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Title: Three Studies Examining the Effects of Psychological Distance on Judgment and Decision Making in Accounting.
Creator: Weisner, Martin, Sutton, Steven, Arnold, Vicky, Robb, Sean, Messier, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation comprises three studies, a literature review and two experimental studies, that center on the effects of psychological distance on judgment and decision-making in accounting. Construal level theory (CLT) of psychological distance (Liberman and Trope 1998; Trope and Liberman 2003), a framework recently developed in the field of social psychology, constitutes the theoretical foundation for each study.The first study reviews extant literature on CLT and illustrates the theory's...
Show moreThis dissertation comprises three studies, a literature review and two experimental studies, that center on the effects of psychological distance on judgment and decision-making in accounting. Construal level theory (CLT) of psychological distance (Liberman and Trope 1998; Trope and Liberman 2003), a framework recently developed in the field of social psychology, constitutes the theoretical foundation for each study.The first study reviews extant literature on CLT and illustrates the theory's potential for investigating previously unexplained phenomena within the accounting domain. Selected publications that apply CLT in contexts that are of particular interest to accounting researchers are emphasized and a series of broad, CLT-based research questions pertaining to various accounting domains are offered. The second study applies CLT to the audit context by investigating whether the performance of common auditing tasks that require varying degrees of abstract thinking affect decision-makers' overall mindset and hence their subsequent judgment. Results from the second study have important implications for audit practice as auditors work in environments that require frequent shifts in focus due to multiple client or project demands. The third study applies CLT to the enterprise risk management context by examining how spatial distance from a risk assessment object and risk category (i.e., the type of risk) affects decision-makers' assessment of the probability that the risk will materialize. The third study thus informs the corporate governance literature by identifying psychological distance as a potential source for judgment bias during the risk assessment process.Overall, the results reported in this dissertation suggest that psychological distance systematically affects individuals' judgment subject to the caveat that the judgment of concern falls within the domain of the decision-maker's routine cognition. By presenting empirical evidence from both the audit and the risk management domain, the studies contribute to our understanding of the heuristics and biases in judgment and decision-making in professional settings that are of interest to accounting research.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005735, ucf:50091
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005735

Title: Explaining State Crisis Behavior Using the Operational Code.
Creator: George, William, Schafer, Mark, Dolan, Thomas, Vasquez, Joseph, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Does the operational code of a state's leadership have an effect on its behavior during foreign policy crises? Specifically, do states with more conflictual operational codes opt for a more conflictual response to crises, or do systemic and structural variables intervene to limit their significance? While the study of individual level psychology in international relations has been gaining momentum, the causal links between beliefs and behavior have yet to be solidified. This study used...
Show moreDoes the operational code of a state's leadership have an effect on its behavior during foreign policy crises? Specifically, do states with more conflictual operational codes opt for a more conflictual response to crises, or do systemic and structural variables intervene to limit their significance? While the study of individual level psychology in international relations has been gaining momentum, the causal links between beliefs and behavior have yet to be solidified. This study used ordered logistic regression across three models to determine the effect of the operational code on state crisis behavior while controlling for key domestic and crisis dimension variables. Predicted probabilities were also used to better demonstrate the variables' substantive effects. The 50 cases used in this research are drawn from the International Crisis Behavior Dataset composed by Brecher and Wilkenfeld, and they focus on the United States as the major crisis actor. Operational code data were derived from computer-based content analysis using the Verbs In Context System (Walker, Schafer, and Young 1998). The theoretical goal of this paper was to explain variance in state crisis behavior through variations in the operational codes of US Presidents. The results demonstrate that the operational codes of leaders do affect state crisis behavior. Specifically, the operational code indices P1 and I1 show that a leader with a more conflictual view of the nature of the political universe and a conflictual direction of strategy is more likely to employ escalatory crisis behavior.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005336, ucf:50528
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005336

