bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consistent Interpretation of Quantum and Classical Mechanics
Authors: Arulsamy Andrew Das
Published: May 2023

Interpreting quantum mechanics is a hard problem basically because it means explaining why and how the mathematics exploited to formulate wave-particle duality are related to observations or reality in classical physics. Consequently, interpretation of quantum mechanics and its formalism should involve proper physical mathematics, physical logic and classical physics, which is not the case from the Copenhagen interpretation. Here, we shall revisit all the postulates of quantum mechanics with proper physics and physical logic and reconstruct them to establish the less-complex interpretation of quantum mechanics with additional new postulates from classical physics. A new quantum mechanical postulate (Postulate 9) is also introduced to understand the meaning of the forbidden gap between discrete energy levels and/or electron orbitals in atoms that is valid for molecules and condensed matter based on quantum mechanics that is technically well-defined and experimentally observable. Here, we tackle all the problems arise from the Copenhagen interpretation systematically by revising and/or extending them with proper classical and quantum physics without violating established experiments and without proposing ideas that violate physical reality.
Evolución Reciente del Endeudamiento Externo de los Bancos Colombianos - Marzo de 2023
Authors:   Departamento de Estabilidad Financiera
Published: May 2023

En este informe se describe la evolución reciente de las líneas de crédito en moneda extranjera (M/E) del sistema bancario colombiano con información a marzo de 2023 y se presentan los principales resultados de la Encuesta de endeudamiento externo y cupos aplicada por el Banco de la República.
A Comparative Investigation of the Concept of Nature in the Writings of Henry M. Morris and Bernard L. Ramm
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Mutero Andrew
Published: May 2023

The study examines two major contrasting theological accounts of nature within the contemporary North American Evangelical community as articulated by Henry Morris and Bernard Ramm. In doing so, the dissertation analyzes nature considered diachronically in three epochs namely: (1) Natura Originalis (the origin of nature); (2) Natura Continua (the contemporary status of nature); and (3) Natura Nova (the future of nature). The purpose of this research is to discover, describe, analyze, and compare the shape of the two contrasting concepts of nature articulated respectively by Morris, a strict concordist and a special creationist and Ramm, a broad concordist and a progressive creationist as a first step in a systematic, theological, and comparative study of the contemporary North American evangelical understanding of nature. The core of the dissertation is a critical comparison and evaluation of the three epochs of nature according to Morris and Ramm. Their different views on nature and hermeneutics are analyzed and evaluated, and strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. The evangelical discussion of nature as represented by Morris and Ramm is framed synchronically and diachronically. In doing so, the study reaches four critical conclusions namely: 1. Whereas Ramm requires reinterpretation of Scripture when Scripture appears to make statements that counter current scientific beliefs regarding nature, the dissertation concludes that such a methodology may, however, result in giving unintended meaning to Scriptural statements about nature. 2. The synchronic and diachronic framing by the dissertation of the evangelical discussion of nature by Morris and Ramm is a useful way of illuminating their views of nature. For example, the close diachronic framing reveals that Morris’s claim that future nature mirrors original nature is not fully consistent due to the presence of hell in future nature. 3. The strict and broad concordists’ approaches to nature, as articulated by Morris and Ramm, are inadequate and insufficient for the task of developing a fully coherent evangelical concept of nature. 4. While Morris’s emphasis on a literal interpretation of Scripture is a positive development, Ramm’s call to evangelicals to be open to science and to develop a healthy attitude toward science is also commendable. However, both thinkers tend to appeal to the extremes of the evangelical spectrum. The dissertation suggests that there is a need for a more centrist approach to nature in evangelical discussions. The dissertation ends by making some recommendations for further study.
Theology of Judgment in Genesis 6-9
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Park Chun
Published: May 2023

