View All Items

Title: Understanding the Perceived Experiences of Goal Setting of Mothers of Preschool Children: A Narrative Analysis.
Creator: Eckhoff, Dawn, Weiss, Josie, Quelly, Susan, Bushy, Angeline, Schmidt, Joseph, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Mothers are often asked to use goal setting to help their children achieve optimal health. Before mothers can be successful, they must grasp the meaning and process of goal setting. Currently there is a glaring lack of published research regarding how goal setting is understood and experienced by mothers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the self-described understanding and experiences of mothers, regarding goal setting for their preschool children.Narrative Inquiry was...
Show moreMothers are often asked to use goal setting to help their children achieve optimal health. Before mothers can be successful, they must grasp the meaning and process of goal setting. Currently there is a glaring lack of published research regarding how goal setting is understood and experienced by mothers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the self-described understanding and experiences of mothers, regarding goal setting for their preschool children.Narrative Inquiry was used to explore mothers' experiences with goal setting. A purposive sample of mothers with children in a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program were recruited from the central Florida area. Data were obtained from demographic instruments and personal interviews using a semi-structured guide. Interviews were coded to ensure confidentiality, audio-recorded and transcribed. The narratives were analyzed for thematic emergence using content analyses techniques.Four major themes emerged: Parental Knowledge, Barriers, Process of Goal Setting, and Provider Involvement. Parental knowledge of goal setting was varied and unique; barriers of goal setting were focused on keeping children motivated and fear of failing; each participant used a different goal setting process and noted that provider involvement was limited at best. Data analysis revealed minimal effective communication between mothers and nursing providers about goal setting. As a result, mothers utilized unique goal setting processes for their children. Despite their varied understandings of goal setting and the goal setting process, these mothers were not stifled in their goal setting efforts. Educating nurses to communicate effectively with parents about goal setting with their children and addressing barriers they might face, is important. Incorporating goal setting into routine care can be an effective strategy to help patients attain health-related goals. Future research examining the perspective of goal setting from children and other caregivers and development of interventions to aid in goal attainment is needed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007326, ucf:52141
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007326

Title: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FUZZY MODEL TO QUANTIFY TRAINING ANDEDUCATIONAL FACTORS AND THE RESULTING IMPACT ON STUDENT SUCCESSAND LEARNING.
Creator: Butler, Chandre, McCauley-Bell, Pamela, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The utilization of fuzzy mathematical modeling for quantification of the quality of training and educational delivery is an innovative application that can result in measurable and repeatable results. This research was designed to apply proven quantification techniques and Industrial Engineering methodologies to a nontraditional environment. The outcomes of this research provide the foundation, initial steps and preliminary validation for the development of a systematic fuzzy theoretical...
Show moreThe utilization of fuzzy mathematical modeling for quantification of the quality of training and educational delivery is an innovative application that can result in measurable and repeatable results. This research was designed to apply proven quantification techniques and Industrial Engineering methodologies to a nontraditional environment. The outcomes of this research provide the foundation, initial steps and preliminary validation for the development of a systematic fuzzy theoretical model to be applied for the quantification of various areas within training and education delivery. The test bed for this methodology is Orange County Public School system, the twelfth largest school district in the nation. The organizational and operational factors of a large school district are highly compatible with Systems Engineering concepts. The debate over education reform has drawn from referenced areas within the Industrial Engineering community including quality, continuous improvement, benchmarking and metrics development, data analysis, and scientific/systemic justification requirements. In spite of these applications, the literature does not reflect a consistent and broad application of these techniques in addressing the evaluation and quantification of educational delivery systems. This research draws on the previously listed areas within Industrial Engineering to apply these techniques to enhance the understanding and promote quantification of the multiple factors acting on the educational delivery system. The importance of addressing these issues is a national concern given the significant changes in the United States educational delivery system. For example, over the past 40 years there has been a more than three-hundred percent increase in per-pupil appropriations yet the academic performance gains have been limited and the quantification and measurement of those gains is even more limited. This body of work willidentify the systems, sub-systems, system factors, and factor degrees of existence necessary to quantify and measure these performance changes. Finally, the research will quantify the inputs and produce a model that provides a numeric value that represents the condition of the system and various subsystems of an educational system.
Show less
Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000890, ucf:46640
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000890

