Child Psychology Commons^™

The Relationship Between Attention And Memory And School Readiness In West Virginia Preschoolers, Brenda Carol Parker

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The current study investigated the relationship between memory and attention and academic readiness in children between the ages of 2 ½ and 5. Forty-two preschool children were involved in the study and were selected from childcare centers participating in the Educare project in West Virginia. All subjects were tested with the Bracken and the Carolina Curriculum. The Bracken measured the academic readiness and the Carolina Curriculum measured memory and attention levels of the children. The results indicated a positive correlation between memory and attention and academic readiness. The findings supported the position that there is a positive correlation between mastery …

Relation Of Age Beginning Delinquency, Chemical Dependency, Family History Of Substance Use And The Likelihood To Display Elevated 49/94 Two-Point Codetype On The Mmpi-A With Juvenile Delinquents, Jay Cunningham

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A data search of male juvenile delinquents (N=40) who had taken the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory for Adolescents (MMPI-A) was undertaken from archival data at the Industrial Home for Youth Division of Juvenile Services at Salem, West Virginia. The Industrial Home for Youth is a 120 bed maximum security correctional facility for males age 10 through 20 and females age 12 through 20. Subjects’ files were placed into two groups, 20 in each group. The study group is males whose MMPI-A profile had a two-point codetype of elevated 49/94, T-score being 65 or above. The comparison group did not have …

The Ability Of The Child And Adolescent Functioning Assessment Scale (Cafas) To Predict Discharge Status From An Intensive In-Home Treatment Program, Brenda K. Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Mental health providers are increasing required to document symptoms of clients, level of functional impairment, and improvements in treatment due to increasing pressure from managed mental health to provide the best possible services for the least amount of money and time spent. Thus, instruments that reliably predict functional impairment, length and cost of services are increasing utilized in mental health agencies. One such instrument, the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAF AS), will be reviewed. The purpose of the study will be stated, and the method, procedure, and results will be explained. A discussion will follow detailing a summary …

Does The Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children / 3rd Edition Discriminate Between Ld And Non-Ld Children, Ages 9 To 16 Years Old?, Matthew E. Dehmlow

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether the Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale for Children / 3^rd Edition (WISC-III) can discriminate between students with learning disabilities (LD students) and students without learning disabilities (non-LD students). Although the WISC-III has established itself as a valuable psychological instrument for measuring intelligence, the subtests of the WISC-IH have been selected to examine possible differentiating patterns when examining a group of LD subjects and comparing their subtest results to a group of non-LD subjects. The current study proposes to examine the capability of the WISC-HI’s subtests to discriminate between a population of …

The Ability Of Trail Making Test Parts A And B For Children And Adolescents To Discriminate Between Learning Disabled Students And Non-Learning Disabled Students, Glorene K. Evilsizor

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The Trail Making Test Parts A and B is a neuropsychological test that has long been thought to be a highly reliable and valid test that is able to discriminate cerebral dysfunction. In the present study, an investigation was completed in order to determine whether or not the Trail Making Test Parts A and B could differentiate learning disabled students from non-learning disabled students in four counties in West Virginia. Fifty-six students ranging from ages 9-16 (mean age 9.9) were involved in the study. The convenience sample consisted of 27 learning disabled students and 29 controls or non-learning disabled students. …

Macarthur Story-Stem Battery And Gender Differences, Gina Arnett

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In this study the MacArthur Story-Stem Battery (MSSB; Bretherton, Oppenheim, Buchsbaum, Emde, & The MacArthur Narrative Group, 1990), an assessment tool that examines childrens’ ability to cope with conflict laden situations, was used to study gender differences in avoidance and aggression. Forty-three children (22 girls, 21 boys) participated in the third phase of a longitudinal study when they were between 7.5 and 8 years old (mean = 7.8). Results showed that males scored significantly higher than females on the variable of aggression in their story completions on the MSSB; however, gender differences for avoidance, while in the hypothesized direction, did …

The Snijders-Oomen Non-Verbal Intelligence Test 2 1/2-7-Revised And The Final Grade Point Averages Of First, Second And Third Grade, Combined: A Predictive Validity Study, Janice Blake

