Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Co -Localization Of D 1 And Darpp-32 In Methamphetamine-Treated Rat Nucleus Accumbens, Perirhinal Cortex, And Hippocampus, Yonca Cam

Theses and Dissertations

Methamphetamine abuse is a major health concern that has been associated with adverseeffects such as behavioral disturbances, impaired memory, and cognitive deficits. Chronic use of methamphetamine has been found to cause persistent changes in dopamine receptors and DARPP-32 expression in the rat striatum. Because methamphetamine use has been associated with memory and cognitive impairments, chronic effects in memory-related regions should be thoroughly examined as well. The current study investigated the long-term effects of methamphetamine self-administration on D1 receptor and DARPP-32 expression on the subregions of nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and perirhinal cortex via immunostaining. I expected to find decreased levels of …

Searching: Waves, Spencer Molnar

Theses and Dissertations

This supportive statement examines a philosophical conception of the self and how it can be identified through experience, consciousness, and perception by focusing on a human inclination to rationalize, or concretize, that which is everchanging. The methods of exploring this concept were achieved by examining the formal structure of composition and materials through the process of visual art. By pushing against historical traditions of creating spatial illusions in visual art, we can conclude that the legibility of an artwork is equally dependent on the experiential world as it is the social construction of image making. The question that is left …

Let's Talk! An Investigation Of Parent-Child Conversations About Self-Conscious Emotions, Alexandra Marie Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

Parents play an important role in socializing children's emotion understanding. Previous research on parents' conversations with their children shows that parents emphasize different aspects of emotion contexts depending on the emotion depicted. However, there is limited research on how parents and children discuss self-conscious emotions, such as embarrassment, guilt, and shame. The current study explored the socialization of self-conscious emotions in parent-child conversations during a storybook task. One hundred and sixty-six children between the ages of 24 and 36 months were observed reading a storybook with their parent. Analyses of parent-child conversations revealed that while parent and child utterances were …

To Control Or Be Controlled: Sibling Control And Adolescent Sibling Relationship Quality, Lauren Elizabeth Andrus

Theses and Dissertations

The current body of research pertaining to sibling control dynamics look specifically at either the absence or presence of control within the sibling relationship. Research to date has not differentiated between a sibling's experience of being controlling versus being controlled. This study examined adolescent sibling control dynamics and its link with sibling relationship quality (sibling closeness and sibling conflict), and how those links are moderated by birth order and having an agreeable personality. Data were analyzed from 327 families with two adolescent siblings between the ages of 12 and 18 (Older Sibling M = 17.17 years, SD = .94; Younger …

Moral Modeling: How Heroes Impact Values, Christopher David Atkinson

Theses and Dissertations

The Hero Functions Framework states that heroes play three functions in society: enhancing others, protecting those around them, and modeling morals for others (Kinsella et al., 2015b). This study evaluated the experimental validity of the moral modeling function of heroes. Experiencing heroes may lead a change in values to better align with the values of that heroes model. Moral elevation, the feeling of awe and inspiration one feels when witnessing a morally beautiful act (Aquino et al., 2011), may also mediate the relation between heroes and a change in one’s values. Therefore, it was hypothesized that participants who reflected on …

Rethinking The Refugee Regime: Would A Human Rights-Based Approach To The Issue Of Climate Refugees Produce Just Outcomes?, Gordon Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

Human rights-based approaches are highly useful for a myriad of issues facing the international community. However, they have yet to be utilized in practice due to norms in the international community that favor sovereignty over human rights and international cooperation. This thesis will demonstrate the utility of such approaches by applying one to the issue of climate refugees. It is estimated that by the year 2050, hundreds of millions of people around the globe will become displaced due to climate change. Because climate-related reasons are not included in the criteria for what makes one a refugee, these people will not …

Understanding Teacher-Child And Peer Interactions During A 12-Week Preschool Art Program, Rebecca Bove

