View All Items
(61 - 80 of 91)
Pages
- Title
- EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARITAL EXPECTATIONS AND MARITAL SATISFACTION BETWEEN MARRIED AFRICAN IMMIGRANT COUPLES AND UNITED STATES BORN MARRIED COUPLES.
- Creator
-
Ngazimbi, Evadne, Daire, Andrew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT Marriage is still considered a universal institution in many countries worldwide. Marriage provides benefits for wives, husbands, children, families, and communities. Why Marriage Matters (Wilcox et al., 2005), outlined the benefits of marriage, including improved physical and mental health, biological and social benefits for husbands, wives, children and families in America. In sub-Saharan Africa benefits emanating from marriage included increased survival rates for young children ...
Show moreABSTRACT Marriage is still considered a universal institution in many countries worldwide. Marriage provides benefits for wives, husbands, children, families, and communities. Why Marriage Matters (Wilcox et al., 2005), outlined the benefits of marriage, including improved physical and mental health, biological and social benefits for husbands, wives, children and families in America. In sub-Saharan Africa benefits emanating from marriage included increased survival rates for young children (Omariba & Boyle, 2007); reduced maternal morbidity and mortality rates for women due to reduced risks from self-inflicted abortions (Garenne, Tollman, Kahn, Collins, & Ngwenya, 2001); and improved economic management in homes due to exchanging gender-specific tasks within households (Gezon, 2002). Despite these benefits, approximately half the marriages in the United States end in divorce (Raley & Bumpass, 2003; Smith, 2007). Reduced marital satisfaction leads to dissolution of marriages in the U. S. Marital expectations were associated with marital satisfaction (Juvva & Bhatti, 2006). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between marital expectations and marital satisfaction between African immigrant and United States born married couples. The independent variable was marital expectations, measured with the Marital Expectations Questionnaire (MEQ, Ngazimbi & Daire, 2008). The dependent variables were marital satisfaction, measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS, Hendrick, 1988), and the Relationship Pleasure Scale (RPS, PAIRS Foundation, 1993). The participants were recruited from nine sites in six states located in three geographical regions. The regions were the Midwest, the West and the Pacific Northwest. They were recruited through faith-based leaders. Participants consisted of 87 couples and 35 individuals who participated without their spouses. This was a mixed methods design. In the quantitative section, three instruments were used to collect data: the MEQ, the RAS, and the RPS. The first section of the MEQ contained four open-ended questions which were used to collect qualitative data. Significant differences were found in the relationships between marital expectations and marital satisfaction between African immigrants and non-immigrants. Qualitative differences and similarities were found between African immigrant and U. S. born married couples. Implications of the findings are discussed for research, counselor education and clinical practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002629, ucf:48224
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002629
- Title
- The Source and Impact of Student Engagement for Black Students in an Urban High School.
- Creator
-
Sims, Deshawn, Hopp, Carolyn, Butler, S. Kent, Puig, Enrique, Butler, Malcolm, Waddell, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The achievement of Black students has repeatedly met only the lowest standards of performance on standardized assessments, which begs the question; do American schools have the capacity to educate Black children? The purpose of this action research manuscript dissertation was to explore the teacher behaviors and instructional strategies that developed a culture of high achievement among Black students as measured by student engagement and discourse, immediately before and after desegregation,...
Show moreThe achievement of Black students has repeatedly met only the lowest standards of performance on standardized assessments, which begs the question; do American schools have the capacity to educate Black children? The purpose of this action research manuscript dissertation was to explore the teacher behaviors and instructional strategies that developed a culture of high achievement among Black students as measured by student engagement and discourse, immediately before and after desegregation, and in classrooms today. The examination of popular theories concerning the education of Black people in the early 1900's and narratives of individuals who attended segregated schools, provided a historical description of the state of Black education. In addition, the connection between student engagement and teacher dispositions was recognized. A review of relevant literature informed this study by providing a conceptual understanding and operational definition of student engagement, teacher dispositions, and discourse. Last, a case study was conducted to bring a local, practical focus to the research. The purpose of this case study was to examine the impact of student engagement on student learning in an urban school with a majority Black student population, as evidenced by student actions and discourse. Data were collected through meetings and classroom observations using the Student Action Coding Sheet. This research found student engagement to be highest in classrooms that balanced certain teacher dispositions and discourse.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006396, ucf:51518
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006396
- Title
- A Historical Analysis of the Evolution of the Administrative and Organizational Structure of the University of Central Florida as it Relates to Growth.
- Creator
-
Lindsley, Boyd, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Murray, Kenneth, Dziuban, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This was a qualitative historical study, which was recounted chronologically and organized around the terms of the four full-time presidents of the university. The review addressed the processes associated with the establishment and development of Florida Technological University beginning in 1963 through its name change to the University of Central Florida in 1979, concluding in 2013. The organization's mission, vision, and goals, how they evolved and the impact they had on the university...
