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Title: Evaluating Moral Distress, Moral Distress Residue and Moral Courage in Oncology Nurses.
Creator: Melhado, Lolita, Chase, Susan, Conner, Norma, Loerzel, Victoria, Uddin, Nizam, Haley, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Purpose: To examine relationships between moral distress, moral distress residue, and moral courage and to determine which nurse characteristics are predictive of moral distress and moral courage.Methods: The study used a mixed methods cross-sectional correlation design and qualitative content analysis to investigate oncology nurses' characteristics and relationships between moral distress, moral distress residue, and moral courage. A convenience sample of 187 oncology nurses working in...
Show morePurpose: To examine relationships between moral distress, moral distress residue, and moral courage and to determine which nurse characteristics are predictive of moral distress and moral courage.Methods: The study used a mixed methods cross-sectional correlation design and qualitative content analysis to investigate oncology nurses' characteristics and relationships between moral distress, moral distress residue, and moral courage. A convenience sample of 187 oncology nurses working in inpatient and outpatient settings was recruited through the national Oncology Nursing Society in the Southeastern United States. Hamric's 21-item Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R) and Sekerka et al. 15-item Professional Moral Courage Scale (PMCS) supplemented with written examples of moral courage were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t test, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regressions analyses were used to evaluate data.Findings: MDS-R scores were not predictive of PMCS scores. No statistically significant differences were found between nurses' characteristics (age, education level, certification, ELNEC training) and MDS-R. Though nurses with BSN had higher Moral Distress scores compared with other levels of education, none were predictors of MDS-R. ANOVA results indicate a marginal but not significant difference of the MDS-R score among the nurses with different basic ethics education (p = .067). Nurses working in adult inpatient settings had significantly higher MDS-R than those in outpatient settings. Nurses who had moral distress residue by virtue of leaving a previous job (26%) and those who considered leaving (28%) reported statistically significantly higher mean Moral Distress levels than those who had not considered leaving. Nurses (17%) currently considering leaving their jobs due to the way patient care was handled at their institutions had the highest Moral Distress mean scores and the lowest Professional Moral Courage scores. Work setting and having left a previous job were weak predictors of MDS-R, accounting for 11.6% of the moral distress score variance (p = .013) compared with 4.4% when work setting was a single predictor (p = .014). Total years' oncology experience was a weak predictor of PMCS, accounting for 2.5% or an inconsequential amount of the variance (p = .043). Moral courage was displayed in major areas of supporting the patient, risk taking, advocacy, enlarging the circle for decision-making, putting aside personal beliefs, respecting patient autonomy, empowering the patient, fighting for the patient in face of consequences in a complex system, sharing information, getting to the meaning, handling tricky situations, protecting the patient and truth-telling.Discussion/Implication: Despite experiencing levels of moral distress, oncology nurses demonstrate support and respect for patients' decision-making and autonomy. Ethics education derived from clinical practice can provide an opportunity for open discussion for nurses to create and maintain morally acceptable work environments that enable them to be morally courageous. This research underscores the presence of moral distress and moral distress residue among oncology nurses and the importance of finding ways to lessen moral distress and strengthen moral courage in nurses.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006142, ucf:51175
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006142