Theses and Dissertations

Children’s social and emotional development is essential for well being (Garner & Estep, 2001). Prior research has examined the impact of teacher-child interactions on children’s school adjustment, but little research has been done to explore how certain behaviors children demonstrate with teachers influence peer interactions (Graves Jr. & Howes, 2011; Rudasill et al., 2013). The goal of the study was to examine whether the proportion of interactions and the positive or negative connotation of the interactions that a child had with teachers had an impact on social-emotional relations with peers. Using archival observational data collected while children participated in a …

Turning The Page: Using Foucauldian Rhetorical Criticism To Evaluate Literacy Center Communication, Sarah Monsma

Theses and Dissertations

Literacy, or the ability to read at or above a determined level, is an important and necessary skill. Many adult education programs exist to provide adults with specific educational resources. Literacy centers and programs contribute a vital resource to their respective communities, in helping adults who struggle with reading obtain their goals. In this thesis, I focused on the one such organization in particular, the Literacy Center of West Michigan. This organization utilizes regularly updated forms of online communication, including a News & Blog site on their website with 165 articles pertaining to the experiences of learners, background of staff …

Investigating The Role Video Game Players' Supportive Communication Plays In Moderating The Effects Of Toxicity In Online Gaming, Duy (Tyler) Pham

Theses and Dissertations

Video game players, especially women, find themselves victimized by verbal abuse and trash talk from their opponents in competitive online gaming. Therefore, video game players may choose to communicate in a supportive fashion toward other players or engage in toxic behaviors due to increased aggression and masculine norms. While scholars have been investigating supportive messages in a computer-mediated context, past research inquiries into supportive communication and video gaming have remained separate. The present study will connect these disparate lines of research. This study explores different levels of verbal person-centeredness (VPC) of support messages, combined with the sex of the message …

How Does External Referencing Define Sense Of Self And Link To Relational Well-Being?, Amber A. Price

Theses and Dissertations

As individuals develop, it is natural to reference social situations to learn about the self. Even as adults, some learning about the self comes from interactions with others. However, when adults consistently allow others to define their sense of self, their focus may shift away from connection and intimacy toward external factors. No studies have examined how allowing others to define the sense of self is associated with intimacy and satisfaction in relationships. Using structural equation modeling, this study examined whether allowing others to define the self is associated with a decrease in emotional intimacy, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction …

Professional Sport And Community Outreach: A Content Analysis Of Csr Messages Shared By Professional Team Sport Organizations On Twitter, Kelly E. Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

This study seeks to understand the corporate social responsibility (CSR) topics shared by professional team sport organizations on their websites and on Twitter as well as fan responses to those CSR messages. A quantitative content analysis of individual tweets from 16 teams across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL posted from October 1-30, 2020 was conducted. Results indicate that CSR topic frequencies were significantly different both on webpages and on Twitter. Replies to CSR messages on Twitter were significantly different based on topic, and replies were largely neutral. There was no significant difference in reply valence to CSR tweets that …

“They're Issuing Edicts And Proclamations About Your Life, And You're Expected To Follow Those": Living Up To Communicated Parental Expectations About College, Anjali Patel

Theses and Dissertations

As emerging adults transition into adulthood, continued parental involvement and shared messages from parent to child creates a context ripe for research. Unrealistic and demanding messages about expectations from parent to emerging college student have the potential to harm the college students’ perceptions of their own college experiences. While research into the positive impacts of parental involvement has exemplified many constructive outcomes for the emerging adult, little research has discussed how parental overinvolvement, overparenting, and control may lead to parental messages about expectations for emerging adulthoods in their college years that may alter the students’ college experiences and perceptions of …

Non-Violent Resistance Movements And Substantive Democracy, Jalal Fetrati

Theses and Dissertations

Does the mode of transition to democracy account for the depth of democracy in the post-transition democratic regimes? Whereas previous research has primarily focused on the effects of nonviolent resistance campaigns on improving formal dimensions of democracy, the present study examines whether or not democracies that come into existence as the result of nonviolent resistance campaigns are more successful in deepening democracy than democracies that emerge following violent conflicts or elite-led top-down liberalizations. This paper analyzes all democratic transitions that took place from 1946 to 2010, and relies on V-Dem High-Level Democracy Indices for measuring formal and substantive dimensions of …

