Master's Theses--UW-Whitewater

Using the transtheoretical model to predict intercultural willingness to communicate

Using the transtheoretical model to predict intercultural willingness to communicate Mertins, Jacob Using the Transtheoretical Model to Predict Intercultural Willingness to Communicate The past several decades have led to an increased awareness by Americans of the necessity of interacting with the rest of the world. Easy and affordable transportation and communication devices have greatly decreased the vastness of the global community. Other factors such as the outsourcing of goods and services to countries across the globe have led Americans to significantly interact with other cultures. Despite these global changes, Americans are often reluctant to learn foreign languages, preferring to speak English or not communicate at all. If this trend continues, the United States will lose its competitive edge in the business world and fall further behind in many other areas. This study of Midwest college students (n = 211) uses a quantitative approach to examine the application of the Transtheoretical Model (also known as the Stages of Change) to college students? value of learning a foreign language and their intercultural willingness to communicate (IWTC). The original questions from the transtheoretical model were modified to incorporate students? attitudes toward learning a foreign language. The IWTC was reproduced in its original form. The study utilized four research questions. First, which language would college students perceive as being the most valuable to learn? Second, how do perceived value of a language, stage of second language learning readiness, and IWTC scores correlate? Third, to what extent does the stage of change model predict value of L2 learning scores? Fourth, to what extent does the stage of change model predict IWTC scores? The study revealed several important findings. First, Spanish is the most valued language by Midwest college students. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being least valued and 10 being most valued), Spanish was rated as 9, in contrast with the next most valued only scoring 5. Second, there is significant correlation between value of learning a foreign language, IWTC, and the five stages of change. Third, the transtheoretical model can be used to predict value of learning a foreign language and IWTC. This study is applicable to businesses and educational institutions. Multinational organizations could use the information to evaluate employees? attitudes toward learning a foreign language and develop training seminars to increase employees? willingness and ability to communicate with other cultures. Educational institutions should develop courses tailored to expanding students? world views and to instill the value of being multilingual. Date original created Feb. 20, 2009. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0.

Key factors for successful implementation of a participatory ergonomics program

Key factors for successful implementation of a participatory ergonomics program Jatczak, Mark Inadequate workplace ergonomics can lead to injuries, productivity declines and quality issues. Despite the fact that ergonomics has been researched and implemented in the workplace for the past 20-30 years work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain as the most expensive category of injuries. It has not been widely understood why some ergonomic interventions are effective at some workplaces while not effective in others. However, one approach can be used to reduce musculoskeletal injuries is participative or participatory ergonomics. Participative ergonomics evolved out of Quality Circles utilized in Japanese manufacturing plants in the 1960s. Participatory ergonomics is defined as the process by which management and labor work together to modify and/or design the work space, task, equipment and environment to better fit an individual?s abilities and limitations. A lack of impact is not unusual in cooperative situations involving labor and management. It is quite common for such teams to underachieve and is the point of emphasis of this research study. Inconsistent results indicate the need to better understand the dynamics involved with such a team in order to determine key elements for success. It was the intent of this research to analyze successful ergonomics teams via a survey approach to better understand these key factors. After identifying high-performing participatory ergonomics teams within the manufacturing sector (SIC 20-39), a survey was distributed to thirty-five facilities in the Midwest and California. Twenty-five of these surveys were completed and returned to the researcher. Of the 25 respondents (48%) reported that their participatory ergonomics program had been in place for 10 years or more, 6 (24%) had programs in place for 5-10 years, 6 (24%) had programs for 2-5 years and only 1 respondent (4%) had a program in place for 1-2 years. The data collected showed that an organization?s culture and ergonomic process were two areas indicated to be important to a team?s success. Specifically, creating a culture of teamwork and committing to a participative work style were two of the most highly scored items. Other significant findings of this research indicated that the organizations that participated focused on several key areas in order to create and sustain a participatory ergonomics team: create a culture of teamwork, commit to a participative working style, ask affected employees for their input and use formal evaluation tools for assessing ergonomic hazards. Date original created: Nov. 5, 2008. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0

Characteristics of employee-initiated complaint inspections occurring in Wisconsin

