View All Items

Title: WOMENS PERCEPTION OF THEIR CHILDBIRTH EXPEREINCES: AN INTEGRATED LITERATURE REVIEW.
Creator: Farmer, Nancy M, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Pregnancy and childbirth are a unique and sacred time in many womens' lives and the process of giving birth often leaves women and families in a vulnerable position. This integrated literature review examined birthing experiences from the maternal perspective and focused on the short-term and long-term implications of negatively perceived maternal experiences. While there are several international studies, only a few have been published studies from the United States. The integrated review...
Show morePregnancy and childbirth are a unique and sacred time in many womens' lives and the process of giving birth often leaves women and families in a vulnerable position. This integrated literature review examined birthing experiences from the maternal perspective and focused on the short-term and long-term implications of negatively perceived maternal experiences. While there are several international studies, only a few have been published studies from the United States. The integrated review showed a significant impact of provider-client communication and shared decision making on a woman's overall perception of her birthing experience. Reports of excess intervention, lack of informed consent, and a perceived disregard for embodied knowledge- all contribute to negative perception of the birthing women. Implications for nursing education, practice, policy, and research are discussed in depth with a focus on improving maternal perception of the birth experience.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000565, ucf:45687
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000565

Title: THE ROLE OF CUES AND KINEMATICS ON SOCIAL EVENT PERCEPTION.
Creator: Berrios, Estefania, McConnell, Daniel S., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The belief that intentions are hidden away in the minds of individuals has been circulating for many years. Theories of indirect perception, such as the Theory of Mind, have since been developed to help explain this phenomenon. Conversely, research in the field of human kinematics and event perception have also given rise to theories of direct perception. The purpose of the study was to determine if intentionality can be directly perceived rather than requiring inferential processes. Prior...
Show moreThe belief that intentions are hidden away in the minds of individuals has been circulating for many years. Theories of indirect perception, such as the Theory of Mind, have since been developed to help explain this phenomenon. Conversely, research in the field of human kinematics and event perception have also given rise to theories of direct perception. The purpose of the study was to determine if intentionality can be directly perceived rather than requiring inferential processes. Prior research regarding kinematics of cooperative and competitive movements have pointed toward direct perception, demonstrating participants can accurately judge a movement as cooperative or competitive by simply observing point-light displays of the isolated arm movements. Considering competitive movements are often performed faster than cooperative movements, speed was perturbed for the purpose of this study to determine if participants are relying on cues or if they can indeed perceive a unique kinematic pattern that corresponds to intentionality. Judging the clips correctly despite perturbation would suggest perception is direct. Additionally, we hypothesized judgments accuracy would be higher in the presence of two actors pointing to the use of interpersonal affordances. Twenty-eight participants from the University of Central Florida were asked to judge 40 clips presented in random order including: normal or perturbed competitive actions with one or two actors; normal or perturbed cooperative actions with one or two actors. Percent correct and reaction time data were analyzed on SPSS using a repeated measures ANOVA. Results rejected the hypothesis that social perception is direct and supported indirect perception, indicating participants relied on cues to make judgments, and provided potential support for the interpersonal affordance hypothesis.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000514, ucf:45681
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000514

