College of Arts & Sciences
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Item 4-F: The forgotten unfit of the American military in World War II(1/1/2013) Smith, Tiffany Leigh; Landdeck, Katherine Sharp; Travis, Paul D.; Presnall, BarbaraThis research explores how different segments of American society understood, interpreted, and responded to militarily rejected men, classified as 4-F by the Selective Service System during the Second World War. The first area of this study explores the military's intent and meaning in the creation and use of a 4-F classification. The second section is dedicated to an in depth examination of African American rejection rates. As the only minority group in America kept statistically separate by the U.S. Armed Forces and the Selective Service System, special consideration is given to the circumstances and contributing factors influencing the higher rejection of black men. In contrast to official institutional understandings of 4-F, the third section discusses the social stigma and response to 4-F men on the American home front from the general public, business, and vocal politicians. The fourth section details the intimate implications of military rejection and its associative effects on dating and family life. The fifth and final section is dedicated to how and why some 4-F men sought military reclassification out of 4-F. This thesis seeks to broaden the space in the historical narrative for non-combatant men during WWII and re-examine the complex social dynamics of the U.S. home front.Item 5-HT2A/2C Receptors and lordosis behavior in the female rat(1998-05) Wolf, Amy; Uphouse, Lynda; Droge, Michael; Hardcastle, James; Kowalski, Jacek; Mills, NathnielThe effects of hypothalamic infusion of serotonin (5-HT)2A/2C receptor compounds on lordosis behavior were examined in ovariectomized, hormone-primed (0.5 $\mu$g estradiol benzoate, subcutaneuosly (s.c.), followed 48 hr later with 500 $\mu$g progesterone, s.c.) rats. This hormone-priming condition resulted in some rats that were sexually receptive and some that showed low or no sexual behavior. Sexually receptive rats were inhibited when the 5-HT$\rm\sb{2A/2C}$ receptor antagonist, 3-(2-) 4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-1-piperdinlyl(ethyl) -2,4(1H,3H)-quinazo-linedione tartrate, ketanserin, was infused into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). Hormone-primed ovariectomized rats were more affected by the drug than were proestrous rats. The reason for this apparent difference in sensitivity to the drug is unknown. When ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats with low sexual receptivity received VMN infusion with the 5-HT$\rm\sb{2A/2C}$ receptor agonist, ($\pm$)-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl, DOI, sexual behavior increased. Similar increases in lordosis behavior were observed following infusion with the mixed 5-HT receptor compounds, 2-(1-piperazinyl) quinoline dimaleate, quipazine, and N-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl) piperazine hydrochloride, TFMPP. Facilitation of the behavior occurred within 15-20 min of agonist infusion, while inhibition following antagonist infusion occurred more rapidly. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that 5-HT$\rm\sb{2A/2C}$ receptors in the VMN contribute to the facilitation of female rat sexual behavior.Item A chronological survey of pedagogical trends in music education in the elementary grades(8/31/1948) Garza, Angelina; Terhune, PersisItem A comparison of a school district's music curriculum and ensemble directors' expectations of preparedness within a feeder pattern(7/23/2018) King, Kelli R; Youngblood, PamelaThe purpose of this study was to compare the level of ensemble directors’ expectations of musical knowledge and skills of their students entering 5th, 7th, and 9th grade in schools within a district feeder pattern. The researcher-designed survey was based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for the grade level students had completed the previous year. Participants (N=51) included elementary music specialists and intermediate, middle, and high school band and choir directors employed by a large suburban school district. Band and choir directors and elementary specialists had similar expectations for 3 out of 15 (20%) musical concepts for incoming 5th graders. Band and choir directors had similar expectations for 6 out of 17 (35%) musical concepts for incoming 7th graders and 4 out of 11 (36%) musical concepts for incoming 9th graders. These results suggest that the district could benefit from greater vertical collaboration.Item A comparison of construction characteristics dimensional stability and durability of cashmere, acrylic and wool socks(1996-08) Mote, Marie; Dragoo, Dragoo; Gill, Jack; Riggs, CharlesItem A comparison of music literacy scores between 6th and 7th grade band and choir students in relationship to practice regimen, private instruction, ensemble membership, and student/teacher ratio(6/20/2018) Burton, Stephanie R; Baker, Vicki D.; Woolery, Danielle; Thomas, PaulThe purpose of the study is to compare the development of music literacy skills between 6th and 7th grade band and choral students and determine what factors lead to higher achievement. Data were collected while surveying 5 middle school choir and band directors and collecting scores from their district’s