Title: A NEW THEORY AND MEASURE OF ETHICAL WORK CLIMATE: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROCESS MODEL (PPM) AND THE ETHICAL CLIMATE INDEX (ECI).
Creator: Arnaud, Anke, Schminke, Marshall, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACT With this dissertation I developed a new theory and measure of ethical work climate (EWC). Currently, there exists one dominant theory and measure of EWC developed by Victor and Cullen (1988, 1987). Even though researchers have identified problems with this theory, such as inconsistencies with regard to its limited theoretical scope and troubling psychometric properties, it is the most widely utilized framework for conceptualizing and testing EWC. Therefore, I propose to develop an...
Show moreABSTRACT With this dissertation I developed a new theory and measure of ethical work climate (EWC). Currently, there exists one dominant theory and measure of EWC developed by Victor and Cullen (1988, 1987). Even though researchers have identified problems with this theory, such as inconsistencies with regard to its limited theoretical scope and troubling psychometric properties, it is the most widely utilized framework for conceptualizing and testing EWC. Therefore, I propose to develop an improved theory and measure of EWC, one capable of addressing some of the principle shortcomings of earlier efforts. Building on Rest's (1986, 1979) "Four-Component" model of individual-level ethical decision-making and behavior, I specify four dimensions of EWC necessary for the emergence of ethical behavior: collective moral sensitivity, collective moral judgment, collective moral motivation, and collective moral character. I developed a multidimensional instrument capable of capturing each of these dimensions at the climate level. I anticipate that this theory and instrument will allow researchers to understand EWCs and their impact on attitudes and behaviors more effectively than previous approaches. Chapter 1 reviews the organizational climate and culture literatures, so as to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organizational climate construct in general and how it differs from organizational culture in particular. Chapter 2 includes a review and evaluation the EWC literature. This helped to identify opportunities and suggestions for a new theory and measure of EWC. Chapter 3 describes the development of the new theory of EWCs, the Psychological Process Model, with propositions for future research. Chapter 4 informs about the development of the Ethical Climate Index, the measure used to assess the new theory of EWCs. It describes 3 studies that were used to construct the Ethical Climate Index to measure the ethical work climate dimensions of collective moral sensitivity (12-items), collective moral judgment (10-items), collective moral motivation (8-items), and collective moral character (6-items). Study 1 and 2 resulted in parsimonious and reliable scales for each one of the four dimensions. Results of the 3rd study support convergent and discriminant validity for each one of the scales and suggest that the ECI is a valid and reliable predictor of ethical and unethical behavior. Implications and suggestions for the use of this measure in future research is discussed.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000918, ucf:46740
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000918

Title: MORAL COGNITION IN CHILDREN: AN EXAMINATION OF THE POSSIBLE IMPACT OF SCHOOL DIDACTIC PHILOSOPHIES.
Creator: Shah, Smit, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects that Montessori and public school environments have on the moral cognition of children and to assess the differences using modified moral dilemma stories. Through the analysis of these children's responses on moral dilemma stories this thesis reveals that there are stark and statistically significant differences in the children's responses on two of the three stories. The Montessori children scored higher on the morality level and the...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects that Montessori and public school environments have on the moral cognition of children and to assess the differences using modified moral dilemma stories. Through the analysis of these children's responses on moral dilemma stories this thesis reveals that there are stark and statistically significant differences in the children's responses on two of the three stories. The Montessori children scored higher on the morality level and the answers reflected altruism over authority on story one and story three. Through these results the researcher surmised that school environment can have an impact on moral cognition of children and that further research needs to be done in this field.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0004075, ucf:44810
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004075

Title: THE IMPACT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION MODULES ON THE MORAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS.
Creator: Modell, Sandy, Stanlick, Nancy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Increased life expectancies and a significant reduction in the number of corporate pension plans nationwide have made the prospects of retirement a challenge for many of us. The burden of funding retirement will move from the corporation or government to the individual. Those individuals with limited financial experience will most likely need the guidance of a financial advisor. Can we trust and rely upon them? Following the 2004 late trading scandal and the 2008 financial meltdown, the...
Show moreIncreased life expectancies and a significant reduction in the number of corporate pension plans nationwide have made the prospects of retirement a challenge for many of us. The burden of funding retirement will move from the corporation or government to the individual. Those individuals with limited financial experience will most likely need the guidance of a financial advisor. Can we trust and rely upon them? Following the 2004 late trading scandal and the 2008 financial meltdown, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") implemented Continuing Education requirements at the advisor level. The intent was to improve the quality and integrity of advisors' interaction with clients. I have interviewed forty-one advisors at four separate financial services firms to examine the impact of this training on the moral obligations and responsibilities of financial advisors
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003907, ucf:48715
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003907

