What does Size Effect?

Hello fans. I must first take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to tune into my little play space. You're always welcome, and please don't hesitate to comment even if you might not agree with what you read.

Only a few of my rather capacious readership is aware of what I am about to relate. Sit back and enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: The story related below is both fact and fiction. I just threw the fiction part in there to cover my ass with regard to factually incorrect information, which would totally be due to my ADD. I might also embellish or just flat out make stuff up so it reads better, its really none of your concern. So, not only do I have a disclaimer covering me, I have a disability. Names have been changed to protect the innocent (loose interpretation of the word innocent). God Bless America.

My wife is working on the completion of her master's degree, which has become quite a project with regard to time frame. She began her master's studies in 1999 at ISU while we were living in the quaint little town of Sullivan. And by quaint I mean if you don't have a pick up truck or where (here's winking at you big guy) camouflage a minimum of three times weekly then you're pretty much an OUTSIDER. Have you ever walked into a townie bar and a hush fell over the room, and felt the laser like focus of the regulars? Well, that is what it felt like in every establishment operating in Sullivan. Suffice it to say I never felt very comfortable or welcomed, but then again I'm not that openly friendly either so I will shoulder some of the blame. Well, my wife began working on her graduate degree in Early Childhood Development, but was sidelined for some time when she got pregnant each time we were intimate while living in Sullivan. That's twice! She put the school work on hiatus and dove into motherhood full throttle. She was clearly meant to be a mother and knew this early on. After making it through the more intensive (hands on) stages of infant and toddler development, my wife began to start taking some more classes in order to complete her degree requirements. I think it would be fair to say that she was compelled to earn a master's less for her thirst of knowledge but more for pragmatic reasons. My wife is a developmental therapist that contracts with the state so her pay would not be affected by earning the degree, however, the requirements for ongoing professional development become non-existent after receiving the degree. I also believe she felt the accomplishment would be satisfying intrinsically, however, after a few years of toiling away it seemed to lose its luster.

A little more background may be appropriate. My wife and I are a team. We are supportive of one another and share openly (except about speeding tickets and other unnecessary little things). My wife, fairly early on in this quest for her advanced degree, decided that she would like my help with regard to proofing and editing her work, maybe even some idea generation or limited research. Yes, a slippery slope I know, but how could I refuse her? I may have become a bit over involved from time to time in supporting the completion of work, specifically writing papers which she really detests. I do believe there was a time that she became expectant of me with regard to some of her work, so in response to this obviously unhealthy situation I pulled back. Yeah, it caused some issues but I felt I needed to let her find her own way. How was she to learn from the experience if she was hindered by my interference? The wife was not to happy with me at this point.

Alright, this is where things get a little bit more interesting. The wife begins to make a lot of progress by taking more classes and realistically starts to see the light. She currently has two classes left to complete the degree requirements (not counting the two she is finishing this semester). Are you aware that there is a time limit on completing your degree? Yep, there sure is. Apparently, the academics in Terre Haute have decided that 7 years is long enough. So, if you're not done in that 7 year time frame then you have to get the class validated by the professor. A validation can be as simple as the professor signing a validation request, because there have been no substantive advances in material during that 7 years, or on the other hand if there has been changes to the subjects covered in the course then you are given the opportunity to show the professor you are informed about that area. How do you show that you are informed about the current/cutting edge material--you write a paper on it. The good news: only one of my wife's classes required the writing of an additional paper, and what class was it..CIMT (Curriculum, Instruction and Media Technology). My wife contacts the prof and he says, "write a paper on Effect Size", that's really the only new material since you took the course. Ok, no problem, right? WRONG. The professor passes away and no one can find the paperwork for the validation. The department chair of CIMT then loses the resubmitted validation request, and almost one year after my wife attempted to take care of her business, the department chair says, "go ahead and write that paper on Effect Size". OK, no problem right? WRONG. My wife looks up Effect Size and realizes it basically an inferential statistic measure and she is not down with that. But, who has a limited familiarity with statistics???? So, I get sucked back in. Here is how I am compelled to being sucked back in by the wife. Please, please, please. NOPE. You realize that its gonna cost you about $900 if I have to take the class over and you also realize that if I have to take another class then I may have to do more validation papers because the time meter is still running, not even to mention the extra time it takes which makes me irritable and grouchy which I think you know how that will effect you. WHAT? I am being black mailed! But, compellingly blackmailed. So, in a true whipped pup fashion I submit and state, "I'll do the f@#$ing paper".

