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• 11. [Article] Perceptions of family of origin health, self-esteem, and the divorced single mother among college students

  This study sought to determine the contributions of college students' perceptions of family of origin health and self-esteem to their perceptions of the divorced single mother. It was hypothesized that ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Perceptions of family of origin health, self-esteem, and the divorced single mother among college students Author: Burke, Susan J. This study sought to determine the contributions of college students' perceptions of family of origin health and self-esteem to their perceptions of the divorced single mother. It was hypothesized that individuals who hold more positive views of their family of origin health will also view themselves and, consequently, the divorced single mother more positively. Participants were 170 college students, 113 of whom lived only with their biological parents, and 57 of whom lived at sometime in their lives with a divorced single mother. Four instruments were used to collect the data, including the Family of Origin Health Scale (Hovestadt et al., 1985), the Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), the Perception of Divorced Mother Scale (Ganong & Coleman, 1983), and a demographic questionnaire. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were used in data analyses. Generally, results indicated that family type made no major impact on participants' perceptions of the divorced single mother. Among participants in the biological parent group and the divorced single mother group, family of origin health significantly predicted more positive perceptions of the divorced single mother. In this analysis, the regression model for the biological parent group was significant, while for the divorced single mother group it was not. Self-esteem was not found to contribute significantly to participants' perceptions of the divorced single mother, and thus did not mediate the relationship between family of origin health and perceptions of the divorced single mother. Finally, among the biological parent group, amount of interaction with single parent families headed by a divorced single mother significantly predicted more positive perceptions of the divorced single mother. Among the divorced single mother group, however, amount of time lived in a single parent family headed by a divorced mother did not significantly predict their perceptions of the divorced single mother. Title: Perceptions of family of origin health, self-esteem, and the divorced single mother among college students Author: Burke, Susan J. This study sought to determine the contributions of college students' perceptions of family of origin health and self-esteem to their perceptions of the divorced single mother. It was hypothesized that individuals who hold more positive views of their family of origin health will also view themselves and, consequently, the divorced single mother more positively. Participants were 170 college students, 113 of whom lived only with their biological parents, and 57 of whom lived at sometime in their lives with a divorced single mother. Four instruments were used to collect the data, including the Family of Origin Health Scale (Hovestadt et al., 1985), the Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), the Perception of Divorced Mother Scale (Ganong & Coleman, 1983), and a demographic questionnaire. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were used in data analyses. Generally, results indicated that family type made no major impact on participants' perceptions of the divorced single mother. Among participants in the biological parent group and the divorced single mother group, family of origin health significantly predicted more positive perceptions of the divorced single mother. In this analysis, the regression model for the biological parent group was significant, while for the divorced single mother group it was not. Self-esteem was not found to contribute significantly to participants' perceptions of the divorced single mother, and thus did not mediate the relationship between family of origin health and perceptions of the divorced single mother. Finally, among the biological parent group, amount of interaction with single parent families headed by a divorced single mother significantly predicted more positive perceptions of the divorced single mother. Among the divorced single mother group, however, amount of time lived in a single parent family headed by a divorced mother did not significantly predict their perceptions of the divorced single mother. Close

• 12. [Article] The effect of social support on the well-being of single-mothers enrolled in a rural community college

