Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Pastoral Prose And Civic Engagement: Crafting The Call To The Public Square, Christopher Ian Thoma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis explores the relationship between creative writing techniques employed by pastors and congregational engagement in the public square. The central thesis posits that if pastors incorporate creative writing methods in extended weekly communications with congregants, then the necessary factors for engagement in the public square will be fostered, leading to attitudinal shifts demonstrated by increased congregational interest or participation in civil affairs. Through an extensive literature review, the thesis fairly examines historical and contemporary views of church and state, the Two Kingdoms doctrine, concepts relative to public square participation, Christianity’s waning cultural influence, communication science, developmental theory, literature familiarity, …

Lean Implementation Difference Between Lean Maturity, Psychological Well-Being, And Employee Engagement Of Nurses In A Hospital Setting, Kevin E. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the differences of Lean implementation in three settings; (a hospital in a health system where Lean is implemented throughout the system, a hospital that has implemented Lean in a health system that has not implemented Lean, a hospital that has not implemented Lean in a health system that has not implemented Lean) between LM, PWB, and EE among nurses in a hospital setting. The theoretical construct of the job demands-resources model is used to base the study. Three survey instruments (Psychological Well-Being Scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Lean Healthcare Implementation Self-Assessment Instrument) were self-administered by registered …

Parenting Practices To Have Assisted In Academic Success Of Undergraduate Students, Dorothy Michelle Fyfe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior research reflects that parental involvement has a positive effect on students’ academic performance. Limitations in the research include the use of quantitative methods, the reporting by parents, and parent involvement measured through school activities. It is unknown what parenting practices are perceived as helpful from students themselves. Therefore, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the parenting practices perceived by undergraduate students to have assisted in their academic success. This research explored how undergraduate students explain parenting practices perceived to have assisted in their academic success, how they describe the communication with their parents that assisted in …

Understanding The Relationship Between Teacher Turnover And Student Success Across Ethno-Racial And Socioeconomic Demographics: An Analysis Of Massachusetts Public Schools, Jenna O'Leary

Master's Theses

Teacher turnover in the U.S. has risen over the past decades. Urban districts have faced some of the highest rates of turnover amongst their staff. However, scholars still debate the impacts of teacher turnover on student academic success. This study aims to better understand this relationship across both ethno-racial and socioeconomic student demographics, as well as school region type. To accomplish this, student test scores, across demographics, on the Next Generation MCAS state standardized test are observed in relation to teacher retention across three year cycles (2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019). Using correlation analysis and t-tests, it is found that there is …

Understanding Political Rigidity: Exploring The Epistemic Underpinnings Of Political Ideology, Chad Mitchel Osteen

Dissertations

The ideology as motivated social cognition model conceptualizes conservatism in terms of two unique constructs: political conservatism and psychological conservatism. The former pertains to a predisposition to specific ideological beliefs (e.g., resistance to change), while the latter pertains to the psychological traits that are associated with particular ideologies (e.g., negativity bias). Experimental research demonstrates the mechanistic relationship of epistemic motivations and emergent political behavior. Much of the evidence lies in explicitly ideological outcomes. The current proposal seeks to test the fundamental assumption in this body of work. This is the assumption that increased epistemic motivation should lead to a preference …

Meals For All: An Examination Of The Effects Of Free School Meals On Middle Class Households, Ryan Elizabeth Comerford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Universal meal programs were created to mitigate childhood food insecurity in low-income communities. It is well known that poverty and food insecurity go hand-in-hand and are often the basis for much academic research within the realm of childhood food insecurity. This study investigates the impact of universal meal programs on food insecurity from a different perspective, that of the middle class. As an under-researched area, the hope is to draw attention to the needs of communities that are often forgotten and may not qualify for social programs, in an effort to reform existing federal policy regarding Universal Meal programs. Utilizing …

Evidence-Based Practices For Military-Connected Students With Disruptive Behaviors Receiving Response To Intervention/Section 504 Services: School Counselors' Attitudes And Theoretical Orientation, Eddie Benitez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This cross-sectional quantitative study compares primary and secondary counselors’ attitudes and theoretical orientation for evidence-based practices for military-connected students with disruptive behaviors receiving Response to Intervention and Section 504 services in Texas. This study is paramount for military-connected students with disruptive behaviors in closing gaps in academic performance, social-emotional skills, social justice, and multiculturalism in education. Military-connected students with disruptive behaviors confront the risk of not receiving evidence-based interventions through school services due to school counselors’ practices and theoretical approach. The researcher used a quantitative cross-sectional method and three analyses: Pearson r correlation, Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), ANOVA, and …