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to compare the actual achievement of 28 students from the Appalachian area over a three year period with their scores on the SON-R to assess if the instrument is a valid predictor of classroom achievement among culturally impaired youth. The subjects were 11 boys and 17 girls ranging from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, lower-middle class backgrounds, and middle-class backgrounds. Correlation of the SON-R raw score with GPA was moderate at .54 and significant at the .01 level. Correlation of SON-R Subtest scores with GPA were moderate for Mosaics (r= . 47, p< 05), Categories (r= .51, p< 01) and Patterns (r= .54, p< 01).

The Effects Of Early Childhood Sexual Abuse On Substance Use Among Adolescent Females Housed In An Emergency Shelter, Randa Bahmed

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This research studied the effects of childhood sexual abuse on substance use in adolescent females. Eighty females from The Cherry Hill Shelter located in Daniels, West Virginia were involved in the research. This research involved a between-subjects random design. The data was analyzed using the chi-square technique. Race, history of sexual abuse, history of substance use, and residence were involved in the analysis. The results of the chi-square technique indicated that early childhood sexual abuse and substance use among adolescent females are independent of each other. Recommendations for future research were made

The Grooved Pegboard Test With Ld And Non-Ld Children, Aimee H. Earley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) at identifying learning disabled (LD) children between the ages of 9 and 16. Fifty-six children were involved in the study: 27 in the LD group and 29 in the non-LD group. All subjects had a full scale IQ that fell in the 80 to 120 range. A battery of neurological tests was administered to all subjects and the data gleaned from each test was individually analyzed. Findings showed that the administration of the Grooved Pegboard Test produced statistically significant results in determining LD when subjects used their dominant hand …

The Creative Writer: An Examination Of Early Childhood Environment, Psychopathology, And Personality Traits, Cynthia I. Hagan

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The early childhood environment, the pathology, and the personality traits of non-eminent creative writers were compared to those of non-creative artists. The stated issues were examined using a thirty-item, forced choice questionaire. The results indicated that the non-creative writer group experienced more early childhood trauma than did the non-creative artist group. The findings are congruent with previous research and supports the position that early childhood environment plays a significant role in the development of creativity.

Predicting Disruptive Behaviors Using Interpersonal And Intrapsychic Measures, Cheryl R. Taylor

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to identify interpersonal and intrapsychic factors that predict disruptive behavior. Each of the 134 participants, all high school sophomores, completed two questionnaires and two emotional indicator evaluations on two dates, six weeks apart. Results indicated that "liking" of the school staff combined with depression using the Beck Depression Inventory II, was a predictor of discipline referrals made to the office. Another combination that was a predictor of discipline referrals was "liking" of the school staff combined with drawing using the Draw A Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance. High emotional indicators (EI) and low …

The Dcs Visual-Memory Learning Test With Ld And Non-Ld Children Ages 9 To 16 Years Old, David A. Snider

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether the DCS Visual Memory Learning Test (DCS) can discriminate between subjects with learning disabilities (LD students) and subjects without learning disabilities (non-LD students). Although the DCS has established itself as a valuable neuro-psychological instrument in Europe ( Lamberti & Weidlich, 1999) over the past twenty years, very little research currently is available on the DCS in the United States, and nearly all of the published research on the DCS is written in German. The current study examined the capability of the DCS to discriminate between a population of 52 LD …

The Child Behavior Checklist And Adhd In Children, Angela Samuel

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined the relationship of parental report of behavior ratings as demonstrated by the Attention Scale of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the diagnosis of ADI-ID. The study was conducted using 50 children who were referred to a summer school program. An Analysis of Variance found gender and ADI-ID diagnosis to be significantly different for Attention Scales of the CBCL. A Chi Square test also found that the CBCL was a significantly better predictor of ADI-ID than the CPT.

