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Dissertation Information for Dianne Hopkins

NAME:
- Dianne Hopkins
- (Alias) Dianne Talmadge McAfee

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Curriculum and Instruction

SCHOOL:
- University of Wisconsin, Madison (USA) (1981)

ADVISORS:
- None

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Not_Inspected

Title: A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF OBSERVABLE CONDITIONS OF POSITIVE SELF-CONCEPT IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MEDIA CENTERS

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine whether an elementary school instructional media center (IMC) which had a fulltime media specialist, a fulltime aide, a variety of current printed and audiovisual materials, and a program of activities and services had components which could be identified as those which could be said to promote or enhance positive self-concepts in elementary school students. The conditions selected for study were: cooperation, independence, success, positive atmosphere, challenge, and feeling of value or acceptance. Following a pilot, these conditions were investigated during one-week study periods in each of three Wisconsin elementary school IMCs representing rural, urban, and suburban communities.

The study utilized an observational, case-study approach. Research methods emphasized included observation, interviews, and diary. In addition to the investigator who conducted student interviews with students in grades three and up, as well as interviews with media specialists, the study utilized panel of experts and two observers, one of whom observed for the entire study period of one week in each school. The second observer was utilized for one full day (or 20 percent of the time) in each school to insure interobserver reliability, which was high for all schools studied.

Materials designed for this study included a survey instrument, which was the basis for the selection of schools to be studied; an observation instrument; interview questions for the media specialists, interview questions for the student interviews.

A review of research findings shows that each method utilized, i.e., observation, interview, and diary, ultimately complemented one another. Varied emphasis of research methods, whether factual, conceptual, or attitudinal, in the final analysis supported and enhanced the findings of the other.

Results of the study showed that all six conditions studied were present in the schools being studied. Findings of this study, therefore, indicate that the IMC can make a difference in the individual child's development of a positive self-concept.

The study yielded suggested hypotheses, implications, and practical recommendations for further examination.

MPACT Scores for Dianne Hopkins

A = 2
C = 12
A+C = 14
T = 3
G = 2
W = 2
TD = 2.5
TA = 1
calculated 2008-01-31 06:27:23

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