Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

You Can’T Be Serious, That Ball Was In: An Investigation Of Junior Tennis Cheating Behavior, Jonathan Casper

The Qualitative Report

Because junior tennis players have to enforce the rules of the game against each other, cheating to give a player an unfair advantage is common. While this deviant behavior is found to be commonplace in the sport, there is little research to investigate its cause or influences. Results indicated that junior players felt that personal and parental pressures were the most common sources of perceived pressure to win that resulted in cheating behavior. The prevalence of parents who cheat was also cited as a major issue with the participants. Implications as to how the current study adds to the literature …

Moving From Separate Subject To Interdisciplinary 1 Teaching: The Complexity Of Change In A Preservice Teacher K-1 Early Field Experience, Janet C. Richards, Kim T. Shea

The Qualitative Report

This phenomenological inquiry looked at 28 preservice teachers as they participated in a field-based curricula restructuring initiative that connected the disciplines of creative arts, science, and reading. The preservice teachers offered weekly interdisciplinary lessons to kindergarten and first grade students . A survey, teaching cases, and a group exit interview informed the study. Throughout most of the semester, the preservice teachers struggled with procedural and pedagogical content knowledge, concerns directly related to effective teaching. By the end of the semester, they felt comfortable teaching interdisciplinary lessons. Results suggest that preservice teacher curricular restructuring efforts are complex and that teacher educators …

Community Research Mythology, Barabara Walden

The Qualitative Report

This article is dedicated to an in-depth discussion of the theme “community” and the implications the multiple meanings of community hold for the field of qualitative research. This theme surfaced from Waldern’s 2003 study entitled Resistance to Research in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, which dealt with participant resistance to joining research efforts, and deserves the attention of all social researchers. In this article, the politics of the rese arch process are discussed to evaluate and suggest improvements for reflexive methods of inquiry. Determining that the idea of “community research ” is a myth, this work is concerned about making qualitative methods …

Designing And Implementing A Qualitative Evaluation Protocol For Non-Credit Life Long Learning Programs 1, Dennis L. Mcelhoe, George Kamberelis, Jerry L. Peters

The Qualitative Report

This study was undertaken to determine whether an evaluation model employing multiple methods of data collection and analysis might yield more useful information for improving lifelong learning courses than existing models. Major findings included: (1) learning satisfaction appears to be dependent on the instructional environment adults may be most comfortable with and; (2) the confidence gained in using computers, rather than skills acquisition, was the greatest benefit students derived from their participation. Findings from this study suggest the value of mixed methods evaluation designs for generating information that is useful for improving lifelong learning courses. Findings also suggest the need …

College Student Mentors And Latino Youth: A Qualitative Study Of The Mentoring Relationship, Lisa L. Knoche, Byron L. Zamboanga

The Qualitative Report

This phenomenological study describes the meaning of mentoring relationships from the perspectives of six purposefully selected mentors involved in the Latino Achievement Mentoring Program (LAMP), and investigates underlying themes regarding the mentors’ relationships. Clusters of themes pertaining to the mentors’ relationship with the mentee, the relationship of the mentor with the mentee’s family, and the mentors’ personal and professional development contributed to the meaning of the mentoring relationship for LAMP mentors. Mentors highlighted challenges that characterized the mentoring relationships at various points in time: However, relations hip strengths outweighed potential obstacles. Findings are useful for programs that target Latino youth, …

Phenomenological Research And Adolescent Female Sexuality: Discoveries And Applications, Gabrielle Morrissey, Joy Higgs

The Qualitative Report

This paper presents research in female first sexual intercourse in Australia. Previous research in adolescent sexual behavior, particularly issues around first sexual intercourse behavior , has mainly utilized quantitative methodology. Our research adopted a qualitative approach to provide unique insight in to adolescent sexual behavior, attitudes, and development. We used phenomenology to investigate adolescent female sexual experiences. The findings ca n inform national and international sexuality education.

