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(41 - 60 of 188)
Pages
- Title
- DIVINING THE DIVINE: POP MYTHOLOGY AND ITS WORTH.
- Creator
-
Hall, James, Isenhour, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
My thesis compares classic mythology of cultures like ancient Greece to the mythology that has risen from the popular culture of contemporary western civilizations like America. While there are some differences, the two use the same archetypes that humanity has used for generations. In my work I use sculpture and photography to show their similarities and differences in form and story.
- Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003103, ucf:48301
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003103
- Title
- AN ACCOUNT OF HOW CHINESE GRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES VIEW THE FULL SPAN OF THEIR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES: A GROUNDED THEORY INVESTIGATION.
- Creator
-
Tsai, Ming-Che, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Many teachers of international students in the United States are challenged to address cultural differences in a classroom. International students often experience psychological, physical and cultural stress when they study abroad, due mainly to unfamiliar environments and a diverse culture. The question this study asks is: Are there any strategies that can be used to benefit these students? This grounded theory study will examine a purposefully-selected group of subjects from China and...
Show moreMany teachers of international students in the United States are challenged to address cultural differences in a classroom. International students often experience psychological, physical and cultural stress when they study abroad, due mainly to unfamiliar environments and a diverse culture. The question this study asks is: Are there any strategies that can be used to benefit these students? This grounded theory study will examine a purposefully-selected group of subjects from China and Taiwan who are currently studying at a large metropolitan university in the Southeastern United States. After data collection and analysis procedure, I hoped there are some things valued for international student who just arrived at the new environment and provides the reference to those students and college with the similar situation as UCF all over the world.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002680, ucf:48239
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002680
- Title
- Providing Cultural Balance for Young Americans.
- Creator
-
Nichols, Mark, Listengarten, Julia, Rusnock, Joseph, Scott, Bert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Children today are increasingly being introduced to tablets and other personal electronic devices at very young ages. Due in part to this, the entertainment industry now has a near ubiquitous presence in America compared to cultural arts. Its influence on the development of children is almost impossible to ignore. My thesis will study an approach to engaging young people by way of location-based projects that synthesize two or more art forms (e.g. theatre arts, literary arts, visual arts) in...
Show moreChildren today are increasingly being introduced to tablets and other personal electronic devices at very young ages. Due in part to this, the entertainment industry now has a near ubiquitous presence in America compared to cultural arts. Its influence on the development of children is almost impossible to ignore. My thesis will study an approach to engaging young people by way of location-based projects that synthesize two or more art forms (e.g. theatre arts, literary arts, visual arts) in order to provide a unified effort for cultural arts and also provide balance to the influences of entertainment. Incorporating research, interviews with people instrumental in the creation of this approach, and analysis of the data, I intend to answer several essential research questions: What are the pros and cons of creating and/or operating these collaborative cultural arts facilities? Are recently created collaborative cultural arts centers, nationally and internationally (e.g. ImaginOn in Charlotte, NC) successfully addressing the imbalance of cultural influence and if so, in what way? What are the conditions and steps required to create a collaborative cultural arts facility and replicate a model similar to Charlotte's ImaginOn in other cities in the United States?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006047, ucf:50965
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006047
- Title
- A Theory of Cultural Tolerance: Evidence from Former Soviet States.
- Creator
-
Boulibekova, Ajara, Ash, Konstantin, Powell, Jonathan, Hamann, Kerstin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The prevention of ethnic conflict has been examined and debated upon within the Political Science community; studies involving economic standing, government structure, and historical background have been credited with reducing or preventing ethnic conflict. In the years leading up to the demise of the Soviet Union ethnic conflict was felt heavily throughout the Socialist Republics. After the fall of the U.S.S.R. scholars were certain that ethnic conflict would arise in Kazakhstan but alas it...
Show moreThe prevention of ethnic conflict has been examined and debated upon within the Political Science community; studies involving economic standing, government structure, and historical background have been credited with reducing or preventing ethnic conflict. In the years leading up to the demise of the Soviet Union ethnic conflict was felt heavily throughout the Socialist Republics. After the fall of the U.S.S.R. scholars were certain that ethnic conflict would arise in Kazakhstan but alas it did not, while other post-Soviet states, such as Moldova and Russia, had experienced ethnic conflict. What prevents ethnic conflict from occurring in one state but not the other? This thesis proposes that state efforts to promote cultural tolerance reduce the likelihood of ethnic conflict occurrence. State efforts to promote cultural tolerance include: language recognition, parliamentary reserved seats, constitutional protection, and inclusive citizenship laws. This theory is tested via a large-N regression time series cross sectional model including all of the former Soviet states, examining state-minority group dyads. Relevant factors such as oil, and group level economic inequality are also controlled for. The results reveal that inclusive citizenship laws have a positive significant effect on ethnic conflict, while language recognition seems to have a negative significant effect on ethnic conflict.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006978, ucf:51657
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006978
- Title
- Assessing Safety Culture among Pilots in Saudi Airlines: A Quantitative Study Approach.
