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ii Acknowledgements There are many individuals who all played significant roles in the development and completion of this thesis. First I would like to thank my committee co-chairs, Dr. E. Ayn Welleford, and Dr. Barbara J. Myers, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this process. Dr. Welleford has provided an abundance of encouragement and indulged me in weekly, and sometimes daily, interruptions to discuss this project. Dr Welleford, thank you for sharing in the excitement and enthusiasm for this research, and for guiding me every step along the way. Dr. Myers has provided me with the perfect balance of mentoring and coaching. Thank you, Dr. Myers, for guiding me through deeper understanding of theory and its applicability to good research methodology. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to my committee member, Dr. Lynn Pelco. Thank you, Dr. Pelco, for the expertise, creativity, and excitement you contributed towards this project. Finally, thank you to my family: Andrew, Elijah, Rebecca, Ryan, Mom and Dad. Without your support, and that of all my wonderful friends, I would not be the person that I am today. Your love and presence i