Digital Commons Network^™

Learning How To Interview For Qualitative Research, Kathryn Roulston, Brigette A. Herron, Caprial Farrington

The Qualitative Report

A key component of qualitative methods coursework has been the interview assignment, which typically prepares scholars to conduct in-person, individual, and open-ended interviews. This study examined what novice researchers did and learned during an interview assignment in an introductory qualitative methods course. Interview transcripts and reflections from 12 graduate students who enrolled in an online or face-to-face section of the course were analyzed. Findings review students’ reflections on the process of conducting the interview project, beginning with the preparation phase, what they discussed concerning how the interviews transpired and their experiences of the transcription process. The article reports on how …

Exploring Technology-Enhanced Learning: A Comparative Study Of Online And Offline Interactive Practices In The Iranian Higher Education System, Naser Rashidi, Mohamad Reza Farangi, Ali Hosseini

The Qualitative Report

This study explored how interactive teaching and learning are enacted through technology-enhanced methods in Iran’s higher education system. Using an exploratory qualitative design, it investigated the pedagogical strategies employed by instructors and examined whether these practices align with the principles of Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) across online and in-person contexts. Data were collected through the analysis of 263 class reports and 37 semi-structured interviews with university instructors. Thematic analysis using MAXQDA revealed six cohesive and interpretive themes: fostering human connection, empowering student voices, learning as dialogue, adaptive teaching, multimodal engagement, and feedback as dialogue. These themes reflect a holistic view of …

Facilitation Of Focus Groups Towards Conflict Resolution Among Pastoralists And Farmers In Northern Uganda: An Indigenous Relational Approach, Francis Akena Adyanga Dr., Norma Ra Romm Prof., Ambrose Dbins Toolit

The Qualitative Report

In this article we discuss how we explored with participants in a district of Northern Uganda certain land-related conflicts between pastoralists (herdsmen) and farmers. Following the end of the conflict in the civil war in Northern Uganda (1986-2006/7), many pastoralists moved from Central and Western Uganda to Northern Uganda in search for pastures for their animals. This has resulted in tension with the host community of farmers. In recognition of these long-standing conflicts and wishing to contribute to their addressal, in 2021 we set up four focus groups drawing on Indigenous relational practices of conflict resolution. We invoked storytelling and …

“Me Dancing”: An Intrinsic Case Study Of Primary School Boys’ Understandings Of Movement And Dance Through Their Drawings, Rosemary G. Bennett Ms, Jane Southcott

The Qualitative Report

In this research we explore the place of creative embodiment through movement and dance from the understandings of a group of 8-10-year-old elementary school boys. Children can be asked to speak or write about their movement experiences, but for younger cohorts it may easier for them to reveal their ideas via their own drawings. In this qualitative study using drawings as a research method, two classes (a total of 31) of Year 3-4 boys in a suburban elementary school in Melbourne, Australia were asked to produce a drawing of “me dancing” in an empty frame. Each child was then asked …

Challenging Life Events Of Undergraduate Students, Kristi Lewis, Gayle Roux, Catherine Dingley

The Qualitative Report

College students often face many difficult or stressful personal life events such as academic pressure, financial worries, family stress, or a relationship breakup. These events can impact their mental health and academic performance. Amid the growing mental health crisis on college campuses, it is important to explore the strategies that college students employ to tackle challenging life events. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore the experience of college undergraduates as they navigate challenging life events; and (2) examine strategies and resources utilized by the students. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study informed by phenomenology (Giorgi, 2009) using …

The Current - Volume 36 Issue 1, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Educational Lifecycle: Transitioning From Undergraduate To Graduate-Level Expectations, Khalil A. Mrabe, Rosie Defeo, Arlenys Loffredo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The World Health Assembly has recognized the current and future place of education, training, and development within their 2030 global strategy. While education in allied health professions continues to evolve, limited information is known about the challenges graduate students face when transitioning into these programs. In response to recent societal and educational shifts, a systematic review was conducted to explore the academic, psychological, social, and professional barriers affecting first-term allied health students. Utilizing the SPIDER framework along with searching across different platforms (Psychinfo, Web of Science, and ProQuest) to locate peer-reviewed studies published within the last five years. Forty-seven studies …

Learning To Treat The Whole Person: Assessing Spiritual Care Curriculum Inclusion At Faith And Non-Faith-Based Doctor Of Physical Therapy And Master Of Athletic Training Programs In Texas, Tricia Blalock, Heather Hudson, Andrew R. Meyer, Ryan Hebdon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Given the identified importance of assessing the spiritual domain of health as a component of cultural competence and holistic care in physical therapy and athletic training and the importance that their governing bodies have indicated that spiritual care should play in treating patients, this current study examined how faculty, at entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Athletic Training (MAT) programs in Texas, perceive the importance and inclusion of spiritual dimensions of care in their programs. Methods: We disseminated an online, cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey to a total of 289 faculty members from a total of 27 programs …

