Showing papers by "Walden University published in 2011"
TL;DR: The rationale for discussing statistical power is addressed, approaches to using G*Power to report statistical power are presented, and examples for reporting statisticalPower are provided.
Abstract: Despite recommendations from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.) to include information on statistical power when publishing quantitative results, authors seldom include analysis or discussion of statistical power. The rationale for discussing statistical power is addressed, approaches to using G*Power to report statistical power are presented, and examples for reporting statistical power are provided.
105 citations
TL;DR: The design of both next-generation network (NGN)-based and non-NGN-based architectures that have been recently proposed to enable the deployment of IPTV are presented and the challenges and solutions associated with mobile IPTV and peer-to-peer IPTV systems are described.
Abstract: Internet protocol television (IPTV), a technology that delivers video content over a network that uses the IP networking protocol, has been receiving a lot of attention over the last couple of years. The increasing interest in IPTV is being driven by remarkable advances in digital technologies and consumer electronic devices, broadband networking technologies, Web services, as well as more entertainment demands (enabled by decreasing costs of hardware and software technologies) from both consumers and content providers. In this paper, we briefly discuss IPTV standardization initiatives and present the design of both next-generation network (NGN)-based and non-NGN-based architectures that have been recently proposed to enable the deployment of IPTV. In addition, we describe the challenges and solutions associated with mobile IPTV and peer-to-peer IPTV systems. We Anally present some IPTV trends and identify some of the IPTV challenges that must be addressed to enable the ubiquitous deployment and adoption of IPTV.
72 citations
TL;DR: This article examined teacher candidates' learning of writing instruction across a three-course sequence of literacy methods and found that little writing instruction occurred in the schools where teacher candidates were placed and that reading and reading skills dominated observed literacy instruction.
Abstract: In this case study, two teacher educators in literacy examined teacher candidates' (N = 24) learning of writing instruction across a three-course sequence of literacy methods. Data collected included a survey of candidates' knowledge of writing instruction, their formal observations of writing lessons in their student-teaching placements, a writing lesson co-constructed with a cooperating teacher during their final student-teaching placement, and structured reflections on the observations and lessons. The researchers found that little writing instruction occurred in the schools where teacher candidates were placed and that reading and reading skills dominated observed literacy instruction. Teacher candidates valued particular elements of process writing (focus on student needs, choice, scaffolding, student interest and engagement, and literacy skills). Lesson plans and reflections toward the end of the academic sequence demonstrated that teacher candidates' knowledge about writing instruction increased in...
57 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the relationship between these two specific and the more general type of interconnectedness on environmental beliefs and behavior, and found that specific indicators of feeling interconnected with nature and the future are relevant to environmental beliefs, whereas a broader sense of transpersonal interconnectedness may not relate as well in this specific domain.
Abstract: The expansion of one’s sense of identity to include various aspects of the world, both human and non-human, may relate to how one treats the world. This sense of interconnectedness can be domain specific, as through identification with nature and the future, or very general, as through an expanded transpersonal identification with all of reality unlimited by time and space. This study explored the relationship between these two specific and the more general type of interconnectedness on environmental beliefs and behavior. A sample of 210 participants completed a battery of interconnectedness measures, including two specific measures, the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) and Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFC), and a transpersonal measure, the Self-Expansiveness Level Form Transpersonal Scale (SELF-TS). Participants also completed a measure of environmental beliefs, the New Ecological Paradigm Scale (NEP), and a self-report measure of their environmental behavior. The CNS, CFC, and SELF-TS significantly intercorrelated, supporting that they measure a common underlying construct: interconnectedness. In addition, the CNS and CFC correlated significantly with both the NEP and environmental behavior, but the SELF-TS did not. Furthermore, the CNS and the CFC, as well as their interaction, predicted environmental behavior in a regression model, while the SELF-TS did not. These results suggest that specific indicators of feeling interconnected with nature and the future are relevant to environmental beliefs and behavior, whereas a broader sense of transpersonal interconnectedness may not relate as well in this specific domain.
