1941 research outputs found
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Cost and Effectiveness of Training Oral Reading Skills in Preschool Children at Three Levels of Mastery
Get PDF35 leaves. Advisor: Mary Ann PowersThe problem. Little empirical research has been done to enable behavioral engineers to set mastery criteria at other than arbitrary levels. This study attempted to determine the cost and effectiveness of low (60%), moderate (100%)
and high (overtraining) criterion levels, by comparing the number of trials required to train and retrain words with the retention generated at the different levels of mastery.
Procedure. Seven preschool children were trained to identify fourteen English words. Words were presented with a modified slide viewer apparatus; initially, both the word and its corresponding picture background were presented.
Gradually, the background was faded so that responding was under the control of the word itself. Following training to three criterion levels, retention was measured at three and
nine week follow-ups. Words were then retrained to their original level of mastery.
Findings. A moderate (100%) level of mastery proved to be optimal. The cost of overtraining was prohibitive due to the large number of training trials required. Retention was inferior for words trained to the low criterion (60%), but
equal for the moderate and high criterion word groups after a nine week period.
Recommendations. More research is needed to determine whether more extensive overtraining would prove superior in terms of retention, despite its higher cost. Questions of
cost and effectiveness of different mastery criteria might be investigated with other populations, different skill areas, and might use techniques other than fading
Sex Discrimination in the Insurance Market
Get PDF96 leaves. Advisor: Dwight SaundersThe problem. Public interest in the practices of the insurance industry that affect women has developed in recent years. Allegations have been made that many of these practices unfairly discriminate against women in the sale of the insurance product. Critics claim that it is often more difficult for women to obtain insurance because of different underwriting practices for men and women. They also claim that coverage and benefits for the same kinds of insurance are more limited for women than men. Finally, the claim is made that women, because of their sex, pay considerably higher premiums for health and disability insurance.
Procedure. The purpose of this paper is to identify those practices that differentiate between men and women, and then to evaluate and analyze those practices in terms of their fair or unfair impact on women. The results of two sets of questionnaires provide the basic research data for the project. The first set of questionnaires was developed for, and distributed to insurance companies licensed in the state of Iowa. Separate questionnaires were prepared dealing with life, health, disability, automobile, and homeowner and property insurance. The second was a questionnaire for the consumer which was distributed to approximately 3,500 persons, most of whom were women. Because the questions were general in nature, the results were not readily quantifiable. Therefore, information from the consumer questionnaire was used to illustrate the potential problems identified with the findings of the company questionnaires.
Findings. The project findings are many and vary by kind of insurance, and they are presented separately in the report by type of insurance surveyed. The following is a brief summary of the major findings.
1. Rate classification by sex was found in all but homeowner and property insurance.
2. Maximum coverage and benefits were not as universally available to women as to men.
3. Comprehensive pregnancy-related coverage is not generally available.
4. Disability insurance for homemakers is not generally available.
5. Marital status is often a factor in determining insurability.
Conclusion. While the adverse effect on women of these findings is readily seen, the elimination of the disparities raises further questions and controversy. Legislation to remove some of the inequities is a logical beginning but further study and interpretation of the discriminatory impact of sex-related classifications is also indicated
An X Chromatin Survey at Woodward State Hospital and Training School, an Institution for the Mentally Retarded
Get PDF33 leaves. Advisor: Michael E. MyszewskiThe problem. The majority of the Woodward State
hospital and training school population was surveyed to locate and identify residents with X chromatin abnormalities.
Procedure. Buccal smears were taken from each
resident. The smears were stained with cresyl fast violet and examined under 1250X magnification. The number of Barr bodies per 100 cells was noted and recorded for each resident
sampled.
Findings. One male out of a total male population of 278 surveyed was found to be chromatin positive, a frequency of 0.4%. Since four cell lines were observed in the buccal smear analysis, he was classified as a mosaic for his X
chromosome makeup. Analysis of a population of 193 females showed one female with an abnormal X chromatin count, a 0.5% frequency. Since this female's buccal smear count was just slightly lower than that considered normal, she was classified as a mosaic of the type 45,X/46,XX.
