Review of the Study Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the study analyzed variations in the frequency and severity of violent and otherwise disruptive behaviors by students (as dependent variables) at schools with and without requirements that students wear prescribed clothing (uniforms) while attending school (as an independent variable). Second, the study analyzed student perceptions of safety within the school environment and school-related environments (as a dependent variable) in relation to three factors (as independent variables). The three independent variables measured in the analysis of student perceptions of safety were as follows: (1) schools with and without requirements that students wear prescribed clothing (uniforms) while attending school; (2) the frequency of violent and otherwise disruptive behaviors by students occurring in the school environment and in school-related environments; and (3) the severity of violent behavior by students in the school environment and in school-related environments.
In relation to the purposes stated above, the study investigated five research questions. These research questions were as follows:
1. Does the frequency of violent and otherwise disruptive behaviors by students in the school environment and in school-related environments vary in relation to school requirements, if any, concerning the wearing of prescribed dress (uniforms) at school?
2. Does the frequency of severe violent behavior by students in the school environment and in school-related environments vary in relation to school requirements, if any, concerning the wearing of prescribed dress (uniforms) at school?
3. Do student perceptions of safety in the school environment or in school-related environments vary in relation to variations in the frequency of violent and otherwise disruptive behaviors by students at school?
4. Do student perceptions of safety in the ...