  The primary purpose of this research was to examine the effects of informal social support on the psychological sense of well-being of single-parent mothers who are enrolled in a rural Oregon community ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effect of social support on the well-being of single-mothers enrolled in a rural community college Author: Stenson, Julie Ann The primary purpose of this research was to examine the effects of informal social support on the psychological sense of well-being of single-parent mothers who are enrolled in a rural Oregon community college. A secondary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of selected demographic indices upon the mothers' well-being. A 32-item questionnaire was mailed to a randomly selected population of 1,000 female spring term enrollees at Linn-Benton Community College, resulting in an 82 percent rate of response and 781 usable surveys, including 76 (10 percent) from single-mother students. Characteristically 35 to 39 years of age, Caucasian, and maintaining her own household on a gross monthly income of $1,000 or less, the single-mother student worked part-time, had been a single-parent for more than two years, raised one child, and was enrolled for six or fewer credits during the spring term. Analyses of variance among demographic indices and well-being measures indicated that single-mother students employed part-time scored lowest on Total Well-Being, Problems and Isolation. There was a significant effect on Problems from those enrolled in a degree program for seven or more credits and receiving financial aid. Simple linear and multiple stepwise regressions between components of Support and Well-Being, showed that: (1) Total Support had an effect upon Problems, Loneliness, Happiness, and Total Well-Being; (2) Personal Conversations influenced or affected all measures of Well-Being; (3) Relatives influenced Isolation, Loneliness, Happiness, and Total Well-Being; (4) Friendship affected Problems, Loneliness, Happiness, and Total Well-Being; and (5) Neighbors influenced Total Well-Being. Stepwise multiple regressions indicated that (1) Total Well-Being was affected by Conversations and to a lesser extent by Relatives and Friends; (2) Problems and Loneliness were influenced by Friends; (3) Isolation was affected by Relatives, and (4) Happiness was influenced by Conversations and to a lesser degree by Relatives. Recommendations for further research and implications for educational and family professionals working with single-mother students are discussed. Title: The effect of social support on the well-being of single-mothers enrolled in a rural community college Author: Stenson, Julie Ann The primary purpose of this research was to examine the effects of informal social support on the psychological sense of well-being of single-parent mothers who are enrolled in a rural Oregon community college. A secondary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of selected demographic indices upon the mothers' well-being. A 32-item questionnaire was mailed to a randomly selected population of 1,000 female spring term enrollees at Linn-Benton Community College, resulting in an 82 percent rate of response and 781 usable surveys, including 76 (10 percent) from single-mother students. Characteristically 35 to 39 years of age, Caucasian, and maintaining her own household on a gross monthly income of $1,000 or less, the single-mother student worked part-time, had been a single-parent for more than two years, raised one child, and was enrolled for six or fewer credits during the spring term. Analyses of variance among demographic indices and well-being measures indicated that single-mother students employed part-time scored lowest on Total Well-Being, Problems and Isolation. There was a significant effect on Problems from those enrolled in a degree program for seven or more credits and receiving financial aid. Simple linear and multiple stepwise regressions between components of Support and Well-Being, showed that: (1) Total Support had an effect upon Problems, Loneliness, Happiness, and Total Well-Being; (2) Personal Conversations influenced or affected all measures of Well-Being; (3) Relatives influenced Isolation, Loneliness, Happiness, and Total Well-Being; (4) Friendship affected Problems, Loneliness, Happiness, and Total Well-Being; and (5) Neighbors influenced Total Well-Being. Stepwise multiple regressions indicated that (1) Total Well-Being was affected by Conversations and to a lesser extent by Relatives and Friends; (2) Problems and Loneliness were influenced by Friends; (3) Isolation was affected by Relatives, and (4) Happiness was influenced by Conversations and to a lesser degree by Relatives. Recommendations for further research and implications for educational and family professionals working with single-mother students are discussed. Close

• 13. [Article] A descriptive study of the perceptions of employers, teachers and graduates of Oregon single parent/displaced homemaker programs regarding non-technical employment qualities needed on the job

