Thesis (M.S.)--Northern Michigan University, 2006. / Bibliography: leaves 22-24.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2000. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 123 p. : ill. (some col.), maps. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-121).

No description available.

Thesis (Ed.S.)--Marshall University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Includes abstract. Document formatted into pages: contains 21 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 20-21).

This study explored statistical equivalence of the adapted Xhosa and English version of the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey (WMLS) by investigating group differences on each subscale, in terms of mean scores, index reliability, and item characteristics for two language groups. A Convenience quota sampling technique was used to select 188 Xhosa (n = 188) and 198 English (n = 198) learners from Grades 6 and 7 living in rural and urban Eastern Cape. The WMLS Xhosa and English versions were administered to learners in their first languages. Significant mean group differences were found, but differences were not found on the reliability indices, or mean item characteristics. This pointed in the direction of statistical equivalence. However, scrutiny of the item characteristics of the individual items per subscale indicated possible problems at an item level that need to be investigated further with differential functioning analyses. Thus, stringent DIF analyses were suggested for future research on DIF items before the versions of the WMLS can be considered as equivalent.

The Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola (hereon woodcock) is a wader adapted to woodland and farmland habitats. It is an important quarry species, widely hunted across Europe, but owing to its cryptic plumage and elusive nature, there exists only poor information concerning its natural history. As such, the conservation status of the woodcock remains uncertain. One area that is particularly lacking is knowledge of its ecology outside the breeding season. Generally, avian ecological studies have focused on breeding season events due to the importance of reproductive success in determining fitness. However, it is now apparent that the non-breeding season represents an equally important period of the annual cycle. For example, recent studies have shown that declines in some migratory bird populations were due to events during the non-breeding season, either during migration, or on the wintering grounds. In Britain, the non-breeding woodcock population comprises both British breeding and non-British breeding birds, yet the origins and relative distribution of these sub-populations is not fully understood. Nor is it known whether ecological differences exist between them. This thesis addresses these two aspects of woodcock biology, using stable isotope and radio-tracking methods. The former was used to assign birds to their likely origins and determine population-specific distributions across Britain. The latter was used, in conjunction with the former, to determine whether ecological differences exist between locally-breeding and non-locally breeding birds residing in Hampshire in winter. A large degree of mixing between birds from different breeding populations was apparent for woodcock residing in Britain over winter. Russia and Fennoscandia comprised the most likely origins of migratory birds and regional differences in distributions were apparent. The highest proportions of birds from Russia were found in Norfolk and Wales, whilst the highest proportions of birds from Fennoscandia were found in Scotland. The presence of non-breeding residents in Cornwall and Ireland also provided strong evidence for the short-distance, south-westerly movements of resident birds, which probably originated from Scotland. Locally, the movements and behaviour of birds were found to vary with age (adult vs. juvenile) and/or predicted migratory status (resident vs. migrant), with adult residents potentially representing the dominant group. Differences in habitat use, commuting flights, home range size and activity patterns were all apparent. As such, these findings might have important consequences for the relative survival rates and breeding success of resident and migrant woodcock. This work has provided new insights into the non-breeding ecology of woodcock in Britain and contributes significantly to European efforts to better understand this bird species. Given the importance of seasonal interactions, an understanding of events throughout the annual cycle is necessary and this can only be achieved through concerted efforts. Indeed, an integrated approach is imperative to develop the conservation plans necessary to ensure the sustainability of the woodcock.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 107 p.; also includes graphics. Includes abstract and vita. Advisor: Antoinette Miranda, College of Education. Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-107).

Thesis (Ed. Spec.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

Measurement of the abilities of gifted children is challenging. Identifying patterns of performance for gifted children has proven elusive. The WJIII COG, a theory-driven measure, purports to provide information about a child's pattern of abilities, including areas previously not measured by other cognitive instruments. Only one study has addressed the relationship between the WJIII COG and gifted children. (Rizza, et al., 2001) The purpose of this study was to examine the WJIII COG's appropriateness for use with gifted children. Interpretive guidance when using the WJIII COG with gifted children was sought. The following question was addressed: Do children of high intellectual ability display distinct patterns of performance on the WJIII COG Stratum II variables. If so, do these patterns qualitatively differ from the performance of children of non-high intellectual ability?The participants for this study were taken from the standardization sample of WJIII COG participants (N= 3,145). The participants were divided into two groups: high intellectual ability, Group 1 (N = 389), and "other," (Group 2) (N = 2756). Group 1 participants had a GIA Standard score of 120 or above. The participants were further divided into three subgroups, determined by age: preschool, school-aged, and collegeaged. Approximately half of the sample was male. White participants were the majority of the sample (77.4 - 87.9%). Most participants were non-Hispanic (91.3 - 94.9%). Means, standard deviations, ranges, minimum values, and maximum values, were obtained. WJIII COG Stratum II variables were paired and compared. The comparisons made were ranges and point differences. Cumulative percentages of point differences were calculated at the 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 point levels.Two primary findings emerged. The first finding was that Group 1 participants scored higher overall than Group 2 participants when averages were compared. The second finding was that no gifted profile emerged for Group 1. Although no gifted pattern emerged, there was a great deal of variability within individual student profiles for both Groups. It was suggested that further research be directed at whether subtypes of students with high abilities could be identified that would have clinical implications congruent with multidimensional theories of giftedness. / Department of Educational Psychology