Title: Leadership Distrust, Need for Power, and the Initiation of Militarized Interstate Disputes.
Creator: Smith, Gary, Schafer, Mark, Dolan, Thomas, Pollock, Philip, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Does a leader's psychology affect his/her likelihood of initiating a militarized interstate dispute? The study of leadership psychology has continuously found support for the central assumption that leaders matter in explaining a state's foreign policy behavior. However, many of these research projects have relied on small-sample case studies and experimental methods that have limited generalizability. In this paper, I use two variables drawn from the research program on leadership trait...
Show moreDoes a leader's psychology affect his/her likelihood of initiating a militarized interstate dispute? The study of leadership psychology has continuously found support for the central assumption that leaders matter in explaining a state's foreign policy behavior. However, many of these research projects have relied on small-sample case studies and experimental methods that have limited generalizability. In this paper, I use two variables drawn from the research program on leadership trait analysis (distrust and need for power) in a multivariate large-n study to explain the initiation of militarized interstate disputes (MIDs). 1,601 cases are drawn from the Correlates of War MID data set. First, using an ANOVA model, I demonstrate that MID initiators have higher average scores for both distrust and need for power and that this difference is statistically significant. Then, using logistic regression, I demonstrate that distrust and need for power have statistically significant positive effects on the likelihood of MID initiation. I conclude by comparing the predicted probabilities of the psychological variables of interest with territorial contiguity. All of these methods demonstrate that the psychological traits of leaders have an important effect on the likelihood of MID initiation.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005418, ucf:50423
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005418

Title: Recollections: An Internal Analysis of Memory and Perception.
Creator: Jimenez, Samuel, Kovach, Keith, Price, Mark, Raimundi-Ortiz, Wanda, Poindexter, Carla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: I investigate the depths of memory, the entanglement of personal recollections withcommunal knowledge (learned semantic information from media and society such as facts and social norms) and the changing perceptions of environments over time. Memories define us. Throughout life we are exposed to vast quantities of imagery through a variety of media and personal experiences. Over time our firsthand experiences and what we witness in film, print, photography, and the internet become...
Show moreI investigate the depths of memory, the entanglement of personal recollections withcommunal knowledge (learned semantic information from media and society such as facts and social norms) and the changing perceptions of environments over time. Memories define us. Throughout life we are exposed to vast quantities of imagery through a variety of media and personal experiences. Over time our firsthand experiences and what we witness in film, print, photography, and the internet become indistinguishable in our memory.My work recreates consequential scenes from my past through technical drawings and blended imagery while exploring the possibilities provided by the interaction of common knowledge and the ambiguous nature of memory.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005188, ucf:50623
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005188

Title: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE APPARENT OVER-REPRESENTATION OF BLACKS IN EDUCABLE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PROGRAMS IN K-12 SCHOOLS WITHIN THE 67 FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
Creator: Thomson, Arlene H., Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Placement into educable mentally handicapped (EMH) programs is necessary for some students in order to allow them the opportunity to receive an education appropriate for their special needs. Nonetheless, identification as EMH is often perceived as negative and demeaning. Decades of research have substantiated the over-representation of black students into certain categories of special education, including EMH, in comparison to white and Hispanic students. This disparity has raised questions...
Show morePlacement into educable mentally handicapped (EMH) programs is necessary for some students in order to allow them the opportunity to receive an education appropriate for their special needs. Nonetheless, identification as EMH is often perceived as negative and demeaning. Decades of research have substantiated the over-representation of black students into certain categories of special education, including EMH, in comparison to white and Hispanic students. This disparity has raised questions within schools, academe and research communities, and legislative and governing bodies as to the causes, compelling factors, and related variables impacting the phenomenon. This study investigated the apparent over-representation of blacks identified as EMH in the 67 public school districts in Florida in 2001-2002. It also analyzed the effects certain school district characteristics had on the identification of white, black, and Hispanic students as EMH. Analysis of data derived from the Florida Department of Education database for school year 2001-2002 led to the following findings: (1) there was over-representation of blacks in EMH within the 67 public school districts in Florida, since results showed that blacks were identified as EMH 2.5 times more often than whites and Hispanics; (2) socioeconomic status of school districts had a significant effect on the identification of black students as EMH,for example, when the school district was identified as a high socioeconomic status district, there was a greater likelihood that a larger proportion of black students would be identified as EMH; (3) as the wealth of school districts rose, there was a significant likelihood that the proportion of black students identified as EMH would also rise; (4) black students had a greater likelihood of being identified as EMH in suburban school districts; (5) blacks were over-identified in school districts that had 60,000 to 89,000 students; (6) when there was a high percentage of white, full-time, non-instructional staff (80% or more) in school districts, blacks had a greater likelihood of being over-identified as EMH; (7) blacks were three times more likely to be identified as EMH regardless of the type of degrees teachers had; and, (8) as district expenditure per student (FTE) increased, the tendency for over-identification of blacks as EMH decreased. For every variable analyzed, the proportion of black students identified as EMH was significant when compared to the proportions of white and Hispanic students also identified as EMH.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000004, ucf:46121
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000004

