21867 research outputs found
Sort by
Thomas and Samuel: A Tragedy of Power: A Case Study
Get PDFThis thesis is a major requirement for completing the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program through Liberty University\u27s Online Programs. In order to accomplish this enterprise, the student was required to conduct extensive research on relevant subjects in order to compile an Artist Statement, a Critical Paper, and the Annotated Bibliography, which appears at the end of this paper. This play is based on the student\u27s personal experiences in a land torn by war and anarchy. Those experiences helped shape his understanding that people and nations can glean valuable lessons from the annals of history for carving better futures and destinies for themselves. He hopes that the performance of this work will help guide audiences against the bitter errors of the past and the fallacies of ill-gotten political power
ReDesigning Responsibility: Closing the Knowledge Gap in Sustainable Design
Get PDFThis thesis investigates the gap between awareness and application of sustainable practices in the graphic design industry. While sustainability has become a widely discussed topic, designers often lack accessible, practical tools to integrate it into their work. Through a combination of research, case studies, and design thinking methodologies, this project develops a comprehensive educational toolkit and accompanying campaign, ReDesigning Responsibility, that equips designers, educators, and students to make informed, environmentally responsible choices in both print and digital media. The deliverables include a printed reference guide, an interactive microsite, and a branded campaign, all aimed at fostering sustainability as a core design principle rather than an optional consideration
Celebrating Their Voices: The Recognition of African American Female Songwriters in Worship Music
Get PDFThe worship community has been profoundly shaped by the contributions of numerous songwriters, many of whom remain largely unknown despite the widespread impact of their music. While enjoyed by the congregation, songs performed during corporate worship services are very rarely credited to/known by the songwriter(s). Songs heard on the radio are known by and often credited to the artist and not the songwriter. This research study, “Celebrating Their Voices: The Recognition of African American Female Songwriters in Worship Music,” explores the influence of 20th-century African American female Gospel songwriters whose compositions have become integral to African American worship experiences yet lack recognition in secular and sacred music contexts. It examines how these songwriters’ works have resonated across diverse congregations (which will include music written by females from different denominations), fostering unity and spiritual growth, while their identities and contributions often remain overlooked. The focus of this thesis will be a songwriter project that aims to raise awareness, with a particular focus on African American female gospel songwriters. The project will involve creating a presentation to educate worship teams and conferences about the contributions of these songwriters, many of whose works are widely sung but not widely known to have been written by black women. This will include these songwriters\u27 historical significance and the benefits of knowing the stories behind the songs. Special focus is given to exploring how their music is used in worship. The findings aim to highlight the significance of these songwriters’ work, creating a bridge between their artistry and the worship communities that benefit from it, while advocating for broader acknowledgment and celebration of their legacy
The Impact of Cello Training on Spatial Orientation Abilities in Adult Learners
Get PDFAcademic discourse lacks exploration of the effects that musical training during adulthood has on spatial orientation abilities through their connection between cognitive science and music education. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap through research that evaluates cello training effects on spatial orientation abilities in adult learners. The rising interest in non-medicine-based methods for brain function improvement and recovery establishes the urgent need to research possible cognitive advantages that occur when adults participate in music education. This research study adopted a convergent mixed-methods approach that studied adults with minimal musical background in an eight-week structured cello training program, aiming to develop their musical abilities and potentially enhance their spatial orientation skills. Measures of spatial capability changes through pre- and post-intervention assessments are supported by qualitative interview data that reveal the participants\u27 experiences with their musical development throughout the study. Findings from this study suggested that cello training improved spatial orientation abilities in adult learners, contributing to enhanced cognitive development and supporting the inclusion of musical training in educational and therapeutic practices. Therefore, this study addressed a gap in the literature concerning the long-term cognitive and psychosocial benefits of music education for adults over the age of twenty-five. By examining this underrepresented age group, this study demonstrated that sustained music learning can enhance cognitive flexibility, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life, underscoring the need for broader inclusion of adults in both research and policy related to music education and cognitive development
Missionary Kids and PTSD and Spirituality
Get PDFIn recent years, studies have documented the importance of spirituality in assuaging psychological distress. Numerous studies have investigated the connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and spirituality and its positive outcomes among diverse populations. A diverse population that is insufficiently addressed in the literature is missionary kids (MKs). Further, studies investigating the relationship between spiritual struggles and PTSD among MKs remain under-researched. Moreover, while studies document the existence of mental health disorders among MKs, a formal investigation examining PTSD symptomology among MKs had yet to be conducted. For this study, participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, and 81 individuals completed the study. This quantitative study investigated PTSD symptomology among adult MKs, measured by the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, using a one-sample t-test to compare the sample mean to the cut-off score of 33 to determine if the average score met the clinical criteria for an official PTSD diagnosis. Divine and Doubt Religious and Spiritual struggles was examined through a one-sample t-test to analyze the data, using a score of 4 as the comparison value, as it represents experiencing spiritual struggles quite a bit. Spirituality among this population was measured by the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale. Additionally, the correlation between PTSD symptomology, as measured by the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, and spirituality, as measured by the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, was examined using a two-tailed Pearson correlation coefficient test. Findings suggest that MKs experience mild levels of PTSD symptomology, some/little religious and spiritual struggles, but not significant levels. Higher levels of spirituality were related to lower levels of PTSD symptomology. Post-hoc analysis revealed higher levels of PTSD symptoms were correlated with high levels of Divine and Doubt religious and spiritual struggles. The findings from the study have implications for missionary parents, mission organizations, and mental health professionals when considering the mental health of MKs
The Impact of Resistance Training on Obese Perimenopause African American Women in San Antonio
