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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Amputee Perspectives Of Virtual Patient Education, Sandra L. Winkler, Michelle Schlesinger, Krueger Alice, Ann Ludwig Jun 2019

Amputee Perspectives Of Virtual Patient Education, Sandra L. Winkler, Michelle Schlesinger, Krueger Alice, Ann Ludwig

The Qualitative Report

Amputees have expressed the need for more information on the recovery path that follows amputation. Inclusion of education in the amputation rehabilitation process empowers amputees to make decisions about their options and form realistic expectations. Virtual worlds are effective as healthcare support communities because they provide both synchronous and asynchrous communication, voice enabled technology, file sharing and more, enhanced by immersion in a visually stimulating and interactive 3-D environment. The objective of this research was to discover how a virtual world could be used to address amputees’ educational needs. A focus group of three lower limb amputees ages ranging from …


“Be Authentic”: Authenticity Norms In German Politics And Self-Idealizations Of Members Of The Bundestag, Alexander Geimer, Steffen Amling Jun 2019

“Be Authentic”: Authenticity Norms In German Politics And Self-Idealizations Of Members Of The Bundestag, Alexander Geimer, Steffen Amling

The Qualitative Report

This contribution goes back to a study of the formative power of identity norms in professional fields of occupation (fine arts and politics). In this article, we focus on the understanding of identity norms that members of the German Bundestag have to meet and/or to cope with. Thus, our research question is which demands professional politicians encounter and which ways of dealing with them are established. Operating at the intersection of governmentality studies, subjectivation analysis and qualitative inquiry, and based on narrative interviews with MPs, this paper demonstrates how in the field of German politics (at federal level) the MPs …


Bringing Research To Life: A Review Of Leavy’S Research Design, Alexandra Ch Nowakowski May 2019

Bringing Research To Life: A Review Of Leavy’S Research Design, Alexandra Ch Nowakowski

The Qualitative Report

In this review, I examine the contents, themes, and possibilities of Patricia Leavy’s Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, Arts-Based, and Community-Based Participatory Approaches. Specifically, I outline the (1) contents of the book in relation to its development of research methodology and potential for use in research methods classes, and (2) the usefulness of this text for bettering and diversifying pedagogical approaches to social research methods. Further, I discuss limitations in the work in terms of possibilities for future additions or expansions teachers may add to the use of this book in courses. In conclusion, I offer overall thoughts …


Spark: A Book Review, Ashleigh Watson May 2019

Spark: A Book Review, Ashleigh Watson

The Qualitative Report

Spark, a social research novel by Patricia Leavy, innovatively explores the complexities of doing collaborative, complex research. The story follows Sociology Professor Peyton Wilde during a week-long research seminar in Iceland with, as her invitation reads, "some of the greatest thinkers of our time." With an intriguing setup, swift plotline and lively characters, Leavy reaches to the heart of key concerns in interdisciplinary and mixed-methods research. Such concerns are well-discussed in the wider scholarly literature; Leavy uniquely handles and examines these concerns in fiction in a way that will be valuable to teachers and students alike. Spark makes an …


Generalising From Qualitative Research (Gqr): A New Old Approach, John Guenther, Ian Falk May 2019

Generalising From Qualitative Research (Gqr): A New Old Approach, John Guenther, Ian Falk

The Qualitative Report

In this paper, the authors debunk a long-held myth that generalisation is primarily the domain of quantitative research. Based on a review of modern and historical approaches to generalisation, they argue that generalisation from qualitative research (GQR) can be achieved, not through a process of self-justification, but through defensible and rigorous research design and methods. The authors go on to consider examples from their own qualitative research work spanning the last 20 years. From these examples they offer mechanisms that qualitative researchers can employ to generalise from their findings. They suggest that generalisation is achieved through a process of generalisation …


An Introduction To Transformative Inquiry: Understanding Compelling And Significant Relationships For Personal And Societal Transformation, Mark L. Mccaslin, Kelly A. Kilrea May 2019

An Introduction To Transformative Inquiry: Understanding Compelling And Significant Relationships For Personal And Societal Transformation, Mark L. Mccaslin, Kelly A. Kilrea