Lost In Translation: South Asian Muslim Women's Interpretation Of Religious Gender Role Expectations, Women's Agency, And Women's Identity, Tamanna Tasmin

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates South Asian Muslim women’s interpretation of religious scripture and the women’s agency to influence the contemporary patriarchal religious culture. Previous research indicates that the religious customs of the region follow traditional orthodox Islamic scripture that promotes patriarchal practices, yielding barriers for women in the family, education, and professional sectors. Based on an understanding of the religious education system, the history of traditional orthodox Islamic practice, and traditional gender role expectations of the region, I use structuration theory to understand South Asian Muslim women’s identity negotiation and the agency they perceive regarding their ability to influence the society. …

Investigating Family Communication Patterns And Parent-Child Relationships In Homeschooling Experiences, Victoria Eleanor Padilla

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to collect quantitative data from children and parents regarding their homeschool experiences. Data is explored through the lens of instructional communication, family communication, parent-child relational satisfaction, and parent-child closeness. The present study examined the connections between education and family when learning takes place at home. Findings and recommendations for future research are discussed that explain the relationship between parents and children after homeschooling has ended.

Peering At The Mirror Of Reflection: Agency And Design Thinking In The Development Of Writerly Identities, Elizabeth Louise Jones

Theses and Dissertations

I have always valued reflection highly — as a means of developing as a writer and as a life practice — but I have been disappointed by the lack of thought resembling reflection when asking students to write about their writing practices. This dissertation presents the results of a grounded theory study of student reflective assignments through a direct analysis of the themes which emerge from a set of reflections from a course designed around the topic of games – primarily board, card, and video games. This study differs from much of the previous scholarship on reflection in composition in …

Examining The Impact Of Logistics On Military Strength Among East Asian Nations Using Data Envelopment Analysis, Meaghan E. Crandell

Theses and Dissertations

The current narrative in logistics revolves around modernization and the rapid development and deployment of capabilities, which is a sentiment echoed across the Air Force and the DoD alike. However, the combination of intangible and tangible aspects of logistics can make it challenging to find a foundational place to start the process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate logistical factors to include land area, infrastructure, labor force, and GDP and their relationship to military power. This foundation will provide a baseline of areas for improvement and replication. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and linear regression were leveraged to analyze …

Planifikimi Dhe Zhvillimi I Burimeve Njerezore Nȅ Administraten Komunale - Mitrovicë, Diellza Uka

Theses and Dissertations

Planifikimi dhe organizimi i burimeve njerëzore është pjesë e procesit të menaxhimit i përqendruar në raportet njerëzore dhe sigurimin e mirëqenies së tyre, duke synuar që ata të kontribuojnë dhe të kenë performancë të lartë në raport me kërkesat për shërbime cilësore.

Ky hulumtim ka për qëllim shqyrtimin dhe analizimin e planifikimit të organizimit të burimeve njerëzore duke u fokusuar në administratën publike, ndonëse planifikimi i duhur përmirëson cilësinë e punës së personelit, në këtë rast determinon ofrimin e shërbimeve cilësore në pushtetin lokal.

Menaxhimi i burimeve njerëzore nuk konsiderohet vetëm si domosdoshmëri, por edhe si aktivitet i përditshëm i …

Roli I Mediave Të Shkruar Elektronike Në Zgjedhjet Lokale, Arbresha Krasniqi

Theses and Dissertations

Ky studim synoi të vlerësontë rolin e mediave të shkruara elektornike në zgjedhjet lokale në Kosovë. Në këtë studim morën pjesë 100 respodent të cilët ishin nga mosha 20 deri 65 vjet. Për metodologjinë e këtij studimi është përdorur intëgrimi i metodave sasiore. Qëllimi i këtij studimi është të shohim rolin e mediave të shkruara elektornike në zgjedhjet lokale në Kosovë.