- Creator
-
Alsowayigh, Mohammad, Karwowski, Waldemar, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Lee, Gene, Hancock, Peter, Mikusinski, Piotr, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In high- risk industries, such as aviation, safety is a key for organization survivor. Most accidents involve human losses and bring substantial cost to organizations. Accidents can devastate the reputation and profitability of any organization. In aviation, more than 80% of aircraft accidents are related to human errors. Safety culture has substantial impact on the success of any organization. Employees' performance and behaviors are influenced by their perception of safety culture within...
Show moreIn high- risk industries, such as aviation, safety is a key for organization survivor. Most accidents involve human losses and bring substantial cost to organizations. Accidents can devastate the reputation and profitability of any organization. In aviation, more than 80% of aircraft accidents are related to human errors. Safety culture has substantial impact on the success of any organization. Employees' performance and behaviors are influenced by their perception of safety culture within their organization. In the aviation industry, pilots are considered the last resort to prevent accidents or mishaps in the air or ground. The focus on pilots' perception of safety culture is vital to understand how the airline can influence pilots' behaviors in the flight deck, and provide opportunities to minimize risk or unsafe behavior in the future. The present study examined the effect of safety culture on safety performance among pilots of Saudi Airlines. Safety performance was measured by pilot attitude toward violations and pilot error behavior. The study further analyzed the mediating role of pilot commitment to the airline between safety culture and measures of safety performance. The study used a quantitative approach using survey questionnaire to collect the data. A total of 247 commercial airline pilots, captain and first officer, flying at Saudi Airlines voluntarily participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to validate each latent construct. The study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationship between all variables in the study using AMOS 22 software. The study results revealed that safety culture had a direct effect on pilot attitude toward violations and indirect effect on pilot error behavior. Moreover, safety culture had strong effect on enhancing pilot commitment to the airline. The mediating role of pilot commitment to the airline was not significant, and could not mediate the relationship between safety culture and measures of safety performance. The present research contributed to the current state of knowledge about the significant role of safety culture as a main predictor of safety performance in civil aviation. The present study contributes to aviation psychology by analyzing the effect of safety culture as a predictor for improving pilot commitment to the airline. In addition, this research analyzed the effect of safety culture on pilot attitude toward violations and pilot error behavior. Study findings can be used by airline management to better identify causes of unsafe behavior inside the cockpit. The outcomes of this research emphasize the role of management in shaping and affecting employees' behaviors and attitudes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005454, ucf:50371
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005454
- Title
- Unintentionally unethical: How uncivil leaders violate norms and hurt group performance.
- Creator
-
Coultas, Christopher, Salas, Eduardo, Salazar, Maritza, Burke, Shawn, Fritzsche, Barbara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Incivility is a common form of low-grade aggression that lacks a clear intent to harm, that violates community norms and values for interpersonal conduct, and is often chronic in nature (Andersson (&) Pearson, 1999; Cortina, Magley, Williams, (&) Langhout, 2001). Because of its subtleties, it is difficult at times to detect and even more difficult to prevent. However, it is an essential phenomenon to research, due to its ubiquity and negative impact on worker outcomes such as job satisfaction...
