Digital Commons Network^™

Evidence That Pervasive Body Gaze Behavior In Heterosexual Men Is A Social Marker For Implicit, Physiological, And Explicit Sexual Assault Propensities, Ross C. Hollett, Hannah West, Candice Craig, Lorna Marns, James Mccue

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Deliberate and effortful attempts to gaze at the bodies of women is emerging as a valuable marker of sexual objectification in men. Some preliminary evidence suggests that pervasive body gaze behavior may also accompany insidious attitudes which can facilitate sexual assault. The present study aimed to further explore this potential by examining pervasive body gaze associations with explicit, implicit, and physiological sexual assault propensity measures. We presented 110 heterosexual male participants with images of fully and partially dressed women with and without injuries while measuring their skin conductance responses. We also captured implicit and explicit sexual assault measures in addition …

Identifying And Promoting Qualitative Methods For Impact Assessment, Heidi Walker, Jenny Pope, Angus Morrison-Saunders, Alan Bond, Alan P. Diduck, A. John Sinclair, Brendan Middel, Francois Retief

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Qualitative methods for impact assessment (IA) represent a broad spectrum of approaches that are important for realising effective IA practice. The purpose of this paper is to identify and promote qualitative methods that are available for use in contemporary and future (next-generation) IA processes. From an extensive literature review, an international survey (145 responses), expert interviews (48 interviewees), and a workshop attended by 27 IA practitioners, 17 qualitative method categories were identified. These were further subdivided into three classes: conventional qualitative methods, highly participatory methods, and mixed methods. Each method is described, and an indication given of how each can …

It Takes It Out Of The Textbook: Benefits Of And Barriers To Expert By Experience Involvement In Pre-Registration Mental Health Nursing Education, Brenda Happell, Sarah Gordon, John Hurley, Kim Foster, Mike Hazelton, Richard Lakeman, Lorna Moxham, Terri Warner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

What Is Known on the Subject?: Service user involvement in mental health nursing education is beneficial in terms of attitudinal change to reduce stigma, clinical skill development and enhancing understandings of recovery-oriented practice. Service users as experts by experience have not been embedded within pre-registration nursing programs. Consequently, they remain limited in number, ad hoc and frequently tokenistic. Nurse academics responsible for the design and delivery of pre-registration mental health nursing curricula have a potentially important role in facilitating expert by experience involvement in mental health nursing education. What this Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge: Nurse academics teaching mental health …

Utilisation Of Simulation-Based Learning To Decrease Student Anxiety And Increase Readiness For Clinical Placements For Speech-Language Pathology Students, Teresa Petrich, Brennen Mills, Abigail Lewis, Sara Hansen, Emily Brogan, Natalie Ciccone

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To investigate the use of two versions of a simulation-based learning experience (SBLE) to decrease speech-language pathology (SLP) students’ anxiety and increase their confidence and sense of preparedness for clinical placements. Method: Two cohorts of third-year SLP students (n = 33) participated in a mixed-methods study with each cohort completing one version of the SBLE. Participants completed pre- and post-program quantitative ratings of anxiety, confidence, and preparedness for clinical placements and participated in focus groups. Three clinical educators also provided qualitative data in debriefs and interviews. Result: Significant decreases in student ratings of anxiety, and increases in confidence and …

Envisaging A Thriving Future: The Integration Of Positive Psychology Into Brief Psychotherapy And Family Therapy Practice, Richard Lakeman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper delves into the pragmatic integration of positive psychology, particularly Seligman's PERMA model, and brief psychotherapy to foster a vision of a thriving future for clients. Despite the entrenched tribalism within psychotherapy that often resists the incorporation of new techniques, a deliberate and flexible approach to integration, rooted in congruence with theoretical frameworks, can overcome these barriers. Positive psychology dovetails neatly with the goals of family therapy by highlighting strengths and resilience. The PERMA model—encompassing Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment—captures the essence of a flourishing life. While primarily applied in non-clinical settings, its potential to enhance wellbeing …