Children's Memory Scale Discriminate With Ld And Non-Ld Children, Anna Winland

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Children's Memory Scale at discriminating learning disabled (LD) children from non-learning disabled children between the ages of 9 and 16. A total of 56 children were included in the study; 27 LD and 29 non-LD. Subjects were first determined to be LD or not through the administration of the WISC-Ill and the WIAT to determine if their was a discrepancy of a minimum of 1.75 standard deviations between their individual achievement scores and IQ scores. If the significant discrepancy existed the subject was found to be LD. A neuropsychological battery of tests were …

The Conners' Continuous Performance Test Compared With The Attention Problems Scale Of The Child Behavior Checklist In Adhd Children, Krista J. Burdette

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined the relationship between errors of omission and commission on Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and parental report of behavior ratings as demonstrated by the Attention Problems scale of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The study was conducted using 33 children who were clinic-referred for assessment of behavioral and/or learning problems. The CPT was administered individually to the child via computer while the parent completed the CBCL. CPT inter-item reliability was found to be borderline (.7960) for Omission Errors and unacceptable (.7748) for Commission Errors. A Pearson correlation matrix revealed significant correlations among Age and Attention Problems Scale, …

Does The Intermediate Booklet Category Test Detect Neurological Deficits In Adhd Children?, Mindy B. Layne

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of the Intermediate Booklet Category Test (EBCT) detecting neurological deficits among ADHD children. The study included thirty children between the ages of 9 and 14 years with at least an Average IQ. Fifteen of the children were previously diagnosed with ADHD and the other fifteen children did not have any ADHD diagnosis.

Does The Intermediate Booklet Category Test Discriminate Between Ld And Non-Ld Children?, Jo Anna Scheidler

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Intermediate Booklet Category Test (IBCT) at identifying LD children between the ages of 9 and 14. Thirty children were involved in the study: 15 with a previous diagnosis of LD and 15 with no diagnosis. All subjects were expected to have an IQ no less than 80. The IBCT was administered to all thirty children and their error score calculated. The means of the scores of the diagnosed and control groups were found to be statistically significant at the .05 level. Also, statistical significance was found between IQ and IBCT scores. While neurological …

Foster Care Placement : Age At Time Of Removal And Successful Functioning, Michelle L. Wetzel

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Foster care placement is considered to be the primary placement option for children who are removed from their families for reasons of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. Child care workers question the level of future success these children will acquire if they are not removed from their abusive environments as soon as possible. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the age at time of removal and success levels in the areas of education, substance abuse, and probation involvement during the adolescent years, ages 16- 18.

Subjects• functioning in these areas was assessed by …

Conduct Disorder Questionnaire, Dwayne L. Milam

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Conduct disorder is characterized by a pattern of rule violation in which the rights of those associated with the individual and society are violated. Frequently there are many problems at home, school, and within the community. Without early diagnosis and treatment these problems escalate. Many different techniques and assessment tools have been used to identify these individuals. Most rely on collateral informants, such as parents and teachers. Others are time consuming or not developed to specifically identify conduct disorder. The Conduct Disorder Questionnaire was developed by the author to address these issues. The questionnaire is a brief, easily scored self-report …

Children's Memory : The Effects Of Suggestive Questioning On The Eyewitness Reports Of Five And Six Year Old Students, Rosemary Corinne Scott-Moore

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined kindergarten children's (N=18) eyewitness reports and the effects of suggestive questioning. Five- and six year- olds were interviewed repeatedly after a visitor came to their classroom in one of the following conditions: (a) suggestion, which received misleading suggestive questioning one time per week for three consecutive weeks following the incident, and a final 2 interview fifteen weeks after the incident; (b) increased suggestion, which received false suggestive interviews one time per week for three consecutive weeks following the event, and a final interview fifteen weeks after the initial event; and (c) triple suggestion, which received misleading suggestive …

The Influence Of Parental Attitudes On Childhood Perceptions Of Control Over Chronic Illnesses: Comparison Of Urban And Rural Populations, Lesley A. Epperly