Characteristics of employee-initiated complaint inspections occurring in Wisconsin Nicks, Michael To ensure that U.S. employers protect employees from occupational hazards, OSHA is authorized to conduct workplace inspections. Employees have the legal right to initiate an OSHA inspection predicated on occupational hazards. The study employed a survey research design utilizing data from OSHA?s IMIS. The sample consisted of 304 programmed inspections and 285 employee-initiated complaint inspections in the state of Wisconsin for the period of June 23, 2006 to June 23, 2007, inclusive. Five independent variables were examined: 1) type of inspection, 2) establishment union status, 3) establishment size, 4) type of complaint inspection, and 5) the establishment SIC code. Six dependent variables were examined: 1) mean number of violations per inspection, 2) mean monetary penalty per violation, 3) mean monetary penalty per inspection, 4) mean number of hours spent on inspection activities, 5) mean percent monetary penalty reduction, and 6) mean percent informal conference participation. It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences between each level of each independent variable with reference to each dependent variable. It was found that the mean informal conference participation percentage was significantly higher for programmed inspections (87.8%) than for employee-initiated complaint inspections (80.8%). It was found that the mean number of hours spent on inspection activities was significantly higher at unionized establishments (39.3 hours) than non-unionized establishments (29.4 hours). It was found that small establishments (less than 100 employees) had a significantly higher mean number of violations per inspection (6.5 violations) and significantly lower mean monetary penalties per violation ix ($302.53) than medium-sized establishments (between 100 and 500 employees) [2.7 violations and $578.59, respectively] and large establishments (more than 500 employees) [2.0 violations and $527.13, respectively] and that large establishments had significantly lower mean percent monetary penalty reductions (47.3%) than small establishments (34.8%). It was found that the mean number of violations per inspection was significantly higher for employee-initiated health-complaint inspections (4.8 violations) than for employee-initiated safety-complaint inspections (3.5 violations), that the mean monetary penalty per violation was significantly higher for employee-initiated safety-complaint inspections ($568.64) than for employee-initiated health-complaint inspections ($278.23), and that the mean number of hours spent on inspection activities was significantly higher for employee-initiated health-complaint inspections (37.5 hours) than for employee-initiated safety-complaint inspections (27.8 hours). It was found that manufacturing establishments had significantly lower mean percent monetary penalty reductions (35.2%) than transportation, communications, electric, gas, and sanitary services establishments (63.9%) and that retail trade establishments had significantly lower mean percent monetary penalty reductions (35.1%) than transportation, communications, electric, gas, and sanitary services establishments (63.9%). A qualitative comparison was utilized to construct possible strategies to prevent or mitigate employee-initiated complaints for the three independent variables that can easily be influenced by an employer: type of inspection, union status, and type of employee-initiated complaint inspection. Date original created: Nov. 14, 2008. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0.

Anaerobic power profiles for track and field

Anaerobic power profiles for track and field Johnson, Michael J. This research sought to determine the importance of lower and upper body muscular power in relation to performance in track and field events. During the late competitive outdoor season, 32 male and female track and field athletes at an NCAA Division III institution were tested using a 30 second standard Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT) on a Monarch cycle ergometer and a modified WAT on a Monarch cycle ergometer to measure lower body and upper body power, respectively. Prior to testing, the investigator collected data concerning age (yrs), height (cm), weight (kg) and gender. Each track and field participant?s personal records (PR?s) were recorded for up to three of the subject?s best events. Subjects then performed the standard WAT and modified WAT during a single exercise session. Data was then analyzed in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to determine average performance and correlation relationships between power outputs and performance. Correlation analyses were based upon the relationship between performance (PR in seconds or meters) and peak power, average power, minimum power, and power drop in W/kg for the standard and modified Wingate. The data showed that the short sprint events presented power outputs that indicated a high level of anaerobic power (i.e., short sprints, sprint hurdles, jumps); whereas, longer sprints and middle-distance/distance events showed lower anaerobic power levels. Correlation analysis showed that subjects who participated in the short sprint events tend to have weaker correlations with respect to lower and upper body power for all variables (peak power, average power, minimum power, and power drop) when compared to subjects who participated in events of increasing distances. Short sprint event subjects showed moderate to strong correlations (0.3-0.8+), 800-meter event runners up to 5,000/10,000-meter event runners had nearly perfect correlations (0.9+) in relation to lower and upper body anaerobic power. Vertical jumpers (high jump and pole vault) showed similar correlations to long sprinters (400-meters/400-meter hurdles); whereas, horizontal jumpers (long jump and triple jump) showed correlations similar to that of short sprinters. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a significant amount of training should be spent developing anaerobic lower and upper body power depending on event specialization. The study indicated that while these variables are important, they are not single-handedly the main training factor. Subjects who participate in the power driven events demand high anaerobic power and more endurance driven events possess higher aerobic power. Training one energy system or another (i.e., aerobic versus anaerobic); is not the sole factor to determine performance. Date original was created: August 11, 2008. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0

