Psychology Commons^™

Using Transcendental Phenomenology To Explore The “Ripple Effect” In A Leadership Mentoring Program, Tammy Moerer-Urdahl, John W. Creswell

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Several approaches exist for organizing and analyzing data in a phenomenological qualitative study. Transcendental phenomenology, based on principles identified by Husserl (1931) and translated into a qualitative method by Moustakas (1994), holds promise as a viable procedure for phenomenological research. However, to best understand the approach to transcendental phenomenology, the procedures need to be illustrated by a qualitative study that employs this approach. This article first discusses the procedures for organizing and analyzing data according to Moustakas (1994). Then it illustrates each step in the data analysis procedure of transcendental phenomenology using a study of reinvestment or the “ripple effect” …

The Individualized Education Plan: Parental Satisfaction And Involvement, Melissa Habing

Masters Theses

Little recent research has examined parents' involvement and satisfaction with their child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). For the current study, parents of children with special needs were surveyed. Out of 1,000 questionnaires mailed out by an agency that provides support to families who have a child with a disability, 348 parents completed and returned the survey. As a result of the parents' written responses, it was determined that 234 (67%) of the children they reported on were boys and 114 (33%) were girls. The age of the children whose parents completed the questionnaire ranged from two to twenty-two. All eligible …

Distinct Group Differences And Discriminant Validity Of The Adjustment Scales For Children And Adolescents: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Versus Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Kim D. Miller

Masters Theses

The present study examined the distinct group differences and discriminant validity of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents (ASCA). Participants included 36 children in Kindergarten through eleventh grade. Twenty-seven of the children met DISC-IV I DSM-IV (DSM-IV-TR, 2000) criteria for ADHD, and 9 met criteria for ODD. The participants were classified based on the results of the DISC-IV (Shaffer, Fisher, Lucas, Dulcan & Schwab-Stone, 2000) interview completed with the parent. The referring classroom teacher then completed the ASCA. Results of the present study did not support the distinct group differences and thus the discriminant validity of the ASCA. The …

Eating Disorder Tendencies And Pathogenic Weight Control Usage In High School Female Athletes, Natasha L. Mcdonald

Masters Theses

For many years, eating disorders have become more prevalent in American society. Researchers have recently identified a "new" at risk group, female athletes. The primary purpose of this study was to answer two questions: First, are tendencies toward eating disorders and the use of pathogenic weight control techniques different between female high school athletes and female high school nonathletes? Secondly, among high school female athletes, are tendencies toward eating disorders and the use of pathogenic weight control techniques different between performance sports and traditional sports? Each participant completed a survey packet to gather information on (1) demography including athletic participation, …

Considering Instructional Time And Comprehension Rate When Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Reading Interventions In Classrooms, Kelly E. Thomason

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to replicate and extend research done by Daly et al. (1998), which focused on the functional analysis of academic problems. This research examined comprehension and amount of instructional time as dependent variables to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of reading interventions (repeated reading, contingent reinforcement for rapid reading, and listening passage preview). Results suggest that when evaluating increases in oral reading fluency (words read correct per minute), each participant obtained greatest gains using different combinations of interventions. However, when examining instructional time specifically, it becomes clear that the contingent reinforcement and listening passage preview …

Understanding The Variables Associated With Mathematics Achievement, Kelsie J. Buker

Masters Theses

Mathematics achievement scores on standardized test batteries are a major area of concern in public schools. This study examined the relationships among different variables that may affect mathematics achievement as measured by the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Specifically, this study investigated the relationships among gender, mathematics fluency, mathematics accuracy, anxiety toward mathematics, and mathematics composite scores on the ITBS. In addition, the study assessed the effects of gender and anxiety on mathematics achievement as measured by accuracy, fluency, and ITBS math scores. One hundred fourth and sixth grade participants completed the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Anxiety Scale to measure their …

Current Preschool Screening Practices In Illinois And The Role Of The School Psychologist, Susan M. Kapper

