VIEW ALL ITEMS

Title: Arthur Penn and the doors of Avalon.
Author: Andrews, Zoe
Abstract/Description: Fifteen-year-old Arthur Penn has had a rough week. Not only has her ghostly companion, Merlin, been disappearing and keeping more secrets than before, but the girl Arthur saved over the winter holiday from a dangerous encounter has attempted to take her own life. Unable to ignore her own guilt and sense of responsibility towards the girl, Mel-Rose, Arthur decides to visit her in the hospital, even if Mel-Rose can't respond. Only moments after arriving, a sudden blackout at the hospital is the...
Show moreFifteen-year-old Arthur Penn has had a rough week. Not only has her ghostly companion, Merlin, been disappearing and keeping more secrets than before, but the girl Arthur saved over the winter holiday from a dangerous encounter has attempted to take her own life. Unable to ignore her own guilt and sense of responsibility towards the girl, Mel-Rose, Arthur decides to visit her in the hospital, even if Mel-Rose can't respond. Only moments after arriving, a sudden blackout at the hospital is the perfect cover for a newly awoken Mel-Rose to lead Arthur to the hospital's basement. Arthur follows, only to discover that not only has Merlin possessed MelRose's body, but that something called a breach has opened in the hospital's basement, and Merlin needs Arthur's help fighting off the gremlins and plants which have appeared in order to close it. When all is said and done, Merlin finally explains what is going on to Arthur. Not only is she the reincarnation of the fabled King Arthur, but it is up to her and Merlin to shut the doors of Avalon before more magic spills into the world, polluting and mutating the world as they know it.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019, 2019
Identifier: 1152882631, WFE0000687
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessing multiple placement methods for college mathematics at a two-year college.
Author: Weirick, Chad William
Abstract/Description: Students who attend two-year institutions are not always academically prepared for the level of work that is required to be successful. Two-year institutions determine students' readiness for college-level mathematics courses using one of three placement methods. However, few empirical studies have investigated which placement methods are most effective in predicting academic success. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the placement methods that best predict student...
Show moreStudents who attend two-year institutions are not always academically prepared for the level of work that is required to be successful. Two-year institutions determine students' readiness for college-level mathematics courses using one of three placement methods. However, few empirical studies have investigated which placement methods are most effective in predicting academic success. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the placement methods that best predict student success in college-level mathematics courses at a two-year college located in the midwestern United States. Through binary logistic regression, data obtained from the academic records of 1,330 students from a Midwestern U. S. two-year institution revealed a positive statistically significant relationship between placement methods and students' academic success. Students placed using ACT/SAT mathematics score or ACCUPLACER methods, respectively, were 1.85 (p < .05) and 3.91 (p < .001) times less likely to pass their college mathematics course compared to those students who were placed using high school grade point average (GPA). Students who took pre-calculus were 1.66 times more likely to pass than students who took statistics (p < .05) after controlling for the sociodemographic and placement type variables in the model. Age had a positive relationship with passing (OR = 1.05, p < .01). Full-time students were 1.50 times less likely than part-time students to pass (p < .05). Pell Grant eligible students were 1.57 times less likely than non-Pell Grant eligible participants to pass (p < .05). Placing students using high school GPA may improve success in college-level mathematics courses. Higher education policymakers should consider the use of high school GPA as the central method to place students into these courses.
Show less
Identifier: 1130062385, WFE0000680
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Attitudes about menstruation: a qualitative study of implicit and explicit attitudes.
Author: Baldwin, Kaitlyn
Abstract/Description: Studies have been conducted to understand menstrual stigma, supporting the hypothesis that women internalize stigma and feel required to modify their behaviors to adapt to societal rules surrounding menstruation. Conflicting results have been reported regarding current attitudes toward menstruation, with some reporting that the stigma is still prevalent, while others have found no evidence of stigma. The purpose of the current research is to expand on these studies, further exploring the...