Title: ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN POSITIVE HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS.
Creator: Monroig, Marlaine, Bedwell , Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research examining the relationship between psychological distress and health behaviors is limited, as most of these studies examine one type of psychological distress and relate it to one type of health behavior. To address this limitation, an exploratory study was conducted that included online self-report measures of a wide range of positive health behaviors (Health Behavior Checklist; HBC) and a wide range of different types of psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory; BSI)....
Show moreResearch examining the relationship between psychological distress and health behaviors is limited, as most of these studies examine one type of psychological distress and relate it to one type of health behavior. To address this limitation, an exploratory study was conducted that included online self-report measures of a wide range of positive health behaviors (Health Behavior Checklist; HBC) and a wide range of different types of psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory; BSI). Participants were 762 undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida (55% female). Results revealed that the total BSI score showed statistically significant negative correlations with the HBC total score and all four HBC subscales. Thus, participants reporting more overall psychological distress reported that they engaged in fewer positive health behaviors, across all health behavior subtypes. Stepwise regressions that examined the nine BSI subscales and their relationship with the HBC total score revealed that the Hostility subscale of the BSI was the strongest and most consistent predictor of positive health behaviors (in a negative direction). Stepwise regressions also revealed additional relationships of the BSI subscales of Depression and Phobia to particular HBC subscales. The results of this exploratory study provide an initial model on the relationships of particular types of psychological distress that are related to particular types of health behaviors, which will inform future studies on this important topic area.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003854, ucf:44700
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003854

Title: THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN ADOLESCENT RELATIONSHIPS AND IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT.
Creator: Cyr, Betty-Ann, Berman, Dr. Steven, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, and social networking sites are changing the way people interact with each other. The popularity of these communication technologies among emerging adults in particular has grown exponentially, with little accompanying research to understand their influences on psychosocial development. This study explores the relationship between communication technology usage (text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, and social networking) and adolescent...
Show moreText messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, and social networking sites are changing the way people interact with each other. The popularity of these communication technologies among emerging adults in particular has grown exponentially, with little accompanying research to understand their influences on psychosocial development. This study explores the relationship between communication technology usage (text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, and social networking) and adolescent adjustment among 268 high school students. It was hypothesized that use of communication technology would be related to psychological adjustment, including identity development, relationship attachment and peer conflict. Participants were recruited from three public high schools in central Florida (69% female, 81.9% White). Time spent using communication technology was significantly correlated with psychological symptom severity (i.e. anxiety and depression), identity distress, peer aggression, and existential anxiety. It was also significantly but negatively correlated with relationship avoidance. Degree of usage of communication technology for interpersonal communication was significantly correlated with peer aggression, relationship anxiety, and existential anxiety. Those with a preoccupied style (high in relationship anxiety, low in relationship avoidance) spent significantly more time using communication technology than those in the dismissive (high in avoidance, low in anxiety), fearful (high in both), and secure (low in both) styles. Further analyses and their implications for adolescent development will be discussed.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004213, ucf:44908
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004213

Title: COGNITIVE THEORY: A QUALITATIVE COMPARISON OF THE GEORGE W. BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND THE BARACK H.OBAMA ADMINISTRATION.
Creator: Urbanovich, Shelley, David, Houghton, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although Republicans and Democrats frequently disagree ideologically, the leaders of both parties share one commonality in particular - they inevitably make flawed judgments. To adequately understand the extent to which psychological filters act as a fundamental factor in decision making, this thesis shall analyze current political events and observe how partisans within both administrations deal with information incompatible with their own values and beliefs. Specifically referencing the war...
Show moreAlthough Republicans and Democrats frequently disagree ideologically, the leaders of both parties share one commonality in particular - they inevitably make flawed judgments. To adequately understand the extent to which psychological filters act as a fundamental factor in decision making, this thesis shall analyze current political events and observe how partisans within both administrations deal with information incompatible with their own values and beliefs. Specifically referencing the war in Iraq, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), civil unrest, national security, the national economic climate, and the housing market, this study examines the way leaders deal differently with conflicting information. Although all subjects in the latter shall be discussed, the primary focus is directed towards weapons of mass destruction during the Bush administration and the economic climate during the Obama administration. During their presidencies, both administrations faced different circumstances and congruently possessed different ideologies in respect of how to resolve current problems. Therefore, both President Obama and Bush shall equally be observed in order to adequately compare the extent to which each succumbs to cognitive biases when faced with dissonant information. In addition, groupthink theory, schema theory, and self-justification shall be discussed as complimentary forces which impair political members' decisions. Overall, qualitatively assessing both Republican and Democratic parties in one comprehensive examination breaks the bounds of usual political science studies because both partisans are linked more by their similarities than differences.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004199, ucf:44813
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004199