Title: ARE WE BECOMING SUPERHUMAN CYBORGS? HOW TECHNOMORPHISM INFLUENCES OUR PERCEPTIONS OF THE WORLD AROUND US.
Creator: Lum, Heather, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although traditionally researchers have focused on making robotics more user-friendly from a human perspective, a new theory has begun to take shape in which humans take on the perspective of a robotic entity. The following set of studies examined the concept of technomorphism defined as the attribution of technological characteristics to humans. This concept has been mentioned anecdotally and studied indirectly, but there is nothing currently available to tap in to the various forms that...
Show moreAlthough traditionally researchers have focused on making robotics more user-friendly from a human perspective, a new theory has begun to take shape in which humans take on the perspective of a robotic entity. The following set of studies examined the concept of technomorphism defined as the attribution of technological characteristics to humans. This concept has been mentioned anecdotally and studied indirectly, but there is nothing currently available to tap in to the various forms that technomorphism may take. Therefore, one goal of this dissertation was to develop a scale to fill that purpose. The results of the Technomorphic Tendencies Scale (TTS) indicated that there are marked differences between those who technomorphize and those who do not. Further, the wording of the TTS items may have influenced an individual's propensity to respond in a technomorphic way. It may also be that, since technology is so new from an evolutionary perspective, it was difficult for humans to have the adequate verbiage to express their feelings about it. The other goal of this dissertation was to examine where the individual differences may lie in the tendency to technomorphize. During the scale validation process, the Technomorphic Tendencies Scale was used alongside other scales, including those measuring anthropomorphism, acceptance of technology, perceptions of robots, and personality characteristics to determine what characteristics helped determine in what contexts people technomorphize. The results indicated that there were indeed individual differences between those who do and do not technomorphize as it relates to other constructs. An examination of the individual differences also was performed by capturing the low level and more objective differences that may have existed. To do this, the researcher utilized an eye tracker to examine exactly what the participant focuses on while viewing the model pictures. There were indeed differences in the self reported and attentive level scores between those who fell in the different ranges of technomorphism. The results of both the scale validation and individual differences component of this dissertation suggested that technomorphism does indeed exist. Furthermore, it may be related to how we see each other. Through the study of technomorphism, researchers have come slightly closer to the question of how technology is influencing our perceptions of what it means to be human. The findings from this work should help fuel the desire of others in the field to think about the potential influences of technomorphism during the design and implementation of new devices as well as in how technology may be related to how we perceive each other.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003937, ucf:48697
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003937

Title: Locus of control as related to personality variables in special adolescent populations.
Creator: Kinnaird, Mary Ellen Moore, null, null, Social Sciences
Abstract / Description: Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis; Locus of control refers to the individual's perception of the degree to which he controls the outcome of events in his life through his own behavior. Locus is further defined and related concepts discussed. Literature is reviewed, exploring determinants in the development of personal locus. Differential descriptions of the Internal and External individual are outlined, according to studies on locus as it affects personality...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis; Locus of control refers to the individual's perception of the degree to which he controls the outcome of events in his life through his own behavior. Locus is further defined and related concepts discussed. Literature is reviewed, exploring determinants in the development of personal locus. Differential descriptions of the Internal and External individual are outlined, according to studies on locus as it affects personality and social-interactions. Delinquent, socially maladjusted and dependent-neglected adolescents were tested and significant differences in locus and personality characteristics examined. Final discussion is directed to implications of the results of this study with regards to the needs of the children and the suggested role of the institution.
Show less
Date Issued: 1977
Identifier: CFR0004332, ucf:52995
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0004332

Title: The effects of a persuasive communication on the perception of a message film.
Creator: Fink, Marianell Branum, null, null, Social Sciences
Abstract / Description: Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis; The primary purpose of this study is to examine, in a controlled experimental situation, two variables that might have an effect upon the viewer's perception of a message film. One variable that can be expected to affect perception is the viewer's prior knowledge of the film. This study deals with one specific variable - a published review. Another variable that might affect perception is personality. This study deals with...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis; The primary purpose of this study is to examine, in a controlled experimental situation, two variables that might have an effect upon the viewer's perception of a message film. One variable that can be expected to affect perception is the viewer's prior knowledge of the film. This study deals with one specific variable - a published review. Another variable that might affect perception is personality. This study deals with one identified personality type - authoritarian. The message film is the award-winning, five-minute, color, anti-war film, Star Spangled Banner. It was produced and directed by Roger Flint and was released in 1972. The sections that follow examine a variety of previous research findings, develop the theoretical concepts, report the method of study, and analyze the findings.
Show less
Date Issued: 1976
Identifier: CFR0004328, ucf:52997
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0004328