Show moreStudies have been conducted to understand menstrual stigma, supporting the hypothesis that women internalize stigma and feel required to modify their behaviors to adapt to societal rules surrounding menstruation. Conflicting results have been reported regarding current attitudes toward menstruation, with some reporting that the stigma is still prevalent, while others have found no evidence of stigma. The purpose of the current research is to expand on these studies, further exploring the prevalence of and reasons for menstruation stigma and to explore individual perceptions surrounding the discussion of women's menstrual cycles in college women and men. In a pilot study (Study 1) we found that, on a 7-point Likert scale, women and men self-report neutral to slightly positive attitudes toward menstruation, averaging slightly positive. In contrast, 87.7% of women and 76.9% of men have witnessed menstruation related bullying, and 52.3% of women have personally experienced it. These findings expose a discrepancy between experienced menstruation stigma and expected biases. As such, we modified our previous survey with more direct questions to better reveal the true attitudes of college students. The modified survey (Study 2) included questions regarding perceived stigma, internalized stigma, experienced stigma, and menstruation related stereotypes and an Implicit Association Task (IAT) to measure internalized menstruation stigma. We expected that Study 2 would replicate previous results regarding societal perceptions of menstrual stigma and personal attitudes toward menstruation trending positively. In addition, we expect to find that the IAT reveals participants to hold implicit negative associations about menstruation.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020
Identifier: 1151766549, WFE0000684
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Bringing books back: A pedagogical inquiry into the bookclub classroom.
Author: Pugh, Kylie Ann
Abstract/Description: This project proposes book club pedagogy as a framework for altering traditional curricular design and attending to a more egalitarian style classroom. In these settings, students engage with writing that pushes beyond their comfort zone and allows them to see different perspectives, giving them skills to engage in culturally diverse environments. Participation in Book club classrooms enable "critical literacy," which creates student access points to participate and engage with texts and...
Show moreThis project proposes book club pedagogy as a framework for altering traditional curricular design and attending to a more egalitarian style classroom. In these settings, students engage with writing that pushes beyond their comfort zone and allows them to see different perspectives, giving them skills to engage in culturally diverse environments. Participation in Book club classrooms enable "critical literacy," which creates student access points to participate and engage with texts and societal issues that are "interpreted through personal and cultural realities" (Freire & Macedo, 1987; Wood & Jocius, 2013). When utilizing personal experiences and interpretations of texts through various lenses, students participate in conversations regarding disabilities, stereotypes, and social action, and they evaluate their own experiences through reflective writing processes. In addition to affording students with opportunities to utilize their critical thinking skills, book club pedagogy is often conducted in a classroom setting crafted to provide flexible, open spaces rather than orderly rows of desks. To maintain an egalitarian environment, students take turns moderating the class discussion, enabling leadership experience to transfer from student to student. Book club pedagogies encourage students to engage in multimodal ventures when responding to complex texts, either through drawings, videos, blog posts, posters, or interactive games.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 1152896114, WFE0000696
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Challenge-hindrance stressor framework and work-family outcomes: the moderating effects of individual learning goal orientation.
Author: Cremeans, Danielle Nicole
Abstract/Description: The challenge-hindrance stressor framework focuses on individuals' appraisal of stressors as challenging or hindering. Most literature focuses on applying the challengehindrance stressor framework to performance outcomes. In contrast, the current study applies the framework to work-family outcomes while also examining the potential moderating effects of individual learning goal orientation (LGO). Ninety-seven participants completed online surveys through Amazon's MTurk. Analyses revealed a...
Show moreThe challenge-hindrance stressor framework focuses on individuals' appraisal of stressors as challenging or hindering. Most literature focuses on applying the challengehindrance stressor framework to performance outcomes. In contrast, the current study applies the framework to work-family outcomes while also examining the potential moderating effects of individual learning goal orientation (LGO). Ninety-seven participants completed online surveys through Amazon's MTurk. Analyses revealed a positive relationship between challenge-related stressors and work-family conflict (WFC) as well as a positive relationship between hindrancerelated stressors and WFC. Furthermore, hindrance-related stressors and LGO interacted to predict WFC. The interaction indicated that the positive relationship between hindrance-related stressors and WFC was stronger at higher levels of LGO. Additionally, a positive relationship was found between LGO and labeling a higher number of ambiguous stressors as challengerelated. This study builds on prior literature by examining individual characteristics that may influence the effects of the challenge-hindrance stressor framework as well as identifying the importance of applying the framework to work-family outcomes. Future research calls for examining the influence of time in the challenge-hindrance stressor framework as well as examining the way individuals with low and high LGO cope differently with stressors and how coping strategies could influence work-family outcomes.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019, 2019
Identifier: 1152892851, WFE0000690
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of calpain activity in response to microplastic exposure in Donax variabilis.
Author: Schroeder, Hans Erik
Abstract/Description: Coquina clams (Donax variabilis) are small multicolored bivalve mollusks that inhabit the intertidal zones of various southeastern beaches along the eastern coast of the United States where they are in great abundance and an essential part of the beach ecosystem. Because they are filter-feeders that are exposed to environmental hazards, Donax variabilis populations are a sign of the beach's ecological health. Potentially, this mollusk may be effective as a "canary in a coal mine" if...
