College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

Recent educational psychology dissertations

Educational Psychology student researchers develop models that support practitioners' and caregivers' implementation and evaluate evidence-based practices.

All Educational Psychology dissertations since 1981

    Exploring Space: Examining Spatial Cognitive Processes Recruited by Students and Teachers in Naturalistic Social Interaction Throughout a Summer Elementary School Engineering Unit 
    Jesslyn Valerie, 2024
    Advisors: Keisha Varma, David DeLiema

    Collaborative Emotion Interpretation: Investigating Participation and Power in Naturalistic Parent-Child Emotion Interactions in Families Participating in a Non-profit Outdoor Education Network in the United States
    Ashley Hufnagle, 2023
    Advisors: Geoffrey Maruyama, David Deliema

    The role of numerical cognitive processes for bar graph comprehension
    Jimin Park, 2023
    Advisors: Keisha Varma, Sashank Varma

    Data-Based Decision Making in Early Childhood: Teachers’ Competencies, Beliefs, and Practices
    Kelsey Will, 2022
    Advisor: Panayiota Kendeou

    "Let's (fire)Work Together!": Exploring the Potential for Intergroup Contact between Nonbinary and Cisgender Individuals through a Cooperative Commercial Board Game
    Yu-Chi Wang, 2021
    Advisor: Geoffrey Maruyama

    Social-emotional learning in higher education: Examining the relationship between social-emotional skills and students’ academic success
    Isabel Lopez Hurtado, 2020
    Advisor: Geoffrey Maruyama

    Revising Misconceptions Using Multiple Documents
    Reese Butterfuss, 2020
    Advisor: Pani Kendeou

    Pulling back the curtain on stereotype threat: Testing a mediation framework of identity change and belongingness
    Anthony Joseph Schulzetenberg, 2020
    Advisor: Geoffrey Maruyama

    The Roles of Convergent, Divergent Thinking, and Contextual Focus during Scientific Reasoning: Birth of the “Z” Model
    Jean-Baptiste Quillien, 2019
    Advisors: Keisha Varma and Wilma Koutstaal

    Social Capital, Self-Control, and Academic Performance in School-Age Children and Adolescents: Patterns Associated with Race/Ethnicity
    Wei Song, 2018
    Advisors: Geoffrey Maruyama and Zha Xiong

    The Development of Arithmetic Sense and Its Predictive Relationship to Mathematical Achievement
    Soo-hyun Im, 2018
    Advisor: Sashank Varma

    Gender, Leadership, and Navigating through the Hierarchy: Behavioral Patterns and Managers’ Assessments of Performance, Promotion Potential and Career Derailment
    Carolyn R Dienhart, 2018
    Advisor: Geoffrey Maruyama

    Implicit Learning in Science: Activating and Suppressing Scientific Intuitions to Enhance Conceptual Change
    Jeremy Y Wang, 2018
    Advisor: Keisha Varma

    Models of Moderation in Regression
    Yi Kang, 2024
    Advisors: Mark Davison, Ernest Davenport

    Model Identification and Selection for Nonlinear Mixed and Crossed Random Effects Models for Longitudinal Data 
    Corissa T. Rohloff, 2024
    Advisors: Nidhi Kohli, Seungwon Chung

    LINKING ERRORS INTRODUCED BY RAPID GUESSING RESPONSES WHEN EMPLOYING MULTIGROUP CONCURRENT IRT SCALING 
    Jiayi Deng, 2024
    Advisors: Mark Davison, Michael Rodriguez

    Exploring the Accuracy of School Rankings for Accountability Decisions
    Yi F. Vue, 2023
    Advisors: Michael Rodriguez, Leah McGuire

    A Multi-Modal Multiple Descriptive Case Study of Graduate Students’ Statistical Thinking in Statistical Tests Seven Months After Completing a Simulation-Based Introductory Level Course 
    Vimal Rao, 2023 
    Advisors: Jeffrey Bye, Robert delMas

    Incorporation of Covariates in Bayesian Piecewise Growth Mixture Models
    Rik Z. Lamm, 2022
    Advisors: Nidhi Kohli and Michael Rodriguez

    Understanding the Development of Students' Multivariate Statistical Thinking in a Data Visualization Course 
    Chelsey Legacy, 2022
    Advisors: Robert delMas and Andrew Zieffler

    Reliability and Validity Evidence of Diagnostic Methods: Comparison of Diagnostic Classification Models and Item Response Theory-Based Methods 
    Yoo Jeong Jang, 2022
    Advisor: Michael Rodriguez

    A Monte Carlo Study of the Effects of Number of Clusters and Level-2 Residual Distributions on Multilevel Models 
    Hao Jia, 2021
    Advisors: Michael Harwell and Nidhi Kohli

