UNT Theses and Dissertations - 53 Matching Results

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Determination of the Optimal Number of Strata for Bias Reduction in Propensity Score Matching.

Description: Previous research implementing stratification on the propensity score has generally relied on using five strata, based on prior theoretical groundwork and minimal empirical evidence as to the suitability of quintiles to adequately reduce bias in all cases and across all sample sizes. This study investigates bias reduction across varying number of strata and sample sizes via a large-scale simulation to determine the adequacy of quintiles for bias reduction under all conditions. Sample sizes rang… more
Date: May 2010
Creator: Akers, Allen
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries

The Impact of Including Teacher and School Characteristics on Predicting Value-Added Score Estimates

Description: Value-added models (VAMs) have become widely used in evaluating teacher accountability. The use of these models for high-stakes decisions making has been very controversial due to lack of consistency in classifying teachers as high performing or low performing. There is an abundance of research on the impact of various student level covariates on teacher value-added scores; however, less is known about the impact of teacher-level and school-level covariates. This study uses hierarchical linear … more
Date: May 2021
Creator: Allen, Lauren E.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Examination of HIPPY Mothers' Parenting Efficacy: Association between Family Structure and Process

Description: This study examined the relationships between family structure (organization and control), family process (cohesion, expressiveness, and conflict) with parenting sense of competency (parenting efficacy) for mothers (n = 138) engaged in Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) related activities. Family structure in this study looked at how the family system is organized regarding clarity of family rules. In addition, family processes of the research participants looked at da… more
Date: May 2019
Creator: Asare, Lionel Kwame
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
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Lasso Regularization for DIF Detection in Graded Response Models

Description: Previous research has tested the lasso method for DIF detection in dichotomous items, but limited research is available on this technique for polytomous items. This simulation study compares the lasso method to hybrid ordinal logistic regression to test performance in terms of TP and FP rates when considering sample size, test length, number of response categories, group balance, DIF proportion, and DIF magnitude. Results showed better Type I error control with the lasso, with smaller sample si… more
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Date: May 2023
Creator: Avila Alejo, Denisse
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Special Education Experiences for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description: Millions of students with disabilities in the United States have access to educational programming to assist and provide special education support services. In existence for mere decades, special education as it currently stands was founded on groundbreaking legislation and refining law in the form of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The most recent revision of this law in 2004 significantly extended parents' rights to be decision-makers in the educational planning process… more
Date: May 2022
Creator: Barron, Will
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Early Intervention Referral and Service Frequency for Children with Visual Impairments: Experiences from the Field

Description: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in early intervention (EI) referral and service frequency for children with blindness or visual impairment (BVI) and gather information about the practices and experiences of vision professionals across the United States. The study focused on obtaining data from certified teachers of students with visual impairment (CTVI) and certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMS) in the United States. Information collected included descripti… more
Date: May 2021
Creator: Bishop, Audra Lea
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Comparison of Heterogeneity and Heterogeneity Interval Estimators in Random-Effects Meta-Analysis

Description: Meta-analyses are conducted to synthesize the quantitative results of related studies. The random-effects meta-analysis model is based on the assumption that a distribution of true effects exists in the population. This distribution is often assumed to be normal with a mean and variance. The population variance, also called heterogeneity, can be estimated numerous ways. Accurate estimation of heterogeneity is necessary as a description of the distribution and for determining weights applied in … more
Date: May 2018
Creator: Boedeker, Peter
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Spatial Ability, Motivation, and Attitude of Students as Related to Science Achievement

Description: Understanding student achievement in science is important as there is an increasing reliance of the U.S. economy on math, science, and technology-related fields despite the declining number of youth seeking college degrees and careers in math and science. A series of structural equation models were tested using the scores from a statewide science exam for 276 students from a suburban north Texas public school district at the end of their 5th grade year and the latent variables of spatial abilit… more
Date: May 2011
Creator: Bolen, Judy Ann
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Parents’ Reported Utilization, Accessibility, and Effectiveness of Academic Support Resources for Military Adolescents at Fort Hood Military Base

