Look Up: Technology’s Impact On Attention, Connection, And Creativity: Audio Component Links

This thesis project aims to better understand the multi-faceted relationship between technology and its impacts on human attention, connection, and creativity. My body of research includes key academic texts and studies related to the main themes of technology dependence and attention, self-reflection and its impact on empathy, and the root of creativity. The final creative component of this thesis is a 30-minute podcast episode, featuring interviews with two professors, two members of Generation Z, and narration by me. Through this medium I can provide guidance for how to foster better relationships with ourselves, others, and our ability to create in the face of technology in an honest, and relevant way

Look Up: Technology’s Impact On Attention, Connection, And Creativity

This thesis project aims to better understand the multi-faceted relationship between technology and its impacts on human attention, connection, and creativity. My body of research includes key academic texts and studies related to the main themes of technology dependence and attention, self-reflection and its impact on empathy, and the root of creativity. The final creative component of this thesis is a 30-minute podcast episode, featuring interviews with two professors, two members of Generation Z, and narration by me. Through this medium I can provide guidance for how to foster better relationships with ourselves, others, and our ability to create in the face of technology in an honest, and relevant way

Motion towards the center : an essay on reality as expressed in fourteen paintings

At the center of man's world stands his god, his utmost reality. His whole life is a struggle to draw nearer to this reality. It is the aim of art to comprehend reality in so far as it is humanly possible and express it. Thus, art is one of the highest forms of human endeavor, because it enables man to approach God. This essay seeks to define in words what has been stated in paint in the fourteen pictures it examines. Since the media of writing and painting are independent, irreducible activities, it is apparent that the efforts will not be identical or even equal because of personal limitations. In addition, in order to confine the field of study so that a more intensive search could be made, it was decided to limit the consideration of reality to abstract painting. Abstract painting is here understood as an attempt to reduce ideas, emotions, or objects to an essential or universal aspect as interpreted by the painter

Legal aspects of special education with respect to program inclusion or exclusion based solely on disabilities

With the advent of the civil rights movement in America in the 1960's, equality of education for all students has been in the forefront of judicial decisions. With the passage of numerous public laws, Congress has provided definitions of the rights of individuals with disabilities and guarantees of due process. However, by not clearly defining these rights, Congress left clarification to the courts and created problems for educators and administrators. The procedure used in this study involved analysis of judicial decisions, case law and federal and selected state statutes. Primary sources were state and federal court decisions involving exceptional children and children with disabilities. Students attended either elementary or secondary public schools; no cases involving private schools were included. No cases involving public or private community college, college or university students were reviewed

Lightbulb moment: electricity in the YWCA scrapbook

2015 University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award Winner---Between 1915 and 1917 the Young Women’s Christian Association at the State Normal and Industrial College (presently the University of North Carolina at Greensboro) created a scrapbook that largely focused on summer retreats in Black Mountain, NC.1 Photographs of the members posed in groups along with more candid pictures showing the girls participating in a variety of outdoor activities dominate a majority of the pages. However, about three-quarters ofthe way through the scrapbook there is a conspicuous collage of clippings which relate to electrical lighting. Even more peculiar than its placement, is the fact that during the creation of the scrapbook, the lightbulb was nearing forty years old.2 However, electricity did not spread evenly or as quickly through different regions of the United States, and many people were not exposed to it in their domestic lives until the 1930s. Those who experienced electricity for thefirst time often responded with awe, and incorporated it into their ideas of progress and modernity. The electricity-centric clippings in the YWCA scrapbook demonstrate this, as they show a personalized view of the technology that illustrates the societal impact of lighting in the early 20th century

Moral commitment in intimate committed relationships: a conceptualization from cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners

Diverse types of intimate committed relationships, namely cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partnerships, are increasingly prevalent in the United States (Bumpass & Lu, 2000; Garber, 2005; U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Given the rise in the number of individuals participating in intimate committed relationships outside of the marital context, researchers exploring relationship constructs, such as commitment, in intimate partnerships need to build upon the current literature base by investigating such concepts in samples of cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners. Currently, the psychosocial literature regarding the experience of commitment in intimate committed relationships outside of the marital context is scarce, and researchers have been inconsistent in how they conceptualize relationship commitment (Adams & Jones, 1999; Johnson, 1999; Rusbult, 1991). Johnson's (1991, 1999; Johnson, Caughlin & Huston, 1999) Tripartite Model of Commitment is one of the most prominent theories of relationship commitment in the psychosocial literature. Johnson (1991, 1999) proposed that commitment, the intention or desire to continue and maintain one's intimate relationship, is a multidimensional construct that is a result of two dichotomous experiences: (a) attractions and constraints forces, and (b) internal and external processes. From these distinctions, Johnson operationalized commitment as three dimensions: (a) personal commitment, (b) moral commitment, and (c) structural commitment. Moreover, Johnson asserted that the Tripartite Model is applicable to various types of intimate committed relationships. The dimension of moral commitment, which is the extent that one feels obligated to stay in a relationship (Johnson, 1991, 1999), has been the least developed empirically, particularly in relation to partners in intimate relationships outside of the marital context. Moral commitment is a constraining force that operates via internal processes. Researchers examining the Tripartite Model in samples of non-marital partners have left moral commitment out completely or defined it outside of Johnson's (1991a, 1999) conceptualization (e.g. Johnson, 1985; Kurdek, 2000, 2007; Lydon, Pierce, & O'Regan, 1997; Oswald, Goldberg, Kuvalanka, & Clausell, 2008). Thus, researchers need to operationalize moral commitment with cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners in a way that is consistent with Johnson's (1991, 1999) conception to test his assertion that the Tripartite Model is applicable to all types of intimate committed relationships. The aim of this study, then, was to conceptualize the dimension of moral commitment within the framework of Johnson's (1991a, 1999) Tripartite Model of Commitment for non-marital intimate relationships, namely same-sex and cohabiting heterosexual partnerships. An additional goal of this study was to inform counselors' knowledge of how commitment operates in diverse types of intimate partnerships. The researcher used a mixed-methods approach called concept mapping with a sample of cohabiting same-sex partners and opposite-sex partners, collecting data through a three round process. The researcher used an open-ended Internet survey, mailing out data collection packets, and focus groups to collect data for the concept mapping process. The intent of the concept mapping methodology was to develop a better understanding of moral commitment for those in diverse types of intimate committed relationships. Several interesting results were obtained from this study. First, participants in the cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners' focus groups conceptualized the dimension of moral commitment as distinct from that of personal and structural commitment based on their responses to the Relationship Commitment Type Identification Task. Moreover, participants rated the clusters of personal commitment as most descriptive of their experience in their relationship with their partner, with moral commitment being moderately descriptive and structural commitment the least descriptive. These results support Johnson's (1991a, 1999) theory that commitment is a multidimensional experience, and his claim that the Tripartite Model is applicable to diverse types of intimate relationships. The results provided mixed results in terms of Johnson's (1991a, 1999) conceptualization of the three components of moral commitment: general valuing of consistency, person specific obligation, and relationship-type values. Cohabiting same-sex partners typed clusters of moral commitment with items that perceptibly fit with two of the three components, person specific obligation and relationship-type values. Participants in the cohabiting opposite-sex partners group identified one cluster of moral commitment that was discernibly related to the person specific obligation component. Neither group had clusters that were overall indicative of the general valuing of consistency component. Both groups also had clusters typed as moral commitment that were not perceptibly fitting with Johnson's components. Thus, Johnson's (1991a, 1999) theory of the components of moral commitment was partially supported by the results of this study. Finally, the findings of this study indicated several similarities and differences between cohabiting same-sex and opposite sex partners' conceptualizations of moral commitment based on the interpretation of the final cluster solutions from each focus group. Intimate relationships seem to share a comparable basis in that cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners engage in and maintain these relationships because they have feelings of attraction and commitment towards their partner and the relationship. Differing social discourses, however, surround same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. Cohabiting opposite-sex may be less validated in U.S. society than marital partnerships, yet opposite-sex partners do not have to contend with the social discrimination and stigma against their relationships that is faced by same-sex partners. Although the findings of this study suggest that the Tripartite Model may be applicable to diverse types of intimate relationships, unique factors impact same-sex and opposite-sex relationships in light of the differing contexts in which these relationships are situated. This study highlighted the importance of examining relationship commitment in diverse types of intimate committed relationships. The findings provide direction for future research and useful implications for counselors working with cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners.Diverse