Title: PRESUPPOSITIONS IN MORAL EDUCATION DISCOURSE: DEVELOPING AN ANALYTIC FRAMEWORK AND APPLYING IT TO MORAL EDUCATION TRADITIONS.
Creator: Sciaino, Maria, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Moral education is ever more important in our schools today, but the various moral education traditions make it difficult to decide which tradition best serves our purpose and population. This dissertation develops and uses an original analytic framework to narrow the choices of moral education curricula. The analytic framework introduced presuppositions that expounded upon one's center of value or source of moral authority, the nature of people and their capacity for rational thought, the...
Show moreMoral education is ever more important in our schools today, but the various moral education traditions make it difficult to decide which tradition best serves our purpose and population. This dissertation develops and uses an original analytic framework to narrow the choices of moral education curricula. The analytic framework introduced presuppositions that expounded upon one's center of value or source of moral authority, the nature of people and their capacity for rational thought, the nature of society, the time orientation of tradition, and the resulting morality in action. The analytic framework was then applied to ten notable traditions: Catholic religious education, values clarification, Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental theory, five multicultural education traditions (Teaching the Exceptional and Culturally Different, Human Relations, Single-Group Studies, Multicultural Education, and Education that is Multicultural and Social Reconstructionist) reviewed by Sleeter & Grant, and Skinner's theory of behavior modification. This study presents the analytic framework in depth and offers a brief narrative of its application across traditions. The resulting synthesis offers a review of commonalities, differences, surprises, and finally, a proposal that an existing presupposition stands as the defining one in regard to differentiating among moral education traditions.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000405, ucf:46350
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000405

Title: AN EXAMINATION OF AN ANTECEDENT AND CONSEQUENCES OF SUPERVISOR MORALLY QUESTIONABLE EXPEDIENCY.
Creator: Greenbaum, Rebecca, Folger, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Supervisor morally questionable expediency occurs when subordinates perceive that their supervisors engage in morally questionable behavior to expedite their work for self-serving purposes (Greenbaum & Folger, 2008). A supervisor's preoccupation with the bottom-line (Greenbaum, 2007; Greenbaum & Folger, 2008; Wolfe, 1988) is examined as an antecedent of morally questionable expediency. It was hypothesized that subordinates experience deontic reactions (Folger, 2001) in the form of a moral...
Show moreSupervisor morally questionable expediency occurs when subordinates perceive that their supervisors engage in morally questionable behavior to expedite their work for self-serving purposes (Greenbaum & Folger, 2008). A supervisor's preoccupation with the bottom-line (Greenbaum, 2007; Greenbaum & Folger, 2008; Wolfe, 1988) is examined as an antecedent of morally questionable expediency. It was hypothesized that subordinates experience deontic reactions (Folger, 2001) in the form of a moral psychological contract violation. Consequently, subordinates were hypothesized to reduce performance, engage in antisocial behavior and supervisor-directed deviance. Survey data from 259 subordinate-supervisor dyads provided general support for this hypothesized model. However, post hoc analyses of alternative structural equation models suggest that a moral psychological contract violation may not always be the best explanation for why employees respond to supervisor morally questionable expediency by reducing performance and increasing antisocial and deviant behavior. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002619, ucf:48266
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002619