53 citations
TL;DR: Many families today have access to computers that help them with their daily living activities, such as finding employment and helping children with schoolwork as discussed by the authors, and with more families owning personal computers, the number of computers is increasing.
Abstract: Many families today have access to computers that help them with their daily living activities, such as finding employment and helping children with schoolwork. With more families owning personal c...
49 citations
TL;DR: Sibling studies suggest that the Positive Deviance/Hearth approach may have a role in preventing malnutrition, not just rehabilitation, and further research is needed using more robust study designs and larger sample sizes.
Abstract: Summary
Objectives The Positive Deviance/Hearth approach aims to rehabilitate malnourished children using practices from mothers in the community who have well-nourished children despite living in poverty. This study assesses its effectiveness in a range of settings.
Methods Systematic review of peer reviewed intervention trials and grey literature evaluation reports of child malnutrition programs using the Positive Deviance/Hearth approach.
Results Ten peer reviewed studies and 14 grey literature reports met the inclusion criteria. These described results for 17 unique Positive Deviance/Hearth programs in 12 countries. Nine programs used a pre- and post-test design without a control, which limited the conclusions that could be drawn. Eight used more robust designs such as non-randomized trials, non-randomized cross-sectional sibling studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Of the eight programs that reported nutritional outcomes, five reported some type of positive result in terms of nutritional status – although the improvement was not always as large as predicted, or across the entire target population. Both the two RCTs demonstrated improvements in carer feeding practices. Qualitative results unanimously reported high levels of satisfaction from participants and recipient communities.
Conclusions Overall this study shows mixed results in terms of program effectiveness, although some Positive Deviance/Hearth programs have clearly been successful in particular settings. Sibling studies suggest that the Positive Deviance/Hearth approach may have a role in preventing malnutrition, not just rehabilitation. Further research is needed using more robust study designs and larger sample sizes. Issues related to community participation and consistency in reporting results need to be addressed.
49 citations
25 Jan 2011
TL;DR: Social media web sites allow users to share information, communicate with each other, network and interact but because of the easy transfer of information between different social media sites, information that should be private becomes public and opens the users to serious security risks.
Abstract: Social media web sites allow users to share information, communicate with each other, network and interact but because of the easy transfer of information between different social media sites, information that should be private becomes public and opens the users to serious security risks. In addition, there is also massive over-sharing of information by the users of these sites, and if this is combined with the increased availability of location-based information, then all this can be aggregated causing an unacceptable risks and unintended consequences for users.
49 citations
TL;DR: A MC assessment instrument is developed to assess DMCCC of clinical psychology graduate students compared with MC-experienced psychologists and results suggest that future training and competence models should incorporate participants' ability to not only identify multiculturally appropriate strategies but also use these strategies in therapy.
Abstract: Multicultural (MC) competence is considered a necessary skill for clinical and counseling psychologists; however, there is little to no research on the assessment of demonstrated multicultural counseling competence (DMCCC) of clinical psychology graduate students. In this study, we developed a MC assessment instrument to assess DMCCC of clinical psychology graduate students compared with MC-experienced psychologists. In addition, we assessed for differences between the endorsement of MC-appropriate strategies and actual use of these strategies in clinical practice, both by MC-experienced psychologists and clinical psychology students. Results revealed significant differences between the DMCCC of clinical psychology graduate students and MC-experienced psychologists. Significant differences also emerged between endorsement of strategies as multiculturally appropriate and likelihood of actual use of these strategies. Findings suggest that future training and competence models should incorporate participants' ability to not only identify multiculturally appropriate strategies but also use these strategies in therapy.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the findings of a school-based intervention project conducted in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka 15 to 18 months after the December 2004 Tsunami, which responds to the need for culturally relevant programming to address long-term psychosocial recovery of children and adolescents affected by large scale disasters.