Show moreThis was a qualitative historical study, which was recounted chronologically and organized around the terms of the four full-time presidents of the university. The review addressed the processes associated with the establishment and development of Florida Technological University beginning in 1963 through its name change to the University of Central Florida in 1979, concluding in 2013. The organization's mission, vision, and goals, how they evolved and the impact they had on the university were of particular interest. The study was focused on the administrative actions and organizational changes that took place within the university to assist faculty in teaching, research, and service as well as external conditions and events which impacted the university and shaped its development. The growth of the university, as well as the productivity of the faculty, were of interest in the study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005650, ucf:50187
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005650
- Title
- An Analysis of Undergraduate Creative Writing Students'Writing Processes: Gauging the Workshop Models' Effectiveness Through the Lens of Genre Theories.
- Creator
-
Chrisman, John, Marinara, Martha, Roozen, Kevin, Scott, Blake, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Current approaches to teaching creative writers the ways to success in creative writing courses consist largely of workshop style classes. While workshops often vary from class to class in style, generally a workshop will consist of a group of writers, led by a mentor/instructor, who exchange drafts and provide reader and writer focused feedback to the author. Yet because the workshop approach has not been the subject of close empirical study, it is unclear whether it is an effective pedagogy...
Show moreCurrent approaches to teaching creative writers the ways to success in creative writing courses consist largely of workshop style classes. While workshops often vary from class to class in style, generally a workshop will consist of a group of writers, led by a mentor/instructor, who exchange drafts and provide reader and writer focused feedback to the author. Yet because the workshop approach has not been the subject of close empirical study, it is unclear whether it is an effective pedagogy. This thesis serves two purposes. First, it presents an argument for new research into creative writing pedagogy and creative writers' processes and suggests that any future research should take an empirical turn. However, because creative writing has developed few theories or methods useful for the empirical study of creative writing, I suggest adopting theories and methods from the field of rhetoric and composition. The second part of this thesis is an empirical study of three creative writing undergraduate students in an introductory creative writing course over one semester. This study uses qualitative methods: semi-structured retrospective interviews, close textual analysis, and in-class observations to understand how creative writers are enculturated into the creative writing community using Christine Tardy's theories of acquiring genre expertise as a framework for analysis. Based on this research this study concludes that while creative writers enculturate in different ways, based on several factors, all creative writers develop greater awareness of genre complexity, authorial identity, and intermodal influences on their writing. Furthermore, this study recommends further case studies into creative writers writing processes and the effectiveness of various workshop models on student enculturation. ?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005589, ucf:50235
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005589
- Title
- Learning to Grasp Unknown Objects using Weighted Random Forest Algorithm from Selective Image and Point Cloud Feature.
- Creator
-
Iqbal, Md Shahriar, Behal, Aman, Boloni, Ladislau, Haralambous, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This method demonstrates an approach to determine the best grasping location on an unknown object using Weighted Random Forest Algorithm. It used RGB-D value of an object as input to find a suitable rectangular grasping region as the output. To accomplish this task, it uses a subspace of most important features from a very high dimensional extensive feature space that contains both image and point cloud features. Usage of most important features in the grasping algorithm has enabled the...
Show moreThis method demonstrates an approach to determine the best grasping location on an unknown object using Weighted Random Forest Algorithm. It used RGB-D value of an object as input to find a suitable rectangular grasping region as the output. To accomplish this task, it uses a subspace of most important features from a very high dimensional extensive feature space that contains both image and point cloud features. Usage of most important features in the grasping algorithm has enabled the system to be computationally very fast while preserving maximum information gain. In this approach, the Random Forest operates using optimum parameters e.g. Number of Trees, Number of Features at each node, Information Gain Criteria etc. ensures optimization in learning, with highest possible accuracy in minimum time in an advanced practical setting. The Weighted Random Forest chosen over Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree and Adaboost for implementation of the grasping system outperforms the stated machine learning algorithms both in training and testing accuracy and other performance estimates. The Grasping System utilizing learning from a score function detects the rectangular grasping region after selecting the top rectangle that has the largest score. The system is implemented and tested in a Baxter Research Robot with Parallel Plate Gripper in action.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005509, ucf:50358
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005509
- Title
- Grounding Design of Instruction: An exploration of the uses of Scientific-Based Research and Theory in the Design of Online Instruction by Faculty in Higher Education.
- Creator
-
Koech, Japheth, Gunter, Glenda, Xu, Lihua, Hartshorne, Richard, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was conducted to explore the processes educators in higher education used to ground their design of online instruction using scientific-based research and theory. Literature reviewed suggested reasons educators fail to ground the design of instruction were a lack of formal training in instructional methods, skills, support, and research understanding. The rationale for the study was to (a) increase understanding of how educators use scientific research and theory as a basis in...