Masters Theses

Current preschool screening practices in Illinois and the role of the school psychologist in these practices were investigated. A survey focusing on current screening practices and the role of the school psychologist in the development and implementation of screening programs was developed and sent to 200 randomly selected members of the Illinois School Psychologists Association (ISPA). Results indicate that some consistency in the procedures and administration of preschool screening do exist between programs within the state of Illinois. These consistencies include consensus on the purpose of preschool screening programs, personnel involved in the administration of these programs, assessment tools utilized …

Secure Attachments And Peer Relationships : The Effects Of Secure Mother-Child Attachments On Peer Relationships In Pre-School, Cassandra Damlo

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

Exploding Causalities: An Example From Iraq, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article provides explanations for a seemingly paradoxical social psychological response to the April 26, 2003 explosions within an ammunition dump in Baghdad.

How Principals Work With Their More And Less Effective Teachers, Franzy Fleck

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study's purposes were to examine the differences between principals when working with their more and less effective teachers; and the differences among elementary, middle school, and high school principals when working with their more and less effective teachers. Principals at 300 Indiana public schools, encompassing grades Kindergarten through twelve, were surveyed to determine leadership strategies used when working with their more and less effective teachers; 140 responded with completed surveys for a 47 percent return. The principals were asked to fill out a forty-five-item principal leadership strategy survey. In all, forty-one elementary principals, forty-five middle school principals, and fiftyfour …

The Effects Of Self-Monitoring Checklists And Performance Feedback On Study Skills Of College Students With Disabilities, Sherrie Mecham

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study utilized a multiple baseline design across two study skills to examine the impact of a self-monitoring checklist and performance feedback on the implementation of study skills for seven college students with disabilities. The accuracy with which students performed study skills was calculated as a percentage based on the number of correct study skill steps completed during a college course divided by the total number of treatment steps. The results show that three of the seven students markedly increased the accurate use of the notetaking and study guide skills immediately when provided with a self-monitoring checklist and performance feedback, …

Public Discourse On Ethnic Diversity And Improvement Of Formal Education, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article presents a commentary on the belief that ethnic diversity improves the quality of formal education.

Museum -Based Learning: Informal Learning Settings And Their Role In Student Motivation And Achievement In Science, Julie Ann Holmes

Doctoral Dissertations

This study examined changes in student motivation and achievement in science in relationship with a visit to the IDEA Place Experiment Gallery. The study was based on the pretest-posttest control comparison group design with four treatment groups: control, exhibit, lesson, and exhibit/lesson. The sample was 228 sixth grade students from a public north central Louisiana school who were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups. Pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest measures of intrinsic motivation and achievement in science were determined using the Children's Academic Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and an achievement test written to measure areas of science incorporated …

An Experimental Analysis Of The Effects Of Reading Interventions In A Small Group Reading Instruction Context, Christine M. Bonfiglio

Dissertations

The validation of specific reading intervention components in increasing oral reading fluency is evident within the literature for academic responding. However, much of the literature examines these components using single-case designs on an individual basis across students. This study utilized response-guided experimentation in the context of a small group reading instruction with four 4th graders (three male and one female) while examining individual patternsof student responding for oral reading fluency. Acquisition, fluency, and consequential components were examined in a dismantling fashion. Sequential modifications of the treatment package and its components were utilized within a multiple-baseline design in order to identify …

Voices Of School Social Workers, Amanda Hollatz

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

A Comparison Of Traditional Versus Computerized Anxiety Assessment Using Personal Digital Assistants, Wesley Alan Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The usage of the personal computer has become more prevalent in the field of psychology. The advent of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) has opened a new area of possible clinical application. These pen-based devices allow for a more natural interface and more mobility. The feasibility and application of the PDA for personality assessment will be examined in this study. Does having a test administered by a PDA lead to a significant change in response patterns compared to a test administered by the traditional pen and paper method? The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the anxiety …

The Relationship Between Student Achievement And Level Of Parent Satisfaction In A Summer Enrichment Program, Royna Faye Lattimore

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between parent satisfaction and student achievement in an activity based, multiage, inclusive, summer enrichment program. The researcher constructed a survey that was mailed to parents the first day of the last week of the program (n=139). Thirty five surveys were returned by mail and five surveys were conducted by phone for a total of forty surveys. The average score for this sample of parents on the whole survey was 3.98 (SD=1.41). The average parent satisfaction score on question fourteen was 4.40.