Abstract: This article reports the findings of a school-based intervention project conducted in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka 15 to 18 months after the December 2004 Tsunami. The work responds to the need for culturally relevant programming to address long-term psychosocial recovery of children and adolescents affected by large scale disasters. Program developers used a participatory action research process to adapt and implement a school-based program previously tested with the general population of Sri Lankan students. Qualitative analysis of student products (e.g. ecomaps, stories, text) was used to determine whether the program provided a context to address both tsunami-specific stressors and non-tsunami (but developmentally and contextually relevant) stressors for students in grades 5, 7, and 9. Findings indicated that program activities differentially elicited identification and discussion of stressors related to tsunami experiences and to 'normal' culturally-relevant developmental challenges. The feasibility of combining a recovery focus with universal school-based mental health programming thus holds promise for extending crisis intervention and disaster response models to include long-term psychosocial recovery and for the role of school-based mental health professionals in these efforts.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors posit that the human ability to decouple primary mental representations from the present moment and place them into different temporal localities (i.e., form secondary mental representations of objects) gave rise to the development of three distinct patterns of thinking: future thinking, past thinking, and present thinking.
36 citations
Proceedings Article•
01 Jan 2011TL;DR: This research explores this emerging technology and how it serves to collaborate, innovate, and produce positive learning outcomes.
Abstract: The emergence of augmented reality technology in the form of interactive games has produced a valuable tool for education. The "Live" communal nature of these games, blending virtual content with global access and communication, has resulted in a new research arena previously called, "edutainment" but more recently called "learning games". Windows Live combined with Xbox 360 with Kinect technology provides an agile, real- time environment with case-based reasoning, where learners can enjoy games, simulations and face to face chat, stream HD movies and television, music, sports and even Twitter and Facebook, with others around the world, or alone, in the privacy of the home. This research explores this emerging technology and how it serves to collaborate, innovate, and produce positive learning outcomes.
TL;DR: There is evidence that obesity may play a role in the susceptibility to HSV1 infection, and findings from this study suggest that obesity should be considered when designing preventive measures for HSV 1 infection.
Abstract: Background
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most common sexually transmitted pathogens in the United States and worldwide. HSV has a high incidence of undetected cases. In addition, there is no treatment, and there is a lack of knowledge why disparities among populations exist. Research studies suggest that fat tissue may participate in body's immune responses, and the impact of obesity on susceptibility to HSV1 infection is not clear. The purpose of this study was to examine whether obesity is a risk factor for HSV1 infection using a large sample from the general population.
TL;DR: This nationwide, quantitative study documented licensed counselors' perceived self-efficacy of adequately providing substance abuse services and Counselor training implications are discussed.
Abstract: This nationwide, quantitative study documented licensed counselors' perceived self-efficacy of adequately providing substance abuse services. Despite their lack of substance abuse training, counselors were highly confident in their ability to provide quality substance abuse services. Counselor training implications are discussed.
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to develop an adjective checklist to assess the Big Five personality factors in the Argentine population and preliminary evidence of validity for the checklist is presented.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to develop an adjective checklist to assess the Big Five personality factors in the Argentine population. The new instrument was administered to pilot (n= 112), validation (n= 372), and replication (n= 309) samples. The final version of the checklist included 67 adjectives encompassing its 5 dimensions. Factor analysis results were consistent with the Five-factor model. Internal consistency of scales was very good and convergent correlations with the Big Five Inventory (BFI; John, Donahue, & Kentle, 1991) were substantial. Face validity, as evaluated by 2 independent raters, was good. Preliminary evidence of validity for the checklist is presented. Finally, the Adjective Checklist for Personality Assessment and BFI are compared, taking into consideration their psychometric properties in our cultural context. Study limitations and future research are discussed.
TL;DR: The authors provide an overview and critique of models that have been and are used to conceptualize same-sex sexual and relational attraction in order to familiarize counselors with the developments in theory related to this subject.