Show moreIncivility is a common form of low-grade aggression that lacks a clear intent to harm, that violates community norms and values for interpersonal conduct, and is often chronic in nature (Andersson (&) Pearson, 1999; Cortina, Magley, Williams, (&) Langhout, 2001). Because of its subtleties, it is difficult at times to detect and even more difficult to prevent. However, it is an essential phenomenon to research, due to its ubiquity and negative impact on worker outcomes such as job satisfaction and psychological health (Cortina et al., 2001). Incivility instigated by those in authority may be an even bigger problem, due to victims' fear of retaliation in the event that they choose to report the incivility (Estes (&) Wang, 2008). Furthermore, as the global economy shrinks and intercultural interactions become the rule rather than the exception, the norms for (")good interpersonal conduct(") become blurred, leading to even greater and more frequent incivility (Milam, Spitzmueller, (&) Penney, 2009; Pearson (&) Porath, 2005). Yet while it logically follows that incivility may be defined differently across different cultures, little research has been done on this topic. Furthermore, it is unclear how to (")fix(") the incivility problem in the workplace. Pearson and Porath (2005) suggested that organizational norms strongly endorsing civility could mitigate the occurrence of workplace incivility. The purpose of this research is to test the effects of internal cultural values and external group norms on perceptions of and reactions to leader incivility in a group setting.To test this, I manipulated leader incivility, cultural values, and group civility norms in a laboratory setting. Participants were exposed to a cultural value prime in which they were primed to endorse either high or low power distance values. Then, in a group setting, participants were presented with either a pro-civility or neutral group norm, and proceeded to engage in a groupivdiscussion with a confederate leader. This confederate leader was inconspicuously selected from among the participants and followed a script in which he consistently engaged in incivility towards both group members while conducting the group discussion. After completing the group discussion, the leader left for leader training and the participants engaged in an interdependent business simulation. At periodic segments throughout the experiment, I assessed participants' affective states as well as their perceptions of interactional justice and intragroup conflict.Regression analyses generally supported hypotheses regarding the moderating effect of values on perceptions of and reactions to incivility. Power distance predicted individuals' assessment of justice in the face of leader incivility; the interaction effect of power distance values and civility norms approached (but did not achieve) significance. Justice perceptions were strongly negatively correlated with participants' experience of anger; anger was found to mediate the relationship between participants' justice assessments (when the leader was present) and their perceptions of intragroup conflict (when the leader was absent). Power distance values and civility norms both moderated the relationship between anger and individual-level perception of intragroup conflict. At the group level of analysis, relationship conflict negatively predicted group performance, but task conflict positively predicted group performance, when there were pro-civility norms in place. These findings have implications for diverse organizations attempting to promote justice, harmony, and civility within their organizations. Incivility is a nuanced phenomenon and one that is perceived and responded to differently across individuals. Cultural values play a role, but so do organizational norms. Future research is needed to explore further the interactive effects of cultural values and organizational norms, and how organizations can leverage these to prevent the occurrence and negative consequences of workplace incivility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004667, ucf:49899
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004667
- Title
- For Alexander: An Exploration of Good Ole Boy Identity and Mortality.
- Creator
-
Johnson, Chad, Kim, Joo, Kovach, Keith, Isenhour, David, Price, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
(")For Alexander(") is an exhibition about masculinity as it is exhibited by Southern (")good ole boys("). I rely on original and appropriated imagery, as well as memories of loss and humor from my childhood in Alabama. Combining mixed media and sculptural elements has allowed me to investigate the subjects that interest me. I explore and artistically comment on these subjects through a mix of personal and culturally loaded imagery that records what I have either experienced or researched,...
Show more(")For Alexander(") is an exhibition about masculinity as it is exhibited by Southern (")good ole boys("). I rely on original and appropriated imagery, as well as memories of loss and humor from my childhood in Alabama. Combining mixed media and sculptural elements has allowed me to investigate the subjects that interest me. I explore and artistically comment on these subjects through a mix of personal and culturally loaded imagery that records what I have either experienced or researched, and which I realize through the ironic use of non-traditional materials, such as sequins and rhinestones.My work examines stereotypes and my own beliefs about Southern good ole boys. I also reflect on elements of Southern hypocrisy, and I question long standing social practices with the help of historical and contemporary media sources.My exhibition is dedicated to my great uncle, who was murdered by his father, a preacher, during the Great Depression.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004698, ucf:49856
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004698
- Title
- GETTING TO THE PULP OF HARUKI MURAKAMI'SNORWEGIAN WOOD:TRANSLATABILITY AND THE ROLE OF POPULAR CULTURE.
- Creator
-
Zuromski, Jacquelyn, Murphy, Patrick D., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood (1987) veers from his favored detective-fiction genre by offering readers a 1960s coming-of-age romance, a story whose plot nonetheless spins around the protagonist seeking out his personal identity. The conflicts between Japanese tradition and modern, global perspectives are illustrated through the inclusion of popular culture elements such as music, literature and films. This thesis seeks to show how the novel's references to popular culture of the 1960s...