Title: FAMILY CONFLICT AND EMERGING ADULTS' ATTRIBUTIONS OF CONFLICT IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS.
Creator: Oliveros, Arazais, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The impact of parents' marital conflict and parent-child conflict on the adjustment of children is well documented. Given the theoretical and empirical data to support a relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict during childhood and later conflict in romantic relationships, it is important to investigate the potential mechanisms that operate in this relationship. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the extent to which attributions of conflict...
Show moreThe impact of parents' marital conflict and parent-child conflict on the adjustment of children is well documented. Given the theoretical and empirical data to support a relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict during childhood and later conflict in romantic relationships, it is important to investigate the potential mechanisms that operate in this relationship. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the extent to which attributions of conflict mediate the relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict and later conflict in a romantic relationship. Results were based on the responses of emerging adults (190 males and 473 females) enrolled in psychology courses at a large southeastern university. Compared to males, females reported experiencing lower levels of permissive parenting, as well as higher levels of interparental psychological aggression, maternal emotional availability, attachment with mothers and peers, and overt violence in their current romantic relationships. Consistent with extant research, significant correlations were found among interparental conflict, parent-child conflict, attributions of conflict, parenting style, emotional availability of parents, attachment, and conflict with current romantic partners. Regression analyses (for males and females separately) suggested that different types of interparental and parent-child conflict predict greater hostile attributions and greater levels of conflict with current romantic partners. Although attributions of conflict predicted conflict with current romantic partners, conflict attributions did not mediate the relationship between family conflict and conflict with current romantic partners. These findings emphasized the importance of research investigating the long-term cognitive and emotional effects of family conflict and violence in order to provide a context for understanding the development of risk and resilience factors for relationship violence.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002353, ucf:47819
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002353

Title: Temperament, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance as related correlates of psychological symptoms.
Creator: Pearte, Catherine, Negy, Charles, Renk, Kimberly, Bedwell, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Researchers have postulated that those with difficult temperament are at risk for difficulties with regulating emotions, are less tolerant of distressing stimuli, have characteristic difficulty coping with distress, and are (at some periods of development) more apt to experience clinically significant psychological symptoms. This study used exploratory factor analyses and structural equation modeling to compose and test a model that explained how emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and...
Show moreResearchers have postulated that those with difficult temperament are at risk for difficulties with regulating emotions, are less tolerant of distressing stimuli, have characteristic difficulty coping with distress, and are (at some periods of development) more apt to experience clinically significant psychological symptoms. This study used exploratory factor analyses and structural equation modeling to compose and test a model that explained how emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and coping skills interact to explain how certain temperament features translate into psychological symptoms. Because those with difficult temperament were thought to be at a unique risk for psychological maladjustment, mean-based criterion were used to identify those with relatively difficult, typical, or easy temperament and then test whether the degree of between-group differences on study variables was statistically significant. Results of correlational and EFA analyses suggested that there were statistically significant differences between constructs that were correlated highly (i.e., distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and emotion dysregulation). Results of SEM analyses indicated that the relationship between difficult temperament and psychological maladjustment was explained partially by the way in which emotion regulation, emotion dysregulation, distress tolerance, and coping skills interact, with the strength of each mediating variable differing considerably. There were also differences in the power of the relationship between variables when correlational power was considered alone rather than in the context of the larger measurement and structural models. Future directions and implications are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005686, ucf:50120
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005686