    Modeling Response Processes in Early Literacy Measures 
    Jose Rosalio Palma Zamora, 2021 
    Advisor: Michael Rodriguez

    Student Understanding of the Hypothetical Nature of Simulations in Introductory Statistics 
    Jonathan M Brown, 2021 
    Advisors: Robert delMas and Andrew Zieffler

    Using psychometric models to measure social and emotional learning constructs 
    Mireya Carmen-Martinez Smith, 2020 
    Advisor: Micheal Rodriguez

    Use of Aggregated Covariates in Propensity Score Analysis of Clustered Data
    Kyle Nickodem, 2020
    Advisor: Ernest Davenport

    IRT Branching Models for Individual Differences in Dual-Processing Theory of Reading Comprehension 
    Bowen Liu, 2020 
    Advisor: Mark Davison

    Standardized Bilingual Assessments: A Means to Reduce Construct-Irrelevant Variance and Ethnic/Racial Stereotype Threat 
    Julio Caesar, 2020 
    Advisor: Michael Rodriguez

    Growing Certain: Students’ Mechanistic Reasoning about the Empirical Law of Large Numbers 
    Ethan Brown, 2019 
    Advisors: Robert delMas and Andrew Zieffler

    Asian Americans in Educational Research: The Use of Disaggregated Racial and Ethnic Subgroup Data 
    Mao Jacobson, 2019 
    Advisor: Frances Lawrenz

    The Effect of Test Speededness Control Within A Computerized Adaptive Multi-Stage Framework 
    Qinjun Wang, 2019 
    Advisor: Ernest Davenport

    Bayesian Modeling of Associations in Bivariate Mixed-Effects Models for Segmented Growth Curves 
    Yadira Peralta Torres, 2018 
    Advisors: Mark Davison and Nidhi Kohli

    Using Multiple Regression to Ascertain Group Differences in the Relationship of Predictors to a Criterion: Ethnic Group Differences in the Relationship between Course- taking and Achievement in Mathematics 
    Kyungin Park, 2018 
    Advisor: Ernest Davenport

    Evaluating the Role of Classroom Behavior Management in Promoting Equitable Discipline Outcomes
    Alexandria Robers, 2023
    Advisors: Faith Miller, Jennifer McComas

    Technical Adequacy of the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener - Teacher Rating Scale: A Systematic Review, Quantitative Synthesis, & Measurement Invariance Study
    Annie Goerdt, 2023
    Advisor: Faith Miller

    “What Should We Do Now?”: Family Service Use and Decision-Making in Autism
    Stacey C. Brandjord, 2022
    Advisors: Amanda Sullivan and Amy Esler

    Student Perceptions of Caring Adults in Schools: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study
    Jenna McGinnis, 2022
    Advisors: Clayton Cook and Amanda Sullivan

    Advancing Tailored Implementation of Evidence-based Practice in Schools
    Madeline Francis Larson, 2022
    Advisors: Clayton Cook and Faith Miller

    The Impacts of Intervention Modality on Student Mathematics Operations Knowledge
    Kourtney Rebecca Kromminga, 2021
    Advisors: Robin Codding and Amanda Sullivan

    The Relations between Academic Achievement and Externalizing Behavior: Separating Fact from Fiction
    Tara Kulkarni, 2021
    Advisor: Amanda Sullivan

    Teacher Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practices: Confirmatory and Predictive Analyses of the School-Adapted Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale
    James Lorenz Merle, 2021
    Advisors: Clayton Cook and Faith Miller

    Evidence-Based Instructional Principles and Sequences for Effective Fraction Instruction
    Kristin Elizabeth Running, 2021
    Advisors: Robin Codding and Amanda Sullivan

    The Association Between SWPBS Implementation and Exclusionary Discipline in U.S. Schools
    Mollie Rose Weeks, 2021
    Advisor: Amanda Sullivan

    A Cross-Validated Approach Towards Identifying the Unique and Cumulative Contributions of Child and Family Factors Predictive of Speech-Language Therapy Start Time
    Marianne Elmquist, 2021
    Advisors: Scott McConnell and Veronica Fleury

    Planning for Students Who Struggle with Whole Number Computation
    Nicole McKevett, 2021
    Advisors: Robin Codding and Amanda Sullivan

    How Teacher Self-efficacy and Mindset Influence Student Engagement and Math Performance
    Andrew Thayer, 2020
    Advisors: Clayton Cook and Theodore Christ

    Supporting Fidelity of Implementation of Class-wide Behavioral Interventions
    Jenna Klaft, 2020
    Advisors: Robin Codding and Amanda Sullivan