Holistic Approach To Managing Grade 3 Vaginismus: An Obg Physiotherapy Perspective, Nagma Khan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions, which can make vaginal penetration painful or impossible. This disorder has both physical and psychological components, often leading to significant emotional distress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Effective management requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy with psychological support. This case report examines the treatment of a 29-year-old woman with grade 3 vaginismus, highlighting the role of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) physiotherapy in improving both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

Case Presentation: A 29-year-old female presented with grade 3 vaginismus, with a history of severe pelvic floor tension …

The Impact Of Pet Therapy On Stress Reduction And Academic Performance Among Allied Health Students, Catherine Brock

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interest in pet therapy is increasing due to its potential to alleviate internal and external stress signs through the human-animal bond. This study investigates the effects of pet therapy compared to environmental and behavioral modifications on allied health students' stress levels and exam performance. Methods: We conducted an anonymized randomized intervention design with allied health students to compare perceived stress and test scores. Eighty-five students were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. We hypothesized that students who participated in pet therapy before their exam would report lower anxiety and achieve higher exam scores than those who received …

Shark Wildlife Tourism’S Influence On Conservation Efforts, Elizabeth C. Saraf

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Shark wildlife tourism has the potential to shape pro-environmental values and attitudes, fostering meaningful conservation behaviors. Understanding the influence of participating in shark tourism activities provides valuable insights into its effectiveness as a conservation tool. This study compared different intervention types related to wildlife tourism, including both direct (i.e., swimming with sharks) and indirect (i.e., viewing a related documentary) interactions with sharks. To evaluate the impact of these intervention events, participants were surveyed at three time intervals: before, immediately afterwards, and one month after the event. The surveys assessed respondents’ psychological constructs related to the environment, specifically their value orientations, …

The Role Of Posture And Balance In Fall Prevention For Older Adults: Implications For Daily Living Activities, Julia L. Otoski

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a falls prevention program within a community-based organization to help reduce fall risk and maintain independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), among older adults. The project focused on assessing fall risk using evidence-based tools, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 4-Stage Balance Test, which identified all participants as being at risk for falls. Individualized treatment sessions were then implemented, emphasizing balance, posture, and the safe performance of ADLs and IADLs. The Otago Exercise Program was adopted and integrated …

Peer-Led Recovery: Developing A Mentorship Program For Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries At The Va, Alexis Smich

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Supporting Participation In Daily Occupations, Quality Of Life, And Well-Being For Individuals With Dementia In Nursing Homes, Julianne M. Sta.Ana

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to enhance the quality of life, well-being, and occupational participation of individuals with dementia residing in nursing homes through the implementation of an eight-week occupational therapy-based program. By addressing unmet needs through personalized, meaningful activities such as cognitive stimulation, physical activities, and social engagement, this project seeks to reduce cognitive decline and improve emotional well-being. The SLUMS and GDS were used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Ultimately, this project sought to understand occupational therapy’s role in supporting dementia care in nursing homes.

Administrative Leadership Digital Hub To Expand Access To Occupational Therapy For Underserved Veterans ​, Bianca N. Haddock

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to address key administrative leadership functions within the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System through the development of a digital hub supporting interdisciplinary collaboration among allied health services— occupational therapy (OT), recreational therapy (RT), and whole health (WH). The project aimed to close communication gaps that limit Veteran access to rehabilitative services by enhancing administrative coordination, streamlining pre-service implementation documentation, facilitating therapeutic equipment acquisition and training, and promoting service integration.

Strengthening Qualitative Research With Visualization: A Review Of Visual Displays In Qualitative And Mixed Method Research: A Comprehensive Guide, Dian Permatasari

The Qualitative Report

Visual Displays in Qualitative and Mixed Method Research: A Comprehensive Guide by Elizabeth G. Creamer (2025) offers a new perspective on the use of visualization to enhance qualitative and mixed methods research. This review examines the book’s content, which includes a variety of examples of visual displays (tables, diagrams, models) at various stages of research, from study design to reporting results. The book demonstrates how visual displays can be used not only to report results but also to enrich the research process from planning to analysis. With real-world examples from a variety of studies, the book is a valuable resource …

Mathematics Teachers' Perspectives On Computational Thinking: Insights Into Knowledge, Strategies, And Challenges, Hasan Djidu, Heri Retnawati, Haryanto Haryanto

The Qualitative Report

In this study we explored how mathematics teachers in Indonesia understood and implemented Computational Thinking Skills (CTS), as well as the challenges they encountered. While CTS—encompassing skills such as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking—had gained prominence in global education reform, its classroom-level integration remains uneven, especially in diverse school settings. Through semi-structured interviews with 11 mathematics teachers from primary and secondary schools across varied regions in Indonesia, including underserved and remote areas, we examined how CTS was conceptualized, practiced, and hindered in real-world teaching. Our thematic analysis revealed three key findings: (a) teachers demonstrated uneven familiarity with CTS, …