Abstract: Counselors and psychologists are encouraged to avoid discriminating against clients based on their sexual orientation (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2005), and empirical scholarship continues to support the use of affirmative approaches as the standard of care when working with clients that experience same-sex sexual romantic and physical attraction (APA [American Psychological Association] Task Force, 2009). Despite these developments, counselors continue to report overt (Matthews, Selvidge, & Fisher, 2005) and subtle biases against clients who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) of their sexuality (Israel & Hackett, 2004). These biases are influenced in part by counselors' lack of both conceptual knowledge and practical experience working with same-sex sexual clients (Israel & Hackett, 2004; Matthews et al., 2005). Inquiry into what motivates sexual behavior, desire, and identification has a long and interdisciplinary history (Gamson & Moon, 2004), and counselors may feel overwhelmed as they review past and current developments in theory related to same-sex sexual and relational attraction. The purpose of the present article is to provide an overview and critique of models that have been and are used to conceptualize same-sex sexual and relational attraction in order to familiarize counselors with the developments in theory related to this subject. These past frameworks are (a) the heterosexual--homosexual dichotomy, (b) biological evidence for sexual orientation, (c) social constructionism, (d) lesbian and gay identity development, and (e) two-dimensional models based on sexual and relational orientations. We also describe the sexual life course development model as put forth by Hammack (2005) to serve as a theoretical base for an alternative conceptual framework termed the multiple continua model of sexual and relational orientations (MCM). The MCM is offered as a working model to improve counselors' ability to conceptualize same-sex sexual clients' behavior relative to sexuality and is based on a critical synthesis of previous theory, research, and our own clinical experiences. * The Heterosexual--Homosexual Dichotomy Counselors are likely familiar with the phenomenon of same-sex attraction in human beings and with the use of the words heterosexual and homosexual to differentiate an individual's exclusive sexual attraction to members of the same or to a different biological sex (Diamond, 2003). The term homosexual was invented in the late 19th century to describe a type of male person viewed as an antisocial deviant, pervert, and even a criminal driven by unnatural sexual motives (Silverstein, 1996). Ultimately, the terms homosexual and homosexuality came to connote a difference in kind or type from the heterosexual norm (Gamson & Moon, 2004). The heterosexual--homosexual dichotomy rests in part on the assumptions that other-sex sexual attraction (a) is normal (i.e., heteronormativity; Gamson & Moon, 2004), (b) is superior to same-sex sexual attraction (i.e., heterosexism; Herek, Gillis, & Cogan, 2009), and (c) is dictated by strict adherence to the social roles prescribed by biological sex (i.e., sexism; Konik & Stewart, 2004). Counselors who rely on the dichotomous model may favor heteronormative and heterosexist attitudes and strict gender role stereotyping (Herek et al., 2009; Israel & Hackett, 2004). This is problematic because expecting people to conform to rigid gender and sexual roles will cause confusion as counselors encounter masculine gay males, feminine lesbians, or same-gender attracted transgender people. The dichotomous model is closely associated with the oppression of same-sex sexual people because it creates a conceptual binary where exclusive heterosexuality is favored (Gamson & Moon, 2004). Commitment to the dichotomous and totalizing heterosexual-homosexual model leads to further confusion as counselors encounter clients who express changes in identity over the life span and/or bisexual identities, attractions, and behavior (Chung, Szymanski, & Amadio, 2007; Diamond, 2003). …
TL;DR: This study supported previous smaller-sample studies that showed college women to be a priority population for breast health education and revealed new significant factors that should be addressed in health education for this group.
Abstract: Objective: This study examined female college students’ knowledge, attitudes, and breast cancer screening and determined significant predictors of breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography among this population. Participants: A convenience sample of 1,074 college women from 3 universities participated in the research. Methods: Respondents completed an online version of the Toronto Breast Self-examination Instrument as well as questions developed by the authors. Results: Descriptive statistics showed gaps in college women's knowledge of breast health and negative attitudes toward screening that were relative to age. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and copay were significant predictors of screening, whereas family history and ethnicity were not. Conclusions: This study supported previous smaller-sample studies that showed college women to be a priority population for breast health education and revealed new significant...
TL;DR: The psychological benefits of yoga practice for older adults are reviewed and practice guidelines for older adult yoga are outlined, including key postures, to provide some basic practical guidelines for both healthcare professionals referring patients to yoga and yoga teachers interested in working with older adults.
