This study compared the sexual knowledge and sexual attitudes of college students. Utilizing the Sex Knowledge Inventory - Form Y and the Valois Sexual Attitudes Questionnaire, data was gathered from 203 students. Analysis of the data concluded no significant differences between the sexual knowledge of or the sexual attitudes of male and female subjects. A significant difference, at .01, was found between the attitudes of subjects scoring either low or high in sexual knowledge. Individuals with lower knowledge expressed less accepting sexual attitudes, while those with higher knowledge expressed more accepting sexual attitudes. Lastly, the correlation of sexual knowledge with attitude indicated a positive association to exist between high sexual knowledge and various' sexual topics.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1986 L485 / Master of Science / Education

The purpose of this study was to explore American and Chinese college student underlying cultural assumptions, which influence their perceptions and behaviors in various domains of life. The objectives of this study were to: (a) To generate timely knowledge of Chinese and American youth's cultural images, meanings, and frame of reference. (b) To evaluate the extent and nature of psycho-cultural difference between American and Chinese population samples. (c) To increase the cross-cultural awareness of both cultural groups and offer deeper insights of perceptions and belief system of their contemporaries. (d) To examine how the economic, social and political changes affect people's images and cultural frame of reference. (e) To provide a better tool to prepare future study abroad students. The methodology employed in this research includes Associate Group Analysis (AGA), focus groups, and participant observation. The data derived from 73 returned surveys on 25 stimulus words (42 from Chinese respondents and 31 from American respondents). These were analyzed using AGA. Focus groups and participant observation were used as follow-up research methods to clarify, extend, and qualify findings on the topics explored in the analysis. The findings revealed that American self-image and their attitudes towards family, education, values, conscience and other domains of life showed strong individualistic traits with an emphasis placed on self-reliance. Compared to American students, Chinese students' cultural assumptions are related to broad cultural factors derived from Chinese traditional beliefs about self-control and group harmony. Under the influence of western culture, Chinese youth have undergone certain changes in their perceptions and practices. They are experimenting with independent thinking and more concerned with developing their interests and potentials. They readily visualize their material goals and struggle for more personal freedom. However, in spite of the strong pull of western culture and materialism, Chinese students still hold the traditional aspirations of "group harmony," "reciprocity," "mutual obligation" and "self-cultivation," reflecting the stability of community norms over time. / Graduation date: 2003

This study described how and why a Korean elementary teacher taught mathematics as he did. Specifically, the study sought to describe his beliefs about the teaching and learning of mathematics and relate them to patterns of classroom interaction and norms. An ethnographic inquiry guided the study of one third grade 10-year veteran teacher over three months in Korea. Through participant observation, the researcher observed Teacher Lee's teaching paying special attention to the mathematics lessons for one class of 45 students daily Monday through Saturday. Formal and informal interviews were used to collect data on the teacher and 17 of his students as well as other teachers (such as four teachers in the third grade), two principals, two mothers, and three beginning teachers. In addition to participant observation and interviews, a variety of documents were also collected, including newspapers, articles from journals, test items used in the teacher's classroom, daily worksheets, curriculum guide book, mathematics textbook, the school's newspaper. All videotapes and audiotapes were transcribed for inductive analysis. The analysis generated six major themes of the teacher's beliefs about the teaching and learning of mathematics and how those beliefs impacted the interactions and norms: (a) behave orderly, think freely; (b) teaching mathematics with understanding; (c) manipulative activities and games; (d) discourse-oriented teaching practices; (e) mathematical tasks; and (f) professional development. The teacher's beliefs about the teaching and learning of mathematics were closely related to the interaction patterns and classroom norms. This close relationship implies that identifying interaction patterns and classroom norms may shed light on understanding teachers' beliefs and teaching practices. The teacher's study group activity was a major professional development factor in promoting the consistent relationship. Implications and recommendations included (a) the need for more study of classroom norms and interactions as practical knowledge of teaching mathematics, (b) the need for investigating the effect of a study group to support teacher change, (c) the importance of the relationship between pedagogical content knowledge and teachers' beliefs, and (d) the need for more study of classroom management for teaching mathematics using understanding and discourse as an instructional strategy. / Graduation date: 2000

Oregon educational reform efforts are moving ahead with the support of legislation, business and industry, and education. There has been little apparent consideration given to the readiness of tenth graders to make career choices even though the research in the area of career maturity indicates that students at this period in their career development are not prepared to make mature career choices. This study examined the perceptions of selected eleventh graders, parents, and teachers of the factors that influenced the students' readiness to make their career choices. The perceived factors found by each participant included: experience and information, interest in the career area, and personal values. Students and parents identified the need for personal satisfaction. Students and teachers identified skills and abilities. Students, solely, identified the importance of parental support as a factor in their readiness. The factors were comparable to those found in current literature on career maturity and career choice. However, the emphasis placed on certain factors was in contrast to the literature. Participants emphasized the importance of work experience in the area of career choice. Students did not find value in career education classes. They wanted career experiences to provide individualized career information. Each student discussed television as a means of obtaining career-related information. Students stressed the essential nature of positive parental support. This study showed a strong connection between the self-described self-concept of the student, perception of parental support, and career choice readiness. The participants believed that the students were ready to make individual career choices. However, this readiness was presented within the boundaries that students be allowed the flexibility to change their minds at any point in the process, without penalty. Further research was indicated in relation to: the importance of television as a means of obtaining career-related information; the link between self-concept, perception of parental support, and career choice; and the need to examine current approaches to career development and guidance practices in light of educational reform mandates. / Graduation date: 1997