Physical activity of online high school students

Physical activity of online high school students Pease, Amy Today, there are a growing number of overweight and obese teenagers. This is a result of low activity levels, poor eating habits, and a society driven by convenience and technology. Many people, especially teenagers eat unhealthy fast food because it is convenient for them. Along with an increase in unhealthy eating, teens have more access to technology. Most teens today incorporate technology into their social activities, and this can decrease their physical activity. They do not have to physically be with friends to have chats or even play games. This study focused on determining if online high school students were as physically active as traditional face-to-face students. The study surveyed 77 online high school students from a Wisconsin Charter School, IQ Academy, and 122 traditional face-to-face students from Waukesha North High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Surprisingly, the results for the two groups were very similar. The study found that the online students had almost the same activity level as traditional face-to-face high school students. This results of the study also suggested that the students self-image was comparable. The students seemed to have the same pressures to lose weight and be healthier. Physical educators play an important role in the activity levels of high school students. They need to teach and expose students to activities that can positively influence the health of all students. Educators need to make every student?s health a top priority. Regardless of a student?s learning environment, educators around the nation need to encourage activity for students so that we can move toward solutions for the growing obesity problems. Date original created: Sept. 8, 2008. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0

Cognitive dissonance theory and alcohol awareness messages : college student reactions

Cognitive dissonance theory and alcohol awareness messages : college student reactions Mettille, Thomas College students spend more money on alcohol than they do on books, coffee, tea, juice and soda, combined (Wechsler & Wuerthrich, 2002). Recent studies have shown that binge drinking rates range from 34 to 44% of college students (Douglas et al., 1997; Wechsler, Davenport, Dowdall, Moeykens & Castillo, 1994; Wechsler, Lee, Kuo, Seibring, Nelson & Lee, 2002). Alcohol is so prevalent in the college environment, that students, parents and even professors link the college experience with excessive drinking (Butler, 1993; Lederman, Stewart & Russ, 2007). Yet, the risks of binge drinking (Lederman, Stewart, Goodhart & Laitman, 2003) are serious. Research has identified a wide variety of harmful consequences as a result of excessive drinking among college students. These risks include: unprotected sexual behavior (Desiderato & Crawford, 1995), blackouts (Perkins, 2002), and even death (Hingson, Heeren, Zakocs, Kopstein & Wechsler, 2002). Perhaps even more alarming is the annual frequencies of these negative consequences, identified by Hingson et al. (2002), including 600,000 student assaults, 500,000 accidental injuries and 1,400 deaths. In an attempt to deal with this alarming information campus administrators have developed campaigns and programs designed to curb college drinking. However, results have been elusive, as dangerous drinking has not declined over the past decade (Faden & Fay, 2002; Wechsler et al., 2002; Hingson et al., 2005; Larimer & Crone, 2002; Peele, 2006; Wechsler, Lee, Kuo & Lee, 2000). In order to craft the most effective message, one must consider the reaction of the intended audience. Festinger’s (1957) Cognitive Dissonance Theory provides insight into the cognitive processes individuals experience when they receive information that is counter to their beliefs. Festinger states that information that challenges the beliefs or behavior an individual already has will create psychological discomfort. The theory continues to suggest there are predictable responses that form individuals experience that discomfort, or dissonance: they will accept the information as accurate but make no changes, accept the information as accurate and make changes, they will attack the messenger as incredible or they will rationalize the information in some way to relieve the discomfort. The present study applied Festinger’s (1957) Cognitive Dissonance Theory to alcohol public service messages. Participants were measured to determine whether they were currently in a state of dissonance concerning their alcohol use. The participants then viewed three alcohol public service announcements, concerning alcohol poisoning, date rape and drunk driving. The researcher captured responses the participants had in order to determine if particular dissonance-reducing strategies were utilized. Three conclusions are offered. College students appear to be utilizing “attack the messenger” regarding messages of binge drinking and drunk driving, while utilizing rationalization when viewing messages of date rape. Additionally, for all message contents, the students responded that they did not intend to change their behaviors based on the information presented. The results of this study can be illuminating to alcohol educators, campus administrators and future scholars. Date original was created May 20, 2008. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0.