benchmark test that they administered to their 24 ensembles/classes at the beginning and the end of the Fall semester to measure their students’ musical literacy. Results showed that the five groups with the highest gains in scores were four 6th-grade band classes (bassoon, trumpet, percussion, clarinet) and one 7th-grade band. Among these five groups, 100% were required to practice outside of class hours, 80% had a student/teacher ratio of 13:1 or less, and 60% had students that were either selected or auditioned. Thirty-eight percent of the combined membership of the five groups were enrolled in private lessons.Item A comparison of musical aptitude with reading ability and language development among 1st and 2nd grade students(May-23) Fougerousse Aumen, Mary 1992-; Baker, Vicki D.; Lozada, Victor; Thomas, PaulThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of music aptitude with literacy skills for ELL and native English speaker students in the 1st and 2nd grade. This quantitative study follows a correlational design with a comparative component. This study was limited by a small sample (N=28) of 1st and 2nd grade students from one elementary school. Testing instruments for this study included Rhythm and Tonal music aptitude tests from the Intermediate Measures of Music Audiation (IMMA) and literacy measures from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), including phonemic segmentation fluency (PSF), nonsense word fluency (NWF), word reading fluency (WRF), and oral reading fluency (ORF). Results indicated that positive relationships existed between Tonal Audiation, Rhythmic Audiation, and the IMMA composite. The IMMA Composite, the Rhythmic Audiation Test, and the PSF from the DIBELS were statistically significant, favoring native English speakers over ELLs.Item A content analysis of battering interventions: Development of a unified framework for treating relationally violent men(12/7/2020) Slack, Christopher S.; Porras Pyland, Claudia; Stabb, SallyMen’s violence against women in the form of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been an ongoing concern worldwide. While awareness of IPV and interventions for survivors of IPV have grown over the last several decades, relatively little attention has been given to improving battering intervention programs (BIPs) that address men’s violence. Existing data from BIPs show that relationally violent men (RVM) can be a very difficult population to treat. Meta-analyses across BIPs with differing theoretical ideologies show that these programs tend to struggle to retain RVM and have small effects on decreasing recidivism. The current dissertation conducted a content analysis of the available BIP literature addressing men’s violence to develop a more wholistic and unified psychotherapy approach for treating RVM. Propositions related to the causes of IPV, hypotheses regarding treatment, and corresponding operational definitions of interventions were identified in the BIP literature focused on treatment interventions. From this content analysis, a unified model of treating RVM was developed. The resulting unified approach for treating RVM may help to inform future treatment directions and improve the effectiveness of BIP programs in reducing men’s violence and preventing drop out. By allowing therapists and BIP facilitators to respond more flexibly and encouraging a more wholistic view of RVM, it is also hoped that this unified approach will aid facilitators looking to expand their repertoire of skills and conceptualization of RVM.Item A critical discourse analysis of Mexican cooking devoted to American homes by Josefina Velazquez de Leon and my Mexico by Diana Kennedy(Aug-23) Haynes, Jacqui Denise 1981-; Lackey, Dundee; Busl, Gretchen; Fehler, BrianThis Ph.D. dissertation employs a critical discourse analysis approach, backed by cultural rhetorics, to evaluate the significance of Mexico's Indigenous people speaking for themselves in discussions surrounding cultural survivance through Indigenous foods and cookbooks. I apply Norman Fairclough's three-dimensional model to My Mexico: A Culinary Odyssey of More Than 300 Recipes by Diana Kennedy and Mexican Cookbook Devoted to American Homes by Josefina Velazquez de Leon, to identify instances of language that demonstrate resistance and survivance, as well as appropriation, in the recovery and representation of Indigenous people's works. This dissertation challenges the widely held belief that Diana Kennedy is the foremost expert on Mexican cuisine by examining introductions, recipes, and interviews by and about both women and documenting language use which counters the preservation and representation of Mexico's Indigenous culture. In doing so, I reiterate that it is Josefina Velazquez de Leon who extensively researched and documented Mexican food before Kennedy and deserves recognition as the pioneer who preserved and represented Mexico and Mexico's Indigenous foods through cookbooks. Despite her significant contributions, Velazquez de Leon remains relatively unknown outside of Mexico, and the lack of visibility and acknowledgment of her work contributes to the erasure of Indigenous people's voices from the conversations about Indigenous foods. By examining the difference between Indigenous people speaking for themselves through their food and cookbooks, compared to an outsider sharing observations of Indigenous people's