  The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of employers, teachers and graduates of the Oregon Carl Perkins Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker Programs regarding non-technical employment ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A descriptive study of the perceptions of employers, teachers and graduates of Oregon single parent/displaced homemaker programs regarding non-technical employment qualities needed on the job Author: Anderson, GwenEllyn The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of employers, teachers and graduates of the Oregon Carl Perkins Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker Programs regarding non-technical employment qualities. The Luft "Non-Technical Employment Qualities Survey Instrument" and open-ended questions were used to elicit personal responses from members of each group for the purpose of comparing the results. The research questions addressed the perceived rankings of non-technical employment qualities, the extent to which programs were perceived to have addressed these nontechnical employment qualities, the extent to which graduates were perceived to possess these non-technical employment qualities, the extent to which graduates were perceived to seek and receive feedback regarding these non-technical employment qualities, the specific non-technical employment qualities that were perceived as essential prior to entering the workforce, the perceptions as to why employees were terminated and the perceived reasons why graduates left employment. The findings concluded that the respondent populations were in general agreement as to their perceptions. Employers and teachers agreed more frequently regarding their perceptions as to the extent graduates possessed these non-technical employment qualities and the extent to which graduates sought and received feedback. Graduates agreed more frequently with the employers as to their rankings of the qualities needed, but there was great disagreement between graduates, and their employers as to the number of qualities possessed and the amount of feedback sought. Employers and teachers disagreed more frequently in their rankings as to which qualities were the most important. The principle implication of this research for education with regard to these populations is that a close relationship between employers and the instructors preparing graduates for employment is imperative. The principle research recommendation entails further inquiry into the specific behaviors that demonstrate the possession of these skills and that would prevent employment termination. Title: A descriptive study of the perceptions of employers, teachers and graduates of Oregon single parent/displaced homemaker programs regarding non-technical employment qualities needed on the job Author: Anderson, GwenEllyn The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of employers, teachers and graduates of the Oregon Carl Perkins Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker Programs regarding non-technical employment qualities. The Luft "Non-Technical Employment Qualities Survey Instrument" and open-ended questions were used to elicit personal responses from members of each group for the purpose of comparing the results. The research questions addressed the perceived rankings of non-technical employment qualities, the extent to which programs were perceived to have addressed these nontechnical employment qualities, the extent to which graduates were perceived to possess these non-technical employment qualities, the extent to which graduates were perceived to seek and receive feedback regarding these non-technical employment qualities, the specific non-technical employment qualities that were perceived as essential prior to entering the workforce, the perceptions as to why employees were terminated and the perceived reasons why graduates left employment. The findings concluded that the respondent populations were in general agreement as to their perceptions. Employers and teachers agreed more frequently regarding their perceptions as to the extent graduates possessed these non-technical employment qualities and the extent to which graduates sought and received feedback. Graduates agreed more frequently with the employers as to their rankings of the qualities needed, but there was great disagreement between graduates, and their employers as to the number of qualities possessed and the amount of feedback sought. Employers and teachers disagreed more frequently in their rankings as to which qualities were the most important. The principle implication of this research for education with regard to these populations is that a close relationship between employers and the instructors preparing graduates for employment is imperative. The principle research recommendation entails further inquiry into the specific behaviors that demonstrate the possession of these skills and that would prevent employment termination. Close

• 14. [Article] Right Directions, Wrong Maps: Understanding the Involvement of Low-SES African American Parents to Enlist Them as Partners in College Choice

  While research extols the benefits of parent involvement in college choice, low SES African American parents are increasingly less able to match the efforts of wealthier parents. A qualitative methodology ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Right Directions, Wrong Maps: Understanding the Involvement of Low-SES African American Parents to Enlist Them as Partners in College Choice Author: Smith, Michael J. Year: 2009 While research extols the benefits of parent involvement in college choice, low SES African American parents are increasingly less able to match the efforts of wealthier parents. A qualitative methodology is used to explore the lives 5 urban African American single parents whose low-SES parents encouraged education for postsecondary advancement. The study found that the high school diploma was the normative credential for upward mobility in their communities. Their parents used narratives of struggle to encourage their children while utilizing maps that helped navigate the road towards a high school diploma. It concludes that a high level of involvement already exists in these families albeit for different goals than those of mainstream America. It suggests that in order to convert postsecondary planning into college choice participation the Academy must assume that these parents want their children to use education to succeed, must bring them into college choice long before their children enter high school, and must simultaneously deliver critical college knowledge by co-constructing maps of all the necessary college preparatory protocols, college benefits, and a description of financial aid. Title: Right Directions, Wrong Maps: Understanding the Involvement of Low-SES African American Parents to Enlist Them as Partners in College Choice Author: Smith, Michael J. Year: 2009 While research extols the benefits of parent involvement in college choice, low SES African American parents are increasingly less able to match the efforts of wealthier parents. A qualitative methodology is used to explore the lives 5 urban African American single parents whose low-SES parents encouraged education for postsecondary advancement. The study found that the high school diploma was the normative credential for upward mobility in their communities. Their parents used narratives of struggle to encourage their children while utilizing maps that helped navigate the road towards a high school diploma. It concludes that a high level of involvement already exists in these families albeit for different goals than those of mainstream America. It suggests that in order to convert postsecondary planning into college choice participation the Academy must assume that these parents want their children to use education to succeed, must bring them into college choice long before their children enter high school, and must simultaneously deliver critical college knowledge by co-constructing maps of all the necessary college preparatory protocols, college benefits, and a description of financial aid. Close