Show moreThis study was conducted to explore the processes educators in higher education used to ground their design of online instruction using scientific-based research and theory. Literature reviewed suggested reasons educators fail to ground the design of instruction were a lack of formal training in instructional methods, skills, support, and research understanding. The rationale for the study was to (a) increase understanding of how educators use scientific research and theory as a basis in decision-making during design and creation of online instruction,(b)identify best practices, and (c) add to the conversation in the instructional design field. A qualitative case study research design was utilized to interview, review course, and review documents of four participants to capture their viewpoints as to the (a) meaning of; (b) evidence; (c) step by step processes; and (d) problems associated with the processes of grounding the design of online instruction in scientific-based research and theory. Data obtained were analyzed through detailed case description, direct interpretation, cross-case analysis, pattern establishment, and naturalistic generalization. Pedagogy, instructional design, instructional technology, support, and problems emerged as key thematic issues. Findings suggested that although educators were consistent in defining meaning, followed step-by-step processes, and had evidence to support their decisions, they encountered logistical challenges of time, technology and design in the process of using scientific-based research and theory to ground the design of online instruction. The implications for practice from this research were similar to recommendations of other researchers. For this process to be smoother, regular training, peer professional interactions, and support must be present.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005821, ucf:50022
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005821
- Title
- Bisexuality and Identity Formation.
- Creator
-
Fuoss, Jessica, Berman, Steven, Fouty, Homer, Upchurch, Rosaria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study explores the identity development and psychological adjustment of bisexual individuals (n = 122) as compared to homosexual (n = 38) and heterosexual participants (n = 490). Undergraduate students recruited from psychology classes at a large metropolitan university in Florida (67% female, 64% Caucasian) took an online survey for course extra credit. Bisexual and homosexual participants scored higher in identity exploration than the heterosexual participants. Bisexual participants...
Show moreThis study explores the identity development and psychological adjustment of bisexual individuals (n = 122) as compared to homosexual (n = 38) and heterosexual participants (n = 490). Undergraduate students recruited from psychology classes at a large metropolitan university in Florida (67% female, 64% Caucasian) took an online survey for course extra credit. Bisexual and homosexual participants scored higher in identity exploration than the heterosexual participants. Bisexual participants scored significantly higher in psychological symptom severity than heterosexual participants. The three groups were not significantly different in identity commitment nor in identity distress. Female bisexual participants scored more similar to the homosexual participants in identity exploration, while the male bisexual participants were more similar to the heterosexual participants. Among males, bisexual and homosexual participants reported greater psychological symptom severity than heterosexual participants. There were no differences between groups for female participants in regard to symptom severity. This study highlights the need for more research into the psychological correlates of bisexuality as a distinct group from homosexuality, as well as the need to focus on gender as a significant moderator of these relationships.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004844, ucf:49703
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004844
- Title
- An Integrated Hydrodynamic-Marsh Model with Applications in Fluvial, Marine, and Mixed Estuarine Systems.
- Creator
-
Alizad, Karim, Hagen, Scott, Medeiros, Stephen, Wang, Dingbao, Weishampel, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Coastal wetlands experience fluctuating productivity when subjected to various stressors. One of the most impactful stressors is sea level rise (SLR) associated with global warming. Research has shown that under SLR, salt marshes may not have time to establish an equilibrium with sea level and may migrate landward or become open water. Salt marsh systems play an important role in the coastal ecosystem by providing intertidal habitats and food for birds, fish, crabs, mussels, and other animals...
Show moreCoastal wetlands experience fluctuating productivity when subjected to various stressors. One of the most impactful stressors is sea level rise (SLR) associated with global warming. Research has shown that under SLR, salt marshes may not have time to establish an equilibrium with sea level and may migrate landward or become open water. Salt marsh systems play an important role in the coastal ecosystem by providing intertidal habitats and food for birds, fish, crabs, mussels, and other animals. They also protect shorelines by dissipating flow and damping wave energy through an increase in drag forces. Due to the serious consequences of losing coastal wetlands, evaluating the potential future changes in their structure and distribution is necessary in order for coastal resource managers to make informed decisions. The objective of this study was to develop a spatially-explicit model by connecting a hydrodynamic model and a parametric marsh model and using it to assess the dynamic effects of SLR on salt marsh systems within three National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Coastal salt marsh systems are an excellent example of complex interrelations between physics and biology, and the resulting benefits to humanity. In order to investigate salt marsh productivity under projected SLR scenarios, a depth integrated hydrodynamic model was coupled to a parametric marsh model to capture the dynamic feedback loop between physics and biology. The hydrodynamic model calculates mean high water (MHW) and mean low water (MLW) within the river and tidal creeks by harmonic analysis of computed tidal constituents. The responses of MHW and MLW to SLR are nonlinear due to localized changes in the salt marsh platform elevation and biomass productivity (which influences bottom friction). Spatially-varying MHW and MLW are utilized in a two-dimensional application of the parametric Marsh Equilibrium Model to capture the effects of the hydrodynamics on biomass productivity and salt marsh accretion, where accretion rates are dependent on the spatial distribution of sediment deposition in the marsh. This model accounts both organic (decomposition of in-situ biomass) and inorganic (allochthonous) marsh platform accretion and the effects of spatial and temporal biomass density changes on tidal flows. The coupled hydro-marsh model, herein referred to as HYDRO-MEM, leverages an optimized coupling time step at which the two models exchange information and update the solution to capture the system's response to projected linear and non-linear SLR rates.Including accurate marsh table elevations into the model is