Browsing by Subject "Survey"

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Approaches to Grammar Intervention: A Look at Current Practice
(2016-05) Satterlund, Kayla
Abstract Purpose Weaknesses in grammar are a core weakness of many children with language impairment and are frequently targeted in language intervention. The present study nationally surveyed speech-language pathologists to better understand the intervention practices of clinicians currently treating grammatical weaknesses. Method A total of 383 participants responded to questions regarding components of grammar intervention through an online survey. Participants reported working primarily with children in early education (n=114), elementary school (n=224), and middle/high school (n=45). Results Participants provided extensive details of their interventions focused on grammatical forms. Participants’ treatment procedures, activities, and context varied based on the age group of their caseload reported. Across age groups, participants reported using modeling and recast procedures and book reading and conversation activities. Participants working with younger children most commonly reported working with children at home, and participants working with children in middle/high school most commonly reported working with children in small groups in the therapy room. Conclusion As researchers continue to develop and evaluate child language interventions, it is essential to have a strong understanding of current practice. Information from this study can be used to guide the development and empirical evaluation of grammatical approaches for children.
CERS Survey on Driver Risk-Taking and Policy Support
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2011) Center for Excellence in Rural Safety (CERS)
This 2-page fact sheet summarizes results of a national survey conducted by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety (CERS) in spring 2010 related to road safety public policies and driver risk assessments.
A consideration of issues related to the confirmatory factor analysis of the evaluation use and evaluation involvement scales
(2011-05) Johnson, Gina Marie
Factor analysis as a methodological technique has been continually improved and updated for use with data with a variety of characteristics, though the default settings on most software packages assume the use of continuous, normally distributed data. Evaluators planning to use confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with ordinal survey data measured with intensity response format items must be aware of the special characteristics of their data as well as the decisions these characteristics necessitate in the CFA process. While completing CFAs on data collected using the Evaluation Use and Evaluation Involvement Scales, data characteristics and analysis criteria specific to ordinal data were considered. Guidelines for evaluators interested in completing CFA of data with similar characteristics are presented.
Cutthroat or cartel? an analysis of price competition in farmers markets.
(2012-05) Horwich, Jeffrey Lloyd
While the civic and nutritional implications of farmers markets have captured researchers' attention, few have focused on how the "markets" in farmers markets actually work. This paper opens a crucial but largely unexplored field of economic inquiry: how are the prices consumers pay at the farmers market determined? An original dataset of farmers market prices, gathered across five cities over a full calendar year, allows a quantitative look at two specific questions: first, how do prices move as more vendors enter and compete to sell a product? Second, what relation do farmers market prices have to prices in conventional grocery outlets? Using a set of simple regressions and a novel meta-analysis technique, I find meaningful and statistically significant relationships between vendor numbers and price for some products, but not for others. More perishable products seem to display the effect much more powerfully, a result which agrees with theory on search costs and product differentiation. Another important finding is that even where median prices do not decline with vendor count, minimum prices often do, suggesting the diligent consumer can benefit. I also find evidence of price collusion in some markets and products. Finally, I find no discernible, consistent relationship between farmers market prices and supermarket prices. In addition to better informing consumers, these results suggest that policy-makers who wish to expand farmers markets as an option for the general public - and especially lower-income shoppers - have some options for fostering a more competitive environment. But even at the farmers market there is no free lunch, as there are likely trade-offs between consumer welfare and economic rents we may value for local agriculture.
Data Management Needs Assessment - Surveys in CLA, AHC, CSE, and CFANS
(2015) Hofelich Mohr, Alicia; Bishoff, Josh; Johnston, Lisa R; Braun, Steven; Storino, Christine; Bishoff, Carolyn
Researcher's data management needs were assessed at four colleges with in the University of Minnesota: The College of Liberal Arts (CLA), the Academic Health Center (AHC), the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), and the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The initial survey was designed in CLA and featured a branched design that presented researchers one of two versions of the questions based on how respondents described the products of their scholarship - as "data" or "research materials". The survey was then customized for the other colleges, adding or editing questions based on feedback from disciplinary experts, while maintaining comparability across surveys. Surveys were run between September 2013 and and February 2015.