Title: Transitions in Polyamorous Identity and Intercultural Communication: An Application of Identity Management Theory.
Creator: Table, Allison, Weger, Harry, Hastings, Sally, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines the intercultural communicative strategies and non-monogamous identity formation of polyamorous individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the identity management tactics that polyamorous individuals utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy is the norm. Interactions of polyamorous individuals within a monoganormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E...
Show moreThis thesis examines the intercultural communicative strategies and non-monogamous identity formation of polyamorous individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the identity management tactics that polyamorous individuals utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy is the norm. Interactions of polyamorous individuals within a monoganormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E-interviews with 38 polyamorous individuals provided basis for phone and Skype interviews. The Retrospective Interview Technique (Huston, Surra, Fitzgerald, (&) Cate, 1981) required interviewees to recall development of their polyamorous identity and interactions with monogamous others from the past to present day. Twenty-two interviews produced the phases of identity management, including Trial and Error, Enmeshment (Mixing Up), and Renegotiation. Analyzing interviewees' communication also produced the themes of managing stigma and impressions of the relationship identity. Implications of the study include a richer understanding of polyamorous identity management, polyamory as a relationship orientation, and a new perspective in applying identity management theory.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006187, ucf:51153
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006187

Title: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Lived Experiences of African American Adults in Individual Mental Health Counseling.
Creator: Martin, Jessica, Boote, David, Hundley, Gulnora, Robinson, Edward, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: African Americans continue to access non-emergency mental health care at a lower rate than White Americans, despite have equal risk for mental health issues. Currently, literature in counseling focuses on this deficit and why African Americans do not attend counseling, as opposed to those African Americans who do choose to go into counseling. The purpose of this heuristic phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of adult African American mental health counseling clients...
Show moreAfrican Americans continue to access non-emergency mental health care at a lower rate than White Americans, despite have equal risk for mental health issues. Currently, literature in counseling focuses on this deficit and why African Americans do not attend counseling, as opposed to those African Americans who do choose to go into counseling. The purpose of this heuristic phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of adult African American mental health counseling clients. Two types of purposive sampling, criterion and snowball, were used to identify and recruit participants. Six African American women were selected for inclusion in this study. Data for this study were collected through two face-to-face audio-recorded interviews with each participant, a demographics questionnaire and researcher field notes.Experiences and meanings identified in this study included: Navigating Crisis, Stigma of Counseling, Counselor and Client Relationship and Acceptance of Self and Others. This study adds a counter-narrative to the counselor literature that highlights African Americans who do choose to become counseling clients, their experiences, and the meanings they take away from that experience.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005838, ucf:50928
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005838

Title: CONNECTING THEORY AND EVIDENCE: A CLOSER LOOK AT LEARNING IN THE WRITING CENTER.
Creator: Valerio, Alexandra M, Hall, R. Mark, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study seeks to explore ideas about learning and how it happens in writing center tutorials. The questions posed for this research are the following: 1) What does learning look like in writing center consultations? and 2) What moves do tutors make to prompt learning moments? The study was created by video recording nine writing center consultations over the course of a single semester. The researcher conducted the sessions herself and worked with the same writer each time. Segments of...
Show moreThis study seeks to explore ideas about learning and how it happens in writing center tutorials. The questions posed for this research are the following: 1) What does learning look like in writing center consultations? and 2) What moves do tutors make to prompt learning moments? The study was created by video recording nine writing center consultations over the course of a single semester. The researcher conducted the sessions herself and worked with the same writer each time. Segments of sessions were transcribed to reveal patterns of learning at work. Reflective memos were also collected, as well as a final retrospective interview. The results of the study showed that learning happens when tutors and writers create learning moments both together and independently of each other. Tutors and writers prompt learning by addressing four elements of writing center sessions: session activities, writer moves with the text at hand, writing processes, and learning processes. Addressing these elements in sessions leads to conversations about learning, which leads to learning taking place. This research is useful for further developing the identity of the writing center as a space that values and strives for authentic learning to occur.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000211, ucf:46015
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000211