• 15. [Article] The crisis in housing for the poor : homelessness

  The purpose is to investigate the number, causes, services denied, and reasons for denial of services to homeless families with children--single parent families (female and male) and couples--in a tri-county ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The crisis in housing for the poor : homelessness Author: Taffesse, Hanna The purpose is to investigate the number, causes, services denied, and reasons for denial of services to homeless families with children--single parent families (female and male) and couples--in a tri-county region, Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties, Oregon. The data for this study were obtained from monthly survey forms (July 1992- December 1995) completed by Linn, Benton, and Lincoln county agencies funded by the Community Services Consortium (CSC). In fiscal years 1993-1995, the homeless and at risk of homelessness family population (n=2825) received assistance in the form of emergency shelter, transitional housing, motel/hotel voucher, information and referral, case management, crisis intervention, meals, rent mortgage assistance, and utility assistance. The analysis includes descriptive and inferential statistics, chi-square. The number of homeless families served yearly over a three year period beginning July 1, 1992-June 30, 1995 did not differ. There was also no difference (p=.258) in the number of homeless families served by family type. The causes of homelessness in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties were multiple. Single female parent families most self reported cause was domestic violence (52.71%). Lack of affordable housing and (40.96% and 26.07%, respectively) unemployment (21.69% and 27.15%, respectively) were the more frequent self reported causes of homelessness for single male parent families and couples with children. The three services most denied to homeless families had to do with shelter--emergency shelter (n=234), rent and mortgage assistance (n=181), and motel/hotel voucher (n=83). The two reasons given most frequently by agencies for the denial of services to homeless families were that the shelter was full (47.21%) and program was out of funds (23.04%). The findings of this study will benefit government and non profit organizations, including churches, for the opportunity to better supply the types of services needed, by improved allocation and use of funds, and to organize volunteers. By doing this they can help homeless families regain independence as quickly as possible to become healthy and productive citizens. Title: The crisis in housing for the poor : homelessness Author: Taffesse, Hanna The purpose is to investigate the number, causes, services denied, and reasons for denial of services to homeless families with children--single parent families (female and male) and couples--in a tri-county region, Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties, Oregon. The data for this study were obtained from monthly survey forms (July 1992- December 1995) completed by Linn, Benton, and Lincoln county agencies funded by the Community Services Consortium (CSC). In fiscal years 1993-1995, the homeless and at risk of homelessness family population (n=2825) received assistance in the form of emergency shelter, transitional housing, motel/hotel voucher, information and referral, case management, crisis intervention, meals, rent mortgage assistance, and utility assistance. The analysis includes descriptive and inferential statistics, chi-square. The number of homeless families served yearly over a three year period beginning July 1, 1992-June 30, 1995 did not differ. There was also no difference (p=.258) in the number of homeless families served by family type. The causes of homelessness in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties were multiple. Single female parent families most self reported cause was domestic violence (52.71%). Lack of affordable housing and (40.96% and 26.07%, respectively) unemployment (21.69% and 27.15%, respectively) were the more frequent self reported causes of homelessness for single male parent families and couples with children. The three services most denied to homeless families had to do with shelter--emergency shelter (n=234), rent and mortgage assistance (n=181), and motel/hotel voucher (n=83). The two reasons given most frequently by agencies for the denial of services to homeless families were that the shelter was full (47.21%) and program was out of funds (23.04%). The findings of this study will benefit government and non profit organizations, including churches, for the opportunity to better supply the types of services needed, by improved allocation and use of funds, and to organize volunteers. By doing this they can help homeless families regain independence as quickly as possible to become healthy and productive citizens. Close