The Qualitative Report

Transformative inquiry is a theoretical model designed to facilitate the inquiry of important and meaningful relationships that transform and potentiate us. Creswell (2007) described the essential elements of a research agenda: the axiological, ontological, epistemological, methodological, and rhetorical. Each carries with it assumptions that hold implications for practice and research. Transformative inquiry addresses all of these elements through considerations given to deep ecology, transdisciplinarity, integral meta-theory, heuristic research, and eudaimonistic philosophy, respectively. Transformative inquiry is an approach to understanding and fostering the full range of deep and meaningful relationships from the personal to the political, and beyond. It is a …


Autoethnography As A Lighthouse: Illuminating Race, Research, And The Politics Of Schooling: A Book Review, Katja Sonkeng May 2019

Autoethnography As A Lighthouse: Illuminating Race, Research, And The Politics Of Schooling: A Book Review, Katja Sonkeng

The Qualitative Report

What do a lighthouse and an autoethnography have in common? Whether symbolically or literally, both elements seek to help to navigate through rough waters by providing warnings and guidance. Using this powerful analogy, the editors Stephen Hancock, Ayana Allen, and Chance W. Lewis (2015) crafted a powerful narrative, titled Autoethnography as a Lighthouse: Illuminating Race, Research, and the Politics of Schooling as a volume in the book series Contemporary Perspectives on Access, Equity, and Achievement, edited by Chance W. Lewis and published by Information Age. As poignantly stated right at the beginning of the introductory chapter, the primary aim …


What Makes A Good Research Consultant?, Justin Harding, Samantha Estrada, Michael Floren May 2019

What Makes A Good Research Consultant?, Justin Harding, Samantha Estrada, Michael Floren

The Qualitative Report

Statistical and research consulting is defined as the collaboration of a statistician or methodologist with another professional for devising solutions to research problems. An in-depth, interview qualitative approach was taken to answer the research question of what makes a good research consultant. The authors interviewed four faculty members in the field of statistics and research methods and two experienced graduate student consultants. In-depth, face-to-face interviews revealed common themes regarding consultancy skills, resourcefulness, communication and interpersonal skills. The participants discussed how to improve consulting sessions and deal with clients with different statistics levels and backgrounds. Participants felt there was no difference …


Peeling Off The Layers In Qualitative Research: A Book Review Of Robert K. Yin’S Qualitative Research From Start To Finish, Dorcas Matowe Apr 2019

Peeling Off The Layers In Qualitative Research: A Book Review Of Robert K. Yin’S Qualitative Research From Start To Finish, Dorcas Matowe

The Qualitative Report

The title of Robert Yin’s (2016) book, Qualitative Research from Start to Finish, second edition, aptly summarizes what he intended to accomplish and did. The author’s writing and organizational style made for an enjoyable and engaging read given the subject matter. For the student, teacher, or researcher seeking an in-depth understanding of the entire research process, this book covers it all, including an exhaustive reference list on qualitative studies in varied disciplines. In keeping with his training as a social scientist, Yin incorporated his global research experience and understanding of human behavior to produce a book with something to …


So You Want To Do Post-Intentional Phenomenological Research?, Katherine E. Soule, Melissa Freeman Apr 2019

So You Want To Do Post-Intentional Phenomenological Research?, Katherine E. Soule, Melissa Freeman

The Qualitative Report

In this article, phenomenology, both in its philosophical and methodological variants, is introduced in the form of a fictional dialogue between a student justifying her interest in using a post-intentional phenomenological approach in her dissertation to her major professor. The dialogue tackles founding philosophers, notably Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty; contemporary researchers, including A. Giorgi, B. Giorgi, van Manen, and Vagle; several phenomenological concepts, such as intentionality, bracketing, and bridling; and provides examples of three distinct approaches to phenomenological research.