Title: TEACHING AS A MORAL ACT: SIMONE WEIL'S LIMINALITY AS AN ADDITION TO THE MORAL CONVERSATION IN EDUCATION.
Creator: Bowden, MaryZoe, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: We are facing a crisis in education: there is a vacuum where there once was an exhortation in terms of how teachers serve as moral models for their students. This reality becomes even more complex when the particular educator facing the dilemma has a specific religious perspective herself. The problem confronted in this philosophical study is how does today's educator, working in the public sector and having a particular religious background, best serve her students in her role as a moral...
Show moreWe are facing a crisis in education: there is a vacuum where there once was an exhortation in terms of how teachers serve as moral models for their students. This reality becomes even more complex when the particular educator facing the dilemma has a specific religious perspective herself. The problem confronted in this philosophical study is how does today's educator, working in the public sector and having a particular religious background, best serve her students in her role as a moral agent, given an environment that is either vacuous of or even hostile toward the moral vector implicit in education. The following questions are considered: 1) Does education today have a moral end? 2) What should that moral end be? 3) What should the educator's role be in said education? 4) Has education historically served as a moral endeavor? 5) And finally, how much should a teacher with a specific religious basis for her morals allow that to affect her role as moral agent in a secular setting? In order to respond to these questions, an historical review of how teachers were traditionally expected to serve as moral agents was undertaken, as were a review of contemporary research on moral education and a consideration of numerous philosophers' perspectives. Simone Weil, a French philosopher and teacher, is looked to as an example of a woman who lived her life with a core set of beliefs that led her to both push boundaries and yet remain in a liminal space that allowed her to remain open to others' values and needs. Weil's liminal approach to life is explored in combination with MacIntyre's call to found a morality on virtues based on a teleological view of man. Ultimately it is suggested that the educator with a deep sense of faith must both strive to function in the liminality Weil represented, and to root herself deeply in her own faith, from which she will gain the strength to live within the necessary tension evoked by teaching in a secular institution.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002898, ucf:48044
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002898

Title: The Moral Reasoning and Moral Decision Making of Urban High-Poverty Elementary School Principals in a Large Urban Southeastern School District.
Creator: Strenth, Robert, Murray, Barbara, Taylor, Rosemarye, Murray, Kenneth, Hayes, Burnice, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research was to identify the moral reasoning and moral judgment of elementary school principals who serve in high-poverty schools. The study was undertaken at the request of the client public school district who was attempting to identify characteristics of current elementary principals serving in high-poverty schools. Two research questions guided this study concerning the moral operational level of the principals. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to identify the moral reasoning and moral judgment of elementary school principals who serve in high-poverty schools. The study was undertaken at the request of the client public school district who was attempting to identify characteristics of current elementary principals serving in high-poverty schools. Two research questions guided this study concerning the moral operational level of the principals. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the work of Lawrence Kohlberg and his stages of moral development. Participating principals were administered the Defining Issues Test-2 (DIT-2), a pencil-paper questionnaire that presented five moral dilemmas and a series of statements asking for the participant to rank solutions to the dilemmas. The results indicated that the majority of participants operated from lower levels of moral development, reasoning, and judgment. Participants' scores were matched with their schools' performance grades. There was not an indication that high moral scores and high school performance were linked. This study confirmed the results of an early study conducted by Vitton and Wasonga (2009) and encourages a deeper examination of the results of accountability and principal decision making.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004943, ucf:49609
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004943

Title: The moral dilemma of nuclear weapons: Essays from Worldview, a journal of religion and international affairs.
Creator: Murray, John Courtney, Clancy, William
Date Issued: c1961
Identifier: 2683771, CFDT2683771, ucf:5140
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2683771

Title: Man and the atom.
Creator: Born, Max, Weisskopf, Victor E.
Date Issued: c1957
Identifier: 2683765, CFDT2683765, ucf:5137
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2683765

Title: VARIABLES INFLUENCING MISOGYNY.
Creator: McPherson, Rachel E, Modianos, Doan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Misogyny, a hatred against women, is an attitude that causes emotional distress and can negatively affect women's psychological and physical health. It has shown itself in extreme ways and can be crippling to women. Studies have shown that psychological distress is heightened when women are subjected to sexist events. Misogyny exists in the classroom, workplace, and politics, and is virtually inescapable from women. It is not uncommon for women in positions of power are often unjustly branded...
Show moreMisogyny, a hatred against women, is an attitude that causes emotional distress and can negatively affect women's psychological and physical health. It has shown itself in extreme ways and can be crippling to women. Studies have shown that psychological distress is heightened when women are subjected to sexist events. Misogyny exists in the classroom, workplace, and politics, and is virtually inescapable from women. It is not uncommon for women in positions of power are often unjustly branded with cruel epithets. Despite the modernity of today's culture, misogyny is still a prevalent issue. This study seeks to assess the underlying predictors that are related to misogyny. In order to identify these predictors, factors such as Big Five personality traits, spirituality, and moral reasoning will be examined. Factors such as demographics were also considered. Participants consisted of university students within a general psychology course who completed an online questionnaire for course credit. The study title was deceptive in order to obtain more accurate results. Results indicate that there is a relationship between misogyny and the predicted variables.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000343, ucf:45870
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000343

