The BIS/BAS scales and the sensitivity to punishment and sensitivity to reward questionnaire: Evaluation of their psychometric properties using IRT and CFA Models
- Authors: Cooper, Andrew
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Doctor of Psychology
A psychoanalytical interpretation of the novels of Stephen Donaldson
- Authors: Simons, Kate
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "This thesis proposes a Kristevan reading of the fantasy novels of Stephen Donaldson, with particular attention given to Kristeva's concepts of the symbolic order, the semiotic 'chora', abjection, the imaginery father and the thetic. It also identifies and comments on shortcomings in Kristevan theory. Donaldson's fantasies are dominated by male protagonists, one of whom is a leper while the others are rapists or murderers or else engaged in some form of violence or sexual perversion. This thesis not only offers an interpretation for this representation of disease and gross physical abuse, but also looks to the implication such corporeality brings to bear on the amatory relationships that the novels attempt to establish. "The thesis is organized into three broad sections. The first considers the ways in which the concept of the mother manifests in Donaldson's text and how the male protagonists respond to the maternal dynamic established in these books. [...] The second section of the thesis examines the role played by Donaldson's father figures. [...] The third section of [the] thesis examines the consequences of this male vulnerability with regard to its central characters who oscillate between symbolic standing and semiotic sprawl."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
An investigation of the physiological concomitants of worry in a cognitive model of generalised anxiety disorder
- Authors: Stapleton, Craig
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Doctor of Psychology
Approximations for some classes of optimal control problems with state constraints and repetitive control systems
- Authors: Dymkou, Siarhei
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: This report presents the investigation on the research work "Approximations for some classes of optimal control problems with state constraints and repetitive control systems". This report mainly gives the theoretical part of the research which is based on the numerical methods that are developed. It is conjectured that the corresponding algorithms will be realized as computer programs after which they can be used in practical work.
- Description: Master of Information Technology
Policies, practices and professional development : A study of curriculum implementation within an Australian high school
- Authors: O'Meara, James
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: The overall aim of this portfolio is to discuss [...] understanding of the curriculum process surrounding the development of the Health and Physical Education Curriculum and Standards Framework II (HPE CSFII) and its implementation in a Victorian secondary school. The unit of analysis was a group of physical educators from Newviews Secondary College. Throughout 2002, interviews, surveys and document analysis were used to see how 'how and if' the HPE CSFII was being adopted and 'implemented' by the group.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Statistical detection techniques to reduce confounding by association (co-medication) and confounding by indication in the Australian spontaneous reporting system
- Authors: Barty, Simon
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: This research is the incorporation and melding of classical and Bayesian statistical techniques into an iterative methodology aimed at reducing two major confounding issues in Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), confounding by association (drug therapy) and confounding by indication (medical condition) to assist in the detection of signals. [...] This study highlights the ability of the STATFILE algorithm to detect drugs that are potential signals. More importantly, it also flags those drugs that are considered to be bystander drugs or noise, consequently reducing confounding by association. [...] This work highlights the significance and viability of an automated signal detection system and its practical application for the Australian spontaneous reporting of ADRs scene and potentially the international scene.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The effect of website, face-to-face, and combined programs on physiological, psychological, and lifestyle risk variables for cardio-vascular disease
- Authors: DeAraugo, Jodi
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "Although a multitude of preventative programs have been utilised worldwide to modify cardiovascular risk factors, none have included internet based interventions. Study 1 aimed to compare internet based (n = 21), face-to-face (n = 27), and combined (n = 21) treatment groups with a naturally occurring control group (n = 24) on physiological, psychological, and lifestyle risk variables for cardiovascular disease across 6-months, and to determine if there were relationships between changes in the psychological and physiological variables over time. Results indicated that the internet based group had significantly greater social reciprocity than the face-to-face group. Significant time effects were noted for heart rate, stress, depression, anxiety, reciprocity, anger expression-out, anger expression-in, anger control-out, and anger control-in. Results also demonstrated that increases in reciprocity and anxiety, and decreases in anger expression-out, were related to increases in heart rate. "In contrast, less anger suppression was a significant predictor of greater systolic blood pressure. However, there were no significant results for group, time, or predictive value for the other psychological, physiological, and lifestyle risk variables. A follow-up study examined the effects of unstructured (n = 13) and highly structured (n =14) internet based programs on physiological, psychological, and lifestyle risk variables for coronary heart disease over 6-months. It also investigated if there were relationships between changes in the psychological and physiological variables over time. Participants stages of change were assessed in relation to psychological and lifestyle risk variables. Results showed that the unstructured group scored significantly higher on anger-expression-out than the highly structured group and that the unstructured groups alcohol usage significantly reduced over time. "The remaining psychological, physiological and lifestyle risk variables did not produce significant group, time, or predictive changes. The stage of change results indicated no significant group or time effects. Results indicated that greater angry reaction scores were predictive of higher heart rate and increased stress scores were predictive of higher diastolic blood pressure. The critical psychological variables predictive of poorer cardiovascular functioning should be targeted in future interventions."
