Psychology Commons^™

Reported Attitude And Behavior Change As A Result Of Participation In Parent Training Groups, Lorene Allen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study investigated the value of participation in a Dreikurs Parent Training group and in a Combination Dreikurs and Parent Effectiveness Training group. The value of participation was measured in terms of three variables: (1) problem behaviors of the child as reported by the parents on a Checklist of Child Problem Behaviors; (2) problems of parents as reported by the parents, themselves, on a Checklist of Parent Problems; and (3) parental attitudes as measured by Hereford's Parent Attitude Survey.

Parents, who volunteered to be included in parent training groups, were assigned to two treatment groups and one control group. All …

The Production And Prevention Of Stomach Ulcers In Rodents, Eric H. Rudrud

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Rats given L-Ascorbic Acid in their drinking water prior to and during starvation did not develop severe ulceration in the glandular portion of their stomachs. Control rats which were either nontreated or given deactivated L-Ascorbic Acid developed severe stomach pathology on the starvation regimen.

The present study was based on the finding that food deprivation results in severe rumenal ulceration in rats. Given that L-AA is essential in maintaining tissue integrity and that ulcers are examples of tissue degeneration, the L-AA in large amounts could retard, or prevent, the formation of starvation induced stomach ulcers in rats.

The results show …

Development Of A Systems Approach For Training In Counseling Psychology, Alan Gettis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The profession of counseling psychology has, for a long time, realized the need for reevaluating and improving traditional methods of training counselors. The major professional demands have been (1) a science-based approach to the training counselors; and (2) a more experientially oriented approach to the training of counselors. This study represented a developmental effort geared towards the integration of the above two demands.

Seven experientially oriented modular instructional units were developed for use in a counselor education program. Units were developed on (1) what counseling and psychotherapy are; (2) history of counseling and psychotherapy; (3) counselor attitudes; (4) interviewing skills …

Summer Camp 1973: Recreation, An Approach To Behavior Modification, Christine Elizabeth Erni

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

At the culmination of the highly successful first annual Bridgerland Special Olympics, the author decided that more recreational activities needed to be provided for the exceptional (handicapped) children of this area. Academic and vocational programs were rapidly increasing but little was being done to help these exceptional children develop their social and recreational skills. Besides, college students found interaction with the children from the Exceptional Child Center and the Benson Instructional Workshop to be so educational and rewarding that they wanted to plan other recreational activities. Consequently, interested students met in May 1973 to plan a summer camp for these …

The Effects Of Training Designed To Accelerate Piagetian Conservation In Children On Wisc Subtest Scores, Leland J. Winger Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to test experimentally for generalization effects to certain WISC subtests from training designed to accelerate Piagetian conservation in children.

Forty-five subjects were randomly selected for participation in this study, which involved a pretest-posttest control group design. All subjects were pretested on a Conservation Test and on the Information, Arithmetic, Picture Arrangement, and Object Assembly subtests from the WISC. Subjects found to be conservers on the Conservation pretest were excluded from the study. Subjects from the experimental group found to be non-conservers on the Conservation pretest were taught conservation principles using sever al different tasks …

The Fixed-Interval Presentation Of A Small Fixed Ratio, Larry Allen Alferink

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In mixed fixed-ratio schedules, reinforcement is delivered according to two or more fixed-ratio components, which may be programmed in simple alternation or according to a random sequence. If the components simply alternate, the behavior is similar to that obtained in a multiple schedule. Pauses are long before long fixed ratios and short before short fixed ratios. If a random sequence is used, responding is characterized by short pauses after reinforcement independent of the size of the ratio and primes occur at the beginning of many of the fixed ratios. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility …

Increasing Resistance To The Negative Effects Of Set, Paul B. Chance

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two experimental studies were reported in which attempts were made to increase resistance to the negative effects of set. Set interference was measured by performance on 1) a task in which a set was experimentally induced, 2) a series of problems presumed to involve implicit sets, and 3) a test of creativity presumed to involve implicit sets.

The experimental treatments consisted of tasks which required set-breaking. An important aspect of this research was that no hints or instructions concerning sets were provided.

The findings offer modest support for the view that learning experiences can be designed which will increase resistance …

An Experiment Comparing The Relative Effectiveness Of A Linear And A Context Program In Teaching Some Selected Persian Words With Reference To The Persian Alphabet To English Speaking People, Batool Moghadam

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to test the relative effectiveness of a linear and a context program in teaching some selected Persian words to English speaking people.