Predictors Of Sleep Duration In Undergraduate Students Attending A Health Sciences University In Japan, Aaron M. Eakman, Yuki Kawakatsu, Miki Takahata, Daisuke Kudo, Shinji Satake, Toshiaki Sato

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Inadequate sleep is a pressing public health concern contributing to absenteeism and poor school performance, especially in health sciences students. In this study we investigated the sleep quality and duration of undergraduate students in a prefectural university of health sciences program and explored factors explaining sleep duration (i.e., < 6 hours per night vs > 6 hours) using multiple variable logistic regression.

Method: This cross-sectional survey study included 369 nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy students who completed Japanese versions of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, in addition to well validated sleep-related and mental health-related assessments.

Results: We found just 11.7% of the …

Impact Of Self-Selected Self-Care Activities On Perceived Stress And Resilience Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Leslie F. Taylor, Niamh M. Tunney, Lisa Fraher

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To assess the impact of self-selected self-care activities, supported by four interspersed reflection prompts, on the perceived stress and resilience of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students over 12 weeks. Methods: This exploratory study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Participants included third-semester DPT students (n=37; Class of 2024) enrolled in an eight-semester program.100% provided consent, with an 89% response rate (n=32). Quantitative pre- and post-measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD RISC-25), and a researcher-developed survey which asked students to identify their current self-care activities from a list of physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, …

14-Year Retrospective Review Of Audiology Graduate Admission Data: Comparative Analysis With Other First Professional Health Programs, Alyssa R. Needleman, Patricia A. Gaffney, Erica B. Friedland, Josiah Alamu

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Demographic and cognitive data on students entering audiology programs is incomplete, and there is a lack of comparison among audiology students and those entering other first professional health (FPH) programs. This paper is the first of a multi-part series to provide evidence into the characteristics of the typical audiology student and their graduate outcomes. This is valuable for improving recruiting, admissions, retention, and success rates of audiology programs. A comprehensive descriptive analysis of admission criteria was performed for students who entered the NSU Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program over the last 14 years. Additionally, NSU admissions data was compared …

The Effect Of A Therapy Dog On Pressure Pain Threshold In Healthy Individuals, Lydia L. Haak, Rhonda L. Verdegan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pain is the most common reason for healthcare consultation in the United States. Pain affects every area of life; biologically, psychologically, and socially. These three constructs make up every individual and thus contribute to their perceived quality of life. The use of therapy dogs (TD) has been widely researched as a source of non-pharmacological pain management. Studies have proven that a dog can reduce perceived pain in people with a variety of comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to prove that pain is modulated biologically by dogs and not just by human perception. Methods: This was …

Virtual Lecture, Live Lecture, Flipped Classroom: Does Dpt Pain Curriculum Format Affect Student Pain Beliefs? A Preliminary Study, Jeb Helms, Jamie Ball, Kory J. Zimney Pt, Dpt, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Currently there are multiple published examples of successful DPT delivery models for the International Association for the Study of Pain curricular guidelines. However, there are no direct comparisons between different IASP delivery models such as in-person vs hybrid or lecture vs flipped classroom. The purpose of this study was to compare 3 delivery formats for teaching a DPT pain science IASP based course (1. Virtual Lecture 2. In-person Lecture 3. Flipped in-person) for pre course and post course differences in student biomedical/biopsychosocial beliefs, and confidence to treat patients in pain.Method The instructors remained consistent throughout the study period, …

Enjoyment, Motivation, And Self-Efficacy Towards Physical Activity Among Physical Therapy Students, Lauren Butler, Amanda Thomas, Teresa Munecas, Erasmo Alvarez, David Capote, Alexa Almonte, Madeline Dawson, Jordan Hale, Mikayla Kerekes, Kaitlyn Mitchell, Mark D. Rossi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine physical therapy (PT) students’ participation in and attitudes toward physical activity (PA).

Methods An electronic survey assessed demographic, academic, and sports history. Student’s PA level was assessed with the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin); PA enjoyment was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES); motivation was assessed using 4 items from the Modified Behavioral Regulation in Exercise (BREQ 3); and self-efficacy towards PA was assessed with the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent t-tests with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used.