Comparison Of Methods And Interdisciplinary Possibilities. The Case Of Literature Reviews In Social Work And In Nursing Sciences, Yves Couturier, Christian Dumas-Laverdière

The Qualitative Report

The reflections on interdisciplinarity cover several dimensions. One, among them, concerns the nature of what occurs between two disciplines. Does inter-disciplinarity relate to an intention, to a metatheory, to the object, or to a method? It is this ultimate space that we propose to study, supported by Resweber’s (2000) proposition, putting the study of the homology of forms forward as a promising way to better understand the interdisciplinarity. Therefore, we have modelled the literature review methods for social work and nursing in order to clarify what expresses, on the plan of the method, either some form homologies or else some …

Nova Southeastern University 2006-2007 Annual Report, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Developing Culturally Sensitive Skills In Health And Social Care With A Focus On Conducting Research With African Caribbean Communities In England, Gina Marie Awoko Higginbottom, Laura Serrant-Green

The Qualitative Report

Researchers may not feel equipped to conduct qualitative research with ethnic minority communities in England because they may lack of culturally sensitive research skills. The aim of this paper is to explore how researchers might integrate culturally sensitive research skills into their work. This paper draws on our own experiences of conducting research with African Caribbean communities in England, and from workshops we facilitated with researchers and community representatives. The purpose of the workshops was to establish the most pertinent issues in conducting research with ethnic minority communities in England. We gathered data from the participants and created themes based …

An Ethnographic-Case Study Of Beliefs, Context Factors, And Practices Of Teachers Integrating Technology, Julie Angers, Krisanna L. Machtmes

The Qualitative Report

This ethnographic-case study explored the beliefs, context factors, and practices of three middle school exemplary teachers that led to a technology-enriched curriculum. Findings suggest that these middle school teachers believe technology is a tool that adds value to lessons and to students learning and motivation. Due to a personal interest in technology, these teachers are self-taught and apply for grants to acquire new hardware and software. They receive support for release time to continue with ongoing professional development, which has helped to change their teaching strategies from teacher-centered to student-centered. They are not afraid to take risk using trial and …

African American Parents’ Perceptions Of An American Deaf Community: Where’S The Poetic Justice?, Valerie Borum

The Qualitative Report

Poetic prose, a creative qualitative technique, is used to present the findings (emerging themes) of in-depth, thematic interviews with 14 African American parents with deaf children. This is presented in a multi- vocal, interactive, and interwoven style. This style of interweaving voices of participants in a creative poetic prose is indicative of African American cultural and oral traditions. It also permits and deepens the reader’s ability to emotionally and spiritually connect with experiences and emotions of African American parents and their perceptions of an American deaf community. This research was conducted using a modified grounded theory approach where theory (grand …

Research Paradigms And Meaning Making: A Primer, Steven Eric Krauss

The Qualitative Report

An introduction and explanation of the epistemological differences of quantitative and qualitative research paradigms is first provided, followed by an overview of the realist philosophical paradigm, which attempts to accommodate the two. From this foundational discussion, the paper then introduces the concept of meaning ma king in research methods and looks at how meaning is generated from qualitative data analysis specifically. Finally, some examples from the literature of how meaning can be constructed and organized using a qualitative data analysis approach are provided. The paper aims to provide an introduction to research methodologies, coupled with a discussion on how meaning …

Reflecting On The Strategic Use Of Caqdas To Manage And Report On The Qualitative Research Process, Mark Wickham, Megan Woods

The Qualitative Report

As an increasing number of researchers have been trained to u s e programs such as Atlas/ti, NUD*IST, Nvivo, and ETHNOGRAPH their value in analyzing qualitative data has gained greater recognition. Drawing on the experience of two PhD candidates at the University of Tasmania, this paper reflects upon some potential uses of a suite of computer software programs to make the research and analysis process more logical and transparent. In addition, this paper argues for the introduction of a Computer Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Protocol to give readers of the research report a better understanding of the analysis process undertaken …

Using The Delphi Technique To Search For Empirical Measures Of Local Planning Agency Power, Amal K. Ali

The Qualitative Report

This paper shows how the Delphi technique was used to conceptualize and operationalize local planning agency power. In the first of two Delphi studies, twelve scholars suggested four dimensions of agency power: legal authority, degree of control, relative autonomy, and capacity. In the second Delphi study, sixteen professional planners operationalized power dimensions proposed by the first Delphi study. The dimensions were operationalized in the context of Florida’s planning system. The proposed measures were tested empirically by reviewing Florida statutes, surveying municipal planning agencies, and conducting statistical analysis. This research presents important lessons learned for researchers interested in Delphi studies and …

