Presenting the case study of a 16-year-old African-American teenager, in order to access the claim that adolescence is a stage of life filled with "storm and stress".
Abstract This brief case study presents an assessment of an adolescent based on observations, interviews, and selected psychometric and educational tests. It determines whether or not the particular adolescent is or is not well-adjusted with respect to criteria presented below. The adolescent selected as the focus of this case study is Jennifer, a sixteen-year-old African-American female born to a single mother in Detroit, Michigan who is currently living and attending high school in Ypsilanti.
From the Paper "Jennifer, her mother, and two of her teachers were interviewed in preparing this case report. Jennifer stated that she was "seriously involved" with an older male student and that she was planning to marry early, after completing high school; her mother complained that the girl was "boy crazy" and that she was difficult to discipline, with a pronounced tendency to "talk back" and ignore parental rules. Her mother also said that Jennifer did not work on school assignments sufficiently, that her poor grades were chronic, and that her daughter was probably "not going to amount to much." Both mother and daughter expressed a sense of family conflict and mutual frustration with one another. Jennifer sees her mother's rules and behavioral requirements (with respect to curfews, caring for her siblings, frequent "groundings") as excessive and rigid; the mother regards Jennifer's attitudes as disrespectful."
Abstract This paper presents a proposal for the treatment of the psychological distress experienced by the mother (Mrs. M) of an 11- year-old child (Rita) with asthma. It discusses how psychological distress is defined as an internal response to a stressor (i.e., having a child with a chronic illness) that is commonly associated with negative psycho-emotional aspects such as anger, anxiety, depression and sometimes guilt.
Outline
The Problem
Case History
The Intervention
Treatment Predictions
From the Paper "Given the foregoing, it seems reasonable to recommend cognitive therapy aimed at restructuring Mrs. M's thought patterns. Most likely Mrs. M should receive Rational Emotion Therapy which is based on the principle that irrational assumptions and patterns of thinking lead to psychoemotional problems. According to the Albert Ellis Institute (1999), this form of cognitive therapy postulates that how we emotionally respond at any moment depends on our interpretations---our views, our beliefs, our thoughts---of the situation. In other words, the things we think and say to ourselves, not what actually happens to us, constitute those factors that cause our positive or negative emotions."
Abstract This paper explains that job satisfaction and job counseling are both management and an employee issues. The paper quotes that the usual way of measuring job satisfaction through Total Quality Measurement (TQM) questionnaires is not effective because two people who do the same work for the same salary rarely record the same level of satisfaction as the motivation factor is missing from the questionnaire. The author concludes that job satisfaction is a component that can be tested through surveys and that can be promoted by means of in-house programs, but it is best promoted by good company policies that nurture an atmosphere that supports the needs and ambitions of workers and so motivates them to work their best.
From the Paper "The author further notes that the advent of the computer has contributed to the trend by placing a premium on innovation and creativity. To achieve this, a company must create an environment in which people do not feel alienated so that they only do what is required of them. The company needs commitment and loyalty, which are nurtured by affiliation, which is a product of the progressive management approaches characterized as giving attention to spirituality. This means a new emphasis on values and culture, though this as well may raise people's expectations too high. To decide which policies, programs, and cultures are merely "nice to have?, which actually have a positive effect on business, more, and more companies are routinely conducting attitude, productivity, and employee and customer satisfaction surveys."
Abstract This paper is a research proposal to assess the effects on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients of increases in the serum levels of C-1 esterace inhibitor within the context of the concept of complement dis-regulation. This paper states that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a clinically defined condition that is characterized by severe and disabling fatigue, but there is no validated diagnosis or treatment that will lead to a cure for CFS. The author will use Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS) and The Fatigue Inventory as the psychological measurements.