The present dissertation seeks to develop a theology of judgment in Gen 6-9. Following an introductory chapter, the second chapter is devoted to analyzing the three main extrabiblical ANE flood stories (the Eridu Genesis, the Atra-Hasis Epic, and the Gilgamesh Epic) from the four aspects of judgment: date, cause and purpose, extent, and procedure. The analysis of those stories reveals that the ANE flood was a historical and local (global dimension is implied) event without moral cause, and that the judgment of the deities had a procedure of investigation, sentence, execution, and mitigation. The third chapter treats the theology of judgment on the basis of textual evidence in Gen 6-9 focusing on the date, cause and purpose, extent, and procedure. The text reveals that the Genesis flood was a historical and global event caused by the broken relationship between God and humankind. God’s judgment was processed by the steps of probation, investigation, sentence, execution, and mitigation. The fourth chapter is devoted to investigating the various theological motifs that have close relationship with the judgment theme in Gen 6-9: theodicy, human moral responsibility, creation, revelation, and eschatology. The Genesis flood judgment demonstrates God’s love and justice toward His creation. Humankind, being the image of God, is responsible for one’s multiple relationships including God, humankind, subhumankind, and the environment. The creation theme underlies in a pattern of creation—uncreation—re-creation in God’s judgment, and is closely linked with the theme of eschatology. God’s revelation creates a remnant that survives God’s judgment. Close relationship is found between protology and eschatology. The relationship is illustrated by comparison between Gen 6-9 and Rev 12-22 from the aspects of three phases of eschatological time (prejudgment time—judgment time—postjudgment time). The fifth chapter is devoted to investigating the intertextuality of some biblical passages that have a textual and/or thematic relationship with the Genesis flood narrative; the passages include Ps 29:10; Isa 54:9-10; Ezek 14:12-20; Matt 24:36-39 (cf. Luke 17:26- 30); Heb 11:7; 1 Pet 3:19-21; 2 Pet 2:5; 3:6-7 and Rev 14:7. The above texts were analyzed in their own literary context from the aspects of cause and purpose, extent, procedure, divine salvific activities, and human moral responsibility. The analysis reveals that these texts take the Genesis flood narrative as a historical and global event and utilize the flood as their type for God’s judgment from the aspect of salvation and punishment, and that these biblical texts describe God, who is willing to save but is reluctant to punish humankind, as offering the way of salvation to humankind. The sixth chapter contains a summary and conclusions. The Genesis flood narrative presents a fertile soil that produces abundant theological reflections on the saving and punishing God and morally responsible humankind before God
The Function of loipos in Contexts of Judgment and Salvation in the Book of Revelation
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Pollard Leslie
Published: May 2023

Problem addressed. The function of loipos in the Apocalypse is the focus of this research. Method. A close reading approach to the Apocalypse was employed in this study. Every occurrence of loipos as it applies to human entities in contexts of judgment and salvation in the Apocalypse is examined. First, comes textual and translation matters. Then the examination of the literary context and structure follows. Next comes the historical background to each passage. Finally, the interpretation of that passage is presented. Results. Chapter 1 presents a review of the scholarly literature from the Old and New Testaments on the remnant idea. Chapter 2 presents the findings on remnant language in ancient cognate literature. Cognate literature provides insight into how various communities appropriated, adapted, and reformulated the remnant concept. Chapter 3 presents the findings of the examination of loipos in contexts of judgment in the Apocalypse. These findings demonstrate that loipos in contexts of judgment narrates an eschatological movement of persons from unrepentance to organized rebellion against God and the Lamb. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the examination of loipos in contexts of salvation. Loipos in contexts of salvation points to the people of God's covenant loyalty, covenant continuity, and end-time victory over the Beast. The final chapter summarizes the conclusions of the research along with recommendations for future research. Conclusions. Unlike the narrowed and restrictive concept of remnant in Qumran or Jewish apocalyptic, loipos in Revelation completes the trajectory toward a universal and eschatological remnant implied in the Gospels, explicated in Paul, and elucidated in the Apocalypse.
Truth and Terror: a Text-Oriented Analysis of Daniel 8:9-14
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Pröbstle Martin
Published: May 2023

