Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Occupational And Biopsychosocial Risk Factors For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case-Control Study, Jason Talley Goodson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The present study was designed to assess the risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Toward this end, a wide range of putative occupational, biological, and psychosocial correlates of CTS was investigated using a case-control methodology. Cases were 87 patients from an orthopedic clinic with clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic testing results suggestive of CTS. Controls were 74 gender-matched patients from the same orthopedic clinic, without clinical symptoms of CTS and normal electrodiagnostic testing results. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire that included eight potential occupational correlates (i.e., repetition, force, vibration, typing, lifting heavy loads, and standing on feet), 10 potential …

A Longitudinal Study Of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms In Preschool-Age Children, Jessica Nicole Greenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common reasons for referral to children's mental health clinics, with an estimated prevalence of 3% to 5% in the general population of school-age children. Children who exhibit the requisite behaviors may obtain a diagnosis of ADHD at any age; however, symptom onset must occur before age 7 and persist for at least 6 months. Despite these temporal requirements for diagnosis, little empirical information about the manifestation and stability of ADHD symptoms in preschool children exists. This study provides information about the initial presence and stability over one academic year of ADHD behaviors …

Riparian Zone Protection: The Use Of The Willingness-To-Accept Format In A Contingent Valuation Study, Catherine A. Broadhead

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The contingent valuation method (CVM) is used to evaluate the minimum compensation landowners require to forego production on farm riverbanks areas. The elicitation format used in the survey is a yes-no participation question followed by an open-ended question.

Chapter 2 presents the results of the survey. The Heckman approach is used in the econometric analysis to take care of the self-selection problem arising with this formatting of the questions. Chapter 3 is devoted to further examining the potential for undertaking valuation exercises using the willingness-to-accept format (WTA)

WTA estimates obtained with open-ended format are compared to WTA estimates obtained when …

The Geography Of Exploration: A Study In The Process Of Physical Exploration And Geographical Discovery, Joseph St.Onge

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Exploration has been a common literary topic throughout the history of humans. However, much of this historical tradition has possessed a fairly narrow focus, emphasizing the drama and heroics of an individual explorer or concentrating on a description of a particular exploration. There has been little attempt at understanding the process of exploration and placing this important process in context with the historic and geographic phenomena that both affect and are affected by it. In this thesis, the author has broken the process of exploration down into a theoretical structure that is presented in a holistic model. This model has …

Effects Of Perceived Sugar Or Chocolate Intake On Self-Reported Food Cravings, Mood States, And Food Intake: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, Lara J. Schultz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Many dieters and compulsive overeaters report that sugar and chocolate are the most commonly craved foods. Further, many individuals have proclaimed themselves to be "addicted" to sugar or chocolate. It remains unclear, however, what factors lead to report of specific food addictions. A number of researchers have suggested that highly repetitive consumption of sugar and chocolate may result from various physiological processes (e.g., neurochemical imbalances, glucose/insulin malfunctioning). However, there is also considerable evidence that psychosocial factors (i.e., expectancies, classical, and operant conditioning) play the major role in the development and maintenance of excessive sugar/chocolate intake. Empirical studies examining factors that …

A Descriptive Study Of The Relation Between Domestic Violence And Pet Abuse, Claudia V. Weber

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This was a descriptive study that examined the relation between domestic violence and pct abuse. Participants were questioned about their styles of conflict resolution with partners and how pets were treated in the home. Information was gathered using the Conflict Tactics Scale, and three surveys were developed for this study: the Battered Partner Shelter Survey, Families and Pets Survey, and the Child 's Observations and Experience with Pets. Four groups were recruited: (a) women in crisis shelters who chose to include one of their children in the study (n = 39), (b) women in crisis shelters who did not …

Predicting Lumbar Fusion Surgery Outcomes From Presurgical Patient Variables: The Utah Lumbar Fusion Outcome Study, M. Scott Deberard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Lumbar fusion surgery is a commonly used procedure to treat severe spinal pathology and associated chronic disabling low back and leg pain. Despite the common incidence of spinal fusion surgery, few studies have examined patient outcomes or predictive correlates of this procedure. The objectives of this study were to characterize Utah workers who received lumbar fusion surgery in terms of relevant presurgical and outcome variables and to identify presurgical correlates of patient outcomes. An archival prospective research design was utilized consisting of a retrospective medical chart review and a postsurgical telephone outcome survey.

Subjects were 203 workers' compensation patients from …

An Empirical Study Of The Real Exchange Rate Misalignment And Its Effects On The Macro-Economic Performance Of Bangladesh, Md. Shahnawaz Karim

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper provides empirical study of whether there was a misalignment of the real exchange rate (RER) in the Bangladesh economy during 1976-1991. The time series of multilateral and bilateral RER indexes were computed for the period 1976-1991. The computed series of RER were indexed to a base year of when the RER attained its highest level and thereby appeared to be closer to the actual long-run equilibrium RER.