Show moreHaruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood (1987) veers from his favored detective-fiction genre by offering readers a 1960s coming-of-age romance, a story whose plot nonetheless spins around the protagonist seeking out his personal identity. The conflicts between Japanese tradition and modern, global perspectives are illustrated through the inclusion of popular culture elements such as music, literature and films. This thesis seeks to show how the novel's references to popular culture of the 1960s combine to help the protagonist establish an identity for himself as well as his place within the universal community. First, though, the project explores the impact of the translatability issues that arise with each of the novel's two English translations, variations dictated by the needs of differing audiences. The introduction provides an overview of the study, as well as historical background pertinent to the understanding of the Sixties-era popular culture iconography privileged by Murakami. My methodology favors a cultural studies approach and utilizes reader response and reception theories. Separate chapters then compare specifics between the two translations and examine the functionality and significance of music, literature and film within the novel. The conclusion justifies the subsequent deviations between the translations and argues for the necessity and value of both English versions, but claims Rubin's as the definitive English translation. Likewise, the study of the novel's many popular culture references exemplifies the roles that music, books, and film play in the creation of the protagonist's individual identity in Norwegian Wood while simultaneously illustrating the effectiveness of using globally recognizable media as a bridge between cultures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000258, ucf:46242
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000258
- Title
- "I'M A STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN": THE COST OF STRONG BLACK WOMAN SCHEMA ENDORSEMENT.
- Creator
-
Castelin, Stephanie, White, Grace, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The Strong Black Woman Schema (SBWS) is a cultural expectation placed on black women to unfailingly display signs of strength and caretaker qualities, while suppressing their emotions. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the SBWS and psychological distress, suicidal behaviors, and resilience. Researchers expected to find a positive relationship between the SBWS and psychological distress, a positive relationship between the SBWS and resilience, and an undefined...
Show moreThe Strong Black Woman Schema (SBWS) is a cultural expectation placed on black women to unfailingly display signs of strength and caretaker qualities, while suppressing their emotions. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the SBWS and psychological distress, suicidal behaviors, and resilience. Researchers expected to find a positive relationship between the SBWS and psychological distress, a positive relationship between the SBWS and resilience, and an undefined relationship between the SBWS and suicidal behaviors. The study also examined the potential moderating effects of the SBWS and resilience on the existing psychological distress-suicidal behaviors relationship. Lastly, the study examined how socioeconomic status moderates the relationship between the SBWS and psychological distress. It was expected that the SBWS and resilience would weaken the relationship between psychological distress and suicidal behaviors; higher socioeconomic status would weaken the relationship between the SBWS and psychological distress. Researchers recruited 177 black women to take a 30-minute survey. A bivariate correlation analysis showed that the SBWS shares a positive relationship with psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress, and suicidal behaviors. However, resilience was not associated with the SBWS. Resilience was found to moderate the psychological distress-suicidal behaviors relationship, while the SBWS did not. Socioeconomic status did not moderate the relationship between the SBWS and psychological distress. The findings of this study bear important clinical and community implications. By determining the harmful effects of the SBWS, further research can be conducted on how black woman, mental health professionals, and community advocates can mitigate its effects.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000494, ucf:45679
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000494
- Title
- UNIFICACION: THE THINGS THAT BIND US.
- Creator
-
Muriel, Kaylani E, Milanes, Cecilia Rodr�guez, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Unificacion: The Things That Bind Us is a collection of poetry and prose, using New York City's Spanish Harlem and Carolina, Puerto Rico as its backdrop. Each work in this collection revolves around a young man and his family, based on the real-life stories and experiences of the writer's grandfather, Luis. They are crafted with the intent of sharing aspects of Puerto Rican life both in and out of the continental United States with a diverse audience, including those who might not have...
Show moreUnificacion: The Things That Bind Us is a collection of poetry and prose, using New York City's Spanish Harlem and Carolina, Puerto Rico as its backdrop. Each work in this collection revolves around a young man and his family, based on the real-life stories and experiences of the writer's grandfather, Luis. They are crafted with the intent of sharing aspects of Puerto Rican life both in and out of the continental United States with a diverse audience, including those who might not have encountered any elements of the Hispanic culture. Using techniques inspired by writers like Jes�s Colon, Esmeralda Santiago, and Piri Thomas, each of the pieces focus on a different element of the Puerto Rican culture. The intent is to give audiences an idea of the cultural values, familial structures, and other norms typical of the Puerto Rican culture by providing glimpses into the everyday lives of the same family on the island and the mainland. The works capture their struggle to make the most of the life they've found themselves in, and emphasize one boy's growth as he attempts to find his role in the family. Overall, the goal of this work is to craft a story that can appeal to all audiences, bringing the Puerto Rican culture to life for all who encounter it.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000430, ucf:45829
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000430
- Title
- IMPROVING PARENT INVOLVEMENT FOR CULTURALLY AND LINGUSTICALLY DIVERSE PARENTS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES FROM URBAN SETTINGS IN SUBURBAN SCHOOLS.
