In this work, we delve into geometric analysis, particularly examining the interplay between lower bounds on Ricci curvature and specific functionals. Our exploration begins with an investigation into the implications of Yamabe invariants for asymptotically Poincare-Einstein manifolds and their conformal boundaries under conditions of…

Multivariate Functional Principal Component Analysis (MFPCA) is a valuable tool for exploring relationships and identifying shared patterns of variation in multivariate functional data. However, interpreting these functional principal components (PCs) can sometimes be challenging due to issues such as roughness and sparsity. In this dissertation,…

This quantitative research sought to answer two questions: (a) What is the factor structure of emic and etic constructs?; and (b) How much do the extracted factors explain the variance of emic and etic constructs within the survey? These questions were answered through the use of an exploratory factor analysis. A total of 294 counselors…

Retention concerns remain high for postsecondary institutions and even more so when focusing on populations such as those who are the first in the family to attend college, first-generation college students. First-generation students account for 34% of the collegiate population, yet 40% of first-generation students do not return for their…

In Single-Case Designs (SCD), the outcome variable most commonly involves some form of count data. However, statistical analyses and associated effect size (ES) calculations for count outcomes have only recently been proposed. Three recently proposed ES methods for count data are: Nonlinear Bayesian effect size (Rindskopf, 2014), Log Response…

This dissertation compares the performance of equivalence test (EQT) and null hypothesis test (NHT) procedures for identifying invariant and noninvariant factor loadings under a range of experimental manipulations. EQT is the statistically appropriate approach when the research goal is to find evidence of group similarity rather than group…

In conducting confirmatory factor analysis with ordered response items, the literature suggests that when the number of responses is five and item skewness (IS) is approximately normal, researchers can employ maximum likelihood with robust standard errors (MLR). However, MLR can yield biased factor loadings (FL) and FL standard errors (FLSE) when…

The current study involved the development, scaling, and validation of a new, brief, strength-based measure of children's ecological support, as rated by their parents. The scaling and validation of the Child and Youth Ecological Assets Scale--Parent Form (C-YEAS-P) took place through two studies. The first study involved 500 parents who were…

This paper seeks to empirically validate a sector agonistic instrument that measures the perceived critical success factors in data governance. Twelve constructs (Leadership and Management Commitment; Leadership and Management Alignment; Executive Sponsorship; Robust Data Governance Strategy; Change Management; Training and Education; Governance…

Validity in psychometrics refers to the degree to which evidence and theory supports the interpretations drawn from a test, and Messick's Contemporary Validity Theory (1994) includes several facets with well-established evidence collection methods. However, there is a lack of consensus on appropriate methods of evaluating the facet of…

In many psychological and educational applications, it is imperative to obtain valid and reliable score estimates of multilevel processes. For example, in order to assess the quality and characteristics of high impact learning processes, one must compute accurate scores representative of student- and classroom-level constructs. Currently, there…

With adolescent mental health concerns on the rise, it is important that school counselors provide adequate support in the areas of academic, career, and social/emotional support. Yet, there are few scales that look at the perceptions of students around the support that their school counselors provide in these areas. This study sought to validate…

It is predicted that higher education institutions, based on the current landscape, will need to merge, be acquired, or close at increasing levels in the coming years. This level of organizational change is challenging for those who are a part of it. The purpose of this research was to explore the experiences of trust at an institution of higher…

Measurement of latent constructs is one of the most challenging tasks in psychological research. Unlike physical variables, latent constructs are not directly observable but are inferred through individuals' responses to a set of items often referred to as measurement instruments, tests, surveys, or assessments. For decades, exploratory factor…

Throughout the history of higher education in the United States, parents and family members of college students have often found themselves as obsolete to the postsecondary experience. Minimal research has been dedicated to understanding the experience of parents and family members of college students until the millennial generation began their…