Title: LISTENING TO STUDENT VOICES: FIFTH GRADERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR MATHEMATICS LEARNING WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A MATHEMATICS REFORM EFFORT.
Creator: Hoffman, Elizabeth, Killingsworth Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This qualitative study explored fifth graders' perceptions of their mathematics learning within the context of a reform effort. Students' voices are the focus of this study due to the paucity of literature on student learning from the students' perspective (Erickson & Shultz, 1992), particularly the elementary student (Gentilucci, 2004). The participants of this study, who in the past have been given a variety of labels including "disadvantaged" or "at-risk," clearly articulated, even in...
Show moreThis qualitative study explored fifth graders' perceptions of their mathematics learning within the context of a reform effort. Students' voices are the focus of this study due to the paucity of literature on student learning from the students' perspective (Erickson & Shultz, 1992), particularly the elementary student (Gentilucci, 2004). The participants of this study, who in the past have been given a variety of labels including "disadvantaged" or "at-risk," clearly articulated, even in nonstandard English, their perceptions of their mathematics learning. They passionately explained what helped them learn mathematics as well as what impeded their mathematics learning and were often incredibly insightful in their commentary. In an effort to hear and present the student voices, the data gathering methods used in this study included the use of focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and classroom observations as well as the use of a student survey. Several ethnographic methods and practices were employed to help ensure the credibility of this study, including triangulation and member checking. Data analysis involved a highly detailed, organic process which culminated in the emergence of a number of significant themes involving students' perspectives of mathematics, their mathematics experiences prior to fifth grade, and finally their perspectives of their learning during the first year of a mathematics reform effort. A number of valuable lessons learned as a result of this study are presented and translated into implications for the elementary mathematics classroom. These lessons, based on the students' own voices, urge teachers to prioritize mathematics instruction, effectively utilize manipulatives, games, and alternative algorithms as well as encourage classroom discourse about mathematics. If teachers would follow this outline, provided by the students' voices, students' mathematical power will be more deeply realized. Additionally, the promise of true reform due to the transformational power of students' voices is discussed and the possibilities defined.
Show less
Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000973, ucf:46693
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000973

Title: BLACK CAREGIVER RESPONSES TO AND PERCEPTIONS OF SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS AT THE END OF LIFE.
Creator: Sermarini, Samantha M, Connor, Norma E., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Individuals in the final stages of life are often cared for by informal caregivers whose interpretation of the patient�s signs, symptoms and treatment needs and options may be incongruent with that of healthcare providers (Docherty et al., 2008). Nurses need to fully understand the scope of this disparity. The purpose of this study was to determine how Black caregivers interpreted signs, symptoms, and treatments for symptom relief during the last months of their loved one�s life. The effect...
Show moreIndividuals in the final stages of life are often cared for by informal caregivers whose interpretation of the patient�s signs, symptoms and treatment needs and options may be incongruent with that of healthcare providers (Docherty et al., 2008). Nurses need to fully understand the scope of this disparity. The purpose of this study was to determine how Black caregivers interpreted signs, symptoms, and treatments for symptom relief during the last months of their loved one�s life. The effect on caregiver decision making was explored. This project is a secondary analysis of preexisting qualitative data. Transcripts from 5 focus groups encompassed 53 participants. All participants were Black and informal caregivers or decision makers for a loved one at their loved one�s end of life. Eighty-seven percent of caregivers were female, and a majority had a high school education. The mean age was 66. Transcripts were coded for themes independently by two researchers. To allow for the most open interpretation, no a priori set of codes was utilized. 3 main categories of signs, 4 main categories of symptoms, 4 themes of the interpretation of signs and symptoms, 4 main categories of treatments and interventions, 5 themes of the interpretation of treatments, and 3 themes describing the effect of signs, symptoms, and treatments on decision making were identified. Case examples of the caregiver interpretation process are included. Health care providers need to provide time, clear and simplified language, and additional explanation in communication. Further research combining health literacy measures and qualitative data on interpretations should be conducted.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000017, ucf:45584
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000017