Show moreCoquina clams (Donax variabilis) are small multicolored bivalve mollusks that inhabit the intertidal zones of various southeastern beaches along the eastern coast of the United States where they are in great abundance and an essential part of the beach ecosystem. Because they are filter-feeders that are exposed to environmental hazards, Donax variabilis populations are a sign of the beach's ecological health. Potentially, this mollusk may be effective as a "canary in a coal mine" if biological changes are easily measurable that may be sensitive to important environmental changes. One such mechanism are the calpains. Calpains are Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases that are expressed in nearly all eukaryotes, but have rarely been studied in invertebrates like the Coquina clam. It is well established that calpains are essential to cellular homeostasis and have been implicated in a multitude of cellular functions, such as apoptosis and cellular stress. In recent years, microplastics, plastic particles that range in size but are less than 5mm, have become a serious hazard to the environment. Accumulation of microplastics have only recently been recognized to be harmful to marine organisms that ingest them and cause tissue damage on a cellular and subcellular level that may alter calpain activity. Although Coquina clams are in great abundance on the beaches and their ecological patterns have been studied thoroughly, the cellular and subcellular processes of the Coquina clam have not been studied extensively. Specifically, it is not understood how calpains function under normal conditions or how these molecules would be affected due to large ecological impacts in the form of contaminants like microplastics. It is our contention that Coquina clams can be used as a bioindicator of healthy beaches and aid in assessing the presence or absence of pollutants such as microplastics that can occur in the ecosystem, using cellular and subcellular processing by calpains as a measure.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019, 2019
Identifier: 1153167661, WFE0000699
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Connecting social studies and power: examining Fayette County's Freedom Village.
Author: Woods, John Edward II
Abstract/Description: Social studies educators often find that creating relevant lessons that will engage students both intellectually and personally is challenging (National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS], 2013; Yilmaz, 2007). By exploring the lived experiences, educators might better understand the nuances of the period being investigated that can benefit lesson plan development (Woods & Jans-Thomas, 2016; Yilmaz, 2007). Also, relevant lessons engage students through connections that could enhance...
Show moreSocial studies educators often find that creating relevant lessons that will engage students both intellectually and personally is challenging (National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS], 2013; Yilmaz, 2007). By exploring the lived experiences, educators might better understand the nuances of the period being investigated that can benefit lesson plan development (Woods & Jans-Thomas, 2016; Yilmaz, 2007). Also, relevant lessons engage students through connections that could enhance historical empathy (Perrotta, 2016; Yilmaz, 2007). To support lesson plan development, this phenomenological study identified connections between social studies and power that existed in Fayette County's Freedom Village. Therefore, this study served a twofold purpose: (a) to aid social studies educators in developing relevant lessons and (b) to enhance students' historical empathy. To accomplish the purpose, the following research question was answered: What connections exist between social studies and power that support lesson plan development and enhance historical empathy when examining the Fayette County Freedom Village? The NCSS College, Career, and Civic Life (NCSS C3) Framework and Foucault's (1994) philosophy of power provided the constructs for the conceptual framework. Historical research methods were employed to collect data, while content analysis was utilized to analyze data. The findings revealed that social studies and power connections exist when examining Freedom Village. For example, history, civics, economics, and geography were connected with Foucault's (1994) power strategy, while civics and geography were connected with power relations and freedom. With the findings, educators can develop relevant and engaging lessons associated with the Freedom Village and other historical events.
Show less
Identifier: 1130062504, WFE0000681
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effect of short term cross education training on contralateral shoulder strength.
Author: Neltner, Tyler Joseph
Abstract/Description: The ability to train unilaterally and experience contralateral strength gains, a phenomenon known as cross-education, has been well documented in the lower extremity. Additionally, short-term training of one to two weeks has shown neural adaptations in strength. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a short-term cross-education strength-training program on contralateral shoulder strength. Twenty-seven healthy college students (age: 21.37 ± 2.02 years; height: 167.85 ± 7.63cm;...
Show moreThe ability to train unilaterally and experience contralateral strength gains, a phenomenon known as cross-education, has been well documented in the lower extremity. Additionally, short-term training of one to two weeks has shown neural adaptations in strength. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a short-term cross-education strength-training program on contralateral shoulder strength. Twenty-seven healthy college students (age: 21.37 ± 2.02 years; height: 167.85 ± 7.63cm; mass: 74.42 ± 16.73kg) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n = 13) or control group (n = 14). Participants were tested at each of three speeds (60, 180, and 300d/s), completing six repetitions of shoulder internal/external rotation. The experimental group underwent right arm unilateral training two times a week for the next two weeks. No analysis could be done on 300d/s due to no load range data. Therefore, a 2x2x2x2 (time x arm x speed x group) ANOVA revealed no significant interactions by group; however, there were main effects of time and arm. Peak torque was significantly greater in the right arm and at 60d/s, and average power was significantly greater in the right arm and at 180d/s. Shortterm cross education training showed no increase in contralateral shoulder strength.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019, 2019
Identifier: 1152895676, WFE0000695
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of a nutritional education video game on high school students.