types of intimate committed relationships, namely cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partnerships, are increasingly prevalent in the United States (Bumpass & Lu, 2000; Garber, 2005; U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Given the rise in the number of individuals participating in intimate committed relationships outside of the marital context, researchers exploring relationship constructs, such as commitment, in intimate partnerships need to build upon the current literature base by investigating such concepts in samples of cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners. Currently, the psychosocial literature regarding the experience of commitment in intimate committed relationships outside of the marital context is scarce, and researchers have been inconsistent in how they conceptualize relationship commitment (Adams & Jones, 1999; Johnson, 1999; Rusbult, 1991). Johnson's (1991, 1999; Johnson, Caughlin & Huston, 1999) Tripartite Model of Commitment is one of the most prominent theories of relationship commitment in the psychosocial literature. Johnson (1991, 1999) proposed that commitment, the intention or desire to continue and maintain one's intimate relationship, is a multidimensional construct that is a result of two dichotomous experiences: (a) attractions and constraints forces, and (b) internal and external processes. From these distinctions, Johnson operationalized commitment as three dimensions: (a) personal commitment, (b) moral commitment, and (c) structural commitment. Moreover, Johnson asserted that the Tripartite Model is applicable to various types of intimate committed relationships. The dimension of moral commitment, which is the extent that one feels obligated to stay in a relationship (Johnson, 1991, 1999), has been the least developed empirically, particularly in relation to partners in intimate relationships outside of the marital context. Moral commitment is a constraining force that operates via internal processes. Researchers examining the Tripartite Model in samples of non-marital partners have left moral commitment out completely or defined it outside of Johnson's (1991a, 1999) conceptualization (e.g. Johnson, 1985; Kurdek, 2000, 2007; Lydon, Pierce, & O'Regan, 1997; Oswald, Goldberg, Kuvalanka, & Clausell, 2008). Thus, researchers need to operationalize moral commitment with cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners in a way that is consistent with Johnson's (1991, 1999) conception to test his assertion that the Tripartite Model is applicable to all types of intimate committed relationships. The aim of this study, then, was to conceptualize the dimension of moral commitment within the framework of Johnson's (1991a, 1999) Tripartite Model of Commitment for non-marital intimate relationships, namely same-sex and cohabiting heterosexual partnerships. An additional goal of this study was to inform counselors' knowledge of how commitment operates in diverse types of intimate partnerships. The researcher used a mixed-methods approach called concept mapping with a sample of cohabiting same-sex partners and opposite-sex partners, collecting data through a three round process. The researcher used an open-ended Internet survey, mailing out data collection packets, and focus groups to collect data for the concept mapping process. The intent of the concept mapping methodology was to develop a better understanding of moral commitment for those in diverse types of intimate committed relationships. Several interesting results were obtained from this study. First, participants in the cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners' focus groups conceptualized the dimension of moral commitment as distinct from that of personal and structural commitment based on their responses to the Relationship Commitment Type Identification Task. Moreover, participants rated the clusters of personal commitment as most descriptive of their experience in their relationship with their partner, with moral commitment being moderately descriptive and structural commitment the least descriptive. These results support Johnson's (1991a, 1999) theory that commitment is a multidimensional experience, and his claim that the Tripartite Model is applicable to diverse types of intimate relationships. The results provided mixed results in terms of Johnson's (1991a, 1999) conceptualization of the three components of moral commitment: general valuing of consistency, person specific obligation, and relationship-type values. Cohabiting same-sex partners typed clusters of moral commitment with items that perceptibly fit with two of the three components, person specific obligation and relationship-type values. Participants in the cohabiting opposite-sex partners group identified one cluster of moral commitment that was discernibly related to the person specific obligation component. Neither group had clusters that were overall indicative of the general valuing of consistency component. Both groups also had clusters typed as moral commitment that were not perceptibly fitting with Johnson's components. Thus, Johnson's (1991a, 1999) theory of the components of moral commitment was partially supported by the results of this study. Finally, the findings of this study indicated several similarities and differences between cohabiting same-sex and opposite sex partners' conceptualizations of moral commitment based on the interpretation of the final cluster solutions from each focus group. Intimate relationships seem to share a comparable basis in that cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners engage in and maintain these relationships because they have feelings of attraction and commitment towards their partner and the relationship. Differing social discourses, however, surround same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. Cohabiting opposite-sex may be less validated in U.S. society than marital partnerships, yet opposite-sex partners do not have to contend with the social discrimination and stigma against their relationships that is faced by same-sex partners. Although the findings of this study suggest that the Tripartite Model may be applicable to diverse types of intimate relationships, unique factors impact same-sex and opposite-sex relationships in light of the differing contexts in which these relationships are situated. This study highlighted the importance of examining relationship commitment in diverse types of intimate committed relationships. The findings provide direction for future research and useful implications for counselors working with cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partners