Title: CHARACTER EDUCATION: EXAMINING THE PERCEPTIONS OF ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS IN A CENTRAL FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Creator: Ampel, Jason, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: While schools are academic institutions to prepare our country's youth for their future, developing a child's character and civic responsibilities is necessary and is often deleted from the explicit curriculum set forth in most school districts throughout the country. This study investigated the perception of character education of teachers in a Central Florida school district, as it related to teacher importance, teacher efficacy, and teacher practice of character education. This...
Show moreWhile schools are academic institutions to prepare our country's youth for their future, developing a child's character and civic responsibilities is necessary and is often deleted from the explicit curriculum set forth in most school districts throughout the country. This study investigated the perception of character education of teachers in a Central Florida school district, as it related to teacher importance, teacher efficacy, and teacher practice of character education. This study investigated the responses of 497 classroom teachers surveyed within one Central Florida school district. The questionnaire used in this study was designed to illuminate teacher perceptions of character education, by examining a teacher's level of importance, efficacy, and practice of character education in their classrooms and schools. The three areas of importance, efficacy, and practice were examined to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference among Central Florida educators based upon demographic variables of a) grades level taught, b) years of experience, c) highest degree attained, d) gender, and e) National Board Certification. The results of this survey, in combination with existing research findings, proved to be beneficial in revealing the ideals and explicit actions that need to be prevalent in public schools today to insure a balance between academics and the development of civic behaviors and positive character values. This study was a step in a effort to depict the voices of all teachers as stakeholders in one Central Florida School district.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002556, ucf:47642
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002556

Title: PREDICTORS OF PERCEIVING RACISM IN AMBIGUOUS SITUATIONS.
Creator: Marino, Teresa, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The present study used a mixed-experimental analog design to examine 858 undergraduate students' reactions to a scenario depicting a store clerk being mildly rude to a customer. The ethnicity of the clerk and customer were manipulated. Results indicated that participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism and the degree to which they identify with their respective ethnic group significantly predicted the extent to which they perceived the clerk's behavior as being racially...
Show moreThe present study used a mixed-experimental analog design to examine 858 undergraduate students' reactions to a scenario depicting a store clerk being mildly rude to a customer. The ethnicity of the clerk and customer were manipulated. Results indicated that participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism and the degree to which they identify with their respective ethnic group significantly predicted the extent to which they perceived the clerk's behavior as being racially motivated. It also was found that participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism, levels of cynicism, and attributional style significantly predicted the extent to which they perceived the clerk's behavior as unjust. Moreover, participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism, levels of cynicism, self-esteem, and symptoms of depression significantly predicted the extent to which they considered the clerk's behavior as a common occurrence. Finally, participants judged the clerk's behavior to be significantly more racially motivated when the clerk was White and the customer was Hispanic or African American than when the clerk was Hispanic or African American and the customer was White. This last finding was robust for White, Latino and African American participants. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000932, ucf:46727
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000932

Title: OUTCOMES OF FAMILY PRESENCE DURING RESUSCITATION (FPDR) IN THE ACUTE CARE SETTING: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
Creator: Corn, Audra M, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, Moore, Sarah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Family Presence During Resuscitation (FPDR) remains controversial and is not consistently implemented during resuscitation events or invasive procedures. Evidence has demonstrated positive outcomes produced by implementation of FPDR; such as, decreased rates of post-traumatic stress symptoms, decreased symptoms of anxiety, and depressive symptoms were not significantly different. Unfortunately, use of FPDR in the acute care setting is not widely accepted or readily implemented. The primary...
Show moreFamily Presence During Resuscitation (FPDR) remains controversial and is not consistently implemented during resuscitation events or invasive procedures. Evidence has demonstrated positive outcomes produced by implementation of FPDR; such as, decreased rates of post-traumatic stress symptoms, decreased symptoms of anxiety, and depressive symptoms were not significantly different. Unfortunately, use of FPDR in the acute care setting is not widely accepted or readily implemented. The primary purpose of this integrative literature review is to evaluate the use of FPDR in the acute care setting. The secondary purpose is to evaluate the health care professional's level of perceived value associated with the outcome of having family present during resuscitation. A systematic literature search was conducted using multiple databases for relevant articles in the English language between 2006 to 2017, including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Elton B. Stephens Co. Host (Ebsco Host), Medical Literature On-line (Medline), Psychological Information Database (PsychINFO), and PubMed. Search terms included 'family presence during resuscitation', 'family presence', 'pediatrics', 'nurse perceptions', and 'perceptions'. Ten of the nineteen articles suggest the use of FPDR leads to positive outcomes such as decreased post-traumatic symptoms, and decreased anxiety for family members. The use of FPDR can enhance family members' understanding of resuscitation efforts and involves them in their loved one's care. This integrative review indicates the implementation of FPDR can provide benefits for family members of those undergoing CPR and invasive procedures; although the perceptions of the healthcare team remain the barrier to its use.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000450, ucf:45858
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000450