Title: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF THE WORKS OF FELDMAN, STERNBERG, GARDNER AND EISNER AND THE RESULTING PRACTICAL APPLICATION FOR THE SECONDARY ART CLASSROOM.
Creator: Denmark, Heather, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Some fields come and go, but there will always be a need for older generations to teach the younger generations. For this reason, teachers will always be needed. The material that they choose to teach can sometimes determine the outcome of a nation. Take a look into German and Roman histories; they are littered with teachers convincing students that their way is right. I think that it is imperative that we research the full potential of what we are teaching our students. For that reason, my...
Show moreSome fields come and go, but there will always be a need for older generations to teach the younger generations. For this reason, teachers will always be needed. The material that they choose to teach can sometimes determine the outcome of a nation. Take a look into German and Roman histories; they are littered with teachers convincing students that their way is right. I think that it is imperative that we research the full potential of what we are teaching our students. For that reason, my thesis will consist of analyzing and synthesizing the research of Feldman, Sternberg, Gardner and Eisner, gathering information on their works and applying them to art education. I will apply my findings to the modern day secondary art classroom; whether it is classroom design or visual handouts, I will use the knowledge gathered to better equip the room to the advancement of multiple intelligences in hopes of inspiring my future students to be creative and lifetime learners.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003803, ucf:44741
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003803

Title: MISSING THE CONSEQUENCES: MISPERCEPTIONS OF THE 1967 SIX-DAY ISRAELI-ARAB WAR.
Creator: Miniello, Jonathan, Houghton, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In recent times, the issues surrounding the "67 borders" have become part of the public debate. In recent speeches, President Obama has suggested that Israel should return to pre-1967 borders with "land-swaps" in exchange for some form of peace with the Palestinians living within current Israeli territory. The validity of Obama's suggestion has been questioned by both members of the political left and right and in the opinion of this author, with considerable merit. However, the ultimate...
Show moreIn recent times, the issues surrounding the "67 borders" have become part of the public debate. In recent speeches, President Obama has suggested that Israel should return to pre-1967 borders with "land-swaps" in exchange for some form of peace with the Palestinians living within current Israeli territory. The validity of Obama's suggestion has been questioned by both members of the political left and right and in the opinion of this author, with considerable merit. However, the ultimate judgment on the validity of Obama's suggestion should be based on a study encompassing the decisions, both correct and flawed, of the leaders during the 1967 war. For this, a study of collective misperceptions, decision making, and the eventual consequences such decisions brought is necessary. That is the purpose of this thesis. For a proper analysis of the misperceptions and decision making surrounding the 1967 war, its proper to review the source material. In that light, there is no shortage of material written about the 1967 war; American, Israel, and Arab authors have all contributed to the historical records. However, much of the material is focused on a historical perspective and not on the decision-making process. There are not many exceptions. Therefore, it becomes important to compare the newer analyzed material against the primary source material and discuss the discrepancies. At the end, it will be determined whether the collective governmental decisions based upon misperceptions accelerated, decelerated, or had a neutral effect on the outbreak of the war. Comparing the source material and viewing it through the filter of newly released information will constitute the methodology whenever possible. The results of this study have revealed a mixed bag of results depending on the nation in question. This was to be expected because individual nations are subject to different misperceptions. Nations falling under the spell of different misperceptions experience different consequences and outcomes than those who do not. Additionally, even if two separate nations are exposed to the same stimulus, their response may be completely different. In terms of the 1967 war, it can be stated that Israeli misperceptions staved off the start of the 1967 War, whereas Soviet and Arab misperceptions served to accelerate it. By contrast American misperceptions seemed to have little if any affect whatsoever. The purpose of thesis is to expose and documents misperceptions and the resulting consequences that arose from them. It is not designed to make judgments about the current political situation. However, it is the sincere hope of this author that when a situation runs parallel to the events of the 1967, some of the same mistakes can be avoided. Exactly what runs parallel, and what is significant in today's world, is left to the reader's own judgment.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0004120, ucf:44889
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004120