crucial to obtain meaningful biomass productivity projections. A lidar-derived Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was corrected by incorporating Real Time Kinematic (RTK) surveying elevation data. Additionally, salt marshes continually adapt in an effort to reach an equilibrium within the ideal range of relative SLR and depth of inundation. The inputs to the model, specifically topography and bottom roughness coefficient, are updated using the biomass productivity results at each coupling time step to capture the interaction between the marsh and hydrodynamic models.The coupled model was tested and validated in the Timucuan marsh system, located in northeastern Florida by computing projected biomass productivity and marsh platform elevation under two SLR scenarios. The HYDRO-MEM model coupling protocol was assessed using a sensitivity study of the influence of coupling time step on the biomass productivity results with a comparison to results generated using the MEM approach only. Subsequently, the dynamic effects of SLR were investigated on salt marsh productivity within the three National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs) (Apalachicola, FL, Grand Bay, MS, and Weeks Bay, AL) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM). These three NERRS are fluvial, marine and mixed estuarine systems, respectively. Each NERR has its own unique characteristics that influence the salt marsh ecosystems. The HYDRO-MEM model was used to assess the effects of four projections of low (0.2 m), intermediate-low (0.5 m), intermediate-high (1.2 m) and high (2.0 m) SLR on salt marsh productivity for the year 2100 for the fluvial dominated Apalachicola estuary, the marine dominated Grand Bay estuary, and the mixed Weeks Bay estuary. The results showed increased productivity under the low SLR scenario and decreased productivity under the intermediate-low, intermediate-high, and high SLR. In the intermediate-high and high SLR scenarios, most of the salt marshes drowned (converted to open water) or migrated to higher topography. These research presented herein advanced the spatial modeling and understanding of dynamic SLR effects on coastal wetland vulnerability. This tool can be used in any estuarine system to project salt marsh productivity and accretion under sea level change scenarios to better predict possible responses to projected SLR scenarios. The findings are not only beneficial to the scientific community, but also are useful to restoration, planning, and monitoring activities in the NERRs. Finally, the research outcomes can help policy makers and coastal managers to choose suitable approaches to meet the specific needs and address the vulnerabilities of these three estuaries, as well as other wetland systems in the NGOM and marsh systems anywhere in the world.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006523, ucf:51360
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006523
- Title
- Inquiry as Practice for Continuous Improvement: A Framework for the Curricular Redesign of the Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Research Continuum at the University of Central Florida.
- Creator
-
Clark, Paola, Boote, David, Vitale, Thomas, Hopp, Carolyn, Swan, Bonnie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This design-based research study was conducted at the University of Central Florida with the aim of informing the Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction research course sequence within the College of Education and Human Performance. The main purpose of this dissertation was to enhance and enrich the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction research continuum courses to ensure that they support the use of applied research and practical theory as central to the development of scholarly...
Show moreThis design-based research study was conducted at the University of Central Florida with the aim of informing the Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction research course sequence within the College of Education and Human Performance. The main purpose of this dissertation was to enhance and enrich the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction research continuum courses to ensure that they support the use of applied research and practical theory as central to the development of scholarly practitioners. In order to fulfill its purpose, this study addressed three main goals: clarifying the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program goals, objectives, and research continuum learning outcomes; developing research course sequence curriculum maps; and redesigning sample curriculum units for individual research courses.The curriculum mapping and redesign process was supported by research-based design choices in alignment with the practice-oriented nature of the program. These design choices included the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Working Principles and Design Concepts, in particular the use of Inquiry as Practice as the main redesign framework in combination with improvement science principles. These frameworks were first used as foundations to clarify the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program goal and overall objectives. Later, user-centered design principles were applied to create faculty and student personas in order to inform the redefinition of individual research course learning outcomes. In addition, the frameworks were used to create alignment matrices and demonstrate where they supported each of the program objectives. This iterative process was carried out simultaneously with the course curriculum map redesign for each of the research continuum courses using backward design principles, the spiral curriculum model, and taking into consideration the most suitable instructional modality for learning outcomes, including the best suited education technology choices. Further, some proposed sample course units were developed in greater detail utilizing Universal Design for Learning principles and the prioritization of learning outcomes. Course contents were selected based on cognitive and reasoning learning theories pertaining to mixed method courses for professional practitioners.The developed prototypes support the continuous Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction curriculum redesign efforts of the program and College of Education and Human Performance at the University of Central Florida and clearly distinguish the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program from traditional, research-based doctorates. Similarly, at the national level, this study also sought to benefit other CPED-influenced professional practice programs, as they also consider the careful redesign of their research or inquiry sequences to define their programs as ones that fully address the needs of advanced professional educators. Acknowledging the limitations of this study, further studies should identifying the motivational, cognitive, and organizational causes affecting student learning outcomes. Implementing and evaluating the prototypes developed to ensure their effectiveness in preparing scholarly practitioners to act as agents of change in their professional practices.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006285, ucf:51585
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006285
- Title
- INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION REMOTE SENSING POINTING ANALYSIS.