A Missed Opportunity: The Relationship Between Language, Cognition, And Poverty In Early Childhood Among Bilingual Children, Saskia Barboza

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Human development is a continuous process with critical periods, and early childhood is part of that process, with internal changes prompted by external factors. An essential part of human development is language acquisition and cognitive skills which are shaped by heredity, brain structure, personal differences, social interaction, and socioeconomic background. In recent decades the exposure to multiple languages at home has been growing, causing differences between the language status (bilingual or monolingual) and the executive functions of developing children. Some previous studies have pointed out cognitive differences in bilingual children, while others have not. The present study observed three variables …

Self-Estimated Personal Intelligence— 16-Item (Sepi-16) Manual (2nd Edition, Extended Version), John D. Mayer, A. T. Panter, David R. Caruso

UNH Personality Lab

No abstract provided.

Promoting Organic Seed Systems: Directions For Extension Programming In Northeast Seed Systems, Megnot Mulugeta, Daniel Tobin, Carina V. Isbell

The Journal of Extension

Despite the importance of seed availability to food and agriculture, seed systems have received scant attention within Extension research and practice. To address this gap, we designed a participatory needs assessment revolving around the 2021 Northeast Organic Seed Conference to assess individuals’ experiences within Northeastern organic seed systems and their opinions concerning their resource access, challenges, and sense of empowerment. Based on a post-conference survey, our findings suggest that Extension’s future efforts should focus on facilitating partnerships between and among community-based/non-profit seed groups, at-home gardeners, seed companies, university researchers, and legal scholars to promote equity and inclusion.

Collaborations Across Our Land Grant System: 1862 Extension Educators’ Experiences Working With 1994 Tribal Colleges And Universities, Katherine Hartmann

The Journal of Extension

The goal of equitable access to education was at the forefront of the Morrill Acts’ mission from the beginning, yet Extension programs in Indigenous communities are underfunded and unable to provide equitable support. Educators from 1862 Land Grant Institutions can collaborate with educators from 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities to better serve them in culturally revitalizing and mutually beneficial ways. In order to support and encourage these collaborations, I investigated the Western Region of Extension to learn about the characteristics that make them successful, the barriers that they face, and recommendations for decolonizing the Land Grant System.

Extension Mentors: What They Do And What They Need, Amy Harder, Karlibeth Leitheiser, Olivia Caillouet

The Journal of Extension

Extension mentors are charged with guiding early-career agents in many states, but little is known about what they do and how it compares to best practices. The purpose of our study was to identify the behaviors and needs of UF/IFAS Extension agents serving as mentors. We used an online survey of active mentors to collect data about their self-perceptions of their mentor functions, communication with their protégés, and the types of desired support. Mentors felt they were performing role modeling and career development functions more than psychosocial support functions. More comprehensive professional development is recommended to improve mentoring quality.

The Recreational Ice Fishing And Ancillary Retail Communities On A Northern Latitude Lake: Yet-To-Be-Served Extension Audiences?, Mark Malchoff, Nate Trachte, Kristine Stepenuck

The Journal of Extension

Ice fishing communities appear to be poorly described in Sea Grant Extension programming and planning documents. An intercept survey (N=52) of L. Champlain anglers revealed a broad age range and decades of participation. Opinions about spatial and temporal declines in ice cover were unrelated to state residency or age. Anglers expressing agreement with perceived declines in ice cover reported reductions in avidity and choice of fishing locations, while indicating little impact on species preference or fishing methods. Programming ideas to support this audience include distribution of economic data, ice forecasting, contaminant advisories for subsistence anglers, invasive species, and biodiversity conservation …

Development Of A Serious Game As A Natural Hazard Planning Decision Support Tool, Jody A. Thompson

The Journal of Extension

As coastal populations grow, so does the exposure to natural hazards such as hurricanes and flooding, creating the potential for increased social and economic disasters. The literature indicates coastal residents remain complacent when planning before, during, and after an event. There is a growing successful use of serious games in natural resources planning, and a growth in the use of digital and electronic games. We developed the serious digital game Plan for It! in response to identified needs and to capitalize on the public’s familiarity with gamification and digital gaming.

Assessing Extension Educators' Motivation For Program Evaluation Using Self Determination Theory, Adeola C. Ogunade, Megan Kruger, Oluwafunke Abeleje

The Journal of Extension

Studies have shown the importance of program evaluation in Extension and its value in communicating Extension program successes. This current study was conducted to assess Extension educators’ motivation toward program evaluation using the self-determination theory. Respondents perceived that they were not competent enough to engage in program evaluation but greatly valued program evaluation. Further analysis of our theory-informed survey data revealed that perceived competence and value positively predicted interest in program evaluation. Our findings contribute to Extension professional development discourse.

