And Its Relationship With The Self-Regulation Of Adolescents, Leslie M. Chaundy

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Research indicates that religion has played a vital role in the founding of the American nation as well as the American education system. However, over the years, religion has been taken from the educational realm and is no longer considered an important variable in impacting educational outcomes. This study examined the National Study of Youth & Religion dataset to further explore what was the most important component of religiosity (religious cognitive beliefs, emotional attachment, or behavioral commitment) in impacting academic and behavioral success. This study found that religious cognitive beliefs (belief in God and belief in moral absolutes) did not …