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Title: SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON THE PARTY AFFILIATION OF HISPANIC VOTERS.
Creator: Montagner, Angelo, Vieux, Andrea, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Voting analysts in the United States have attempted to predict political orientation based on race, gender, occupation, educational achievement, and economic background. Yet, the substantial amount of research available on these factors has been directed toward the understanding of the white-majority vote. Now, as a result of the overwhelming growth of ethnic minority populations scholars are beginning to look at the potential decisive role of ethnic minority voters. Part of this newly formed...
Show moreVoting analysts in the United States have attempted to predict political orientation based on race, gender, occupation, educational achievement, and economic background. Yet, the substantial amount of research available on these factors has been directed toward the understanding of the white-majority vote. Now, as a result of the overwhelming growth of ethnic minority populations scholars are beginning to look at the potential decisive role of ethnic minority voters. Part of this newly formed voting bloc consists of Hispanics which are now one of the fastest and largest racial minority groups in the United States. This thesis aims to understand the Hispanic electorate by addressing their social mobility. Furthermore, this research will shed light into the socio-economic factors affecting the political affiliation of Hispanic voters.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004361, ucf:44998
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004361

Title: "THAT'S SO GHETTO": A STUDY OF THE RACIAL/SOCIOECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TERM "GHETTO".
Creator: Richardson, Shaun, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The term ghetto has an ambiguous meaning in American society. The term frequently has been used as either a noun or an adjective. As a noun the term "ghetto" is often used to describe a place- Small describes the ghetto as a:"...a particular type of neighborhood; it exhibits a cohesive set of characteristics, such as deteriorating housing, crime, depopulation, and social isolation"(2008: 78.) This description as a noun is indicative of unsavory social conditions and climate that fosters an...
Show moreThe term ghetto has an ambiguous meaning in American society. The term frequently has been used as either a noun or an adjective. As a noun the term "ghetto" is often used to describe a place- Small describes the ghetto as a:"...a particular type of neighborhood; it exhibits a cohesive set of characteristics, such as deteriorating housing, crime, depopulation, and social isolation"(2008: 78.) This description as a noun is indicative of unsavory social conditions and climate that fosters an unproductive populace. As an adjective the term remains more difficult to solidly define. The bulk of available research often has worked to define what the ghetto is in reference to a physical location. The term seems to be more pervasive than simply being a place; it can be used to describe people, particular behaviors and traits as well as objects. The current study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of what a ghetto is and how the word is used in a variety of ways. This study will analyze the multifaceted applications of the term ghetto and how the term works to promote negative socioeconomic racialized ideologies. This study is pertinent because it addresses issues of institutionalized discrimination and prejudiced language. Findings are predicted to address the manners in which discrimination functions through language usage.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004553, ucf:45181
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004553

Title: Socioeconomic Status and Prescription Opioid Use Behaviors among U.S. Adults: A Test of the Fundamental Cause Theory Framework.
Creator: Nicholson, Harvey, Ford, Jason, Rivera, Fernando, Hinojosa, Melanie, Rigg, Khary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, I applied Phelan, Link and Tehranifar's (2010) fundamental cause theory (FCT) framework to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and prescription opioid use behaviors. I also explored the mediating roles of health status and the deployment of flexible resources. I hypothesized that (1) a negative association would exist between SES and prescription opioid use, misuse, and use disorder, and (2) health status and...
Show moreUsing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, I applied Phelan, Link and Tehranifar's (2010) fundamental cause theory (FCT) framework to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and prescription opioid use behaviors. I also explored the mediating roles of health status and the deployment of flexible resources. I hypothesized that (1) a negative association would exist between SES and prescription opioid use, misuse, and use disorder, and (2) health status and the deployment of flexible resources (e.g. health care access, knowledge, social support) would mediate this relationship. As hypothesized and consistent with FCT, higher SES was associated with significantly lower odds of prescription opioid use behaviors. Two flexible resources, health care access and social support, and various indicators of poor health helped explain this relationship. Inconsistent with FCT, knowledge of heroin use as being a (")great risk(") was not a mediator of the SES-prescription opioid use behaviors association. Based on these findings, efforts to reduce SES disparities in prescription opioid use behaviors should emphasize reducing SES disparities overall as well as in health and access to important health-enhancing resources. Limitations of this study and directions for future research are discussed. ?
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007695, ucf:52437
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007695

