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Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
4/3/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Students in Natchitoches Parish Schools have been sitting down to take one more test at school. This isn't a test they could study for, but the results could have a major impact on their lives. The test is being given by a research team from Northwestern State University who are working together to assess the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program in Natchitoches Parish.
An interdisciplinary research team consisting of Dr. Patrice Moulton of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Michael Moulton of the Department of Health and Human Performance and Dr. Scott Roach of the College of Business is working with a group of Northwestern graduate students to determine student attitudes toward health-related issues. More than 1,300 students in grades 7-12 are completing surveys to learn about: their use of alcohol, alcohol expectations, alcohol use patterns by their parents, attitudes about conflict, topics regarding drug use as well as questions about aggression and suicide.
Once the surveys are completed, the research group will compare the responses to state and national norms.
"By using this data, the curriculum in the parish can be assessed to see if what they are doing is working," said Dr. Patrice Moulton. "This is a very large research project that can have a very positive effect on the students of Natchitoches Parish."
Moulton said this is the third project the interdisciplinary team has worked on. So far, the group has made 14 professional presentations based on their research.
Graduate students assisting in the research are Keith Bailey of Winnfield, Tanya McDaniel of Lake Charles and Shelley Rhodes, Christie Dupree, Angela Whittington and Tara Gallien, all of Natchitoches.
"This is a good experience for the students involved," said Bailey. "The biggest part of our field is research oriented, and there aren't many programs that will give you an opportunity like we have. We have gotten to learn how to gather data, write articles for professional journals and make presentations at conferences."
Students take the survey after receiving permission from the parents to participate. The surveys are taken back to Northwestern. The analysis will begin toward the end of the semester.
"That's when this will get really interesting," said Bailey. "We'll actually get to go through everything we've gathered and learn the results. It's good to know the research you're doing will actually have an impact on the community."