Daniel 8:9-14 constitutes the climax of the vision report in Dan 8, and is arguably one of the most difficult Danielic passages. This dissertation investigates the Masoretic Text of Dan 8:9-14 by means of a detailed and comprehensive text-oriented analysis that utilizes linguistic, literary, and intertextual procedures. In chapter 1, an overview of modern text-oriented approaches and the review of recent literature on Dan 8 pave the way for a description of this study's methodology, which consists of a combination of linguistic (syntax, semantics, and text-grammar), literary (style and structure), and intertextual approaches (textual relations within the book of Daniel), using them as a threefold avenue to the understanding of the text, while at the same time demonstrating their interdependence. The linguistic analysis in chapter 2 analyzes the syntactic and semantic features of each clause, as well as significant terms and expressions in Dan 8:9-14. A text-grammatical analysis identifies the interclausal relations in the passage. The literary analysis in chapter 3 examines the rhetorical and stylistic devices and their function in Dan 8:9-14, and describes the literary structure and dynamics of the passage. Stylistic and structural devices include poetic-like language in vs. 11, verbal gender shifts in vss. 9-12, the use of the key word gadel in a "hubris-fall" pattern, and spatial imagery. The investigation of terminological fields and their distribution observes the interplay of military, royal, cultic, creation, and judgment terminology, showing how these themes characterize the role of the horn figure and convey the text's theological message. The intertextual analysis in chapter 4 explores the lexical and thematic links of Dan 8:9-14 with other texts in the book of Daniel---particularly with 8:23-25 and chaps. 7, 9, and 10--12---and how these texts contribute to the interpretation of Dan 8:9-14. The summary and conclusions in chapter 5 highlight the results of each of the three avenues of the text-oriented approach to Dan 8:9-14. The climax of the vision report with its accompanying audition, against the general opinion, is linguistically well-composed and an extremely artistic literary piece that combines significant theological themes. The Day of Atonement serves as a macrotheme and typifies the divine reaction to the cosmic challenge created by the cultic war of the horn. By its complex textual relations, Dan 8:9-14 constitutes a central passage in the book of Daniel.
A Dictionary of Middle Egyptian for Students of Biblical Archaeology and Old Testament Studies
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bates Robert
Published: May 2023

Problem. Middle Egyptian has played an increasingly important role in Biblical Archaeology and Old Testament studies. Much of biblical chronology is closely connected to Egyptian chronology; many biblical events record Egyptian involvement, and some of these are included on Egyptian monuments. A knowledge of Middle Egyptian has been crucial in understanding the historical background and cultural context of the biblical world because this phase of the Egyptian language influenced the widest range of Egyptian writing, particularly as it pertains to Old Testament history. Unfortunately, students do not have all the necessary tools for searching for unfamiliar words in Middle Egyptian. There are no recent Middle Egyptian dictionaries in English for students. The purpose of this dissertation is to create a concise student dictionary of Middle Egyptian as a teaching tool for biblical archaeology students. Method. A. Gardiner’s Egyptian Grammar was used as the base vocabulary for this dictionary because it is regarded as the standard for teaching Middle Egyptian. Additional definitions for these words were added from R. O. Faulkner’s Concise Dictionary of Middle Egyptian. These definitions were expanded and clarified by adding new definitions, removing unfamiliar British colloquialisms, and replacing them with American Standard English definitions. The glossaries and dictionaries of J. Allen, J. Hoch, M. Collier and B. Manley, B. Ockinga, and G. Englund’s Middle Egyptian grammars were included for additional nuances. There are three parts to this Egyptian dictionary: hieroglyphic, transliteration, and English glossary. In Part I the hieroglyphic entries appear first. They are first organized by their initial phonetic value, second by their first two hieroglyphs, and third, by their phonetic value. In Part II, the transliterated values are organized alphabetically according to thier values in a manner consistent with other standard Egyptian dictionaries. Part III is an alphabetical list of the English definitions of each Egyptian word followed by its hieroglyphic and transliterated values. Each lexicographic entry includes a hieroglyphic and a transliterated form, its grammatical function, and any variations or abbreviations. A phonetic key and hieroglyphic index has also been included to aid students in finding Egyptian words according to their initial hieroglyph. In addition, there are three appendixes. Appendix A is a glossary of Egyptian words that appear in the Old Testament including the Hebrew word and biblical references, the Egyptian word with references, and related Egyptian synonyms. Appendix B is a list of Egyptian ruler names listed by kind. Appendix C is a list of the forty-two nomes of Upper and Lower Egypt and includes the hieroglyphs, transliteration, and common name of each nome as well as their respective capital cities.
Perceptions of Public School Teachers Regarding the Effectiveness of the Career Path System Evaluation Instrument in the Bahamas
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Ward Solomon
Published: May 2023

