Nonviolence training program evaluation

Author

Maram Hallak, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

2001

Degree Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Kathryn Quina

Abstract

There has been much recent attention given to conflict resolution and nonviolence training programs in the face of problems of violence in our society. The Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island was founded to provide nonviolence training to students of the university and community members. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Center's Nonviolence Training Program, based on Martin Luther King's approaches, designed to teach participants nonviolence methods as a way of life. A qualitative study gathered information and established the overall expectations of the parties involved. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders identified 5 main objectives: knowledge, attitudes, behavioral intention, behavioral management and actual behavior. A psychometrically sound instrument was developed to measure these 5 objectives and 3 additional control variables: social desirability, locus of control and number of conflicts. Training was completed by 114 participants (67% female, 33% male, 92% Euro-American) in 4 intervention groups (teachers, college and high school students) with 3 training formats. Each participant completed a pretest, post-test and a 3 month follow up questionnaire. Data were compared with a control group (N = 25) that received no training. Multivariate comparisons of the groups on all variables at baseline were nonsignificant for 7 of 8 measures, minimizing problems associated with lack of randomization. Repeated measures MANOVAs on the control variables showed no significant differences among groups across the three times, eliminating the need to control for them as covariates. Separate repeated measures MANOVAs for Group × Time on the outcome variables revealed significant differences on 2 outcomes, knowledge and attitudes. All intervention groups showed consistently higher knowledge scores, as well as more positive attitudes towards nonviolence philosophy, after the intervention; control group scores declined over time. Behavioral outcomes were not significant; behavioral intentions showed ceiling effects. High school students showed inconsistent results compared to other intervention groups, and had more violent behaviors throughout. Special attention was given to the question of linking attitudes to behavior, and to limitations due to the lack of randomization, sampling and measurement bias, and low statistical power. Future research was suggested.

Recommended Citation

Hallak, Maram, "Nonviolence training program evaluation" (2001). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 1768.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/1768