Get PDFThis quantitative randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of resistance training on body fat in obese African American perimenopausal women in San Antonio, Texas. The study aimed to support the World Health Organization\u27s efforts to combat obesity and address the underrepresentation of African American women in research, a population with over half being overweight or obese. Eleven eligible participants completed an intake survey and had their body fat percentage measured using an InBody 270 before and after the intervention. Participants were divided into two groups: one utilizing weights (e.g., dumbbells, barbells, machines, resistance bands) and the other using body weight for resistance training. Both groups engaged in bi-weekly sessions with a personal trainer. Statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney U test and MANOVA) revealed no statistically significant difference between the two training methods in reducing body fat percentage. However, participants in both groups experienced noticeable reductions in body fat and overall mass. The findings suggest that while resistance training may contribute to body composition improvements, broader, culturally responsive intervention strategies are necessary to effectively reduce body fat in this population. Future research should explore culturally tailored lifestyle interventions, including nutrition education and physical activity promotion, to address obesity and health disparities effectively among obese African American perimenopausal women
Identifying Aspects of Musical Diversity that Engender Multigenerational Worship in Select Baptist Churches: A Case Study
Get PDFMultigenerational worship through the avenue of musical diversity in the Baptist church is the focus of this case study. This study aims to identify critical components of musical diversity, emphasizing song selection as a key element of liturgy within corporate worship. The research undertakes an observational analysis of the relationship between musical diversity through liturgy and congregational engagement of all generations. Five Baptist churches were selected to be studied to categorize the similarities and differences in the area of multigenerational worship. The case study research model provided a variety of data collection methods through research observations, online questionaries and in-person interviews. The findings indicated the liturgy of the church could possibly impact the age demographic of the church. Furthermore, the findings propose that the style of worship music selected in the liturgy potentially impacted the participation of various age demographics. Research was limited to the five select Baptist churches that are all within a parallel geographical location. It is recommended that the worship leadership of churches should establish a good understanding of corporate worship in the context of the church’s role in order to begin pursuing multigenerational worship. The significance of this study is to provide further research in the area of Christian worship
Parental Participation in a Christian Homeschool Co-opertaive in a State in the Southeastern US: A Single-Case Study
Get PDFThe purpose of this qualitative, single-case study was to explore parental participation in a Christian homeschool co-operative in a state in the Southeastern US, identified by the pseudonym Hope Homeschool Co-op. Christopher Watkin’s biblical critical theory guided this research, emphasizing how the Bible’s unfolding story centers around a relational God. This study examined the importance of having a Christian community to parents participating in Hope Homeschool Co-op. Using a single-case study approach, data were collected from 14 homeschooling mothers who had enrolled their families in Hope Homeschool Co-op during the 2024-25 academic school year. The Central Research Question asked, “What are the experiences of parents participating in Hope Homeschool Co-op?” All meetings took place at the participant’s homes or a local coffee shop. Participants shared their experiences through individual interviews, physical artifacts, and journal prompts. Whisper Transcription was used to record and transcribe all interviews and journal prompts. All physical artifacts and descriptions were sent via text directly following the interview. Member checking occurred before all data synthesis by texting each participant their transcriptions and receiving their approval. Although patterns and themes were identified and synthesized through notetaking, NVivo software was used to help identify repeated themes and sub-themes. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: Passion for Joining an Explicitly Christian Co-op, the Importance of Communication and Organization, and Participant Desire to Serve the Lord. Lastly, the results revealed the importance of having a faith-based community for Christian homeschooling families
Improving Equity for African American Female Educators: An Applied Study
Get PDFThe purpose of this applied study was to solve the problem of equitability in the workplace for African American female educators in Athens-Clarke County School District schools and to design a solution to address the problem. The central research question is, “How can the problem of inequity for African American female educators, as identified by the Induction Teacher Survey and CCRPI data, be solved in the Athens-Clarke County School District?” A multimethod design was used consisting of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected from participants via semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and survey. To gain discernment on equity, data was obtained from administrators via semi-structured interviews; paraprofessionals, teachers, instructional coaches, counselors, school psychologists, and behavioral specialists via focus groups; and teachers via a survey. Data analysis of the semi-structured interviews included transcribing the interviews, annotating the transcripts, conceptualizing the data, segmenting the data, analyzing the segments, and scripting the results. The data analysis addressed workplace inequality by highlighting three key themes that shaped a plan focused on leadership development, policy revision, and strengthening support systems for African American female educators in the Athens-Clarke County School District
Divine Grace in Human Flourishing amid Suffering
No full textHuman flourishing is as potent as it is intricate. There is a need in the Christian context for a model of human flourishing among other available models. This current qualitative study seeks to gather insights into human flourishing amid suffering among Methodist clergy in Indonesia. The phenomenological approach delved into the essence of encountering the grace of the Lord and flourishing amid the adversities in their ministry. The purposeful sampling was carried out, and fifteen clergy participated in the semi-structured interviews. Their responses helped with gaining insights into the themes of God’s grace, suffering, and human flourishing amid suffering. The results of thematic analysis indicated that the participants could face suffering but flourish at the same time as God’s grace enabled them to depend on his empowerment, presence, peace, and assistance. The key findings from this study contribute to a distinctive paradigm for human flourishing in the face of adversity. This model of human flourishing offers suffering people to thrive amid their adversities through reliance on God’s grace. Counseling and psychological centers, as well as churches, can implement this model of human flourishing in helping their clients and members. The trained counselors and psychologists guide suffering people to be empowered by God’s grace to withstand hardships and thrive concurrently. This intervention assists suffering people to reorient their focus to God as the source of grace and empowerment so they can grow amid life difficulties