Transforming Oppression in Nursing Education: Towards a Liberation Pedagogy

This work explores the history of oppression in nursing education and how this oppression serves to perpetuate hostility, mistrust, and rigidity in nursing programs. It looks at how oppressive behaviors are learned and transmitted in nursing programs. Transference of oppressive behaviors occurs as graduates enter the practice arena. This serves to further the gap between nursing education and practice. Examples of oppression in nursing have been included and are based upon the writer's impression of behaviors manifested among faculty, students, and practitioners, not through the systematic review of empirical data. These examples illustrate how oppressive behaviors and practices have served to fragment, disempower, and dehumanize the nursing profession. The writer's examination of her own experiences within nursing education and personal conscious raising is integrated into this work. Liberation pedagogy provided the philosophical and theoretical framework for the development of a model that would promote the humanization of nursing education and build community between nursing education and practice. Building upon this pedagogy, the Clinical Teaching Associate (CTA) model is described. This model has provided a conduit for a dialogue to occur among faculty, students, and practitioners that has led to the formation of new and successful alliances and partnerships between and among nursing education faculty, students, and practice that engenders collaboration, collegiality, and caring

Pre-adolescent peer status as a function of the compatibility of maternal and child temperament, and of mothers' ability to cope with stress

This dissertation examined several aspects of parenting behavior which may play an important role in the child's social and emotional development. The purpose of the study was to expand existing knowledge of differential family relations among children who are of Popular, Average, and Rejected peer status. Although mothers of unpopular children did not report significantly more use of maladaptive coping strategies for dealing with stress, they were found to be more negative in their interactions with their children during a mildly stressful problem solving task. In addition, mothers degree of satisfaction with the child's temperament was predictive of peer status. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that a child's ability to become accepted by peers may be reflective of aspects of the mother-child relationship

Study of white privilege in K- 12 schools: minority teachers’ perspectives

The purpose of this dissertation is to capture and explore the existence of white privilege in K-12 schools through the perspective of minority educators. Further, my hope is to engage educators of all kind to begin conversations about white privilege in the schools; to deconstruct whiteness and its impact on education. This research brings forth voices of minority educators to shed light on conversations around race, whiteness and power in education. Today's educators must critically examine race and whiteness in order to break down barriers for children of color and create spaces where critical race consciousness is developed among students, parents, teachers and administrators. Not talking about race simply ignores it. By ignoring it, we are allowing systems of privilege to narrow mindedly influence education for us all. At the center of this dissertation lies a critical race theory foundation that calls one to challenge the experiences of whites as the normative standard. The null voices of minority educators are no longer acceptable within a critical race theory lens. Using narrative research design and semi structured interview questions, I was able to describe the experiences around white privilege from six minority educators. Dominant and emerging themes emerged including: Power Advantage, Exclusivity, Cultural Differences, Colorblind Ideology, Lack of Awareness or Understanding, Intentionality and Relationships

Integrating Identities for Same-Sex Attracted Clients: Using Developmental Counseling and Therapy to Address Sexual Orientation Conflicts

In recent decades, much of the focus on counseling with same-sex attracted clients has been on affirming their identity as a sexual minority. However, an overuse of gay-affirmative strategies may devalue clients' other multiple, and often conflicting, identities. Developmental counseling and therapy is presented as one approach for counselors that can effectively address sexual orientation conflicts with clients while exploring and valuing the various aspects of clients' selves