Conclusions. The frequency of X chromatin males at
WSHTS was generally lower than the frequencies found in surveys of residents in other institutions for the mentally retarded. The frequency of females with abnormal X chromatin
counts at WSHTS was in close agreement with that found in other similar surveys.
Recommendations. The residents found in the WSHTS
survey with abnormal X chromatin counts should be
investigated by karyotype analysis to determine the specific features of the abnormality
An Exploratory Analysis of Social Distances Expressed by Des Moines Area XI Community College Students Toward Selected Minority Groups
No full text152 leaves. Advisor: Roy d. WrightThe problem. This study was undertaken to determine the degrees of social distances expressed by a sample of Area XI Community College students toward eleven selected minority groups. In an exploratory manner, various socioeconomic variables were tested in order to determine the relationship to the expressed social distances.
Procedure. A pilot survey was administered in order to determine those particular minority groups that would be included in the major investigation. A social distance scale as devised by Emory b. Bogardus was administered to a random sample of Area Community College students. The variables of social contact, race, age, sex, religion, politics, education,
marital status, residential characteristics, income, and occupation were measured to determine any significant relationship to the social distances. An analysis of variance was performed to determine if differences occurred among the mean social distance scores for
each of the independent variables. An F test was administered to each variable in order to determine significance levels. Cross-tabulation was also used in the analysis for further explanation.
Findings. Differential degrees social distance
were reported toward the eleven minority groups selected for analysis. There were differences in the overall mean social distance scores reported by the sub sample in this research, to those last reported by Emory S. Bogardus in his 1956 regional study. Prior social contact was significant only for the American Indian group. The socioeconomic variables of race, population, and income were also significant in relationship to the expressed social distances. Conclusions. The Bogardus social distance scale showed a general overall low amount of expressed social distance by the sample toward to the eleven minority groups selected for analysis. Recommendations. The results of this study point to the need of additional research, that analyzes the variables of social contact, race, population, and income plus other significant socioeconomic variables that influence social distances
Food-getting Behavior as a Function of Dominance-distance in Four Mongrel Dogs
Get PDF24 leaves. Advisor: W. Scott WoodFood-getting behavior as a positive function of dominance-distance in two female and two male mongrel dogs was assessed in paired-feeding situations. The dominant subject was defined as the subject which gained access first to a food hopper in paired food-getting situations. Six unique pairings of the four subjects were conducted to determine the dominance hierarchy for the group. Each pair was fed in random order three times and each subject was fed alone nine times. Dominance-distance was defined by the formula Si -Sj where i and j referred to ordinal indices denoting a subject's rank in the dominance hierarchy; a dominance-distance of 0 indicated the trials in which a subject was fed alone. The trial sessions were conducted in a cage by delivering one unit (9.2 gms) of food to a small, single-access, feeding tray. The data failed to support the hypothesis that food-getting behavior increases as dominance-distance increases, although a slight trend in the hypothesized direction did emerge. One subject elevated her status from being the most submissive subject to being the second most dominant subject during the trial sessions. Dominance-distance as an important, but little understood, variable was discussed as a possible factor in increased conflict in territorially compressed groups. The method limitations of this project were also discussed
Development of Techniques with Chasing and Repousse in Relation to Containers
Get PDF58 leaves. Advisor: Condon KuhlThe problem. The specific problem undertaken in this creative effort has been to get totally involved with the process of chasing and repousse, using tools and hammers with precision and control. An explanation of the process
in making the container as it relates to the chasing techniques is a major consideration.
Procedure. The procedure has been to continue research in the development of the container. That research has involved the construction of four containers, each having a chased and repoussed lid. I have also gone into the construction of the container itself, the processes having been recorded with camera and
these photos are used to be self-explanatory in the development of the containers.