Description: Academic support resources are increasingly available to military-connected youth; however, the military community, in general, tends to under-utilize available resources. The research literature has not clearly identified accessibility to military academic support resources or perceived effectiveness of resources as explanations for under-utilization of adolescent support services. The current research study examines military parents' perceptions of academic resource programs looking at how … more
Date: May 2016
Creator: Booker, Dana Dean
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Applied Use of Video Modeling in Educational and Clinical Settings: A Survey of Autism Professionals

Description: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display deficits in communication and social interaction that can impact their ability to function in daily environments. To remediate these deficits, it is critical for professionals to use effective interventions. While there are many evidence-based practices (EBPs) identified for ASD (e.g., video modeling), the adoption of these EBPs may not occur automatically. Existing research suggests professionals have a generally favorable impression o… more
Date: May 2017
Creator: Caldwell, Nicole K.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

A Study of Novice Special Education Teachers’ Preparation to Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Description: The purpose of this study is to identify novice teachers’ perception of their preparedness to teach a class designed for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after graduation from a traditional university-based special education program or from a special education alternative certification program. Teacher preparedness and the need for highly qualified teachers of students with ASD are relevant topics, as the prevalence rate of ASD continues to increase. This phenomenological qualitat… more
Date: May 2014
Creator: Callaway, Stacey E.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Culturally Competent Evaluations

Description: Significant growth in the number of English language learners (ELLs) in U.S. schools is anticipated to continue, demanding that educators and evaluators have the skills necessary to distinguishing language difference from disability and provide appropriate services to these students. However, little research exists examining the role of evaluator's cultural competence in evaluating ELLs for special education; furthermore, what does exist shows that many evaluators report low levels of self-eff… more
Date: May 2017
Creator: Chen, Cristina Rodríguez
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Eastern Work Ethic: Structural Validity, Measurement Invariance, and Generational Differences

Description: This present study examined the structural validity of a Chinese version of Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP-C), using a large sample of Chinese parents and their young adult children (N = 1047). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to evaluate the model fit of sample data on three competing models using two randomly split stratified subsamples. Measurement invariance for these two generational respondents was checked using differential item functioning (DIF) analysis. The re… more
Date: May 2014
Creator: Chen, Danxia
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Comparing the Effects of Home Versus Clinic-Based Parent Training for Children with Autism

Description: Research with parents on managing child problem behavior typically measures either child or parent behavior. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of training parents to implement a function-based behavior intervention plan (BIP) in a non-trained natural environment utilizing a Multiple Probe Design across Participants. Participants included four parent-child dyads. Measurement variables included parents' use of effective and ineffective strategies and child problem behavior. In… more
Date: May 2010
Creator: Crone, Regina M.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Stereotypical Science: Exploring High School Occupational Preferences for Science by Sex, Personality, and Cognitive Ability

Description: Circumscription and Compromise theory suggests self-concept and sex stereotype explain occupational preferences, including preferences for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Support exists for sex differences between males and females in both science degrees and science careers. The main thrust of observed sex differences in science lies in the development of occupational interest, as it has been suggested females are encouraged away from science due to stereotypes and soc… more
Date: May 2016
Creator: Ferguson, Sarah Lynn
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries

Complex-Restricted Repetitive Patterns of Vocal Behavior of Individuals with High Functioning Autism: An Innovative Intervention

Description: Repetitive verbal patterns of speech are a trait associated with high-functioning autism (HFA). For some, this higher-order restricted, repetitive behavior impedes learning, social opportunities, and access to work environments. Despite emerging motivation for establishing social relationships, some individuals with HFA lack the behavioral prerequisites to establish meaningful relationships. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of teaching interaction to decrease hig… more
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Date: May 2019
Creator: Flatt, Kimberlee Kay
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Using Behavioral Skills Training to Teach Precursor Fire Safety Evacuation Skills to Children with Autism