Title: TOP MANAGEMENT'S PERCEPTIONS OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE AND HOSPITALITY: THE CASE OF DR. P. PHILLIPS HOSPITAL.
Creator: Aiello, Taryn, Severt, Denver, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated service excellence and hospitality in a healthcare setting. It is unique from other hospitality research in that it considers hospitality and service excellence as separate concepts, applicable across industries. Part of the premise of this study explores how hospitality extends past service excellence to create a comfortable and welcoming environment to combat patient anxiety and stress. Furthermore, this is one of the first qualitative studies on the importance of...
Show moreThis study investigated service excellence and hospitality in a healthcare setting. It is unique from other hospitality research in that it considers hospitality and service excellence as separate concepts, applicable across industries. Part of the premise of this study explores how hospitality extends past service excellence to create a comfortable and welcoming environment to combat patient anxiety and stress. Furthermore, this is one of the first qualitative studies on the importance of service excellence and hospitality in the healthcare industry. This case study measured top management's perceptions of service excellence and hospitality within one community-based hospital located in Orlando, Florida. The researcher conducted one-hour interviews with twelve leading managers to gain their opinions of service excellence and hospitality within their organization. Consistent with a thorough review of literature, three conclusions were revealed: 1) there is a strong, but mixed, top management commitment to service excellence and hospitality throughout organization; 2) the terms "service excellence" and "hospitality", when used, were discussed interchangeably as if the two theories were equivalent; and 3) External barriers to the patient experience that were identified included improvement of technology, increased consumerism, quality regulations, and workforce deficits. Internal barriers to the patient experience include communication and inconsistency. The research provided implications to healthcare organizations that are looking to implement practices of hospitality and service management to improve service delivery. Additionally, the study of hospitality outside the industry offers ideas of improvement for hospitality management and organizational researchers. It can also be used as a foundation to formulate additional studies in the area of service excellence and hospitality within the healthcare field, as this research is limited to only top management's views.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002311, ucf:47837
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002311

Title: THE COMMUNICATION IMPLICATIONS AND RELATED EXPERIENCES ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSRACIALLY ADOPTING A CHILD FROM VIETNAM.
Creator: Malin, Lan-Marie, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated the communication experiences of adoptive parents of children transracially adopted from Vietnam. Though adoption has been extensively studied in communication research, transracial adoptions involving children from Vietnam has not. Thus, this study examined adoptive parent communication experiences using dialectic theory and relational dialectics. By examining adoptive parentsÃ‚Â' communication with their adopted child and others, we can...
Show moreThis study investigated the communication experiences of adoptive parents of children transracially adopted from Vietnam. Though adoption has been extensively studied in communication research, transracial adoptions involving children from Vietnam has not. Thus, this study examined adoptive parent communication experiences using dialectic theory and relational dialectics. By examining adoptive parentsÃ‚Â' communication with their adopted child and others, we can determine tensions that occur in different communication experiences. Data were collected through eight qualitative in-depth interviews conducted with adoptive parents of children from Vietnam. Openness with both strangers and the adopted child(ren) and preservation of key aspects of the adopted childrenÃ‚Â's original culture emerged as themes in adoptive parent communication. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003535, ucf:48967
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003535

Title: A CULTURAL-HISTORICAL ACTIVITY THEORY ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION BY HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM FACULTY.
Creator: Marquez, Rolando, Gunter, Glenda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Researchers have revealed that among the reasons provided as barriers to the adoption of technology are: lack of technology resources, time, professional development and support (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, 1997; Parker, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; NCATE, 1997; Shelly, Gunter & Gunter, 2010, U.S. Congress, 1995). Several models used to explain the usage of technology within education such as the Technology Acceptance Model ...
Show moreBackground: Researchers have revealed that among the reasons provided as barriers to the adoption of technology are: lack of technology resources, time, professional development and support (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, 1997; Parker, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; NCATE, 1997; Shelly, Gunter & Gunter, 2010, U.S. Congress, 1995). Several models used to explain the usage of technology within education such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) have been somewhat ineffective in explaining or providing a holistic view of the factors that come into play when examining technology infusion and diffusion as they account for a limited percentage of variance (Legris, Ingham & Collerete, 2003; Pan, Gunter, Sivo & Cornell, 2005). Purpose: To better understand the choices that faculty members make in their use of educational technologies and media and to determine why some technologies such as blackboard have been widely adopted, but others have not. The following research question was formulated to guide the study: "Why do faculty members in higher education make the instructional choices they do with respect to educational technologies and media? Also, how can the use of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), as a more robust framework, offer an increase in explanatory power to better enable the understanding of a multitude of factors that impact the adoption and use of certain media technologies? Setting: A technology rich department at a college of a large urban university in the Southeastern United States. Participants: Three faculty members who taught in the department. Research Design: Qualitative multi-site case study informed by Engeström's CHAT(Engeström, 1987). Data Collection and Analysis: Document analysis, individual interviews, and laboratory and classroom observations provided data. Qualitative data analysis that employed qualitative inquiry research was informed by Creswell's "data analysis spiral" and Engeström's CHAT. Findings: Visits at the institution presented several of the key ideas in the CHAT framework including contradictions within the media selection activity and tensions at the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary levels. Additional themes included group work, autonomy, media as a tool to achieve learning goals, caring for students, early adopters, and relevance with current trends.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003665, ucf:48833
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003665