- Creator
-
Jacobson, Craig, Leonessa, Alexander, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This paper analyzes the geometric and disturbance aspects of utilizing the International Space Station for remote sensing of earth targets. The proposed instrument is SHORE (Station High-Sensitivity Ocean Research Experiment), a multi-band optical spectrometer with 15 m pixel resolution. The analysis investigates the contribution of the error effects to the quality of data collected by the instrument. The analysis begins with the discussion of the coordinate systems involved and then...
Show moreThis paper analyzes the geometric and disturbance aspects of utilizing the International Space Station for remote sensing of earth targets. The proposed instrument is SHORE (Station High-Sensitivity Ocean Research Experiment), a multi-band optical spectrometer with 15 m pixel resolution. The analysis investigates the contribution of the error effects to the quality of data collected by the instrument. The analysis begins with the discussion of the coordinate systems involved and then conversion from the target coordinate system to the instrument coordinate system. Next the geometry of remote observations from the Space Station is investigated including the effects of the instrument location in Space Station and the effects of the line of sight to the target. The disturbance and error environment on Space Station is discussed covering factors contributing to drift and jitter, accuracy of pointing data and target and instrument accuracies. Finally, there is a brief discussion of image processing to address any post error correction options.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000855, ucf:46661
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000855
- Title
- THE EFFECTS ADVERTISING PLAYS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS' MORAL INTENTIONS BEYOND PURCHASE BEHAVIOR.
- Creator
-
Crockett, William, Massiah, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Advertisements affect our daily lives and as technology and the practice of marketing has developed over the course of history, we have become exposed to greater amounts of product and service campaigns. The purpose of advertisements is to educate the consumer with the goal of ultimately selling the product, and many companies and organizations would not be able to survive without the use of advertisements. Ultimately, it is a necessity for a business to prosper in a competitive market, but...
Show moreAdvertisements affect our daily lives and as technology and the practice of marketing has developed over the course of history, we have become exposed to greater amounts of product and service campaigns. The purpose of advertisements is to educate the consumer with the goal of ultimately selling the product, and many companies and organizations would not be able to survive without the use of advertisements. Ultimately, it is a necessity for a business to prosper in a competitive market, but there are possible side-effects for the consumer that are beyond the intentions to buy. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the effects advertisements play on the college student in particular. Different static/multi media advertisements have been shown to various college students ranging in gender and background to discover the comprehensive ramifications of specific promotions to study the moral and ethical impact that advertisements play on students' moral intent. An analysis and conclusion will be given, along with ideas for possible future studies. Recommendations will also be stated for marketers to be morally responsible for the advertisements they portray so the audience is not effected in a way that can lead to unwanted consequences. Ultimately, the results did not support the original hypotheses, leading to thought- provoking questions concerning our current marketing practices and the effectiveness of static and multimedia advertisements on college students. Future studies need to take place to reveal the accuracy of the study and to ultimately answer the question, "Are current advertisements influencing the audience at hand?"
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004250, ucf:44899
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004250
- Title
- Hearing the Voices of the Deserters: Activist Critical Making in Electronic Literature.
- Creator
-
Okkema, Laura, Salter, Anastasia, Beever, Jonathan, Fanfarelli, Joseph, Moulthrop, Stuart, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Critical making is an approach to scholarship which combines discursive methods with creative practices. The concept has recently gained traction in the digital humanities, where scholars are looking for ways of integrating making into their research in ways that are inclusive and empowering to marginalized populations. This dissertation explores how digital humanists can engage critical making as a form of activism in electronic literature, specifically in the interactive fiction platform...
Show moreCritical making is an approach to scholarship which combines discursive methods with creative practices. The concept has recently gained traction in the digital humanities, where scholars are looking for ways of integrating making into their research in ways that are inclusive and empowering to marginalized populations. This dissertation explores how digital humanists can engage critical making as a form of activism in electronic literature, specifically in the interactive fiction platform Twine. The author analyzes the making process of her own activist Twine game The Deserters and embeds the project within digital humanities discourses on activism and social justice, hypertext, electronic literature, critical making, and hacker culture. The Deserters is a text-based digital game based on the experiences of the author's family as refugees from East Germany. The player's objective in the game is to research a family's history by searching the game-world for authentic documents, including biographical writings, journal entries, photographs, and records, thereby retracing historical events through personal experience. The Deserters aims at inspiring a compassionate and empathetic stance towards immigrants and refugees today. The author reflects on the ethical, narrative, aesthetic, and technical choices she made throughout the creation process of The Deserters to create a critical activist game. The results of the analysis demonstrate that Twine offers a unique environment for composing politically impactful personal narratives. From the project, the author derives best practices for activist critical making, which emphasize the importance for makers to imagine the needs and perspectives of their audience. The work expands digital humanities' theoretical and practical toolkit for critical making.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007421, ucf:52701
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007421
- Title
- Light Matter Interaction in Single Molecule Magnets.