Gjetjet e këtij studimi kanë vërtetur hipotezën tonë duke na dhënë informacione se mediat e shkruara elektornike ndikojnë në zgjedhjet lokale në Kosovë.

Në fund mund të themi se gjetjet e studimit mund të shërbejnë për krahasimin e rrezultateve …

A Coupled Hazard Simulation And Post-Disaster Resource Optimization Framework, Stephen M. Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations

Extreme events, such as natural or human-caused disasters, cause mental health stress in affected communities. While the severity of these outcomes varies based on socioeconomic standing, age group, and degree of exposure, disaster planners can mitigate potential stress-induced mental health outcomes by assessing early, intermediate, and long-term treatment interventions by social workers and psychologists. However, local and state authorities are typically underfunded, understaffed, and have ongoing health and social service obligations that constrain mitigation and response activities. A resource assignment framework is developed as a coupled-state transition and linear optimization model that assists planners in optimally allocating constrained resources and …

Student Veterans: The Transition Process, Andrew Edwin Crane

Theses and Dissertations

Separation from the military and reintegration into civilian life can be a challenging experience for veterans. One opportunity that veterans pursue during this transition process is secondary education. Despite growing rates of student veterans across campuses limited research exists on the psychosocial functioning and reintegration difficulties faced by these individuals. The current study examined the relationship between factors such as deployment experience, perceived social support following deployment, psychological flexibility, academic functioning, as well as student engagement in collegiate activities. Findings from this study highlight the relationship between experiential avoidance and social support with psychological distress and student engagement for student …

Performance On The Texas Functional Living Scale In A Memory Disorder Clinic, Kathryn Kim Grueninger

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The present study examines the clinical utilization of an objective performance-based measure in a memory disorder clinic sample. Method: One year of archival cognitive testing data from a total of 176 Health First Memory Disorder Clinic patients was utilized for the current study. Participants were included in this study if they completed a brief neuropsychological evaluation which included the Texas Functional Living Scale (TFLS) and were also diagnosed with Normal Cognition (NC), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Patients’ psychosocial history regarding their self-reported or informant-reported abilities with performing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) was obtained …

Arreidis ( Roots ): Fala Language And It S Quest For Identity, Claudia Sánchez Sánchez

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, native speakers’, and past academics’ views of Fala are explored, along with the sociolinguistic and ideological dimensions of those views. This dissertation also investigates Fala’s orthographic reform, Fala’s recognition as a language at the regional and national level, and the repercussions it has had on research involving Fala. More generally, I present the case of Fala as an example of the effects that language ideologies can have on minority languages that, like Fala, with a small speaker population, may see themselves unrecognized and forgotten by governmental linguistic policy efforts given their size. In order to do this, …

A Teacher Shortage And Lack Of Representation In The Classroom: A Neoliberal And Critical Race Study Of The Broken Teacher Pipeline And The Impact On Education Majors, Sara Piotrowski

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher education attrition is a largely understudied topic, especially from the perspective of the college student. What factors prevented education majors from graduating with a teaching degree? There are countless studies about teacher attrition within the first five years in the classroom (DeAngelis et al., 2013; Kopkowski, 2008; Office of Postsecondary Education [OPE], 2015), but the research is sparse when it comes to the retention rate of education majors. Why do students get accepted and enter college as education majors and then not graduate with a degree to become a teacher? The purpose of this study was to consider factors …

Stili I Të Shkruarit Në Median Online-Web Në Kosovë, Fjolla Maxhuni

Theses and Dissertations

Bota e gazetarisë është një botë fjalësh që përmban informacion, teori, fakte ide. Fjalët prodhojnë dije, produkte, konflikte, mirëkuptim, veprime, art. Fjalët gjenden në tekste në tabela, programe, libra etj.Tempujti i fjalëve, bibliotekat, janë pjesë e të gjitha mjediseve zyrtare dhe familjare. Bota akademike është në luftë dhe përpjekje mes intelektualit dhe fjalëve të shkruara. Në botën e gazetarisë dhe ueb online duhet të mbijetosh me zotësinë për të zotëruar fjalën. Mes fjalëve duhet të përzgjedhësh mes të rëndësishmet dhe më pak të rëndësishmet. Për të seleksionuar mes botës së fjalëve duhet të lexosh në detin e fjalëve.Aftësia për të …