    Universal Factors and Tier 1 Interventions Associated with Quality Student-Teacher Relationships
    Laurie Kincade, 2020
    Advisor: Amanda Sullivan

    Screening for Social-Emotional and Behavioral Aspects of Kindergarten Readiness: A Systematic Review of Screeners and Validation of BASC-3 BESS Teacher for Somali Students
    Alaa Houri, 2020
    Advisor: Amanda Sullivan and Faith Miller

    An Exploratory Study of Trauma Screening Procedures and Instruments in Schools
    Sophia Frank, 2020
    Advisors: Clayton Cook and Amanda Sullivan

    Profiles of Parental Mental Health and Children’s Academic Coping
    Aria Fiat, 2020
    Advisors: Clayton Cook and Amanda Sullivan

    The Differential Effects of Elaborated Task and Process Feedback on Multi-digit Multiplication
    Rebecca Edmunds, 2020
    Advisors: Robin Codding and Amanda Sullivan

    Sources of variance in reading comprehension research: The role of measures and interventions
    Calvary Diggs, 2020
    Advisor: Theodore Christ

    Mathematics Computation: Generalizability and Dependability of Student Performance by Sample Size
    Danielle Becker, 2020
    Advisors: Theodore Christ and Amanda Sullivan

    Exploring Relationships among Organizational Factors, Teachers' Attitudes toward Evidence-Based Practices, and Implementation of Universal Prevention Programs
    Yanchen Zhang, 2019
    Advisors: Clayton Cook and Amanda Sullivan

    Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Mathematics Word Problem Solving with English Learners
    Leila C Jones, 2019
    Advisors: Robin Codding and Amanda Sullivan

    Influence of Head Start Lead Teacher Profiles on the Relation between Coaching and Intervention Fidelity
    Stephanie Brunner, 2019
    Advisor: Amanda Sullivan

    Effectiveness and Key Components of School-Based Anxiety Interventions
    Victoria Erhardt, 2019
    Advisors: Annie Hansen-Burke and Faith Miller

    Engagement versus Motivation: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Motivation and Engagement Wheel
    Alyssa Schardt, 2019
    Advisor: Faith Miller

    Examining the Structural Validity of the My Class Inventory – Short Form for Teachers (TMCI-SF) in Early Elementary School Classrooms
    Chloe Webb, 2019
    Advisors: Amanda Sullivan, Clayton Cook

    The Effects and Generalization of a Choice-Based Intervention with Highly preferred Items on Student Off-Task Behavior
    Gregory R Simonson, 2018
    Advisor: Amanda Sullivan

    Training Educators to Implement Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Evaluating the Effects of In-Service and Coaching on Intervention Fidelity
    Laura Marie Potter, 2018
    Advisor: Scott McConnell

    An evaluation of the use of oral reading fluency as a screening tool with emerging biliterates
    Kirsten Newell, 2018
    Advisor: Robin Codding

    Influence of Child Find Referral Mechanisms on Early Childhood Special Education Participation
    Elyse McCullough Farnsworth, 2018
    Advisor: Amanda Sullivan

    Summer Learning Loss in Reading Achievement: Effects of Demographic Variables and Summer Activity
    Julia Baker, 2018
    Advisor: Theodore Christ

    The Relation between Parent Involvement and the Development of Kindergarten Self-Regulation and Literacy Skills
    Amber Hays, 2018
    Advisor: Scott McConnell

    Investigating Young Children’s Attitudes toward Mathematics: Improved Measurement and the Relation to Achievement
    Allyson Kiss, 2018
    Advisor: Theodore Christ

    Evaluating Alternative Item Response Theory Approaches to Account for Missing Data in Children’s Word Dictation Responses
    Jechun An, 2024
    Advisor: Kristen McMaster

    Supporting the Supporters: Investigating Professional Development for Direct Support Professionals Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
    Julie E. D. Kramme, 2024
    Advisors: Kristen McMaster, Amy Hewitt

    Unique Minds, Unique Families: Adapting Autism-Specific Training for Somali Families
    Amber M. Reilly, 2024
    Advisors: M. Y. Savana Bak, LeAnne Johnson

    Direct Observational and Biological Measurement of Reactivity to Sensory Stimuli for Use with and without Developmental Disabilities
    Emma R. Worthley, 2024
    Advisor: Jason Wolff

    An interdisciplinary exploration of the treatment gap in self-injurious behavior in intellectual and developmental disabilities 
    Caroline L. Roberts, 2024
    Advisor: Frank Symons

