University of Southern Mississippi
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Consumer Perceptions and its Influence on the Sport of Rodeo
No full textThis study explores consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions toward rodeo events through two distinct investigations. The first study examines how university students\u27 perceptions of rodeos influence their intentions to attend a rodeo. The first study utilizes online surveys and multiple regression analysis. The second study investigates the impact of social media marketing on consumer attitudes toward rodeo events through a between-subjects experiment. Findings aim to provide actionable insights for rodeo marketers, enhancing event marketing strategies and understanding the role of self-congruity and attitude in consumer decision-making. This research contributes to the literature on consumer behavior and event marketing, offering practical recommendations for engaging potential rodeo attendees
It’s Not a Phase, It’s a…Musical?: The Innate Theatricality of the Emo Movement of the 2000s
Get PDFThis project is an exploration of the rock subgenres emo and pop-punk and how they interact with musical theatre conventions. Emo, short for emotional hardcore, is a descendant of hardcore punk music that is characterized by its focus on the emotional core of lyrics as well as softer, more pop-influenced sounds musically. In this project, the history of emo is delineated alongside the history of rock musical theatre. Subculture is also defined as it relates to this thesis. The natural theatricality of emo is then characterized as being through emo/pop-punk’s performance culture, through the existence of the concept album, and through performances of gender and sexuality present in the genres. Examples analyzed in this project include: Panic! At the Disco’s debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, a highly theatrical album and tour cycle from emo; My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade, a concept album from emo; Green Day’s American Idiot and its subsequent Broadway musical; and the phenomenon of staged homoeroticism in emo. This is an interdisciplinary project combining elements of history, musicology, sociology, and American studies. The specific timeframe set for this thesis is the years 1999-2008, the major years for emo/pop-punk’s involvement with mainstream culture. This project is significant by virtue of being a heretofore unexplored area in both areas of study, emo and musical theatre. It also engages with broader cultural topics, like queer theory and performance theory. Emo at its pinnacle has been defined as a highly theatrical genre, engaging in a symbiotic relationship with American musical theatre
Comparing Urban and Rural Mississippi Residents’ Health Literacy of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Get PDFHealth literacy is an individual’s ability to understand medical information to make decisions regarding their health, and it has become an important topic of discussion in the medical field. This is because people with low health literacy are more likely to be in poor health. There have been several programs aimed at improving health literacy across the US, but health literacy varies geographically. Typically, urban areas have higher health literacy rates than rural areas since rural areas have less access to health resources and health care. Almost 80% of Mississippi’s counties are considered rural, and Mississippi has some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. This research project surveyed 110 residents in Clinton (an urban area) and Monticello (a rural area), MS about their knowledge of STIs to determine their STI health literacy. Participants were recruited from each community both online and in person to complete an online STI health literacy survey that included original questions as well as questions adapted from other health literacy studies, and the data was analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. The variables included in the model were location, age, gender, race, education level, and STI health literacy score. Age, race, location, and education level were not shown to have a significant effect on STI health literacy. However, female participants had significantly higher STI health literacy scores than male participants which is consistent with the current literature on gender and health literacy. Although Clinton is the tenth largest city in Mississippi, location may have not been significant since Clinton is not a true urban area. These findings could help pinpoint areas where Mississippi’s STI health literacy can be improved
Gamification in Education: Its Impact on Engagement, Motivation, and Learning Outcomes
No full textGamification, integrating game design elements into educational contexts, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 41 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2023, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of gamification in education. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review evaluates the effectiveness of gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards. Key Findings indicate that while gamification can foster positive learning attitudes and competition, its effectiveness depends on the context. The impact of game elements on engagement and motivation varies based on the learning environment and student characteristics. The review also highlights notable gaps in the literature, particularly around the long-term effects of gamification and the theoretical frameworks guiding its use. The implications of this research are twofold: first, it highlights effective practices for educators seeking to implement gamification strategies; second, it underscores the need for further investigation into the challenges associated with gamification, including potential drawbacks such as diminished intrinsic motivation and issues of fairness. Overall, this review contributes valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers aiming to optimize gamified learning environments and enhance educational outcomes
Investigating the Effect of Attentional Control on Source Monitoring and DRM Memory Performance