Title: THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON DISTANCE PERCEPTION.
Creator: Rosen, Monica, Neider, Mark, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although there has been a great deal of research on binocular distance perception (Foley, 1980; Gogel, 1977), a number of questions remain unexplored. One such question involves how our ability to perceive distances is influenced by fitness and stress (internal and external). Previous research has shown that kinesthetic stress (via backpack weight) influences a person's ability to accurately guess distances (Proffitt, Bhalla, Gossweiler, & Midgett, 2003). This research did not only attempt to...
Show moreAlthough there has been a great deal of research on binocular distance perception (Foley, 1980; Gogel, 1977), a number of questions remain unexplored. One such question involves how our ability to perceive distances is influenced by fitness and stress (internal and external). Previous research has shown that kinesthetic stress (via backpack weight) influences a person's ability to accurately guess distances (Proffitt, Bhalla, Gossweiler, & Midgett, 2003). This research did not only attempt to replicate previous work, but also extend it by exploring potential interactions between fitness level and mental stress on distance perception, a combination that is often encountered by soldiers, firefighters, and rescue workers. Mental stress was measured using the State Anxiety Inventory test (Spielberger, Reheiser, & Sydeman, 1995) and cardiovascular fitness was measured using MET scores (Jurca et al., 2005). Physical stress was manipulated by asking participants to estimate distances and then walk blindly to the target while carrying a backpack weighing 20% of their weight. We were unable to replicate Proffitt. We did however find a positive correlation between cardiovascular fitness and error in the second block of the blind walking task for the heavy backpack condition, r(22) = -.45, p = 0.03.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004526, ucf:45185
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004526

Title: Interactive Perception in Robotics.
Creator: Baghbahari Baghdadabad, Masoud, Behal, Aman, Haralambous, Michael, Lin, Mingjie, Sukthankar, Gita, Xu, Yunjun, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Interactive perception is a significant and unique characteristic of embodied agents. An agent can discover plenty of knowledge through active interaction with its surrounding environment. Recently, deep learning structures introduced new possibilities to interactive perception in robotics. The advantage of deep learning is in acquiring self-organizing features from gathered data; however,it is computationally impractical to implement in real-time interaction applications. Moreover, it can be...
Show moreInteractive perception is a significant and unique characteristic of embodied agents. An agent can discover plenty of knowledge through active interaction with its surrounding environment. Recently, deep learning structures introduced new possibilities to interactive perception in robotics. The advantage of deep learning is in acquiring self-organizing features from gathered data; however,it is computationally impractical to implement in real-time interaction applications. Moreover, it can be difficult to attach a physical interpretation. An alternative suggested framework in such cases is integrated perception-action.In this dissertation, we propose two integrated interactive perception-action algorithms for real-time automated grasping of novel objects using pure tactile sensing. While visual sensing andprocessing is necessary for gross reaching movements, it can slow down the grasping process if it is the only sensing modality utilized. To overcome this issue, humans primarily utilize tactile perceptiononce the hand is in contact with the object. Inspired by this, we first propose an algorithm to define similar ability for a robot by formulating the required grasping steps.Next, we develop the algorithm to achieve force closure constraint via suggesting a human-like behavior for the robot to interactively identify the object. During this process, the robot adjuststhe hand through an interactive exploration of the object's local surface normal vector. After the robot finds the surface normal vector, it then tries to find the object edges to have a graspable finalrendezvous with the object. Such achievement is very important in order to find the objects edges for rectangular objects before fully grasping the object. We implement the proposed approacheson an assistive robot to demonstrate the performance of interactive perception-action strategies to accomplish grasping task in an automatic manner.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007780, ucf:52361
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007780