Problem. The purpose of this study was to measure public school teachers’ perception regarding the effectiveness of their evaluation instrument, the Career Path System, in the Bahamas. Method. The research population consisted of two categories of public school teachers: (a) level of teachers—elementary and secondary teachers, and (b) status of teachers— evaluated and non-evaluated teachers. The data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, means, and ANOVA. Results. The results of this study indicate that public school teachers, regardless of the categories elementary or secondary, evaluated or non-evaluated, perceived 44 of 46 performance items of the Career Path System (CPS) evaluation instrument as satisfactory. The two performance items that were perceived by teachers as unsatisfactory are related to student creativity, originality, and investigative skills that came under the domain Student Achievement. A hierarchical preference of the five domains selected by teachers from most satisfactory to least satisfactory was: Teacher Planning, Record Keeping, Teacher Observation, Classroom Management, and Student Achievement. The general evaluation information also did not affect the perceptions of teachers regarding their stance on the effectiveness of the CPS instrument. The results of the survey suggested that evaluated and non-evaluated teachers were unanimous in their conclusion that the CPS was a sound and effective instrument. Conclusions. Both elementary and high-school teachers and evaluated and non-evaluated teachers shared a great deal of unanimity regarding the perceived soundness of the Career Path Evaluation instrument. However, there were two performance items under the domain Student Achievement that teachers perceived as unsatisfactory; (a) students’ work shows evidence of creativity, originality, and imagination; and (b) students’ work shows evidence of the use of investigative skills. Other general evaluation information supports teachers’ perception of the Career Path Instrument as being a sound assessment document. Suggestions for further research include an expansion on this study to target a demographic component and a longitudinal study over a period of 3 to 5 years to investigate the changing perceptions of teachers.
Intuitive Decision Making and Leadership Style Among Healthcare Executives in the United States
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Whiting Cherie
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this two-phased, sequential, exploratory, mixed-methods study was to survey a sample of Fellows in the American College of Healthcare Executives in the United States and then interview selected individuals who scored in the highly intuitive category on the intuition survey to explore how they made intuitive decisions. In the first phase, quantitative research questions addressed the relationship between leadership style and the potential to make intuitive decisions, as well as the relationship and interaction between the potential to make intuitive decisions and age, gender, and size of company. In the second phase, qualitative interviews were used to explore how highly intuitive executives used intuition to make their decisions. The Leadership Style Survey and Agor’s Intuitive Measurement Survey (AIM) were mailed to 498 Fellows in the American College of Healthcare Executives. The 113 valid surveys were analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA to evaluate the relationships noted above. Of the completed valid surveys, 8 of the 13 participants scored in the highly intuitive category on the AIM Survey with scores between 10 and 12 and were interviewed to further probe how they made intuitive decisions. The results of this research study showed that there was no relationship between leadership style and the potential to make intuitive decisions, between intuitive decision making and age, intuitive decision making and gender, or intuitive decision making and size of company the executive worked in. In addition there was no interaction found between intuitive decision making and age, gender, or size of company. The 8 interviews about how these highly intuitive executives make their intuitive decisions resulted in five emerging themes: (a) There is a sensing of one’s intuition, (b) Intuition comes from life experiences and knowledge, (c) The tensions of logic, intuition, and making the right decision usually exist, (d) Intuitive decision-making processes are often present, and (e) Mentoring and teaching intuition have an important role. From these interviews it was noted that the credibility intuitive decision making lacked in the past appears to be changing, and there is a need to encourage and mentor intuition in new managers and executives.
Spiritual Well-Being and Quality of Life as Correlates of Job Stress Among Academic Chairpersons in Selected Seventh-day Adventist Tertiary Institutions
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Aldridge Russell
Published: May 2023

Problem . Stress, like pain, begins at birth and remains common to the human condition throughout life, and it is a factor in the experience of every human being who ever lived. It is not merely universal but it is also endemic and omnipresent. Chairpersons, due to the bi-directional demands of administration and students are in a stressful environment. This study was undertaken to identify whether quality of life and spiritual well-being play an important role in occupational stress levels in chairpersons of Seventh-day Adventist Tertiary Institutions. Method. Three questionnaires were used to get responses from 137 chairpersons in five major Seventh-day Adventist tertiary institutions using the survey method of data collection. Canonical correlations and linear regressions were used to analyze the three research questions in this study. Results. The results of this study indicated that spiritual well-being, especially the existential well-being component, had a statistically significant affect upon quality of life variables. Spiritual well-being had the greatest affect upon self-esteem and creativity satisfactions. Spiritual well-being also affected occupation strains having the greatest impact upon psychological and interpersonal strains. Conclusions. Chairpersons who experienced increased levels of spiritual well-being were more likely to have an increase in their vocational stress level, and this was especially true for their existential well-being. It can be concluded that the quality of life has a direct relationship on stress levels in the participants, seeing that higher levels of quality of life correlated with lower levels of Occupational Stress Inventory Revised variables.
The Effectiveness of the Writing Workshop Model to Teach an English-as-a-Second-Language College Writing Course in Puerto Rico: a Look at Students' Outcomes
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Agésilas Marie
Published: May 2023