Author: Mitchell, Debra Lynn
Abstract/Description: The problem this study sought to address was to examine adolescent obesity and the need for effective school-based interventions. The purpose of this quantitative pre-experimental study was to examine the effects of a nutritional education video game, Alien Health, on ninth and 10th-grade students' mental imagery, emotional response, attention, and rational food beliefs in a high school nutrition class in the Southeastern United States. This study used the narrative transportation theory as...
Show moreThe problem this study sought to address was to examine adolescent obesity and the need for effective school-based interventions. The purpose of this quantitative pre-experimental study was to examine the effects of a nutritional education video game, Alien Health, on ninth and 10th-grade students' mental imagery, emotional response, attention, and rational food beliefs in a high school nutrition class in the Southeastern United States. This study used the narrative transportation theory as the theoretical framework (Gerrig, 1993; Green & Brock, 2000). The researcher used four paired samples t-test to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between pretest and posttest mean scores. The researcher conducted a bivariate Pearson correlation, or Pearson's r, to determine if a statistically significant correlation was present among mental imagery, emotional response, attention, and rational food beliefs. The analysis suggested a significant difference between mean scores for nutritional beliefs in ninth and 10th-grade students who played the Alien Health game. The results of the data analysis did not suggest a statistical difference between any of the other variables' mean scores. Analysis suggested a positive linear relationship between mental imagery and emotional response: r(62) = .574, p < .01, two-tailed. There was also a significant negative linear relationship between mental imagery and attention, r(62) = -.342, p < .01, as well as a significant negative linear relationship between emotional response and attention: r(62) = -.282, p < .01. Data analysis did not suggest a significant linear relationship between any of the transportation variables and rational food beliefs.
Show less
Identifier: 1129044607, WFE0000662
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of box height on drop jump performance.
Author: Addie, Cameron Douglas
Abstract/Description: Depth jumps (DJ) are commonly implemented in plyometric training programs in an attempt to enhance lower extremity jump performance. However, it is unknown how different box heights affect jump height (JH) and ground contact time (GCT). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess jump heights and ground contact time of depth jumps from various box heights. METHODS: Twenty college students who engaged in plyometric training (M = 13, F = 7; age: 22.80 ± 2.69 yr, height: 175.65 ± 11.81 cm,...
Show moreDepth jumps (DJ) are commonly implemented in plyometric training programs in an attempt to enhance lower extremity jump performance. However, it is unknown how different box heights affect jump height (JH) and ground contact time (GCT). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess jump heights and ground contact time of depth jumps from various box heights. METHODS: Twenty college students who engaged in plyometric training (M = 13, F = 7; age: 22.80 ± 2.69 yr, height: 175.65 ± 11.81 cm, mass: 78.32 ± 13.50 kg) performed DJs from 30 cm (DJ30), 45 cm (DJ45), 60 cm (DJ60), 76 cm (DJ76), and 91 cm (DJ91). A 16 camera Vicon system was used to track reflective markers bilaterally to calculate JH (ASIS, PSIS), while a Kistler force plate was used to record GCT. JH and GCT were compared using a 2x5 (sex x box height) repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There was no interaction but there was a main effect for sex where both JH (M>F) and GCT (F>M) showed a significant M bias. There was no box height main effect for JH DJ30 (.4934 ± .1126 m), DJ45 (.5003 ± .1134m), DJ60 (.4936 ± .1195 m), DJ76 (.4957 ± .1105 m), DJ91 (.4783 ± .1162 m) but there was for GCT where DJ30 (.3584 ± .0971 s), DJ45 (.3605 ± .10528 s) and DJ 60 (.3723 ± .1049) were not significantly different from each other but were all less than DJ76 (.3962 ± .1161) and DJ91 (.4209 ± .1154). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing box height beyond 60cm increased GCT but did not affect JH. Therefore, practitioners designing plyometric training programs that implement DJs in order to increase JH may stop at a box height of 60cm. This would keep GCT minimal which might play a role in other power and speed events.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 1145027700, WFE0000682
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of light and salinity on post-bleaching recovery in the jellyfish Cassiopea SP.