Title: A COMPARISON OF COLLEGE STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF OLDER TATTOOED WOMEN AND YOUNGER TATTOOED WOMEN.
Creator: Raymond, Laura, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The study examined how college students perceive older versus younger women based on their tattoo status (i.e., no tattoo, feminine tattoo, or masculine tattoo). A randomly assigned sample of 376 responded to a survey involving a 2 X 3 experiment designed to assess the impact of age (older versus younger) and tattoo status on four dependent measures: credibility, promiscuity, and attractiveness. Results indicate that older and younger women are perceived differently depending on their tattoo...
Show moreThe study examined how college students perceive older versus younger women based on their tattoo status (i.e., no tattoo, feminine tattoo, or masculine tattoo). A randomly assigned sample of 376 responded to a survey involving a 2 X 3 experiment designed to assess the impact of age (older versus younger) and tattoo status on four dependent measures: credibility, promiscuity, and attractiveness. Results indicate that older and younger women are perceived differently depending on their tattoo status. Not wearing a tattoo may lead to a more favorable perception of older women than wearing one, but wearing a feminine tattoo may engender a more favorable impression of older women than having a masculine tattoo. In contrast, avoiding to wear a tattoo may not be as helpful for the perception of younger women as it is for older women. Also, while younger women may be rewarded for gender role transgression with respect to tattoo status this is not so for older women.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003971, ucf:48658
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003971

Title: A Comparison of the Verbal Transformation Effect in Normal and Learning Disabled Children.
Creator: Kissell, Ellen E., Mullin, Thomas A., Social Sciences
Abstract / Description: Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis
Date Issued: 1976
Identifier: CFR0008176, ucf:53063
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008176

Title: IS PERCEIVED INTENTIONALITY OF A VIRTUAL ROBOT INFLUENCED BY THE KINEMATICS?.
Creator: Sasser, Jordan, McConnell, Daniel S., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research has shown that in Human-Human Interactions kinematic information reveals that competitive and cooperative intentions are perceivable and suggests the existence of a cooperation bias. The present study invokes the same question in a Human-Robot Interaction by investigating the relationship between the acceleration of a virtual robot within a virtual reality environment and the participants perception of the situation being cooperative or competitive by attempting to identify the...
Show moreResearch has shown that in Human-Human Interactions kinematic information reveals that competitive and cooperative intentions are perceivable and suggests the existence of a cooperation bias. The present study invokes the same question in a Human-Robot Interaction by investigating the relationship between the acceleration of a virtual robot within a virtual reality environment and the participants perception of the situation being cooperative or competitive by attempting to identify the social cues used for those perceptions. Five trials, which are mirrored, faster acceleration, slower acceleration, varied acceleration with a loss, and varied acceleration with a win, were experienced by the participant; randomized within two groups of five totaling in ten events. Results suggest that when the virtual robot's acceleration pattern were faster than the participant's acceleration the situation was perceived as more competitive. Additionally, results suggest that while the slower acceleration was perceived as more cooperative, the condition was not significantly different from mirrored acceleration. These results may indicate that there may be some kinematic information found in the faster accelerations that invoke stronger competitive perceptions whereas slower accelerations and mirrored acceleration may blend together during perception; furthermore, the models used in the slower acceleration conditions and the mirrored acceleration provide no single identifiable contributor towards perceived cooperativeness possibly due to a similar cooperative bias. These findings are used as a baseline for understanding movements that can be utilized in the design of better social robotic movements. These movements would improve the interactions between humans and these robots, ultimately improving the robot's ability to help during situations.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000524, ucf:45668
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000524

Title: A MEASUREMENT OF CAMPUS PRESENCE: THE COGNITIVE LINK BETWEEN CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT AND POSITIVE OUTCOMES IN COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Kleiman, Daniel M, McConnell, Daniel, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Prior research has shown that positive psychological states and attitudes are known outcomes in students who are engaged on their college campus. Although many studies prove this to be evident, literature lacks examination between these two variables. The purpose of the current study was to find a cognitive link between student engagement and the measured outcomes of self-esteem, college self-efficacy, college affiliation, and levels of optimism/pessimism. The study proposed that there is a...
Show morePrior research has shown that positive psychological states and attitudes are known outcomes in students who are engaged on their college campus. Although many studies prove this to be evident, literature lacks examination between these two variables. The purpose of the current study was to find a cognitive link between student engagement and the measured outcomes of self-esteem, college self-efficacy, college affiliation, and levels of optimism/pessimism. The study proposed that there is a process of developing an internal sense of presence on campus, which occurs in those students that are actively engaged in activities outside of the classroom. Individual personality traits are additionally measured as a variable for tendencies of involvement. Measurements of presence level in students were analyzed by administering a Campus Presence Scale, modified from the Witmer & Singer Presence Scale. The study subscales that examine levels of student engagement and its outcomes were measured in an online questionnaire format via Qualtrics. A total of 371 students at the University of Central Florida participated in the study. This study hypothesized that students who spend more time on campus engaged in co-curricular activities would display higher levels of presence development. The study also sought a flow of development in these processes, hypothesizing that campus presence mediates the actions in which students engage and their psychological well-being and attitudes towards their institution. Analyses in SPSS were used to examine these relationships. Results indicated that presence is significantly correlated with higher student self-esteem, self-efficacy, college affiliation, and optimism. Results also showed that those involved with student organizations and those who regularly attend campus events are significantly more extroverted and have higher levels of presence, college affiliation and self-efficacy
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000164, ucf:46047
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000164