A survey of the literature did not reveal studies closely related to the present study, but it revealed studies verifying the usefulness of programed instruction in general, and also some limited attempts made to set up programs for teaching Persian to Americans. There has been increasing attention by educators to programed instruction in the last fifteen years. The idea was also supported that there is a need in the United States for …

The Validity Of Awarding Credit By Examination In English Composition, Mark Guymon Christensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study investigated the validity of excusing students from composition courses based upon an objective examination.

Utah State University (USU) students who had taken freshman composition courses during the 1970-71 school year when these courses were required of all entering freshman students were divided into two groups: one group was composed of those who had received an "A" or "B" for three freshman composition courses, while the other group had received a- "C" or "D" for the same courses. USU students who had been excused from taking freshman composition courses based on the CLEP General Examination in English Composition (CLEP) …

The Effects Of Teaching Methods, Experimental Procedures, Grading, And Exam Frequency On The Academic Performance Of Students In Higher Education, Paul William Robinson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a new approach in the analysis of teaching procedures, and show the importance of certain variates on the academic performance of college students.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were threefold:

1. To determine whether an ABA approach (definition on page 19) can be used effectively to identify relevant variables influencing college student's academic performance.

2. To determine the influence of grading and exam frequency on achievement in college.

3. To compare the effectiveness of a lectureless go-at-your-own-pace teaching procedure and lecture procedures on student performance as measured on a final exam and a six …

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Non-Contingent Reinforcement In A Counseling Like Situation, Robert B. Shelton Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine if a variable, non-contingent reinforcement, could account for a significant amount of the effect of psychotherapy. A sample of ninety subjects was drawn from basic psychology classes and randomly assigned to six groups in a variation of the Soloman 4-group design. The treatment groups were connected to sham GSR equipment and told that when a light flashed they had made an anxiety reducing statement and were becoming more mentally healthy. The subjects were given three by five cards upon which were typed positive-negative adjective pairs and told to use the cards as …

A Correlation Study Between The Shipley-Hartford Test Of Mental Maturity And The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Richard Roy Speechly

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) has been v recognized as a helpful tool to the psychologist in identifying abnormal characteristics (Leverenz, 1956; Modlin, 1956; Hathaway and Mckinley, 1967; Hock, 1970). Likewise the Shipley-Institute of Living Scale for Measuring Intellectual Impairment (S-H) has also been recognized as a helpful tool in identifying emotional impairment (Pollack, 1942; Halstead, 1943; Fleming, 1943; Wright, 1946; Garfield and Fey, 1948; Lewinsohn, 1963) . Despite the research which suggests both tests are capable of helpful diagnosis in the general area of psychological impairment (Welch, 1956; Lewinsohn, 1963), little if any work has been done examining …

An Analysis Of The Effects Of Delay Of Reinforcement And Momentary Probabilities Of Reinforcement On Interval Schedule Performance, Charles A. Lund

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In two experiments pigeons were exposed to VI and FI schedules and schedules approximating both VI and FI schedules. In experiment I, the probabilities of the VI and FI components in a Mixed FI VI schedule were manipulated to create schedule contingencies approximating simple VI or FI. In experiment II, the minimum and maximum inter-reinforcement intervals were manipulated to create schedule contingencies approximating simple VI or FI. The major finding of both of these experiments was that maximal control by the dimension of time occurred as FI contingencies were approximated. Control by any one temporal value in experiment I depended …

Freshman Orientation And Career Articulation With A Rational Value Decision-Making Model, Bud W. Stephenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The role identity of the college and university counseling center has been in a state of evolution for the past few years and a reconceptualized role for the college and university counselor is beginning to emerge. This evolution is the result of rapid change taking place within society and in higher education. In recent research such authors as Morrill and Oetting (1970) have noted that the programs of counseling centers in the colleges and universities are not changing along with the rest of the college environment today and programs are thus becoming more and more outdated and irrelevant. Along with …

Task Persistence In Early Childhood Education, Thomas Richard Stephenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was designed to discover developmental trends in task persistence (TP). It was hoped that the results would suggest when and for what groups a task persistence (TP) curriculum is crucial.

To study this development a sample of two, four, and six year old children were given a "work" task. The task required 120 subjects (Ss) to sort and fold 33 items of clothing and linen. After the task instructions and demonstration, the experimenter did not intervene with reinforcers or further directions.