I put off doing the paper as long as possible, occasionally being reminded by my wife that the due date of April 1 is quickly approaching. I meekly attempt to go back on my commitment to completing the paper, by attempting to guilt her into doing her own work. Absolutely no traction at all. She matter of factly says she doesn't care about learning anything she just wants to be done with school. I write the paper on Effect Size and she emails it the evening of March 31st. Honestly, the paper sucked. It was a second rate version of a undergraduate topic paper with some citations. I wrote two pages and basically quit, not even caring about flow, or connecting a logical sequence. The summary section was ultra light as well. I was concerned about whether it would pass the smell test..you know how pesky those Math Nerds can be about logic and all. See submission email below.
_______________________________________
From: Susan Kriger [skriger@isuw.indstate.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 5:15 PM
To: XXXXX XXXXXXX
Subject: Re: Validation Paper-Effect Size

Thank you, XXXXX. I'll have Dr. Crorey review it and let you know his decision. Sue

>>> XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX> 3/31/2009 10:40 PM >>>
Dr. Kriger,

I completed the paper on effect size for validation of CIMT 610.
Please find it attached.

Thank You in Advance,
XXXXXX

Finally, relief. It's over. No more paper hanging over my head, the wife is happy and all is well. Until...

It happened. I get home Monday evening, actually I was talking on the phone with Super Mundus about the Reds opening day adventure, and she is staring at me as I walk to the door. She says, "they rejected the paper" and then silence. I didn't know what to say. I mean I warned her that it sucked, and told her to look it over closely, paying attention to citations but I think she was so tired of dealing with the process that she didn't do much 'looking over'. REJECTION EMAIL below.

From: Susan Kriger [skriger@isuw.indstate.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 10:34 AM
To: XXXXXXXXXX
Cc: Noble Crorey
Subject: XXXXX XXXXXXX Re: Validation Paper-Effect Size

XXXXX,

Dr. Crorey and I have conferred about your effect size paper. While there are some concerns about using proper citations, especially in the second paragraph, the bigger issue is that you have produced a paper that summarizes what the "experts" say about effect size. Our concern is that there is little here that helps us understand what you personally know about effect size.

Please make an appointment with Dr. Crorey (ncrorey@indstates.edu, or
812-247-1827 - cell phone) so that you two can discuss how to proceed from here.

Sue

Susan J. Kriger, Ph.D.
Interim Chairperson, Dept. of CIMT


So, after dinner she asks, "what am I going to do?" I think to myself, probably nothing, since that seemed to be her general approach to this validation paper from the start. I respond only by saying, "read the email it wasn't flatly rejected; you need to contact the professor that reviewed the paper and convince him to validate it". After a few hours pass and I am flat out in Idol mode, she says "will you send them an email". I say, "no". Just call the guy and see what happens. Worst case scenario he might make you redo the paper. No response. Then the next day, she says "we need to write that email". So, of course, I am now embroiled in this mess because of my unsatisfactory performance in providing a very shitty validation paper. But, I don't get invested in the intimation, but rather I begin to get angry that it was rejected in the first place. Let's put the focus where it belongs shall we. I look up the faculty pictures online, and as soon as I see the picture of Dr. Crory I am indignant. I have just taken this on as a personal challenge. So, "yeah, I'll write that email". Now, I know I'm exposing myself here, but dammit I don't take failure, nor flat out rejection very well at all. And exactly who in the hell are these people to be messing with me, I mean my wife? So, I write the email below.

>>> XXXXXXXXXXX 4/6/2009 10:44 PM >>>
Dr. Kriger,
I was quite disappointed after reading your email. Please allow me to explain (including background for the benefit of Dr. Crorey). I received instruction from the late Dr. Glillman to prepare a paper on Effect Size in order to complete my validation, as this was the only subject area to be advanced since my completion of the course in the Fall 2000. I received the letter grade of A from Dr. Glillman in that class (CIMT 610). After speaking with you in January and figuring out my validation paperwork had been lost (second submission of validation paperwork), you directed me to go ahead and submit the paper on Effect Size. I researched the topic and submitted the paper to you. I'm not clear on the 'cite' issues, since I prepared the paper in a similar way to my other classes. I would be glad to make any changes necessary to correct those problems.