Title: A SURVEY OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS IN REGARDS TO THEIR ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF SCIENCE FICTION AND ITS USE IN THE CLASSROOM.
Creator: Kosky, Amy, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In 1957 at the University of Chicago, Robert Heinlein asserted that through science fiction humanity can wonder upon important questions without causing harm to the real world. "Through such speculative experiments science fiction can warn against dangerous solutions, urge toward better solutions. Science fiction joyously tackles the real and pressing problems of our race, wrestles with them, never ignores them—problems which other forms of fiction cannot challenge. For this reason I assert...
Show moreIn 1957 at the University of Chicago, Robert Heinlein asserted that through science fiction humanity can wonder upon important questions without causing harm to the real world. "Through such speculative experiments science fiction can warn against dangerous solutions, urge toward better solutions. Science fiction joyously tackles the real and pressing problems of our race, wrestles with them, never ignores them—problems which other forms of fiction cannot challenge. For this reason I assert that science fiction is the most realistic, the most serious, the most significant, the most sane and healthy and human fiction being published today" (Davenport, 1959). Preservice teachers enrolled in the education program at a large metropolitan university were surveyed to determine if they had preconceived notions about science fiction, if they would use science fiction within their classrooms and if science fiction would be available to the students in their classrooms. Also explored was if these future educators believed science fiction was too complex for English language learners and students with exceptionalities. Analysis of this survey revealed that although most preservice teachers believe science fiction literature has value within the classroom and they planned to use it at least part of the time, about one in five believed the concepts and themes were too complex for English language learners and students with exceptionalities. The researcher of this study hopes the information contained in this study can help educators encourage students to read science fiction as well as provide the educators with a resource of science fiction literature book titles which are grade level and ability level appropriate for their students.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004633, ucf:45313
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004633

Title: HOW AMERICAN STUDENT JOURNALISTS AT A COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CONSUME, PERCEIVE, AND DISSEMINATE NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT CHINA.
Creator: Wang, Xiaohua, Kenney, Rick, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the increase of cooperation between America and China, the average person's perception of the other country could be an important factor that influences the development of the relationship between these countries. This study was designed to explore how Americans student journalists view China and how these student journalists select the news for a campus newspaper that might influence their readers' perceptions of China. Student journalists not only represent American youth but...
Show moreWith the increase of cooperation between America and China, the average person's perception of the other country could be an important factor that influences the development of the relationship between these countries. This study was designed to explore how Americans student journalists view China and how these student journalists select the news for a campus newspaper that might influence their readers' perceptions of China. Student journalists not only represent American youth but also act as connectors and filters between a huge flow of information outside and students on campus. A convenience census sample of student journalists at a campus newspaper were surveyed and interviewed. The results showed that although Americans student journalists know more about China than before, Orientalism is still alive in their perceptions and representations of China. They have both strange "Other" and romantic images about China. They view China as a communist evil with less democracy; yet at the same time think of China as a romantic mystery with a fabulous history and colorful culture. In the process of American student journalists constructing their perceptions about China, mass media play a role of agenda-setter. Subjects depended on mass media to get to know China, and their perceptions of China mirror the orientation of the government's policy and mass media's coverage.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002076, ucf:47570
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002076