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant relationships exist among terminal values, demographic variables and health care preferences for information and behavioral involvement for graduate students from the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. The Rokeach Value Survey and the Krantz Health Opinion Survey were used to collect data from graduate students at Oregon State University. The data derived from 161 returned questionnaires (91 from the People's Republic of China and 70 from Taiwan) were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, multiple regression, and the t-test. Results showed subjects from the People's Republic of China and Taiwan differed significantly on two terminal values. Students from the People's Republic of China valued more a comfortable life and a world of beauty than the students from Taiwan. The terminal value of health was ranked in the lower half of the 18 terminal values by both groups of students which contradicts the literature. Respondents from the People's Republic of China had a significantly higher preference for information than Taiwan students who had a significantly higher health care preference for active participation and behavioral involvement. Preferences may be related to the political community and institutional differences in the health care delivery in the two countries. The value for an exciting life and use of a community physician or hospital were significant predictors of a health care preference for information. The values a world of beauty and social recognition were significantly related to a health care preference for behavioral involvement. / Graduation date: 1991

There is no abstract available for this dissertation. / Department of Educational Studies

This study analyzed three different groups’ perceptions of 21st Century literacy and technology. The three groups were juniors and seniors at two large urban high schools, juniors and seniors in teacher education programs from four mid-west post-secondary schools, and the four deans of education at four post-secondary schools. A mixed methods research design was used including a survey of student groups and interviews of all four deans and representatives of each of the schools. Findings included differences in perceptions of each of the groups as well as differences in access and use of technology. The implications for teacher education and future research in the area of 21st Century literacy are included. / Department of Educational Leadership

This study aimed to answer the research question: “What role do stakeholders believe character education might play in strengthening UAE university students’ local knowledge?” Implementing character education was explored in terms of its potential influence on national identity and local knowledge in UAE education. The literature review covers several studies that inform a relevant research design. The literature review determines the best-fit term to use in this study by comparing and contrasting suitability of related pedagogical fields to character education, such as citizenship, civic, moral, and ethics education. Additionally, studies that serve as useful examples, such as the Crick Report, Lee’s Taiwan study, and regionally relevant articles such as Al Kharusi and Atweh, are discussed to inform the reader of the study’s design for the Dubai context. A mixed methods methodological design was used with a two-phased approach, a quantitative questionnaire survey and a qualitative series of interviews using an interview schedule. With a relativist, constructivist interpretive viewpoint, three groups were assessed with more than 300 participants: students and administrators at a Dubai case study university were assessed, as well as a group of external education leaders. Findings generally supported the idea of strengthening local knowledge learning both in and outside of educational institutions, with a focus on culture and language familiarity. Also, stakeholders strongly felt the need for choice in how and where learning takes place. Findings that inform the current status quo include that there is already a sentiment of citizenship within the UAE by expatriate residents. Many residents allude to the ‘third culture’ phenomenon, and thus feel belonging to several societies. Thus, results show that character education has potential to influence local knowledge and national identity within the UAE, and be directed at all students, both national and non-national.

The present study used a delay discounting procedure to characterize choice behaviors in behavioral impulsivity regarding hypothetical monetary outcomes in relation to political, religious and sexual attitudes. Participants were presented with three separate metrics to measure their political, religious and sexual attitudes and then with delay discounting choices, regarding hypothetical monetary outcomes. In the delay discounting measure, participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario, a preference for a certain monetary amount now, or $1,000 at a later specified time. The survey was administered with 26 participants; however, four of the participants’ data were removed due to errors. Results indicated there was no significant relationship between AUC values and political attitudes - r (22) = .14, r2 = .02, p > .05, p = .26. Results indicated there was no significant relationship between AUC values and religious attitudes - r (22) = .27, r2 = .07, p > .05, p = .11. A significant relationship was found between AUC and sexual attitudes - r (22) = -.39, r2 = .15, p < .05, p = .048. Furthermore, the results indicated there was a significant relationship between AUC values and the communion subscale of sexual attitudes – r (22) = -.48, r2 = .23, p < .05, p = .01. The current investigation has implications for further understanding of choice and decision-making behavior and how to predict and influence the respective choices and decisions to improve the quality of life of all individuals.