George I. Sanchez: Don Quixote of the Southwest (open access)

George I. Sanchez: Don Quixote of the Southwest

This historical study examines the career of George I. Sanchez, New Mexican educator, who led many political and educational battles in New Mexico and Texas to improve educational opportunities for Spanish-speaking children. Archival materials from the State Records' Center of New Mexico, the papers of Senator Bronson M. Cutting, the Rockefeller Foundation Archives, the papers of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, Sanchez's private papers, unpublished materials at the University of Texas in Austin, oral history, and published materials were used in this study. The author used oral history and archival materials to gather much of the information for this work. The author extends special thanks and appreciation to Mrs. George I. Sanchez for making Sanchez's private papers available for study. The author also wishes to thank Dr. Hector Garcia, Senator Ralph Yarborough, Judge Carlos Cadena, Tom Sutherland, Arthur Campa, J. W. Edgar, Ed Idar, Jr., John Silber, and Connie Sprague, Sanchez's daughter, for their help.
Date: December 1976
Creator: Leff, Gladys R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Implementation and Administration of Radical Education in Texas: Politics or Reform in Education from 1870-1873 (open access)

Implementation and Administration of Radical Education in Texas: Politics or Reform in Education from 1870-1873

This study examines the efforts of Radicals (Republicans) to establish a state-wide public school system in Texas between 1870 and 1873. Primary sources cover the chronological fringes of the period being examined. This study follows a chronological narrative with the four chapters examining first, educational trends in the southern states and Texas prior to Reconstruction, followed by examination of the Radical system in Texas, and, finally, its destruction by Conservative Texans. The final chapter focuses on immediate and long range results of Radical education. In examining the Radical educational program, an attempt has been made to dispel ideas popularly held by present-day Texans who believe that the Radical school program was simply another "carpetbagger" scheme for raiding the state treasury and building Radical patronage. This paper contends that the Radicals established as good a public school system as could be created at the time, and that it was administered in an honest and efficient manner. The system was destroyed by politicians and a grass roots revolt of taxpayers who had no faith in its methods, goals, or administrators.
Date: August 1976
Creator: McClellan, Michael E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Study of the Contributions of Mary Lizzie McCord to Drama Education at Southern Methodist University (open access)

A Study of the Contributions of Mary Lizzie McCord to Drama Education at Southern Methodist University

Although in 1915 there was no drama education in Methodist colleges and universities in Texas, today all Methodist schools of higher education in Texas have at least course offerings in drama. Southern Methodist University was one of the first Methodist schools to offer such courses which began with the hiring of Mary McCord to teach public speaking in September, 1915. The problem of this study is to explain the contributions of Mary McCord to the development of drama education at Southern Methodist University. It is recommended that the development of the department after Miss McCord retired be examined, that the students taught by Miss McCord who chose theatre as their life's work be interviewed about the effect of her training on their careers, and that a thorough study of the McCord Theatre Collection be undertaken.
Date: August 1976
Creator: Spalding, Sharon Brown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Contingent reinforcement as an intervention to alter depressive thinking (open access)

Contingent reinforcement as an intervention to alter depressive thinking

The problem of this study is to determine the feasibility of using an operant treatment procedure to ameliorate several manifestations of depression. The purpose is to apply contingent positive reinforcement to the detection of nondepressive thoughts and to examine the effects of this procedure upon the frequency of nondepressive thoughts, idiosyncratic depressive manifestations, and scores on the Depression Inventory.
Date: May 1976
Creator: Gairing, Robert L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Effect of Group Assertiveness Training on Selected Cognitive Variables (open access)

The Effect of Group Assertiveness Training on Selected Cognitive Variables

This study was conducted to investigate whether cognitive variables (as measured by six self-report inventories) covaried with changes in behavior following group assertiveness training as postulated by several assertiveness training theorists and practitioners. Statistical analysis of the data did not support any of the hypotheses. No significant differences were found between the groups on any of the self-report measures or the behavioral ratings, although experimental group subjects consistently scored higher (in the predicted direction) on all self-report measures or were rated higher than placebo group subjects. The hypotheses that experimental group subjects would exhibit significantly higher levels of self-reported assertiveness, self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-confidence than placebo group subjects were rejected. The hypothesis that the experimental group would exhibit a significantly greater shift toward self-reported internal locus of control than the placebo group was rejected. The hypothesis that the experimental group would exhibit significantly larger decreases in levels of self-reported anxiety than the placebo group was also rejected. Furthermore, no support was found for the hypothesis that experimental group subjects would exhibit significantly higher levels of objectively-rated assertive behavior than placebo group subjects. An examination of the data revealed substantial improvements on each of the six self-report measures for subjects in …
Date: December 1976
Creator: Williams, Dale W.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Origins and Development of Black Religious Colleges in East Texas (open access)