From the Paper "Clinical anxiety is defined within the context of feelings experienced by a person. At one level, anxiety is defined as a feeling of mingled dread and apprehension about a person's future where no specific cause for such dread and apprehension is present. At another level, anxiety is defined as a chronic feeling of fear by a person. This feeling may be mild in intensity or the feeling fear may be overwhelming for the person so affected. Anxiety also may be a secondary drive involving an acquired avoidance response. In this latter context, when in the presence of the conditioning stimulus, a person will display behavior that may be interpreted as evidence of the presence of anxiety. "
Abstract This paper states that the most important relationship for a store to maintain is the relationship between the employees and the public; therefore, the store should evaluate the training of its employees. This paper describes, in detail, the entire research project, which used a questionnaire and basic statistical analysis, and the outcomes of the questionnaire. The author concludes that, although the participants rated the training program as only "moderate", the program does fulfill its basic purpose of training the employees to perform the various jobs within the store. Attractive presentation.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Research Objectives
Methodology
Participants
Research Design
Sampling Procedures
Variables and Measures
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis
Overall Assessment of the Training
Length of Initial Training Program
Retail Experience
Sales Training
Results to Open Ended Questions
Results of Cross Tabs
Overall Assessment of Training
Length of Initial Training Program
Effectiveness of Individual Training
Value of the assignment of a co-worker
Number of Sales Training Programs
Discussion
Limitations to the Study
Conclusions and Recommendations
Summary
Questionnaire With Measurement Requirements
Questionnaire
From the Paper "The most important relationship for the store to maintain is its relationship between the employees and the public. The employees represent the major link between the store and the public; therefore, it is in the store's best interest to ensure its employees are highly trained and oriented towards customer's needs. Ambassador Duty Free is in direct competition with the duty free store at the tunnel. Providing employees with effective training and product knowledge will improve their customer service skills and encourage customers to patronize the store."
This paper is a formal academic analysis of research presented by M. Donovan and K. D. Laack, ?Individually reported effectiveness of therapy for chronic pain.? in Clinical Nursing Research, 7(4).
Abstract This paper is a formal critique of a research article reporting a project, in which back patients evaluated the effectiveness of previously received chronic pain treatment. The paper reported that the instruments used in the research were the Effectiveness of Treatments portion of the Patient Pain Questionnaire, the Wisconsin Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and other questions appraising depression, therapy satisfactions and demographic variables. The author felt that the study was communicated clearly and effectively in this article, but the inclusion of statistical information about patient demographics and other patient variables would strengthen the article.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
Hypothesis/Research Question
Operational Definitions
Population and Sample
Research Design
Data Collection Methods
From the Paper "The study population consists of all chronic pain sufferers. The study includes a non-probability, convenience sample consisting of 163 patients. Limitations of this sample include its lack of representation of and generalizability to the population since it is biased toward or consisted only of subjects at least 18 years of age, primarily females (72%), and those living in the Northwest region of the United States. There is no evidence regarding the protection of subjects' rights."
Tags: questionnaire, demographics, concept, hypothesis, population
Abstract This paper explains that there is an extensive body of literature discussing the roles of the curriculum coordinator, but there is no consensus on what that role entails. The paper stresses the importance of role theory in issues of position definition. The author states that the proposed research will examine the perceptions of the role of curriculum coordinator held by teachers, principals, vice-principals and curriculum coordinators themselves and will test whether these perceptions differ in relation to the perceivers' position within their schools.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Role Theory: Theoretical and Historical Research
Applications of Role Theory to Organizations, Institutions and Educational Institutions
Application to Organizations/Institutions
Direct Application to Educational Institutions
Application of Role Theory to Role of Curriculum Coordinator
Perceptions of the Role of Curriculum Coordinators
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "In some of the earliest research on role theory in direct relation to educational institutions, Biddle (1961) applied the theory to the role of the public school teacher and the relationships between the teacher's role and the problems of teacher recruitment. Specifically, the study examined teacher differences in teacher roles as perceived by teachers, college education majors and college students in other fields. The assumption underlying the study was that occupational choice was most often made because of role concepts and expectations. Questionnaires were used to elicit respondents' views of positive norms, negative norms, and expectations for teacher behavior in a variety of settings and situations."
Abstract This research paper states that most students conformed to elevator group behavior and more females than males were found to conform. The paper explains that, for the purpose of this study, conforming behavior is operationally defined as the "wrong way facing" in an elevator. The author feels that this research provides evidence that people tend to change their own response to conform to the group's behavior.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Research Question
Definitions
Conforming Behavior
Elevator Group
Introduction
Literature Review
Definition and General Information
Influential Factors
Individual Mechanisms
Social Mechanisms
Methodology
Research Design
Participants and Subjects
Variables
Procedure
Data Analysis
Results
Discussion
Implications for Future Research
From the Paper "Conformity is defined as the changing of one's own response to be like that of the group's response. A further aspect of the definition includes the movement toward the group with the maintenance of congruence with the group. Thus, a person may originally conform to the group's behavior, but then a further decision to conform must be made in order for the behavior to be maintained. "
This paper is a research proposal, including an extensive literature review, which explores the relative importance of non-economic factors in predicting the level of difficulty unwed mothers will experience in moving from welfare to work.
Abstract This paper is a proposal for a research project that evaluates the non economic factors faced by unwed mothers as they go to work: Personal health limitations, personal mental health problems, health and behavioral problems of dependent children, substance abuse, child welfare, domestic violence, housing instability, inadequate transportation and very low social skills. This paper includes a literature review that covers many areas such as economic issues of mal-distribution and political issues of welfare legislation especially the Welfare-to-Work Partnership. The author plans to collect data through the administration of survey questionnaires to both subjects? case workers and to the subjects themselves. Includes questionnaires.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction to the Proposed Research
Description of the Issue
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Definitions of Major Concepts
Overview of the Study
Review of Literature
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Relevant Literature
Welfare State Concept
Welfare Reform
Employment and Welfare Reform
Welfare Reform Outcomes
Other Non-Economic Factors and Work
The Conclusions Relevant to the Study
Problem and Statement of Hypotheses
Methodology
Introduction
Research Design
Population and Sample
Data Collection
Instrumentation
Case Workers
Subjects
Subject Confidentiality
Data Analysis
From the Paper "Past social legislation guaranteed all American citizens entitlements to food, shelter, and other basic necessities. This social contract, which prevented the need for triage, was the foundation of the American state for fifty years. In the name of personal responsibility, welfare reform has destroyed the entitlements of dependent populations. According to the welfare reform scenario, Americans would survive only by taking responsibility for themselves?the shiftless and irresponsible would lose their life-support system and sink or swim on their own."
Abstract This paper proposes a research design to assess the potential effects of a new science education curriculum for fifth grade students on student performance in science education and student attitudes toward science education. Additionally, the study seeks to assess differences associated with the new science education curriculum for fifth grade students in relation to variations in student learning styles.
Outline
Research Questions
Independent and Dependent Variables
Control for Threats to Internal Validity
Appropriate Statistical Analysis Procedure
References
From the Paper "The study would be structured as a Non-Equivalent Groups Design (NEGD). Among the 20 elementary schools with a fifth grade, student characteristics and performance in the accessible classrooms would be reviewed to identify four classrooms with the greatest potential for equivalency. In relation to the four classrooms so identified, random procedures would be applied to assign two classrooms to control conditions and two classrooms to experimental conditions. This procedure, however, would not cause this design to be randomized, as individual students would not be assigned to control or experimental conditions on the basis of random selection."
Abstract This paper is a proposed study to examine the "lived experience" of adolescents with end stage renal disease (ESRD). The research compiles and organizes the perceived experiences of young people (13 to 16 years of age) as they relate to living (and in some cases dying) with ESRD. The lived experience approach consists of the collection of narrative accounts (through semi-structured interview processes) of patients experiences of a given illness. In order that the proposed research may be fully understood, it provides some background information on ESRD in the adolescent population.
Outline
Introduction
Purpose
Significance
Review of the Literature
Methods
Research Approach
Human Subjects
Data Gathering Methods
Informed Consent
Budget
Appendix A
Appendix B
From the Paper "The physical and medical demands of renal disease on children and their parents have been studied and understood for many years now (Stover, 1994). However, very little focus has been placed on one other very important part of the disease, namely the actual day or day perceptions of the children regarding the effects of the disease upon their bodies, minds and spirits. This study, by examining the phenomenological aspect of the disease is significantly in that it contributes to an under-researched area of the literature. Moreover, the findings of this study can be used by health care workers as well as policy makers to better meet the entire range of needs (mental, emotional and physical) experienced by children with this condition."
Abstract This paper demonstrates a beginning knowledge of psychological research methodology. The author designs a correlational study to identify any relationship that may exist between sports participation and academic achievement, be it positive or negative. The author also designs an experiment in which one variable is manipulated in order to try and determine a direct cause/effect link between the two variables and tests the same hypothesis: When activity in sports is increased, the academic achievement scores will gradually decrease.
From the Paper "After the experiment is completed and information is totaled, there are questions of validity and ethics to be addressed. Concerning the internal validity of the experiment, many things can affect the GPA of students including personal problems and family traumas. Unfortunately, in order for the experiment to have the highest possible hypothetical internal validity, experimenters would need to control every aspect of a subject's life in order to get a completely accurate description of causality between the two variables. Ethically and practically this cannot be done, since it is impossible to control a boyfriend's mood or a parent's health, so experimenters can only make certain that all participants are exposed to the same amount of school. These already full-time students would be required to attend every class unless sick or injured. Practices would not be scheduled during class time so this would not affect the independent variable in any way. If students were not required to attend their classes all of the time, this could skew the results because of a few "students" who weren?t really students at all, and just enrolled in school, but who still had their lower GPA introduced into the results. In addition, participants during this semester would not be allowed to participate in sports over the time allowed for their particular group. For example, if a ninth grader was placed in the group that participated in 1-3 hrs. on average per week but practiced more hours in addition to the required practices, this would cause the results to be skewed for the 9th-10th grade group."
Abstract This paper proposes a study to determine whether and to what extent family structure can serve to explain variations in student academic performance. Literature is reviewed in support of the study's purpose. It examines a group of second grade students? total reading and total mathematics scores on the 1998 Stanford 9 Achievement Test testing family structure as an explanatory variable in relation to variations in student academic performance.
Outline
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose
Research Questions
Hypothesis
Delimitations
Limitations
Definition of Key Terms
Review of Literature
Introduction
Theoretical Context
Prior Studies in the Field
Conclusions Relevant to the Study Problem
Methodology
Introduction
Research Design
Variables and Operational Definitions Population and Sample
Instrumentation Data Collection
Data Analysis
References
From the Paper "The cognitive concept of human development was pioneered by Jean Piaget. Piaget's theory is based on organization and adaptation. Organization refers to an ability to order and classify new experiences, while adaptation enables an individual to understand the surrounding environment. Adaptation occurs through the functioning of the mental processes of assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation involves the perception and interpretation of new information within the context of existing knowledge and understanding. Accommodation is a more advanced process that involves the restructuring of mental organization in order to include new information (Turner & Helms, 1991)."
Abstract This paper proposes a study to test Anne Fernald's claim that infants respond more significantly to infant-directed speech, also known as motherese, than to adult-directed speech. The experiment also tests the claim that the infants will prefer motherese speech, even when the speakers are not their mothers. It examines the implications that the young infants? preference for motherese would confirm the importance of using it as a means of communication with infants in the pre-verbal stage. In the experiment 48 four-month-old infants, divided even into four groups, participate using two between-subject variables: the side of the presentation of motherese (left or right) and the sequence (motherese presented first or last). Given 15 trials, the infants are assessed based on the number of times they turned in the direction needed to produce motherese.
From the Paper "Previous research by Glenn and Cunningham (1983), Mehler and other researchers (1978) have shown that infants responded more significantly to their mothers speaking motherese than speaking in an adult conversational voice (cited in Fernald, 1985, p. 191). One of Fernald's conclusions from the study is that the infants? preference for motherese stems from the fact that they are innately predisposed to be comforted by sounds that are associated with their caretakers. This conclusion was confirmed by Fernald, Haith and Campos (1984). They found that the heartbeats of four-month-old infants slowed down significantly in response to motherese (cited in Fernald, 1985, p. 192)."
Abstract This paper evaluates what global market strategy or set of such strategies will serve best to reverse the declining share of the global handmade carpet market for producers in Pakistan. The purpose of the proposed study is to develop insights into the mechanisms required for the effective assimilation of labor-intensive industries in developing countries into a the contemporary global economy. It shows that while the proposed study focuses on the handmade carpet industry, the findings in relation to this labor-intensive industry provide valuable lessons for other labor-intensive industries in developing countries.
Outline
Introduction
Background on the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Limitations of the Study
Review of Literature
Cartelization
ISO 9000
Rugmark and Woolmark
Child Labor in the Production of Handmade Carpets
Methodology
Overview of the Proposed Study
Research Methods
Participants
Instrumentation
Procedures
Proposed Data Analysis Plan
Appendix
From the Paper "While handmade carpets from this region stretching from Turkey to Mongolia sell for very high prices in foreign markets, the producers receive prices for the products which are quite low by comparison. As a consequence, these producers have long sought to minimize their costs of production. The export companies in their own countries, not the pressures of recent globalization, motivated these efforts. The primary factor of production in the creation of one of these carpets is labor. Thus, labor is the area where these producers have always sought economies. The primary strategy for cost control in the production of handmade carpets has long been the use of child labor?usually under the age of 12 year old (Bureau of International Labor Affairs, United States Department of Labor, 1999)."