storied recipes, this research seeks to contribute to ongoing debates about cultural preservation, representation, and agency in Mexico's diverse cultural landscape. The findings of this study will help to shed light on the importance of amplifying the voices of Mexico Indigenous people in discussions surrounding their cultural heritage and reveal how the latter's contributions to the field of Mexican cuisine have been largely overlooked by the mainstream media and food industry.Item A descriptive survey of the trends of music therapy interns vocal health(May-23) Jeong, Yeojin 1994-; DiMaio, Lauren; West, Rebecca; Tarr, JefferyThe purpose of this study is to investigate the vocal health tendencies of music therapy interns. The descriptive survey was administered to 25 music therapy interns. The results indicated that a majority of the participants experienced vocal fatigue and had a limited understanding of their own voices and the importance of warm-up and cool-down exercises. This lack of knowledge may be attributed to inadequate practical education and a lack of clear guidelines from the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) regarding vocal health. As a result, interns were prone to neglect the importance of proper vocal care. This study highlights the need for more practical voice education and clearer guidelines from AMTA regarding vocal health for music therapy interns.Item A Developmental English shuffle: Analyzing the impact of one Texas community college’s shift from multi-level stand-alone offerings to corequisite courses(4/5/2021) Dole, Ivan; Scott, GrayDevelopmental English (DE) has been under fire from critics who think it acts as a barrier rather than as a support to the success of students placing into DE. In Texas, such pressures led to a wave of reforms and changes affecting delivery and structure of DE instruction. This dissertation draws on years of internal data at one community college to explore the impacts of these changes on student success. Overall, DE students found success (68.5%) at the same rate as their college-ready counterparts (64.7%). There was a significant difference between Prerequisite support and Corequisite support (p < .001) with Prerequisite having the greater effect on success. There was also significant difference between Hybrid, Lecture, and Online offerings. Hybrid was found to be the most effective modality and Online the least effective. Additionally, a multiple linear regression predicted a success rate of 93.5% if a DE student took a 16-week, Fall-term, Hybrid freshman composition course with Prerequisite support. While there are limitations and more questions to consider, the study’s exploratory and quantitative findings offer direct implications for DE faculty, programs, and administrators.Item A gender analysis of Texas university interscholastic league band concert and sight reading evaluation adjudication panels from 2010-2019(5/21/2020) Najera, Melinda; Baker, Vicki D.The purpose of this study was to determine the male-female ratio of band directors serving on adjudication panels for Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) concert and sight reading evaluations from 2010 to 2019. The gender makeup of the adjudication panels used in band UIL concert and sight reading evaluation for middle school and high school from 2010 to 2019 were recorded. Data were analyzed by gender, region, and grade level (middle school and high school). Results indicate that the average percentage of female UIL band adjudicators hired between 2010 and 2019 was 16.6%, and there were 5.5% more female judges in 2019 than in 2010. Of the 1,482 combined concert and sight reading evaluation panels from 2010-2019, the percentage of all-female panels was 0.2%, and the percentage of all-male panels was 43.1%. In the past decade, a larger percentage of females were hired to judge middle school evaluations (71%) than high school evaluations (25%).Item A mixed methods survey of music therapists who work with adolescents with adverse experiences: Examining the trends of client advocacy(4/6/2022) Montgomery, Casey; DiMaio, LaurenThe purpose of this mixed methods survey was to document the trends of advocacy for adolescents with adverse experiences, as well as understand those experiences. Advocacy from music therapists was generally defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on the behalf of their adolescent clients who has had adverse experiences. An adolescent with adverse experiences was defined as someone who faces extreme threats to successfully transitioning into adulthood. For qualitative data analysis, all narratives were coded using inductive coding, bottom to top process where the categories emerge from the data. All quantitative questions were reported using statistical analysis through PsychData. To analyze the quantitative data, statistical mean, percentages, and ranges were calculated and graphed for each question. The qualitative data was then used to explain the quantitative data. The results suggest that music therapists are aware of the importance of and need for client advocacy, and those that engage in client advocacy as a part of their work can see how it benefits their clients. However, client advocacy is still under-addressed in formal education, continued education, and in music therapy standards and competencies.Item A mixed-method, factorial examination of