- Creator
-
Cebulka, Rebecca, Del Barco, Enrique, Klemm, Richard, Mucciolo, Eduardo, Luis, Fernando, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation includes a series of experimental realizations which focus on studying the coupling between photons and single-molecule magnets (SMMs) in both the weak and strong coupling regimes. In the weak coupling regime, the aim is to achieve coherent control over the time evolution of the spin of SMMs while applying rapid microwave pulses at sub-Kelvin temperatures, where polarization of the spin bath may be achieved without large magnetic fields, allowing the suppression of dipolar...
Show moreThis dissertation includes a series of experimental realizations which focus on studying the coupling between photons and single-molecule magnets (SMMs) in both the weak and strong coupling regimes. In the weak coupling regime, the aim is to achieve coherent control over the time evolution of the spin of SMMs while applying rapid microwave pulses at sub-Kelvin temperatures, where polarization of the spin bath may be achieved without large magnetic fields, allowing the suppression of dipolar dephasing. The continuing results of this experiment will be to provide a window into fundamental sources of decoherence in single-crystal SMMs in an energy range not thoroughly investigated. We expect that these conditions would allow us to study the quantum dynamics of the spins as governed by the intrinsic molecular magnetic anisotropy, which should give rise to non-well-defined Rabi oscillations of the spin state, including metastable precessional spin states. In the strong coupling regime, high quality factor superconducting CPW resonators have been designed and fabricated to investigate the vacuum Rabi splitting between a photon and the SMM spin. The proposed setup will permit measurements of coherent collective coupling between molecular spins and a low number of photons, ideally down to a single photon. This experiment may ultimately provide the opportunity for reaching the strong coupling regime with a single spin. Finally, this thesis also documents a research study into the impact of service-learning methodology on students' depth of learning and critical thinking skills during a novel nanoscale science and technology course offered in the UCF Physics Dept. The overall learning of students was assessed and results clearly showed improvement in both multiple choice pre/post-tests and critical reflection papers. We associate this improvement at least partially to the service-learning experience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007442, ucf:52728
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007442
- Title
- An Examination of the Connection Between Genuine Dialogue and Improv.
- Creator
-
O'Neal, Kathleen, Hastings, Sally, Katt, James, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The value of improv training extends beyond the stage. Improv has been successfully utilized and applied in a variety of ways in the workplace, school, and community. This study examines the connection between genuine dialogue and improv to determine if improv exhibits dialogic qualities. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of nineteen improv students. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the director of a hospital's Innovation Lab where improv is used in an organizational...
Show moreThe value of improv training extends beyond the stage. Improv has been successfully utilized and applied in a variety of ways in the workplace, school, and community. This study examines the connection between genuine dialogue and improv to determine if improv exhibits dialogic qualities. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of nineteen improv students. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the director of a hospital's Innovation Lab where improv is used in an organizational setting. The conditions for dialogue set by Gordon (2006) served as a guideline for analyzing data. Thematic analysis generated categories used to analyze data. The most prominent of Gordon's conditions for dialogue within improv were Imagination (&) Innovation, Vulnerability and Immediacy of Presence. The importance of this study, implications and future studies for the connection between improv and dialogue are examined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005389, ucf:52873
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005389
- Title
- Use of Video-Enhanced Debriefing in Clinical Nursing Skill Acquisition: Indwelling Urinary Catheterization as an Exemplar.
- Creator
-
Hoyt, Erica, Gill, Michele, Clark, M. H., Chase, Susan, Gonzalez, Laura, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Nursing students struggle to acquire and maintain clinical psychomotor skills. Hiring agencies bear the cost of retraining graduate nurses inept with skills learned early in their nursing curriculum. Improperly performed clinical skills pose a risk to patient safety, resulting in pain and suffering for the patient. This empirical study aimed to determine if video-enhanced debriefing (VED) improved initial skill validation scores, skill feedback, satisfaction with learning, and reduced skill...
Show moreNursing students struggle to acquire and maintain clinical psychomotor skills. Hiring agencies bear the cost of retraining graduate nurses inept with skills learned early in their nursing curriculum. Improperly performed clinical skills pose a risk to patient safety, resulting in pain and suffering for the patient. This empirical study aimed to determine if video-enhanced debriefing (VED) improved initial skill validation scores, skill feedback, satisfaction with learning, and reduced skill decay among first-semester, pre-licensure BSN students performing female indwelling urinary catheterization (IUC) in a simulated clinical setting compared to no debriefing. Participants received standard instruction, then video-recorded their IUC skill. Participants randomized into the VED group individually participated in an advocacy/inquiry debriefing with the principal investigator while viewing their performance video. Both groups completed a summative IUC skill validation per standard course instruction and submitted their skill performance ratings. All participants completed a survey including their perceived IUC knowledge, amount of skill practice, learning satisfaction with VED, and an evaluation of their skill performance feedback. All participants re-recorded their IUC skill and received performances ratings with the same instruments again ten weeks after the initial skill validation. The analysis revealed that VED did not improve nursing skills, knowledge, practice, or perceptions of the learning experience compared to the video-only group. Nursing students in the VED condition did rate their skill performance feedback higher than those in the video-only group. Students improved performance in both conditions, showing that learning via video is an effective teaching strategy to enhance student's satisfaction with learning, to engage in repetitive practice with feedback, and to improve learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007656, ucf:52504
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007656
- Title
- A formative evaluation of a technology-mediated alternative to traditional study abroad.