Title: Help me be healthy: Perceptions of social support in an online weight loss program.
Creator: Davies, Brittany, Sandoval, Jennifer, Neuberger, Lindsay, Hastings, Sally, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As technology changes, so do the ways in which we receive information, provide information and interact with one another. The exchange of social support is increasingly mediated by technology in the realm of health, nutrition, and fitness (Dahl, et al 2015; Wright et al 2011). Commercial weight loss and healthy lifestyle initiatives such as the Beachbody programs incorporate social media and web applications to reach a broader consumer base with individualized programming options. The present...
Show moreAs technology changes, so do the ways in which we receive information, provide information and interact with one another. The exchange of social support is increasingly mediated by technology in the realm of health, nutrition, and fitness (Dahl, et al 2015; Wright et al 2011). Commercial weight loss and healthy lifestyle initiatives such as the Beachbody programs incorporate social media and web applications to reach a broader consumer base with individualized programming options. The present study, guided by optimal matching theory and the helper theory principle, employed online participant-observation and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Beachbody coaches and participants to investigate how these individuals perceived social support to be enacted in these programs as well as the perceived benefits and challenges of participating in these online groups. The interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis to identify significant topics based on Owen's (1984) process of identifying recurrence, repetition, and forcefulness. Major benefits for participants included accountability, around the clock access to feedback, and access to a wide range of information. Noted challenges included the lack of personal connection and a need to maintain face-to-face relationships, difficulty sustaining motivation, and financial concerns. Cultivating a genuine feeling of community to facilitate open discussion and sharing was often inconsistent and a challenge to maintain throughout the duration of the program. This study aims to expand our understanding of social support in the context of online fitness and nutrition programs with potential to guide further research in technology-mediated support and how it may affect health. By broadening our understanding of the benefits of online support and how individuals have overcome its challenges in this context, it may help provide direction for the development of future research and similar online health initiatives.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007567, ucf:52574
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007567

Title: Barriers to Adoption of Wellness Programs: A Worked Example of an Augmented Best-Fit Framework Synthesis.
Creator: Oliver, Dalton, Fisher, Thomas, Boote, David, Valdes, Anna, Swan, Bonnie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Qualitative syntheses have the potential to offer a great deal of insight into complex problems of practice. However, their methods often appear unclear and warrant ongoing scrutiny by the research community. Aim: This study introduces a novel combination of methods for synthesizing qualitative literature and explores the utility of these methods through a worked example of a real-world problem of practice. Methods: Qualitative studies that investigated barriers to adoption of...
Show moreBackground: Qualitative syntheses have the potential to offer a great deal of insight into complex problems of practice. However, their methods often appear unclear and warrant ongoing scrutiny by the research community. Aim: This study introduces a novel combination of methods for synthesizing qualitative literature and explores the utility of these methods through a worked example of a real-world problem of practice. Methods: Qualitative studies that investigated barriers to adoption of wellness programs through the perspectives of key informants were systematically collected for synthesis. Key informants were identified as decision makers at small- to medium-sized businesses. The primary method used in this study was the Best-Fit Framework Synthesis (BFS). The BFS was augmented with Alignment Scores, CERQual Analysis, and a novel Saturation of Inquisition Test. Dedoose software was used to support data analysis. Results: The systematic search returned 4 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Diffusion Theory was systematically selected to develop a framework for analyzing qualitative findings. The synthesis generated four analytical themes and led to the development of a contextually rich conceptual framework. Analytical themes deeply informed the research questions while the framework offered a broader view of the overall problem. CERQual Analysis provided an added dimension of ranking amongst findings based on their level of confidence. The Saturation of Inquisition Test identified gaps in current research and validated decisions made during the synthesis. Alignment Scores identified specific points of misalignment and supported decision-making during the synthesis. Conclusion: The augmented BFS was a valuable method for synthesizing qualitative findings in a manner that informs practitioners and builds on relevant theory. The additional methods integrated seamlessly with the original BFS while enhancing transparency, reliability, and practical value of the synthesis. Further replication and critical evaluation of the overall methodology and its individual components is warranted.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006632, ucf:51293
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006632