Expanding agroforestry in Minnesota, USA: assessing the potential for silvopasture as an alternative to passive woodland grazing
(2016-08) Ford, Madeline
177,791 ha of woodlands in Minnesota, USA are grazed. Often these woodlands are not managed specifically for timber or cattle benefits. This lack of management often leads to decreased timber value and reduced forage yields. Silvopasture is a potential alternative to this lack of land management on Minnesota woodlots. Silvopasture is a type of agroforestry that intentionally combines trees, forage and livestock in an intensively-managed system. However, very limited information exists about silvopasture use in Minnesota. This three-year study (2013-2015) examines the potential for silvopasture success in Minnesota through comparing production of unmanaged woodland grazing, silvopasture and open pasture sites. The study collaborated with three farmers in Central Minnesota to assess these three grazing systems on their land. Silvopasture paddocks were established through thinning and seeding woodland areas. The study assessed forage production, forage quality, species diversity, and livestock performance. Forage production was generally greater in silvopasture systems compared to unmanaged woodland grazing systems, and forage quality was lower in open pasture systems, at least during the first year. Additionally, species diversity was typically lowest in open pasture systems, and comparable between silvopasture and woodland areas. Livestock performance was similar between the grazing systems. Results indicate that silvopasture has potential in Minnesota, but more research is needed to develop specific management guidelines as well as monitor silvopasture for longer periods of time.
Exploratory research of training and practice in horticultural therapy.
(2009-03) Larson, Jean Marie
This study examined two areas: the composition of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) membership, and the training that individual members receive to benefit their professional practice. A comprehensive survey of 40 questions was sent to all AHTA members with email addresses. Forty-percent or 249 members responded to the survey. Demographic data indicated survey participants were most frequently white females between the ages of 46- 55 living within Eastern United States with a BA/BS in other specialized area, with 1-5 years experience as a therapist in a senior care center. She has received "a little" to "some" training mostly from workshops and is practicing "a little" to "some" in the role of a Horticultural Therapist. Analysis of survey responses found a moderate positive relationship between training and practice (R = .719). The only two areas that indicate any significant differences between training and practice were in foundations and professional organization. That is, training in foundations was not being used in practice, and training in professional organization was inadequate for what is needed in practice. Survey results also found two significant patterns of differences. First, there was significant difference between training and practice for those AHTA members who were registered compared to non-registered. Specifically, AHTA members who are registered had a higher overall mean level of training and practice when compared to AHTA members who are non-registered. Second, there was significant difference between training and practice for those AHTA members who had 11 or more years of experience. Specifically, AHTA members who are had more years of experience had a higher overall mean level of training and practice when compared to AHTA members who had fewer years of experience. The findings from this study will help to prepare for future HT training and employment needs. This study is a step towards the development of a competency-based evaluation of entry-level HT practitioners, part of the ongoing effort to protect the public interest and advance the field of HT.
Freeze Survey Summary Report: Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2001-03) Reed, Jane; McCarthy, Barbara J; Henneck, Jerald; Axler, Richard P; Crosby, Jeff; Bauman, Heidi
This report summarizes the results of an informal survey mailed to pumpers and contractors of onsite wastewater treatment systems in northern Minnesota in the spring of 2000. The survey was developed jointly by the Sewage Technical Committee (TC) of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and Northern Lights Tourism Alliance (IRRRB/NLTA). The purpose of the survey was to determine, in general, the types of freezing problems associated with onsite systems during the winter of 1999-2000.
Furniture Survey Analysis (Brief) - Bio-Medical Library, January 2017
(2017-03) Health Sciences Libraries
In the spring of 2016, the Bio-Medical Library at the University of Minnesota conducted a limited renovation of three floors of the library. Renovation elements included removal of a wall on the main level to open up user space adjacent to the service desk and primary entry; repainting; addition of power outlets and technology; improved signage for wayfinding; and new furniture for heavily used areas. The aims of the renovation were to brighten and update the user space, raise the visibility of library services and offer new types of technological space solutions to library users. The library was also conceptually zoned into spaces that would function to support different types of user needs: collaboration (public, interactive space) , learning (one-on-one consultations), productivity (specialized equipment and software) and quiet, individual study. During Fall semester 2016, the Bio-Medical Library asked library users to complete a paper-based survey how well the new furnishings met their needs. This document provides an overview of the survey and its key findings.
