Middle Tennessee State University
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Credit Histories as a Selection Tool
No full textThis study focused on the relationship between credit score and personality and how assuming personality characteristics based on credit information is not a valid selection procedure. Previous research demonstrates little to no relationship between the two, but further research is needed to fully understand their relationship. Correlations between personality scales and credit scores were tested. Individually, there were no relationships between the scales and credit score. When combined, there was a marginal relationship between the scales and credit score. Two scales, Self-Efficacy and Dutifulness, were statistically significantly related to credit score. Findings of this study help demonstrate the weak relationship between personality and credit score. Future studies should try to use more reliable personality measures and consider using more objective data when looking to demonstrate a relationship with credit score.M.A
Fostering Equity in the Secondary Mathematics Classroom
No full textThis thesis highlights the importance of fostering equitable instruction in secondary mathematics classrooms. It focuses on key instructional practices designed to foster equity in the mathematics classroom. Research on the impact of de-tracking, implementation of rich math tasks, and orchestrating productive classroom discourse is reviewed and synthesized to create a professional development workshop unit plan to create a shared vision of equity among secondary mathematics teachers. The unit plan is presented in full and justified using research-based implications to foster equity in secondary mathematics classrooms.M.S
A Gruesome Business: Collecting, Repatriating, and Interpreting World War II Souvenirs
No full textThis dissertation explores the complex motivations and ethical implications surrounding the collection of war souvenirs, trophies, and loot by American servicemen during World War II. It delves into how wartime propaganda, collection theory, and the psychological impact of combat influenced these practices in both the Pacific and European Theaters. While collecting behaviors varied between theaters, common motivations emerged, including economic gain, the pursuit of rare objects, the desire for proof of wartime experiences, camaraderie, and coping with trauma. Collection theory, as developed by scholars like Jean Baudrillard, Walter Benjamin, and Werner Muensterberger, provides a framework for understanding these behaviors as ways of asserting control, finding meaning, and coping with the chaos of war.
The study highlights the stark differences between the theaters of war. In the Pacific, racialized propaganda dehumanized the Japanese enemy, leading to brutal acts of souvenir hunting, including the removal of body parts. In Europe, where the enemy was more culturally similar, the focus shifted to looting cultural and personal property, such as art and valuables, though these actions still carried significant ethical and legal consequences. The paper examines the distinctions between war souvenirs, trophies, and loot, emphasizing that many objects taken were in violation of international law.
Furthermore, the dissertation addresses the long-term implications of these practices, particularly in the context of museum ethics and the ongoing debate over the repatriation of looted artifacts. Museums must navigate the delicate task of displaying war souvenirs responsibly, ensuring that these objects are presented with their full historical and ethical context. This study underscores the need for transparency and ethical accountability in how these items are handled and displayed. By analyzing the intersection of personal motivations, cultural influences, and the legal framework surrounding war memorabilia, this research contributes to our understanding of how the trauma and chaos of war shape human behavior and leave lasting cultural and ethical dilemmas.Ph.D
INCOMING ONLINE GRADUATE STUDENT INFORMATION LITERACY KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-EFFICACY: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
No full textInformation Literacy (IL) is vitally important for student success among college students. Graduate students are often assumed to have basic information literacy skills, but research has shown that this isn’t always the case ((Bussell et al., 2017; Lamb, 2017, Hebert, 2018, Xie & Savory, 2022; Robertson & Felicilda-Reynaldo, 2015; Click, 2018; Saunders et al., 2015). In recent years, much emphasis has been placed on undergraduate students and rightly so. However, students entering graduate program at the master’s and doctoral level can still benefit from information literacy instruction.
This explanatory sequential mixed methods study sought to understand the level of information literacy knowledge and self-efficacy of incoming online graduate students and to determine if online modules introduced as a self-guided orientation to graduate research are helpful for student success and increases their information literacy knowledge and self-efficacy skills. Quantitative and qualitative assessments were utilized using the Open Test of Information literacy (OTIL) (Hollis, et al., 2019), and the Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale (ILSES) (Kurbanoglu et al., 2004), along with follow-up interviews after the intervention of the IL modules.
Paired t-test analysis determined that both the IL knowledge and self-efficacy of the participants significantly increased after completing the IL modules. Qualitative analysis of data from the follow-up interviews indicated that participants were appreciative of the IL modules, found them helpful and anticipated referring to them during their graduate program.