Title: An investigation into the use of grade retention as an intervention strategy in Volusia County, Florida.
Creator: Porter, Wesley, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Lindsley, Boyd, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study was conducted to analyze the performance of 1,493 students in Volusia County from 2003 to 2010, comparing ethnic and socio-economic groups, who had been retained a minimum of one time while enrolled from third grade through 10th grade. This study utilized the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Reading and Mathematic Developmental Test Scale Scores to evaluate student improvement. The groups compared in this study include Black, White and Hispanic students. Higher and...
Show moreThis study was conducted to analyze the performance of 1,493 students in Volusia County from 2003 to 2010, comparing ethnic and socio-economic groups, who had been retained a minimum of one time while enrolled from third grade through 10th grade. This study utilized the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Reading and Mathematic Developmental Test Scale Scores to evaluate student improvement. The groups compared in this study include Black, White and Hispanic students. Higher and lower socio-economic (SES) rates of retention were investigated for the entire population of retained students in Volusia County from 2003-2010. The groups were compared to see if there was a significant difference between each group being retained once, twice, or three or more times.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006377, ucf:51500
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006377

Title: A JOURNEY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SCIENCE EDUCATION: THE MICROCULTURE OF EMERGING INQUIRY-BASED SCIENCE INSTRUCTION IN AN URBAN, LOW SOCIOECONOMIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE LAB.
Creator: Dahl, Kimberly, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This ethnographic study of emerging inquiry-based science instruction in an urban, low socioeconomic elementary school science lab was designed to gain insight into the perspectives of the teacher and students. The study involved a Central Florida elementary school whose population was over 80 percent African-American. In this six month study, the researcher examined the classroom setting of a science lab teacher and her fourth and fifth grade students during a six month period of time. Data...
Show moreThis ethnographic study of emerging inquiry-based science instruction in an urban, low socioeconomic elementary school science lab was designed to gain insight into the perspectives of the teacher and students. The study involved a Central Florida elementary school whose population was over 80 percent African-American. In this six month study, the researcher examined the classroom setting of a science lab teacher and her fourth and fifth grade students during a six month period of time. Data sources included interviews, field notes, reflections, and student work , which were used to identify the emerging themes and patterns in the study. The emergent themes were grouped into two categories: the perspective of the teacher and students in the inquiry environment and the microculture of the teacher and students in that environment. The teacher's perspectives on instructional strategies, standard based instructional guidelines, and the realities of teaching in an urban low socioeconomic setting were the major emergent themes. The students' perspectives into environment and sense-making of elementary school students were the other major emergent themes. Chapter I provides background and the significance of the study. Chapter II provides a research of the literature surrounding inquiry-based instruction in science education. Chapter III describes the methodology, specifically the ethnographic approach to this study. A metaphoric journey down the river of perspectives in science lab classroom sets the tone for Chapter IV. This chapter provides a "view from the shore," an introduction to the general background of the elementary school. Chapter V explores the teacher perspectives, and uses vignettes to analyze instructional strategies, questioning, assessment, standards state and district guideline and the realities of teaching. Chapter VI discusses the student perspectives, and uses vignettes to analyze behaviors and actions, responsibility of learners, assessment, and ways of knowing. Chapter VII pulls together conclusions, implications, and recommendations for further research.This study contributes to the total body of research of science education in two ways: 1. It provides student and teacher perspectives on science in an urban, low socioeconomic elementary school. 2. It provides research with a teacher and student perspective of inquiry-based science instruction.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000064, ucf:46128
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000064

Title: RACE, SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS, SCHOOL LEVEL-RESOURCES, AND PARENTAL INFLUENCES ON FCAT SCORES IN FLORIDA: A QUANITATIVE STUDY.
Creator: King, Tara, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: There is an abundance of literature that focuses on the standardized test score difference between minority and non-minority students. Within this literature, socio-economic factors, parental influences, and school-level resources have been used to explain the difference in test scores. The purpose of this study is to identify the variables that are thought to significantly influence test score achievement. The data come from the Florida Department of Education and the US Census. Linear...
Show moreThere is an abundance of literature that focuses on the standardized test score difference between minority and non-minority students. Within this literature, socio-economic factors, parental influences, and school-level resources have been used to explain the difference in test scores. The purpose of this study is to identify the variables that are thought to significantly influence test score achievement. The data come from the Florida Department of Education and the US Census. Linear regression analyses results are used to examine the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. The results showed that overall economic factors are more closely related to FCAT scores than race. More specifically, the percent of students receiving free lunch was negatively correlated with FCAT scores.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000896, ucf:46641
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000896