- Creator
-
Howard, Wendy, Gunter, Glenda, Ramirez, Bernardo, Vitale, Thomas, Moskal, Patsy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if a proposed technology-mediated intervention is a viable alternative to traditional study abroad for those who are unable to travel. While technology cannot reproduce the same experience of traveling abroad, the primary objective of this study was to determine if there is value in using Web conferencing technology to provide students with access to the same opportunity to interact with international experts in the field as their...
Show morePurpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if a proposed technology-mediated intervention is a viable alternative to traditional study abroad for those who are unable to travel. While technology cannot reproduce the same experience of traveling abroad, the primary objective of this study was to determine if there is value in using Web conferencing technology to provide students with access to the same opportunity to interact with international experts in the field as their counterparts who were able to travel. This formative evaluation is the first in a series of iterative studies aimed at developing a viable, sustainable, technology-based solution through design-based research (Reeves, 2006).Methodology/Design: Two guiding questions drove the focus of this formative evaluation: Did the program accomplish what was intended and was it implemented effectively? These generated a set of evaluation questions using the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Quality Framework, which were used to evaluate the quality of a joint study abroad program in Brazil with students and instructors from the University of Central Florida and the University of Scranton. While studying global health management in Brazil, the group in the field broadcasted their site visits live to online participants back in the United States. Web conferencing tools allowed the online attendees to see and hear the group in Brazil and interact in real time through the audio or text chat. Evaluation data was compiled from multiple sources including an anonymous student survey, instructor interviews, session recordings, financial budgets, and online facilitator observations in order to triangulate and evaluate the effectiveness of this Web-based intervention.Findings: Web conferencing technology appears to be a viable alternative that is not necessarily as immersive as traveling abroad, but it does provide its own set of benefits to higher education students. This formative evaluation revealed clear areas for improvement, including technical and procedural elements, but instructors and online participants did find value in the experience. Was it perfect? No. Was it successful? Yes. Was it encouraging? Definitely. Exploration of the evaluation questions under each of the five pillars of the OLC Quality Framework revealed both success factors and areas for improvement in each of the following categories: learning effectiveness, scale (commitment (&) cost), access, faculty satisfaction, and student satisfaction.Implications: Overall, this was a successful proof of concept that justifies future improvements and subsequent further evaluation in an iterative design-based research program. In addition to repeating this study with the joint global health management course in Brazil, this intervention could also be implemented and evaluated in other contexts, disciplines, and countries around the world. This formative evaluation produced a set of recommendations for the next study based on the success factors as well as the areas for improvement identified in this initial implementation in addition to a list of suggestions for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005808, ucf:50041
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005808
- Title
- Applying Problem-of-Practice Methods from the Discipline of Higher Education within the Justice System: Turning the Concept of Therapy Dogs for Child Victims into a Statewide Initiative.
- Creator
-
Holton, Jessie, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Williams-Fjeldhe, Karri, Mustaine, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This Dissertation-in-Practice introduces a law enforcement concept-to-practice model designed by combining tested methods of organizational analysis often utilized by those in the discipline of education. The model incorporates a two phase design with the first phase focusing on implementing and evaluating innovative changes within a medium size law enforcement agency for a micro-level analysis. A second phase examines the ability to replicate the concept program on a statewide, macro-level,...
Show moreThis Dissertation-in-Practice introduces a law enforcement concept-to-practice model designed by combining tested methods of organizational analysis often utilized by those in the discipline of education. The model incorporates a two phase design with the first phase focusing on implementing and evaluating innovative changes within a medium size law enforcement agency for a micro-level analysis. A second phase examines the ability to replicate the concept program on a statewide, macro-level, by incorporating a re-design method utilizing organizational resource and structure frames. The concept applied to this model was the introduction of a therapy dog interaction during investigations involving crimes against children to reduce anxiety and increase communication. The first phase concluded that the introduction of therapy dogs during law enforcement investigations had a statistical significance in the reduction of anxiety and increased disclosure rates with child victims, without interfering with judicial policies and procedures. The second phase produced a series of flexible options allowing law enforcement agencies of all types to replicate therapy dog programs that are consistent, cost effective, and sustainable. The overall results indicate the use of this concept-to-practice model was successful in examining and introducing an innovative concept that provided a significant impact in the complex organizations of the justice system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005807, ucf:50029
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005807
- Title
- An Investigation of the Academic Impact of the Freshman Transition Course at One Urban Central Florida High School.