How Do We Like To Learn Qualitative Data Analysis Software?, Fábio Freitas, Jaime Ribeiro, Catarina Brandão, Carla Azevedo De Almeida, Francislê Neri De Souza, António Pedro Costa Apr 2019

How Do We Like To Learn Qualitative Data Analysis Software?, Fábio Freitas, Jaime Ribeiro, Catarina Brandão, Carla Azevedo De Almeida, Francislê Neri De Souza, António Pedro Costa

The Qualitative Report

The learning of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) can represent a great challenge and obstacle to the adoption of these tools in support of research. Thus, it seems imperative that CAQDAS developers devise strategies and tools that stimulate and support researchers in the learning process of their applications. To this end, this study focuses on the learning preferences of CAQDAS users. A focus group was conducted with experienced CAQDAS users and an online questionnaire was administered to 232 users from 29 different countries and representing a diversity of 26 CAQDAS. The obtained data allow to infer that the …


The Perception Of Students And Lecturer Of Occupational Therapy On The Importance Of Involvement In Research Projects: The Mind & Gait Project, Jaime Ribeiro, Ana Carolina Noversa, Soares Soares, Joana Azevedo, Patrícia Gomes, Mônica Braúna Costa, Maria Dos Anjos Coelho Rodrigues Dixe, Filipa Daniela Costa Couto, João Luís Alves Apóstolo Apr 2019

The Perception Of Students And Lecturer Of Occupational Therapy On The Importance Of Involvement In Research Projects: The Mind & Gait Project, Jaime Ribeiro, Ana Carolina Noversa, Soares Soares, Joana Azevedo, Patrícia Gomes, Mônica Braúna Costa, Maria Dos Anjos Coelho Rodrigues Dixe, Filipa Daniela Costa Couto, João Luís Alves Apóstolo

The Qualitative Report

Involvement in research is increasingly playing a crucial role in the training of higher education students, however, there isn’t much found on the literature on this particular subject. The present study aims to gauge the participants’ perception of pedagogical and scientific contributions in the development of research projects, specifically in the elaboration of a Cognitive Stimulation Program. Procedures followed a qualitative approach trough an exploratory descriptive case study research. For data collection, a semi-structured interview, a focus group, with key informants, and a questionnaire, were used for a set of participants (students and a professor) of the third year of …


The Epitome Of The Russian National Idea: Comparative Reconstruction In Sculpture And Narrative, Elena Rozhdestvenskaya Apr 2019

The Epitome Of The Russian National Idea: Comparative Reconstruction In Sculpture And Narrative, Elena Rozhdestvenskaya

The Qualitative Report

The formulation of the national idea for such a multinational country as Russia is a big issue. Its solution is not monopolized by the ideological institutions; art and popular mentality also contributes to the working out of the meaning for the unifying national idea. The author reconstructs those dominant meanings of the national idea (in art and popular consciousness) by the means of visual and textual analysis. The visual object for this reconstruction was realized by the sculpture that embodied the national idea of Russia at the International Art exhibition. The corpus of texts for the Russian contest that …


A Call For Enhancing Saturation At The Qualitative Data Analysis Stage Via The Use Of Multiple Qualitative Data Analysis Approaches, Amber N. Sechelski, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie Apr 2019

A Call For Enhancing Saturation At The Qualitative Data Analysis Stage Via The Use Of Multiple Qualitative Data Analysis Approaches, Amber N. Sechelski, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie

The Qualitative Report

The analysis of data represents the most important and difficult step in the qualitative research process. Thus, recently, a few authors have written methodological works that contain discussion of an array of qualitative data analysis approaches. Yet, despite the call of Leech and Onwuegbuzie (2007) a decade ago for qualitative researchers to analyze a given set of qualitative data in multiple ways, this practice has been largely ignored. Thus, in this article, we bolster the argument for conducting multiple data analyses. In particular, we use data stemming from an interview to demonstrate how using five qualitative data analysis approaches (e.g., …


Avatar Kinect: Drama In The Virtual Classroom Among L2 Learners Of English, Robert Bianchi, Byrad Yyelland, Joseph John Yang, Molly Mcharg Apr 2019