Title: The Expansion of Financial Regulation to Include Humanitarian Issues:An Examination of the Development of Conflict Mineral Reporting Requirements Using Actor-Network Theory.
Creator: Tennant, Robert, Roberts, Robin, Robb, Sean, Sutton, Steven, Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study conceptually and empirically examines the establishment of certain financial regulation that resulted from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2007-2009. The crisis led to the establishment of the most extensive change in the regulation of the financial sector since the Great Depression (Green, 2011). During the forty years leading up to the crisis, the United States had engaged in a process of increased deregulation to promote greater efficiency (Yaron (&) Hendershott, 1998). The...
Show moreThis study conceptually and empirically examines the establishment of certain financial regulation that resulted from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2007-2009. The crisis led to the establishment of the most extensive change in the regulation of the financial sector since the Great Depression (Green, 2011). During the forty years leading up to the crisis, the United States had engaged in a process of increased deregulation to promote greater efficiency (Yaron (&) Hendershott, 1998). The belief that reduced regulation would improve efficiency and foster innovation became the mantra of many economic advisers to policy setters, to the point that as the regulations were relaxed there tended to be little fanfare or outrage to changes in regulation policy. This is true with both republican and democrat administrations throughout this period. Since 2000, there have been two major legislative actions that can be viewed as antithetical to the principle of deregulation, the first being Sarbanes-Oxley, which occurred as a result of Enron and other accounting scandals. The second, known as the Dodd-Frank Act, resulted in legislation that bailed out various sectors of the economy and fundamentally changed the structure of financial regulation in the United States.Specifically, I examine one part of this regulation related to corporate disclosure of activities that deal with conflict minerals. Within the political debates over regulation of corporate disclosure, an interest in corporate activities in war-torn areas emerged. Ultimately, regulation was adopted that required corporations to disclose operative activities that included mining of minerals in countries affected by political conflict. My research explicates using an actor-network approach, how and why activities in the U.S. political arena led to mandated disclosure of corporate activities dealing with the mining of local mineral deposits eventually referred to as (")conflict minerals.(") My findings show that a confluence of unlikely parties found common ground in their assessment of the issues surrounding the mining of conflict minerals and worked together towards the adoption of disclosure regulation that lead to more transparency in corporate reporting of their involvement in commercializing mineral deposits.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006668, ucf:51234
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006668

Title: The Inclusion of Women's History in the Secondary Social Studies Classroom.
Creator: Scheiner-Fisher, Cicely, Russell, William, Hewitt, Randall, Hartshorne, Charles, Fine, Terri, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The author examined the motivation for why, and methods of how, some secondary social studies teachers incorporate women's voices into the traditional history framework. A multi-layered qualitative methodology was employed for this study using survey, case study, and phenomenological approaches, including interviews and classroom observations of participants. The researcher discovered the percentage of teachers who claim to incorporate women's history/perspectives into their lessons; how...
Show moreThe author examined the motivation for why, and methods of how, some secondary social studies teachers incorporate women's voices into the traditional history framework. A multi-layered qualitative methodology was employed for this study using survey, case study, and phenomenological approaches, including interviews and classroom observations of participants. The researcher discovered the percentage of teachers who claim to incorporate women's history/perspectives into their lessons; how teachers incorporate women's history/perspectives into their lessons; and, the factors that contribute to teachers including women's history/perspectives into their classes.?
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004933, ucf:49623
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004933