Title: Designing Calorie Counter Smartphone Applications for Effective Weight Loss.
Creator: Milliard, Sharlin, Fanfarelli, Joseph, Bockelman, Patricia, Hartshorne, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Poor dietary choices and lack of physical activity are two main contributing factors for the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States. Overweight and obese individuals are at risk for developing major life-threatening diseases. Weight loss is an effective means for reversing these adverse health effects, and smartphone applications (apps) may be an effective means for supporting weight loss outside of formal clinical settings. This study involved identifying...
Show morePoor dietary choices and lack of physical activity are two main contributing factors for the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States. Overweight and obese individuals are at risk for developing major life-threatening diseases. Weight loss is an effective means for reversing these adverse health effects, and smartphone applications (apps) may be an effective means for supporting weight loss outside of formal clinical settings. This study involved identifying factors that contribute to effective weight loss to compare with functionality commonly found in a sample of calorie counter apps. A content analysis was performed using a design framework that included a conceptual model describing the interaction of behaviors for effective weight loss and functional design requirements based upon behavior change and motivation to achieve weight loss. The requirements were used to analyze the presence of features in a sample of popular calorie counting apps, to infer their capability in supporting users' motivation to achieve weight loss. Results indicated that app features might not provide sufficient support to facilitate effective weight loss. Lack of supportive features affects perceived autonomy, relatedness, and competence, reducing motivation. This study provided guidelines to improve the design of calorie counter apps to include more features that support users as they engage in weight loss behaviors. The guidelines may become practical for use in mHealth apps used as part of formal and informal weight management strategies. Implications for future research involving wearable technologies and the use of gamified design strategies are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007838, ucf:52824
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007838

Title: The Sacrament of Violence: Myth and War in C.S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy.
Creator: Engelhardt, Tanya, Campbell, James, Dandrow, Edward, Jones, Donald, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: My primary aim for this study is to illuminate the Ransom trilogy's inherent psychological and spiritual themes, as well as demonstrate how these themes clarify Lewis's philosophical and political goals for the text. Specifically, by investigating Lewis's mythic imagery and suffering motifs in light of psychoanalytic and theological literary criticisms, I elucidate the reasoning behind Lewis's unique(-)and at times, horrific(-)portrayal of fear, violence, and death. I also investigate how...
Show moreMy primary aim for this study is to illuminate the Ransom trilogy's inherent psychological and spiritual themes, as well as demonstrate how these themes clarify Lewis's philosophical and political goals for the text. Specifically, by investigating Lewis's mythic imagery and suffering motifs in light of psychoanalytic and theological literary criticisms, I elucidate the reasoning behind Lewis's unique(-)and at times, horrific(-)portrayal of fear, violence, and death. I also investigate how Lewis integrates his theology with the horrors of personal and intrapersonal suffering, as well as how he utilizes imagination and myth to explicate the practical (or political) implications of his theodicy. As a whole, I present a systematic study of the relationship between the Great War, myth, and the three Ransom novels, one which reveals how Lewis manipulates his personal traumatic experiences to fashion a romantic Christian understanding of evil and violence in the modern world.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004279, ucf:49503
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004279

Title: HOW BEHAVIORAL FACTORS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED INTO TODAY'S FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Creator: Perez, Esperanza, Gilkeson, Jim, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research examined 50 financial education programs within the state of Florida. The purpose of the research was to survey financial education program providers to see how they are evolving to meet the sociological, psychological and behavioral factors that affect individual's financial decision making. In constructing the survey I referenced articles, journals and publications regarding how certain factors can affect an individual and their ability to apply financial education to their...
Show moreThis research examined 50 financial education programs within the state of Florida. The purpose of the research was to survey financial education program providers to see how they are evolving to meet the sociological, psychological and behavioral factors that affect individual's financial decision making. In constructing the survey I referenced articles, journals and publications regarding how certain factors can affect an individual and their ability to apply financial education to their daily life. This review of previous research showed that tailored education, to determine a participant's means, ability and goals, is the best way to help participants achieve financial independence. In this literature review no specific details were found on how programs are evolving or how existing program offerings are filling the need for tailored financial education. This topic is important because financial decisions that people make will not only affect current generations but also future generations. I contacted 50 agencies with a 27 question survey regarding their basic organizational structure, funding, program details, success determinants, primary program goals and focus, and marketing strategies. 36% of those contacted, or 18 organizations, responded. All responses were compiled and compared to determine relationships among program structures, offerings, and goals. The primary findings were that most organizations opened after 2000, have budgets under $100,000 funded primarily by two main sources, and their main goals are to provide basic knowledge and education to help participants improve financial decisions. In addition, most programs conduct a pre-post survey or get participant feedback to evaluate programs and use the number of participants at meetings as their main success factor. The majority of programs do not collect financial information, however they provide one-on-one counseling to focus on tailoring education to 501+ participants per year. Recommendations for future research are to increase the number of respondents, look deeper into funding requirements, the program lifecycle, marketing strategies employed and their effectiveness, and what specific financial education topics programs are addressing. This will add to existing research by providing a broader view of the financial education landscape and help programs to evolve to meet the need for tailored education.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004729, ucf:45374
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004729