Title: A FAITH-BASED PROGRAM EVALUATION: MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF SEMINARY STUDENTS AT THE LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY.
Creator: Sabin, Bruce, Tubbs, LeVester, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this dissertation was to conduct an outcomes-based program evaluation for the Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) campus of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The study included one primary research question, with two subquestions. The primary research question asked to what extent students in the program developed moral judgment consistent with program goals of rehabilitating students and preparing them for effective ministry. The first subquestion asked whether...
Show moreThe purpose of this dissertation was to conduct an outcomes-based program evaluation for the Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) campus of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The study included one primary research question, with two subquestions. The primary research question asked to what extent students in the program developed moral judgment consistent with program goals of rehabilitating students and preparing them for effective ministry. The first subquestion asked whether statistically significant differences existed in the moral reasoning of students of different class years. The second subquestion asked whether statistically significant differences existed in the moral reasoning of students of different personality types. A cross-sectional study was conducted with students during the fall of 2005 using the Defining Issues Test 2 (DIT-2) and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) instruments. All 101 program students were invited to participate in the study. To provide a benchmark for student scores, 30 Seminary faculty members were asked to complete the DIT-2. The student response rates were 94% for the DIT-2 instrument and 97% for the MBTI instrument. The response rate for faculty was 20%. After removing two outliers from the freshmen class, statistically significant differences were found in the principled moral reasoning scores (P scores) of freshmen (m = 22.146, sd = 12.002) and juniors (m = 30.274, sd = 13.165). No significant differences were found in moral reasoning based upon personality types. The mean P score among faculty members was 34.02 (sd = 15.25). In response to the primary research question, it was determined student scores did show moral reasoning differences consistent with the program goals. Conclusions reached in this study were limited because of the cross-sectional design. Further research is necessary before conclusions may be generalized beyond the sample.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001039, ucf:46795
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001039

Title: ETHICS IN A SHRINKING WORLD: EXPLORING THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROLIFERATION OF TECHNOLOGY ON WORLD HUNGER.
Creator: Dupree, Kevin, Stanlick, Nancy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Even if they do not realize it, readers are perpetually in a condition that is strikingly similar to that of the Good Samaritan. Right now they have access to a vast network of communication that both enhances their senses and increases their sphere of influence. They can, for example, sit down at a computer and click on a certain combination of sites and the result will be that, in two weeks (or sooner), a DVD will arrive on their doorstep. Or, they can choose another combination, and the...
Show moreEven if they do not realize it, readers are perpetually in a condition that is strikingly similar to that of the Good Samaritan. Right now they have access to a vast network of communication that both enhances their senses and increases their sphere of influence. They can, for example, sit down at a computer and click on a certain combination of sites and the result will be that, in two weeks (or sooner), a DVD will arrive on their doorstep. Or, they can choose another combination, and the result will be that, in about two weeks (or less), a child will be saved from starvation and dehydration in some distant and destitute nation. Like the Good Samaritan, a reader of this thesis can see the desperate need of others and they have the ability to affect their condition. This perpetual Good Samaritan condition is directly a result of the recent changes the world has undergone as a result of technological advancement. This thesis is an exploration of the ethical implications of the potential perpetual good Samaritan. I will argue that (1) affluent individuals are able to affect positively the global poor and that they have a moral obligation to do so, (2) that this moral obligation is limited insofar as fulfilling the obligation requires a moral agent to sacrifice something of substantial significance (i.e., something that would cause a long term decrease in happiness), and (3) fulfilling this obligation requires specific actions on political, social, and individual levels.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003797, ucf:44713
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003797