Aboriginal Students’ Journeys To University – Privileging Our Sovereign Voices, Renae Isaacs-Guthridge

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Since invasion the trajectory of colonial education in Australia has been linear; most students are expected to complete primary and secondary education, and, if accepted, seamlessly transition to university by 18 years of age. The reality is that many students do not experience continuity in their education, let alone reach university, and this can be particularly problematic for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024; Productivity Commission, 2024). Put simply, Australia’s education system continues to fail many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, further silencing our sovereign voices. Drawing on an Indigenist research paradigm …

Developing An 'Eportfolio Of Evidence' Towards Employment And Registration For Early Childhood Teachers, Pauline Roberts, Leonie Menzel, Bev Adkin, Lennie Barblett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

ePortfolios have been in use in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses for many years. The link to employability has been part of these initiatives, however, recent concerns over workforce and employment requires additional focus to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the ePortfolio. Ensuring teachers are 'classroom ready' led to increased pressure on pre-service teachers (PSTs) to demonstrate achievement of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, 2017). The goal of this project was to explore and influence PST's thinking towards the ePortfolio through changes in practice. The research entailed a rapid systematic review …

Living With Depression In The Family: A Narrative Inquiry Methodology For Seeking Meaning Through Stories, Amanda Cole, Vivien Kemp, Julie Ann Pooley, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Depression is a cause of disability globally and affects not only the person living with the condition, but the whole family. How people construct meaning to ‘live well’ and make sense of the reality of living with a person diagnosed with depression were explored through narrative inquiry and stories. The purpose of this article is to justify the use of narrative inquiry methodology to explore how people make meaning and find ways to live well and live with a family member who lives with depression. An interpretivist epistemological perspective, with the ontological principles of critical realism, and a social constructionist …

Until You're In The Chair And Executing Your Role, You Don't Know: A Qualitative Study Of The Needs And Perspectives Of People With Stroke-Related Communication Disabilities When Returning To Vocational Activity, Lucette Lanyon, Ciara Shiggins, Caroline Baker, Serena Alves Stein, Sophie O'Keefe, Emma J. Schneider, Erin Godecke, Kathryn Radford, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: People with communication disability after stroke experience low rates of return to vocational roles. Vocational rehabilitation is recommended; however, there are no clear guidelines informing vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability. Understanding the needs and experiences of this population is critical to improving vocational stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Aims: This study aimed to: (1) investigate the experience of vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability after stroke, (2) identify gaps and, (3) provide preliminary recommendations for tailored service delivery. Methods: Seven participants with an identified communication impairment following stroke were recruited from a larger clinical trial of early vocational …

Physical And Psychological Factors Related To Injury, Illness And Tactical Performance In Law Enforcement Recruits: A Systematic Review, Myles Murphy, Nicole Merrick, Gill Cowen, Vanessa Sutton, Garth Allen, Nicolas H. Hart, Andrea B. Mosler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: There are inconsistent reports of factors relating to injury, illness and tactical performance in law enforcement recruits. Our objectives were to: (1) report physical and psychological risk factors and protective factors for injury and illness and (2) report physical and psychological risk factors and protective factors for tactical performance success. Design: Systematic epidemiological review.

Methods: Searches of six databases were conducted on 13 December 2022. We included cohorts that assessed physical and psychological factors for injury, illness and tactical performance success. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies and certainty assessed …

Mitigating Intensive Care Unit Noise: Design-Led Modeling Solutions, Calculated Acoustic Outcomes, And Cost Implications, Emil E. Jonescu, Benjamin Farrel, Chamil E. Ramanayaka, Christopher White, Giuseppe Costanzo, Lori Delaney, Rebecca Hahn, Janet Ferrier, Edward Litton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives, Purpose, or Aim: The study aimed to decrease noise levels in the ICU, anticipated to have adverse effects on both patients and staff, by implementing enhancements in acoustic design. Background: Recognizing ICU noise as a significant disruptor of sleep and a potential hindrance to patient recovery, this study was conducted at a 40-bed ICU in Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, Australia. Methods: A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was employed, encompassing surveys, site analysis, and acoustic measurements. Survey data highlighted the importance of patient sleep quality, emphasizing the negative impact of noise on work performance, patient connection, and job satisfaction. Room …