The dependent variables investigated were time spent on the task, time spent away from the task, and …

The Relationship Of Scoring Above Or Below The 75th Percentile On The Kuder Preference Record To General Aptitude, Vocational Attitudes And Occupational Values, Terry Joseph Orme

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was designed to investigate the relationship of general aptitude, vocational attitudes, and occupational values to scoring above or below the 75th percentile on the Kuder Preference Record by ninth grade students in rural southwestern Utah and southeastern Idaho.

The sample consisted of a group of 248 students who participated in Project Mace. The students were divided into two groups according to their Kuder percentile scores. The G scale of the General Aptitude Test Battery, the Vocational Development Inventory, and the Occupational Values Inventory were also administered to the subjects. The data were analyzed by a simple correlation matrix …

Effects Of Manipulating Fr Size And Reinforcement Magnitude In Multiple Fr Schedules, Dean P. Inman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Animals performing on simple fixed-ratio (FR) schedules typically pause after reinforcement delivery. The present study demonstrated systematic control of pause length in multiple fixed ratio schedules by manipulating FR size and reinforcement magnitude. In Experiment I, two adult male rabbits were stabilized on an alternating, two component, multiple FR 10 FR 10 schedule. Different colored lights were correlated with both FR components. Stability was determined and mean pause lengths were calculated as one FR component was increased in size until the schedule was FR 10 FR 50. Pausing was longer before the large FR component and was positively correlated with …

Prediction And Assessment Of Liked And Non-Liked Teachers As Rated By Various Student Groups, Nancy Ladee Fleming

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was designed to: (1) determine whether the test scores on the CPI and Teacher Inventory serve as predictors of "liked" and "non-liked" teachers, and (2) determine whether various student groups (minority, Anglo, disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged) rate "liked" and "non-liked" teachers differently on each of the three variables of the Teacher Inventory.

Ninety-two sophomore students, representing race and economic factors rated the 37 teachers of required sophomore subject matter classes on a Like-Dislike Scale and the Teacher Inventory. Two lists were thus generated: (1) teachers to whom various students rated as "liked" teachers, and (2) teachers to whom various …

The Effects Of Mobile Assisted Career Exploration On The Career Development Of Rural Ninth Grade Students, Robert Eldred Charlton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Problem. This study investigated whether or not a structured career development program, using a mobile guidance unit and operating on a limited time schedule, could provide a feasible means for facilitating the career development of ninth grade students in the rural school setting.

Project MACE. MACE stands for "Mobile Assisted Career Exploration." Project MACE was a study developed by the research office of the Utah State Board of Education and conducted by Utah State University. The study used ninth grade students in sixteen selected rural Utah high schools and in two rural …

Complexive Ordering Of Reading Experience Through Grapheme-Phoneme Relative Frequency Control, Wesley K. Roberts

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This dissertation develops a word bank based on a series of well defined filters. The basis of this system is grapheme-phoneme relative frequency control. The word bank is designed to be used in developing reading materials at varied degrees of difficulty.

Four short stories were edited as to their grapheme-phoneme relationships. Reading speed and reading comprehension were measured for each student on these stories. All students read a story in the original form and a story in the filtered version.

No difference in reading comprehension were found, but reading speed was significantly higher on three of four stories.

The Effects Of Direction Of Grouping, Type Of Stimuli, And Class Level On Cognitive Equivalence Transformations, Christopher A. Joseph

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The major purpose of this investigation was to study the structure, attributes, and supplemental aspects of equivalence classifying of words and pictures made by sixth graders, freshmen college students and junior and senior college students . A particular point of interest was whether or not increasing or decreasing the size of the groups results in different types of equivalence classifying. Other minor goals were to determine the effects of direction of grouping, type of stimuli, and class level on unique reasons produced and recall of stimuli.

The results of the study support the thesis that there is a cognitive developmental …

Identity: A Study Of Existential Vs. Social Anchorage, Paul J. Seymour

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the identity anchorage of persons in different societal positions.