Technology integration through staff development

Technology integration through staff development Sammam, Mark How does staff development in education insure that all learners meet the intended learning outcomes? At the time of this study most staff development for teachers was designed to get as many learners as possible familiar with a particular skill or concept in a one-shot workshop. There was no system to meet the needs of learners who did not understand the concept the first time taught. This study was to find out how teachers would respond to a more sustained and continuous form of instruction, emphasizing their individual learning needs after a technology staff development workshop. Data were collected through interviews conducted before and after a staff development workshop that provided two teachers with individualized continuous technology training. Observation notes were used during this follow-up training to corroborate my interpretation of the interview data. Both teachers benefited from sessions that met their technology needs. The more a session was tailored to meet their technological needs, the more the teachers integrated technology into their respective curricula. Each session was designed to reinforce and build on skills learned during the previous training session. Because of this continuity the teachers were feeling more comfortable using a computer and they achieved a deeper understanding of the skills taught. Data collected through pre- and post-technology training and mentoring interviews produced three themes. They were the comfort level of the participants, the benefit of continuous training and the integration of technology into the curriculum with continuous training. Integration of technology happened as the participants felt comfortable enough to share their areas of weakness and as they became aware that there v was an instructor flexible enough to meet their needs. There were long gaps in between training sessions that had a negative impact on the progression of the participants. With mentoring, the teachers successfully integrated technology into their curricula through software evaluation. One of the teachers previewed and bought reading software to meet the needs of below level learners and above level learners. The other teacher started to take her students to the computer lab to supplement grade-level curricula with technology. She began by having the students do Internet research on two major topics in Life science. They also learned how to incorporate technology into their curricula through training in the use of software such as Microsoft Office and Internet research. Results of this study suggested that staff developers would be more successful if they created technology learning committees that would increase the comfort level of the participants by addressing their needs, and conducted supplemental technology mentoring sessions like one-to-one small break-out lessons or partner guidance sessions for technology integration. Date original created: December 30, 2007. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0.

Toward a practical model of postmodern public relations

Toward a practical model of postmodern public relations Rodriguez, Anne R. Czajkowski Although there has emerged in the past 10 to15 years a significant body of scholarly literature on the application of postmodern perspectives to the field of public relations, very little has been offered in the way of a roadmap to a practical, everyday application of postmodernism to public relations. Toward that end, this thesis research project offers a practical model for the application of postmodern ideas to the practice of public relations. To understand how postmodernism is emerging as a new perspective on the practice of public relations, it is helpful to first consider currently established theories in the field. Toward that end, a literature review is presented first examining Excellence Theory as one current perspective on the field of public relations. Postmodernism is then presented as an alternative view, and a theoretical framework is set forth synthesizing PPR as it is presented in the literature. Rhetorical criticism is then employed to examine the practical usefulness of what has, until now, been only a theoretical model of PPR. The theoretical framework for PPR is used as a framework to examine two cases of real-world public relations practice: 1) communications surrounding the American Association on Mental Retardation’s decision to change its name to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and 2) environmental discourse by petroleum giant BP. The result is a useful, useable model for the practice of PPR that derives directly from theory and is directly applicable to industry. The practical model for PPR bridges theory with practice to provide a roadmap for the effective and ethical practice of public relations. Results of the analysis suggest viii that seven of the eight components of the theoretical framework for PPR can be carried out in the practical model. The practical model distills those theoretical components into the four categories: practical relativism, power relations, the dual role of practitioners, and strategy. The only component of the theoretical framework that was not retained for the practical model of PPR is that of avoiding entering into relationships with stakeholders with planned strategies for success. Just the opposite, this project concludes that strategic planning is, in fact, essential for the practice of PPR. In addition, the practical model for PPR calls on practitioners to use awareness of power relations to direct construction of messages, and to develop understanding of communication contexts in order to engage in discourse that is right and just. Date original created: May 9, 2008 This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 8.0

The affects of forgiveness on the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder as a result of sexual trauma

