Factors influencing students' choice of selected private universities in China

Liu, Jianguo Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

Private universities in China are emerging as a result of the economic reform and positive government policies. As a supplement to higher education, these institutions are now confronted with such a challenge as how to enroll sufficient number of students. Using college choice theory, this study explores the key factors that influence students' decision to attend a top private university in China, and focuses on the extent to which these factors affect their decision to enroll. Furthermore, the study also investigates whether there are any demographic differences between the major categories of college choice factors when students make their college choice. As a result of this study, private universities may develop a better understanding of what is important to students when they choose a particular private university to attend, and then make any changes and adjustment so that they can enhance student enrollment and improve their academic quality. Survey and focus group studies were utilized in this study as the main research method. Data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, ANOVA and content analysis. The findings of this research study generate 23 major factors that influence students' choice of selected private universities in China, and indicate that employment prospect, academic quality and cost are the top three most important categories of college choice factors that students consider when they choose a private university to attend. The study also reveals that gender, hometown location, high school GPA, family income, and parental education level have differential influence in certain categories of college choice factors. Other findings show that the top three college marketing strategies that students consider most important are (1) campus visit, (2) advertisement on newspapers, TV, radio, or other media, and (3) media coverage about the university.

Dynamic reconfigurable machine tool controller

Li, Wei Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

This dissertation presents a dynamic reconfigurable control strategy based on the Direct Machining And Control (DMAC) research at Brigham Young University. A reconfigurable framework is proposed which will allow a machine tool to be controlled by a variety of applications and control laws. This Reconfigurable Mechanism for Application Control (RMAC) paradigm uses a hierarchical architecture to configure a mechanism into a device driver for direct control by an application like CAD/CAM. The RMAC paradigm is one of a mechanism device driver assigned to each mechanism class or model, and uses only the master model to control the mechanism. The traditional M&G code language is no longer necessary since motion entities are passed directly to the mechanism. The design strategy of using dynamic-link libraries (DLL) to form a mechanism device driver permits a mechanism to assume different operating configurations, depending on the number of axes and machine resolution. For example, the machine can perform as a material removal machine in one instant, and then, by loading a new device driver, act as a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). This strategy is possible because RMAC is a software and networked-based control architecture. Both the CAD/CAM planning software and the real-time control software reside on the same PC. The CAM process plan can thus directly control the machine without need for process plan decomposition into the forms supported by the controller. The architectural framework is explained in detail and the methodology for control software reconfiguration into a device driver is presented. For demonstration purposes two device drivers are implemented on a prototype machine to demonstrate feasibility and usefulness.

Delayed versus immediate feedback in an independent study high school setting

Lemley, Duane Charles Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

Although there is general agreement that feedback plays an important role in student performance, the majority of the studies found in the research literature explore the impact of different types of feedback in a traditional and university-level setting. In order to explore the impact of different feedback types in a non-traditional distance learning setting, 352 high school students enrolled in courses offered through BYU's Independent Study (IS) department received either delayed feedback or immediate feedback generated by Speedback(TM), BYU's automated grading and feedback program, depending on whether they had opted to submit end of unit assignments by mail or computer. Results of a comparison of final exam scores indicated that those students receiving immediate feedback performed significantly better on course final exams, but surprisingly those who received delayed feedback completed course in significantly less time.

The school counseling psychology program: A qualitative study (Utah)

Barnes, Daniel V Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

The service role and functions of school counseling and school psychology have been discussed extensively for several decades. The literature from each professional discipline is replete with calls to expand the training and service capacity of these school professionals. Simultaneously calls are made for even broader educational reform as it specifically relates to student pupil services. From within this context an integrated school counseling and school psychology program known as the School Counseling Psychology Program was organized and administered at Brigham Young University. This qualitative dissertation study highlights the perceived strengths and limitations of this integrated training program. The impact of integrated services and collaboration among student service professionals is highlighted from a regional perspective that reaffirms the value of grassroots level research. Lastly, the conceptual barriers and recommendations of administering an integrated school counseling and school psychology training program are presented and discussed.

