<p> The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sleep schedule on the learning trajectories, acquisition, and consolidation for preschoolers participating in a training program targeting attention. This study expanded on current literature by examining the effect of training attention skills and focused on sleep in preschoolers using an experimental design. Explorations of how changes in bedtime play a role in training attention in preschoolers were made. </p><p> Sleep is important for daytime functioning and sleep loss has many implications, including risk for poorer academic performance and learning. Early intervention and preventive measures addressing executive functions can help children better manage their behaviors in work and play situations. Studies have shown that attention skills in children can be trained. This study expanded on current literature by assessing the generalization of attention training to other executive function skills, such as inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Research has mainly focused on inhibition and working memory, and more recently, attention. To hopefully improve understanding of the attention skills in preschoolers, an additional variable of sleep restriction was evaluated. </p><p> Findings indicated, contrary to initial prediction, that children who were sleep restricted performed better during post-test assessment compared to children who followed their typical bedtime schedules. Sleep restricted preschoolers performed better in all executive function areas that were assessed in this study, which included inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and attention. Findings revealed that acute sleep restriction in preschoolers increased the effects of attention training. Differences in findings from this study and other studies are addressed.</p>

<p> A leadership program was created for students to gain skills and/or change their behavior using Appreciative Inquiry and Video Self Modeling, VSM. In 2011, a youth that experiences a disability had been unable to achieve a skill utilizing traditional methods of skill acquisition. He employed the Appreciative Inquiry and VSM leadership program and was able to achieve 100% skill acquisition. Appreciative Inquiry was used to gather information on what makes a participant who experiences a disability feel successful and the theme of the greater organization/class which was independence, provided guidance for examples of success. Videos were created showing students succeeding in activities that they have not yet achieved or participated in with low frequency. These activities were documented as a barrier to success typically in the Individual Education Plan, IEP. Viewing these videos aids the individual in achieving a goal as they viewed this desired future as the present in the majority of cases. </p><p> Keywords: Appreciative Inquiry, Video Self Modeling, Skill, Behavior, Disability, Leadership, Education</p>

<p> Physical activity during the school day is becoming more important as the health of our children stays below optimal levels. Yoga has been shown to increase physical activity levels and decrease stress. This study, guided by the Social Cognitive Theory's idea of reciprocal determinism, sought to determine the effects of a Yoga Calm^&reg; certified classroom teacher incorporating yoga poses, breathing and relaxation techniques and games into every school day. Quantitative data were analyzed using a series of paired and independent t-tests, and self-reports revealed students receiving yoga decreased scores in stress and fighting, but increased scores in anger. Qualitative data were coded for themes and revealed the student's behavior improved, in particular an increase in focus and attention, and students were less fidgety. Yoga participation and use of breathing techniques increased at home and school, particularly when nervous, afraid, to prevent fighting, decrease anger, and to calm students down.</p>

<p> The current study tested the hypothesis that student spirituality would relate positively to the construct of calling and that these constructs together would lead toward career decidedness. To test this model, a sample consisting of 1139 students from a large Midwest university was surveyed. Results supported these hypotheses only in part. The results suggest the spirituality construct to consist of spiritual identity, spiritual quest, and equanimity consistent with the Astin, Astin, and Lindholm spirituality study. Both search for calling and presence of calling consisted of three parts consistent with Dik and Duffy's concept of calling: transcendent summons, purposeful work, and prosocial orientation. The career decidedness construct also consisted of three domains in accordance with Savickas' formulation: career path, academic major, and occupation. </p><p> Spirituality, in general, highly correlated with search for calling. Correlations were also high between search for calling and presence of calling. Because of this, search for calling was found to mediate an indirect influence of spirituality on presence of calling. However, the manner in which career decidedness related to the model was not expected. According to the data, career decidedness weakly but directly correlated with presence of calling and was determined to be a predicting influence, contrary to the hypothesis. Although no meaningful correlations were discovered between spirituality and career decidedness, equanimity was discovered to meaningfully associate with both spirituality and career decidedness. Theoretical and practical implications are explored.</p>

This study investigates the potential of computer technology in assisting dyslexics to overcome their problems with written language. Spelling inaccuracy is a persistent problem for dyslexics and is particularly embarrassing for older students. In a study of the effectiveness of computer spell checkers, the spelling accuracy of nineteen 11 to 13 year old dyslexics was compared using three different spelling aids - a computer spell checker, an electronic hand held spell checker and a dictionary. Results from the dyslexic students were further compared with those obtained with a group of students with moderate learning difficulties (MLD). The spelling of both the dyslexics and the MLD group was found to be considerably more accurate when a computer spell checker was employed. Performance on the electronic hand held machine was also better than when a dictionary was used. For the dyslexic group, but not for the MLD students, performance on all three items of equipment was found to be a function of spelling age. A second investigation examined the effectiveness of utilising the editing facilities of a word processor in the teaching of punctuation skills to 17 dyslexics (mean C.A. = 11.8 yrs) and 14 MLD controls (mean CA. = 11.8 yrs). The results indicated the computer mediated teaching to be very effective for both subjects and controls. A third strand of the study examined the benefits resulting from provision of individual laptop computers to 10 secondary aged dyslexic students. After using the equipment for a year, teachers identified improvements in spelling and in the clarity and presentation of written work. Students said they were less anxious about their spelling problems and gained more enjoyment from written tasks. Parents reported a general increase in confidence among their sons and daughters. Older students were found to use their machines more extensively than their younger counterparts and a four year follow up of 3 students confrmed an increased use of the laptops as students progressed up the school.

<p> There is a distinct possibility there may be many people of color who are in leadership positions or applying for leadership positions that believe racial stereotyping creates barriers for opportunity and can hinder one's chances for success. The purpose of this research is to explore strategies used by leaders of color to overcome the threat of racial stereotyping in the Las Vegas hospitality and gaming industry, as it pertains to barriers, opportunities, and success. There are four research questions the researcher explored through leadership, strategies, assimilation and performance. The sample size consisted of twelve leaders of color in the Las Vegas hospitality and gaming industry. Leaders of color were defined as African-American, males and females, and Hispanic-American, males and females. The researcher utilized qualitative interviews as the primary instrument and chose a semi-structured interview format. The researcher asked predetermined questions while still exercising the freedom to seek clarification with follow up and improvised questions. The twelve interviewees were asked seven questions relevant to the four research questions to provide an in-depth analysis. The results of this study concluded that leaders of color have cultivated strategies to overcome the threat of racial stereotyping in the workplace. Although each leader of color in this study had never officially chronicled a professional strategy that is in direct correlation with the threat of racial stereotyping, all of the leaders have been living by a subliminal game plan that is either reactive, proactive or both. The leaders of color in this study were given, and took advantage of the opportunity to disclose what works for him or her in respect to their existence, relationships, and motivation to overcome the threat of racial stereotyping in their respected workplaces.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 1994. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-04, Section: B, page: 1921. Chair: Bruce Bongar.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 1999. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 60-07, Section: B, page: 3562. Adviser: Julia Shiang.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 2004. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 64-06, Section: B, page: 2948. Adviser: Donald J. Woods.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 1988. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-06, Section: B, page: 2369. Chairperson: Karl J. Mueller.