• 16. [Article] Stress among working women : an examination of family structure, occupational status, and workplace relationships

  Since the industrial revolution, work and family have been viewed as separate spheres, with women relegated to the family sphere. With the advent of women into the paid labor force, few studies have considered the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stress among working women : an examination of family structure, occupational status, and workplace relationships Author: Schmiege, Cynthia J. Since the industrial revolution, work and family have been viewed as separate spheres, with women relegated to the family sphere. With the advent of women into the paid labor force, few studies have considered the potentially complex context of women's work and family experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of family structure, occupational status, and workplace relationships on women workers' perceptions of stress. The sample for this study included 379 women dental assistants and hygienists who responded to mailed questionnaires sent to the dental offices where they worked. The dependent variables used in this analysis were mental stress, physical stress, and four social stress items. Analysis of variance was performed for the family structure groups on physical, mental, and social stress items. Single parents and parents in general were especially stressed in terms of financial stress and marital stress. The second series of analyses included t-tests on stress by occupation. Dental assistants had more financial stress than hygienists. Hygienists had more mental stress than assistants. Workplace relationships were assessed in the full regression models. Frequency of talking with fellow workers was strongly and positively associated with financial problems. The full regression models supported the findings in earlier analyses that tensions from children and financial problems were associated with the presence of children in the home. The findings in this study suggest that for women workers, work and family do not occupy separate spheres. Women workers think about family matters at the workplace and discuss them with their other women workers. Further research needs to focus on women workers, especially those in traditionally female occupations, and the work and family connections for these workers. Title: Stress among working women : an examination of family structure, occupational status, and workplace relationships Author: Schmiege, Cynthia J. Since the industrial revolution, work and family have been viewed as separate spheres, with women relegated to the family sphere. With the advent of women into the paid labor force, few studies have considered the potentially complex context of women's work and family experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of family structure, occupational status, and workplace relationships on women workers' perceptions of stress. The sample for this study included 379 women dental assistants and hygienists who responded to mailed questionnaires sent to the dental offices where they worked. The dependent variables used in this analysis were mental stress, physical stress, and four social stress items. Analysis of variance was performed for the family structure groups on physical, mental, and social stress items. Single parents and parents in general were especially stressed in terms of financial stress and marital stress. The second series of analyses included t-tests on stress by occupation. Dental assistants had more financial stress than hygienists. Hygienists had more mental stress than assistants. Workplace relationships were assessed in the full regression models. Frequency of talking with fellow workers was strongly and positively associated with financial problems. The full regression models supported the findings in earlier analyses that tensions from children and financial problems were associated with the presence of children in the home. The findings in this study suggest that for women workers, work and family do not occupy separate spheres. Women workers think about family matters at the workplace and discuss them with their other women workers. Further research needs to focus on women workers, especially those in traditionally female occupations, and the work and family connections for these workers. Close

• 17. [Article] Forging their way : the experience of single fathers on a community college campus