Ten years, over ten-thousand clients: A look at trends in presenting problems and self-reported distress levels over time by students requesting services at a large university counseling center

Evans, Karen M Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

Stone and Archer (1990), in their landmark article, "College and University Counseling Centers in the 1990s: Challenges and Limits," predicted that students coming to college counseling centers for psychological treatment would present with symptoms of increasing severity during the next decade. Surveys of counseling directors and staff appear to substantiate that this was true, students were presenting with more severe symptoms (Gallagher, 2000; Gallagher & Zhang, 2002; Gallagher, Zhang, & Taylor, 2003; O'Malley, Wheeler, Murphey, O'Connell, and Waldo, 1990). However, subsequent studies using client intake data found no evidence of increased severity (Cornish, Kominars, Riva, McIntosh, & Henderson, 2000; Gitlin & McGuff, 1995; Pledge, Lapan, Heppner, Kivlighan, & Roehlke, 1998). Sharkin (1997, 2004) suggested the following improvements for future research: (a) that studies use large sample sizes, (b) that studies cover a span of at least 10 years, and (c) that studies include standardized instruments such as the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45; Lambert et al., 1996). The purpose of this study was to determine if the severity of presenting problems or distress levels increased over time as indicated by intake data for students seeking services at a counseling center at a large, private university in the western United States during the period of 1994--2004 (N = 14,603). The data included a Presenting Problems List, the OQ-45, and the Family Experiences List. Results indicate an upward trend in the level of distress as indicated by a significant increase in the OQ-45, but a slight downward trend as indicated by the Presenting Problems List. The Family Experiences List remained relatively stable during this time period.

Teacher evaluation in Chinese elementary schools: An historical account

Zeng, Ping Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

This research is an historical account of the development of teacher evaluation in Chinese elementary schools. Descriptive by nature, it reviews the historical origins that have shaped the teaching profession and evaluation practice. It also describes the effort made by the government and educators in the reform to improve the elementary school teacher evaluation system in China. The findings of this research focus on the complexity and problems in the teacher evaluation system and painful struggles teachers have experienced. Suggestions are provided in terms of possible improvement of the teacher evaluation system and establishment of national evaluation standards to facilitate real practice in the future.

Autologous fibrinogen purification and concentration for use in fibrin sealant

Alston, Steven M., Jr Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

Fibrinogen concentrates are used widely as a sealant during and after surgery to reduce blood loss. Commercially available fibrin sealants are made from pooled human blood, which carries the risk of blood-borne diseases, and are expensive. These concerns have brought to focus the need for autologous fibrinogen concentrates. This need has been addressed by utilizing a unique approach in which fibrinogen is precipitated from plasma with protamine. The physical properties of fibrin sealant prepared from fibrinogen precipitated with protamine were evaluated. The optimal precipitation conditions included a plasma protamine concentration of 10 mg/mL at room temperature. Under these conditions 96% +/- 4% of the fibrinogen present in the plasma was precipitated and 98% +/- 0.9% of the precipitated fibrinogen was clottable. In addition, it was shown that almost 50% of the factor XIII in the plasma was also precipitated along with the fibrinogen. The tensile and adhesion strengths and kinetics of fibrin sealant prepared from protamine-fibrinogen concentrate were evaluated. Tensile strength and adhesion strength both increased with increasing fibrinogen concentration. Addition of calcium chloride significantly increased the tensile and adhesion strengths. The addition of aprotinin and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (used to inhibit natural fibrinolysis) to the fibrinogen concentrate was shown to have no effect on the mechanical properties of the sealant. Kinetic experiments showed that the clotting time decreased as the thrombin and fibrinogen concentrations were increased. A rat model with controlled renal incisions was employed to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of the fibrin sealant made from the protamine-fibrinogen concentrate. The fibrin sealant significantly reduced the blood loss and bleeding time when compared with controls (no sealant, plasma, and a commercial product). The sealant also significantly reduced blood loss and bleeding time in rats that were anticoagulated with heparin. A mathematical model based on tensile strength and adhesion strength was developed to predict the bleeding time in the animal wound. Model predictions showed that the ability of the fibrin sealant to reduce bleeding time, and therefore blood loss, was limited by the adhesion strength.