- Creator
-
Urquhart, Michelle, Dieker, Lisa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was designed to address the need for improved collaborative experiences for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) parents of students with disabilities. Historically, these individuals have had limited interactions with special education services and professionals, particularly at the middle school level. To improve the collaborative relationship between CLD families and schools, the study offered collaborative training sessions designed to provide opportunities for parents...
Show moreThis study was designed to address the need for improved collaborative experiences for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) parents of students with disabilities. Historically, these individuals have had limited interactions with special education services and professionals, particularly at the middle school level. To improve the collaborative relationship between CLD families and schools, the study offered collaborative training sessions designed to provide opportunities for parents to build on their current knowledge base and skills for effective partnerships with school personnel. The goal of the training was to increase the types and frequency of school involvement by CLD parents. The participants for this study consisted of teachers and parents of culturally diverse groups of middle grade students in special education transitioning from an urban elementary school into a suburban middle school. Hence, the researcher evaluated parent perceptions of the collaborative experience to determine the effects it had on future efforts to collaborate. Student perceptions of both the collaborative process and the teacher's ability to provide services that embrace cultural differences and reflect high expectations were also assessed. Overall evaluation of Parent Collaborative Training (PCT) demonstrated a direct influence on the behaviors of parents as well as students and teachers, who were indirectly affected by the parenting behaviors. The training influenced parents' knowledge and skills, opinions of students regarding their parents and teachers, and showed higher ratings for students across three domains: student behaviors, student capabilities, and teacher expectations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001310, ucf:47016
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001310
- Title
- THE EFFECT OF SCHOOL CULTURE ON SCIENCE EDUCATION AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC CASE STUDY.
- Creator
-
Meier, Lori, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This ethnographic case study investigated one elementary school to understand how the school's culture influenced its science curriculum design and instruction. The main data was formal and informal semi-structured interviews with key teachers to understand their values, beliefs, practices, materials, and problems with science instruction. To triangulate these data, the researcher observed classroom practice, school-wide activities, and collected artifacts and documents. Data were...
Show moreThis ethnographic case study investigated one elementary school to understand how the school's culture influenced its science curriculum design and instruction. The main data was formal and informal semi-structured interviews with key teachers to understand their values, beliefs, practices, materials, and problems with science instruction. To triangulate these data, the researcher observed classroom practice, school-wide activities, and collected artifacts and documents. Data were analyzed using a theoretical framework that emphasizes that culture cannot be reduced to beliefs, values, practices, materials or problems, but rather each aspect of culture is interdependent and mutually reinforcing. The main finding suggests that the school's culture is organized to accomplish other curricular goals than effective science education. Science is rarely taught by most teachers and rarely taught well when it is. While the teachers know the rhetoric of effective science education and value it enough to not dismiss it entirely, most value it less than most other subjects and they are not proficient with science instruction and materials. This study builds upon the literature by reiterating that school culture plays a central role in elementary science education, but adds to that literature by emphasizing that culture cannot be reduced to one or a few factors and must be seen as an organic whole.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001412, ucf:47061
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001412
- Title
- JOURNEY.
- Creator
-
Martinsen, Suzann, Haxton, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In my drawings and animation, I create a representation of a culture that is instilled in me, yet foreign. The work is inspired from a childlike perspective to depict a personal primitive experience with the Korean culture. The subtleties of the animations are meant to reflect the quiet nature of Asian paintings and to allow the viewer to experience and interpret it as they choose. I want others to see without hearing words in an already noisy world.
- Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002089, ucf:47528
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002089
- Title
- ATTITUDES TOWARDS SEEKING PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING: THE ROLE OF OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS AND EMOTIONAL OPENNESS IN ENGLISH-SPEAKING CARIBBEAN COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE U.S. AND THE CARIBBEAN.
- Creator
-
Greenidge, Wendy-lou, Daire, Andrew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Purpose: The college environment is documented as a universally stressful period where students face many challenges (Baysden, 2002; Pandit, 2003). In addition to these potential stressors, international students face other unique challenges such as loss of support network, feelings of isolation, economic hardship, coping with oftentimes competing cultures, and anxiety which emanates from unfamiliarity (Kim & Omizo, 2003; Rounds & Kline, 2005). Unsuccessful resolution of these challenges can...