The affects of forgiveness on the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder as a result of sexual trauma Johnston, Sandra K. This study continues research pertaining to the affects of forgiveness on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms resulting from sexual trauma. The research question asked whether or not the ability to forgive would reduce, increase, or have no affect upon PTSD symptoms. The hypotheses stated that the ability to forgive a specific traumatic sexual offense would correlate with fewer symptoms of PTSD, while the inability to forgive a specific traumatic sexual offense would correlate with a greater number of PTSD symptoms. Participants consisted of females eighteen and older, who had experienced sexual trauma, and stated that they had either forgiven or not forgiven their perpetrator/s. The first group was named “forgive”, and the second “unforgive”. Instruments included, a Demographic Survey, Offense Specific Forgiveness Measure, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Self Inventory. Within group data analysis was performed using the Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation; between group data was analyzed using the t-test for r. Within group correlations for both group “forgive” and “unforgive” yielded strong but insignificant results. When raw from both groups were combined, the resulting analysis showed no significant results. Between group data analysis, indicated a significant difference in forgiveness. There was no significant difference between groups for the dependent variable – PTSD. Results were carefully interpreted and were not used to predict or establish causation as they were not large enough to imply any relationship between the variables. The small number of participants as well as the predominantly white sample limited generalizations. Demographic data indicated that individuals with stated religious affiliation were less forgiving than those with no stated religious affiliation. Those same individuals were also traumatized as adults rather than as children/adolescents. The sample was predominantly white individuals with post-high school level education. The majority of perpetrators were outside of the biological family. Group “forgiveness” scores indicated an inverse relationship between variables, supporting the hypothesis, while group “unforgive” scores did not. Between group scores indicated support for the correlation between stated forgiveness and actual forgiveness, while analysis of PTSD raw scores between groups was not significant. Mental health implications begin with the importance of age at occurrence of trauma, impacting the ability to forgive. It may be beneficial for researchers to study forgiveness across the lifespan, how forgiveness and unforgiveness are learned, cultural influence on learning, and the impact of education level upon forgiveness ability indicating how practitioners can utilize the most effective forgiveness interventions. Second, the spiritual belief of the client influences expressed and actual forgiveness. Forgiveness is a choice which empowers survivors of trauma. Although not every intervention is appropriate for every client, research supports the use of forgiveness intervention as an adjunct to mental health practice. Finally, further research into the impact of forgiveness interventions, their reliability and validity, and the long-term effects will aid clinicians in determining the part forgiveness will play in practice.

Effect of nicotine and muscle performance using a Wingate Anaerobic Test on collegiate football players

Effect of nicotine and muscle performance using a Wingate Anaerobic Test on collegiate football players Meier, Joel N. Nicotine is a naturally occurring addictive alkaloid and in some cases, a lethal drug. The long-term harmful effects of nicotine have been widely documented through means of publications, commercials and even billboards to stop the use of nicotine in the form of tobacco. Even with the knowledge of these harmful side effects, thousands of athletes still use tobacco. In this study the use of nicotinic substances was tested during Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnT) on collegiate football athletes. These tests had three possible outcomes: ergogenic, ergolytic or no effect. The subjects were 12 University of Wisconsin – Whitewater football players between the ages of 19 - 23. They performed a series of two tests on a Monarch cycle ergometer for 30 seconds at a time on two separate days. One day post-nicotine gum administration; the other day post-placebo gum administration. The data received was considered significant with a p-value < .05. This experiment showed nicotine’s effect on: peak anaerobic power (P = .34), anaerobic capacity (P = .92), and anaerobic fatigue percentage (P = .33) in the human body during a WAnT. Therefore, the data received from this experiment were concluded not to be statistically significant.