Problem. Questions have been raised regarding the number of limited-English-proficient students who enter undergraduate schools every year. This study was designed to look at the effectiveness of the Writing Workshop model in improving English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) college students' writing skills in a small liberal arts university in Puerto Rico. Method. Students registered in two Intermediate English-as-a-Second-Language writing classes were asked to take a pretest-posttest related to writing skills and a pretest-posttest related to composition skills to indicate their level of agreement for each of the 22 statements on a Likert-type (survey) instrument--strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (4)--related to their attitudes toward learning and writing in English. They were also asked to indicate to what extent the Writing Workshop helped them improve their writing skills on a Likert-type (survey) instrument--never (1) to very much (5). Descriptive statistics and a paired samples t test were used to answer the research questions. The sample size was 35; however, some fluctuations were registered because of absences to class. Results. The results indicated that, in general, participants in the survey had a positive attitude toward learning and writing in English. There was a significant difference in writing skills based on the pretest and posttest (p < 0.05). There was a positive difference in composition skills based on pretest and posttest (p< 0.05) for the Writing Workshop class with the highest percentage of limited-proficient students. Finally, students from both groups acknowledged that the Writing Workshop had helped them to better understand the writing process. Students perceived classroom environment, peer response, collaborative writing and speaking as the components that helped them the most in improving their writing skills. Conclusion. In general, the Writing Workshop has been effective in helping students improve their writing skills. This study provides evidence of the Writing Workshop as a promising tool that can be used to enhance ESL students' writing skills in Puerto Rico.
The Relationship Between Experiences of Master of Divinity Students at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and Their Spirituality
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Cho Choung
Published: May 2023

Problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the experiences of Master of Divinity students while enrolled in the seminary and their level of spirituality upon completion. Method. A quantitative research design with a limited qualitative piece was used to survey MDiv students who graduated in 2004. Exactly 100 participants completed the Christian Spiritual Participation Profile and an instrument that explored the degree of effort put into formal curriculum offering, and the frequency of participation in nonformal curriculum and socialization activities. Participants were also asked to share a positive experienceand to recommend changes to the seminary curriculum. The Pearson correlation and ANOVA procedures were employed to analyze the data. Results. Spirituality correlated positively with the following: the effort students made in the formal curriculum, the frequency of participation in the nonformal and socialization areas, and the perception of faculty modeling. The effort students made in the formal curriculum produced the highest correlations with both current spirituality and the reported change in spirituality during the seminary years. Black students ranked highest in spirituality and White students the lowest. Faculty involvement in student activities made a difference in how an activity was perceived to have influenced spirituality. Outside of the seminary experiences, some of the supportive influences and/or obstacles were found to have significant relationships to the spirituality of all MDiv students. Conclusions. Intentional spiritual emphasis in the formal and nonformal curricula, socialization, and Christian modeling of faculty enhances the spiritual growth of students. Students need to take responsibility for their own time management in order to invest enough time for regular personal devotion and in-depth study of the Word. Finally, the seminary should provide a strong community experience where fellowship among students and faculty can flourish.
Sources of Stress, Levels of Stress, and Coping Strategies of Faculty and Staff at Northern Caribbean University
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Davis-Roberts Gloria
Published: May 2023

Statement of the problem. Northern Caribbean University, formerly West Indies College, attained university status in June 1999. The purpose of this study was to describe the levels and sources of stress and coping strategies of faculty and staff at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) and to determine if these (levels, sources, and coping strategies) are related to selected demographic characteristics (such as gender, age, marital status, years of employment, and employment status---faculty or staff). Method. A descriptive survey research design was used to conduct this study in which the Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI) was administered to the facultyand staff of NCU. A demographic questionnaire consisting of three sections was also used. The instruments were distributed to the faculty and staff with letters of explanation and self-addressed envelopes to return responses. One hundred and seventeen faculty and staff participated in the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests for independent samples, One-way Analysis of Variance, and Canonical Correlation Analyses. Results. The subjects were mostly female (66%), staff (62%), and married (47%). Over half (57%) of the participants were recent employees (0-4 years). More than three-fourths of the participants were below the age of 50 years. In general, faculty and staff at NCU experience normal levels of stress, although 2%-6% may have experienced strong probability of maladaptive stress, debilitating strain, or both. They also have average coping resources.Although within normal range, levels of stress due to certain sources and types were related to gender, marital status, age, and length of employment. Canonical correlation analyses suggest that lower levels of stress are associated with bettercoping strategies. Conclusion. Given the tremendous changes that Northern Caribbean University has gone through during the last few years (e.g., increased enrollment with few significant increases in human resources and facilities), the result of this study was somewhat surprising. I expected higher levels of stress among the facultyand staff. This was not the case. Possible reasons could be due to commitment to the mission of the University.
The Student Missionary Experience and its Impact on Young Adults
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Fitzgerald Troy
Published: May 2023