Title: CONCEPTIONS OF JUSTICE:A SAMPLING OF STUDENT PERSPECTIVES.
Creator: Landon, Matt, Huff-Corzine, Lin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although the literature in the field of criminal justice and philosophy is full of ideas of what constitutes "justice," little to nothing has been done to see where the average individual's opinion falls in relation to these ideas. This paper analyzes a cross-sectional convenience sample of students at UCF to determine their preference of six models of justice: utilitarianism, contractarianism, fairness, retributivism, moralism, and libertarianism. Correlating demographic factors are also...
Show moreAlthough the literature in the field of criminal justice and philosophy is full of ideas of what constitutes "justice," little to nothing has been done to see where the average individual's opinion falls in relation to these ideas. This paper analyzes a cross-sectional convenience sample of students at UCF to determine their preference of six models of justice: utilitarianism, contractarianism, fairness, retributivism, moralism, and libertarianism. Correlating demographic factors are also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004578, ucf:45161
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004578

Title: An Examination of School Principals' Moral Reasoning and Decision-Making along the Principalship Track and across Years of Experience.
Creator: Ling, Trent, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Lee, Murray, Kenneth, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous research by Vitton (&) Wasonga (2009) and Strenth (2013) found public school K-12 principals struggling in the moral reasoning and decision-making measures of the second Defining Issues Test ((")DIT-2(")). In response to these studies, this research sought to collect, to examine, and to compare DIT-2 data for educational leaders at various stages of the principalship track in an effort to determine and/or to isolate the locus of principals' reported underperformance. The moral...
Show morePrevious research by Vitton (&) Wasonga (2009) and Strenth (2013) found public school K-12 principals struggling in the moral reasoning and decision-making measures of the second Defining Issues Test ((")DIT-2(")). In response to these studies, this research sought to collect, to examine, and to compare DIT-2 data for educational leaders at various stages of the principalship track in an effort to determine and/or to isolate the locus of principals' reported underperformance. The moral reasoning and decision-making of regular-education K-12 public school principals and assistant principals in Florida, and current master's degree students in educational leadership programs at a large public Florida university were measured and compared. Research questions were posed: 1) to find the levels of moral reasoning and decision-making reached by acting principals, acting assistant principals, and current master's students in educational leadership programs; 2) to determine if there was a difference between these principals, assistant principals, and master's students in moral reasoning and decision-making; and 3) to see if there was a difference in moral reasoning and decision-making between principals across various years of experience. The DIT-2 was administered anonymously to participants through an online link, and was scored by the University of Alabama's Office for the Study of Ethical Development. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods principally to determine the degree to which participants reasoned and made decisions based upon personal interests, upon the maintenance of norms, or upon the basis of more sophisticated principles.Results showed master's students in educational leadership outperforming active principals and assistant principals in moral reasoning and decision-making by more often employing sophisticated principles and by more often avoiding choices associated with personal interests. With regard to principals, the difference was statistically significant on DIT-2 N-2 scores (based on ANOVA and t-test results) and P-scores (based on t-test results, but not based on ANOVA results). Principals not only underperformed master's students in educational leadership statistically significantly, but also underperformed active assistant principals in comparisons of group means on DIT-2 sub-scores.This research confirms the prior works of Strenth (2013) and Vitton (&) Wasonga (2009), where principals had been found to struggle in measures of moral reasoning and decision-making. These consecutive and consistent findings now require consideration, discussion, and action by the array of K-12 public school stakeholders. In response to the startling findings that K-12 principals are significantly underperforming those still aspiring for the principalship, a substantial, alarmed, and sober re-examination must take place as to what has happened to principals in K-12 public schools, and as to what can and must be done about it.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005368, ucf:50485
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005368