Abstract: Yoga is an effective complementary approach to health maintenance and promotion for older adults and has been demonstrated to support many dimensions of psychological wellbeing, from everyday stress to anxiety, depression, and coping with health challenges. Yoga has the potential to be even more effective when consciously and systematically integrated into an individual's overall self-care and medical care program, through deliberate and open dialogue among patients, healthcare professionals, and yoga professionals. The purpose of this article is to (1) briefly review the psychological benefits of yoga practice for older adults; (2) outline practice guidelines for older adult yoga, including key postures; and (3) provide some basic practical guidelines for both healthcare professionals referring patients to yoga and yoga teachers interested in working with older adults.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore Burkean ideas about the division/identification binary through a particularly personal and frequently ignored national example: Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin, who voted against US involvement in both World War I and World War II.
Abstract: Despite arguments to the contrary, division is as natural to the civic-minded human animal as is identification. Both sides of this natural inclination are explored in the works of Kenneth Burke, although the latter, rather than the former, tends to be championed. In this essay we explore Burkean ideas about the division/identification binary through a particularly personal and frequently ignored national example: Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin. As the first woman ever elected to Congress, Rankin is known best neither for her work toward universal suffrage nor for her fight against corporate excess. Instead, she is simply the woman who voted against US involvement in both World War I and World War II.
TL;DR: A case study conducted in a second-grade classroom for the purpose of comparing students' growing awareness of audience and the ways in which their written work addressed the needs of the audience shows that student writers were able to improve their writing based on the near-immediate feedback provided by their peers.
Abstract: Awareness of audience is a difficult concept for young writers to embrace. However, Weblogs or blogging may foreground the needs of the audience for a given written work, and provide novice authors the tools to obtain and make use of audience feedback, and subsequently, grow as writers who are aware of their audience. The article presents a case study conducted in a second-grade classroom for the purpose of comparing students' growing awareness of audience and the ways in which their written work addressed the needs of the audience. Methods used included analysis of student written work, student comments to peers on blog posts, and survey data. Findings show that student writers were able to improve their writing based on the near-immediate feedback provided by their peers; students were able to provide substantive feedback on the work of others; and students were motivated to revise their work based on the feedback they received via blog comments.
Book•
01 Jan 2011TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to understand psychological well-being and perceived wellness in a sample of graduate students (N = 97) preparing to become counselors in a CACREP-accredited counseling program at a state university in Pennsylvania.
Abstract: Research has established that individuals who provide personal therapy to others should have stable personal and professional lives, and possess a keen and accurate perception of wellness. Unfortunately, sometimes students pursuing careers in counseling and psychotherapy have unresolved psychological issues that, if unresolved, could later affect them in their professional lives. Thus, the purpose of the study was to understand psychological well-being and perceived wellness in a sample of graduate students ( N = 97) preparing to become counselors in a CACREP-accredited counseling program at a state university in Pennsylvania. It measured the participants' psychological well- being by the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB) and their perception of wellness by the Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between psychological well-being and perceived wellness of counselors-in-training. The results of this study could have implications for additional problems such as the failure of self-care among counselors or the nonexistence or nonuse of adequate wellness assessment tools during counselor development. DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v3i2.91
TL;DR: There was little evidence of statistically significant increases in crime over the months following the evacuations, but there was, however, evidence that evacuees, principally from New Orleans, were blamed for perceived increases in violent crime and lawlessness.
Abstract: This study used a mixed methods approach to estimate whether a moral panic occurred after Hurricane Katrina forced the evacuations of more than 250,000 people to Houston, Texas. The study viewed data from the Houston Police Department combined with a qualitative review of references of criminal activity in local print media. In total, over 8,500 lines of text were analysed to discern themes associated with media representations of the influence of evacuees on the city of Houston. There was little evidence of statistically significant increases in crime over the months following the evacuations. There was, however, evidence that evacuees, principally from New Orleans, were blamed for perceived increases in violent crime and lawlessness. There are also significant policy implications for state, local and federal governments. In particular, the policies of the Federal Emergency Management Agency were blamed for at least some of the perceived crime attributed to Katrina evacuees.