Show morePurpose: The college environment is documented as a universally stressful period where students face many challenges (Baysden, 2002; Pandit, 2003). In addition to these potential stressors, international students face other unique challenges such as loss of support network, feelings of isolation, economic hardship, coping with oftentimes competing cultures, and anxiety which emanates from unfamiliarity (Kim & Omizo, 2003; Rounds & Kline, 2005). Unsuccessful resolution of these challenges can negatively impact the acculturation process, their mental health, and their academic programs (Roysircar, 2002). Despite these many challenges, research consistently shows that international students are less likely than their US counterparts to seek professional counseling (Bayer, 2002). Further, those who do seek counseling services are also more likely to terminate services prematurely (Anderson & Myer, 1985). Although there is an abundance of research on the attitudes towards seeking professional counseling of Asian and other international student populations (Kim & Omizo, 2003; Lau & Takeuchi, 2001; Leong & Lau, 2001; Liao, Rounds & Kline, 2005; Pandit, 2003), there is a dearth of knowledge on Caribbean college students. This dissertation sought to determine which factors influence the attitudes towards seeking professional counseling of English-speaking Caribbean college students in the U.S., as well as those attending colleges in the Caribbean. Method: Two research questions and five null hypotheses were used to examine what influences the attitudes towards seeking professional counseling of 500 Caribbean college students. The variables of interest were stigma tolerance, level of social support, level of acculturation, outcome expectations and level of emotional openness. Stigma Tolerance was measured using the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH), Outcome Expectations were measured using the Disclosure Expectations Scale, Emotional Openness was measured using the Distress Disclosure Index and Social Support using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Attitudes towards seeking professional counseling were measured using the Attitudes towards seeking Psychological Help instrument by Fischer and Turner (1970) and acculturation was measured using responses from the demographic questionnaire. Several analyses were conducted including a stepwise regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, a MANOVA, ANOVA and a linear regression analysis. Major Findings: The results of this study indicated that stigma tolerance and anticipated risks of seeking counseling both have a significant inverse relationship with the attitudes towards seeking professional counseling of English-speaking Caribbean college students. Results also indicated that anticipated utility of seeking professional counseling has a significant relationship with the attitudes towards seeking professional counseling. The level of emotional openness as well as the level of social support also have a direct relationship with the attitudes towards seeking professional counseling of English-speaking Caribbean college students. Students who reside and attend college in the Caribbean reported higher mean scores for anticipated risk, anticipated utility and attitudes towards seeking professional counseling than their counterparts who reside and attend college in the U.S. Results also indicated that length of stay in the U.S. was not a statistically significant predictor of one's attitudes towards seeking professional counseling.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001653, ucf:47229
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001653
- Title
- PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: TEACHERS' AND PARENTS' VOICES.
- Creator
-
Shearer, Karen, Brown, Susan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Parents have been involved in the education of their children since the early days of our nation. Their roles have evolved from teaching the basics of reading writing and arithmetic in Colonial times to overseeing the selection of teachers and designing the curriculum during the early 1800s to providing academic support in the home up through the present time. Although educators are generally viewed as professionals and in charge of their students' education, the importance of parental...
Show moreParents have been involved in the education of their children since the early days of our nation. Their roles have evolved from teaching the basics of reading writing and arithmetic in Colonial times to overseeing the selection of teachers and designing the curriculum during the early 1800s to providing academic support in the home up through the present time. Although educators are generally viewed as professionals and in charge of their students' education, the importance of parental involvement is readily acknowledged. Confusing to both parents and educators is what constitutes parental involvement. The research revealed numerous definitions for the term, but none that were universally agreed upon. This lack of a clear delineation of roles has both parties struggling to make sense of their separate and joint responsibilities. Add to this confusion the complex issues surrounding linguistic and cultural diversity and both sides become mired in their differences rather than building upon their commonalities. Barriers to parental involvement can come from the family as well as the school. The purpose of this study was to examine those barriers from the perspective of educators as well as parents. A convenience sample was taken from the population of elementary schools in a Central Florida county. Parents of students from ethnic minorities were asked to complete a survey questionnaire regarding their experiences with the classroom teacher as well as involvement in their child's education. Elementary school teachers from the same county were given the opportunity to respond to an online survey questionnaire regarding their attitudes about cultural and language diversity and parental engagement at school and with learning. Five hundred and fifty parent surveys and one hundred sixty-six teacher surveys were completed. The data analysis will show which factors influence parent involvement and how similarly parents and teachers feel about parent involvement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001506, ucf:47127
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001506
- Title
- DOES SAFETY CULTURE PREDICT CLINICAL OUTCOMES?.