Investigation And Modelling Of A Cortical Learning Algorithm In The Neocortex, Damir Dobric

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

Many algorithms today provide a good machine learning solution in the specific problem domain, like pattern recognition, clustering, classification, sequence learning, image recognition, etc. They are all suitable for solving some particular problem but are limited regarding flexibility. For example, the algorithm that plays Go cannot do image classification, anomaly detection, or learn sequences. Inspired by the functioning of the neocortex, this work investigates if it is possible to design and implement a universal algorithm that can solve more complex tasks more intelligently in the way the neocortex does. Motivated by the remarkable replication degree of the same and similar …

1st Eut+ International Conference On Languages, Tamara Onnis, Stefanie Morgret

Conference Proceedings

Language has to power to bind us or divide us. Language enables us to cooperate with each other or impede each other. Through language, we are able to be the human beings we are today, hold our value systems dear and accomplish all that we have done over millennia. This volume provides an impression of the first international EUt+ language conference on ‘Inter/Multiculturalism in a Post Colonial Era: Languages and European Values’ hosted by University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt. Thirteen contributions invite you to experiences, ideas and research findings related to language and its interaction with intercultural communication, European values …

Do Audit Partners Exhibit Hometown Bias?, Yuzhou Chen, Timothy Seidel, Aleksandra "Ally" B. Zimmerman

Faculty Publications

We investigate whether audit partners exhibit greater leniency towards audit clients located in their childhood or pre-professional home state. While prior research has examined the audit quality effects of geographic distance between an auditor and client as well as auditors’ social ties to company management or directors, this study uniquely examines auditors’ psychological affinity to places rather than people. Using hand-collected data on audit partners, company managers, and directors, we find evidence of partners exhibiting hometown bias in the form of greater leniency towards clients’ opportunistic reporting. However, we find no evidence to suggest that these psychological biases affect audit …

Strategic Alignment, Performance, And The Moderating Effect Of Regulatory Fit, Hayden T. Gunnell, Steven D. Smith, Travis W. Steadman

Faculty Publications

We examine how the alignment of performance measurement and strategy affects performance on a multidimensional task. Our experiment varies both the strategy (speed versus accuracy) of the hypothetical firm for which participants work and the individual performance measure that is reported to them, creating two conditions of clear alignment and two of clear misalignment. We find that while workers are responsive to the performance measure regardless of its alignment, they are also sensitive to the strategy such that costly alignment effects are observed. We also predict and find that workers respond asymmetrically to misalignment in accuracy performance but not in …

Bridging The Gap: Determinants Of Consumers' Willingness To Pay For Environmentally Friendly Packages Of Leafy Greens, Carissa Dieli, Anushree Priyadarshini, Robert Ludgate, Lorraine Foley

Articles

Government and corporate policies have mandated a reduction in plastic packaging to combat issues of waste and climate change. This move towards sustainable packaging alternatives in the fresh food sector will increase costs for consumers. Much of the present research finds consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability, but their willingness to pay (WTP) does not align with real-world purchases, representing an attitude–behaviour gap. To combat this gap, it is posited that consumers' current purchasing- and sustainability-related behaviours will meaningfully correlate with their WTP and bridge the attitude–behaviour gap. This research used an online survey (n = 476) to …

Effects Of Cognitive And Social Demands On Linguistic Production For People With Moderate, Mild, Or No Aphasia, Tyson G. Harmon, Emily Mcdonald, Kyle Steele

Faculty Publications

Background: Most everyday communication occurs in situations where cognitive and social demands are present. These types of situations may compound language deficits for people with aphasia (PWA). An understanding of the language interference that may occur from cognitive and social demands is an important precursor for assessment and intervention that addresses everyday communication situations.