In search of high fired, oxidation glazes

In search of high fired, oxidation glazes King, Diane Artist Statement My work represents an indirect response to the tactile and visual sensations of the natural world. Of particular interest to me are the reproductive privities of flowers as their forms are both erotically familiar, yet strangely ambiguous when isolated as single specimens. The overlap between the known and the unknown; between what is human and what is flora, is a theme that continues to fascinate me as I consider issues of life and its cycles. Close inspection of flora reveals a rich and varied body of information that is otherwise overlooked by the casual observer. Contrasts of texture and surface detail are hence indicative to my work as referenced by the obsessively carved porcelain as opposed to the coarseness of the terra cotta. A forced intimacy exists between viewer and object due to the diminutive scale of the work.. Therefore interpretation and response is personal, analogous to one’s own visceral reactions to the natural world. Purpose The purpose of this inquiry is to discover suitable glaze coatings that will complement my ceramic work. Due to the delicacy of the forms and the erotic nature of the content, the pieces are constructed from porcelain clay and fired to 2350 degrees Fahrenheit, which in ceramic terms, is referred to as cone 10. Porcelain is a coarse grained, white clay that is very soft and slippery in its moist state. When fired to cone 10, it tightens and approaches a glassy condition known as vitrification (Rhodes, 1998). Consequently, the properties of high-fired porcelain complement both the visual and physical qualities that I seek in my work. However, finishing the pieces with a glaze coating has been difficult. While there are hundreds of cone 10 glazes available to ceramicists, I am specifically searching for glazes that further reveal the texture and sensuality of the work, rather than ones that would completely cover the work. I envision the completed pieces to be subtle in color, with a minimum amount of reflected light. However, most cone 10 glazes are fired in a reduction atmosphere kiln, whereas my work will be fired in an oxidation atmosphere kiln due to studio limitations. Although this is not necessarily problematic, it is an important point to consider when researching glazes. Reduction firing is a process whereby there is a reduced amount of oxygen in the kiln to adequately combust the available fuel. Therefore, any free carbons in the kiln will seize oxygen from any source, including the oxygen present in glaze colorants. The resulting effect is a rich surface in both color and texture. However, in oxidation firing, there is enough oxygen in the kiln to properly combust all of the available fuel. Thus, the colorants or oxides in the glazes are not affected. In the case of oxidation, it is the combination of oxides and fluxes that will cause any variation. Often times, these glazes are not as active or interesting as those of reduction fired glazes (Peterson, 2001; Rhodes, 1998; Rowe,1985). Given these factors, the inquiry into finding appropriate glazes is clear and succinct. I am searching for cone 10, oxidation glazes that are subtle in both color and texture. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 7.0

Art and science: an interdisciplinary approach

Art and science: an interdisciplinary approach Karow, Kim Artist’s Statement: The work represented in this show was created over an eleven-year time span. The content within the pieces reflect upon three unrelated autobiographical events or themes but there are two points of view, sometimes happening simultaneously: the point of view of the scientist shown in image selection, and the feminine point of view seen in image execution. The hand of the woman artist is seen tending both the image and the subject within, metaphorically evident in the soft sheen of silk, hand sewn stitches. On the surface, disengagement (the perspective of the scientist) seems at odds with the role of the artist. Taking a deeper look at the pieces here, I think the audience will find that these works go beyond illustration to make connections about processes: biological, ecological and sometimes even emotional ones. However, I must admit I am not formally trained in the sciences, merely an observant artist who took the time to research a subject before commenting on it visually. For the viewer trained in aesthetics, you will find silverpoint and graphite drawings that attempt exactingly accurate representations of their subjects, rich with soft value gradations, texture, and implied motion. Graphic relief prints are filled with rhythmic patterns and bold linear qualities always mindful of fields of value breaking up the space. For the viewer trained in the biological sciences, you will find an artist who took the time to get it right. It encompasses the point of view of the physician using radiographic images, dissections and sutures. The point of view of the ecologist is seen in representations of interrelationships of an ecosystem dependent on soil, hydrology, host plants and companion plants. Surely the botanist will appreciate the lateral striations in the leaf of a rush usually only noticed under a microscope. However, if representational accuracy were the singular goal of this work, they would be high quality illustrations. My desire is that these images go beyond documenting the subject and show an interpretation by the artist to describe unseen processes: the process of illness, injury,birth, fire, relationships in nature and the struggle to understand it all at a deeper level. Perhaps Allen Carlson describes the duality of this show best: “If to appropriately aesthetically appreciate art we must have knowledge of art forms, classifications of works, and artistic traditions, then to appropriately aesthetically appreciate nature we must have knowledge of different natural environments and of the different systems and elements within those environments. As the knowledge provided by art critics and art historians equips us to aesthetically appreciate art, that provided by naturalists, ecologist, geologists, and natural historians equip us to aesthetically appreciate nature.” --“Aesthetic Appreciation and the Natural Environment” (1988) This file last viewed in Adobe Reader 7.0