Findings. This experiment in the development of the use of the metalsmith's tools has given me a better sense of awareness of the metal. An intense study of these processes has defined a
strong artistic sense within me. This project also has given an opportunity to experience the container as an art object as well as a useful utilitarian piece. The techniques of chasing and repousse lends its toward a fine textural surface and gives the metal a whole new perspective. In that way, it has expanded my whole concept
of metal,
Conclusions. Experience with tools has broadened my perspective of the capabilities of the metal. It has also taken the fear out of using the tools. That was the original reason for starting such a problem. Therefore, this project has helped achieve my goals
Population Dynamics of Copepoda and Cladocera in an Iowa farm pond, Summer 1973
Get PDF59 leaves. Advisor: Dr. P. J. KingsburyThe problem. To calculate rates for birth, death, and natural increase of zooplankton found in an unpolluted artificial pond. This will serve as a basis for comparisons with other bodies of water to show man's effect upon one of the most basic of all ecosystems.
Procedure. Water samples were collected with a Kemmerer Water Sampler and poured into a plankton net for concentrating the organisms. They were killed in 4% formalin and counted keeping records of species numbers, sex, and reproductive condition. Abiotic factors were also measured and recorded.
Findings. The greatest concentration of organisms was always located at the 2.5 meter depth. Species' densities did fluctuate directly with primary productivity after a certain lag period. but no other factor was found to have an influence upon the zooplankton location or density.
Conclusion. All of the populations varied greatly, but food had the greatest direct effect upon the densities.
Recommendations. It would be necessary to conduct a long term study of the same pond so that a complete understanding could be obtained of development, growth. and extinction of the various populations. For a complete understanding of the zooplankton community, techniques involving evaluations of competition, predation and interreactions between populations should be developed and included
Cultivation of Eimeria Dispersa in Bobwhite Quail Embryos
Get PDF56 leaves. Advisor: Dr. R. S. WachaThe problem. To redescribe the sporulated oocysts of Eimeria dispersa from the Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), to study the endogenous development of E. dispersa in Bobwhite quail embryos, and to examine the cross-transmission properties of this species for turkeys, chickens, and Japanese quail.
Procedure. Oocysts, isolated from fecal samples of adult Bobwhites, were sporulated in an aqueous solution containing 2.5% potassium dichromate. Oocysts used for rediscription were isolated by sugar flotation and studied with the aid of a compound microscope equipped with achromatic objectives. Oocysts used as a source of inoculum were isolated by sugar flotation, washed, placed in a tissue grinder, and crushed. Sporocysts, freed by crushing, were isolated by centrifugation and placed in an excystation medium containing 5.0% chicken bile and 0.25% trypsin in Tyrode's solution. Between 1,000 and 44,000 sporozoites were inoculated into the allantoic cavity of 10-to 12-day-old embryos with the aid of a tuberculin syringe. The allantoic fluid and chorioallantoic membranes were removed from inoculated eggs at 12-hour intervals from 1/2 through 10 days after inoculation. The chorioallantoic membranes were fixed in Zenker's fluid, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and studied with bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy. Oocysts were harvested from the allantoic fluid, sporulated, and inoculated into a 3-month-old Bobwhite in order to demonstrate infectivity. In order to examine the cross-transmission properties of E. dispersa, two 2-month-old domestic turkeys, two 2-week-old White Leghorn chickens, and two 2-week-old Japanese quail were inoculated with oocysts of this species.