Aims: To determine how cognitively and socially demanding conditions affect micro- and macrolinguistic production for people with moderate, mild, or no aphasia during narrative discourse and to compare effects among groups.

Method: Thirty participants with mild (n = 9), moderate (n = 9), or no (n …

Speculative Practicescapes Of Learning Design And Dreaming, Eamon Costello, Jason K. Mcdonald, F. Macgilchrist, P. Jandrić, H. Carbonel, S. Crighton, A. Buch, M. A. Peters

Faculty Publications

This article addresses a serious issue that besets learning design: its over-reliance on frameworks that promise particular outcomes for individual learners that accord with pre-defined metrics. This is partly a function of the nature of learning design and devel- opment itself which is commonly seen as outcome-oriented activity that should ben- efit individual learners in specific ways. An alternative approach is adopted here which calls attention to other happenings at the heart of education, including positive emo- tions we experience that are made known through less measurable and more fleeting points of reference. Hence, we draw on sources such as …

3.Ethical Complexities Within The Appearance And Usage Of Social Robots: A Scoping Review, Mads Lund Anderson, Heike Felzmann

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

No abstract provided.

5.Meeting The Attachment Needs Of Nursing Home Residents With Dementia, Lucia Carragher, Gemma Jones, Ann Marron, Laura Ballantine

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

No abstract provided.

9. Book Review: Herrink, M. (2019). A Compassionate Guide For Social Robots. E3 Publishing., John Pender

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

No abstract provided.

Exploring What Is Old And What Is New About Trauma-Informed Care: Implications For Child Welfare Practice., Maria Lotty

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

Trauma-informed care is becoming increasing part of discourse in child welfare practice. This paper explores the current debates and offers some critical reflections relevant for trauma-informed care implementation in child welfare practice. Firstly, the paper discusses the lack of conceptual clarity of a shared understanding for both trauma and trauma-informed care posing challenges for implementation and assessing evidence. Then, it explores the proposed paradigm shift of trauma-informed care in a child welfare practice context. The paper then explores aspects of trauma-informed care that may support newer ways of understanding experiences and interventions. Then, explores aspects of trauma-informed care that may …

Relationship Between Professionalization And Impact Research – Effects Of Knowledge And Orientation Stocks Of Youth Social Workers On Their Acting, André Epp

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

Despite a shortage of skilled workers in Germany, adolescents can still experience difficulties transiting into vocational training. Although fundamental examinations of influences which hinder this transition process exist, little is known about how pedagogical workers who support adolescents perceive and construct the transition process. Therefore, this article deals with perspectives and views – the practical theories (Subjektive Theorien) – of youth social workers whose main task is to support adolescents during this transition process. Using empirical data, I outline two different theory orientations. Furthermore, I argue as to what extent the practical theories of youth social workers affect their acting. …

Risk Factors As Indicators For Online Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review, Lesley Lally, Isobel Webb, Ethel Quayle

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

Abstract

Introduction: Online child sexual abuse has been described as a serious public health issue worldwide in today’s society. The long-term consequences of such abuse have been well-reported, and the risks in which youth are made more vulnerable to this abuse must be better understood.

Objective: To synthesise and evaluate the literature regarding risk factors of online sexual exploitation by focusing on the following question: What are the risk factors that make children vulnerable to online child sexual abuse and solicitation?