Gazetaria E “Like-Ve” Dhe Dëmet Që Shkakton Ajo Në Mediat Online Në Kosovë, Marigona Xhigoli

Theses and Dissertations

Tema “Gazetaria e “like-ve” dhe ndikimet që ka ajo në mediat online në Kosovë” trajton në vete një çështje të ndjeshme e mjaft të rëndësishme për jetën në të cilën po jetojmë “Në jetën digjitale”. Zhvillimi i teknologjisë ka ndikuar në mënyrën e informimit dhe ndikimit të kësaj të fundit në cilësinë e mediave. Në këtë temë janë të përfshira disa fakte dhe informacione të rëndësishme teorike të cilat shpjegojnë në detaje që nga ajo se çfarë është gazetaria, e deri te “Shkrimi në Web” dhe mënyrat se si bëhet gazetaria online në Kosovë. Përgjatë zhvillimit të kësaj teme jam …

Vetërregullimi I Portaleve Në Kosovë, Kaltrina Gashi

Theses and Dissertations

Shoqëria moderne është duke u zhvilluar në rrjetet sociale dhe pajisjet teknologjike si arena më e madhe e shkëmbimit të përvojave, mendimit, kërkimit, informimit, daljes në sipërfaqe, promovimit të vetëvetës dhe përballjes me tjetrin. Lajmi është themeli i gjitha formave të shprehjes në gazetari. Definicioni më i pranuar: Diçka e re, e pazakonshme, interesante, që njerëzit (publiku) nuk e ka ditur më parë. Por jo gjithçka e re mund të jetë lajm, pavarësisht nga risia, lajmi duhet të përmbaj edhe komponentet e interesit të gjerë. (Tekst i shkëputur nga lënda “Teknikat e Raportimit”, ligjërata IV-slide 3, Musa Sabedini).

Ky punim …

Effectiveness Of Career Services On Students Transition From University To Work In Egypt, Marianne Elia

Theses and Dissertations

Career services is a newly introduced field in Egyptian universities especially the public sector. This study is aiming to assess the benefits of these services in public, private and non-profit universities through the perceptions of some students who have experienced two or more services offered by their university’s Career Center and are about to graduate and join the job market. Qualitative in-depth interviews with university’s students and a couple of career services professionals were used. The analysis of the study followed the conceptual framework of the influence of career services in easing the transition of students to the job market. …

Student Well-Being In The Time Of Covid: Survey Of Online Students’ Coping, Ellen Catherine Coble

Theses and Dissertations

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented the global population with a considerable stressor resulting in significant loss of life, impaired health, disrupted social practices, and economic atrophy. While many have been impacted and are currently being studied, a population less frequently considered in the literature is that of online college students. Previous research has indicated the influence of several factors on college students’ well-being when coping with stress under typical circumstances such as coping strategies (e.g., problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant/dysfunctional), experiential avoidance, and social support. Studies performed in the wake of large-scale crises highlight proximity to the crisis …

Assessing The Predictors Of On-Campus Student Wellbeing In The Time Of Covid-19, Victoria Lynn Hrzich

Theses and Dissertations

College students endure a great deal of stress and are one of the most vulnerable groups for mental health difficulties. Despite the stressors they face, a vast array of research highlights several factors that contribute to student wellbeing, such as social support, coping, and psychological flexibility. Similar trends have been found in the literature on student distress and wellbeing following large-scale crises. Due to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, there is limited research on student distress levels during the pandemic and the effectiveness of these previously useful stress management factors during this unique crisis. Therefore, the current study assessed student …