Findings. Subspherical to ovoid oocysts were found in the feces 4 to 4 1/2 days after inoculation. Sporulated oocysts averaged 22.4 by 18.5 micrometers. Sporocysts were assymmetrically ellipsoidal and averaged 14.1 by 6.7 micrometers. Extended free sporozoites averaged 13.8 by 2.7 micrometers. All tissue stages developed within epithelial cells of the chorioallantoic membrane. Intracellular sporozoites were present from day 2 until day 9 1/2 post-inoculation. Fixed
intracellular sporozoites averaged 7.8 by 4.0 micrometers. These developed into sporozoite-shaped schizonts which were observed between 2 and 9 1/2 days after inoculation, and averaged 10.0 by 3.7 micrometers. Mature large schizonts. probably representing those of a first generation, developed from the sporozoite-shaped schizonts and were observed between 2 1/2 and 10 days post-inoculation. These large schizonts averaged 16.7 by 12.4 micrometers and contained an average of 24 merozoites. Smaller schizonts, probably those of a second generation, were observed between 4 and 10 days after inoculation and contained an average of 12 merozoites. These small schizonts averaged 9.9 by 7.9 micrometers. Mature microgametocytes averaging 18.7 by 14.9 micrometers were observed on days 4 through 10. Mature macrogametes averaging 19.2 by 15.0 micrometers were observed on days 8 through 10 post-inoculation. Oocysts developing in epithelial cells of the chorioallantoic membrane were observed between 8 and 9 1/2 days after inoculation. Non-sporulated oocysts were found in the allantoic fluid at 9 and 9t days post-inoculation and averaged 19.8 by 17.0 micrometers. The chorioallantoic membranes showed no macroscopic lesions. Slight hyperemia and hemorrhaging were observed in scattered areas near large blood vessels during schizogony and gametogony. In adult birds, the prepatent period was 4 to 4 1/2 days, and oocysts were found in large numbers until 15 days post-inoculation when only a few oocysts were present in fecal samples. When embryo-derived oocysts were inoculated into a coccidia-free juvenile, the prepatent period was delayed until 6 days post-inoculation. Attempts to transmit E. dispersa to domestic turkeys, White Leghorn chickens, and Coturnix quail were unsuccessful.
Conclusions. The sporulated oocysts of E. dispersa from the Bobwhite quail are redescribed, and their endogenous development in quail embryos is reported. In embryos, the life cycle appears to be delayed beyond that observed in mature birds. When embryo-derived oocysts are reinoculated into young bobwhite quail. the prepatent period is also delayed beyond that observed in birds inoculated with oocysts derived from natural sources. As in naturally infected birds, 2 generations of schizonts appear to be present in the life cycle in embryos, and the gametocyte stages appear to be similar to those reported for this species. E. dispersa was found to be relatively non-pathogenic in adult Bobwhites. but markedly pathogenic in young Bobwhites 2 weeks of age and younger. Attempts to infect turkeys, chickens, and Japanese quail with sporulated oocysts of E. dispersa isolated from adult Bobwhite quail were unsuccessful, indicating that E. dispersa may be host specific solely for Bobwhite quail. Recommendations.
Future research concerning the cultivation of E. dispersa should provide more detailed light microscope descriptions of the endogenous stages in the adult bobwhite quail and its embryos. Also, attempts should be directed toward the description and cultivation of the endogenous stages of this species in cell cultures. The fine-structure of these stages, both in vivo and in vitro, should also be studied. The phenomenon of a lengthened prepatent period in Bobwhites inoculated with embryo-derived oocysts, as opposed to those given naturally-derived oocysts, should also be investigated
The Effects of Birth Weight on Rates of Motor Development of Identical Twins
No full textv, 77 leaves. Advisor: Ione Shadduck.The problem. The problem of this study is to determine whether birth weight effects the rate of motor development of identical twins.
Procedure. A questionnaire concerning rates of motor development was administered to mothers of identical twins. The questionnaires were returned, analyzed and divided into two select groups used in the study. The intra-pair differences of rates of development of five motor skills were compared
for the minimal birth weight difference group and the maximal birth weight difference group. The mean performance gains were established and a "t" test was administered to them. Concurrently a longitudinal case study of identical twins, who
possesssd a maximal birth weight difference was made. The data were recorded on films and in a diary of motor development. The films and diary were viewed and analyzed by the researcher and two educators.
Findings. The value of "t" was determined to be 1.19 which is less than the 0.5 level of probability (2.776). The researcher therefore concludes that there was no significant difference between the mean performance gains of "twin B" of the minimal birth weight difference group and the mean performance gains of "twin B" of the maximal birth weight difference group.
Conclusions. The researcher accepts the null hypothesis. There is no significant difference between the mean performance gains of "twins B" of the minimal and maximal birth weight difference groups.
Recommendations. 1. Placenta analysis should be performed routinely when twins are born to determine if anastomoses occurred and to determine zygosity.
2. More research concernint the effects of birth weight on the rate of motor development of identical twins should be performed with research controls concerning: placenta analysis, intra-pair birth order, type of birth process, complications of birth process, and age of twins when research is performed