Title: HOW DISGUST, PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND MORAL FOUNDATIONS MAY PREDICT POLITICAL ATTITUDES AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Mannion, Kayla M, Modianos, Doan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this research synthesis is to obtain evidence about a new and upcoming idea of how political ideology and religious beliefs may be predicted by disgust, moral codes and physiological activity. Previously, it was believed by some that politics and religion were a product of an individual's environment and influences of an individual's family and friend's beliefs. Current research is trying to explain how much a person's biology influences their beliefs. This thesis will aim to...
Show moreThe goal of this research synthesis is to obtain evidence about a new and upcoming idea of how political ideology and religious beliefs may be predicted by disgust, moral codes and physiological activity. Previously, it was believed by some that politics and religion were a product of an individual's environment and influences of an individual's family and friend's beliefs. Current research is trying to explain how much a person's biology influences their beliefs. This thesis will aim to explain how it is possible to obtain these types of data and why this research is important.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000184, ucf:45970
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000184

Title: ART IN THE LIGHT OF KNOWING: A COGNITIVE APPROACH TO THE CREATIVE PROCESS.
Creator: Knoe, Victor, Francis, Madison, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Art can be an elusive concept. Neither an outsider nor a professional artist is immune to abstractions in the attempt to describe it. Every individual must necessarily come from their own, unique perspective. The obstacles that we experience in defining the essence of art can be better understood if we see them as a gauge for our historical period. Given the limits of our contemporary conditions, it seems impossible that we may ever overcome the vast chasms that imprison us. We are...
Show moreArt can be an elusive concept. Neither an outsider nor a professional artist is immune to abstractions in the attempt to describe it. Every individual must necessarily come from their own, unique perspective. The obstacles that we experience in defining the essence of art can be better understood if we see them as a gauge for our historical period. Given the limits of our contemporary conditions, it seems impossible that we may ever overcome the vast chasms that imprison us. We are discouraged to build bridges, at almost every turn, by the suggestive hopelessness of the abysmal distances between us. The series of work that I have developed for this thesis is a reflection on limitations. Whether we find them in the creative process or within the simple contemplations of our life experiences, thinking on our limits can lead us to a heightened cognition where we may find a lofty expression of human freedom. If art is to have a proper role in human culture, human individuals must begin to solve the problems of our limitations through the freedom that cognition affords us. We can begin by thinking imaginatively. Although difficult, it is quite possible to imagine reality. Beyond the mere production of beautiful objects, art is the very current that warms human beings to the reality that surrounds us. Artists can become involved by attempting to immerse their life in a new light of knowledge. With this sentiment, inspiration can begin offering us flight towards unreachable heights. The path that leads us, then, to an authentic concept of art will also take us into the world of another just as elusive: spirit.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003799, ucf:44760
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003799

Title: EXAMINING THE MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR NATURALISTIC DISPLAYS OF EMPATHY THROUGH SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN PRESCHOOL.
Creator: Paris, Elizabeth, Szente, Judit, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Moral development in preschool is a component of social and emotional development, which also includes self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and school readiness. While service-learning has demonstrated significant benefits to the social-emotional development of older students, very little research has examined the effects of service-learning with young children. The purpose of this study was to create an academic curriculum that would provide preschool children (3 to 5 years old) with a...
Show moreMoral development in preschool is a component of social and emotional development, which also includes self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and school readiness. While service-learning has demonstrated significant benefits to the social-emotional development of older students, very little research has examined the effects of service-learning with young children. The purpose of this study was to create an academic curriculum that would provide preschool children (3 to 5 years old) with a developmentally-appropriate approach to service-learning, and determine if such a curriculum had a measurable effect on naturalistic empathy. Children in two classrooms received a preliminary empathy score based on number of empathetic behaviors relative to time observed. Children in the experimental classroom engaged in a series of lesson plans designed to guide their self-selected service-learning project. Participants in the experimental classroom created an intergenerational project that directly served the residents of a nursing home across the street from their school. A subsequent assessment of empathy measured moral development as a result of the service-learning in comparison to the normal growth and development observed in the control classroom. Results indicate if participation in service-learning increases the number of observed empathetic behaviors. Implications and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003851, ucf:44709
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003851