Title: ACCULTURATION, SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE, AND ADJUSTMENT OF EARLY ADOLESCENTS.
Creator: Klein, Jenny, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A majority of research regarding disruptive behavior disorders in youth has focused primarily upon Caucasian children and adolescents. As a result, more investigation of the unique characteristics of youth from ethnically diverse backgrounds, particularly those from Hispanic American and African American backgrounds, is needed (Balls Organista, Organista, & Kurasaki, 2003). This study investigated the relationships between several characteristics (e.g., ethnic identity, socioeconomic status,...
Show moreA majority of research regarding disruptive behavior disorders in youth has focused primarily upon Caucasian children and adolescents. As a result, more investigation of the unique characteristics of youth from ethnically diverse backgrounds, particularly those from Hispanic American and African American backgrounds, is needed (Balls Organista, Organista, & Kurasaki, 2003). This study investigated the relationships between several characteristics (e.g., ethnic identity, socioeconomic status, social acceptance, and emotional and behavioral symptoms) of early adolescents belonging to diverse ethnic groups. Results suggested that socioeconomic status and degree of early adolescents' social acceptance were important factors in predicting the development of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in this age group. Additionally, perceived social acceptance moderated significantly the relationships between SES and depression, anxiety, and self-concept. Considering these results, useful treatments may be developed that enhance early adolescents' abilities to assess realistically their own social skills and interact appropriately within different social spheres. Increased self-appraisals of acceptance within social situations may modify negative effects (e.g., higher reports of anxiety and depression) of extreme socioeconomic circumstances, particularly for early adolescents experiencing low-income or poverty conditions within their family and/or their community.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000889, ucf:46632
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000889

Title: An Examination of a College and Career Preparation Program for Low Socioeconomic and First-Generation Students in an Urban School District.
Creator: Gillam, Lucille, Lue, Martha, Vitale, Thomas, Swan, Bonnie, Goodman, Constance, Larsen, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if the college and career program, in one urban high school setting, was being implemented as intended by the school district. A mixed methods analysis was conducted using student PSAT/SAT scores, interviews, surveys, focus groups, classroom observations and anecdotal notes from the program director. The results were coded to show emerging trends and themes. The results of the analysis showed that portions of the program were being conducted as...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if the college and career program, in one urban high school setting, was being implemented as intended by the school district. A mixed methods analysis was conducted using student PSAT/SAT scores, interviews, surveys, focus groups, classroom observations and anecdotal notes from the program director. The results were coded to show emerging trends and themes. The results of the analysis showed that portions of the program were being conducted as designed by the school district; however, of the four criteria required to be invited to bet admitted into the program, one was not being implemented correctly at the school site. The district vetted for students who had PSAT scores in the top 15% in the nation, WGPA over 4.0 and on the federal free/reduced list but first-generation students were not being vetted correctly at the school site. Although members of the first graduating class were able to secure admission into top-tier colleges and universities, only approximately 25% of the students in the program would be the first in their families to graduate from college. Thus, the program was not being implemented as designed and may not have been serving the needs of the target population of students for whom the program was designed.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007638, ucf:52485
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007638

Title: Collegiate Concerted Cultivation: The Influence of Class and Family on Higher Education.
Creator: Weyant, Meghan, Wright, James, Gay, David, Grauerholz, Liz, Joyner, Laurie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The 1966 Coleman Report and subsequent research identifies social class as an important determinant of educational outcomes, but after decades of research it is still unclear exactly why. This study purports to explore one possible explanation, collegiate concerted cultivation. The focus of this study was to explore the existence of collegiate concerted cultivation as a sociological concept. Collegiate concerted cultivation provides a theoretical framework to more deeply explore the...
Show moreThe 1966 Coleman Report and subsequent research identifies social class as an important determinant of educational outcomes, but after decades of research it is still unclear exactly why. This study purports to explore one possible explanation, collegiate concerted cultivation. The focus of this study was to explore the existence of collegiate concerted cultivation as a sociological concept. Collegiate concerted cultivation provides a theoretical framework to more deeply explore the relationships between social class, family factors, and familial support of education in order to better understand differential outcomes in achievement in higher education. Using a mixed method approach, the study examined the effects of socioeconomic indicators, institutional and demographic factors on collegiate concerted cultivation. In addition, this study analyzed student experiences of collegiate concerted cultivation in order to establish the archetype characteristics of the new concept. Results of this study indicate that collegiate concerted cultivation does exist, includes a series of defining characteristics, and is influenced by parental socioeconomic indicators.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005737, ucf:50090
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005737