I guess, I, am concerned about the "bigger concern". I understand what you have written, but I don't recollect any instruction with regard to the content. I approached the paper with an emphasis on research, considering the subject matter was new. I assumed the task was for me to show that I had done my 'homework' with regard to the subject area--which I clearly have done. I appreciate your comments and will be glad to discuss the paper with Dr. Crorey as you requested. However, I am quite frustrated about the entire process, which I am well aware is not your fault. Considering the significant commitment of time and energy to finish my degree requirements as I draw near attainment of that accomplishment (2 classes remaining after this semester), I am requesting that you reconsider your evaluation of this validation. If you were to review the entire body of work that is my graduate record, you will find that my GPA is 4.0. I would also assert that if you communicated with my graduate professors (Dr. Liuy, Dr. Whoeler, Dr.Micke) you would hear that I am always well prepared, diligent, ask questions/request feedback, participate in all required educational activities and approach all assignments seriously.

Thank you for considering this request.

Respectuflly,
XXXXX XXXXXXXXXx

I write the email, and my wife reads it and kind of gives me the look. What look? The one that says, "do you really think you should send this email?" I say, "I didn't really say what I wanted to but even if they don't accept the validation re-evaluation request you have put them on notice. I hit send with a thunderous resonation emanating from the violent collision between my finger and mouse pad.


It would be nice to tell you a happy ending something along the lines of they got the email and saw the error of their ways. But, that's not really what happened. This IS:

From: Susan Kriger [skriger@isuw.indstate.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 6:24 AM
To: XXXXX XXXXXXX
Cc: Karen Liuy; Noble Crorey
Subject: RE: XXXXX XXXXXXXX Re: Validation Paper-Effect Size

XXXXX,

Thank you for your follow-up communication and for copying other interested individuals. That way we can all stay in the communication loop. Dr. Crorey and I will discuss the content of this email and provide a return communication as quickly as possible.

Sue


Oh, the old we'll make them wait it out approach. I got it. So wait we do. After digesting all of this what do you think? I mean clearly this 'validation' issue should not stand between a committed student and graduation, right? I could go on to rail against the liberal academics but I won't. I could also suggest plenty of illogical reasons justifying the validation request, but I won't. It is what it is. Yes, this paragraph was just filler. Here is the next communication.


From: Susan Kriger [skriger@isuw.indstate.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2009 6:24 AM
To: XXXXX XXXXXXX
Cc: Karen Liuy; Noble Crorey
Subject: RE: XXXXX XXXXXXX Re: Validation Paper-Effect Size

XXXXX,

I conferred with Dr. Crorey and we both have come the conclusion that your paper did not sufficiently meet the strict standards of our department. We have written a letter to the Dean of Academic Affairs recommending that you must retake CIMT.

Personally, I was offended at your attempt to pass off an inferior paper by interjecting victimization on some level. All students deal with issues that interfere or challenge them with regard to completion of educational requirements.

SUE

OMG!!! I can't believe what I am reading. Did she really write that?

No, I made that email up, this is the actual response. Hold on Tough Man, there is a chance it didn't work out.


______________________________
__________
From: Susan Kriger [skiger@isuw.indstates.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 11:49 AM
To: XXXXX XXXXXXX
Cc: Karen Liuy; Noble Crorey; Jan Krackelberger
Subject: RE: XXXXX XXXXXXX Re: Validation Paper-Effect Size

XXXXX,

Dr. Crorey and I met to discuss the content of your email and to reconsider the paper you submitted. Given you were completing an assignment for which neither Dr. Crorey nor I had first-hand knowledge regarding parameters such as length, depth of content, format, etc. as directed by Dr. Glilman, we are hesitant to add a further burden. Dr.
Crorey is willing to allow the paper to revalidate your work in CIMT 610.


Had the assignment been given by either Dr. Crorey or myself, we would have required that the paper be less heavily paraphrased and quoted.
Instead, we would have preferred you use more of your own language to communicate your personal understanding and "local" use of effect size (i.e., how you might use your understanding of effect size to examine and guide your own practice). Additionally, we would have required strict application of APA format.

Please understand also that neither Dr. Crorey or I were doubting your academic effort or standing, we simply felt the paper would have conveyed your understanding more clearly by more use of your own language and applications.

I have requested that EESE provide your revalidation form to us so that it can be signed off by Dr. Crorey.

Please let Dr. Crorey or me know if you have further questions.

Sue

Susan J. Kriger, Ph.D.
Interim Chairperson, Dept. of CIMT, COE 1010 Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN 47809
Tel: (812) 234-2260
Fax: (812) 234-4856
skriger@isuw.indstates.edu

Justice, sweet justice. I only have two classes left to finish after this semester!!!

The real question is whether or not I go after Dr. Kriger for parting shots further denigrating my paper; I mean my wife's paper.