    Measuring Written Language Proficiency of Elementary-Aged Students with Writing Difficulties: Evaluating the Technical Quality of Complementary Scoring Mechanisms in Writing Curriculum-Based Measurement and Language Sample Analysis 
    Emily A. Reno, 2024
    Advisor: Kristen McMaster

    Exploring Sequential Association Between Caregiver Responsiveness and Child Communication: The Impact of Community-Based LENA Start™ Implementation and the Role of Child Communication Skills 
    Betul Cakir Dilek, 2024
    Advisor: Scott McConnell

    Exploring Teachers’ Individualization of Instruction Through Using Student Data 
    Seyma Birinci, 2024
    Advisor: Kristen McMaster

    Perspectives of Teachers of Students with Learning Disabilities on Parental Involvement in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: Experience, Obstacles, and Attitudes
    Mohammed A. Almalki, 2023
    Advisor: Jennifer McComas

    Word Problem Solving Tasks in Third-Grade Mathematics Textbooks: How Well Do They Align with Effective Teaching Practices?
    Ahmed A. Alghamdi, 2023
    Advisor: Kristen McMaster, Asha Jitendra

    Using Behavior Skills Training to Promote Caregivers’ Generalized Skill Instruction with Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
    Shawn Girtler, 2023
    Advisor: Jennifer McComas

    Effects of Data-Based Writing Instruction on the Reading Outcomes of Elementary Students with Writing Difficulties
    Emma Shanahan, 2023
    Advisors: Kristen McMaster, Scott McConnell

    How Can We Enable Hmong Parents to Take Steps Towards Autism Identification?: Hmong Parents’ Beliefs about Autism and Their Experiences in the Identification Process
    Pang Xiong, 2022
    Advisors: Jason Wolff and Rose Vukovic

    An Investigation of Methods Toward Mitigating Resurgence and Renewal in A Human Operant Model
    Emily Unholz-Bowden, 2022
    Advisor: Jennifer McComas

    The Impact of COVID-19: Special Education Student Teachers' Practicum Experience during the Spring of 2020
    Cristina Umana-Rojas, 2022
    Advisor: Kristen McMaster

    Validating Movement-Based Sleep Assessment in a Pediatric Sample with Developmental Disabilities and Associated Motor Impairment and Intellectual Disability
    Alyssa Maria Merbler, 2022
    Advisor: Frank Symons

    A Comparative Analysis of Self-Injurious Behavior and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors Between Samples of Children With and Without Developmental Delay or Disability
    Stephanie Sarah Benson, 2021
    Advisor: Frank Symons

    Characteristics of Students with Persistent Intensive Needs in Reading Comprehension and the Impact of Response Criteria
    Britta Johnn Cook Bresina, 2021
    Advisor: Kristen McMaster

    Sensory Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Measurement Quality and Empirical Investigation of Sensory Responsivity in Children at High and Low Familial Risk for Autism
    Jaclyn Gunderson, 2021
    Advisors: Frank Symons and Jason Wolff

    A Meta-analysis on the Effects of Vocabulary Instruction for English Learners
    Ellina Xiong, 2020
    Advisors: Jennifer McComas and Kristen McMaster

    Child and Evaluation Characteristics Predicting Educational Eligibility of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Examining the Role of Race and Ethnicity
    Kelsey Ann Young, 2020
    Advisors: LeAnne Johnson and Jason Wolff

    Exploring Determinants of Early Childhood Special Educators' Practice Selections for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Maria Lemler Hugh, 2020
    Advisors: LeAnne Johnson and Veronica Fleury

    The Use of Generalizability Theory to Inform Sampling of Language Learning Environments for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Andrea Lynn Boh Ford, 2020
    Advisor: LeAnne Johnson

    Examination Of Three Practice Schedules for Single Digit Math
    Kyle B Wagner, 2019
    Advisor: Kristen McMaster

    The IEP Data Collection Intentions Scale (IDCIS): Scale Development and Validation for Intended Score Interpretation and Use in Early Childhood
    Brenna Noland Rudolph, 2019
    Advisor: LeAnne Johnson

    Using Brief Experimental Analysis to Identify Effective Mathematics Fluency Intervention for Students in Middle School
    John Mouanoutoua, 2019
    Advisor: Jennifer McComas

    The Effect of Parent-Implemented Functional Communication Training on Challenging Behavior and Communication: A Meta-Analysis
    Brittany Pennington, 2019
    Advisors: Jason Wolff and Kristen McMaster

    Redefining the Word Gap from a Cumulative Risk Perspective
    Erin Lease, 2018
    Advisor: Scott McConnell

    Conflicting Relations Paradigm: The Effects of A Stimulus Equivalence-Based Approach to Changing Bias
    Robert Henery, 2018
    Advisor: Jennifer McComas