- Creator
-
Wilson, Katherine, Salas, Eduardo, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Patient safety in healthcare has become a national objective. Healthcare organizations are striving to improve patient safety and have turned to high reliability organizations as those in which to model. One initiative taken on by healthcare is improving patient safety culture--shifting from one of a 'no harm, no foul' to a culture of learning that encourages the reporting of errors, even those in which patient harm does not occur. Lacking from the literature, however, is an...
Show morePatient safety in healthcare has become a national objective. Healthcare organizations are striving to improve patient safety and have turned to high reliability organizations as those in which to model. One initiative taken on by healthcare is improving patient safety culture--shifting from one of a 'no harm, no foul' to a culture of learning that encourages the reporting of errors, even those in which patient harm does not occur. Lacking from the literature, however, is an understanding of how safety culture impacts outcomes. While there has been some research done in this area, and safety culture is argued to have an impact, the findings are not very diagnostic. In other words, safety culture has been studied such that an overall safety culture rating is provided and it is shown that a positive safety culture improves outcomes. However, this method does little to tell an organization what aspects of safety culture impact outcomes. Therefore, this dissertation sought to answer that question but analyzing safety culture from multiple dimensions. The results found as a part of this effort support previous work in other domains suggesting that hospital management and supervisor support does lead to improved perceptions of safety. The link between this support and outcomes, such as incidents and incident reporting, is more difficult to determine. The data suggests that employees are willing to report errors when they occur, but the low occurrence of such reportable events in healthcare precludes them from doing so. When a closer look was taken at the type of incidents that were reported, a positive relationship was found between support for patient safety and medication incidents. These results initially seem counterintuitive. To suggest a positive relationship between safety culture and medication incidents on the surface detracts from the research in other domains suggesting the opposite. It could be the case that an increase in incidents leads an organization to implement additional patient safety efforts, and therefore employees perceive a more positive safety culture. Clearly more research is needed in this area. Suggestions for future research and practical implications of this study are provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001924, ucf:47472
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001924
- Title
- THE EMERGENCE OF THE MAYA TLALOC: A LATE CLASSIC RELIGIOUS ICON.
- Creator
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Groff, Amanda, Chase, Arlen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Iconography has the capability to memorialize and guarantee one's place in history; iconography can also provide powerful insight into human culture, and explore social and cultural values in a visual manner. Iconography can incorporate information about group identities, allegiances, religious affiliations, propaganda, and acceptance within both modern and ancient societies. By studying a specific iconographic figure, the Central Mexican god Tlaloc, as a visual representation of a belief...
Show moreIconography has the capability to memorialize and guarantee one's place in history; iconography can also provide powerful insight into human culture, and explore social and cultural values in a visual manner. Iconography can incorporate information about group identities, allegiances, religious affiliations, propaganda, and acceptance within both modern and ancient societies. By studying a specific iconographic figure, the Central Mexican god Tlaloc, as a visual representation of a belief or identity, we can glean a greater understanding of the cultural transmission of iconographic symbols. The substantial use of this icon, in both Central Mexico and the Maya region, reveals iconography as capable of being catalogued and traced over space and time to interpret meaning. With these goals in mind, this research project focuses on the iconographic representations of the Central Mexican god Tlaloc in the Maya region. It was during the Early Classic Period (A.D. 250-550) that Tlaloc transcended the boundaries of Central Mexico and was adopted into Maya ideology. During the Late Classic Period (A.D.550-900), a 'Maya Tlaloc' was established and used to express ideologies depicting warfare and ritual activity. The adoption of Tlaloc imagery among the ancient Maya ultimately holds significant value to understanding Maya ideology and religion as well as facilitates an understanding of wide-scale interactions with Central Mexico.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001861, ucf:47403
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001861
- Title
- AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JOB SATISFACTION, ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE, AND PERCEIVED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS.
- Creator
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Amburgey, William, Bozeman, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purposes of this study were to determine if (a) there is a relationship between job satisfaction, organizational culture, and perceived leadership characteristics at a dual-residential private university based on location, gender, level of education, and length of employment and, (b) to measure those relationships if they were present. Understanding how these areas relate may enhance strategic planning and personnel decisions for leaders within organizations. The population of this study...