Four experimental groups were chosen to represent different societal positions, namely, students, musicians, management personnel, and nonmanagement personnel. There were 93 subjects involved in these four groups. Each subject was presented with an adapted version of the Twenty Statements Test and a questionnaire to obtain biographical data. The statements made on the Twenty Statements Test were then placed into one of the following categories: physical characteristics; social roles and institutions; characteristic ways of acting, feeling or responding in social interaction; and, broad nondifferentiating …

A Comparison Of Two Methods Of Teaching A Remedial Mathematics Course At The Community College, James C. Olsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Problem

This study was concerned with the effectiveness of two different programs for teaching remedial mathematics to community college students. An individualized instruction program, making use of independent study and the small group setting, was compared with the traditional lecture-textbook instruction program to determine if there existed significant differences in (a) the rate of attrition, and (b) mathematics performance. A secondary objective was to determine if significant differences existed between students enrolled in remedial mathematics classes at 9 AM and those enrolled at 12 Noon.

Method

The target population consisted of all students in fourteen community colleges in the Los …

Group Treatment Of Insomnia In Psychiatric Patients Through Relaxation Training, Richard Robert Weber

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The present study investigated the effects of progressive relaxation training using an abridged form of Jacobson's (1938) relaxation exercises on the mean number of nocturnal sleep disturbances in a group of psychiatric inpatients. Nocturnal time-sampling observations were made during a 14 day base line to select Ss who averaged 1.5 sleep disturbances per night. Six women, ranging in age from 23 to 56 years, were classified as problem sleepers and were moved to a common bedroom, where a second 16 day base line was taken to control for changes in the nocturnal environment. After a brief introduction and demonstration, …

Achievement Of Students In Introductory Social Science Courses Offered By The College Of Humanities, Arts, And Social Sciences At Utah State University, James Collins Lewis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The evaluation of student achievement in college has only recently become an important area of research. The main focus of this study was to determine the achievement of students in introductory social science courses offered by the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Utah State University. Several other variables were considered throughout the study including (1) the achievement of students in introductory courses offered by other colleges than the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, (2) the effects of using standardized and teacher-made tests in measuring achievement, and (3) the achievement gain/loss of students tested two months …

The Supreme Organ Of The Mind's Self-Ordering Growth, T. Y. Booth

Faculty Honor Lectures

As is true of other organs, when language is functioning well, we pay little or no attention to it or its complexities. Part of the difficulty, in fact, of doing justice to the problems of expression and interpretation that Richards asks us to deal with is that routine language experience occurs so effortlessly, so unconcernedly, so second-natured naturally, that when we do run into difficulties we do not always recognize them as difficulties of our developing language. Or, what can be even worse, we think of the language difficulties as if they were separable, as if the thought would be …

An Awareness Of The Guidance Services Of District #91 As Seen By Students, Carlene Pace Herring

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This study is designed to obtain information about the awareness of the guidance services as seen by- students in the hope that it will bring about a renewed interest in, and the promotion of, a more functional program of guidance. The objectives of this study are summnarized as follows: 1. To provide data regarding perceived value or worth of the guidance program as rated by the pupils. 2. To identify perceived strengths and weaknesses in the guidance services for consideration by the Pupil Personnel Department of the district. a. To what extent are pupils orientated to the guidance service and …

The Effects Of A Token Economy On Epileptic Seizure Rates, Frederick Hjalmer Lindberg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Past studies have shown that a relationship may exist between certain forms of epileptic seizures and specific environmental stimuli. This relationship is not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess this relationship by determining the effect of a selected token economy on seizure rates. The token economy utilized in this study may differ from token economies described in the literature as it employed certain punishers. This was done by dividing the study into three experiments.

During Experiment I three severe epileptics were exposed to a series of conditions including baseline, token economy condition and baseline. During the …

The Development Of Career Activities For Fourth Grade Students, Barbara P. M. Southwick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Today's youth have few real contacts with the work world and have little knowledge of what is expected from them. Many grade school youngsters are not aware of the type of work their parents are doing. Some do not even know where their parents work. It is difficult for most elementary students to see the relationship between their present school activities and their future life. And all too often, students can not express personal goals or plans.

As students become more aware of the world of work, they should be better prepared to enter it and they should also develop …

Self-Imposed Delays Of Reinforcement In Conjunctive Schedules, Daniel M. Mccarthy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This experiment examined the role of delays of reinforcement in producing the response pattern generated by fixed interval (FI) schedules. Conjunctive schedules which required one response and maintained a 100 sec interreinforcement interval were used. These schedules permitted a variable delay of reinforcement to separate the last response in each interval from reinforcement. The maximum delay was specified, however, by specifying the percentage of the interval which must elapse before responses counted toward reinforcement. Maximum delays of 100, 95, 75, 50, 25, 5 and 0 seconds were examined and their effects on response rate, response distribution, and post-reinforcement pause were …