Graduate research orientation delivered through IL modules can increase IL knowledge and self-efficacy of incoming online graduate students, fill in any gaps from previous schooling, and serve as a needed refresher as students begin a new program. The researcher recommends
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continuing to use the IL modules and locating them in a fixed place. Librarians and faculty should collaboratively work to keep the content current and applicable. Further studies on the utilization of IL modules in a fixed location along with a longitudinal study of graduate students as they progress through their programs are recommended.Ed.D
Assessing the Effects of the Pharmaceutical Environmental Contaminant Atorvastatin on the Molting Cycle of the Red Swamp Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii
No full textAtorvastatin, one of the most prescribed pharmaceuticals in the United States, lowers cholesterol in humans by competitively inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase in the mevalonate pathway. The mevalonate pathway is integral to arthropod development, since it is the primary biochemical pathway to produce juvenile hormones that aid in growth and reproduction. Atorvastatin has been detected in the environment in the parts per billion range and may pose a threat to aquatic invertebrates. Crayfishes are a large group of benthic aquatic invertebrates that can occupy several niches and function as keystone species in many environments and might be sensitive to atorvastatin contamination. In this study, adult and juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were used as model organisms in a controlled lab environment to assess the sublethal, chronic effects of atorvastatin on molting. Adult crayfish were reared and exposed to atorvastatin for six months, and juveniles were exposed for one full molt cycle. We measured the lengths, weights, intermolt duration, and ambient chitobiase activity in the water of all crayfish. For the adults, no significant differences were noted across treatments and controls. For the juveniles, only intermolt duration was significantly affected. Out of the four treatments (0.15 µg/L, 1.5 µg/L, 15 µg/L, and 100 µg/L), solvent control, and control groups, the highest dosed group (100 µg/L) showed a significant increase in intermolt duration from all other treatments (ANOVA: F = 8.036, df = 5, p = 3.02 × 10-5), averaging 91.875 days (maximum 120 days, minimum 76 days) compared to an average of 60.806 days for all other groups combined (maximum 84 days, minimum 25 days). All other treatments were not statistically different from the controls.M.S
Are Chronic Disease Indicators Associated with Living Close to Treatment, Waste, & Disposal Sites (Landfills) in Southeastern United States?
No full textThis study investigated the associations between residential proximity to landfill sites and the prevalence of chronic diseases in the Southeastern United States. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data from 624 landfills and 23,256 census tracts were analyzed. Chronic disease indicators included asthma, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and mental health, sourced from the CDC's PLACES Project and adjusted for poverty, age, rurality, race, health insurance, and state. Spatial analysis techniques identified exposure proportions within 0.5, 1, 3, and 5-mile buffer zones of landfills. Results from the adjusted Generalized Linear Models revealed significant associations at 0.5 miles for diabetes (OR=6.72, p=.018), high blood pressure (OR=3.08), and asthma (OR=2.37, p=.003). Proximity to older landfills (pre-1990) and higher-volume landfills (>500 tons daily) demonstrated differential impacts on health outcomes. Findings suggest that closer residential proximity to landfills, particularly high-volume and older sites, is associated with increased prevalence of certain chronic diseases, emphasizing the need for mindful waste management and policy implications for health equity.M.P.H
Integrity, Personality, and Grit: Can Written Tests Predict Behavior?
No full textI would like to acknowledge and thank my thesis director, Dr. Mark Frame, who made this work possible. Thank you for your faith in me and patience throughout this process. This project would not have been possible without your extensive help. I would also like to thank all the I-O faculty for being so supportive and harboring a learning environment that encouraged exploring my interests. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. James Houston for encouraging me to pursue research in I-O and helping me gain the skills I needed to succeed in this experience. My experiences at MTSU in the Honors College has pushed me to further my skills not only as a student, but also as a critical thinker, and for that I am forever grateful
Capturing Curiosity: Putting Chemistry on Display
No full textThis thesis explores innovative methods to inspire curiosity and engagement in undergraduate chemistry through visually captivating demonstrations. Recognizing a national challenge in retaining STEM students due to declining interest, the project employs social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram to share dynamic chemistry demonstrations. The initiative showcases experiments beyond typical classroom curricula, aiming to create a low-pressure, curiosity-driven environment. Over 500 hours were invested in filming and editing, resulting in professional-quality videos that have been widely shared across academic and public platforms, including science festivals and airports. The project not only highlights the role of accessible scientific content in fostering student interest but also underscores the transformative potential of open-ended exploration in education
Collage
No full textStudent-produced creative journal containing art, photography, poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, song lyrics, audio, and video.Collage is a creative journal published by Middle Tennessee State Universrity since 1968. It is produced by a student staff to showcase creative work of MTSU students. The MTSU Honors College oversees the journal
The Danger of Blindly Following Madison: The Impending Downfall of the Nation if it Continues to Turn a Blind Eye to Factions
No full textJames Madison included several safeguards in creating the Constitution to lessen the impacts of faction and factious behavior on the government. This thesis investigates those safeguards and whether they held up during Madison’s time or remain dependable to this day. I use examples to prove that factions impact the nation and investigate whether political parties are factions. Factions are not solely problematic on a national scale; they can have devastating effects on the global community. The United States’ action or inaction in cases of international factions can be extremely influential. It would be disastrous if a faction were to gain control of the United States. The inaccuracies in Madison’s theory put the nation at risk of destruction if it continues to listen to his words and ignore factious behavior. We need to formulate new ways to mitigate the effects of factions