Hunting for Hemlock: Locating, restoring, and expanding eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.) presence in Minnesota
(2024) Pollack, Kira
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) is a charismatic, foundational conifer species that reaches its western range limit in Minnesota. Historical records from the late 19th century document populations as far west as Itasca County, MN. Almost 150 years later, due to natural and anthropogenic disturbances and low regeneration, eastern hemlock is considered an endangered species in Minnesota with only 40 - 50 wild trees remaining in the Duluth area. Professional land managers and private citizens are interested in increasing eastern hemlock populations in Minnesota. This project seeks to understand the restoration potential of planted eastern hemlocks around the state. To help determine where eastern hemlock can grow, we distributed a survey to land managers and the general public to collect site locations and conditions, tree height, maturity, and any known histories. Respondents reported 518 trees at 62 unique locations, the majority of which were planted. Sites were located throughout the state, from Lake County west to Beltrami County, and southeast to Winona County, with most participants describing their hemlock as doing well. A reported 94% of trees 20 feet or higher had evidence of cones, indicating these trees are well-adapted to Minnesota’s soils and climates. To develop planting recommendations, we installed a planting experiment in 2023. The four planting sites included locations within and beyond the historical range, with open and underplanted conditions. The seedlings were sourced from five different provenances in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and half received nurse blocks to influence microclimate. Data from the first growing season suggests that planting interventions that maximize soil moisture, such as underplanting or utilizing downed dead wood to reduce insolation, and planting larger seedlings result in higher survival. Growth trends were less clear, possibly due to droughty summer conditions. Further observation of experiment trees may reveal clearer trends in survival and growth, or the trees that survive may instead homogenize. Both studies suggest that eastern hemlock can successfully grow across many site conditions in Minnesota, but require active management to expand their range.
Measuring Change: Evaluating Impact for Sustainable Programs
(2015-04) Wilson, Natalie
This academic paper addresses the necessity and complexity of program evaluation, utilizing the comprehensive evaluation of the Illusion Theater’s “Keepin It Real” Program as a case study. I demonstrate how the “Keepin It Real” Program is pertinent to the conversation about the necessity of evaluation tools, and the results they can produce. The increase in demand for results-driven reporting has served as a catalyst to field-wide thinking about alternative ways to measure and report impact as a method for sustaining and improving programmatic activity.
My Health Minnesota: Electronic Health Library: Best Practices Survey
(2008-04-21) Aspinall, Erinn E
In 2008, the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Libraries, in partnership with MINITEX Library Information Network (MINITEX), explored the feasibility of providing online access to a core set of clinical knowledge resources to health professionals in Minnesota. As part of this research, an online questionnaire was developed to determine best practices. Respondents were recruited based on their membership in the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries, which represents libraries throughout the United States and Canada. Findings were used to identify best practices in the following categories: population served, information resources, technology/access, funding models, and sustainability.
Neurologists' discussion intentions regarding a medical innovation: an examination of psychological determinants and personal normative influences.
(2010-10) Langteau, Rita Ann
Progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and use of the mainstay drugs to treat the disease leads to severe movement disorders with accompanying disability in a portion of PD patients. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is an FDA-approved treatment innovation for disabled PD patients, improving mobility and quality-of-life over and above the effects found using mainstay drug therapy. This research used the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior to examine antecedents to neurologists initiating a discussion of DBS surgery with a hypothetical PD patient. A national, cross-sectional mail survey (with online option) was conducted among a random sample of practicing U.S. neurologists. Participants totaled 86, for a response rate of 13.9%. Hierarchical linear regression showed that adding perceived behavioral control (PBC) to attitude and subjective norm resulted in significant ÄR2 = .22 in the prediction of intention. Of the two personal normative influences proposed as extensions to the TPB, adding moral norm resulted in a significant ÄR2 = .02, whereas role identity was non-significant. Mediation analyses showed that attitude partially mediated the effects of beliefs about the target, DBS surgery. PBC fully mediated perceived knowledge, whereas treatment benefit certainty was mediated partially by PBC. Implications for communication campaigns are discussed.
Perceptions of Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Instructors: Lessons from a Nationwide Survey, Assessment Analysis, and Reflections on Teaching and Learning
(2016-05) Fox, Laura
There are minimal policies in place that direct undergraduate education, and consequently there are scarce criteria that guide the pedagogical and curricular decisions of instructors. Thus, given their great degree of autonomy, instructors play a critical role in undergraduate education. In this dissertation, the perceptions of undergraduate physical chemistry instructors were investigated in three distinct, yet related studies, in order to understand how instructors’ beliefs and attitudes impact their role as educators. First, a nationwide survey of the undergraduate physical chemistry course was conducted to investigate the depth and breadth of course content, as well as how content is delivered and assessed. The results of the survey showed that a core group of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics topics were covered by almost all instructors, however there was a larger group of topics with a wide variability of coverage. Also, the majority of instructors created an instructor–centered environment, despite their degree of teacher preparation experience, and gave more mathematical assessment questions, which contradicted their conceptual leaning goals. Ultimately, the goal of the first study was to provide an awareness of the current state of physical chemistry education across the United States. Second, an analysis of physical chemistry assessments was conducted to investigate characteristics of assessment questions including format, type of knowledge, and type of cognitive processes. The assessment analysis found that instructors used a subjective format more often than an objective format, there was an approximate equal distribution among questions that elicited factual, conceptual, and procedural knowledge, and the majority of questions utilized simple cognitive processes. Ultimately, the goal of the second study was to examine assessment practices of physical chemistry instructors across the United States. Third, instructor reflections were utilized to investigate instructors’ pedagogical content knowledge. Reflection questions were designed to elicit various components of pedagogical content knowledge, as well as how components of pedagogical content knowledge are associated with successful teaching moments, challenging teaching moments, and proposed changes. The analysis of reflections showed that instructors had a strong orientation towards teaching, a varied knowledge of curriculum, a weak knowledge of students’ understanding, and a constantly evolving knowledge of instructional strategies. Ultimately, the goal of the third study was to use instructor reflections to provide a rich description of their pedagogical content knowledge. Together, the three studies of this dissertation helped broaden the landscape of physical chemistry education research. The diverse levels of scale, ranging from nationwide perspectives to individual viewpoints, as well as varied methodologies, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches, helped expand and transform physical chemistry education research.