Author: Maloney, Megan Elizabeth
Abstract/Description: Cassiopea sp. was collected from the Florida Keys and used to study the effects of environmental conditions after a warming event to induce photobleaching. Jellyfish were bleached by elevating the temperature to 33 °C. Wet weight, bell diameter, pulse frequency, zooxanthellae, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid were measured in bleached and non-bleached individuals held under a salinity of 30 g kg-1, 35 g kg-1, and 40 g kg-1, and either full light exposure or partial shading after eight weeks....
Show moreCassiopea sp. was collected from the Florida Keys and used to study the effects of environmental conditions after a warming event to induce photobleaching. Jellyfish were bleached by elevating the temperature to 33 °C. Wet weight, bell diameter, pulse frequency, zooxanthellae, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid were measured in bleached and non-bleached individuals held under a salinity of 30 g kg-1, 35 g kg-1, and 40 g kg-1, and either full light exposure or partial shading after eight weeks. There were no statistical differences between any of the treatment means for bleaching, light, or salinity level; however, biological parameters indicated salinity could potentially cause a change in the physical and metabolic properties of the jellyfish. An initial sample indicated that Cassiopea sp. in this study may not have fully bleached at 33 °C; that outcome, together with the bleached group recovering to non-bleached levels, indicates Cassiopea sp. is resilient/resistant to some thermal increase.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019, 2019
Identifier: 1152895670, WFE0000693
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Environmental DNA detection of invasive lionfish in estuaries of the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Author: Brower, Amy L.
Abstract/Description: Invasive species are non-native species that pose a threat to current biodiversity, alter the community structure, and disrupt the ecosystem. Invasive species of high concern are in the genus Pterois, commonly known as lionfish. These species were introduced to the Western Atlantic Ocean and today can be found all throughout the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish have been recently observed in estuaries even though they are not traditionally euryhaline species. However, confirming presence of...
Show moreInvasive species are non-native species that pose a threat to current biodiversity, alter the community structure, and disrupt the ecosystem. Invasive species of high concern are in the genus Pterois, commonly known as lionfish. These species were introduced to the Western Atlantic Ocean and today can be found all throughout the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish have been recently observed in estuaries even though they are not traditionally euryhaline species. However, confirming presence of a particular fish in estuarine environments can be costly in terms of resources and can be difficult due to environmental conditions and fishing methods required. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of lionfish throughout river systems and estuarine environments of the Northern Gulf Coast using environmental DNA (eDNA). Six locations in the Northern Gulf of Mexico were sampled seasonally: The Mobile Delta, Escambia Bay, Blackwater Bay, Perdido Bay, Pensacola Bay and Perdido Key. Results show that lionfish were present in each of the sampled estuarine environments and river systems in the Northern Gulf of Mexico during the course of this study. This information can be used to aid in management techniques for estuaries that are home to commercially and ecologically important species.
Show less
Identifier: 1128883118, WFE0000648
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An examination of ethnocultural empathy in campus policing.
Author: Vaughn, Stefan Wayne
Abstract/Description: The quantitative study examined diversity training and police service differences on levels of ethnocultural empathy among Florida's public university campus police officers. Enrollment in Florida's public universities has increased markedly along all social, cultural, and racial lines during the last decade (State University System of Florida [SUS], 2017). As such, campus police officers must interact more routinely with members of various minority groups. Relationships between police...
Show moreThe quantitative study examined diversity training and police service differences on levels of ethnocultural empathy among Florida's public university campus police officers. Enrollment in Florida's public universities has increased markedly along all social, cultural, and racial lines during the last decade (State University System of Florida [SUS], 2017). As such, campus police officers must interact more routinely with members of various minority groups. Relationships between police officers and minority members have long been strained by a myriad of social, political, and economic issues (Clayton, 2018). As a result, campus police officers must maintain cultural competence to promote positive relationships within these diverse campus communities (Moule, 2012). The researcher used the model of ethnocultural empathy (MEE) as a conceptual lens to examine the topic (Wang et al., 2003), along with the Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy (SEE) to collect data relating to ethnocultural empathy levels (Wang et al., 2003) among a small sample (n = 37) of police officers from five public universities in Florida. Ethnocultural empathy is the model's singular concept. Statistical testing compared group differences using independent samples t-tests. The results identified a statistically significant difference relating to an ancillary factor but not in relation to diversity training or police service. The conclusions drawn from the study infer heightened supervisor interest in diversity training development, demographic underrepresentation in Florida's campus police departments, and the need to standardize diversity training curriculum for campus police officers in Florida. The study has implications for researchers, campus police administrators, police trainers, and campus stakeholders.