In the empirical part of this thesis, five different RER indexes were computed: multilateral real exchange rate index 1 (MRER1), multilateral real exchange rate index 2 (MRER2), bilateral real exchange index …

The Relationship Between Weather And Children's Behavior: A Study Of Teacher Perceptions, Carrie Dabb

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The weather is an ever present and uncontrollable element in our lives. Only a handful of studies has addressed the relationship between weather and the behavior of children, although anecdotal and intuitive evidence of this relationship abounds. The purpose of this study was to observe the behavior of groups of elementary school-aged children in their classroom ecology during different phases of the weather cycle as observed by their teachers, observe any behavioral differences between girls and boys, and observe if any weather -related differences exist between the behavior of younger and older children. A model of the direct and indirect …

A Multivariate Study Of Marital Quality, David W. Bradley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Marital quality has been defined as the subjective feelings of happiness and satisfaction that a spouse experiences when considering all current aspects of his/her marriage. This study examined five dependent variables regressed on ten independent variables. The sample for this study came from the National Survey of Families and Households. Five hypotheses were found to be supported , with at least three of the five dependent variables showing statistical significance. Age at the time of marriage, education, health and well-being, and couples ' satisfaction in the parenting role were positively related to marital quality. The length of the marriage was …

An Analytical Study Of The Short-Run Variability Of Korea's Balance Of Payments, 1961-85: Application Of Keynesian And Monetary Approaches To The Problem, Dong Yeub Kim

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationships among the balance of payments and other macroeconomic variables in the Korean economy for the period 1961-85 are analyzed in this study. Theoretical studies on the effects of government policies on the economy and the balance of payments were conducted under both the Keynesian and monetary approaches. The Keynesian approach concentrates on the commodity and capital market adjustment factors and does not focus on the money market factors, whereas the monetary approach considers the balance of payments adjustments as a symptom of money market disequilibrium alone.

The basic assumptions of those two approaches, taken seperately, are not fully …

A Comprehensive Treatment Program For Abusive Parents: An Exploratory Study, Marvin Kim Marvel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Estimates of the incidence of child abuse range from 200,000 to 500,000 (Light, 1973) to over one million children each year (O'Brien, 1980). Child abuse is a leading cause of childhood death and injury (Starr, 1979). Demographic studies (e.g., Steele & Pollock, 1968) suggest that parents who abuse their children were often abused or neglected themselves. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that many of the present victims of abuse will become abusing parents in the future unless the cycle is broken. The need for effective interventions to reduce this pervasive social problem is obvious.

A Study Of The Effect Of A Child's Physical Attractiveness Upon Verbal Scoring Of The Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children (Revised) And Upon Personality Attributions, Paula Theisler Wheeler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this research was to investigate possible examiner bias in scoring the Verbal subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) due to the level of facial attractiveness of the child. Sex of the child and sex of the research subject were also included as independent variables. No main effect for attractiveness or sex x attractiveness interactions were found. Thus, little evidence emerged to suggest attractiveness stereotyping effects in an intelligence testing context. However, female children received significantly higher Comprehension and total Verbal scores than did male children. In addition, while male subjects did not provide differential …

The Study Of Intended Distance Based On The Migration Intention Of Utah High School Senior Students, Pyoung Kim

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examines the relationship between the distance 1975 high school seniors intended to move, referred to as intended distance, and socioeconomic and psychological factors. The research is based on information collected from separate samples of about 900 graduating seniors from the rural, urban and metropolitan areas of Utah. Utilizing the type of boundary that would be crossed in carrying out an intended move as the proxy for distance, it was found that 14 percent of the youth intended to live most of the rest of their lives out of Utah. While rural youth were more likely to intend to …

A Case Study Of Displaced Workers: The Hesston Experience, Thomas G. Fritts

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In August of 1976, a factory employing 210 workers began a phased layoff of all employees. This study focused on the subsequent reemployment problems of the workers. Specifically, methods of job search were analyzed to determine if they had an influence upon placement and quality of employment.

Two means of data collection were used in this study. Questionnaires were mailed to all former employees of Hesston Farm Machinery Company and oral interviews were conducted with public and private individuals involved with placement assistance to displaced workers.

Results of the study indicated that public employment offices, private employment agencies, and Hesston's …

A Study Of Attitudes Of L.D.S. Senior Citizens Of Logan, Utah Regarding Personal Adjustments, Antoine R. Munk

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objectives of this study were first, to examine the attitudes of L.D.S. (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; also commonly known as the Mormon Church) senior citizens living within the city limits of Logan, Utah regarding certain of their personal adjustments during old age (a personal adjustment score was derived from a scale developed by Cavan, Burgess, Havighurst and Goldhammer, 1949); and second, to determine whether selected variables were related to these attitudes toward personal adjustment. The variables examined in determining this relationship were chronological age, sex, marital status, the individual's definition of present health, …

A General Study Of Closed Circuit Television Utilization In Selected Courses At Utah State University, Ted J. Christensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This thesis presents an evaluation of instructional television as used in four courses at Utah State University. The study is divided into four parts: first, student attitudes and reactions; second, faculty attitudes and reactions; third, the costs involved for the individual faculty members concerned, the academic department, the Radio-Television department, and the University as a whole; and fourth, recommendations concerning the future use of instructional television at Utah State University.