Pragmatic Approaches to Learning Objectives: A Survey of Writing Instructors
(2017-04-25) Bollig, Nathan W
This exploratory project seeks to understand the practical ways that teachers incorporate instructional documents and frameworks, like learning objectives, into their pedagogies and classroom practices. Specifically, this researcher conducts a survey that asks: How do instructors approach learning objectives in praxis?
Predicting Local and State-Level Water Risk Perceptions in Minnesota
(2020-01) Peplinski, Jaren
Risk perception research in the field of natural resources science and management has come a long way since the publication of “Perception of Risk” by Paul Slovic in 1987, and some scientists have started attempting to predict risk perceptions. At the time of this writing, 40 percent of assessed waters in Minnesota are reported as impaired. However, resident water risk perceptions are not aligned with technical risk assessments conducted by water experts. To better understand the mechanisms that drive heightened or lowered water risk perceptions, a mail survey was distributed to Minnesota residents across the state. The questionnaire asked residents about their values, perceived community capacity to manage water problems, and perceived awareness of water quality issues in their local area to develop a model predicting perceptions of water risk at two levels: local and statewide. In the survey, an adaptation of the values constructs created by Steg et al. (2014) was employed, and several new value constructs were created for this survey. The multivariate regression model developed was moderately effective, explaining about a third of the variance in water risk perceptions for both local and statewide levels. Consistent with previous research in Minnesota, this study has found gaps between technical assessments of risks to water in Minnesota and public perceptions of this risk. The exploratory nature of this risk perception research suggests that future investigation into the predictors of water risk perceptions should examine the reliability of the measures used in this study.
The relationship between student engagement and standardized test scores of middle school students: does student engagement increase academic achievement?
(2012-09) Scheidler, Matthew James
The public education system in the United States is under increasing pressure to provide an equitable, effective, and relevant education for all students. In the United States, nearly one of every three students who begin high school does not graduate from high school, resulting in an earning gap of approximately $10,000 annually between students who graduate from high school and those who drop out of high school (Alliance for Excellent Education, 2009). The potential of millions of students, as well as society at large, is threatened by the fact that more than 50% of minority students drop out of high school before they graduate, limiting their access to opportunity for the rest of their lives (Orfield, 2009). The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between student engagement (behavioral, cognitive, and emotional) and the standardized test scores of eighth grade students in three Wakta middle schools. A quantitative survey was used to access 8th graders` perception of their behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement. The engagement data was correlated to standardized test scores and demographic data for each student. Further analysis revealed increased engagement has a direct correlation to increased academic achievement. An academic achievement gap between minority students and white students exists in nearly every school district in the United States, and the Wakta school district is not immune to this educational and social reality. If our citizenry does not have the critical thinking, problem solving, or communication skills to compete in the globalized economy, jobs that would have been available to Americans will be outsourced to people who do have the requisite skills (Wagner, 2008).