The effectiveness of Anasazi: A wilderness treatment program (Arizona)

Lowe, Timothy A Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

This study examines the effectiveness of Anasazi, a survival-oriented wilderness-based residential treatment facility for adolescents and their families. Anasazi aims to strengthen families in several ways: to improve youths' attitudes toward and relationships with their parents, to gain an understanding of agency as evidenced by feeling internally motivated as opposed to feeling externally caused or controlled, and to decrease admitting symptoms of adolescent psychopathology. The focus of this study is to learn whether Anasazi produces results in accordance with their aims and whether the results map onto the goals of the program. Three measures were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of several aspects the program emphasizes. The following instruments were used to gather data relating to program efficacy: The Youth Outcome Questionnaire (YOQ) and the Youth Outcome Questionnaire - Self Report (YOQ-SR), The Child's Attitude Towards Mother (CAM) and Father (CAF), and the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale (N-SLCSS). Significant pre-post scores on these instruments suggest the Anasazi program can be effective in reducing psychopathology, improving parent-child relationships, and helping youth to gain an internal locus of control. The philosophical and theoretical approach of the Anasazi program is also articulated; limitations of the study and recommendations for further research are discussed.

An analysis of the evidence produced by quantitative research on the effects of school uniforms on student discipline and academic achievement

Reynolds, Bart A Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

This dissertation explored the following questions: Does the available primary quantitative research on school uniforms present sufficient evidence to defend adopting a mandated school uniform policy in order to increase subsequent student academic performance, and, does the available primary quantitative research on school uniforms present sufficient evidence to defend adopting a mandated school uniform policy in order to improve subsequent student social behavior?. This analysis examined 19 primary quantitative research documents that address the relationship between school uniforms and their impact on student behavior and academic achievement. This study focused on an examination of the methodologies used in the research reviewed and how well the normative design elements of those methodologies were implemented. Six of the nineteen studies were excellent, 9 were good, and 4 were found to be only fair respecting their quality of design. When considering only those 12 studies where cause and effect conclusions were literally possible 6 were excellent, 5 were good, and 1 was fair in design. Once direct consideration of the outcome measures of interest were considered in this analysis, it was found that only one study with excellent design features supported an improvement in both student academic achievement and social behavior, and one found an improvement in academics only. Of the studies with good design features one found positive results in both areas, and two found improvement in student behavior only. Finally, 18 of the 19 authors conceded that their studies had no external validity, and the only author not to concede this point had sufficiently flawed design and implementation as to lead to the same conclusion. That is, regardless of the nature and direction of the findings, type of methodology, or design "goodness" and implementation, none of the studies produced findings that can be defensibly generalized and used in any school or district other than the original sample. The dissertation concluded with specific recommendations to school boards as how to make informed decisions with regard to the implementation of a school uniform policy based on the quality of the current research.

The effects of direct supervision on therapist behavior: An initial functional analysis

Thurber, Shawn L Brigham Young University 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

Live (Direct) Supervision has always been key to training therapists. However, little research has been done to determine which type of direct supervision is most effective in changing therapist behavior. This study compared bug-in-the-ear (BITE), phone-in, and computer assisted (CA) supervision. The purpose of this study was to (a) complete functional analysis of each supervision type via an alternating feedback session, to determine each therapists' most effective form of supervision; (b) determine the effect of using the most-effective form of supervision on the therapists' adherence to treatment protocols during follow-up sessions; (c) determine the effect of therapist adherence on client in-session behaviors, and outcome assessments. Results of the functional analysis indicated that phone-in supervisory feedback was the least effective form of supervision. BITE and CA supervision were both found to be effective for at least one therapist. In follow-up sessions BITE supervision did not create sustained changes in overall adherence. CA feedback appeared to maintain overall therapist adherence. In affecting changes to client behavior and outcome scores BITE supervision gave mixed results. CA supervision created desired changes in client behaviors and outcome assessments. For practitioners in the field, this study demonstrates that client behavior does not improve without therapist intervention. Even when client behavior in session appears to be improving, marital distress may increase. This is especially true when therapist adherence does not improve. This study further demonstrates that when the therapists did not intervene appropriately the clients either worsened, or at best, stayed the same. When the therapists made even small improvements client behavior improved. Improving adherence to treatment protocols will always serve the best interest of the client.