Title: FACULTY PERCEPTIONS OF ALIGNMENT OFADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES WITH A UNIVERSITY MISSIONUTILIZING A HOSPITALITY MODEL.
Creator: Dickson, Duncan, Tubbs, LeVester, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of a university's faculty as to how the strategies, staffing policies, and systems procedures were aligned with the mission statement. Differences in perceptions were examined by college affiliation, rank, primary teaching assignment and gender. Data were analyzed to determine if there were correlations between faculty members' perceptions of alignment of the university's mission statement with administration's actions,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of a university's faculty as to how the strategies, staffing policies, and systems procedures were aligned with the mission statement. Differences in perceptions were examined by college affiliation, rank, primary teaching assignment and gender. Data were analyzed to determine if there were correlations between faculty members' perceptions of alignment of the university's mission statement with administration's actions, policies, and procedures and their level of organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and overall satisfaction with their job and the organization The population for this study was comprised initially of 1363 teaching faculty members of the University of Central with more than one year of service and reduced to 1285 who were determined to meet the criteria for inclusion. The 67-item survey instrument used in this study was developed and copyrighted by Dr. Robert C. Ford (Ford et al, 2006), and was administered during January and February 2006 A total of 297 usable responses (23.1%) were returned. An analysis of all responses indicated that there was a wide disparity in perceptions and that respondents did not believe that there was a strong alignment of mission with administrative practices, policies, and procedures. This confirmed an earlier finding as to the importance of perception (Dickson, Ford, & Upchurch, 2006, Ford et al., 2006). Significant differences in faculty perceptions by college affiliation, university rank, and primary teaching assignment were identified. Significant differences based on gender were minimal. The correlations of items representing level of organizational commitment were highly correlated. Items representing job satisfaction and overall satisfaction with their job and the organization were moderately intercorrelated, and the interrelationship was not strong.
Show less
Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001684, ucf:47221
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001684

Title: UGH...STATISTICS! COLLEGE STUDENTS' ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARD STATISTICS.
Creator: Doyle, Drew A, Brophy-Ellison, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Statistics is a course that is required for a majority of undergraduate college students in a wide variety of majors. It is not just required for Statistics or Mathematics majors, but also for those undergraduate college students majoring in Biology, Engineering, Sociology, and countless other majors. It can often be seen as a daunting course, especially for those who feel that mathematics is not their strongest subject. Students begin to dislike the course before even starting and this can...
Show moreStatistics is a course that is required for a majority of undergraduate college students in a wide variety of majors. It is not just required for Statistics or Mathematics majors, but also for those undergraduate college students majoring in Biology, Engineering, Sociology, and countless other majors. It can often be seen as a daunting course, especially for those who feel that mathematics is not their strongest subject. Students begin to dislike the course before even starting and this can carry on throughout the entirety of the course. This thesis will focus primarily on students' perceptions and attitudes toward their statistics courses rather than their performance. Many courses are taught a specific way that is conducive to all learning styles, which may lead to the students not enjoying or understanding their statistics course. The students' learning style may also be correlated to their attitude and perception of statistics. The goal of this thesis is to better understand the college students in order to adapt the current methods so that student can enjoy the course, appreciate the knowledge they learn and its impact on their future career paths.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000165, ucf:45988
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000165

Title: A FOCUS GROUP OF ADOLESCENT HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS: FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN A FLORIDA PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
Creator: Pichard, Mercedes, Allen, Kay, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this ethnographic research was to examine the perceptions of academic success of adolescent Haitian immigrant students who have arrived in the United States within the last five years and attend a public high school in Florida. The Haitian students were asked to explain the tensions they perceive between Haitian societal and educational norms and beliefs and American ones, and explain their perceptions and concerns regarding success. The importance of their perceptions as...
Show moreThe goal of this ethnographic research was to examine the perceptions of academic success of adolescent Haitian immigrant students who have arrived in the United States within the last five years and attend a public high school in Florida. The Haitian students were asked to explain the tensions they perceive between Haitian societal and educational norms and beliefs and American ones, and explain their perceptions and concerns regarding success. The importance of their perceptions as influences on their behavior was related to Bandura's Social Cognitive Learning Theory. The relevance of certain questions concerning academic success for Haitian students was investigated through group interviews and focus group interviews textual data. The resulting qualitative exploratory study is meant to further our understandings of the Haitian students' perceived and real successes, as well as to further additive bicultural educational practice in public high school settings where Haitian students are found. The literature review and results of this study found that there were many factors, student characteristics and student perceptions that could be used to explain Haitian immigrant adolescent student achievement in Florida public high school course work. Thirteen themes of concern to the students were developed in the data analysis. The Haitian adolescent immigrant students are able to speak purposefully, cogently, powerfully and coherently (English-language skills permitting) on numerous questions surrounding their thoughts and perceptions about their own success, academically or in their future careers. We can see that these students are able to define and discuss issues, make plans and recommendations for their own success, and state what is available/helpful and what is lacking for them in their high school. Suggested uses for the study included making some suggestions for the reorganization and implementation of certain educational resources for these Haitian adolescent students, and also making recommendations for future research, including but not limited to a study examining, implementing and assessing a pilot program which increases the career-counseling and vocational-planning resources available for these older secondary LEP students.
Show less
Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000945, ucf:46737
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000945