Risk prioritization of pork supply movements during an FMD outbreak in the US - Data and Materials
(2016-08-22) Patterson, Gilbert R; Hofelich Mohr, Alicia; Snider, Tim; Lindsay, Thomas A; Davies, Peter; Goldsmith, Tim; Sampedro, Fernando; patte606@umn.edu; Patterson, Gilbert R
In the event of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the U.S., local, state, and federal authorities will implement a foreign animal disease emergency response plan restricting the pork supply chain movements and likely disrupting the continuity of the swine industry business. To minimize disruptions of the food supply while providing an effective response in an outbreak, it is necessary to ensure eradication strategies and risk management efforts are focused towards the most critical movements; those that are most necessary for business continuity and most likely to contribute to disease spread. This study recruited experts from production, harvest, retail, and allied pork industries to assess 30 common pork supply movements for their industry criticality. Movements spanned five categories: equipment, live animal production, genetics, harvest, and people. Experts were recruited via email to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) mailing list and their assessments were collected via an online survey. For each of the thirty movements, experts were asked to rate the risk of FMD spread using a four-point scale, from no or slight risk of disease spread to high risk of disease spread. Then they were asked to estimate the time at which the restriction of each movement during an outbreak would have a significant negative consequence on business (e.g., high likelihood of bankruptcy, negative impact on animal welfare). These two facets of each movement were analyzed to provide an initial guide for prioritization of risk management efforts and resources to be better prepared in the event of a FMD outbreak in the US.
The Role of Stand-Alone Music Minor Programs at Colleges and Universities in the United States
(2018-12) French, George
There are many reasons why many colleges and universities include a music department, with the most obvious one being that offering a music major is a part of the mission of the institution. As an example, at the University of Minnesota, the campuses of the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Morris offer a music major, with the Twin Cities cam-pus offering music degrees that range from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. Only the campuses at Rochester and Crookston do not offer a music major, with the Rochester campus offering no music classes. Those University of Minnesota music departments that offer the music major would not do so if there were not employment opportunities, and indeed, these opportunities do exist. Most public schools, from elementary to high school, offer musical opportunities in the form of general music, vocal, and instrumental music and there is a demand for teachers in the area of music education. Professional musicians are frequently, although not always, the product of a college education that includes the major in music, and School of Music at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is a good example of a comprehensive music department that has resulted in graduates who have found satisfying and lucrative careers in the field of music. However, active collegiate music programs are not limited to departments that offer a music major. This study focuses on those programs that do not offer a music major, but rather only offer a music minor, and the Crookston Campus of the University of Minnesota is one of those programs. Naturally, it can be assumed that the music curriculum at the “music-minor only school” will be more limited than at the school that offers the major. Furthermore, students might choose a college because they are pursuing the music major, but are unlikely to choose a college because of any minor that might be offered. Indeed, at the Crookston campus, the number of music courses offered are relatively few in number, and students generally do not choose to embark on a college education on that campus because of the music program. ii Unfortunately, there is almost no research focused on collegiate minors, and no research could be found on the more specialized stand-alone music minor. In order to proceed, it was determined that this research would be in the form of what is frequently referred to as a mixed-methods study. Data were collected from the 47 known institutions that offer the stand-alone music minor and this information is presented in the form of charts, graphs, and narrative. An example of the type of data collected and compared is the number of music theory credits that are required to complete the minor from each of the surveyed music departments, and the results showed that the credit re-quirements range from 0 to 8. Also a part of this research were faculty interviews from 15 of the surveyed institutions. These were conducted over the telephone and a summary from each of these interviews is included. The results from these interviews show many of the similarities and differences between each of these stand-alone music minors. An example of what is revealed is the range of circumstances that result in institutions offering a music minor without the accompanying music major. Surveys were also sent to students and graduates from the University of Minnesota, Crookston who had completed the stand-alone music minor. The questions asked included several that focus on reasons why the stand-alone music minor was chosen as a secondary area of study. Not surprising to this author was the finding that, by and large, students chose that area of study simply for the enjoyment of music with little regard for what they might “do” with the minor after graduation. A total of 47 collegiate music programs have been identified in the United States that offer a stand-alone music minor. In summary, by comparing those programs, con-ducting faculty interviews, and collecting student surveys, these programs were ana-lyzed and the results of this study is presented in the form of statistics and narrative. There was no attempt to compare these music departments in terms of quality and con-tent, but rather the focus was to gather data to show the diversity of these programs that are generally offered outside of the restrictions of accrediting agencies.
A survey and historical comparison of the Megachilidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) of Itasca State Park, Minnesota
(2013-09) Gardner, Joel David
The University of Minnesota Insect Collection holds a rich collection of bees from Itasca State Park, Minnesota, in 1937 and 1938. This collection formed the historical baseline data for comparison with a new survey conducted from 2011-2013. Bees were collected with timed net surveys and trap nests at eight different sites within the park. Megachilidae were the focal family for the current study, due to their importance as commercial pollinators and their unique nesting habits. Species richness and diversity of Megachilidae in the new survey were both significantly lower than that of the historical collection, and remained lower (but not significantly) when species accumulation curves were extrapolated to estimate the true species richness. Eleven species in the historical collection were not rediscovered, while three species not previously collected in Itasca State Park were found in 2011-13. Some possible explanations for this apparent decline are discussed.

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