The Origins and Development of Black Religious Colleges in East Texas

This work is a study of the origins, development, and contributions of the black religious colleges of East Texas. The central purpose of the study is to reexamine the role Wiley, Bishop, Texas, and Jarvis colleges have played in black higher education. Although prior to 1960 most studies of Negro institutions of higher education described such schools as total failures in their effort to uplift American Negroes, since that time many scholars have published works which pointed up the achievements as well as the problems of those colleges. In addition to their efforts to provide the Negro community with capable leaders, the black religious colleges of East Texas also directed public service projects. Especially beneficial, these efforts, which included farm demonstration programs and home demonstration classes, were designed to help black people at whatever level needed. Wiley, Bishop, Texas College, and Jarvis have not been total failures. Although always academically weak, they have served the black community well. However, in spite of the valuable service they have rendered, unless these schools can generate new and larger sources of revenue, they stand little chance of remaining viable institutions. Each of these colleges desperately needs more money. Ironically, it may be that …
Date: December 1976
Creator: Thompson, Lloyd K.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Institutionalized versus non-institutionalized mildly retarded populations: determination and comparison, based on Rotter's personal control theory, and a test of interpersonal distance (open access)

Institutionalized versus non-institutionalized mildly retarded populations: determination and comparison, based on Rotter's personal control theory, and a test of interpersonal distance

The problem with which this study was concerned was that of evaluating and comparing of locus of control scores and interpersonal distance among the institutionalized and non-institutionalized mildly retarded populations. The hypothetical assumptions specifically stated that the institutionalized retardates will be more externally oriented, will show a greater interpersonal distance towards stimuli with no specific expectancies. In view of the findings of the study, the following recommendations are offered: 1. Determination and evaluation of locus of control in retardates may be a useful technique in assessing their personality and understanding their psychological needs. Several investigators have been attempted with neurotics and subjects with character disorders, but none is reported with retarded populations. Such information may contribute to planning and programming for this particular group. 2. Determination of the retardates' interpersonal space may be an important approach in assessing their personality structure. Such studies have been conducted with the emotionally disturbed children, schizophrenics and normal subjects; however, none has been conducted with retardates. 3. The instruments used for this study have been designed for and standardized on samples of normal populations. To achieve more accurate results, these instruments should be designed for and standardized on a sample consisting of retarded subjects. …
Date: May 1976
Creator: Moazami, Manoutchehr
System: The UNT Digital Library
Assessing and Influencing the Attitude and Knowledge of Selected Post-Secondary Students Concerning Body Language (open access)

Assessing and Influencing the Attitude and Knowledge of Selected Post-Secondary Students Concerning Body Language

This investigation, which was conducted on the post-secondary level and included vocational and academic students, was undertaken to develop an instrument to assess the attitude and knowledge of students concerning body language and to develop a module of instruction in body language to favorably influence their attitude and knowledge concerning body language. Hypotheses were formulated related to the differences in mean effective and cognitive scores of the experimental group who were taught body language and the control group. Additional hypotheses were formulated related to mean differences in the scores of students differing in age, sex, business experience, and prior exposure to body language. The findings of this study included first, the testing of the instrument; second, the testing of the validity of the research design and third, the testing of the hypotheses. The following conclusions are based on the findings of the study: the instrument seems to be acceptable for assessing the attitude and knowledge of post—secondary students concerning body language, the module of instruction in body language seems to be acceptable as a basis for influencing the attitude and knowledge of post—secondary students concerning body language, the mid-management and speech students were comparable in attitude and knowledge concerning body …
Date: August 1976
Creator: Lester, E. W. Bud
System: The UNT Digital Library
A comparison of the effectiveness of microtraining, positive verbal reinforcement via immediate feedback, and traditional parent skill groups in teaching specific parent skills and improving parent attitudes (open access)

A comparison of the effectiveness of microtraining, positive verbal reinforcement via immediate feedback, and traditional parent skill groups in teaching specific parent skills and improving parent attitudes

This investigation concerned teaching specific parent skills and improving parent attitudes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three techniques and combinations of techniques in teaching specific parent skills and improving parent attitudes. The techniques considered were microtraining, verbal reinforcement via immediate feedback, and traditional parent training.
Date: August 1976
Creator: Fain, Charlotte N.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Investigation into the Nature of b-d Confusion Among Selected Samples of Elementary Children (open access)

Investigation into the Nature of b-d Confusion Among Selected Samples of Elementary Children

The problem explored by this study is the nature of b-d confusion as it is exhibited by remedial and nonremedial readers at various elementary ages in the areas of letter identification, spelling, and reading. The purposes of Phase I of the study were to examine the progressive phase-out of b-d errors committed by samples of remedial and nonremedial readers and to explore certain factors that could be related to the problem. The object of Phase II was to describe subjects with extreme b-d reversal problems. Extreme b-d reversers were found to have been average or below on first-grade-readiness scores and significantly below grade-level placement in reading achievement. School marks were also generally low. As a whole, the extremes were predominantly right-handed and no sex bias was detected. When the extremes were compared to subjects above average in b-d responses, the extremes made significantly more errors on other letters, were able to read significantly fewer words, and required significantly more assistance in spelling. These groups significantly differed on position of b-d reversals in reading, but not in spelling, nor on the proportion of real words actually produced when reversals were made in reading. Reversal of b and d was not associated …
Date: May 1976
Creator: Merwin, Marjorie Ann
System: The UNT Digital Library
Anxiety Relief, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Expectancy Relaxation in the Treatment of Speech Phobia (open access)