TL;DR: Raising awareness of MBC in nonmetropolitan areas could save the lives of many men and action should be taken to improve health care access, treatment, and thus prognosis in this population.
Abstract: Although the incidence for breast cancer in men is lower than for women, male breast cancer (MBC) patients are diagnosed at a later stage and have a higher mortality rate than women. This study examined male cases reported from 1988 through 2006 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute for differences in cancer stage, tumor size at diagnosis, and survival rate between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan regions. Pearson's chi-square was used to evaluate differences in stage and tumor size at diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess survival differences after adjusting for confounders (race, marital status, median family income, age, and education). Regional differences in tumor grade size and stage at diagnosis were not statistically significant; however, survival differences were observed between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan regions. An interaction between nonmetropolitan area and regional stage MBC was a significant predictor of poorer survival. Raising awareness of MBC in nonmetropolitan areas could save the lives of many men and action should be taken to improve health care access, treatment, and thus prognosis in this population.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship of impulsivity to readiness to change binge drinking behavior among college students attending a 4-year university attending a state-supported Southeastern University.
Abstract: A major public health problem facing American colleges is binge drinking by students with adverse effects on academic achievement and self-fulfillment. The short-term negative consequences of binge drinking include memory loss, hangovers, and blackouts. Binge drinking has been related to campus problems, suicides, violence, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), heightened aggression, automobile accidents, property damage, and academic failure. This study investigated the relationship of impulsivity to readiness to change binge drinking behavior among college students attending a 4-year university. The theoretical formulation for the study was based on Prochaska and DiClemente's transtheoretical model. Participants were volunteer undergraduate college students from a state-supported Southeastern University. The students were recruited from undergraduate classrooms, fraternities, and sororities. The volunteer participants were 248 undergraduate college students enrolled in a 4-year university in the southea...
TL;DR: This paper explored the scope of the food neophobia scale (FNS) as a means of identifying classes of adopters in the market diffusion of new food products and found that the FNS is dichotomous rather than continuous.
Abstract: Purpose – This research aims to explore the scope of the food neophobia scale (FNS) as a means of identifying classes of adopters in the market diffusion of new food products.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire incorporating the FNS, together with a number of demographics questions, was administered to 226 postgraduate students. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using t‐testing, one‐way analysis of variance, cluster and discriminant analysis.Findings – There were small differences between recently arrived and long‐term residents, between men and women, and, more significantly, between Europeans and East Asians, although not between other groups. A two‐cluster structure was revealed within the data which broadly conformed to the expected pattern of adopters, but did not provide a more precise discrimination. This suggests that the FNS is dichotomous rather than continuous.Practical implications – The FNS provides a potential tool for marketers of food products, but it would need to be use...
TL;DR: With the improvements in sample preparation, data analysis, and testing procedures, molecular detection techniques will likely continue to simplify and increase the speed of detection while simultaneously improving the sensitivity and specificity for tracking pathogens in food matrices.
Abstract: Yersinia enterocolitica is an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause yersiniosis in humans and animals. Food has been suggested to be the main source of yersiniosis. It is critical for the researchers to be able to detect Yersinia or any other foodborne pathogen with increased sensitivity and specificity, as well as in real-time, in the case of a foodborne disease outbreak. Conventional detection methods are known to be labor intensive, time consuming, or expensive. On the other hand, more sensitive molecular-based detection methods like next generation sequencing, microarray, and many others are capable of providing faster results. DNA testing is now possible on a single molecule, and high-throughput analysis allows multiple detection reactions to be performed at once, thus allowing a range of characteristics to be rapidly and simultaneously determined. Despite better detection efficiencies, results derived using molecular biology methods can be affected by the various food matrixes. With the improvements in sample preparation, data analysis, and testing procedures, molecular detection techniques will likely continue to simplify and increase the speed of detection while simultaneously improving the sensitivity and specificity for tracking pathogens in food matrices.
