Publication Date

1983

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Kapperman, Gaylen, 1943-

Degree Name

M.S. Ed. (Master of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Learning, Development, and Special Education

LCSH

School children--Psychology; Blindness--Study and Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in an information program designed to teach about several aspects of blindness was effective in development of accurate perceptions of and positive attitudes toward blindness and visually handicapped persons. Experimental and control groups consisted of students in grades one through eight. Experimental group students participated in informational programs dealing with several aspects of blindness. Techniques used in the information programs included disability simulation, educational programs, and direct or indirect contact with visually disabled persons. To determine effects of these programs within the experimental group, questionnaires were administered to all students in the experimental group prior to and following participation in the programs. Three months after completion of the informational programs, students in both the experimental and control groups completed the Behavioral Intentions Questionnaire, which was designed to assess attitudes. Results of the pre- and post-questionnaire indicate that although positive increases in perceptions and attitudes occured at all grade levels involved in the experimental group, students in grades four and five demonstrated a higher degree of positive perceptions and attitudes as well as higher levels of change than students in grades one through three and six through eight. Results of the Behavioral Intentions Questionnaire indicate that experimental group students in grades one, two, and four showed differences in attitude great enough to be considered statistically significant when compared to control group students in the same grade levels. An analysis of the results of these two questionnaires indicates that an awareness program designed to develop accurate perceptions of blindness and increase positive attitudes toward visually handicapped persons is most effective with students in fourth grade. Conclusions drawn were based on a sample that consisted of only one class at each grade level. Recommendations are made for further evidence to support the conclusion that intervention at the fourth grade level is most effective.

Comments

Bibliography: pages 109-111.

Extent

vii, 111 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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