Problem. While reputed to be valuable, the Student Missionary (SM) experience has not been studied to ascertain how a year of service impacts the college students who serve. Furthermore, there are no studies that show what aspects of the SM experience make a year of service transformational. Most of what is known about a year of service is anecdotal and begs for systematic study of the SM experience. Method. This is primarily a qualitative study where former SMs from four Adventist colleges and universities were interviewed. The Christian Spiritual Participation Profile (CSPP) was administered to SMs as an additional source of data. The CSPP shows the participants' dominant modes of spiritual development and their participation in the spiritual disciplines. Qualitative data were collected from a total of 113 participants, and 201 (50%) former SMs returned the CSPP. Results. The results from the qualitative data showed that the SM experience deepened their relationship with God, pushed them to depend on God, expanded their worldview, enhanced their commitment to service, and prompted them to mature as leaders. The SM experience was a holistic learning experience where SMs perceived personal and spiritual growth occurred. The results from the CSPP showed SMs scored significantly higher in all four modes on Kolb's learning cycle. The findings also showed four aspects of the SM experience that made the experience transformational: high expectations, enduring through adversity, collaborating with others, and participating in the spiritual disciplines. Results from the CSPP also showed that SMs participated significantly more than non-SMs in 8 of the 10 spiritual disciplines. Conclusion. In conclusion, a year of service transformed young adults personally and spiritually. The SM experience is recommended for college students as an opportunity to serve others and grow in various areas of life. Further study is recommended for similar types of service ministries such as summer camp staff, short-term missions, and local community service events. Finally, further study is recommended on what motivates young people to serve others. Various opportunities for experiential learning are recommended to be integrated in the curriculum of churches.
A Study of the Relationship Between Loneliness and Internet Use Among University Students
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Dittmann Katherine
Published: May 2023

Problem . Research investigating the relationship between loneliness and various dimensions of Internet use is mixed. While some studies support the connection, other studies refute the link. More analysis in this area is needed to help clinicians, parents, college students, school counselors, and educators better understand the effects of the Internet on college-age students. This study attempts to expand understanding of the conflictual relationship that exists between loneliness and the dynamics of Internet use in undergraduate students. Method . Four-hundred sixty-six randomly selected Andrews University undergraduate students who lived in residence halls, university apartments, and the community completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) and the Internet Use Survey, a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Demographic information was also collected. Analysis of variance, multiple regression, and correlational analyses were performed to test the hypotheses of the study. Results . Overall, results indicate the Internet does not seem to be influencing the loneliness levels in undergraduate students. Specifically, the amount of Internet use, type of Internet use, history of Internet use, reasons for using the Internet, preference for the Internet as a mode of communication, preference for type of Internet activity, and the changes in face-to-face interaction, talking on the phone, and overall communicating with family, friends, and others (besides family and friends) since using the Internet have a minimal effect on the loneliness experienced in undergraduate students. Conclusions . In this study, Internet use does not contribute to loneliness among undergraduates using the Internet less than 40 hours per week. For most, use of the Internet is both highly enjoyable and useful.Loneliness is more prevalent in the few who use the Internet more than 40 hours per week and in those who prefer the Internet over face-to-face interaction or talking on the phone. Results showed an inverse relationship between loneliness and the number of years a student had used the Internet. Newer users are at a slightly higher risk of experiencing loneliness than those with a longer history of Internet use. Previous research has questioned the importance of Internet use as a contributing factor in loneliness. In this study, the empirical findings regarding the overall relationships of loneliness and Internet use were weak.
Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment Among Teachers in Norway : A Comparative Study of Selected Schools From Public and Private Educational Systems
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Dramstad Styrkår
Published: May 2023

