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The Influence of a Career Planning STEM Explorations Course on Vocational Maturity, Career Decidedness and Career Thoughts for Undergraduate Students
Title
The Influence of a Career Planning STEM Explorations Course on Vocational Maturity, Career Decidedness and Career Thoughts for Undergraduate Students.
Creator
Prescod, Diandra, Daire, Andrew, Van Horn, Stacy, Butler, Sylvester, Young, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
According to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), innovation that accompanies careers in science, technology engineering, and math (STEM) create a driving force in the economy and the creation of jobs, yet many positions remain open due to the lack of qualified individuals to fill them (NAS, 2011). Continuing research and innovation proves to be important, yet not enough students graduate with STEM degrees and enter into STEM careers. Career planning courses for undergraduate students...
Show moreAccording to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), innovation that accompanies careers in science, technology engineering, and math (STEM) create a driving force in the economy and the creation of jobs, yet many positions remain open due to the lack of qualified individuals to fill them (NAS, 2011). Continuing research and innovation proves to be important, yet not enough students graduate with STEM degrees and enter into STEM careers. Career planning courses for undergraduate students increase student confidence about their abilities to make career decisions (Grier-Reed (&) Skaar, 2010: Scott (&) Ciani 2008). Vocational maturity and career decision making skills also improve as a result of these courses (Reese (&) Miller, 2006; Scott (&) Ciani, 2008). Although research provides evidence of the impact of career planning courses that are specific to certain disciplines (Heffner, Macera (&) Cohen, 2006), the need for research exists on examining the role career planning courses have in STEM recruitment and retention. This study aimed to investigate the influence of career development intervention in STEM recruitment and retention efforts by examining career decidedness, career thoughts and vocational maturity. Furthermore, the influence of the class was examined by using demographics such as gender, ethnicity, SAT scores, and algebra math placements scores. The Career Development Inventory (CDI) and Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI) provided measures of career thoughts, career decidedness and vocational maturity for this study. The results provided clarity as to the influence of the career planning course. Vocational maturity and career decidedness increase by the end of the career planning course and negative career thoughts decreased. Implications of the findings include counselor education, career development, practice and future research. In a time when billions of dollars are spent on STEM initiative, the current study provided an economically viable career development STEM initiative. The research reveals millions are dollars invested into updating lab equipment, purchasing new materials for students, and training teachers. The current study utilized a career planning course allowing students to explore their likes, dislikes, and abilities and how the aforementioned are connected to career interests. This study also provides insight into how the STEM effort can more specifically recruit students who will excel in STEM disciplines. ?
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Date Issued
2014
Identifier
CFE0005232, ucf:50592
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005232
The Impact of Family Influence and Involvement on Career Development
Title
The Impact of Family Influence and Involvement on Career Development.
Creator
Joseph, Latashia, Daire, Andrew, Van Horn, Stacy, Hopp, Carolyn, Blank, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Career decidedness at early stages produces positive effects on student performance, college completion, and professional development. Emerging adults are taking 5 to 10 years longer to make career decisions than non-emerging adults (Lehmann (&) Konstam, 2011). The purpose of this study will be to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain a deeper understanding of parental involvement in college students' career decision-making and its influences on their career readiness...
Show moreCareer decidedness at early stages produces positive effects on student performance, college completion, and professional development. Emerging adults are taking 5 to 10 years longer to make career decisions than non-emerging adults (Lehmann (&) Konstam, 2011). The purpose of this study will be to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain a deeper understanding of parental involvement in college students' career decision-making and its influences on their career readiness and development. College students will provide information on their parents' involvement and influence during their secondary education. Ultimately, this research will identify how family influences the career decision-making processes and will educate professionals about how to incorporate the family as a way to avoid delays in the desired career paths of emerging adults.This mixed methods study investigated the influence of family on the career decision- making process among emerging adults attending a metropolitan university in the southeastern United States. It also sought to identify the nature of parental involvement in activities, academic achievement, choosing a major, and career choice in college students. The first two questions formulated the basis for quantitative research methods, and qualitative methods aided in exploring the third question. The Career Involvement and Influence Questionnaire (CIIQ) and the Career Development Inventory (CDI) provide the source of data collection for this study. The study yielded no significant relationship or differences among caregivers' (mothers, fathers, and other caregivers) involvement in career decisions (CIIQ) or future influences and level of career decidedness (CDI). The qualitative results provided clarity as to some of the commonalities and differences that existed among responses of the participants. Implications of the findings refer to counselor education, clinical practice, and future research.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004391, ucf:49367
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004391
INITIAL TESTING OF THE CONTINUOUS EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT MODEL: OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS AND WORK-RELATED IMPLICIT THEORY
Title
INITIAL TESTING OF THE CONTINUOUS EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT MODEL: OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS AND WORK-RELATED IMPLICIT THEORY.