Show moreThe purposes of this study were to determine if (a) there is a relationship between job satisfaction, organizational culture, and perceived leadership characteristics at a dual-residential private university based on location, gender, level of education, and length of employment and, (b) to measure those relationships if they were present. Understanding how these areas relate may enhance strategic planning and personnel decisions for leaders within organizations. The population of this study was the 1,478 full-time faculty and staff located on the residential campuses of the participating university. Participants in the study were asked to complete three test instruments: an Employee Demographic Survey, Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and the Organizational Description Questionnaire (ODQ). The Employee Demographic Survey was designed by the researcher to collect demographic data from the population. The JSS was designed by Spector (1994) as an instrument to assess an employee's attitude toward variables such as pay, promotion, supervision, operating procedures, and communication. Designed by Bass and Avolio (1992), the ODQ measures how a member of the organization perceives the organizational culture in terms of transactional or transformational leadership characteristics. Findings indicated that the only statistically significant mean score differences between total scores on the JSS and ODQ occurred when length of employment was the independent variable. Statistically significant correlations were also observed between the mean total JSS score, the ODQ transactional leadership score, and the ODQ transformational leadership score. Further, the scores obtained from the ODQ were used to define the organizational culture typology. A Moderately Four I's, as described by Bass and Avolio (1992), was the dominant culture identification across all levels of independent variables.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000610, ucf:46517
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000610
- Title
- A TRANSCULTURAL PERSPECTIVE ON NONPHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
- Creator
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Leyva, Amanda W, Edwards, Joellen, Upvall, Michele, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Despite PPD's global extent, scarce research that addresses culturally competent alternative interventions exists. The purposes of this thesis were to 1) analyze the existing literature on non-pharmacological treatment of PPD in the US and across selected cultures; 2) determine the effectiveness of cross-cultural non-pharmaceutical therapy; and 3) examine and suggest ways health care providers can integrate non-pharmacologic interventions into PPD treatment in the US. The systematic...
Show moreDespite PPD's global extent, scarce research that addresses culturally competent alternative interventions exists. The purposes of this thesis were to 1) analyze the existing literature on non-pharmacological treatment of PPD in the US and across selected cultures; 2) determine the effectiveness of cross-cultural non-pharmaceutical therapy; and 3) examine and suggest ways health care providers can integrate non-pharmacologic interventions into PPD treatment in the US. The systematic electronic search comprised the databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, PsycINFO and SAGE Research Methods. Searches were limited to English language, peer reviewed, and research articles between 2007 and 2017. A second search was performed through global Healthcare Organizations websites. The World Bank's country classifications by income level were adopted to present the findings. This review found that passing el calor to the newborn, yoga; and cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, family, and bright light therapies are successful interventions. Further, seclusion periods were identified as adequate interventions only when women voluntarily adopt the practice and have family support, with less social restrictions. While other non-pharmacological treatments' effectiveness was not ascertained, this thesis encourages healthcare professionals to integrate cultural traditions congruent with clients' preferences. Recommended nursing interventions and suggestions for improvement of current practice are also discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000370, ucf:45916
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000370
- Title
- FROM PRE-ISLAM TO MANDATE STATES: EXAMINING CULTURAL IMPERIALISM AND CULTURAL BLEED IN THE LEVANT.
- Creator
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Willman, Gabriel, Özoğlu, Hakan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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To a large degree, historical analyses of the Levantine region tend to focus primarily upon martial interaction and state formation. However, perhaps of equitable impact is the chronology of those interactions which are cultural in nature. The long-term formative effect of cultural imperialism and cultural bleed can easily be as influential as the direct alterations imposed by martial invasion. While this study does not attempt to establish comparative causal weight or catalytic impact...
Show moreTo a large degree, historical analyses of the Levantine region tend to focus primarily upon martial interaction and state formation. However, perhaps of equitable impact is the chronology of those interactions which are cultural in nature. The long-term formative effect of cultural imperialism and cultural bleed can easily be as influential as the direct alterations imposed by martial invasion. While this study does not attempt to establish comparative causal weight or catalytic impact between these types of interactions, it does contend that the cultural evolution of the Levant has been significantly influenced by external interaction for a period of time extending beyond the Levantine Islamic Expansion. This study presents a chronological examination of the region from the pre-Expansion Period through the Mandate Period, focused upon relevant cultural structures. Specifically, emphasis is placed upon religious, ethnic, and nationalistic identity development, sociolinguistic shifts, and institutional changes within the societal structure. The primary conclusion of this study is that significant evidence exists to support a long-term historical narrative of externally influenced Levantine cultural evolution, inclusive of both adaptive and reactive interactions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004490, ucf:45075
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004490