Results In total, 228 …

Understanding The Relationship Between Occupation And Cognitive Abilities: A Preliminary Study, Deepak Puttanna, Srinidhi Konda, Mohammed Al Harbi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Understanding the cognitive abilities across various occupational backgrounds is deemed crucial, owing to the fact that the cognitive load imposed in each of the roles varies, thus there may be different levels of cognitive skills used in daily day-to-day activities. Also, it paves the way for the researchers to understand how an intellectually stimulating environment aids in better cognitive reserve or hinders cognitive decline. Method: A total of 60 participants aged between 30 to 50 years participated in the study. These participants were further divided into two broad groups, professional/technical workers and structural work occupations. These occupations were …

Career Counseling With Foster Adolescents Transitioning To Adulthood: A Phenomenological Study Using A Psychoeducation Group Counseling Approach, Carly Paro-Tompkins, Elda Veloso Ph.D., Galaxina G. Wright, Jennifer Reeves, Samantha Both

The Qualitative Report

Young adults who age out of the foster care system face a unique set of challenges including increased risk of homelessness, substance use, mental health problems, and difficulty with employment. The current phenomenological study aims to understand participants’ experiences of Project P.A.T.H., a group psychoeducational group intervention aimed at improving self-efficacy, employment hope, and job search knowledge in individuals who were unemployed or underemployed and actively seeking employment. Participants were recruited through the FLITE Center, a nonprofit organization providing services supporting individuals transitioning out of the foster system. A total of 23 participants aged 18-26 participated in this study. The …

Exploring Giftedness And The Gifted Learner In Education And Beyond: An Autoethnographic Study With Critical Friends, Katrina Reynen-Woodward, Penny N. Round Dr, Pearl Subban, Edwin Creely

The Qualitative Report

The concept of giftedness is complex, contested and evolving and may be thus frustratingly challenging to apply in practice. One area of emerging research is understanding the personal experiences of those who identify as gifted in order to better represent the myriad culturally diverse conceptions of giftedness that evolve over a lifetime. In this article, I employ an autoethnographic approach to explore aspects of my adult identity as an atypical learner. This journey unfolds in crafted vignettes that reveal the complexities and multi-dimensionality of my learning and are analysed using Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT). As I …

Recovery-Oriented Dog Intervention (Rodi): An Autoethnography On How A Dog Made Us Change Our Perception Of Recovery And Flatten Our Ontologies, Knut Tore Sælør, Rose-Marie Bank

The Qualitative Report

Allegedly named after a dog show judge, our late dog Rodi was never a Recovery-Oriented Dog Intervention (RODI). Through collaborative-duo-autoethnography, we explore how our mundane co-existence with Rodi has influenced our perspectives on health struggles, recovery, ontology, and what really matters when life becomes difficult, and push comes to shove. We have shared texts describing our memories of how Rodi entered and influenced our lives. Through our collaborative writing we have discovered similarities and differences. Drawing inspiration from philosophy, posthumanism, and new materialism, we argue that our four-legged companion not only changed our everyday lives, but also our perspectives on …

Christian Identity And Commercialization: A Rhetorical Case Study Of Faith-Based Nil Branding In College Athletics, Santiago Diaz Finochietto

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

This project, “Christian Identity and Commercialization: A Rhetorical Case Study of Faith-Based NIL Branding in College Athletics," explores the intersection of faith, personal branding, and commercialization in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in collegiate athletics, with a specific focus on Christian student-athletes. Since the NCAA's 2021 policy change allowing athletes to profit from NIL, student-athletes have been thrust into a complex landscape of sponsorships, digital branding, and entrepreneurial identity. While this shift offers unprecedented opportunities, it also presents ethical and spiritual dilemmas, particularly for Christian athletes seeking to integrate their faith into their public and commercial presence …

Participant Empowerment, Inclusivity, And Social Justice: A Review Of Meng Tian’S Arts-Based Research Methods For Educational Researchers, Niway Ayalew Adimasu

The Qualitative Report

In reviewing Arts-Based Research Methods for Educational Researchers by Meng Tian (2023), I found a priceless resource for contemporary scholars wishing to add cutting-edge arts-based techniques to their qualitative research inquiries. This book offers a thorough examination of how artistic mediums like poetry, theater, and visual arts can be used to investigate the emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of education that conventional research frequently ignores. It does this by fusing theoretical understanding with helpful advice. The book focuses on participant empowerment, inclusivity, and ethical considerations when working with vulnerable populations highlights the book’s commitment to social justice, making it especially …

Digital Technology Usage In Tajikistan, Siyovush Bobokhonov Dr., Pedro Quelhas Brito Dr., Umesh Ramchandra Raut Dr., Prafulla Arjun Pawar Dr.

The Qualitative Report

The rapid development of digital technologies is significantly changing how people live, and these changes have a particular impact on the younger generation in Tajikistan. Our study therefore aims to analyze the factors influencing young Tajiks' opinions as users of digital technology and to examine digital technology usage in Tajikistan. We conducted a qualitative analysis of the opinions of young Tajik individuals aged 18 to 30 and found that they generally consider digital technology to be an integral part of their daily lives. Data collection was carried out through focus group discussions (FGDs) and the data analysis was performed using …