Title: PREDICTING SCIENCE LITERACY AND SCIENCE APPRECIATION.
Creator: Hellmuth, Robert, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research has shown that the benefits of having a populace literate in science are great. Even if citizens are not literate in basic science, it is important that citizens still appreciate science and those with expertise in the field for many reasons. Recent research suggests that the United States (U.S.) has lower levels of science literacy than it should. Evidence may also suggest that many U.S. citizens are not appreciative of science. Overall, little research has been conducted on what...
Show moreResearch has shown that the benefits of having a populace literate in science are great. Even if citizens are not literate in basic science, it is important that citizens still appreciate science and those with expertise in the field for many reasons. Recent research suggests that the United States (U.S.) has lower levels of science literacy than it should. Evidence may also suggest that many U.S. citizens are not appreciative of science. Overall, little research has been conducted on what may predict science literacy and science appreciation which is the aim of this research. Specifically, I have examined socio-personal variables, beliefs, thought paradigms, and various demographic variables that may be predictive of science literacy and science appreciation. Results indicated that scriptural literalism, religiosity, and magical ideation were predictive of low levels of science literacy. In addition, predictors of low levels of science appreciation included scriptural literalism and magical ideation. Implications of the findings are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004685, ucf:45240
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004685

Title: School Psychologist Perceptions Regarding Implementation of Response to Intervention with English Language Learners.
Creator: Puyana, Olivia, Sivo, Stephen, Edwards, Oliver, Hewitt, Randall, Thomson, Arlene, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research was an investigation of three domains identified through a thorough review of the literature as fundamental to the equitable implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) with English language learners (ELLs): (1) degree of intercultural sensitivity of educators involved in the RtI process, (2) training of educators in implementation of RtI with ELLs, and (3) educator familiarity with empirically-based interventions for use with ELLs. The validity of using RtI with ELLs has...
Show moreThis research was an investigation of three domains identified through a thorough review of the literature as fundamental to the equitable implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) with English language learners (ELLs): (1) degree of intercultural sensitivity of educators involved in the RtI process, (2) training of educators in implementation of RtI with ELLs, and (3) educator familiarity with empirically-based interventions for use with ELLs. The validity of using RtI with ELLs has been questioned by both supporters and detractors of the model (Linan-Thompson (&) Ortiz, 2009). The most fundamental tenets of RtI are predicated upon the use of empirically validated interventions and the application of culturally responsive educational practices that provide equitable learning opportunities for all students. Due to the critical role of school psychologists in the development and implementation of RtI models, a questionnaire was designed for use with this population to explore the three domains delineated above. The Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS; Chen (&) Starosta, 2000) was used to document participants' degree of intercultural sensitivity. Additional questions addressing domains two and three strategically juxtaposed participants' experiences with and perceptions regarding RtI with native English speakers versus RtI with ELLs. Through a series of eight research questions and the associated analyses, the following conclusions were reached: (1) Statistically significantly higher mean scores on the ISS were present among those respondents who identified themselves as Hispanic/Latino/Spanish and/or fluent in more than one language; (2) Statistically significant differences were documented in participants' responses to items focused on perceptions of training for implementing RtI with native English speakers versus training for implementing RtI with ELLs; and (3) Statistically significant differences were found in participants' responses to items inquiring about perceptions of familiarity with empirically-based interventions for use within an RtI framework with native English speakers in comparison to ELLs. Taken together, and in conjunction with a qualitative analysis of two open-ended questions, these results suggest the presence of considerable delays in school psychologists' training and perceptions of preparedness to implement RtI with a linguistically diverse population as compared to native English speakers. This outcome is disconcerting, given the emphasis throughout the literature on the importance of unique considerations required to implement RtI equitably with ELLs. Recommendations for practice and future research are provided that emphasize the need for additional research and training in implementing RtI with a linguistically diverse population.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004225, ucf:49017
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004225