Avatar Kinect: Drama In The Virtual Classroom Among L2 Learners Of English, Robert Bianchi, Byrad Yyelland, Joseph John Yang, Molly Mcharg

The Qualitative Report

This study presents a qualitative approach to exploring classroom behaviour using dramaturgical analysis of student interactions in relation with, and as mediated through, a gesture-based gaming software among L2 learners of English at two international branch campuses in the Arabian Gulf where face-to-face interactions between unrelated members of the opposite sex are generally discouraged. We investigated whether Avatar Kinect might provide a safe way for young males and females to interact while discussing social issues in a composition course. Data were collected through personal observation and survey. Five key themes emerged from the study. First, some participants chose to perform …


Technology Ethics In Qualitative Research: How To Be, António Pedro Costa, António Moreira Apr 2019

Technology Ethics In Qualitative Research: How To Be, António Pedro Costa, António Moreira

The Qualitative Report

This introductory note stems from the organization of a special edition of articles from the World Conference on Qualitative Research. Some researchers put forth criticisms about using software in qualitative data analysis, such as losing control in the coding process and leading researchers to use a particular method of analysis according to tool characteristics. Moreover, a number of the scientists believe that the advantages of using specific tools in data analysis are numerous, such as the analysis of an enormous amounts of data, but doing research involves personal or institutional aspects that enter the field of ethics. In the case …


Using Web Forums For Qualitative Inquiries: Empirical Findings On The Conditions And Techniques For Asynchronous Online Group Discussions, Daniela Schiek, Carsten G. Ullrich Apr 2019

Using Web Forums For Qualitative Inquiries: Empirical Findings On The Conditions And Techniques For Asynchronous Online Group Discussions, Daniela Schiek, Carsten G. Ullrich

The Qualitative Report

This paper presents findings from an experimental empirical study about web forum discussions as instruments for qualitative research inquiries. It focuses on written, asynchronous group discussions between absent communication partners and deals with autonomous group discussions instead of strongly structured focus groups. The autonomous development of subtopics by the group using written communication between absent partners is a particular challenge for both the researcher and the debaters. Under which conditions and using which techniques do qualitative group discussions using a web forum work successfully? Three aspects of running such discussions can be clarified: a surprisingly modest group size, a duration …


“Through The Looking Glass”: The Emotional Journey Of The Volunteer Ethnographer When Researching Sensitive Topics With Vulnerable Populations, Fábio Rafael Augusto, Ana Patrícia Hilário Apr 2019

“Through The Looking Glass”: The Emotional Journey Of The Volunteer Ethnographer When Researching Sensitive Topics With Vulnerable Populations, Fábio Rafael Augusto, Ana Patrícia Hilário

The Qualitative Report

This paper extends further research on being both a volunteer and ethnographic researcher and intends to offer some insights on the emotional challenges of adopting this dual role when conducting research on sensitive topics and with vulnerable populations. The discussion presented here draws upon an ethnographic participant observation study of a food redistribution organization (Re-food) held in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The paper builds awareness on the emotional challenges in the field and discusses potential self-reflective strategies for researchers to cope with the extraordinary demands posed on them by specific circumstances and subjects. The volunteer ethnographer, when developing their …


“Listen To Your Gut”: A Reflexive Approach To Data Analysis, Nicole Brown Apr 2019

“Listen To Your Gut”: A Reflexive Approach To Data Analysis, Nicole Brown

The Qualitative Report

Over the last two decades qualitative research has seen significant shifts towards the narrative, reflexive and creative. And yet, analytical frameworks do not seem to have stayed abreast of these developments. Using research into the construction of identity under the influence of fibromyalgia as an example, this paper seeks to exemplify a reflexive approach to data analysis that accounts for the researcher’s positionality as well as the increasingly untraditional, unconventional data stemming from creative data collection methods. The paper provides insight into data analysis and reflexivity and offers two practical examples of reflexive data analysis—an illustrated poem and an installation. …


Demystifying Qualitative Data Analysis For Novice Qualitative Researchers, Neringa Kalpokaite, Ivana Radivojevic Apr 2019