Multiple regression analysis on 40 parent surveys revealed that …

A Comparison Between Amount Of Television Viewing Time And Attentional Abilities, Gwendolyn Lawrence Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between television viewing time and auditory attention with the effects of development examined. The study used 64 females and 29 males who were in regular and special education classes (i.e., 24 third graders, 32 fourth graders and 37 fifth graders). The researcher constructed two instruments to obtain data about TV viewing time. The Stanford Achievement Test - Ninth Edition (SAT9) Listening Subtest raw score was used as a measure of attention, while the SAT9 Total Basic Skills (TBS) raw score was used as a measure of overall achievement. Data about …

Program Evaluation Of Practicum Iii: Marshall University's Summer Enrichment Program From A School Psychology Student's Perspective, Melissa L. Ferrebee

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The current study examined the School Psychology Practicum III Summer Enrichment Program at Marshall University Graduate College. This study investigated the expectation levels and perceptions in relation to the course goals and program objectives. The method of data collection included a questionnaire developed from the Practicum III goals and objectives. The questionnaire was designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The close-ended data were analyzed by descriptive statistical measures for descriptives, frequencies, crosstabulation and correlations. Data were interpreted using a frequency analysis and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results indicated a positive correlation between the students' expectations of the …

Effect Of A Modified Lincs Learning Strategy On The Achievement Of 4th Grade Students With Learning Disabilities, Shelby Brooke Haines

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The LINCS learning strategy, published by Edwin S. Ellis (1992), University of Kansas Institute for Research of Learning Disabilities, is a starter strategy used as a memory devise for vocabulary. The goals' of the strategy were to increase independent learning, memorize key vocabulary, provide a sense of control over learning and to promote motivation about learning new strategies. It is also clearly defined in the instruction manual that for students to effectively utilize this strategy they must perform with a fourth grade reading level or above (Ellis, 1992). It was hypothesized that by making modifications to compensate for the students' …

The Utility Of Dibels As A Curriculum Based Measurement In Relation To Reading Proficiency On High Stakes Tests, Rebecca Gayle Cook

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills or DIBELS reading measures and the Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition or SAT9 reading scores. The following research question was examined: What is the concurrent validity of the DIBELS reading measures in relation to students’ SAT9 reading scores? In this study, archival data from five firstgrade classrooms at a rural southeastern Ohio elementary school were collected. The results of the study indicated that there was a positive and significant correlation between DIBELS measures and SAT9 scores with the exception of …

Students' Perception Index Of The Mugc School Psychology Practicum : A Correlation Of Course Work With Practicum Experiences, C. Lee Chandler Iii

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The perceived consistency between the course work and practicum of the Marshall University Graduate College school psychology program was investigated. The magnitude of consistency was determined by a Spearman correlation coefficient comparing students’ subjective rankings of the relative importance of various school psychologist activities as emphasized in the program’s course work with the relative importance of those same activities as relevant to the practicum setting. The findings suggest a significant degree of correlation at the (.05) significance level between what is emphasized in the program’s coursework and what is relevant to practicum experience.

Program Evaluation Of The Practicum I Summer Program From A Student’S Perspective, Matthew J. Williams

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The organization, function, and value of the School Psychology Practicum I summer program at Marshall University Graduate College is examined. The perceptions of students recently completing the practicum are evaluated to determine their association with the program objectives. Data collection utilizes a questionnaire developed from the goals and objectives of the program and the criteria for evaluation of student performance. Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, and crosstabulation are utilized to assess the data. The students expressed an overall satisfaction with the practicum experience. The study’s limitations are explored and recommendations for program improvement are presented.