men's and women's perceptual and affective responses to ideal, actual, and average male and female bodies(10/16/2017) Diekhoff, Deana; Porras Pyland, Claudia; Stabb, Sally D.; Reimers, Faye; Rosen, LisaBody image issues have traditionally been perceived as women’s issues, but this is no longer true. Both men and women are impacted by social pressures to look perfect (Calogero & Thompson, 2010; Grogan, 2008). Adolescents and young adults are most at-risk for maladaptive behaviors related to body image issues (Eisenberg, Wall, & Neumark-Sztainer, 2012; Fernandez & Pritchard, 2012; Frederick et al., 2007; Salk & Engeln-Maddox, 2012). The literature on body image dissatisfaction is immense, but only 12 research articles were published between 2005 and 2015 dealing specifically with men’s and women’s perceptions of the ideal female and male bodies. Eight these studies were international and used samples that may not represent the U.S. population. Many used relatively small samples that limited statistical power (Warner, 2008). Finally, most of the studies used a small number of artificial body stimuli (e.g., figural outlines, body silhouettes) and required that subjects choose a single stimulus that captured the “ideal” male or female body. There were three overarching goals of the present mixed-method, factorial examination of men’s and women’s perceptions of male and female bodies: (a) to correct some of the methodological flaws of previous studies, (b) to contribute to the literature on the basic processes involved in body perception, and (c) to inform the therapeutic efforts of clinicians who work with clients with body image issues. Results showed that participants used different perceptual filters when perceiving male and female bodies. Female stimuli were sorted on the basis of observers’ evaluative and affective reaction. Males were sorted based largely on judgments of potency. Men were more likely than women to identify female bodies as ideal if they were curvy, with larger breasts, and less muscle definition. Women more frequently viewed athletic female bodies as ideal. There was far more gender consensus on the ideal male body. Both men and women reacted more negatively to same-gender ideals than to opposite-gender ideals. Men and women reported equal levels of body dissatisfaction. Personal fitness variables shaped several aspects of body perception and over a dozen statistically significant correlations linked physical fitness variables to body perception outcomes.Item A phenomenological exploration of the financial implications of being a music therapist(Aug-23) Turner, Sarah Abigail 1997-; DiMaio, Lauren; Woolery, Danielle; West, RebeccaMusic therapists experience several financial responsibilities as they undergo completing their degree and internship, becoming certified, and working as professionals. Scant literature exists that encompasses the broad range of experiences throughout this timeline. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how financial responsibilities impacted music therapists’ lived experiences as students and professionals. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with five board-certified music therapists and used an interpretive phenomenological analysis to derive four major themes: complexities within the music therapy career, privilege, advocacy, and burnout. Practical implications are made for music therapists to better understand the potential barriers and circumstances that exist in the field and to begin to establish necessary support and change.Item A phenomenological investigation of the experience of graduate-level music therapists with dual certification in counseling(Dec-22) Reyes, Joseph Anthony 1988-; DiMaio, Lauren; DiMaio, Lauren; Muro, Joel; West, RebeccaThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the academic and professional experiences of graduate-level music therapists with dual licensure in counseling. The intent was to identify similarities and differences within and across therapists’ experiences, to denote emerging themes, and to provide insight into the phenomena of dual certification in music therapy and counseling. This study had five participants. Based on the results, attaining dual certification may improve various areas of the clinician’s lived experiences, including their employability, compensation, sense of competency, self-worth, and future outlook. The interlocking model of three domains—academic experiences, professional experiences, and personal development—was developed to illustrate how these areas affect the quality of client care. Implications for future research include scope of practice between dual-certified and single-credentialed therapists, university program design, and addressing potential consequences of music therapy advocacy efforts.Item A Program evaluation of The One Love Foundation’s Escalation Workshop(1/27/2020) Wierzchowski, Andrea A; Palomares, Ronald S.Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects 10 million individuals and accounts for 15% of all violent crime in the United States (U.S.) every year. IPV extends beyond physical injury and can result in death; accounting for 16% (about 1 in 6) of murder victims. In that 16%, nearly 50% are female victims (926 out of 1809 IPV homicide victims) in the U.S. are killed by an intimate partner. The One Love Foundation created a 90-minute, peer facilitator-lead educational program, The Escalation Workshop (Escalation), that aims to provide education through a short film and group discussion about the warning signs and characteristics of unhealthy relationships in 2010 in an effort to save lives; however, this workshop has not been scientifically validated. As such, the aim this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Escalation utilizing the Rapid Feedback Evaluation (RFE) model. A total of 152 adults (137 women; 42.90% White/European-American; median age 19) were recruited from a Tier 2 university in southwestern United States from December 2018 to February 2019 and completed Escalation as well as pre-, post-, and two-month follow up intervention surveys. Overall, results of statistical analyses revealed that Escalation provides education to participants in identifying characteristics of unhealthy relationship behaviors and safely intervening in situations of IPV, which are believed to ultimately contribute to lowering statistics related to IPV.Item A qualitative exploration of women-of-color professional academic advisors' perceptions and experiences(7/10/2019) Tamplin, Elia S.; Kessler, MarkWithin higher education institutions and research, Women-of-Color’s (WOC) professional experiences have become more visible. Yet, the lived experiences of WOC professional academic advisors working in colleges and universities are missing from the literature. WOC advisors are vital to student success as they are mentors, teachers, guides, cheerleaders, stand-in parental figures, role models, and advocates. As well, they are important because they contribute to serving as a mediator and bridge in higher education conversations around supporting and affirming Students of Color. Perhaps uncovering their stories and learning how they can be better supported will allow them to better thrive in their roles on campus and in higher education. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore and make visible the lives and experiences of WOC advisors, while expanding understandings of WOC experiences within the university as a whole. This phenomenological study, inspired by critical-feminist/womanist epistemologies and intersectionality, consists of semi-structured interviews with nine Women-of-Color professional academic advisors. Results contribute significantly to past research that examines the experiences of WOC in the Ivory tower. As well, the results introduce a more focused look at Advisor of Color experiences within academic advising. More specifically, this study contributes detailed information on Women-of-Color professional academic advisors and their experiences, information that can be used to make recommendations that guide advising and institutional best practices and policy.Item A qualitative inquiry of the lived experiences of high school students who qualify for special education under emotional disturbance(2022-12-01T06:00:00.000Z) Erickson, Cheryl S; Herbstrith, Julie; Stabb, Sally; Johnson, WendiStudents who are qualified under the special education category of Emotional Disturbance (ED) have some of the highest academic deficits, behavioral problems, and negative life outcomes compared to other eligibility groups. The heterogeneous nature of students classified as ED makes it difficult for school personnel to understand their needs. Previous research with students in this category has been from other people’s perspectives. This study examined junior and senior high school students labeled ED and their perspectives about school, identity, being labeled ED, and future expectations. Four female students participated in a qualitative interview about their lives. A case-by-case and thematic analysis revealed nine themes. Three themes addressed school experiences. Two themes addressed students’ perceptions of themselves. Two themes inquired about students’ perceptions of the ED label. Two themes were related to students’ expectations of the future. The findings indicated that participants struggled throughout school with the exceptions the last two years. They expressed difficulties with executive functioning, peer relationships, and mental health. The participants reported feeling generally positive feelings towards their teachers and themselves. When it came to the future, the participants expressed excitement and uncertainty about life after high school.Item A rhetorical analysis of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia(8/31/2018) Joshi, Giribala; Fehler, Brian, 1976-In this thesis, I analyze Isaac Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica in the framework of Aristotle’s theories of rhetoric. Despite the long-held view that science only deals with brute facts and does not require rhetoric, we learn that science has its own special topics. This study highlights the rhetorical situation of the Principia and Newton’s rhetorical strategies, emphasizing the belief that scientific facts and theories are also rhetorical constructions. This analysis shows that the credibility of the author and the text, the emotional debates before and after the publication of the text, the construction of logical arguments, and the presentation style makes the book the epitome of scientific writing. Through this analysis, I discover the significance of rhetoric science and how it helps us understand science as a subject and how it can be used for the benefit of society.