Show less
Identifier: 1130061083, WFE0000679
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining the educational philosophy of Henriette Delille: a case study.
Author: Powell, Charletha D'Lane
Abstract/Description: This dissertation explores Henriette Delille's educational philosophy that was developed during the antebellum era of New Orleans and her contributions to modern day education. The researcher investigated the pervasive culture of White privilege, which existed and denied the enslaved Black populace access to education. Within the literature, there was a lack of information examining the foundation of Delille's philosophy of education as a free Black woman in antebellum New Orleans. The...
Show moreThis dissertation explores Henriette Delille's educational philosophy that was developed during the antebellum era of New Orleans and her contributions to modern day education. The researcher investigated the pervasive culture of White privilege, which existed and denied the enslaved Black populace access to education. Within the literature, there was a lack of information examining the foundation of Delille's philosophy of education as a free Black woman in antebellum New Orleans. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the factors that influenced Henriette Delille's educational philosophy as well as her contributions to modern day education through the theoretical framework of W. E. B. DuBois' (1903) theory of double consciousness, which included the theoretical constructs of self-consciousness and racial identity. The researcher developed questions that addressed validity, value, and credibility as well as the depth and breadth of the research through the use of descriptive data. Historical and archival data became the voice of Henriette Delille because she is deceased. Major findings included emergent themes of racialization, political manipulation, religious influence, imperialism, and enslavement. The researcher concluded that race, religious influence, and the social strata of antebellum New Orleans guided Henriette Delille's philosophy of education. Implications of this research resulted in policies to address curriculum inequalities, racialization, and inclusive pedagogy. Future research will benefit from the examination of White privilege, disparities in the availability of quality education, and classroom segregation in modern day New Orleans' schools.
Show less
Identifier: 1129598851, WFE0000669
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring elementary student motivationlevels within gamified digital mathematics instructional programs.
Author: Hoover, Jennifer Lauren
Abstract/Description: Some approaches to teaching mathematics have led to decreased student motivation. Gamification is an application of game elements within nongame settings. While gamification may increase motivation in other contexts, its effective use in digital mathematics instruction to motivate elementary students is undetermined. Based on the constructs of self-determination theory (i.e., autonomy, relatedness/recognition, competence/self-efficacy), intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were the two...
Show moreSome approaches to teaching mathematics have led to decreased student motivation. Gamification is an application of game elements within nongame settings. While gamification may increase motivation in other contexts, its effective use in digital mathematics instruction to motivate elementary students is undetermined. Based on the constructs of self-determination theory (i.e., autonomy, relatedness/recognition, competence/self-efficacy), intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were the two determinants used to develop research questions and frame the study. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify how intrinsic and extrinsic motivators embedded within gamified digital mathematics instructional programs contribute to motivation levels of third- through fifth-grade students at an elementary school located in central Texas. A target research sample that consisted of 38 participants was identified which then produced a data producing sample of 20 participants. Semi-scripted phenomenological interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed by each research question to identify the degree to which gamified components, across nine different subtypes (interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, effort/importance, perceived choice, value/usefulness, intrinsic motivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, and identified regulation), impacted student motivation. This study concluded that students reported the highest motivation levels with a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic gamified motivators. Data suggested that a lack of autonomy established by mandatory participation in digital mathematics instructional programs positively impact motivation. Future research could address the impact of gamification upon levels of motivation by age or grade level and how levels of motivation change over time.
Show less
Identifier: 1129016349, WFE0000658
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring the use of The Big Bang Theory in ESL teaching.
Author: Cook, Stephen Todd
Abstract/Description: This qualitative case study investigated how adult ESL students in a postsecondary English for academic purposes (EAP) program in the Southwest region of the United States experienced The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) television sitcom as a source of humorous authentic teaching materials. Krashen's (1982) affective filter hypothesis served as the theoretical framework to explore 12 participants' experiences in terms of the affective factors of anxiety, self-confidence, and motivation. Corpus...
Show moreThis qualitative case study investigated how adult ESL students in a postsecondary English for academic purposes (EAP) program in the Southwest region of the United States experienced The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) television sitcom as a source of humorous authentic teaching materials. Krashen's (1982) affective filter hypothesis served as the theoretical framework to explore 12 participants' experiences in terms of the affective factors of anxiety, self-confidence, and motivation. Corpus linguistics analysis revealed that 3.96% of all words spoken on the pilot episode of TBBT occurred more frequently in the academic writing section of the Corpus of Contemporary American English database compared to only 0.25% on the words in the pilot episode of Modern Family. These findings suggested the potential suitability of TBBT for use in EAP contexts to expose students to target academic vocabulary and content in a low-filter environment. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and interview guides revealed that TBBT reduced students' affective filters due to its inclusion of humor, authentic language, different communication styles, and different personality types. In contrast, participants reported that TBBT could increase students' affective filters due the show's rapid speed of dialogue, inclusion of potentially inappropriate topics or humor, or its unfamiliar words and content. With proper excerpt selection and preparation, these findings suggested that TBBT could be used to reduce postsecondary EAP students' affective filters. Further research is needed to understand how the use of TBBT may influence learning outcomes in EAP contexts.