TL;DR: In this article, the importance of the direct relationship between instructor discourse and learner discourse in the online learning environment during mandatory online discussions is discussed, and meaningful insights toward pedagogical theory and corresponding instructional practices associated with these two factors are provided.
Abstract: This paper discusses the importance of the direct relationship between instructor discourse and learner discourse in the online learning environment during mandatory online discussions. It provides meaningful insights toward pedagogical theory and corresponding instructional practices associated with these two factors: (a) the extent of instructor discourse and (b) the extent of learner discourse within the online learning environment.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: Howatt et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the roles internal locus of control and selfefficacy play in moderating how employees manage their perceived work stress and positively engage in the behaviors that facilitate autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, self-acceptance, positive relations with others, and purpose in life.
Abstract: Roles of Internal Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy on Managing Job Stressors and Ryff’s Six Scales of Psychological Well-Being by William A. Howatt Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2012 Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles internal locus of control and self-The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles internal locus of control and selfefficacy play in moderating how employees manage their perceived work stress and positively engage in the behaviors that facilitate autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, self-acceptance, positive relations with others, and purpose in life. Investigators have documented the relationship between perceived workplace stress and strain and showed that how employees cope with perceived stress influences their psychological and physical health. However, there is less information available about the relationship between how employees cope with perceived workplace stress and engage in behaviors that facilitate their psychological well-being. A quasi-experimental methodology was used; male and female tire manufacturing production workers working in a shift work manufacturing environment were surveyed using a secure online server. Data collection tools included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Form C 4 subscales, the Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale, and Ryff’s 6 Scales of Psychological Well-Being. Hypotheses were analyzed using moderated multiple regression analyses. Employees who operate from an internal locus of control and who demonstrate high levels of self-efficacy reported lower levels of perceived stress and higher levels of self-acceptance. The implications for social change provide organizational leaders with insight into the potential benefits and saving of both financial and human capital by screening and training employees to better understand how to evaluate and develop their abilities to operate from an internal locus of control, as well as how to improve their self-efficacy skills. Roles of Internal Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy on Managing Job Stressors and Ryff’s Six Scales of Psychological Well-Being by William A. Howatt Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2012 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3517677 Copyright 2012 by ProQuest LLC. UMI Number: 3517677 Acknowledgments Dr. James Carroll, my chair, for the direction, patience, and encouragement he used to guide me through this quantitative dissertation process. Dr. Debra Wilson, my committee member, for her guidance and support. Al Kingsbury, for his years of editorial support and encouragement during my entire time at Walden University. He helped me transform ideas into words that others could read. My gratitude for Walden University’s support for students with disabilities. I obtained a great deal of support and encouragement from both Martha King, director of the Writing Center, and Carolyn Roney, director, disability services staff.
TL;DR: How HIV/AIDS infection continues to devastate the African American community is rehash in an effort to elicit renewed vigilance in combating the disease in this community, the elements that continue to impede prevention and risk reduction efforts are described, and a potential framework that may work to decrease incidence is presented.
Abstract: The Black community continues to be ravished by HIV/AIDS infection despite the marked expenditures utilized to reduce incidence among this cohort. Efforts to produce culturally appropriate programs that work continues to elude officials and HIV/AIDS has become endemic among specific subgroups in this cohort (e.g., Black men who have sex with men). Large-scale prevention programs have not worked and although community-based interventions have proven to be effective in eliciting behavior change, the numbers that they have been producing have not been enough to make a substantial impact on HIV incidence. The purpose of this exploratory article is to rehash how HIV/AIDS infection continues to devastate the African American community in an effort to elicit renewed vigilance in combating the disease in this community, describe the elements that continue to impede prevention and risk reduction efforts, and present a potential framework that may work to decrease incidence in this community. This article presents ...
TL;DR: It is suggested that social organization and cultural attenuation—often indicators of sexual assault in FEMA Greenfield communities—were mitigated by social cohesion found on the UNO campus post-Katrina.