Title: HEALTH INSURANCE STATUS AND DIABETES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG BLACK ADULTS IN THE U.S.
Creator: Rosier, Luderve, Wells, Brittny, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between health insurance status and diabetes management (in terms of medication adherence and physical activity levels) in Black adults based on socioeconomic factors. Data were harvested from the Sample Adult Questionnaires of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) between the years of 2010 and 2016. The survey questions that were collected included information about the participants' income, education level, insurance status...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between health insurance status and diabetes management (in terms of medication adherence and physical activity levels) in Black adults based on socioeconomic factors. Data were harvested from the Sample Adult Questionnaires of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) between the years of 2010 and 2016. The survey questions that were collected included information about the participants' income, education level, insurance status, diabetes diagnosis, medication therapy and physical activity levels. This study employed the most recent version of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The association between diabetes management and socioeconomic factors were analyzed using chi-square analysis. It was hypothesized that Black adults who were uninsured, lower income, and less-educated would report lower adherence to medication and lower physical activity participation when compared to their insured, higher income, and higher-educated counterparts. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between health insurance status and diabetes management in people of different socioeconomic status. Too few people met the weekly recommendations for moderate exercise thus chi-square outcomes for physical activity were invalid. This study will be beneficial for future research as it has provided more generalizable information on this topic due to the use of a national dataset. This study also highlighted the importance of adequate physical activity interventions for this population and can be used for further research on Black adults with diabetes.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000303, ucf:45751
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000303

Title: THE USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS: DO DISPARITIES EXIST?.
Creator: Fashaw, Shekinah, Chisholm, Latarsha, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine how nursing home (NH) characteristics, specifically racial composition of nursing homes residents, influences the use of physical restraints. As the population ages and becomes more diverse, it is essential to mitigate/eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in quality care. Methods: This is cross-sectional study using a 2010 national data set from Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research. This study employs Donabedian's...
Show moreIntroduction: The purpose of this study is to examine how nursing home (NH) characteristics, specifically racial composition of nursing homes residents, influences the use of physical restraints. As the population ages and becomes more diverse, it is essential to mitigate/eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in quality care. Methods: This is cross-sectional study using a 2010 national data set from Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research. This study employs Donabedian's Structure-Process-Outcome (SPO) conceptual framework. Statistical analysis includes univariate, bivariate, and a logistic regression model. It is hypothesized that nursing homes with higher proportions of black residents, more Medicaid residents, and for-profit ownership status will be associated with higher prevalence of physical restraint use. Results: Findings show that nursing homes with high proportions of blacks have a lower likelihood of high physical restraint use. Nursing homes with a higher proportion of Medicaid-reliant residents have a higher likelihood of restraint use, as does for-profit nursing homes. Discussion: The findings indicate that there are no racial/ethnic disparities present in the use of physical restraints in nursing homes. There is indication of socio-economic disparities, since nursing homes with higher Medicaid-reliant residents are associated with greater restraint. There are policy implications associated with these findings, including raising Medicaid per diem or implementing a quality performance payment incentive. Further research will be needed to determine ways to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in nursing homes. This research, adds to the nursing home literature focused on socio-economic disparities.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004700, ucf:45401
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004700