Counselor Educators' Acceptance Of Immersive And Interactive Virtual Reality As A Pedagogical Tool, Melissa A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores the acceptance of immersive and interactive virtual reality (IIVR) among counselor educators in higher education. It aims to identify the factors influencing their intentions to use IIVR as a teaching tool by examining relationships between various predictors and behavioral intention. This representative survey reveals significant positive correlations between behavioral intention and performance expectancy (r =.56), effort expectancy (r = .40), and social influence (r = .55), confirming that these predictive factors play a vital role in IIVR acceptance. Additional analyses indicate that age and gender do not significantly moderate these relationships, suggesting a universal inclination toward adopting …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Substance Abuse Treatment Within The Illinois Prison System And Its Effect On Recidivism, Maria Dimeglio

Master's Theses

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two specific substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs within the Illinois State prison system between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015. This study utilizes a quasi-experimental research design to evaluate the corrections-based Therapeutic Community (TC) programs at the Sheridan and Southwestern Illinois Correctional Centers. These programs are evaluated based on the effects they have on reoffending, specifically highlighting their effect on young individuals. The final sample used in the present study was taken from a population of 72,906 men released from the Illinois state prison system between July 1, 2010, …

The Evolution Of Body Posture In The Sagittal Plane In The Sensitive Growth Period Of Children And Adolescents Undergoing Individual Scoliosis Therapy: A Pilot Study, Barbara Rosołek, Katarzyna Smółka, Diana Celebańska, Monika Szarajew, Anna Zwierzchowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The shape of the spine in the sagittal plane undergoes evolution, which occurs specifically in children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). The aim of the study was to verify the variability of body features and indicators in relation to the features and parameters of body posture in children and adolescents with IS. Materials and Methods: 61 measurements of children and adolescents (three age groups) with IS were collected. Body height, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, scoliosis major curve angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, spine length, and pelvic tilt were measured. BMI and WHtR were calculated. …

Dod’S Need For A Transportable Energy Solution: The Promise Of Nuclear Power, Aaron Horwood, Juan Vitali, Ruddie Ibanez, Travis Knight

Joint Force Quarterly

Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Federal Government’s use of diesel generators exposed the limitations of renewable energy for large-scale operational needs of the Department of Defense (DoD). Solar and wind are impractical and costly for such demands, and green and synthetic fuels face significant supply chain challenges unless produced on-site. Transportable nuclear reactors, proven effective by the Navy, can produce large quantities of synthetic fuel and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains. Expanding the DoD’s nuclear capabilities offers reliable, transportable energy, enhancing military logistics, reducing costs, and supporting emissions reduction efforts.

Supporting People With Policy And Platforms: The Key To Acquisition Reform, Matthew B. Cook

Joint Force Quarterly

In the evolving landscape of AI and dual-use technologies, the DoD faces challenges in managing intellectual property (IP) and adapting acquisition strategies. Ellen Lord’s Software Acquisition Pathway highlights how commercial practices can advance DoD strategies through iterative development and collaboration. Flexible funding supports dynamic software projects. Training improvements aim to enhance skills with a focus on hands-on learning. The Senior Service College Fellowship (SSCF) and Acquisition Instructor Course offer immersive training for leaders at different career stages. Internationally, the UK’S 2009 Gray Report emphasizes significant investments in acquisition training. To respond effectively to evolving threats, the DoD must reform acquisition …

Implementing The Chairman’S Guidance On Experiential Learning In Pme Classrooms, Justin Anderson, Paige P. Price

Joint Force Quarterly

Professional Military Education (PME) faces the challenge of teaching timeless military strategy principles while addressing contemporary strategic needs. To address this, the article proposes a three-part simulated negotiation exercise, to be completed over two class sessions, focusing on trilateral nuclear arms control talks involving the United States, China, and Russia. Students are pre-assigned to delegations, provided with strategic readings, and instructed on their state’s negotiation goals. This simulation enhances understanding of major power competition, strategic communication, and international diplomacy, providing hands-on experience in balancing national priorities within a competitive geopolitical environment.