Title: FALL RISK ASSESSMENT IN COMMUNITY- DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: AN EXPLANATORY SEQUENTIAL MIXED METHODS STUDY.
Creator: Dool, MaryAnn, Thiamwong, Ladda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Abstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional...
Show moreAbstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the study was conducted at Lutheran Towers an independent living facility located in the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Three measurement tools were used: demographic data sheet, an objective tool: BTrackS Balance Test (BBT), and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Results: In phase 1, 37% of participants had a high risk for falls assessed by the objective measure (BBT), and about 11% had high concern of fall risk assessed by the subjective measure (Short FES-I). Approximately 32% had congruent results between subjective and objective measures and 68 % presented incongruent results between subjective and objective measures. In phase 2, three themes were generated from the qualitative data :1) Perception and experience on fall risk assessment; 2) Perception of the subjective measure (Short FES-I) and 3) Perception of the objective measure (BBT). Conclusion: Those who have incongruent perceptions of their fall risk and physical abilities are most at risk. Performing fall risk assessment using both subjective and objective measures is critical for developing fall prevention plans, to identify those most at risk.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000571, ucf:45616
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000571

perceptions (19)	+ -
perception (18)	+ -
Perception (11)	+ -
Perceptions (5)	+ -
attitudes (4)	+ -

identity (3)	+ -
professional development (3)	+ -
science (3)	+ -
self-efficacy (3)	+ -
students (3)	+ -
survey (3)	+ -
teacher perceptions (3)	+ -
Classroom (2)	+ -
Direct Perception (2)	+ -
Gender (2)	+ -
Immersion (2)	+ -
K-12 (2)	+ -
Kinematics (2)	+ -
Performance (2)	+ -
Teacher Perceptions (2)	+ -
anthropomorphism (2)	+ -
auditory perception (2)	+ -
campus (2)	+ -
college students (2)	+ -
crime (2)	+ -
education (2)	+ -
ethnicity (2)	+ -
face perception (2)	+ -
gifted (2)	+ -
individual differences (2)	+ -

ETD Collection (77)	+ -
Honors Collection (38)	+ -

University of Central Florida (111)	+ -
Sims, Valerie (7)	+ -
Donley, Amy (5)	+ -
Jentsch, Florian (5)	+ -
Taylor, Rosemarye (5)	+ -

Chin, Matthew (4)	+ -
Doherty, Walter (4)	+ -
Kennedy, Mary (4)	+ -
Social Sciences (4)	+ -
Allen, Kay (3)	+ -
Hancock, Peter (3)	+ -
Hartshorne, Richard (3)	+ -
Hopp, Carolyn (3)	+ -
Little, Mary (3)	+ -
Szalma, James (3)	+ -
Bai, Haiyan (2)	+ -
Baldwin, Gordon (2)	+ -
Bowers, Clint (2)	+ -
Bushy, Angeline (2)	+ -
DeLorme, Denise (2)	+ -
Eriksson, Gillian (2)	+ -
Fidopiastis, Cali (2)	+ -
Fritzsche, Barbara (2)	+ -
Gerking, Shelby (2)	+ -
Gunter, Glenda (2)	+ -
Hoffman, Elizabeth (2)	+ -
McConnell, Daniel S. (2)	+ -
Smither, Janan (2)	+ -
Sukthankar, Gita (2)	+ -
Vitale, Thomas (2)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Topical Subject

Collection

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner