Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Volume 15, Number 2 (Winter 2008/09), Peace And Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies

No abstract provided.

Teaching Problem-Solving To Improve Family Functioning And Decrease Suicidality, Erin Shae Johns

Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Numerous risk factors have been identified in the literature, including poor problem-solving skills, poor family functioning, excessive risk-taking behaviors, legal difficulties, and school difficulties. Deficits in problem-solving skills and poor family functioning are typically reported together, indicating a relationship between the two. However, no previous studies have identified this relationship. The purpose of this study was to identify possible relationships between two known risk factors and suicidal ideation, to determine whether problem-solving skills taught in the experimental groups reduce suicidal ideation and improve perceptions of family relationships, and …

A Methodology For Design And Development Of An Electronic Learning (E-Learning) Network At The Regis University School For Professional Studies, Samuel Steven Conn

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

E-learning networks are used by academic institutions such as Regis University to support synchronous and asynchronous delivery of online courses and programs. An e-learning network supports a wide range of applications and services and facilitates access to diverse e-learning implementations including virtual laboratory (V-lab) environments, knowledge repositories, storage area networks (SANs), and content delivery networks (CDNs), as well as metropolitan, regional, and international research and education configurations. As demonstrated in this dissertation, an e-learning network eliminates campus boundaries by providing infrastructure for information flows regionally, nationally, and internationally.

A systems development life cycle (SDLC) methodology enables academic institutions to design …

Student Perceptions Of Streaming-Media Effectiveness, Sara Floyd Baber

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate cognitive-load theory as applied to the design of streaming media. In this study, student learning preferences and cognitive style were measured on a visualizer-verbalizer scale to determine the perceived importance of visual and audio components of streaming media used to supplement classroom instruction. Additionally, this study investigated cognitive-load theory by assessing attitudes regarding the importance of learner control when accessing streaming media files. The writer used 4 existing visualizer-verbalizer instruments in combination with 1 original survey that was designed to gather student perceptions and attitudes regarding the effectiveness of streaming media …

Our Day In Their Shadow: Critical Remembrance, Feminist Science And The Women Of The Manhattan Project, Lee-Anne Broadhead

Peace and Conflict Studies

Inspired by the publication of a book celebrating the role of the women in the Manhattan Project, this paper seeks to demonstrate that such an effort – to the extent it accepts and endorses the historical, political and scientific legitimacy of the Project – is both misguided and dangerous. An alternative feminist critique is presented: one respecting the views of those scientists (men and women) who refused to participate or who have sought to challenge the reductionist Western scientific paradigm from which the Bomb emerged. Illumination of the repressive and hierarchal structures requisite for the “birth” of the nuclear age …

The Six University Consortium Student Mobility Project: Promoting Conflict Resolution In The North American Context, Pauline Tennent, Jessica Senehi, Michael Ross Fowler, Sean Byrne

Peace and Conflict Studies

This article focuses on the North American Conflict Resolution Program - a twenty-first century mobility consortium in which universities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States exchanged students of conflict resolution. Drawing on student perceptions and, in particular, the experiences of the universities of Manitoba and Louisville, the authors discuss the positive outcomes of mobilizing students to study conflict resolution abroad for the students themselves, for faculty members involved, for university and other communities, and for the field of conflict analysis and resolution.

Back Matter, Peace And Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies

No abstract provided.

Constructing Children And Children Constructing: A Review Of Researching Children’S Experiences, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

Melissa Freeman and Sandra Mathison’s (2009) new book, Researching Children’s Experiences, provides readers with a theoretically-rich presentation regarding researching children. Steeped in social constructivist informed methodology the authors explore a wide variety of methods and perspectives for not only studying children, but also enlisting children as co-researchers too. The depth and passion with which the authors embrace the social constructivist metaphor helps to make this book both novel and highly practical.

Qualitative Researchers In The Blogosphere: Using Blogs As Diaries And Data, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

Weblogs or blogs can provide qualitative researchers with a medium for expressing their thoughts and opinions on qualitative research methods and products as well as serving as the source of data for qualitative studies. Present examples serve as exemplary guides to the potential value of this virtual communication application.

A Review Of Lorraine Daston And Peter Galison’S Objectivity, Tom Strong

The Qualitative Report

Lorraine Daston’s and Peter Galison’s Objectivity (2007) traces historical and cultural developments as the word "objective" acquired different meanings and associated scientific practices. Similarly, Daston and Galison consider the changing relationship of the word "objective" as it relates to the subjectivity of the researcher. Objectivity will interest any reader interested in how the conceptions and practices of science change historically and culturally.

Indigenous And Emergent Methodologies: A Review Of Qualitative Urban Analysis: An International Perspective, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

Paul Maginn, Susan Thompson, and Matthew Tonts’ (2008) new edited work entitled Qualitative Urban Analysis: An International Perspective introduces its readers to emergent qualitative research and evaluation methodologies indigenous to urban policy studies. These local lessons can prove quite valuable for all qualitative researchers regardless their fields or discipline.

Can Deaf People Survive "Deafness?", Jessica Rogers

JADARA

The article review was completed as an assignment for a Gallaudet University Counseling graduate course, “Psychosocial Aspects of Deafness, "reviewing MJ Bienvenu's (1991) article entitled "Can Deaf People Survive 'deafness?'" In the review, main points in Bienvenu's article are discussed and the author's reasons for reviewing this particular article are elaborated. Comparisons are made between issues within the Deaf community in 1991 and issues found today for the purpose of advocating Bienvenu's point; additionally, another article is presented to assist in Bienvenu's position. The author discusses the relevance of Bienvenu's article to her developing profession as a counselor for Deaf …

Conflict Analysis On Everybody Loves Raymond, Alyssa Fernandez

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Interpersonal conflicts are part of everyday life and can be seen from minor disagreements with friends, families, spouses, and others to major disputes, which may be deciding factors for the future of certain relationships. An interpersonal conflict is a struggle between two people because they have conflicting goals or needs or because of some misunderstanding (Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond, 2005). People experience conflicts or disagreements because their needs, such as the need for power, belonging, and freedom, are not the same; there are not enough resources to meet each individual’s goals; or they become too competitive and the goals are …

A Qualitative Study Of The Achievement Goals Of Recreational Exercise Participants, Helen Rogers, Tony Morris, Melissa Moore

The Qualitative Report

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for many of today’s leading causes of ill health. In-order to increase physical activity (PA) participation and information about why people engage in PA is needed. We interviewed 11 recreational exercise participants to examine their goals for participating in recreation al exercise. Our results revealed 13 first-order themes, which we reduced to seven second-order themes (personal comparison, extrinsic rewards, social, physical condition, psychological condition, mastery, and enjoyment), and two general dimensions (intrinsic and extrinsic goals). We argue that self- determination theory (SDT) of motivation provides a strong foundation for understanding the goals and …

No-Drama Obama: Personal Memoirs, Bestsellers, And Qualitative Research: A Review, Maureen Duffy

The Qualitative Report

Personal memoirs and life histories are forms of qualitative research that from time to time appear on bestsellers lists. These forms of research detail the authors’ experiences of living and reflecting upon their everyday lives—lives that may be unique in some sense or lives made unique by the richness of the interplay of living, reflecting, and writing. In this review, I make the case for viewing moments in all lives as worthy of the development of personal memoir or life history and for using memoir as a way of generating takeaways or lessons learned. I review Elyn Saks’ (2007) memoir …

The Constant Cycle: Day To Day Critical Action Of The Quipped Project, Jennifer M. Medves, Sarita Verma, Teresa Broers

The Qualitative Report

Action research in the critical paradigm involves a process of continual refection in and on action including the research process itself. In the second in a series of several papers we report on the day-to-day management of the QUIPPED project. The aim was to facilitate patient centered care through inter-professional collaboration with health care learners at a Canadian university. Reflections of the continuum from early conceptualization of the project in 2004 through to lessons learned in 2008 are described. Key components include the importance of team development, overall coordination, and attention to logistical and structural issues are explored. The importance …

Making A Connection Between Student Achievement, Teacher Accountability, And Quality Classroom Instruction, Kelli Ballard, Alan Bates

The Qualitative Report

The importance of standardized test results is becoming more prevalent in the structure of classroom instruction and the operation of schools throughout the nation due to pressure on educators and students from various levels of authority. This study looks at the relationship between classroom instruction and standardized test content and the effects this has on students, parents, and teachers. Seventeen fourth grade students, fourteen parents of fourth graders, and fifteen elementary teachers completed surveys. The study describes several positive and negative aspects to standardized tests, along with ideas of who is responsible for test performance. Standardized tests provide comparisons and …

Sensory Isolation In Flotation Tanks: Altered States Of Consciousness And Effects On Well-Being, Anette Kjellgren, Fransica Lyden, Torsten Norlander

The Qualitative Report

A qualitative analysis (The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method) of interviews involving eight patients (depression, burn-out syndrome, and chronic pain) was carried out in order to obtain knowledge regarding the effects of flotation tank therapy. This knowledge might be helpful for both professionals and potential floaters. The analysis resulted in 21 categories, which were summarized as four themes: (a) experiences during flotation, (b) perceived effects afterwards, (c) technical details, and finally (d) the participants ́ background, motivation, and expectations. Floating was perceived as pleasant. An altered state of consciousness was induced, varying from a milder state including profound relaxation and altered …

Keeping And Using Reflective Journals In The Qualitative Research Process, Michelle Ortlipp

The Qualitative Report

The problem of bias in qualitative research particularly is still debated in methodology texts and there is a lack of agreement on how much researcher influence is acceptable, whether or not it needs to be “controlled,” and how it might be accounted for. Denzin (1994) refers to this as “the interpretive crisis” (p. 501). I chose to make my experiences, opinions, thoughts, and feelings visible and an acknowledged part of the research process through keeping reflective journals and using them in writing up the research. The aim of this paper is to show how reflective journals were used in engaging …

Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design And Implementation For Novice Researchers, Pamela Baxter, Susan Jack

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative case study methodology provides tools for researchers to study complex phenomena within their contexts. When the approach is applied correctly, it becomes a valuable method for health science research to develop theory, evaluate programs, and develop interventions. The purpose of this paper is to guide the novice researcher in identifying the key elements for designing and implementing qualitative case study research projects. An overview of the types of case study designs is provided along with general recommendations for writing the research questions, developing propositions, determining the “case” under study, binding the case and a discussion of data sources and …

Dimensions Of Genocide: The Circumplex Model Meets Violentization Theory, Mark A. Winton

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study is to examine the use of Olson’s (1995, 2000) family therapy based circumplex model and Athens’ (1992, 1997, 2003) violentization theory in explaining genocide. The Rwandan genocide of 1994 is used as a case study. Published texts, including interviews with perpetrators, research reports, human rights reports, and court transcripts were analyzed. The use of both theories was consistent with the data and resulted in a greater understanding of the genocide. Rwanda moved to a rigidly enmeshed society during the genocide with the perpetrators going through the violentization process. Suggestions for further research are provided.

No Margin For Error: A Study Of Two Women Balancing Motherhood And Ph.D. Studies, Robin S. Grenier, Morag C. Burke

The Qualitative Report

This cogenerative ethnography explored the lived experiences of two graduate students balancing Ph.D. studies and motherhood through McClusky’s (1963) Theory of Margi n. Specifically, we asked ourselves: What impact does pregnancy have on personal and academic selves and how are multiple roles and responsibilities managed? Through an analysis of dialogues, artifacts, conceptual maps, and narratives, examples of internal and external lo ad revealed the dynamic nature of the female experiences in graduate school. Excerpts from the data showed how roles, relationships, and experiences are characterized and how similar or different those example s were, given individual context. Implications of this …

Giving The Spoon Back: Higher Teacher Expectations Of Achievement For Students Who Are Deaf, David H. Smith

The Qualitative Report

This single case study examined a Deaf teacher’s behaviors and beliefs that reflect her expectations of her deaf students. Primary modes of communication used were American Sign Language and written English. Data were collected via videotaped observations and interviews. Analysis was done by coding utterances of the participants using a deductive framework and using an inductive approach to find patterns among the coded utterances. Teacher behavior and student reactions revealed high expectations for student achievement. The overarching factor that reflected teacher expectations was the positive classroom climate established by the teacher. Recommendations for further research to examine teacher expectations with …

A Review Of On Ethnography: Keeping Theory And Method In Balance, Jan S. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

On Ethnography: Approaches to Language and Literacy Research written by Shirley Brice Heath and Brian V. Street with Molly Mills is an overview of theory and practices of ethnography as used in language and literacy research. Drs. Heath and Street draw upon their extensive backgrounds as they explain how to plan, implement, and make public an ethnographic study. Ms. Mills, identified as a student ethnographer, provides the real-world example to the wider and more abstract ethnographic world of the authors. Illustrations and examples are concise and helpful to those new to ethnography, although the book will be informative to all …

Autoethnography As A Never-Ending Story: A Review Of Guyana Diaries: Women’S Lives Across Difference, Laurie L. Charles

The Qualitative Report

The proliferation of autoethnographies offers scholars and writers multiple opportunities to consider the various methods of authorial positioning in qualitative research inquiry. In this article, I review Guyana Diaries: Women's Lives across Difference, by Kimberly D. Nettles, while reflecting my own choices as an autoethnographic author. Autoethnographic writing is presented as a 'never-ending story,' which may have lasting, transformative effects on those who produce it

Research/Therapy: A Review Of Adele Clarke’S Situational Analysis: Grounded Theory After The Postmodern Turn, Daniel P. Wulff

The Qualitative Report

Situational Analysis presents an iteration of Grounded Theory that incorporates the construction of a series of illustrative maps, conceptualizes a situation as inclusive of what usually has been considered context, and explicitly and systematically includes missing or otherwise silenced data. This review comments on how these attributes of situational analysis can also effectively inform the practice of family therapy. The potential of a research book to inform a clinical practice is an exciting development in advancing interdisciplinary studies and its related applications in the world.

A Review Of Qualitative Research Groups In Web 2.0 Social Networking Communities: Prepare To Be Amused, Inspired, And Even Blown Away, Maureen Duffy

The Qualitative Report

The presence of qualitative research groups on Web 2.0 social networking applications, like Facebook, has continued to grow. These groups are self organizing systems of people interested in particular aspects of qualitative research. Many of these qualitative research groups have companion internet websites and some also have companion YouTube channels, creating a very strong cyber presence. While visitors to these groups are encouraged to evaluate their quality for themselves, in general, the groups provide accessibility and good information for practitioners, students, and teachers of qualitative research alike. Most importantly, a number of these online qualitative research groups can serve as …

Journal Of The American Deafness And Rehabilitation Association Year 2008, Volume 42, Number 1 Complete

JADARA

Upload of old JADARA issue for digital access

Youtube As A Qualitative Research Asset: Reviewing User Generated Videos As Learning Resources, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

YouTube, the video hosting service, offers students, teachers, and practitioners of qualitative researchers a unique reservoir of video clips introducing basic qualitative research concepts, sharing qualitative data from interviews and field observations, and presenting completed research studies. This web-based site also affords qualitative researchers the potential avenue to share their reusable learning resources for all interested parties to use

To Thine Own Context Be True, But Be Careful: A Review Of H. L. Goodall, Jr.’S Writing Qualitative Inquiry: Self, Stories, And Academic Life, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

In his latest book, Writing Qualitative Inquiry: Self, Stories, and Academic Life, H. L Goodall effectively uses his unique narrative style to introduce readers to the life of writing qualitative inquiry with all of its joys and perils. He asks his readers to carefully attend to the contexts--both social and discursive--they select or in which they find themselves and to consider the consequences of these interesting juxtapositions. Goodall fills his tome with colourful, provocative stories; clear, concise guidance; and useful, methodological know-how; and entices us to enter this scholarly narrative writing world.