Show less
Identifier: 1128883774, WFE0000651
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Faculty acceptance of the peer assessment collaboration evaluation tool: a quantitative study.
Author: Podsiad, Megan Elizabeth
Abstract/Description: The problem this study sought to address was faculty reluctance to use new online peer-assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational factors that influence acceptance of the Peer Assessment Collaboration Evaluation (PACE) Tool among faculty employed at a mid-sized university in the Southeastern United States. This study used Davis's (1986) technology acceptance model (TAM) and motivational constructs "attitude toward using, perceived usefulness and perceived ease...
Show moreThe problem this study sought to address was faculty reluctance to use new online peer-assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational factors that influence acceptance of the Peer Assessment Collaboration Evaluation (PACE) Tool among faculty employed at a mid-sized university in the Southeastern United States. This study used Davis's (1986) technology acceptance model (TAM) and motivational constructs "attitude toward using, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use" (p. 44). The researcher used simple linear regression and standard multiple regression to determine if there was a significant relationship, if any, between the motivational constructs. The simple linear regression analyses indicated large, significant linear relationships for the following pairs of constructs: "attitude toward using and perceived usefulness" (Davis, 1986, p. 133) with R2 = .761, F(1, 49) = 156.043, p < .05, f2 = 3.18; "attitude toward using . . . and perceived ease of use" (Davis, 1986, p. 44) with R2 = .394, F(1, 50) = 32.479, p < .05, f2 = .65; and "perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use" (Davis, 1986, p. 24) with R2 = .544, F(1, 52) = 21.865, p < .05, f2 = .42. Additionally, the standard multiple regression found perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the PACE Tool to be predictors of attitude toward using the PACE Tool with R2 = .776, F(2, 48) = 83.130, p < .05. Cohen's f2 was 3.46 for this analysis, indicating a large effect size.
Show less
Identifier: 1129598261, WFE0000668
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Female experiences in math courses at a Florida college using stereotype threat.
Author: Calloway, Joc Thomas
Abstract/Description: In 2013, changes to Florida Statute ʹ 1008.30(3)(a) and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.0315 reduced the number of developmental courses required for students to complete before advancing to college-level coursework (Florida K-20 Education Code, 2018b). With these changes, eligible Florida college students have additional course options to consider when registering for college math courses. The researcher identified the underrepresentation of women in college math STEM courses and careers...
Show moreIn 2013, changes to Florida Statute ʹ 1008.30(3)(a) and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.0315 reduced the number of developmental courses required for students to complete before advancing to college-level coursework (Florida K-20 Education Code, 2018b). With these changes, eligible Florida college students have additional course options to consider when registering for college math courses. The researcher identified the underrepresentation of women in college math STEM courses and careers as the problem for this study. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of academically at-risk female students at a two-year Florida college, while the secondary study purpose was to explore the manner in which their experience in math courses might have influenced their career pathways. The researcher used stereotype threat theory as the theoretical framework to explore the perspectives and career pathways of participants. A qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to collect and analyze data from the study's participants. The researcher conducted interviews with 16 female college students that were part of the site institution's Student Support Services program. Findings were presented based on themes that emerged during the data analysis. Based on the findings, the researcher discovered themes of stereotype threat theory associated with historical gender oppression and contemporary societal viewpoints, the changing gender role in STEM fields, advising and math course selections, and the perseverance of women and college math courses. Future research may include analyzing the perseverance rate of female college students exposed to stereotype threat theory and research related to the role of women in STEM education.
Show less
Identifier: 1128883400, WFE0000650
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Gravestone choices: an examination and analysis of the gravestones of the Mare Island Naval Cemetery.
Author: Foster, Elaine F.
Abstract/Description: Gravestones from the Mare Island Naval Cemetery were recorded, compared, and analyzed for evidence of a connection between the choice of gravestone style, material, or location with five aspects of identity: age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. The cemetery is separated into six sections, labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F. Data on gravestone style, material, and location were collected during two public cultural resources surveys in collaboration with the City of Vallejo....