Intention To Pursue Post-Secondary Education, And Related Factors, Among Jamaican Senior High School Students, Teran T. Milford

Dissertations

Purpose of the Study. The proportion of female students in post-secondary schools in Jamaica is approximately twice that of their male counterpart. This is in contrast to the observation that the proportion of male and female students in elementary and secondary schools is about the same. Little or no studies have been conducted to examine factors related to the disproportion of male and female students in tertiary institutions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the perception of senior high school students regarding their intention to pursue post-secondary education, and to determine the extent to which the value …

Columbine School Massacre, Eric S. Yellin

History Faculty Publications

On 20 April 1999, in one of the deadliest school shootings in national history, two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Jefferson County, Colorado, killed twelve fellow students and a teacher and injured twenty-three others before committing suicide. Eric Harris, age eighteen, and Dylan Klebold, age seventeen, used homemade bombs, two sawed-off twelve-gauge shotguns, a nine-millimeter semiautomatic rifle, and a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol in a siege that began shortly after 11 A.M.

The Relationship Among Gender, Gender Orientation, And Class Participation Of Middle School Students, Rebecca M. Fisher

Masters Theses

Middle school students were observed to examine the relationship among gender, gender orientation, and class participation. Instances of volunteering and verbal participation in class were recorded.

In addition to being observed, participants completed Harter et al.'s (1998) Gender Orientation Questionnaire to identify their gender orientation. A student's gender orientation could be masculine, feminine, androgynous, or unclassified.

Results indicated that male students participated more in class than female students. Also, class participation rates did not differ for girls based on gender orientation. There were no differences between male and female students in solicited participation rates. However, male students participated more than …

Personal And Interpersonal Predictors Of Worry In Male And Female High School Students, Barbara Anne Davis

Masters Theses

This study identified which among several factors would best predict the tendency to worry in male and female adolescents. The potential predictors were divided into two different categories: personal and interpersonal factors. Personal factors included perfectionism, self-consciousness, and locus of control. Interpersonal factors included parental attachment, parenting style, and peer attachment.

Participants in the study completed several scales that measured the predictors. The data were then analyzed to determine the relative contribution of each factor in predicting worry, and to specify the factors that best predict worry. Gender differences in worry levels and in how the factors predicted worry were …

The Effects Of Practice With Decodable Texts On The Reading Fluency Of Low-Achieving First Grade Children, Nicole Forsythe

Masters Theses

This study examined the effect of a reading intervention using practice with decodable text on the reading fluency skills of four struggling first grade students. Participants received guided practice reading short decodable books twice a week for seven weeks. Pre and post-test standardized word reading scores were obtained using the Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE). Word reading fluency was assessed after each session by a list of words from the decodable texts. Results showed a marked improvement in each participant's fluency score, with all four participants at least doubling their baseline fluency as measured by words read accurately per …

Impact Of Service Delivery Model, Presenting Problem, And Consultee Characteristics On Teachers’ Preference For Academic And Behavioral Remediation, Kathy Wilson

Masters Theses

This study examined teachers' preferences for academic and behavioral remediation. Specifically, the impact of service delivery model (traditional or flexible), type of presenting problem (academic or behavioral), and selected consultee characteristics (age, years of experience, grade level taught, years at current school, and level of teacher education) on teacher preferences was investigated. Individuals completed a demographic information sheet and an analog study. The survey consisted of two hypothetical scenarios of two different students found within the classroom. The first scenario described a student who only exhibited behavioral/emotional issues. The second scenario described a student who presented with only academic issues. …

A Study Of Role And Function Differences Between School Psychologists Working Within The Flexible Service Delivery System And More Traditional Settings, Jaime L. Hahn

Masters Theses

Practicing school psychologists were surveyed including those working within the Flexible Service Delivery System (FSDS) and traditional settings. The questionnaires were completed by 91 school psychologists from throughout Illinois and Indiana. Participants completed questionnaires examining their specific role and function as a practicing school psychologist. Specific roles that each respondent was asked to rank used a Likert scale consisting of (1) Standardized Testing, (2) Curriculum Based Assessment, (3) Individual Therapy, (4) Group Therapy/Social Skills Training, (5) Consultation with Teachers, (6) Consultation with Parents, (7) Organizational Consultation, (8) Conducting Research, (9) Classroom Intervention, (10) Pre-referral Meetings, (11) Psychological Reports, and (12) …