Title: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC CASE STUDY IN A BRITISH PRIMARY (ELEMENTARY) SCHOOL CLASSROOM OF ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY.
Creator: Iliff, Kelly, Eriksson, Gillian, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: An ethnographic case study of a Year 6 (5th grade) classroom in Southwest England was conducted in order to explore factors that contribute to academic self-efficacy in British education, specifically in this classroom. Data was collected through qualitative observations, a teacher interview, and student questionnaires to determine the level of academic self-efficacy in the classroom. The class consisted of 14 female students and 9 male students, ranging from ten to eleven years old. Of the...
Show moreAn ethnographic case study of a Year 6 (5th grade) classroom in Southwest England was conducted in order to explore factors that contribute to academic self-efficacy in British education, specifically in this classroom. Data was collected through qualitative observations, a teacher interview, and student questionnaires to determine the level of academic self-efficacy in the classroom. The class consisted of 14 female students and 9 male students, ranging from ten to eleven years old. Of the total number of students, parental consent was received to allow 9 boys and 7 girls to complete questionnaires. Data was analyzed by examining critical issues and comparing anecdotal records to a teacher interview and student questionnaires. Recurrent themes that materialized were: bullying, uniforms, discipline, competition, assessment, and exceptional students. Results showed that these core issues contributed to positive academic self-efficacy among students in this classroom in the context of the British educational system.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003860, ucf:44691
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003860

Title: An Ecological Analysis of Social and Economic Influences on Black and White Infant Mortality Risk In Orange County, FL.
Creator: Lopez-Littleton, Vanessa, Liberman, Aaron, Wan, Thomas, Wright, James, Lieberman, Leslie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Black health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study...
Show moreBlack health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study examines the relationships between individual and environmental influences on the health risk experienced by blacks, whites, as well as the differential between the two populations. This multi-level analysis was conducted using five-year aggregate data centering on the 2000 decennial census (1998 - 2002) as the most recent census data available. During the study period, the 193 census tracts in Orange County, Florida, experienced 504 infant deaths which included 242 black and 241 white infant deaths. Using the infant mortality target rate developed for Healthy People 2000 as the (")normal(") infant mortality rate, risk was calculated as the percentage of deviation from the (")normal("). A rate was also calculated to demonstrate the difference between black and white percent deviations from the (")normal("). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between socioeconomic influences (Socioeconomic Disadvantage), social risk factors (Social Disorganization), and behavioral risk factors (Poor Behavioral Choices) using a latent variable approach based on a conceptual model which integrated the social determinants of health framework and conflict theory. In this study, an inverse association was found between socioeconomic disadvantage and infant mortality risk for black infants. This finding is contradictory to the expected finding and may have been due to multicollinearity or the operationalization of the endogenous study variable for black infant mortality risk. Thus, this study highlights the complexity of unraveling the interrelationship between social and economic risk factors. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the latent variable approach in public health research as well as the need to broaden the approach to selecting indicators. This study concludes with specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the health outcomes of vulnerable populations using the social determinants of health framework.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004129, ucf:49109
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004129

Title: The Relationship Among Student Demographic Variables and Reported Discipline Referral Categories.
Creator: Bair, Timothy, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study was conducted to investigate the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals to the different student groups' gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity for the 6th through 12th grade students in a central Florida public school district for the school year 2009-2010. The relationship of the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals between gender and socioeconomic status was analyzed. In addition, the...
Show moreThis study was conducted to investigate the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals to the different student groups' gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity for the 6th through 12th grade students in a central Florida public school district for the school year 2009-2010. The relationship of the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals between gender and socioeconomic status was analyzed. In addition, the relationship of the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals between ethnicity and socioeconomic status was analyzed.Analysis of the discipline referral data from the central Florida public school district for the school year 2009-2010 led to the following findings: (a) males, blacks, and students with low socioeconomic status, were over represented with student discipline referrals of all types; (b) males, blacks, and students with low socioeconomic status, were over represented with subjective discipline referrals; (c) low socioeconomic status males were the major contributors to disproportional distribution for males within the gender group variable, and low socioeconomic blacks were the major contributors to disproportional distribution within the black ethnicity group variable.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004353, ucf:49450
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004353

Title: ACHIEVEMENT FOR ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION (AVID) STUDENTS AND NON-AVID STUDENTS IN SELECT CENTRAL FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOLS IN 2007-2009: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.
Creator: Connors, Linda, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this study was to examine the relationship of student participation in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and student academic performance. More specifically, this study was conducted to determine if there was a mean difference in student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in mathematics, reading, and writing between students who participated in the AVID program during their first two years of high school and students who had...
Show moreThe focus of this study was to examine the relationship of student participation in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and student academic performance. More specifically, this study was conducted to determine if there was a mean difference in student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in mathematics, reading, and writing between students who participated in the AVID program during their first two years of high school and students who had similar demographics (e.g., ethnicity, gender, and economic status) but did not participate in the AVID program for 2007-2009. The population for this study consisted of students from six high schools with certified AVID programs during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years in two central Florida school districts. Students participating in the AVID program were matched with non-AVID participants for each school site by ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and tenth grade mathematics or English course. The results of this study did not indicate statistically significant differences in the FCAT mathematics and reading developmental scale score gains between the AVID and non-AVID students. However, the non-AVID students performed significantly higher on the tenth grade writing component of the FCAT. Participation in the AVID program produced no statistically significant findings for the factors of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status for FCAT mathematics, reading, or writing. The findings indicated that AVID and non-AVID students could not be differentiated by FCAT performance measures in the mathematics and reading domains.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003206, ucf:48567
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003206