  The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of single fathers attending a community college. Single fathers comprise one-fifth of all single parent families, yet little research has been ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forging their way : the experience of single fathers on a community college campus Author: Cook, Tim S. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of single fathers attending a community college. Single fathers comprise one-fifth of all single parent families, yet little research has been done on this growing segment of the population. A phenomenological approach was utilized to examine the attributes, needs, and challenges facing single fathers who were community college students. Seven single fathers attending a community college in the Northwest participated in this study. The fathers had primary responsibility for raising their children, had been enrolled at least half-time, and were attending the college for a minimum of one year. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and a focus group. Seven main themes emerged from the data: 1) Ambivalence, 2) Stability, 3) Finding support, 4) Mattering, 5) Success Factors, 6) Barriers, and 7) How the college can assist single father students. Three factors were identified as a result of the study. (1) Attending community college improved family relationships. The flexibility of class scheduling allowed the fathers to spend more time with their children. (2) The experience of single fathers and single mothers attending community college are remarkably similar, with the exception of how each accessed support networks. Single fathers were much less likely to initially identify and utilize support networks. (3) How single fathers viewed their identity and their definition of masculinity changed. Prior to attending community college, their primary identity was related to their work. As students, their identity shifted to being recognized as good students and good fathers. Title: Forging their way : the experience of single fathers on a community college campus Author: Cook, Tim S. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of single fathers attending a community college. Single fathers comprise one-fifth of all single parent families, yet little research has been done on this growing segment of the population. A phenomenological approach was utilized to examine the attributes, needs, and challenges facing single fathers who were community college students. Seven single fathers attending a community college in the Northwest participated in this study. The fathers had primary responsibility for raising their children, had been enrolled at least half-time, and were attending the college for a minimum of one year. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and a focus group. Seven main themes emerged from the data: 1) Ambivalence, 2) Stability, 3) Finding support, 4) Mattering, 5) Success Factors, 6) Barriers, and 7) How the college can assist single father students. Three factors were identified as a result of the study. (1) Attending community college improved family relationships. The flexibility of class scheduling allowed the fathers to spend more time with their children. (2) The experience of single fathers and single mothers attending community college are remarkably similar, with the exception of how each accessed support networks. Single fathers were much less likely to initially identify and utilize support networks. (3) How single fathers viewed their identity and their definition of masculinity changed. Prior to attending community college, their primary identity was related to their work. As students, their identity shifted to being recognized as good students and good fathers. Close

• 18. [Article] The Adoption History Project

  Website preserved as 865 page interactive pdf.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Adoption History Project Author: Herman, Ellen Year: 2017, 2003 Website preserved as 865 page interactive pdf. Title: The Adoption History Project Author: Herman, Ellen Year: 2017, 2003 Website preserved as 865 page interactive pdf. Close

• 19. [Article] Daycare Center Selection using Hierarchical Decision Model

  One of the most important decision that families will ever make is choosing the best kind of day care for their children. This decision is faced by many as the number of dual-income and single parent ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Daycare Center Selection using Hierarchical Decision Model Author: Chavarria, Maria Year: 2017 One of the most important decision that families will ever make is choosing the best kind of day care for their children. This decision is faced by many as the number of dual-income and single parent households, and maternal employment continues to grow in the United States(US Census Bureau, 2013). Working parents are looking for an alternative that will provide the same quality care for their children in their absence. The objective of this paper is to develop a decision framework that can be used by families in the selection of a daycare center for their children. A hierarchical decision model (HDM) was developed in which experts actively participated during the model development stage as well as provided judgments using weights for the criteria, subcriteria, and alternatives, using pairwise comparisons among the decision elements. Four prospective daycare centers are identified as alternatives. Common elements of daycare centers are identified and used as criteria and sub-criteria. Findings from this research show that staff qualification and program reputation are the top two indicators that influence the decision making process in choosing a daycare center, followed by a tie between base cost, health policy, and curriculum. Findings from the case study used in this research resulted to the identification of the top alternative (Daycare Center N1) from the quantified expert judgments, both collectively and individually. But how robust is this result? Unfortunately, robustness check was not implemented in this research paper due to limitations in terms of time and resources. For future study, a sensitivity analysis of the model is recommended. Title: Daycare Center Selection using Hierarchical Decision Model Author: Chavarria, Maria Year: 2017 One of the most important decision that families will ever make is choosing the best kind of day care for their children. This decision is faced by many as the number of dual-income and single parent households, and maternal employment continues to grow in the United States(US Census Bureau, 2013). Working parents are looking for an alternative that will provide the same quality care for their children in their absence. The objective of this paper is to develop a decision framework that can be used by families in the selection of a daycare center for their children. A hierarchical decision model (HDM) was developed in which experts actively participated during the model development stage as well as provided judgments using weights for the criteria, subcriteria, and alternatives, using pairwise comparisons among the decision elements. Four prospective daycare centers are identified as alternatives. Common elements of daycare centers are identified and used as criteria and sub-criteria. Findings from this research show that staff qualification and program reputation are the top two indicators that influence the decision making process in choosing a daycare center, followed by a tie between base cost, health policy, and curriculum. Findings from the case study used in this research resulted to the identification of the top alternative (Daycare Center N1) from the quantified expert judgments, both collectively and individually. But how robust is this result? Unfortunately, robustness check was not implemented in this research paper due to limitations in terms of time and resources. For future study, a sensitivity analysis of the model is recommended. Close