Factors contributing to illiteracy among males in Wilson's Run All Age School

Factors contributing to illiteracy among males in Wilson's Run All Age School Smith, Stephanie Ophelia It is a well-known fact that most boys who drop out of school are likely to have weak or poorly developed literacy skills. These dropouts become vulnerable to a life of underemployment, unemployment and for worse, are at higher risk of becoming criminal offenders. There is some evidence that boys and girls may learn different orientations to school work and to learning and in this respect are influenced differently by the mother and the father (Connell et al., 1982). Addressing issues posed by the literacy gap has become more urgent than ever before, especially in developing countries like Jamaica, where social conditions, such as poverty can jeopardize children’s well-being. These social conditions can make the challenge of bringing these affected children to a high level of literacy seem overwhelming. It is known however, that engaged readers have a much greater chance of staying in school, expanding career and life options, and maturing into self-actualized adults (Brozo, 2002). This study will consider factors that contribute to the high illiteracy rate in the Wilson’s Run All Age School in Trelawny, Jamaica. The community is located high in the Cockpit Country of Trelawny. It is a secluded, tight-knit community, where everybody is familiar and are all related. It is a small farming community, where the farmers cultivate mainly yams on small plots of land. The women of the district are also mostly farmers or stay-at-home moms or if employed are mainly domestic helpers. The community members enjoy a very simplistic This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 7.0

Small/medium market models of newspaper and broadcasting convergence in the midwest

Small/medium market models of newspaper and broadcasting convergence in the midwest Geissler, Kyle There is a large body of research on a recent movement in the news media referred to as convergence. This practice of sharing resources between media organizations takes many forms and is found in major markets. Research has, so far, given little attention to convergence models being put in place in smaller markets. This qualitative analysis uses interviews to examine various models for implementing and operating convergence between newspaper and broadcast newsrooms at three organizations in the Midwest. Interviews and site visits with managers at converged sites uncovered training challenges and the problems of overcoming cultural differences between newsrooms. An analysis using diffusion theory helps show how smaller markets prove to be a fertile testing ground for newsroom convergence because of their size, versatility, and need to economize resources. This study recommends increased small market convergence efforts and ways large markets can emulate small market management conditions by centralizing management of a converged newsroom in order to create a flexible and successful convergence model. This file was last viewed in Adobe Reader 7.0

Of crabs and tall poppies: an exploratory study of attitudes and communicative behaviors toward women perceived as successful

Of crabs and tall poppies: an exploratory study of attitudes and communicative behaviors toward women perceived as successful Mancl, Anne C. This exploratory, qualitative study will examine female attitudes and communication behaviors generated in response to women who are perceived as advantaged or "successful". The current study used the Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) as a framework for this investigation. Tall Poppy Syndrome, an Australian cultural expression, describes a "disease" that feeds on the notion that anyone who appears to represent high ability or admirable qualities (also known as 'tall poppies') must be attacked, demeaned, and brought down to the common level. Individuals with TPS, (known as "poppy clippers") believe others' perceived advantages to be an affront--an unbearable reminder of their own shortcomings (Peeters, 2004). This study investigates the characteristics of and underlying contributors to TPS within the context of American, Caucasian intrafemale relationships. Being a "tall poppy" or a "poppy clipper" could potentially cause women to experience relational conflict in social and organizational contexts leading to outcomes such as interpersonal clashing, indirect aggression, covert maliciousness, unfulfilled potential and organizational "brain drain." The research appears to indicate that a talented "tall poppy" is in a conundrum: if she is successful, she risks exclusion by her female peers. If she "plays small", she risks her own personal and professional fulfillment. This study examines a perplexing concern for many females: It sometimes appears that when talented, successful women try to flourish, there are frequently nearby females ready to pull them down. Does the successful, confident women feel "pulled down" or "clipped" by members of the "sisterhood" who see her as a threat? Are these talented women the target of other women's envy? What role might some women play in holding other women back? To gain insights on these questions and on the TPS phenomenon, focus group data from 40 adjust, Caucasian women in a Midwestern area was collected and analyzed using the grounded research methodology (Glaser & Straus, 1967). Using the Tall Poppy Syndrome construct, this study explains how woman respond and assign meaning to a perceived tall poppy, as well as how the 'tall poppy' responds to the envious rival. Generally finds focused on the perceived characteristics of tall poppies and poppy clippers, the negative communication behaviors poppy clipper use and finally, strategies the tall poppy uses in response to the poppy clipper. This research will add to the existing knowledge base on organizational, gender and interpersonal communication and may be a determining force in the effectiveness and stability of female relationships within society. With more information on this subject, organizations can provide awareness, open-dialogue opportunities, and appropriate training to minimize TPS's negative outcomes. This file was viewed in Adobe Reader 7.0