Problem. Recruiting teachers and motivating them to stay in their jobs represents a major educational challenge in Norway. Growing demands and greater expectations on teachers are factors that have resulted in higher turnover and problems of filling vacancies. Based on this background, the primary purpose of this study was to determine if job satisfaction is associated with organizational commitment among public and Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) teachers in Norway. The secondary purpose was to compare job satisfaction and organizational commitment between public and SDA teachers in Norway, and to establish linear combination based on the factors of job satisfaction that explain each of the components of organizational commitment among public and SDA teachers on an individual basis. To accomplish this task, this research study set out to explore and develop a theoretical model that explains and defines the factors of job satisfaction and organizational commitment and the relationships between them. Method. A stratified random sample consisting of 469 public school teachers and 57 SDA teachers completed a self-administered 91-item questionnaire. A survey-research method was used to determine if job satisfaction is associated with organizational commitment among teachers employed by public and SDA schools in Norway. Results. The research showed that job satisfaction items that are related to the climate of an educational organization contribute the most to the development of affective commitment. This is followed by items of efficacy. In general, the SDA teachers who responded had experienced a higher level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Conclusions. Focusing on developing a positive climate and efficacy among teachers in schools in Norway will contribute to the development of affective commitment which refers to the employees' emotional attachment to, identification with, and involvement in the employing school. Climate and efficacy represent the major influences contributing to an employee's desire to stay with the employing organization.
A Study On Various Factors and Their Relationship to Burnout Among Seventh-day Adventist Clergy
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Edwards W. Don
Published: May 2023

Problem. Few studies have addressed burnout among Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) clergy. Many SDA ministers report experiencing high stress in their ministries and they find it difficult to function optimally under these circumstances. Others experience serious complications that lead them to terminate their work as ministers. Method. A quantitative research design was used for an ex post facto study of 130 pastors from the Pacific Union Conference. They completed two questionnaires: the Pastoral Services Demographic Data Sheet (PSDDS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results. This study examined 12 variables and found that 10 variables had a significant relationship to at least one of the three subscales of the burnout inventory. Four clusters of variables were found that would lead one to be more prone to burnout. According to the study, 13.9% of the pastors in the study were experiencing average to high levels of burnout. Conclusions. This study found the following for the Emotional Exhaustion subscale: 18 out of 130, or 13.9%, scored in the high degree of burnout range on Emotional Exhaustion; 34 out of 130, or 26.1%, scored in the average or moderate degree of burnout range; and 78 out of 130, or 60%, scored in the low range for burnout. The results for the Depersonalization subscale were as follows: 13 or 10% were in the high degree of the burnout range; 30 respondents or 23.1% were in the average or moderate range for burnout; and 87 or 67% were in the low range for burnout. The results for the Personal Accomplishment subscale, based only on low and high, found that 81 respondents or 62% scored in the low range for burnout and 49 or 38% scored in the high degree of burnout range.
Youth Ministry and Beliefs and Values Among 10- to 19-year-old Students in the Seventh-day Adventist School System in North America
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Gane A. Barry
Published: May 2023

Problem. A survey of the literature revealed that there was little by way of empirical study on the relationship between youth ministry and attitudes, beliefs, and values held by young people. We empirically tested the anecdotal evidence that youth ministry is effective in the transmission of beliefs and values. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether Seventh-day Adventist youth ministry in North America makes any difference in the lives of youth in the Seventh-day Adventist school system. Method. The sample for this study was 10,832 10- to 19-year old students enrolled in SDA schools in 2001. This study used the data collected by the Valuegenesis study team in 2001. The survey instrument contained 396 items and included a number of questions on youth ministry. A youth ministry scale was developed. Chi square, t tests, and analysis of variance were performed to investigate the relationship between the youth ministry scale and individual youth ministry factors, and Christian orthodoxy, SDA fundamental beliefs, faith maturity, understanding grace and works, intrinsic and extrinsic orientation to religion. The same tests examined the relationship of youth ministry to at-risk behavior, intention of future church involvement, church standards, the perceived influence of the pastor, and perceptions youth hold of the church. Results and conclusions. The results of the study indicated that youth ministry has a significant relationship with the development of attitudes, beliefs, and values in adolescents attending Seventh-day Adventist schools in North America. There is a relationship between youth ministry and commitment to Seventh-day Adventist fundamental beliefs and values. Youth with high exposure to youth ministry had a lower likelihood of involvement in at-risk behavior than their peers. More exposure to youth ministry meant a greater likelihood of the youth's satisfaction with their church and also of intention to be involved in it in the future. They showed higher levels on concurrence to church standards, saw the Pastor as having more influence in their faith development, and were much more positive in their perceptions of the church.
The Transition From High School to College : a Single-Case Study
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hay Margaret
Published: May 2023