- Creator
-
Flynn, Timothy, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Doherty, Walter, Bradshaw, Leigh, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research was to identify the extent to which a high school freshman transition program aligned with research based recommendations and to determine the extent to which the intervention impacted persistence to the tenth grade, on-track-to-graduation status, and academic success. Documents relevant to the program were collected and analyzed for research based themes. Students in the program at the target school were compared to students in a similar high school and a...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to identify the extent to which a high school freshman transition program aligned with research based recommendations and to determine the extent to which the intervention impacted persistence to the tenth grade, on-track-to-graduation status, and academic success. Documents relevant to the program were collected and analyzed for research based themes. Students in the program at the target school were compared to students in a similar high school and a historical cohort of students who attended the target school. The impact of the course was statistically significant for persistence to the tenth grade, on-track to graduation status, and academic success; however ANOVA found statistical significance favored Algebra 1 EOC and not FCAT Reading. Effect size statistics revealed little to no effect among Freshman Experience and the dependent variables. These findings will help school-level and district administrators design research-based transition interventions which encourage academic success and graduation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006684, ucf:51902
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006684
- Title
- Discovering Latent Gender Bias in Children's STEM Literature.
- Creator
-
Herlihy, Christine, Campbell, Laurie, Butler, Malcolm, Gunter, Glenda, Grauerholz, Liz, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A mixed method, exploratory, sequential research design was conducted to investigate the presence of latent bias in early childhood STEM literature content, applying a non-biased, sociocultural, STEM identity, theoretical framework. A survey of children's perceptions of gender and a content analysis found unintentional bias. Exploratory findings confirmed 102 children were gendering images. An examination of the relationship between the participants' gender and how the participant gendered...
Show moreA mixed method, exploratory, sequential research design was conducted to investigate the presence of latent bias in early childhood STEM literature content, applying a non-biased, sociocultural, STEM identity, theoretical framework. A survey of children's perceptions of gender and a content analysis found unintentional bias. Exploratory findings confirmed 102 children were gendering images. An examination of the relationship between the participants' gender and how the participant gendered AND preferred the images indicated differences existed between boys and girls. Children preferred images perceived as matching their own, with statistical significance. Girls were found to prefer images less than boys AND they were more likely to gender the images. Children were more likely to give gender to the 50 images considered in the study, than to non-gender them. The gendering and preference was found to be statistically significantly higher for anthropomorphic and personified inanimate images. Additionally, a content analysis of eight award winning and popular selling STEM children's books were conducted and were found to contain biased narratives and image content. A content analysis found significant differences relating to the frequency of character representation in the eight books. Analysis indicated a higher lexical representation of females to males, and image representation was more male than female. Further analysis of additional books and images is warranted from the findings of this exploratory study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007890, ucf:52797
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007890
- Title
- Institutionalizing Service-Learning as a Best Practice of Community Engagement in Higher Education: Intra- and Inter-Institutional Comparisons of the Carnegie Community Engagement Elective Classification Framework.
- Creator
-
Plante, Jarrad, Cox, Dr. Thomas, Robinson, Sandra, Bryer, Thomas, Bowdon, Melody, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Service-learning, with a longstanding history in American higher education (Burkhardt (&) Pasque, 2005), includes three key tenets: superior academic learning, meaningful and relevant community service, and persistent civic learning (McGoldrick and Ziegert, 2002). The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has created an elective classification system (-) Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (-) for institutions of higher education to demonstrate the breadth and depth of...
Show moreService-learning, with a longstanding history in American higher education (Burkhardt (&) Pasque, 2005), includes three key tenets: superior academic learning, meaningful and relevant community service, and persistent civic learning (McGoldrick and Ziegert, 2002). The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has created an elective classification system (-) Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (-) for institutions of higher education to demonstrate the breadth and depth of student involvement and learning through partnerships and engagement in the community (Dalton (&) Crosby, 2011; Hurtado (&) DeAngelo, 2012; Kuh et al., 2008; Pryor, Hurtado, Saenz, Santos, (&) Korn, 2007). Community engagement (")is in the culture, commonly understood practices and knowledge, and (CCEC helps determine) whether it is really happening (-) rhetoric versus reality(") (J. Saltmarsh, personal communication, August 11, 2014). The study considers the applications of three Carnegie Community Engagement Classification designated institutions to understand the institutionalization of service-learning over time by examining the 2008 designation and 2015 reclassification across institution types (-) a Private Liberal Arts College, a Private Teaching University, and a Public Research University located in the same metropolitan area. Organizational Change Theory was used as a theoretical model. Case study methodology was used in the present qualitative research to perform document analysis with qualitative interviews conducted to elucidate the data from the 2008 and 2015 CCEC applications from the three institutions. Using intra- and inter-comparative analysis, this study highlights approaches, policies, ethos, and emerging concepts to inform how higher education institutions increase the quality and quantity of service-learning opportunities that benefit higher education practitioners as well as community leaders.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005864, ucf:50852
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005864