Title: Moral Blameworthiness and Trustworthiness: The Role of Accounts and Apologies in Perceptions of Human and Machine Agents.
Creator: Stowers, Kimberly, Hancock, Peter, Jentsch, Florian, Mouloua, Mustapha, Chen, Jessie, Barber, Daniel, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Would you trust a machine to make life-or-death decisions about your health and safety?Machines today are capable of achieving much more than they could 30 years ago(-)and thesame will be said for machines that exist 30 years from now. The rise of intelligence in machineshas resulted in humans entrusting them with ever-increasing responsibility. With this has arisenthe question of whether machines should be given equal responsibility to humans(-)or if humanswill ever perceive machines as...
Show moreWould you trust a machine to make life-or-death decisions about your health and safety?Machines today are capable of achieving much more than they could 30 years ago(-)and thesame will be said for machines that exist 30 years from now. The rise of intelligence in machineshas resulted in humans entrusting them with ever-increasing responsibility. With this has arisenthe question of whether machines should be given equal responsibility to humans(-)or if humanswill ever perceive machines as being accountable for such responsibility. For example, if anintelligent machine accidentally harms a person, should it be blamed for its mistake? Should it betrusted to continue interacting with humans? Furthermore, how does the assignment of moralblame and trustworthiness toward machines compare to such assignment to humans who harmothers? I answer these questions by exploring differences in moral blame and trustworthinessattributed to human and machine agents who make harmful moral mistakes. Additionally, Iexamine whether the knowledge and type of reason, as well as apology, for the harmful incidentaffects perceptions of the parties involved. In order to fill the gaps in understanding betweentopics in moral psychology, cognitive psychology, and artificial intelligence, valuableinformation from each of these fields have been combined to guide the research study beingpresented herein.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0007134, ucf:52311
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007134

Title: Bending the Binary: Effects of Nonbinary Gender Media Representations on Disposition Formation and Media Enjoyment.
Creator: Higley, Diana, Kinnally, William, Sandoval, Jennifer, Hanlon, Christine, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Today, the issue of gender plays a larger role in our social discussions than in the past. Over the last decade, new and groundbreaking television shows and movies that showcase gender nonconforming characters and plots that challenge traditional gender roles have become more common. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential effects of gender-neutral representations in media programming and particularly whether different representations of gender might influence audience...
Show moreToday, the issue of gender plays a larger role in our social discussions than in the past. Over the last decade, new and groundbreaking television shows and movies that showcase gender nonconforming characters and plots that challenge traditional gender roles have become more common. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential effects of gender-neutral representations in media programming and particularly whether different representations of gender might influence audience attitudes toward characters and overall enjoyment of the media. Affective Disposition Theory and Moral Foundations Theory were used as a framework for understanding people's perceptions of gender-neutral media characters. The project involved a pretest/posttest experimental method with random assignment of participants to one of three conditions. Participants completed a pretest including measures of moral modules and trait empathy among other characteristics during week one. The next week, they were assigned to read one of three versions of a dramatic plot synopsis in which the gender of the main character was male, female or ambiguous. After reading the assigned synopsis, participants reported their disposition toward the main character in the stimulus and their enjoyment of the synopsis. Results indicated that depictions of gender that don't activate traditional male and female gender schemas can have a negative influence on the participants' initial dispositions toward the character. The gender representation in the stimulus was not related to reported enjoyment of the plot. Intrinsic moral modules appeared to influence participants' dispositions toward the main character and their enjoyment. However, different modules were important to each of the different outcomes. Implications of the findings are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007469, ucf:52676
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007469

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