Title: The Effect of Habitat for Humanity Homeownership on Student Attendance and Standardized Test Scores in Orange County Florida School District.
Creator: Harris, Charles, Kincaid, John, Uddin, Nizam, Rivers, Kenyatta, Wiegand, Rudolf, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The mobility of low-income students who do not have access to stable housing creates numerous challenges both at home and in school. Among these challenges, academic performance certainly is one of the most important. The lack of a more permanent, familiar, and safe environment is presumed to impact home life as well as students' performance in the classroom. This research compares two groups of current and former students of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) in Florida (1) children of...
Show moreThe mobility of low-income students who do not have access to stable housing creates numerous challenges both at home and in school. Among these challenges, academic performance certainly is one of the most important. The lack of a more permanent, familiar, and safe environment is presumed to impact home life as well as students' performance in the classroom. This research compares two groups of current and former students of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) in Florida (1) children of families who are Habitat for Humanity (HFH) homeowners, and (2) a matched socioeconomic control group. The HFH program is designed to provide a stable, affordable housing for families who cannot acquire it through standard means. The research question is: Does stability in housing make an impact on academic performance in the particular area of FCAT scores and attendance? Data were gathered from OCPS and the HFH homeowners themselves. This data were used to evaluate the impact of HFH homeownership on students' academic environment. Results showed better attendance at school, but HFH students fared worse in FCAT performance when compared to control group especially in reading.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005504, ucf:50360
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005504

Title: Socioeconomic Status, Instrumental Music Participation, and Middle School Student Achievement.
Creator: Antmann, Michael, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Murray, Barbara, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in growth on the reading and mathematics FCAT 2.0 across varying levels of instrumental music participation by both low- and high-socioeconomic status (SES) middle school students, and to determine whether or not there is a relationship between instrumental music participation and socioeconomic status. The differences between instrumental music participation groups were not found to be statistically significant for both the reading...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the differences in growth on the reading and mathematics FCAT 2.0 across varying levels of instrumental music participation by both low- and high-socioeconomic status (SES) middle school students, and to determine whether or not there is a relationship between instrumental music participation and socioeconomic status. The differences between instrumental music participation groups were not found to be statistically significant for both the reading and mathematics FCAT 2.0 growth by high-SES status students, and for reading FCAT 2.0 growth by low-SES status students. The differences between groups were found to be significant for mathematics FCAT 2.0 growth by low-SES students, but a Tukey HSD post-hoc test found no significant differences between the individual groups. The study also found that high-SES students had a higher rate of instrumental music participation in sixth grade, and a lower attrition rate between sixth and seventh grade than the low-SES students.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005755, ucf:50073
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005755