Title: Discovering self, leaving struggle behind, and setting examples: Perspectives from first-generation, minority community college women on the value of higher education.
Creator: Sheel, Antonia, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, James, Pratt Marrett, Caroline, Culp, Rex, Penfold Navarro, Catherine, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study explored how first-generation, minority community college women who participated in a Student Success course understood their higher education experiences. The researcher used a basic interpretive qualitative methodology to uncover how the value of higher education was constructed within those discussions. Five purposively selected students participated in one-on-one semi structured interviews. The participant's understandings were highlighted independently, reflecting a wide range...
Show moreThis study explored how first-generation, minority community college women who participated in a Student Success course understood their higher education experiences. The researcher used a basic interpretive qualitative methodology to uncover how the value of higher education was constructed within those discussions. Five purposively selected students participated in one-on-one semi structured interviews. The participant's understandings were highlighted independently, reflecting a wide range of sentiments that were largely self-directed in essence, at times ambiguous and yet, complex in nature as the women made sense of their experiences. Through the use of thematic analysis, three dominant discourses about the value of higher education were identified as opportunity and defined as: 1) Personal Fulfillment and Intrinsic Motivation, 2) Financial Stability and College as Insurance against Poverty, and 3) Social Obligations: Breaking Stereotypes and Setting Examples. The data coupled with researcher reflections serve as the basis for implications for Student Success faculty and administrators in the areas of pedagogical strategy, marketing, resource creation, and program restructuring. Lastly, recommendations were made for future research studies.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005255, ucf:50588
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005255

Title: An Examination of the Connection Between Genuine Dialogue and Improv.
Creator: O'Neal, Kathleen, Hastings, Sally, Katt, James, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The value of improv training extends beyond the stage. Improv has been successfully utilized and applied in a variety of ways in the workplace, school, and community. This study examines the connection between genuine dialogue and improv to determine if improv exhibits dialogic qualities. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of nineteen improv students. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the director of a hospital's Innovation Lab where improv is used in an organizational...
Show moreThe value of improv training extends beyond the stage. Improv has been successfully utilized and applied in a variety of ways in the workplace, school, and community. This study examines the connection between genuine dialogue and improv to determine if improv exhibits dialogic qualities. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of nineteen improv students. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the director of a hospital's Innovation Lab where improv is used in an organizational setting. The conditions for dialogue set by Gordon (2006) served as a guideline for analyzing data. Thematic analysis generated categories used to analyze data. The most prominent of Gordon's conditions for dialogue within improv were Imagination (&) Innovation, Vulnerability and Immediacy of Presence. The importance of this study, implications and future studies for the connection between improv and dialogue are examined.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005389, ucf:52873
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005389

Title: CONSTRUCTING EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM OF ONLINE COURSES: A MODEL FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY PRACTITIONERS.
Creator: Thompson, Kelvin, Dziuban, Charles, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Online courses are complex, human-driven contexts for formal learning. Little has been said about the environment emerging from the interaction of instructor(s), learners, and other resources in such courses. Theories that focus on instructional settings and methods that are designed to accommodate inquiry into complex phenomena are essential to the systematic study of online courses. Such a line of research is necessary as the basis for a common language with which we can begin to speak...
Show moreOnline courses are complex, human-driven contexts for formal learning. Little has been said about the environment emerging from the interaction of instructor(s), learners, and other resources in such courses. Theories that focus on instructional settings and methods that are designed to accommodate inquiry into complex phenomena are essential to the systematic study of online courses. Such a line of research is necessary as the basis for a common language with which we can begin to speak holistically about online courses. In this dissertation, I attempt to generate better questions about the nature of online instructional environments. By combining prior works related to educational criticism and qualitative research case study with original innovations, I develop a model for studying the instructional experiences of online courses. I then apply this approach in the study of one specific online course at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Show less
Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000657, ucf:46553
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000657

Title: A QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE AT-RISK STUDENT.
Creator: Quintero, Andrea M, Gresham, Regina Harwood, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to identify preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student and their perceptions toward their educational preparation to effectively teach the at-risk student. A ten-question survey was conducted to gain insight on 15 preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student. The results showed that 100% of the preservice teachers believe at-risk students could learn, but then were dissatisfied with the training that the teacher preparation program at the...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to identify preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student and their perceptions toward their educational preparation to effectively teach the at-risk student. A ten-question survey was conducted to gain insight on 15 preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student. The results showed that 100% of the preservice teachers believe at-risk students could learn, but then were dissatisfied with the training that the teacher preparation program at the university has provided them. These findings suggest the importance of conducting further research on preservice teachers' preparation programs. Preservice teachers' ability to effectively teach the at-risk student can have a lasting impact on these students and their success in the future.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000142, ucf:45981
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000142