- Description: Doctorate of Psychology
The role of psychological variables in help-seeking amongst farmers and farming families
- Authors: Grieve, Aaron
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: This study investigated the role of psychological variables in help-seeking behaviour and attitudes in a rural population, with particular emphasis as to whether differences existed between farmers and non-farming rural residents. These groups were contrasted, as research suggests that farmers appear to be a sub-group of the Australian population at increased risk of chronic health problems and suicide, even in comparison to other rural residents.
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
'I can be this' : Image, identity and investment in physical education
- Authors: Brown, Leann
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: This study investigated how student expectations, experiences and involvement in physical education teacher education impacted upon and shaped identity development. The research focused on student social interactions and identified a range of behaviours and practices which reinforced student notions of what it means to be a physical educator. [...] The research itself was conducted within a creative analytical practice framework resulting in the following research products: the thesis text; a collection of one act plays titled, 'Plays from the identity playground', written about student social experiences; a CD which includes the filmed production of one of the plays 'Boys' training', and 'I can be this: a phototext', which presents key 'photographic' themes as insights into PETE student social events and activities.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
A computer-mediated framework to facilitate group consensus based on a shared understanding ConSULT
- Authors: Afshar, Faezeh
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieving this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
- Description: Master of Information Technology
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieveing this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
An evaluation of a new test of reactive agility
- Authors: Sheppard, Jeremy
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of a new test of agility, as well as the validity of the test to distinguish between players of differing ability in Australian Rules Football (ARF). In addition, the study's third purpose was to identify the relationships between straight-sprinting (SS), a sprint with planned change of direction (CODS), reactive strength (RS), and the new test of agility (Reactive Agility Test, RAT)."
- Description: Master of Applied Science
An exploration of the reasons why 10 women from central Victoria chose to birth at home
- Authors: Kelson, Lynette
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Master of Nursing
- Description: An exploration of the reasons why 10 women from central Victoria chose to birth at home
Managing occupational health and safety performance improvement : managing for significant and sustainable improvements in occupational health and safety performance in an international contractor-dominated environment
- Authors: Stacy, Robert
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: The heavy construction industry, as a contractor-dominated environment, is challenged by the need to achieve significant and sustainable improvements in occupational health and safety performance. To overcome such challenges an occupational health and safety improvement methodology was developed incorporating a transformational change model and an action research method."
- Description: Doctor of Philosphy
Our own beds : a tale of metamorphosis
- Authors: Green, Georgina
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "This research project visually explores the concept of "living story" through an installation. Entitled "Our own beds", the installation uses narrative with an emphasis on personal perspective and lived experience in the manner of Jack Kerouac's writings."
- Description: Master of Arts
An examination of public attitudes to retail banks in Australia : 1993-2002, with particular reference to corporate social responsibilty
- Authors: McCarthy, Terence
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Anecdotal and other evidence indicates that public attitudes to retail banks have been affected by changes in banking practices. There is a perceived gap between the public statements by banks as to services offered and customers' expectations and experience. By being "authorised" under legislation to operate, banks are seen to occupy a special position within the business community in Australia. The banking industry has stated that any negative attitudes to retails banks will be corrected once customers understand the need for change. "From summary"
- Description: (Doctor of Business Administration)
Ecology and habitat of river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus r.) in Victorian streams
- Authors: Khan, Minal
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "The present study was aimed to assess the ecology and habitat of river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) in two highly modified agricultural streams in central Victoria (Birch and Creswick Creek)"
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The attitudes of Australian heterosexuals to same-sex parenting
- Authors: Marchesani, Charmaine
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Master of Applied Science
The construct validity of DSM-IV AD/HD symptoms in Australian adolescents : a confirmatory factor analysis multitrait-multisource approach
- Authors: Smith, Felicity
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
A computational story model based on a story grammar that represents conflict
- Authors: Hall, Richard
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "The work in this thesis investigates whether a computational story model can be formulated that can overcome the limitations of existing story models and also interact with stories in multiple ways, similar to the ways in which people interact with them."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
An investigation of maternal child health and family planning (MCH/FH) services in the Tongatapu area of Tonga
- Authors: Havea, Ana Fili
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "This is a study on perceptions of women for services provided by Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning (MCH/FP) Centre in Tongatapu of the Kingdom of Tonga. The purpose of the study is to provide information that will assist the Tongan Health Authority to develop strategies and services that are responsive, effective and accessible to women who utilize the services."
- Description: Master of Nursing