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The influence of parental attitudes on a child’s extent of control over chronic illness was studied across both urban and rural populations. It was hypothesized that a child would perceive an internal locus of control if the parental attitude promoted self-efficacy and independence. Secondly, it was hypothesized that a child would utilize an external locus of control if the parental attitude promoted dependence on the environment. Finally, it was hypothesized that a comparison between rural and urban population perceptions of treatment and care for chronic illnesses would yield a greater internal locus of control for both parent and child within …

Suggestive Questioning Effects On Eyewitness Reports Of Kindergarten Children, D. Joann Pontier

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The extent to which children's memories can be altered by suggestion was examined in this study. After a stranger visited their classroom, twelve 5 and 6 year olds were interviewed once a week for a period of three weeks. The children were randomly selected to be in the one of the following conditions: (a) suggestion, in which students were interviewed using suggestions about the visitors behavior that are misleading (b) increased suggestion, in which the number of suggestive questions asked by the examiner will be increased. The results revealed no significant statistical difference between the suggestion group and the increased …

Social Skill Training Effects On The Interpersonal Distance And Touch Recognition Abilities Of Second Grade Children, Thomas E. Redden

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The effects of training on interpersonal distance and touch recognition abilities among 46 second grade children was evaluated. The children were involved in two, 45 minute training sessions each week for three weeks. Training effects were measured using the Emory Dyssemia Index-Brief Form (EDI-b). The teachers rated the children with the distance and touch subtest ofthe EDI-b. Pre-test and Post-test measures were obtained. A one way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Alpha was set at .05. There was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups prior to training. There was a significant difference between …

Religion And Coping With Chronic Illness: A Comparison Of Rural And Urban Communities, Christina Mullins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study compared 45 rural and urban families in their use of religion as a means of coping with the stress of a chronically ill child. Parents reported no differences between their actual use of religion as a means of coping. However, urban families were more likely to believe they should turn to their clergy for emotional support.

Social Interaction And Play Styles: A Comparison Of Well And Chronically Ill Preschoolers, Tonya L. Saunders

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The study compares the differences in social interaction and play styles among children with chronic illness to those of well children. The sample consists of 34 children between the ages of three and five years. Subjects were recruited from local Head Start centers and outpatient clinics and participated on a volunteer basis. Seven subjects included children who had been diagnosed with some type of chronic illness (e.g. asthma, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or spina bifida). The remaining twenty-seven subjects were children who had never been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Parents of all children completed questionnaires investigating variations that exist among …

Comparison Of Three Different Investigative Interview Techniques With Young Children, Mary Chapman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Three programs for the testing of elementary school students' eyewitness testimonies were tested and compared. Three different types of investigative interviews were used. The first was the investigative interview currently in use by West Virginia Child Protective Services. The second was an interview procedure developed by Yuille et al. (1993) called the Step-Wise Interview. The third method was a modified version of the Step-Wise Interview, which included changes based upon recent literature. Students from developmental & experimental psychology classes were trained in one of the three techniques. First and second grade children first viewed a movie and were then interviewed …

Assessment Of Parental Attitudes Toward Mental Retardation In Relation To The Mentally Retarded Child's Adjustment In School, June S. Church

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A review of developmental psychology reflects vigorous research concerning the relationships between parental behavior and attitudes and child personality and behavior.The research findings are generally consistent in demonstrating that the child's familial experiences are prime determinates of his personality. Within this context, there is mounting evidence of the pervasive and dramatic effects of early experience on later development. The significance of the attitudes and conceptions. which parents exhibit toward their children is aptly illustrated by Schulman, Shoemaker and MQelis (1962). In a study of conduct problem children and non-conduct problem children, they found that the parents of conduct problem children …

The Development Of A Tree Drawing Test: A Feasibility Study, Garry Lee Edwards

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The analysis of drawings has long been recognized as a method for investigating varied aspects of the psychology of child development. Goodenough {1926) cites studies by Cooke in 1885 and Ricci in 1387 as being the earliest accounts of interest in children's drawings. These early collections and observations were mainly descriptive in nature. They generally included such areas of investigation as single child longitudinal observations; longitudinal group observations; observations on the drawings of primitive peoples; observations on selected groups of artistically talented children; and later, observations made on groups of psychopathic subjects.