Title: Modeling of Socio-Economic Factors and Adverse Events In an Active War Theater By Using a Cellular Automata Simulation Approach.
Creator: Bozkurt, Halil, Karwowski, Waldemar, Lee, Gene, Thompson, William, Mikusinski, Piotr, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Department of Defense (DoD) implemented Human Social Cultural and Behavior (HSCB) program to meet the need to develop capability to understand, predict and shape human behavior among different cultures by developing a knowledge base, building models, and creating training capacity. This capability will allow decision makers to subordinate kinetic operations and promote non-kinetic operations to govern economic programs better in order to initiate efforts and development to address the...
Show moreDepartment of Defense (DoD) implemented Human Social Cultural and Behavior (HSCB) program to meet the need to develop capability to understand, predict and shape human behavior among different cultures by developing a knowledge base, building models, and creating training capacity. This capability will allow decision makers to subordinate kinetic operations and promote non-kinetic operations to govern economic programs better in order to initiate efforts and development to address the grievances among the displeased by adverse events. These non-kinetic operations include rebuilding indigenous institutions' bottom-up economic activity and constructing necessary infrastructure since the success in non-kinetic operations depends on understanding and using social and cultural landscape. This study aims to support decision makers by building a computational model to understand economic factors and their effect on adverse events.In this dissertation, the analysis demonstrates that the use of cellular automata has several significant contributions to support decision makers allocating development funds to stabilize regions with higher adverse event risks, and to better understand the complex socio-economic interactions with adverse events. Thus, this analysis was performed on a set of spatial data representing factors from social and economic data. In studying behavior using cellular automata, cells in the same neighborhood synchronously interact with each other to determine their next states, and small changes in iteration may yield to complex formations of adverse event risk after several iterations of time. The modeling methodology of cellular automata for social and economic analysis in this research was designed in two major implementation levels as follows: macro and micro-level. In the macro-level, the modeling framework integrates population, social, and economic sub-systems. The macro-level allows the model to use regionalized representations, while the micro-level analyses help to understand why the events have occurred. Macro-level subsystems support cellular automata rules to generate accurate predictions. Prediction capability of cellular automata is used to model the micro-level interactions between individual actors, which are represented by adverse events.The results of this dissertation demonstrate that cellular automata model is capable of evaluating socio-economic influences that result in changes in adverse events and identify location, time and impact of these events. Secondly, this research indicates that the socio-economic influences have different levels of impact on adverse events, defined by the number of people killed, wounded or hijacked. Thirdly, this research shows that the socio-economic, influences and adverse events that occurred in a given district have impacts on adverse events that occur in neighboring districts. The cellular automata modeling approach can be used to enhance the capability to understand and use human, social and behavioral factors by generating what-if scenarios to determine the impact of different infrastructure development projects to predict adverse events. Lastly, adverse events that could occur in upcoming years can be predicted to allow decision makers to deter these events or plan accordingly if these events do occur.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004820, ucf:49719
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004820

Title: ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF PARTICIPATION FOR AN EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR UNDERSERVED, OLDER, AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALES.
Creator: Meinert, Marina, Garcia, Jeanette, Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial to people of all ages and ethnicities. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases, improve mood and sleep and allows your body to function better overall (CDC, 2018). However, populations that are more vulnerable to adverse health risks may benefit more than others from regular physical activity. This study was designed to identify the motivating factors for physical activity in a sample of older, African-American women of...
Show morePhysical activity (PA) is beneficial to people of all ages and ethnicities. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases, improve mood and sleep and allows your body to function better overall (CDC, 2018). However, populations that are more vulnerable to adverse health risks may benefit more than others from regular physical activity. This study was designed to identify the motivating factors for physical activity in a sample of older, African-American women of lower socioeconomic status (SES). This particular subgroup was chosen because of their increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease due to unhealthy lifestyle factors, specifically low levels of PA. (CDC, 2017). A secondary aim of this study was to determine the essential components necessary to create a successful PA program within this population. By determining the feasibility and acceptability of a PA program to target this specific population, further PA programs can be designed to promote adoption and sustainability of PA in this high-risk population. This study consisted of 8 African-American women of lower SES at an average age of 65 and average BMI of 32 kg/m^2 . The participants volunteered to participate in an 8-week exercise program for this study. The exercise class lasted 45 minutes and consisted of light aerobics, weight training, and mobility/flexibility exercises. After the 8 weeks, the participants were given questionnaires, surveys and participated in a focus group to collect data about their experiences. The Hebni staff and exercise instructors observed that there was 100% attendance and compliance throughout the 8 weeks. They also noted that the participants had positive attitudes and stayed actively engaged throughout the classes. After reviewing the data, it was noted that the necessary components to a successful exercise program for this population was a sense of community, cultural considerations, a community and familiar setting, and a reliable and open-minded instructor. The data showed that 100% of the participants continued participating in PA outside of the program and felt less stressed after exercising. This study is unique and important in that it looks at physical activity and its motivating factors in this population versus the ample research that focuses on why this population is sedentary but offers no solution to the problem.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000429, ucf:45785
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000429