The four courses involved in this study were basic introductory courses in Political Science, English, Sociology, and Music.

The investigator found that student attitudes and reactions varied with each course. …

A Historical Study Of The Demographic Aspects Of Urbanization In Utah, 1900-1960, Kooros M. Mahmoudi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In a historical frame of reference, this is a study of rural-urban migration to demonstrate the process of urbanization in Utah between 1900 and 1960.

This study estimates the amount of internal migration for the state of Utah. Selected demographic variables such as size, age, and sex of the migrating population are studied. Changes in the population composition of the sending and receiving areas as a complement of rural-urban migration constitute the crux of this study.

The indirect methods of estimating the net intercensal migration, census survival and life table survival ratio met hods, are used in tabulations. Limitations were …

Historical Study Of Net Migration For Utah, 1870-1960, Rulon J. Huntsman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This is an historical study of the volume and direction of intercensal net migration for Utah, from 1870 to 1960. Some of the demographic characteristics of net migrants are also estimated and some inferences of the impact of net migration on Utah's socio-economic development is considered.

Of necessity, indirect methods of migration estimation are used. Those used are: (1) Place-of-birth method, (2) Census survival ratio method and (3) Place-of-birth census survival ratio method.

The results of this study reveal, for the first time, detailed demographic characteristics as to the age, sex and origin of the net migrants for Utah from …

Assessing Achievement On A First-Grade Economics Course Of Study, A. Guy Larkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Problem

Despite the surge of interest in economic education in the elementary school in the last two decades, there have been very few attempts to assess the ability of young children to learn economic concepts. In the primary grades, this problem is compounded by the difficulty of measuring knowledge in six and seven year old children.

Objectives

The primary objective of this dissertation was to determine whether first-grade children can learn the basic concepts in Our Working World: Families at Work. Since instruments suitable for assessing achievement on Families at Work were not available when this study was initiated, …

A Comparative Study Of Certain Typical Foods Baked In The Electronic Oven, The Conventional Oven, And The Combination (Electronic And Conventional) Oven, Larae Bartholomew Chatelain

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Comparative performance of the electronic, conventional, and combination (electronic and conventional) ovens was studied in the preparation of five typical foods: baked custard, lemon cake, baked potatoes, orange marmalade tea loaf, and roast chicken.

The data collected included final temperature of each food and ratings of each food by a taste panel.

Foods prepared electronically and by the combination method required significantly less time with the exception of lemon cake. Foods prepared by the combination and conventional methods were preferred by the taste panel over foods prepared electronically with the exception of custard which was rated superior to custard cooked …

Remedial Reading: Evaluation Of A Reading-And-Study Course With Implications For A College Reading Center, Antoine T. Powell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the method of teaching a "How to Study" class in helping students more adequately meet their reading needs.

Research was conducted to test the reading gains made by students in the program with respect to ability and group size. The results indicate that group size had the greatest effect as to changes in reading behavior.

Instruction was based on diagnosing student needs. It was shown that a significant number of students who decreased in rate of reading, increased in comprehension. The same diagnostic principle was observed for those …

A Study Of The Natural Rubber Industry, With Special Reference To Thailand, Suratana Vayagool

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relative share of natural rubber in the world's total rubber consumption had been decreasing from 75 percent in 1948- 1949 to 44.4 percent in 1965. Since the production of natural rubber has been rising over the same period, some predictions have been made indicating that there will be a surplus of production over consumption of natural rubber in the near future.

In the world output of natural rubber industry, Thailand ranks third, being surpassed only by Malaysia and Indonesia. Of all the exports of Thailand, rubber ranks second in value and is exceeded only by rice. Almost all of …

A Study Of Adolescents' Reactions To Temporary Absences From Home In A Crisis Situation, Imogene Ward Christensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study is a description of the reactions of adolescents, who had opportunities for independence and growth toward maturity as a result of a crisis situation.

Special consideration is given to (a) the variety of heroic and realistic experiences had during the flood; (b) personal and social adjustments in the unique setting of dormitory living (separated from families); and (c) the academic achievements in the emergency learning situation.

A Further Study Of Perceptual Defense, Alma L. Carlisle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

For many years, psychologists have been trying to find the relationship between perception and different factors of personality. Different experimental techniques were constructed to measure these concepts. One of the tools used to measure personality factors and their effect on perception was the tachistoscope. Through the use of this instrument, words or pictures could be flashed on a screen at varying rates of speed, or illumination. The subject upon watching these flashes, would relate the information which he perceived.

A Study Of Certain Economic Factors Involved In The Organization And Management Of Poultry Farms In Utah, Robert L. Wrigley Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In the organization and management of poultry farming many problems arise which call for a solution. Among such problems are the following: The amount of floor space per hen which will prove the most economical, the value of electric lights in poultry houses, amount of labor which can be profitably invested in a poultry flock, and the amount of feed which can be economically fed to poultry.

There are many influences which determine poultry profits that cannot be controlled directly, but the factors mentioned here are largely within the control of the poultryman. He should, therefore, direct them as far …