Show moreGravestones from the Mare Island Naval Cemetery were recorded, compared, and analyzed for evidence of a connection between the choice of gravestone style, material, or location with five aspects of identity: age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. The cemetery is separated into six sections, labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F. Data on gravestone style, material, and location were collected during two public cultural resources surveys in collaboration with the City of Vallejo. Historical research supplemented the data gathered on site. Data was gathered for all 903 gravestones within the cemetery. Analysis of these data included a spatial analysis of maps pertaining to the five aspects of identity and statistical analysis using chi-square and Cramer's V to determine the level of association between two variables. The spatial analysis indicates that individuals with a monthly income of $90.00 or more as well as individuals of a higher ranking occupation were located at the top of the hill in the cemetery in Section A and the top of Section C. Section A, at the top of the hill, also contained the most youth (age 17 and younger). These data suggest these areas were reserved for high ranking or upper-class individuals and their families. Statistical analysis indicated that none of the aspects of identity had a strong influence on the choice of gravestone material or style, which suggests an equality in death regarding style and material.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020, 2020
Identifier: 1202001630, WFE0000714
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Habitat use of seagrass-associated fauna in St. Joseph Bay.
Author: Czaja, Raymond Edward
Abstract/Description: Anthropogenic disturbances, such as habitat fragmentation, can disrupt seagrass microhabitat availability and increase the availability of seagrass bed edges. This research focused on microhabitat selection and substrate use of seagrass-associated invertebrates in St. Joseph Bay, Florida, emphasizing edge effects and habitat selection of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Monthly field surveys were conducted in Thalassia testudinum beds in St. Joseph Bay, Florida, in 2017 and 2018....
Show moreAnthropogenic disturbances, such as habitat fragmentation, can disrupt seagrass microhabitat availability and increase the availability of seagrass bed edges. This research focused on microhabitat selection and substrate use of seagrass-associated invertebrates in St. Joseph Bay, Florida, emphasizing edge effects and habitat selection of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Monthly field surveys were conducted in Thalassia testudinum beds in St. Joseph Bay, Florida, in 2017 and 2018. Microhabitat use pertained to edge effects and substrate use pertained to usage of pen shells, mussels, and seagrass by sea urchins. Settlement plates were deployed to analyze the importance of the semi-infaunal bivalve Atrina rigida (pen shells) for sessile invertebrates in seagrass habitat. Results show that L. variegatus prefers interior seagrass habitat compared to edge habitat, whereas other epibenthic macrofauna displayed mixed results for microhabitat selection. Sea urchins displayed a preference for Modiolus americanus mussel substrate. A sea urchin mortality event occurred during a cold spell. Results also suggest that sessile fauna utilize A. rigida as hard substrate due to a lack of alternative options. The results have implications for seagrass overgrazing events, seagrass-associated faunal responses to climate change, and habitat destruction.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019, 2019
Identifier: 1152893868, WFE0000691
Format: Document (PDF)

UWF Theses (19)	+ -
UWF Dissertations (15)	+ -
Kugelman Honors Program (8)	+ -

Thesis (27)	+ -
Dissertation (15)	+ -
Dissertations, Academic (15)	+ -
Education (5)	+ -
Departments (2)	+ -

Ecology (2)	+ -
Evaluation (2)	+ -
Kinesiology (2)	+ -
Mathematics (2)	+ -
Self-efficacy (2)	+ -
Teaching (2)	+ -
Universities and colleges (2)	+ -
Administration (1)	+ -
Agriculture (1)	+ -
Analysis (1)	+ -
Anxiety (1)	+ -
Biochemistry (1)	+ -
Biomechanics (1)	+ -
Book clubs (Discussion groups) (1)	+ -
Campus police (1)	+ -
Care and hygiene (1)	+ -
Caucuses (1)	+ -
Cemeteries (1)	+ -
College students (1)	+ -
Common Core State Standards (Education) (1)	+ -
Crime (1)	+ -
Criticism and interpretation (1)	+ -
Cultural pluralism (1)	+ -
Developmental biology (1)	+ -

Florida (6)	+ -
Escambia County (1)	+ -
Escambia County (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Fayette County (Ala.) (1)	+ -
Louisiana (1)	+ -

New Orleans (1)	+ -
New Orleans (La.) (1)	+ -
Pensacola (1)	+ -
Pensacola (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Pensacola Bay (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Saint Joseph Bay (1)	+ -
Saint Joseph Bay (Fla.) (1)	+ -
United States (1)	+ -

uwf.digital.flvc.org

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Title as Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Name

Format

Owner