Anxiety Relief, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Expectancy Relaxation in the Treatment of Speech Phobia

Relaxation procedures and anxiety relief were reviewed. Effects of cognitive and expectancy variables in reduction of avoidance behavior were also extensively reviewed. Various theoretical models for desensitization were presented. Use of symbolic control in classical conditioning and use of self-control methods in anxiety reduction were discussed. Special emphasis was given to self-desensitization and cue controlled relaxation. One goal of the experiment was to determine whether a musical stimulus associated with counter anxiety procedures could reduce or prevent subjects' phobic responses in the presence of the phobic situation. Another goal was to determine the relative efficacy of two counter anxiety procedures (anxiety relief and progressive muscle relaxation) in lowering muscle tension and in reducing or preventing speech anxiety. Several implications were drawn from the study. Relaxation alone may alleviate anxiety and phobic behavior without being paired with phobic stimuli. Cognitive variables such as expectancy and feedback of progress make a substantial contribution to treatment of situational anxiety. Progressive muscle relaxation may not be the technique of choice for producing low levels of muscle tension. Recommendations for future research were specified, including additional measures and control procedures.
Date: August 1976
Creator: Lynd, Robert Sterling
System: The UNT Digital Library
Differential Life History Factors Among Incarcerated Female Offenders (open access)

Differential Life History Factors Among Incarcerated Female Offenders

This study was designed to be the first step in an empirical investigation of the female offender, using biographical information. It Is the goal of the research to eventually be able to predict probable criminal activity among women. The most readily delineated group for study was female prisoners. The purpose of the study was to determine if factor clusters could be produced which were representative of women in prison. Specific objectives were to organize descriptive biographical information of incarcerated women and to correlate bio-data results with important current and post-incarceration events. This study makes it clear that merely labeling behavior as criminal—connoting a deviant class of behavior—is highly inexact in identifying it. The female offender cannot as yet be defined in the same way as a person suffering from depression, hypochondriasis, or schizophrenia—that is, by distinctive response groupings. While this study made many inroads, generating descriptive factors and significant behavioral/life-history correlates, incarcerated female offenders as a class cannot as yet be identified by responses that make up a valid category of behavior.
Date: December 1976
Creator: Mebane, Bette G.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Learned Helplessness and Internal-External Locus of Control in the Elderly (open access)

Learned Helplessness and Internal-External Locus of Control in the Elderly

The present research has focused on an often-neglected segment of society—the aged. A number of phenomena which appear relevant to a study of aging have been discussed and the pertinent literature reviewed. Specifically, learned helplessness, depression, internal-external locus of control, and disengagement versus activity have been examined. The present research was divided into two studies. Study Number 1 has investigated internal-external locus of control in an elderly sample and related it to indices of activity and morale. Study Number 2 has extended Seligman's (1975) theory of learned helplessness to an elderly population and investigated the phenomenon in individuals with either an internal or an external locus of control. The locus of control construct (Rotter, 1966) and the theory of learned helplessness (Seligman, 1975) appear to have immediate relevance for the treatment of aging individuals. The present study suggests that exposure to controllable reinforcement may break-up or alleviate learned helplessness in elderly individuals.
Date: December 1976
Creator: Hamrick, Narecia D.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Symbolic Language Transfer in the Autistic Child (open access)

Symbolic Language Transfer in the Autistic Child

The problem of this study is to see if there is more symbolic language transfer by autistic children in an untrained matching situation if there has been previous training on similar matching situations. The purposes of the study are twofold. The first is to see if subjects will make a motor sign response untrained to an object if the word for the object has been trained to the motor sign response and to see if they will make a motor sign response untrained to a word for an object if they have been trained to make the response to the object named. The second is to see, if transfer occurs, whether the order presentations of object and word are a factor.
Date: August 1976
Creator: Busbee, Mary Cheryl
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Harmonic Interval of the Seventh in the Works of Representative Composers of Italian Madrigals, 1542-1614 (open access)

The Harmonic Interval of the Seventh in the Works of Representative Composers of Italian Madrigals, 1542-1614

This study is an attempt to shed some light on the treatment of one dissonance—the seventh—in the works of the following composers: Cipriano de Rore (1516-1565); Philippe de Monte (1521-1603); Giaches de Wert (1535-1596); Luca Marenzio (1553-1599); Carlo Gesualdo (ca. 1560-1613); and Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643). The purpose of this thesis is to discover (1) the frequency of occurrence of primary (relatively accented) sevenths and their inversions (^ chords, etc.) in a selection of each composer's madrigals; and (2) the methods of handling sevenths employed by each composer, with particular emphasis on the relationship between these methods and sixteenth century theory.
Date: December 1976
Creator: Dowden, Ralph D.
System: The UNT Digital Library