Method: A systematic review was completed using search strings within several databases, a hand search was conducted, and …

The Cost Of Caring – Understanding Psychological Distress In Support Staff Who Work With Adults With An Intellectual Disability In Ireland., Deirdre Mullins Ms, Dr. Christopher Mccusker

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

Background: Evidence suggests that levels of psychological distress are elevated in staff who support people with challenging behaviour (CB) and intellectual disability (ID) in residential care. However, in Ireland, there has been little research examining the extent of this and determinants thereof. Specific Aims: This study explored psychological functioning and workplace related quality of life, and factors associated with such, in support staff in Ireland. Method: 109 participants were recruited through a social media platform. Levels of stress, depression, anxiety and work-related quality of life were assessed using standardised measures. A bespoke questionnaire assessed key work-related factors such as …

Happy To Zoom: A New Frontier In Online Delivery Of Day-Care For Older People During Covid-19, Suzanne C. Smith Msc, Holly O'Brien, Darragh Mccashin Phd

Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies

From early in the COVID-19 pandemic, community day-care centres sought to find ways to deliver services remotely using digital tools, but older people are often presumed resistant to using digital technologies. This study sought to examine the delivery of community day-care services at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the willingness of older service users to participate in day-care activities remotely while in-person services were unavailable. Community day-care services are essential to ensuring social participation and overall wellbeing for many older people who remain living at home. On March 16^th, 2020, like many other services, …

Does Leaving Faith Mean Leaving Family? Longitudinal Associations Between Religious Identification And Parent-Child Relationships Across Adolescence And Emerging Adulthood, Justin J. Hendricks, Sam A. Hardy, Emily M. Taylor, David C. Dollahite

Faculty Publications

The present study investigated the parent-child relational repercussions of converting to religion, switching, or de-converting from religion. Qualitative research indicates that these religious changes may negatively affect parent-child relationship quality, however, few quantitative studies investigate this issue. Subsequently, we utilized structural equation modeling to test if changes in religious identification during adolescence and emerging adulthood predicted worse parent-child relationship quality using three waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion (N = 2,352). We found that deconversion between Waves 1–2 significantly predicted poorer parent-child relationship quality at Wave 2 and father-child relationship quality at Wave 3. Further, deconversion between …

Learning From Secondary Blended Teaching Practitioners: Selecting Activities And Connecting In-Person And Online Learning, Michelle Jensen, Charles R. Graham, Cecil R. Short

Faculty Publications

Implementation of blended teaching (BT) practices is increasing rapidly in K-12 classrooms. This trend creates an urgent need for professional development to support BT. An understanding of how experienced teachers implement BT can inform teacher educators and professional development leaders as they develop training to support this practice. We interviewed 24 secondary educators implementing BT strategies to determine what activities they include in the online space and how they connect them to in-person learning. Qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that experienced blended teachers used a variety of online activities, providing opportunities for learners to interact with content, other …

Academic Communities Of Engagement: Exploring The Impact Of Online And In‑Person Support Communities On The Academic Engagement Of Online Learners, Kristian J. Spring, Charles R. Graham, Courtney N. Hanny, Sara Tuiloma, Kamal Badar

Faculty Publications

Institutions of higher education are interested in supporting the academic success of their students in the most effective ways possible. Increasingly, this means engaging students in a blend of both online and in-person learning activities as well as connecting students with supportive communities in both modalities. This research explores the efforts of an institution that is trying to create positive post-secondary learning experiences for thousands of adults who have experienced significant barriers to accessing higher education through traditional routes. Students around the world are supported through both online and local, in-person communities created to support their academic engagement. In this …

Development Of A Framework Of Key Internal Control And Governance Principles For Robotic Process Automation (Rpa), Marc Eulerich, Nathan Waddoups, Martin Wagener, David A. Wood

Faculty Publications

Although robotic process automation (RPA) usage is growing rapidly in accounting, concerns are emerging regarding the internal controls and overall governance structure surrounding RPA. To help address these concerns, we use a design science research approach and work with a Fortune 500 company to develop an RPA governance framework. The framework consists of 4 governance areas and 14 control requirements, which help maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with the use of RPA. We validate that the framework is useful and generalizable to many organizations by presenting the framework to and subsequently interviewing and surveying 84 professionals at …