No full textTheoretical frameworks such as Fuzzy Trace Theory (FTT), the Global-Matching Model (GMM), and Activation Monitoring Theory (AMT) have been proposed to explain the mechanisms underlying false memory formation in the DRM paradigm. Recent research has explored novel list types, such as mediated lists, to isolate spreading activation, and showed support for associative activation over gist-based processing. Studies examining source monitoring in DRM paradigms have highlighted the importance of attentional control (AC), with divided attention (DA) during encoding leading to impaired source detail recollection. This thesis examined how AC affected the accuracy of source monitoring and susceptibility to false memories based on list type. Experiment 1 investigated manipulations in attention at encoding by providing sets of directly related (DRM) and indirectly related (mediated) word lists for study and compared the source memory accuracy of full attention (FA) and DA conditions. Results did not display an effect of attention on recognition or source attribution rates. Experiment 2 utilized the same procedure, but instead of manipulating attention, participants’ inherent AC was measured using Stroop-, Simon-, and Flanker-squared tasks. AC was not related to recognition or source attribution rates for either list type. Discussion focuses on the role of attention in illusory recollection of source details for false memories and whether the distraction manipulation in Experiment 1 and squared tasks used in Experiment 2 were sufficient in capturing source processes
Using Inquiry Classroom Experiences to Correct Student Misconceptions in Elementary Science: An Action Research Study
No full textMisconceptions in elementary science education can significantly hinder students\u27 ability to construct accurate and lasting conceptual understandings. Grounded in the constructivist learning theory, this quasi-experimental study investigates how inquiry-based instruction influences the identification and correction of third-grade students’ misconceptions in science, specifically in the domains of energy, force, and matter. Using a pre- and post-test design, along with data derived from daily teacher field notes, the research was conducted with a sample of fifteen third-grade students at a public elementary school in Mississippi. The results, discussed in the methods section, revealed a statistically significant improvement in students’ conceptual understanding following a five-day guided inquiry instructional unit, supporting the hypothesis that active, student-centered learning environments facilitate conceptual change. Qualitative observations highlighted increased engagement, critical thinking, and enthusiasm for science learning. This action research study underscores the importance of integrating inquiry-based methods in early science instruction to both surface and remediate misconceptions, and it offers practical implications for educators seeking to foster deeper, more accurate science understanding in young learners. The findings demonstrate that inquiry-based learning interventions are an effective pedagogical strategy not only for augmenting content knowledge but also for confronting and reshaping misconceptions in the realm of science. Furthermore, the study underscores the value of empowering students to assume an active role in their own learning through hands-on exploration and meaningful academic dialogue
The Fascia Iliaca Regional Nerve Block Using Ultrasound and Landmark Technique: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Nurse Anesthetists
No full textThe fascia iliaca block (FIB) is an effective regional anesthesia technique used in various clinical settings, including operating rooms, emergency departments, and pain management clinics. Despite its advantages in reducing postoperative complications and minimizing opioid use, FIB remains underutilized among Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), primarily due to limited exposure and training. This doctoral project examines the implementation of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) as an educational intervention to enhance CRNA proficiency in performing FIB using both ultrasound-guided and landmark techniques.
A pre- and post-test study design was conducted with 18 CRNA participants attending a continuing education workshop. Demographic data, prior knowledge, and confidence levels regarding FIB were assessed through a Likert-scale questionnaire. The OSCE provided structured, hands-on training, followed by a post-test to evaluate knowledge acquisition and skill improvement. Results indicated significant increases in participants’ knowledge and confidence in performing FIB, demonstrating the effectiveness of the OSCE framework. Additionally, qualitative feedback supported the need for continued education and accessibility to structured learning modules in regional anesthesia.
This doctoral project highlights the value of OSCE-based training in bridging educational gaps in regional anesthesia techniques. The findings suggest that integrating OSCEs into CRNA education and continuing education programs can enhance clinical competence, improve patient outcomes, and align with the healthcare industry’s broader goals of safety, efficiency, and patient-centered care. Further research is warranted to explore long-term competency retention and the impact of increased FIB utilization on anesthesia practice and patient outcomes
Meet an archivist: Learn how your love for learning and books can lead to a paycheck
No full textSarah Waits is the research archivist at the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She received a Certificate in Archival Studies from LSU, her Master’s degree in history from the University of New Orleans, and a Bachelor’s degree in history and creative writing from LSU. She previously worked at the Amistad Research Center, the National World War II Museum, and the Hermann-Grima and Gallier Historic House Museums. Sarah served as president of the Greater New Orleans Archivists Organization (GNOA) from 2023-2024. Sarah has presented on Catholic archives and research at conferences nationwide, and is the co-curator for exhibits at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum. Sarah is a licensed tour guide and enjoys leading history-focused walking tours in the French Quarter