Title: GOING NATURAL: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN AND THEIR HAIR.
Creator: Dennis, Brittney, Gay, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The study seeks to gain a better understanding of the term "going natural" in regards to women with natural African American hair. The study also seeks to understand natural hair and reclaiming a positive perspective of acceptance and natural appearance. The study will give light to what it is to have natural hair in present day and calls upon the experience of the Black woman on her journey with her hair and her past.
Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004278, ucf:44964
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004278

Title: IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT THE ANIMALS: VETERINARIANS' PERSPECTIVES ON THEIR WORK.
Creator: Owens, Nicole, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, Sikorska, Elzbieta, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examines lived experiences of veterinarians. A common feature of being a veterinarian is curing and caring for nonhuman animals. It is the love and connection most veterinarians share for animals that ignite their journey to become an animal doctor. Data collected during semi-structured interviews with 17 veterinarians reveal that there are many more intricacies to the job than just animal medicine. These veterinarians suggest that they must treat animals as learning tools during...
Show moreThis study examines lived experiences of veterinarians. A common feature of being a veterinarian is curing and caring for nonhuman animals. It is the love and connection most veterinarians share for animals that ignite their journey to become an animal doctor. Data collected during semi-structured interviews with 17 veterinarians reveal that there are many more intricacies to the job than just animal medicine. These veterinarians suggest that they must treat animals as learning tools during veterinary training and once they complete school, they deal with people and business on a regular basis. Most veterinarians would like their jobs to be animal-centric, but these data show that they are not.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004420, ucf:49369
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004420

qualitative (13)	+ -
qualitative research (13)	+ -
Qualitative (8)	+ -
Qualitative Research (3)	+ -
hospitality (3)	+ -

identification (3)	+ -
phenomenology (3)	+ -
thematic analysis (3)	+ -
Inclusive (2)	+ -
Phenomenology (2)	+ -
Teacher Preparation (2)	+ -
activism (2)	+ -
communication (2)	+ -
community college (2)	+ -
empathy (2)	+ -
history (2)	+ -
improv (2)	+ -
improvisation (2)	+ -
interview (2)	+ -
qualitative methods (2)	+ -
women (2)	+ -
15 countries (1)	+ -
30 years (1)	+ -
ADDIE (1)	+ -
ARI (1)	+ -
Access (1)	+ -
Accommodations (1)	+ -
Accounting (1)	+ -
Actor-Network Theory (1)	+ -
African American (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (39)	+ -
Honors Collection (8)	+ -

University of Central Florida (47)	+ -
Boote, David (5)	+ -
Hastings, Sally (5)	+ -
Cintron Delgado, Rosa (4)	+ -
Hopp, Carolyn (3)	+ -

Musambira, George (3)	+ -
Sandoval, Jennifer (3)	+ -
Weger, Harry (3)	+ -
Aiello, Taryn (2)	+ -
Boyd, Tammy (2)	+ -
Bushy, Angeline (2)	+ -
Flanigan, Jacquelyn (2)	+ -
Grauerholz, Elizabeth (2)	+ -
Grauerholz, Liz (2)	+ -
Hines, Rebecca (2)	+ -
Jasinski, Jana (2)	+ -
Little, Mary (2)	+ -
Neuberger, Lindsay (2)	+ -
Owens, James (2)	+ -
Severt, Denver (2)	+ -
Vitale, Thomas (2)	+ -
Afflerback, Sara (1)	+ -
Arban, Garrett (1)	+ -
Armstrong, Tanya (1)	+ -
Becker, Theresa (1)	+ -
Beever, Jonathan (1)	+ -
Bell, Alicia (1)	+ -
Beverly, Monifa (1)	+ -
Biddle, Jeffrey (1)	+ -
Bousfield, Taylor (1)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Topical Subject

Collection

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner