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 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)."
Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a principal cause of death and disability in young adults with consequences ranging from physical disabilities to long-term cognitive, behavioral and social disorders. Cognitive rehabilitation is a term used to refer to that branch of rehabilitation aimed at patients who are disabled primarily as a result of impairments in memory, judgment and other cognitive functions. This paper critically explores existing literature regarding cognitive rehabilitation for treatment of TBI patients to determine what types of cognitive rehabilitation are used, what the strengths and weaknesses of these types are and whether or not there are specific cognitive impairments that are more amenable to cognitive rehabilitation.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Background of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Research Questions
Definition of Terms
Limitations of the Study
Review of Literature
Overview of TBI
Cognitive Impairments: Conditions Linked to TBI
Costs of Cognitive Rehabilitation for TBI
Cognitive Rehabilitation: Strategies and Practices
Variables Influencing Cognitive Rehabilitation Outcomes
Conclusions to the Chapter
Research Design
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Inclusion Criteria
Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
Holistic/Home-Based Therapy Studies
Computer-Assisted/Virtual Reality Studies
Research Questions and Hypothesis
From the Paper "Whitlock and Hamilton (1995) suggest, however, that even the most severely brain damaged patient can recover cognitive functioning to a remarkable degree if admitted to an acute rehabilitation program as early as possible after the initial injury. Age, severity of injury, pre-TBI educational and/or functional level, and type of treatment provided were among the most significant variables influencing outcome. Several other studies of a similar nature - i.e., Katz and Alexander (1994), Lubusko, Moore, and Stambrook (1994), and Carney, Chesnut, Maynard, Mann, Patterson, and Helfand (1999) - found further support for the effects of these variables on the outcome of cognitive rehabilitation."
Abstract This paper proposes a research design to study issues related to training based on interaction with sites on the World Wide Web (WWW or Web). Literature relevant to Web-based training is reviewed in support of the proposed research study. The paper shows that the primary focus of the proposed research study is not on the specifics of the technologies involved in Web-based training, although the technology applied is of obvious importance to the training mission. Rather, the primary focus of the proposed study is on the ways in which training may be adapted to benefit from innovations in information technology (IT) and the advantages such adaptation may provide for both organizations and trainees. The study addresses three functional areas: human resources (which is responsible for training), development (which is responsible for acquiring and maintaining the new technologies that web-based training depends upon) and management (which is responsible for ensuring that these new training techniques and technologies are properly implemented).
From the Paper "As mentioned above, success, in this study, will not be a function of the utility of any training program. Rather, it will be based on the acceptance of the system by trainees. A successful training system is defined as one in which the trainees express both a comfort with and a willingness to use the web-based aspects of the system.
Web-based training is an extension of computer-based training which takes advantage of the immediacy of the World Wide Web and the ability to reach large numbers of people at the same time regardless of where they are located. Intranets are also being built to use Web-based training; these are ideal for employee training where outsiders are unlikely to have need to access the same information. Web-based training can be an expensive form of training to implement, and training professionals should not overlook critical parts of training programs such as designing an appropriate curriculum and ensuring that the information is up-to-date. Providing a way for students to evaluate the training program is also essential if Web-based training is to be effective."
Abstract This paper proposes a study to assess and compare two groups of administrators' perceptions of the philosophy of making schools more cost-effective by linking job performance with school objectives and goals. It examines how the comparison groups are a group of administrators working at schools in California and a group of administrators working at schools in Trinidad (West Indies).
Outline
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose
Rationale
Theoretical Perspective
Hypotheses
Methods and Data Analysis
Delimitations and Limitations
Definition of Terms
From the Paper "With respect to the foregoing, Douglass (2000) reports that the history of education in California is one that has strong ideological components rooted in both democracy and capitalism. On the other hand, in Trinidad, the history of school is very much linked to spiritual and religious ideologies and philosophies (see: Government of Trinidad and Tobago, 2000). It is possible that this difference in cultural background may make the notion of operating schools as a business one that is inherently more appealing to California administrators than to administrators working in Trinidad."
A practicum proposal presented to programs for Higher Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements or the degree of Doctor of Education. Research conducted for teacher training in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Abstract The author examines the the instructional methods used to train teachers, specifically, Palestinian teachers. The author has determined that although the UNRWA proclaims that the problem-solving approach is the best method, it has not evaluated whether the problem-solving approach produces the same or superior effects to the traditional lecture approach for training for this particular group. The author, thus, designs and proposes a method of research to answer whether student achievement on the comprehensive final examination in the UNRWA's "Teaching Methods" course will significantly differ depending upon whether students were taught using the problem-solving approach or taught using the traditional lecture approach.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Nature of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance to the Institution
Review of Related Literature
Overview
Theory of Self-Directed Learning
The Problem-solving Approach
Nature of the Approach
Research Investigating The Problem-solving Approach
Effects of the Problem-Solving Approach
Effectiveness of the Problem-solving-Approach
Factors That Maximize The Problem-Solving Approach
Methodological Considerations
Summary
Relationship to the Seminar
Research Questions
Research Hypothesis
Definitions of Terms
Methodology and Procedures
Design
Description of the Instrument
Procedures
Data Analysis
Assumptions
Limitations
Expectations
Anticipated Benefits
Improvement of the Educational Process
References
From the Paper "Reluctance to deviate from traditional teaching methods and to learn and incorporate a new teaching philosophy and practices is a major obstacle to adoption of the problem-solving approach to teaching. Garton and Cano (1996) found that cooperating student agriculture teachers devoted less than 20 percent of instructional time to a problem-solving approach to teaching. Classroom teachers cooperating with the study spend most of their time on maintaining subject-matter interest; student teachers focused primarily on seeking information to resolve the problem."
Abstract This paper discusses how childhood sexual abuse continues to be prevalent and prevention or intervention efforts are considered a failure since childhood sexual abuse often results in effects that continue into adulthood. It looks at how relationships between this sexual abuse and adult problems such as depression, anxiety, drug abuse, attempted suicide and psychiatric disorders, have been found. It proposes a study to investigate these effects of childhood sexual abuse on female and male adults, in an equal group, nonclinical sample.
Outline
Statement of the Problem
Introduction
Study Purpose
Definition of Terms
Significance of the Study
Literature Review
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Specific Effects of Depression and Anxiety
Study Design
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Methodology
Subjects
Instruments
Procedures
Data Analysis
Limitations
From the Paper "Sexual abuse of children has been reported 80,000 times a year and the numbers of unreported cases is considered to be even greater. The long-term effects of this abuse are far reaching and devastating. The abuse may take place in various situations, to include within the family, in a school, at a neighbors, or with a random molester. Children are not in a position to cope with sexual stimulation or the psychological ramifications involved with the interaction. The child may care for the abuser and become trapped between the need for that person and the need to be rid of the abuse. These children develop a loss of self-esteem with feelings of worthlessness and they become withdrawn, mistrustful, and have an abnormal sexual perspective."
Tags: depression, anxiety, prevention, intervention, family
Abstract This paper proposes a study to examine the effects of viewing television violence on a sample of elementary school children and to determine if any correlation exists between such variables as amount of time spent watching TV, type and content of programs that are watched and school-based disciplinary referrals for aggressive, assertive, or antisocial behaviors.
Outline
Chapter I
Introduction
Need for the Study
Purpose of the Study
Hypothesis
Theory
Definitions, Assumptions, Limitations
Overview
Chapter II
Review of Literature
Impact of Media
Extent of Television Violence
Effects of Viewing Television Violence on Children/Adolescents
Chapter III
Design of The Study
Sample and Measures
Hypothesis
Analysis
Summary
Chapter IV
Analysis of Results
Organization of the Analysis
Restatement of the Hypothesis
Demographic Information
Hypothesis Testing
Post Hoc Analyses
Chapter V
Summary
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Violent programming has increased 14 percent on broadcast networks and 10 percent on cable. Shelton (1998) further states that about 90 percent of programming on cable services such as Cinemax, Showtime and HBO, depicts violence. Research suggests that the context in which violence is portrayed is an important factor in assessing its impact on children; when the violence is perpetrated by an attractive character, the chances are increased that viewers will become desensitized to aggression or become fearful of violence in their own world. Cartoon violence, which is endemic in children's programming, has the potential to seem realistic to children younger than 7 because they cannot easily differentiate between reality and fantasy, thus posing a special concern (Shelton, 1998)."
Abstract This paper discusses statistical analysis as a dynamic form of study that evolves over time to meet developing needs and to exploit developing capabilities and technologies. The author points out that statistical analysis is the process through which data becomes knowledge and is a science to assist one in making decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The paper relates that the most appropriate logic bases for the discipline of statistical analysis in the contemporary period are rational, quantitative, positivist and causality.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Reflections on Statistics
Reviewing Statistical Analysis
Defining Statistical Analysis
Alternative Logic Bases for Statistical Analysis
Rational Model versus Naturalistic Model.
Quantitative Model versus Qualitative Model.
Positivist Model versus Normative Model.
Causality Model versus Plausibility Model
Exploratory Model versus Confirmatory Model.
Randomization Model.
Conclusion: Reviewing Statistical Analysis.
Examining the Classical Model of Statistical Analysis
Descriptive Statistical Analysis
Exploratory Statistical Analysis
Inferential Statistical Analysis
Probability Theory and Classical Statistical Analysis
Conclusion: Classical Statistical Analysis
From the Paper "Descriptive statistical analysis describes the performance or activity of one group or class, without attempting to generalize about other groups or classes. Classification, description, and measurement are activities applicable to variables associated with social research. The classification of variables is based on an assumption that social units are comparable within the context of specific definitional criteria. A social researcher attempts to control variation through the classification of variables. The description of variables is an effort to assign some degree of uniqueness to each variable, in order to provide a basis for the establishment of relationships among variables. The measurement of the extent of the uniqueness of variables generates the quantitative indicators of the strength of the relationships between variables. The process of classification, description, and measurement facilitates the development of causal explanations for both regularities and variations in empirical phenomena. Comparisons are made according to the degree of differentiation of structure in data in relation to a common and less differentiated point of origin. Such comparability is dependent upon both the classification of the social unit and the dimension of that social unit that is being measured. The dimension is the variable being measured."
Abstract This paper a research proposal for a study is to evaluate methods of improving inventory shortage at 7-Eleven. The author believes that the most effective and cost efficient manner of improving inventory shortage at 7-Eleven is to revise the current training program. This paper presents the method for collecting and analyzing data through out the project.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose
Description of Community
Description of Work Setting
Research Team's Role
Study of the Problem
Problem Description
Problem Documentation
Literature Review
Causative Analysis
Expected Outcomes
Goals and Expectations
Expected Outcomes
Measurement of Outcomes
Analysis of Survey Results
Solution Strategy
Statement of Problem
Discussion
Selected Solutions
Project Timeline
Summary of Recommendations
Conclusions
Recommendations
Evaluation
Appendices Figures Tables
From the Paper "Data will be recorded and analyzed during the implementation stages of this research project. The research team will analyze the data using statistical analysis. This analysis will determine what method is best in reducing inventory shortage at 7-Eleven. Modifications and changes will be made along the way as needed. The research team will record and log all data in a journal and make necessary changes. The team will also monitor the pilot stores and record what effect the revised training program is having on inventory loss. This data will be gathered, analyzed, and presented in graphs and charts to the Market Manager, and Division Vice President. The proof of this plans success will be in the reduction of not only inventory shortage, but also decreased labor dollars, and an overall reduction in turnover. This training program will be a great success."
Tags: implementation, problem, survey, strategy, team
A research proposal discussing the importance of the use of information technology in higher education for the Saudi Arabian student in the 21st century.
Abstract A proposed study to identify the needs and priorities in higher education in Saudi Arabia with respect to the use of the internet as a fundamental component in the educational system. Based upon the brief discussion of relevant literature, the writer explains that the internet represents a major and even vital source of information and data needed to increase the quality of learning in Saudi Arabia's institutions of higher education.
From the Paper "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was created by the late Abd al-Aziz Ibn Abd ar-Rahman al-Faisal Al Saud from territories that had known little in the way of unity since the period during which Mohammed's immediate successors held power (Lipsky, 1979). Under Ibn Saud, an Arab state under Arab monarchical rule was created. Oil revenues and some subsidies from world powers wishing to influence the political orientation of the new state facilitated its survival and in relatively short order enormous economic advantages based on the oil industry brought Saudi Arabia to international power and influence. At the same time, as George Lipsky (1979) claims, creation and development of the Saudi kingdom set off in the social organization of the area, a process of change, which has reached to the deepest levels of society and culture."
Abstract The United States Department of Health and Human Services (1991) reports that childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common pediatric problems in the United States. The result of industrialization, the report notes that lead is ubiquitous in the American human environment and children are particularly susceptible to its effects. This paper proposes a research study to examine parental knowledge of childhood lead poisoning as well as related knowledge and perceptions in a sample of Michigan parents living in a large urban area of the state. The paper begins by presenting a review of the pertinent literature. It continues with a brief description of the problem of childhood lead poisoning, including its sources and common treatment options. This is followed by a review of the few studies that have been conducted to explore for parental knowledge of the condition. The paper then explains the research design for the proposed study, including methodology, instrumentation and statistical analysis plan.
From the Paper "Interested in recommendations for screening for lead poisoning, Goldman et al. (1998) attempted to determine the screening practices of a state-wide, representative sample of New Jersey physicians (N = 333) to examine whether practices were consistent with key CDC recommendations. Approximately 60 percent of the sample engaged in practices that were not in accord with CDC recommendations. Only 42 percent of the interviewed pediatricians and 24 percent of family practitioners said they screened the majority of the children in their practice by age 2 years. About 60 percent of all respondents reported not providing lead exposure education to half their patients."
Abstract In the realm of behavioral science, researchers try to understand the psychological workings of a population by examining the traits, or variables, of a smaller sample. Statistical analyses on the data collected from samples are used in order to understand how observed behavioral phenomena generalize to a broader population. The paper shows that the main goal of this kind of research is to define what is average or typical of a group in regards to a certain characteristic or condition. A systematic comparison of the average tendencies of two or more groups yields a more accurate evaluation of group similarities and differences than does an informal examination of the data. This paper discusses and compares the four methods of testing: Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and their multivariate equivalence (MANOVA and MANCOVA).
From the Paper "Overall, MANOVA is utilized when a researcher desires an ANOVA-like analysis for more than one dependent variable. The main purpose of MANOVA is to test whether mean differences among the independent variable on a combination of dependent variables are due to chance or a real effect. This is achieved by creating a single dependent measure from a combination of all dependent measures that maximizes the between group differences. Including more than one dependent measure improves the researcher's chance of discovering what can change between different treatments or measures that more clearly defines the group."
Abstract Previous studies have not always resulted in consistent results on the success or lack of success while mainstreaming students with disabilites and special needs. The paper shows, however, that in 50 studies comparing the academic performance of mainstreamed and segregated students with mild handicapping conditions, the mean academic performance of the integrated group was in the 80th percentile, while the segregated students score was in the 50th percentile. This paper proposes a study to prove the marked improvement in the scholastic achievement of mainstreamed ADHD students participate.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Questions to be Asked by Parents / School
Ethical Questions
Definition of Subject / Participants
Hypothesis
Definition of Procedure
Sample Evaluation Form
Bibliography
From the Paper "Prior to mainstreaming, the family needs to be informed of what will transpire if the move to a regular classroom does not work out. What if a bully in the art class makes fun of the child s disability? Who handles that, if the teacher cannot always control the bully? What if the child is an African-American and the class he is moved into is largely Caucasian, with redneck roughnecks in the back of the room making racially inappropriate remarks? What if the child is Middle Eastern, with a name such as Mohammed, and rude boys in the new class re-name him bin Laden or another derogatory title?"