Title: Hidden in Plain Sight: Development and Testing of a Model to Evaluate Political Leadership Tactics.
Creator: Citron, Albert, Hamann, Kerstin, Handberg, Roger, Houghton, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis analyzes the kinds of verbal and nonverbal signals elites manifest to show leadership qualities. Launching from Max Weber's conceptual framework of charisma as a power term and Harold Lasswell's study of propaganda, this study takes a multidisciplinary approach to studying political leadership with elements of communication methodology and an ontological basis in evolutionary psychology. The study's goal is to offer a framework for defining and evaluating the diverse signal...
Show moreThis thesis analyzes the kinds of verbal and nonverbal signals elites manifest to show leadership qualities. Launching from Max Weber's conceptual framework of charisma as a power term and Harold Lasswell's study of propaganda, this study takes a multidisciplinary approach to studying political leadership with elements of communication methodology and an ontological basis in evolutionary psychology. The study's goal is to offer a framework for defining and evaluating the diverse signal patterns employed by political elites in three real-life situations. These are the Malta Summit, the 1992 Virginia Presidential Debate, and the 2012 South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary. The cases were chosen because they display a diverse set of signal variations during different types of interactions.The three case studies are evaluated by measuring frequency and patterns of occurrence of the five different interaction constructs (indicator of interest, indicator of disinterest, demonstration of high value, demonstration of low value, and compliance testing) to explain different interaction patterns. A simple frequency distribution of the different signals during a given interaction is used to display the empirical findings and to compare patterns across the case studies. This study reveals that the presence of DLV (demonstration of low value) signals weaken an elite's position in relation to other elites and the public while the presence of DHV (demonstration of high value) signals strengthen an elite's position. It is largely the presence, absence, and frequency of these two signals that determines who conveys leadership qualities effectively regardless of leadership style. Studying the signaling patterns of political elites would allow scholars to understand better the kinds of signal patterns and signal frequencies that are used in different types of leadership styles and norm ranges for signals including for political elites belonging to different cultures and subcultures.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004984, ucf:49563
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004984

Title: BULLYING: OUT OF THE SCHOOL HALLS AND INTO THE WORKPLACE.
Creator: Cooney, Lucretia, Huff-Corzine, Lin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The primary purpose of this study is to identify those people at most risk of being bullied at work. While much research is being conducted on school bullying, little has been conducted on workplace bullying. Using data gathered from a 2004 study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center for the General Social Survey, which included a Quality of Work Life (QWL) module for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), linear regressions indicated significant...
Show moreThe primary purpose of this study is to identify those people at most risk of being bullied at work. While much research is being conducted on school bullying, little has been conducted on workplace bullying. Using data gathered from a 2004 study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center for the General Social Survey, which included a Quality of Work Life (QWL) module for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), linear regressions indicated significant findings. As predicted, workers in lower level occupations, as ranked by prestige scoring developed at National Opinion Research, are more likely to be victimized. Data also suggest that being young, Black, and relatively uneducated may contribute to being bullied in certain situations. Future research is needed to examine influences of socio-economic, legal, and other demographic factors that may predict the chance of being bullied.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003235, ucf:48512
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003235

Title: The influence of perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support (&) debriefing on work-related compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress in Florida public safety personnel.
Creator: Miller, Anastasia, Unruh, Lynn, Zhang, Ning, Wharton, Tracy, Liu, Albert Xinliang, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, and debriefing on the one hand, and compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress on the other hand in Florida law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and dispatch public safety workers. In order to explore the relationships between these constructs, the research questions examined the relationships of the work environment of Florida...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, and debriefing on the one hand, and compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress on the other hand in Florida law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and dispatch public safety workers. In order to explore the relationships between these constructs, the research questions examined the relationships of the work environment of Florida public safety by administering surveys gauging perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, psychological resilience, and debriefing activities that the personnel participate in. The Professional Quality of Life: Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue Version 5 was also sent out to establish the self-reported levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. The study found that there were differences in the levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress between the public safety fields. It also found that there was a positive relationship between the presence of perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, psychological resilience, and debriefing activities on at least one of the constructs of compassion satisfaction, burnout, or secondary traumatic stress within the different public safety fields. This study furthers the literature by being the first study to compare the four different public safety fields in the state of Florida and with regards to those constructs.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006357, ucf:51533
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006357

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