2040 Vision: Designing Uk Defence For Advantage In A Competitive Age, Peter Rowell, Joe Fossey

Joint Force Quarterly

Concepts are not the whole answer. But they are the first essential step to identify the characteristics and interrelationships of our complex challenges and illuminate options more clearly. They help us think all the way around the problem. Concepts embody the important creative and clear thinking that is necessary before tough choices (and sometimes compromises) are made. The plans of action must be developed and implemented swiftly thereafter. The Five Eyes’ involvement in the Globally Integrated Wargame (GIWG) series has opened a network of partnerships that encourages us to ask better and more challenging questions. Some of the most helpful …

Breaking The Shield: Countering Drone Defenses, Zachary Kallenborn, Marcel Plichta

Joint Force Quarterly

The article begins with an overview of drone defenses, with an emphasis on how they operate, and the trade-offs involved. The article then looks at countermeasures to drone defenses, surveying 11 different approaches to breaking the drone shield. The emphasis is on an overview to understand the scope of the possibilities and the potential trade-offs associated with each approach. Countering drone defenses depends entirely on which ones are employed and prove most effective, so the value of specific counter-countermeasures will change over time. We next present policy recommendations that emphasize understanding adversary drone defenses; developing, assessing, and fielding counter-countermeasure approaches …

Accelerating Transition Of Biotechnology Products For Military Supply Chains, Henry S. Gibbons, Anna M. Crumbley

Joint Force Quarterly

The limited repertoire of the biomanufacturing industry in the 20th century pales in comparison to today’s biotechnology industry, in which advancements in the fields of synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and robotics have resulted in the rapid expansion of small-scale production capabilities and the development of corresponding high-throughput experimentation platforms that accommodate both generation and downstream processing of biologically derived materials and are poised to revolutionize the way civilian and military sectors produce materials.

Joint Force Quarterly, Issue 113, 2nd Quarter 2024, National Defense University Press

Joint Force Quarterly

JFQ is certainly the Chairman’s journal, but it exists solely to give voice to you and your ideas on the joint force, jointness in general, and how best to fight and win our Nation’s wars and secure the peace. For over 30 years, the best and brightest among us have sustained the dialogue within these pages, whether physical or virtual. Help us continue this great tradition by sending us your articles and adding to the growing body of knowledge that is Joint Force Quarterly.

Evaluating The Accessibility And Usability Of Electronic Resources In Mizoram University Central Library: A User’S Perspective, Anudha Lepcha, Abhishek Rai, Manendra Kumar Singh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

No abstract provided.

"Study, Not Doctrine: Prioritizing History In Jpme, Thomas M. Duffy

Joint Force Quarterly

The article explores the unpredictable and uncertain nature of war, arguing that understanding war requires a descriptive rather than a predictive approach. Strategic forecasting often fails, and the true nature of war is often only clear in hindsight. By examining historical conflicts, we can anticipate challenges in future conflicts. The article seeks to determine the best way to study war to enhance the strategic judgment of future leaders. It emphasizes the importance of a long-term perspective, focusing on the constantly changing character of war rather than the unchanging nature. A history-led approach can create a foundation for future military strategies.

Getting The Best Out Of Joint Warfighter Development, Charles Davis, Jeffrey Turner, Mary Bell

Joint Force Quarterly

The article explores whether the Department of Defense (DoD) is producing optimal joint warfighters for U.S. military operations. Joint warfighting, crucial for conducting effective joint operations, requires leaders with a joint mindset. The development of skilled joint warfighters hinges on three key elements: balanced Service representation, experienced faculty, and a rigorous curriculum. The Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) at the National Defense University exemplifies this integration, emphasizing proportional Service representation, faculty with extensive joint experience, and practical exercises to foster collaboration and interdependence. The article stresses the increasing need for joint warfighters capable of planning and executing complex, multidomain operations.

Taking Cues From Complexity: How Complex Adaptive Systems Prepare For All-Domain Operations, Benjamin Selzer

Joint Force Quarterly

How can a complex adaptive systems (CAS) model guide a Service when facing future challenges at the individual and Service/institutional levels? This article provides recommendations on how to address these challenges taken from the study of CAS. These studies can inform efforts to develop doctrine, education, training, planning, and eventual implementation of joint all-domain operations (JADO) doctrine.

Book Review: Age Of Danger: Keeping America Safe In An Era Of New Superpowers, New Weapons, And New Threats, John A. Nagl

Parameters Bookshelf – Online Book Reviews

Authors: Andrew Hoehn and Thom Shanker

Reviewed by Dr. John A. Nagl, professor of warfighting studies, Department of Military Strategy, Planning, and Operations, US Army War College

Dr. John A. Nagl overviews Andrew Hoehn and Thom Shanker’s contributions with their recent book, Age of Danger, which is “well worth readers’ attention.” Nagl describes Hoehn and Shanker’s emphasis on the importance and relationship between the US intelligence community and the US Department of Defense. His review also focuses on the US relationship with China and Russia, the latter of which is featured as “[t]he acute threat” in what Nagl calls …