Demystifying Qualitative Data Analysis For Novice Qualitative Researchers, Neringa Kalpokaite, Ivana Radivojevic

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative research is a rich and diverse discipline, yet novice qualitative researchers may struggle in discerning how to approach their qualitative data analysis among the plethora of possibilities. This paper presents a foundational model that facilitates a comprehensive yet manageable approach to qualitative data analysis, and it can be applied within an array of qualitative methodologies. Based on an exhaustive review of expert qualitative methodologists, along with our own experience of teaching qualitative research, this model synthesises commonly-used analytic strategies and methods that are likewise applicable to novice qualitative researchers. This foundational model consists of four iterative cycles: The Inspection …


Exploring Foreign Language Teachers Recruitment Criteria: A Qualitative Study, Seyyed Ali Ostovar-Namaghi, Seyyedeh Mobina Hosseini Apr 2019

Exploring Foreign Language Teachers Recruitment Criteria: A Qualitative Study, Seyyed Ali Ostovar-Namaghi, Seyyedeh Mobina Hosseini

The Qualitative Report

Although qualities of effective language teachers have been well specified and well researched, recruiters may not be aware of these qualities or, in the light of local constraints, they may ignore these qualities and apply their own criteria. To uncover the criteria which are actually applied in recruiting language teachers, this qualitative study purposively sampled 15 supervisors who were in charge of recruiting language teachers in private language schools of Sari, the capital city of Mazandran province and then theoretically sampled their perspectives and analyzed them in line with the principles and procedures of grounded theory. Iterative data collection and …


Gender Identity And Facebook: Social Conservatism And Saving Face, Nastaran Khoshsabk, Jane Southcott Apr 2019

Gender Identity And Facebook: Social Conservatism And Saving Face, Nastaran Khoshsabk, Jane Southcott

The Qualitative Report

People increasingly log on to Social Networking Websites to remain updated with the latest News and to share their thoughts and their significant life events. Their perception of their own and others’ identities influences their self-presentation on social media. There is a mental image of the audience on the mind of online users when they share content. The extent to which individuals reveal or conceal aspects of their identities within a socio-cultural context affects the presentation of their digital gender identity. We have explored Internet accessibility and use of social media relating to adult users for both Iranians living in …


Charting Our Course: A Review Of Stephen Andrew’S Searching For An Autoethnographic Ethic, Janie Copple Mar 2019

Charting Our Course: A Review Of Stephen Andrew’S Searching For An Autoethnographic Ethic, Janie Copple

The Qualitative Report

This review critiques Stephen Andrew’s proposed method for applying ethical guidelines to autoethnographic research. Andrew argues that although extant autoethnographic literature attends to a variety of ethical considerations (i.e., relational ethics, reflexivity in research, tools for ethical writing), explicit analytical guidelines are lacking. Using excerpts from personal autoethnographies, Andrew illustrates his conception for an autoethnographic ethic leaving readers with practical tools and resonant narratives.


Spark: Why I Wrote A Novel Designed To Teach The Research Process, Patricia Leavy Mar 2019

Spark: Why I Wrote A Novel Designed To Teach The Research Process, Patricia Leavy

The Qualitative Report

I’m a sociologist specializing in research methodology. I’m also a novelist. When my latest novel, Spark, was released, people remarked that it seemed inevitable for me to combine my two passions. I agree. In some ways this is probably always where my work was heading, although it necessarily took a long time to get here. I’d like to share why as a scholar I turned to fiction, the inspiration for Spark, and my hopes for the book.


Investigators Reflections On The Process And Experience Of A Mini-Ethnographic Case Study Research In Nigeria, Ezenwayi C. Amaechi Ph.D., Patricia I. Fusch Ph.D. Mar 2019

Investigators Reflections On The Process And Experience Of A Mini-Ethnographic Case Study Research In Nigeria, Ezenwayi C. Amaechi Ph.D., Patricia I. Fusch Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the investigator's reflections, both prospective and retrospective, on the process and experience of conducting a mini-ethnographic case study research in Nigeria. The research titled “Exploring barriers to women entrepreneurs in Enugu State Nigeria” was written to add to the body of knowledge on barriers facing some small-scale women entrepreneurs in the marketplaces in Nigeria. A mini-ethnographic case study design was used for this study, this methodology is a combination of ethnography and case study research that can assist a researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. The data collection methods …


From Test To Testimony: Resiliency After A Tbi Diagnosis, Quanisha Miffin, Archana V. Hegde, Paige Averett, Natalia Sira Mar 2019

From Test To Testimony: Resiliency After A Tbi Diagnosis, Quanisha Miffin, Archana V. Hegde, Paige Averett, Natalia Sira

The Qualitative Report

Autoethnographic research is a relatively new means of gathering data on oneself to connect to research and theory while advocating for change within a policy, law, and/ or environment. In this autoethnography I will recount the experience of my traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis following a car accident and present a few implications for the professionals and members of the society at large surrounding the issue of TBI such as the need for awareness and understanding as well as the importance of therapy and other forms of care within different cultures. When I was first diagnosed, many people did not …


The Impact Of Longitudinal Action Research On Doctoral Student Retention And Degree Completion, James Olive Mar 2019

The Impact Of Longitudinal Action Research On Doctoral Student Retention And Degree Completion, James Olive

The Qualitative Report

The impact of a longitudinal action research (LAR) project on the retention and success of students enrolled in a leadership studies doctoral program was the focus of this study. The purpose was to understand how the experiences obtained through an action research project, conducted over 12-15 months, affected students’ development while they completed the first two years of their doctoral coursework. Ten doctoral students, who were at various stages in their educational journey, were interviewed and asked to reflect upon their experiences while completing their LAR project. Findings indicated that the LAR project provided an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts …


Health Literacy And Type 2 Diabetes In Barbados, Coralene Quimby-Worrell Feb 2019

Health Literacy And Type 2 Diabetes In Barbados, Coralene Quimby-Worrell

The Qualitative Report

In this qualitative instrumental single case study, I explored how patients living with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Barbados manage the disease and what role health literacy might play. Purposeful sampling aided in selecting the sample for the study. The sample was 23 participants who were 40 years and older, diagnosed with T2D, living in Barbados, and attending the Endocrine Center for treatment. Participants responded to 13 open ended questions used to answer the research questions. Information was coded using NVivo 10 software and the software provided the themes based on the participants’ responses to the interview questions. The themes …


Language And Globalization: An Autoethnographic Approach: Book Review Of A Collection Of Personal Narratives, Anuja Sarda Feb 2019

Language And Globalization: An Autoethnographic Approach: Book Review Of A Collection Of Personal Narratives, Anuja Sarda

The Qualitative Report

Maryam Borjian’s (2017a) edited book, Language and Globalization: An Autoethnographic Approach, provides real and personal narratives of authors from different geographical locations across the globe around complex issues surrounding linguistic globalization. Using autoethnography as a method, the book steps away from the typical academic writing. It engages readers into plots contextualized in several parts of the world about diverse languages which are intertwined with theoretical frameworks and concepts specific to the field of language and linguistics. The format of the book allows all readers to comprehend complex concepts through the medium of stories and help make personal connections. The …


Assessing Participant Group Affiliation And Attitudes Towards Ctsi Services, Linda S. Behar-Horenstein, Huibin Zhang Feb 2019

Assessing Participant Group Affiliation And Attitudes Towards Ctsi Services, Linda S. Behar-Horenstein, Huibin Zhang

The Qualitative Report

Analyzing open-ended survey text responses holds the capacity to yield greater insight about participants’ perceptions of clinical translational science institute (CTSI) initiatives. Few translational research studies have explored their effectiveness. The aim of this mixed methods analysis was to assess participant perspectives of the impact and effectiveness of our CTSI program and services. We selected two open-ended survey question items (how CTSI benefitted research, and the most important impact of the research facilitated by the CTSI) from a larger set and compared responses by participant affiliations (clinical/non-clinical; lab/non-lab). We used a three-step analysis. First, nodes were generated using NVivo word …