Abstract: Researchers have reported that natural disasters lead to an increase in sexual violence against women and this is echoed by the current situation in Haiti. This is a social pattern throughout the world during periods of war, as well as natural disasters such as tsunamis, famine, and hurricanes. This article examines the prevalence of sexual violence experienced by women students at the University of New Orleans (UNO) before and after Hurricane Katrina using the CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey. Two hundred and thirty seven women participated in the pre-Katrina study and 215 women participated in the post-Katrina study. We hypothesized that, due to the trauma of this disaster, there would be a higher prevalence of sexual aggression against women after Katrina than there was before Katrina. Our analyses yielded no significant differences in any of the measures of sexual violence toward women (nine CORE survey items) pre to post Katrina, so our hypothesis was not supported. We suggest that social organization and cultural attenuation—often indicators of sexual assault in FEMA Greenfield communities—were mitigated by social cohesion found on the UNO campus post-Katrina.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: An examination of Small Businesses’ Propensity to Adopt Cloud-Computing Innovation to examine if there is a relationship between small business leaders’ view of cloud-computing attributes of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, results demonstrable, trialability, and voluntariness and intent to use cloud computing.
Abstract: An Examination of Small Businesses’ Propensity to Adopt Cloud-Computing Innovation by Steven E. Powelson MBA, Grand Canyon University, 2009 BS, Arizona State University, 1992 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2011 Abstract The problem researched was small business leaders’ early and limited adoption of cloud computing. Business leaders that do not use cloud computing may forfeit the benefits of its lower capital costs and ubiquitous accessibility. Anchored in a diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional survey study was to examine if there is a relationship between small business leaders’ view of cloud-computing attributes of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, results demonstrable, trialability, and voluntariness and intent to use cloud computing. The central research question involved understanding the extent to which each cloud-computing attribute relate to small business leaders’ intent to use cloud computing. A sample of 3,897 small business leaders were selected from a commerce authority e-mail list yielding 151 completed surveys that were analyzed using regression. Significant correlations were found for the relationships between the independent variables of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, and results demonstrable and the dependent variable intent to use cloud computing. However, no significant correlation was found between the independent variable voluntariness and intent to use. The findings mightThe problem researched was small business leaders’ early and limited adoption of cloud computing. Business leaders that do not use cloud computing may forfeit the benefits of its lower capital costs and ubiquitous accessibility. Anchored in a diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional survey study was to examine if there is a relationship between small business leaders’ view of cloud-computing attributes of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, results demonstrable, trialability, and voluntariness and intent to use cloud computing. The central research question involved understanding the extent to which each cloud-computing attribute relate to small business leaders’ intent to use cloud computing. A sample of 3,897 small business leaders were selected from a commerce authority e-mail list yielding 151 completed surveys that were analyzed using regression. Significant correlations were found for the relationships between the independent variables of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, and results demonstrable and the dependent variable intent to use cloud computing. However, no significant correlation was found between the independent variable voluntariness and intent to use. The findings might provide new insights relating to cloud-computing deployment and commercialization strategies for small business leaders. Implications for positive social change include the need to prepare for new skills for workers affected by cloud computing adoption and cloud-computing ecosystem’s reduced environmental consequences and policies. An Examination of Small Businesses’ Propensity to Adopt Cloud-Computing Innovation by Steven E. Powelson MBA, Grand Canyon University, 2009 BS, Arizona State University, 1992 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2011 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3502302 Copyright 2012 by ProQuest LLC. UMI Number: 3502302 Dedication I wish to thank Jesus Christ for the privilege of being able to pursue my dreams. I dedicate this work to give honor and glory to God in pursuit of those dreams. Acknowledgments I wish to express my great appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to my wife, Sandi, for her encouragement and assistance throughout my DBA study journey. With much gratitude, I thank Dr. Lawrence Ness, my DBA committee chairperson, for his insightful guidance, steadfast encouragement, and kindred spirit. I thank Dr. Russell Strickland, DBA committee member, for his consistently insightful critique and advice. I thank Dr. Gayle Grant for her perspectives as the URR for this study. Additionally, I am grateful to Mr. Brian Sherman and the Arizona Commerce Authority for cooperating in this study by inviting survey participants.