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to use quantitative and qualitative data to describe the transition recent high-school graduates made to a small, rural community college. Both the students’ academic preparation and their own perceptions about their preparedness for college were described. Method. Data from the transcripts of high-school graduates were examined using Chi square, tests of independent means, and analyses of variance to test the relationship to placement in developmental classes. The data included senior year course selections, the number of units taken in math, English, and textbook-dependent courses, and grade point averages in math, English, and textbook-dependent courses. Fifteen students were interviewed about their transition experiences. Results. Students who took math during their senior year were more likely to test out of developmental math. Students who tested out of developmental math were found to have earned higher GPAs in high-school math, English, and textbook-dependent courses, and took significantly more units in math than those students who tested into developmental math. Students who tested out of English and reading had higher GPAs in English and textbook-dependent courses. Students who tested out of all developmental courses had significantly higher GPAs in math, English, and textbook-dependent courses. An analysis of the interview transcripts revealed several themes: students perceived a gap between the academic requirements of the high-school curriculum and those of college; students identified study behaviors and expectations required in college that were not required in high school. Guidance and support, both from the high-school staff and from parents, were identified as important components in a successful transition to college. Conclusions. High-school and college administrators should work together to address the academic preparation of college-bound high-school students. Future research should include investigating the exit competencies required for high-school graduation and their relationship to entrance requirements of college.
Wendell Berry's Sociological Imagination: Agrarian Values and Good Leadership in a Postmodern Culture
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kaak Paul
Published: May 2023

Problem. The question guiding my dissertation research was: In what ways do the writings of Wendell Berry, reflecting his sociological imagination, address and advance leadership theory with specific regard for the issue of agrarian values? Method. I used the writings of Wendell Berry as a modified case study for my inductive, theoretical, exploratory research in a qualitative vein. As I reviewed his writings, I identified his moral ideology and extracted his value-set. Along the way, I observed Berry's use of a method promoted by C. Wright Mills in his book The Sociological Imagination (1959). Since sociological imagination finds its use within the value conflicts of social life, Berry's insights are instructive for those in business leadership. Such leaders face frequent value conflicts that have, for example, relational, economic, and moral implications. Furthermore, I have taken validation from the sociology of literature. Though not found in standard textbooks, the legitimacy of this approach is intact. I kept it in mind while studying Berry's writings. I also placed his work against the literature on leadership and business in order to challenge assumptions found there. Finally, my exploration took me into multi-disciplinary terrain. This required a method that combined intuitive reading with good record keeping inorder to identify, consider, and confirm cross-disciplinary connections. Conclusions. I synthesized a series of descriptive phrases for good leaders--those more committed to being virtuous than to being profitable. The good leader "gets it right," demonstrates "foresight," and sees society through the grid of the sociological imagination. The good leader understands a good economy is shaped primarily by the ideas of health and stewardship, not profit and exploitation. The good leader rethinks his/her values with a concern for a sustainable world. The good leader manages with care and honesty by walking farther into the places, communities, and sources of both nutrition and materials. The good leader equips workers to see the social milieu for what it is, empowers them for independent and interdependent work, and eagerly guides them in the way of moral virtue.
The Role of School Psychologists as Perceived by Administrators, Teachers, and School Psychologists in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, McDaniel Rosemary
Published: May 2023

Problem. As our society changes, new demands are made on families and their children. This creates problems, concerns, and needs which should be addressed by the schools. Consequently, school psychologists will be expected to broaden their present roles and functions to meet these demands. The dilemma is to know what adjustments within the role of school psychology must be made in order to keep up with the changes in society, particularly those which affect school-age children and their families. Method. This study was an attempt to examine actual and desired functions and training needs of school psychologists within Southwestern Michigan, as perceived by teachers, administrators, and school psychologists. A survey questionnaire was distributed to a sample of teachers, administrators, and school psychologists within Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Findings. Statistically significant differences were found within the three groups as to (a) their perception of what tasks school psychologists currently perform, (b) those tasks they would like school psychologists to perform, and (c) the training a school psychologist needs in order to be effective. Tasks school psychologists currently perform are those such as administering/interpreting intellectual assessments, report writing, traveling between schools, participating as a MET member, and recommending students for special education classes. Tasks that the three groups would like to see school psychologists perform are those such as conducting teacher interviews, observations, consultation, and counseling. Areas of training that were desired were personality assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, and cultural/ethnic diversity. Conclusions. Even though there are differences in importance among the various groups, it would appear that all three groups would like to see school psychologistshave a more active role in consultation, classroom observations, counseling, and personality assessment. In addition, school psychologists in Southwestern Michigan spend a great deal of their time traveling. It is perceived that this issue impacts the effectiveness of school psychologists within this region.