• 20. [Article] The effects of career planning on self-concept and academic achievement of at-risk middle school students in an urban public school environment

  The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a six-week career planning dropout prevention program on the self-concepts and academic achievement of at-risk middle school students in an inner-city ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects of career planning on self-concept and academic achievement of at-risk middle school students in an urban public school environment Author: Casey, Michael Winfield The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a six-week career planning dropout prevention program on the self-concepts and academic achievement of at-risk middle school students in an inner-city public school environment. The research population consisted of 1,434 students (grades seven, eight and nine) attending an inner city public junior high school in south-central Los Angeles, California. The selection of the research site and sample was based on the assumption that the student population met the criteria and demographic profile of at-risk students: Students are from low-income and/or single parent families; have low achievement scores in reading and mathematics; exhibit a high incidence of truancy, absenteeism and teenage pregnancy; have low career aspirations and plans; and exhibit other related characteristics of at-risk students. The study was conducted from September, 1993 to January, 1994 (fall semester, 1993). All students were selected by random procedure from grades seven, eight and nine. The experimental group consisted of 195 students enrolled in a woodworking class. The control group consisted of 1,239 students who were not enrolled in a woodworking class but were enrolled in other elective classes. The experimental treatment consisted of a six week career planning dropout prevention program. The career planning dropout prevention program was infused into the 20-week woodworking class during the 6th through 12th week, and consisted of seven interrelated topics and lesson plans. The objectives of the study were to research and explore career interests and options, and to construct personal career planning portfolios for students in the experimental group. It was concluded that: a) There were no significant differences between pre and post measures of self-concept in the experimental group, b) There was no significant difference in the pre and post academic achievement scores between the control and experimental groups, c) There was a substantial increase int he academic achievement scores of the experimental group, but this increase did not equal or exceed the alpha value. Title: The effects of career planning on self-concept and academic achievement of at-risk middle school students in an urban public school environment Author: Casey, Michael Winfield The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a six-week career planning dropout prevention program on the self-concepts and academic achievement of at-risk middle school students in an inner-city public school environment. The research population consisted of 1,434 students (grades seven, eight and nine) attending an inner city public junior high school in south-central Los Angeles, California. The selection of the research site and sample was based on the assumption that the student population met the criteria and demographic profile of at-risk students: Students are from low-income and/or single parent families; have low achievement scores in reading and mathematics; exhibit a high incidence of truancy, absenteeism and teenage pregnancy; have low career aspirations and plans; and exhibit other related characteristics of at-risk students. The study was conducted from September, 1993 to January, 1994 (fall semester, 1993). All students were selected by random procedure from grades seven, eight and nine. The experimental group consisted of 195 students enrolled in a woodworking class. The control group consisted of 1,239 students who were not enrolled in a woodworking class but were enrolled in other elective classes. The experimental treatment consisted of a six week career planning dropout prevention program. The career planning dropout prevention program was infused into the 20-week woodworking class during the 6th through 12th week, and consisted of seven interrelated topics and lesson plans. The objectives of the study were to research and explore career interests and options, and to construct personal career planning portfolios for students in the experimental group. It was concluded that: a) There were no significant differences between pre and post measures of self-concept in the experimental group, b) There was no significant difference in the pre and post academic achievement scores between the control and experimental groups, c) There was a substantial increase int he academic achievement scores of the experimental group, but this increase did not equal or exceed the alpha value. Close