Description: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have challenges with communication, changes in routine, and processing social information and communication that can affect their ability to learn and respond successfully to safety threats. When given behavioral skills training (BST), children with and without ASD have demonstrated gains in safety responding skills. Although the prevalence of ASD has risen, few studies exist on the acquisition of fire safety skills for children with ASD. This st… more
Date: May 2022
Creator: Foxman, Amy
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Spatial Ability in Registered Nurses

Description: Spatial ability is the skill associated with mental relations among objects, the process of maintaining the physical aspects of an object after mentally rotating it in space. Many studies report a strong association of spatial ability with success in various areas of health care, especially surgery, radiology and dentistry. To date, similar investigations in professional nursing could not be located. Registered nurses, employed in an acute care multi-hospital setting, were surveyed using the S… more
Date: May 2014
Creator: Gardner, Janet E.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Effects of a Prototypical Training Program on the Implementation of Systematic Observational Data Collection on Iep Objectives for the Core Deficits of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Description: Legal mandates and best practice recommendations for the education of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) emphasize the importance of systematic, ongoing observational data collection in order to monitor progress and demonstrate accountability. The absence of such documentation in decision-making on instructional objectives indicates a weakness in bridging the research-to-practice gap in special education. Utilizing a multiple baseline design across participants, the current study e… more
Date: May 2013
Creator: Harkins, Jessica L.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

A Comparative Study of Advanced Placement and Learning Differenced Students: Comparing Internal Attribution and Correlation to Hopefulness.

Description: The goal of this research was to determine if there are significant differences in the attribution styles for positive and negative events between students of differing ability and the correlation of these attribution styles to hopefulness. The study examined twelfth grade advanced placement (AP N = 45) students and twelfth grade students with documented learning differences enrolled in college preparatory classes (CP-LD N = 14). Both groups of students came from high socioeconomic backgrounds.… more
Date: May 2009
Creator: Hayden, Johanna
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries

Accommodating People Safety Curriculum for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Description: Children with disabilities are three to four times more likely to be abused than their non-disabled peers due to the impact of challenges related to behavior, cognition, language, social skills, and communication skills. In September of 2018, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) specifically noted the need to establish maltreatment prevention and response curricula and promote research and advocacy surrounding maltreatment of children with disabilities. One common curriculum recommended i… more
Date: May 2021
Creator: Johnson, Jennifer A. L.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries

Parenting Highly and Profoundly Gifted Children: Perspectives on Competence, Belonging, and Support within a Sociocultural Context

Description: Limited research exists regarding the experiences and perspectives of parents of highly and profoundly gifted children. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences and perspectives of parents of highly and profoundly gifted children in developmental and cultural contexts. Semi-structured interviews were followed by thematic analysis regarding parental efficacy and parents' perceived support in parenting and educational communities to provide rich insights and to ill… more
Date: May 2023
Creator: Johnson, Rebecca M.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Infants' Perceptions of Mothers' Phone Use: Is Mothers' Phone Use Generating the Still Face Effect?

Description: Using a modified still-face procedure the present study explores 3-6-month-old infants' behavioral and physiological responses to mothers' screen distractions during mother-infant interactions. In the modified phone still-face procedure the neutral face of the traditional still face procedure was replaced with mothers' texting on their mobile phones. Infants' cortisol stress responses to mothers' device use were assessed through the collection of 3 infant saliva samples. Infants' behavioral res… more
Date: May 2017
Creator: Kildare, Cory A.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Perceptions of Family Vacation and Family Cohesion and the Moderating Effects of Parenting Style

Description: Family cohesion, or emotional bonding, is important to family functioning. Shared activities such as family vacations offer opportunities for strengthening the family unit which can improve cohesion. Additionally, parenting style has direct influence on the family unit and family cohesion. This study’s purpose was to assess to what extent the perception of the family vacation experience predicted the perception of family cohesion and whether that relationship was moderated by parenting style… more
Date: May 2014
Creator: Kruenegel-Farr, Debbie S.
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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