Title: Examining the influence of personal and environmental factors on treatment outcomes in opioid dependent medication-assisted treatment patients.
Creator: Placide, Vierne, Unruh, Lynn, Atkins, Danielle, Chisholm, Latarsha, Scott, Blake, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Opioid abuse has become a global epidemic and is now a huge public health concern here in the US. Non-medicinal use of opioid prescription drugs is at the forefront of the epidemic and considered the (")gateway(") drug to other illicit opioid use. As opioid prescribing has increased over the last decade in the US, so has opioid-related deaths, surpassing car accidents and suicide as the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is fundamental in decreasing...
Show moreOpioid abuse has become a global epidemic and is now a huge public health concern here in the US. Non-medicinal use of opioid prescription drugs is at the forefront of the epidemic and considered the (")gateway(") drug to other illicit opioid use. As opioid prescribing has increased over the last decade in the US, so has opioid-related deaths, surpassing car accidents and suicide as the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is fundamental in decreasing opioid abuse overdose and mortality. Therefore, the research study aims to determine if counseling adherence, opioid abstinence, and retention in MATs are influenced by personal characteristics, socio-economic factors, readiness to change, social support, and integrated care. Guided by social cognitive theory, transtheoretical model, and theory of reasoned action, the study will employ a retrospective cohort design utilizing opioid dependent patients from a MAT Program in West Florida. Analysis of three cox regression models indicated for personal factors: an increase in age was associated with patients being more likely to adhere to counseling (p=.001) and retention (p=.034), full-time employment (p=.043) was positively associated with opioid abstinence, whereas part-time employment (p=.037) was positively associated with retention, having insurance (public: p=.000) was positively associated with counseling adherence, opioid abstinence (public: p=.000, private: p=.035) and retention (public: p=.000, private: p=.000). With regards to environmental influences, social support was positively associated with opioid abstinence (p=.022) and integrated care was positively associated with opioid abstinence (p=.027) and retention (p=.000). Examining these factors are necessary to improve treatment adherence and expand MAT programs. Additionally, providing funding is crucial for practitioners to continually create educational intervention strategies to engage patients in treatment, thereby reducing the opioid overdose epidemic. This study extends the literature contributing to understanding personal factors and environmental influences in MATs.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007074, ucf:52018
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007074

Socioeconomic Status (6)	+ -
Student Achievement (3)	+ -
socioeconomic status (3)	+ -
Ethnicity (2)	+ -
FCAT (2)	+ -

Gender (2)	+ -
Physical Activity (2)	+ -
SES (2)	+ -
gender (2)	+ -
low socio-economic status (2)	+ -
low socioeconomic (2)	+ -
professional development (2)	+ -
socio-economic factors (2)	+ -
socioeconomic (2)	+ -
"Baby" (1)	+ -
8th grade science (1)	+ -
AOS schools (1)	+ -
AOS sponsored schools (1)	+ -
ASOS (1)	+ -
AVID (1)	+ -
Academic Self Efficacy (1)	+ -
Adolescent (1)	+ -
Advancement Via Individual Determination (1)	+ -
African-American (1)	+ -
Arlene MacNalley (1)	+ -
Assessment (1)	+ -
Athletic participation (1)	+ -
Attendance (1)	+ -
Aunt Eller (1)	+ -
Band (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (23)	+ -
Honors Collection (7)	+ -

University of Central Florida (30)	+ -
Taylor, Rosemarye (7)	+ -
Doherty, Walter (5)	+ -
Murray, Barbara (4)	+ -
Murray, Kenneth (4)	+ -

Baldwin, Lee (2)	+ -
Chisholm, Latarsha (2)	+ -
Kincaid, John (2)	+ -
Lue, Martha (2)	+ -
Wright, James (2)	+ -
Al-Deek, Haitham (1)	+ -
Allen, Kay (1)	+ -
Antmann, Michael (1)	+ -
Atkins, Danielle (1)	+ -
Bai, Haiyan (1)	+ -
Bair, Timothy (1)	+ -
Beattie, Karen (1)	+ -
Bozkurt, Halil (1)	+ -
Cady, Julie (1)	+ -
Chicurel, Steven (1)	+ -
Connors, Linda (1)	+ -
Dahl, Kimberly (1)	+ -
Dieker, Lisa (1)	+ -
Donley, Amy (1)	+ -
Doran, James (1)	+ -
Eriksson, Gillian (1)	+ -
Fahmy, Tarek (1)	+ -
Fashaw, Shekinah (1)	+ -
Ford, Jason (1)	+ -
Ford, Robert (1)	+ -

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