Creator
Garofano, Christina, Salas, Eduardo, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Understanding and promoting lifelong learning in employees is important for employees' future marketability (Robinson & Rousseau, 1994) and for creating learning organizations (Senge, 1990). To further this understanding, components of a model of the motivation to engage in continuous employee development (Garofano & Salas, 2005) were tested. New scales were created for work-related implicit theory and outcome expectations and the validity of these scales and these variables in the model...
Show moreUnderstanding and promoting lifelong learning in employees is important for employees' future marketability (Robinson & Rousseau, 1994) and for creating learning organizations (Senge, 1990). To further this understanding, components of a model of the motivation to engage in continuous employee development (Garofano & Salas, 2005) were tested. New scales were created for work-related implicit theory and outcome expectations and the validity of these scales and these variables in the model were investigated. Alternate models were also contrasted with the Garofano and Salas model (2005). The study used self-report surveys administered to staff and faculty recruited from training classes in higher learning institutions in a three month longitudinal investigation. The results suggest that work-related implicit theory is a valid contributor in this model but that modifications to the model may be beneficial, including a more complex central motivational component. Implications of these results for organizational practice are discussed along with study limitations and future research implications
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001224, ucf:46902
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001224
A COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF CAREER READINESS AND DECIDEDNESS IN FIRST YEAR STEM MAJORING STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN A STEM MENTORING PROGRAM IMBEDDED IN A LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY WITH FOCUSED DATA ON FEMALE STEM STUDENTS
Title
A COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF CAREER READINESS AND DECIDEDNESS IN FIRST YEAR STEM MAJORING STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN A STEM MENTORING PROGRAM IMBEDDED IN A LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY WITH FOCUSED DATA ON FEMALE STEM STUDENTS.
Creator
Ramlakhan, Nirmala, Jeanpierre, Bobby, Boote, David, Hynes, Michael, Daire, Andrew, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Female mentoring success was investigated as an undergraduate intervention utilizing career development practices to reduce dysfunctional career thinking and STEM major retention in first year freshmen females within a living-learning community. Repeated measures MANOVAs and canonical correlations in the causal comparative research design evaluated mentoring's influence on first year females. Male voluntary participants (n = 126) formulated the comparison group, and female voluntary...
Show moreFemale mentoring success was investigated as an undergraduate intervention utilizing career development practices to reduce dysfunctional career thinking and STEM major retention in first year freshmen females within a living-learning community. Repeated measures MANOVAs and canonical correlations in the causal comparative research design evaluated mentoring's influence on first year females. Male voluntary participants (n = 126) formulated the comparison group, and female voluntary participants (n = 75) filled the treatment group. Repeated measure multivariate analyses of variances compared differences between the interaction of mentoring and gender over time on dysfunctional career thinking using two assessments: Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI) and Career Decision Scale (CDS) and their five subscales (decision-making confusion, commitment anxiety, external conflict, certainty and indecision). Canonical correlations analyzed the effect participation rates had on student change scores on the CTI and CDS, indicating mentoring intervention effects on reducing dysfunctional career thinking and decidedness. Conclusions included: (a) females had higher levels of dysfunctional career thinking than males; (b) overtime both groups decreased dysfunctional thoughts,and solidifying their STEM career choices; (c) females had reduced levels of career decidedness compared to males; (d) both groups increased certainty overtime, solidifying their STEM career choice, and (e) when the STEM career choice was made, female certainty was more solidified than males. The study adds to the career development research within STEM at the undergraduate level providing colleges and universities with a structured first year female mentoring program in STEM. The GEMS model may be ideal for colleges and universities utilizing living-learning communities to increase underrepresented female retention and those without STEM career planning courses.?
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004586, ucf:49191
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004586
The Influence of Components of Positive Psychology on Student Development
Title
The Influence of Components of Positive Psychology on Student Development.
Creator
Ha, Yo-Sang, Robinson, Edward, Van Horn, Stacy, Young, Mark, Lee, Ji-Eun, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Considering a wide range of student's delinquencies and problems, preventive intervention in school is strongly required for healthy student development. American School counselor Association (ASCA) has focused on three areas, academic development, career development, and personal/social development to provide various skills and learning opportunities for the successful life of students. During the past 50 years, psychologists have concentrated on the disease treatment model. However, unlike...
Show moreConsidering a wide range of student's delinquencies and problems, preventive intervention in school is strongly required for healthy student development. American School counselor Association (ASCA) has focused on three areas, academic development, career development, and personal/social development to provide various skills and learning opportunities for the successful life of students. During the past 50 years, psychologists have concentrated on the disease treatment model. However, unlike this psychological trend, positive psychology has paid attention to prevent school violence and delinquency. Further, Positive psychologists have discovered not only to prevent problems but also to facilitate human strengths and virtues to live successful and happy life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between components of positive psychology and student development. More specifically this research examined the influence of hope, optimism, and self-regulation on student's academic achievement, career development, and social development. This quantitative study included 507 6th grade elementary school students and their parents living in Seoul, South Korea. Four conceptual models were developed to investigate the best fit model to examine the causal relationship between hope, optimism, and self-regulation and student's academic achievement, career development, and social development. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to explore measurement model and Path Analysis was engaged in to discover structure model. The results of SEM analysis provided major findings. There was a causal relationship between hope and student's academic achievement, career development, and social development. However, it was not confirmed the causal relationship between optimism and student's academic achievement, career development, and social development and between self-regulation and student's academic achievement, career development, and social development. Further, a structural model on the causal relationship between hope, optimism, self-regulation and student's academic achievement, career development, and social development was not statistically significant. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004380, ucf:49381
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004380
PRODUCING A MEASURE FOR ASSESSING MOTIVATING CAREER INFLUENCESFOR COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING
Title
PRODUCING A MEASURE FOR ASSESSING MOTIVATING CAREER INFLUENCESFOR COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING.
Creator
Kuch, Tyson, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The purpose of this study was to describe an appropriate protocol for developing a psychometrically sound instrument to assess perceived influences motivating graduate students to enter the counseling profession. The self-report, 124-item inventory was administered to a sample of 347 graduate students pursuing counseling as a profession. All participants responded to the inventory anonymously. A factor analysis from responses grouped scale items into six different factors, and helped condense...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to describe an appropriate protocol for developing a psychometrically sound instrument to assess perceived influences motivating graduate students to enter the counseling profession. The self-report, 124-item inventory was administered to a sample of 347 graduate students pursuing counseling as a profession. All participants responded to the inventory anonymously. A factor analysis from responses grouped scale items into six different factors, and helped condense the scale into a shorter, more psychometrically sound instrument by identifying those items with low or ambiguous factor loadings, suitable for removal. A factor analysis also identified those items most relevant for interpretation, ultimately yielding six major factors, operationalized by a variety of statements regarding various influences most consistent with students' decisions to pursue a career in the field of counseling. The literature review for this study proposes a model with four "hypotheses" of altruism upon which scale items were based. These theories identified possible motivating influences for prosocial behavior- further generalized to one's the decision to enter the helping-oriented career of counseling. This study may benefit the profession by adding to the research base on scale construction and career choice as well as offering a new inventory suitable for use with future research.
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Date Issued
2008
Identifier
CFE0002334, ucf:47781
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002334
The Relationship between Mentoring and Social Status at Work: A Social Network Status Study
Title
The Relationship between Mentoring and Social Status at Work: A Social Network Status Study.
Creator
Flowers, Lakeesha, Jentsch, Kimberly, Fritzsche, Barbara, Wooten, William, Chepenik, Nancy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Mentoring is an important means of developing talent. Typically, mentoring involves two individuals (-) a mentor, who provides career development and psychosocial support to a less experienced counterpart (the prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;). Because mentoring is related to several desired outcomes such as career advancement, and job satisfaction, it is important to understand which individual characteristics are important to obtaining or providing effective mentoring. It is also necessary to examine...
Show moreMentoring is an important means of developing talent. Typically, mentoring involves two individuals (-) a mentor, who provides career development and psychosocial support to a less experienced counterpart (the prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;). Because mentoring is related to several desired outcomes such as career advancement, and job satisfaction, it is important to understand which individual characteristics are important to obtaining or providing effective mentoring. It is also necessary to examine potential but unconfirmed outcomes of mentoring such as social network status. This study examined the relationships between several individual characteristics, namely social intelligence and emotional intelligence, and mentoring relationships. In addition, this study examined the relationships between mentoring and social network status. In this non-experimental study, there were several unique relationships among these constructs. The results indicate a person's social intelligence is indicative of their status as a mentor (or not a mentor) but is not related to status as a prot(&)#233;g(&)#233; (or not a prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;). In addition, a mentor's perception of the costs and benefits of mentoring were explained by the prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;'s social intelligence and emotional intelligence. A mentor's social intelligence also explained the quality of the mentoring given. Finally, a mentor's social network status was related to the prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;'s social network status but this relationship was not due to the mentoring received. This study provides one of the first examinations of the relationship between mentoring and social network status and provides areas for future research and practical considerations.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004308, ucf:49478
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004308
Predicting Undergraduate Retention in STEM Majors Based on Demographics, Math Ability, and Career Development Factors
Title
Predicting Undergraduate Retention in STEM Majors Based on Demographics, Math Ability, and Career Development Factors.
Creator
Belser, Christopher, Shillingford-Butler, Ann, Van Horn, Stacy, Taylor, Dalena, Daire, Andrew, Witta, Eleanor, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are currently facing a crisis with respect to filling jobs with qualified workers (NSF, 2013; NAS, 2011). While advancements in these industries have translated into job growth, post-secondary declaration and retention rates within STEM majors lag behind industry needs (Carnevale et al., 2011; Chen, 2013; Koenig et al., 2012). Although researchers previously investigated demographic variables and math-related variables in the context of...
Show moreScience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are currently facing a crisis with respect to filling jobs with qualified workers (NSF, 2013; NAS, 2011). While advancements in these industries have translated into job growth, post-secondary declaration and retention rates within STEM majors lag behind industry needs (Carnevale et al., 2011; Chen, 2013; Koenig et al., 2012). Although researchers previously investigated demographic variables and math-related variables in the context of STEM retention (Beasley (&) Fischer, 2012; CollegeBoard, 2012; Cundiff et al., 2013; Gayles (&) Ampaw, 2014; Le et al., 2014; Nosek (&) Smyth, 2011; Riegle-Crumb (&) King, 2010), the need exists for additional research examining the impact of career-related variables (Belser et al., 2017; Folsom et al., 2004; Parks et al., 2012; Reardon et al., 2015). Additionally, prior STEM retention research primarily focused on students with declared STEM majors, as opposed to undeclared students considering STEM majors. In the present study, the researcher sought to determine the degree to which demographic variables (gender and ethnicity), math ability variables (SAT Math scores and Math Placement Test--Algebra scores), and career development related variables (initial major, STEM course participation, and Career Thoughts Inventory [CTI] change scores) could predict undergraduate retention in STEM for participants in a STEM recruitment and retention program. Using binary logistic regression, the researcher found that initially having a declared STEM major was the best predictor of STEM retention. Higher scores on math variables consistently predicted higher odds of STEM success, and the data revealed higher odds of STEM retention for ethnic minority students. Gender only showed to be a significant predictor of STEM attrition with the undecided students with first-to-third year retention. Finally, larger decreases in CTI scores predicted increased odds of STEM retention. Implications from the findings relate to a variety of professionals from higher education, counseling, and research. The findings provide guidance and new perspectives on variables associated with better rates of STEM retention, and as such, inform STEM initiatives targeting undergraduate STEM recruitment and retention.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006565, ucf:51326
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006565
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER THOUGHTS FOR BLACK SENIORS AT AN URBAN HIGH SCHOOL
Title
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER THOUGHTS FOR BLACK SENIORS AT AN URBAN HIGH SCHOOL.
Creator
Williams, Franklyn, Hayes, Grant, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between racial identity development and career thoughts for Black seniors at an urban high school. The available population was 557 Black senior students at a high school in Orange County, Florida. With respect to this population, socioeconomic status, influences on career interest, parental level of education, parental occupations, post-secondary intentions, and plans to take the SAT or ACT were some of the specific demographic...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between racial identity development and career thoughts for Black seniors at an urban high school. The available population was 557 Black senior students at a high school in Orange County, Florida. With respect to this population, socioeconomic status, influences on career interest, parental level of education, parental occupations, post-secondary intentions, and plans to take the SAT or ACT were some of the specific demographic variables that were analyzed. Results from a variety of simple regression analyses revealed significant positive relationships between Black seniors' perceptions of their racial identity development and their career thoughts. By way of simple regression analysis, the five variables (domains) of the Black Racial Identity Attitude Scale were analyzed in relation to the three variables (domains) of the Career Thoughts Inventory and demographic variables. With the exception of the internalization stage of Black racial identity development, statistically significant relationships were found between each of the stages of Black racial identity development (preencounter, encounter, and immersion /emersion) and the measures of the Career Thoughts Inventory (decision making confusion, external conflict, commitment anxiety). Results of the data suggest that individuals in the preencounter, encounter, and immersion /emersion stages of Black racial identity development will have moderate to high scores with respect to decision making confusion, external conflict, commitment anxiety, and negative career thoughts overall. In other words, the less developed one's racial identity, the greater the likelihood of a higher degree of negative thoughts about career and career choice. As well, the results, for the most part, supported the proposed hypotheses. This initial investigation should be replicated using a large sample size and other statistical analyses in order to ascertain more and in order to more accurately determine the nature of the relationship between racial identity development and career development for Blacks.
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Date Issued
2004
Identifier
CFE0000320, ucf:46301
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000320
Beauty and the Beast: The Attractiveness Bias in an Online Peer Mentoring Program
Title
Beauty and the Beast: The Attractiveness Bias in an Online Peer Mentoring Program.
Creator
Garcia, Carollaine, Jentsch, Kimberly, Jentsch, Florian, Fritzsche, Barbara, Burke, Shawn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The bias against attractiveness is fairly implicit and furthermore, powerfully impacts people's subsequent impressions of and behaviors toward others (Cash, Gillen, (&) Burns, 1977; Dion et al., 1972). Pallet, Link and Lee (2010) examined the effect of various facial spatial configurations on attractiveness and found that raters rated faces as most attractive when the eye-to-mouth ratio approximated 36% of the face length (the "golden ratio"), which coincides with the measurements of an...
Show moreThe bias against attractiveness is fairly implicit and furthermore, powerfully impacts people's subsequent impressions of and behaviors toward others (Cash, Gillen, (&) Burns, 1977; Dion et al., 1972). Pallet, Link and Lee (2010) examined the effect of various facial spatial configurations on attractiveness and found that raters rated faces as most attractive when the eye-to-mouth ratio approximated 36% of the face length (the "golden ratio"), which coincides with the measurements of an average and thus more attractive face. The present study examined the extent to which the distance of these objectively measured facial features affected mentors' perceptions of their prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s, the subsequent mentoring given to them, and the prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s' own behavior (e.g. seek feedback, request specific information).The gender composition of the mentor-prot(&)#233;g(&)#233; dyad was expected to moderate these relationships. I also examined whether, given the expected effects of facial measurements, withholding access to visual cues would affect mentor perceptions and behavior. Participants were 118 mentor/prot(&)#233;g(&)#233; dyads from a large Southeastern university who volunteered to participate in a formal online peer mentoring program. After seeing their prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s' profiles (and for those in the experimental condition, a picture), mentors chatted with their prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s once a week for 30 minutes for a total of 4 weeks. Results indicated that prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s with facial features moderately distant from the golden ratio were perceived as more similar by mentors in same-gender dyads and received greater mentoring than did prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s closest and farthest from the golden ratio. In opposite-gender dyads, however, mentors reported greater similarity toward those that were farthest from the golden ratio but provided the greatest mentoring to those closest to the golden ratio. The relationship between facial measurements and prot(&)#233;g(&)#233; proactivity was moderated by whether or not their mentor had access to their picture. While prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s closest to the ratio were more proactive in the picture condition, those that were farthest from it were more proactive in the non-picture condition. Proactivity was as expected associated with greater levels of mentoring, which was ultimately related to a more fulfilled and beneficial relationship for prot(&)#233;g(&)#233;s (i.e. less stress, greater self-efficacy and satisfaction). The results of this study indicate that facial measurements are associated with both differences in mentor and in prot(&)#233;g(&)#233; behavior and that the specific nature of these relationships differs as a function of gender composition. Implications for practice and theory will be discussed.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004504, ucf:49275
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004504