Menopause And Methodological Doubt, Sheila Spence

The Qualitative Report

Menopause and methodological doubt be gins by making a tongue-in- cheek comparison between Descartes' methodological doubt and the self- doubt that can arise around menopause. A hermeneutic approach is taken in which Cartesian dualism and its implications for the way women are viewed in society are examined, both through the experiences of women undergoing menopause and through the commentary of several contributors in Feminist Interpretations of Réné Descartes by Susan Bordo (1999). This examination is located inside the story of the paper, which was written over the duration of a university hermeneutics course, and reflects the author's evolving understanding of …

The Social And Cultural Construction Of Singlehood Among Young, Single Mormons, Jana Darrington, Kathleen W. Piercy, Sylvia Niehuis

The Qualitative Report

Religious young adults interpret their single experiences based on an intricate system of influences that include personal beliefs, family, religious teachings, and friendships. This qualitative study of 24 never-married, young Mormon men and women examined the social and cultural construction of singlehood based on: (1) definitions of singlehood, (2) influences on the construction of singlehood, and (3) feelings about being single. A major theme of this research emerged in the way participants defined singlehood: by what they lacked and by seeking to end their temporary single state through marriage. Families and religious teachings interacted to form the strongest influences on …

“Hay Sacks Anonymous”: Living In The Shadow Of The Unidentified. Psychological Aspect S Of Physical Inactivity From A Phenomenological Perspective, Anni Bergman, Torsten Norlander

The Qualitative Report

The present qualitative study emanates from a phenomenological perspective and has the purpose of creating an understanding for what a so-called “hay sack” is as well as understanding the experiences of a hay sack. In this context a hay sack refers to a person with low physical activity. Eight hay sacks between 36-58 years of age were interviewed about their experiences. Karlsson’s (1995) EPP-method was used. The analysis resulted in 13 categories. A hay sack wants to, but is unable to engage in regular physical activity as a consequence of something unidentified, possibly a psychological barrier. Being a hay sack …

Do Research Thesis Examiners Need Training?: Practitioner Stories, Shankar Sankaran, Pam Swepson, Geof Hill

The Qualitative Report

We are thesis examiners within the Australian academic system who formed a “community of practice” to try to resolve some of the issues we were facing. Stories of examiners reflecting on and examining their own practice are a notable silence in the higher degree research literature. In this study we have adopted a storytelling inquiry method that involved telling our practitioner stories, firstly to each other and then to a wider audience through this paper. We then identified issues that we believe are relevant to other thesis examiners. We have also found that engaging in a “community of practice” is …

From Terrorism To Nonviolence And The Islamic Peace Paradigm: Jihad, Just War, Peace And Islamic Nonviolence, Sezai Ozcelik

Peace and Conflict Studies

Islamic contributions in the areas of peace, war, and nonviolence require to be revisited in post-September 11 world. With reinterpretation and redefinition of Islamic concepts of jihad (sacred struggle), sabr (patience), adl (justice), umma (community), sulha (reconciliation), hijra (exodus), diversity, and tolerance, this study attempts to contribute the Islamic understanding of war, peace, and nonviolence. Also, the story of Cain and Abel in the Qur’an shows an example for the nonviolent action together with other contemporary Islamic nonviolence actions such as Intıfıada, Kosovo, and Abdul Ghaffir Khan in Afghanistan. This study will examine the just war, qital (fighting), jihad (sacred …

From Conflict Protraction To Peace Actualization In Palestinian-Israeli Relations, Saliba Sarsar

Peace and Conflict Studies

This article makes the case for harmonizing top-down peacemaking and bottom-up peace building in order to create and sustain a culture of peace. The analysis, focused on Palestinian-Israeli relations, finds the answer in the convergence of middle-line peacemakers and peace builders in “a center of peace actualization.” Such a safe space would allow for a shared concept of history, moderate action, and collaborative work on behalf of coexistence and social justice. Implied is the need for peacemakers and peace builders to become involved in each other’s domain and for all concerned to support middle-line peacemakers and peace builders as they …

The Challenge Of Terror: A Traveling Essay, John Paul Lederach

Peace and Conflict Studies

So here I am, a week late arriving home, stuck between Colombia, Guatemala and Harrisonburg when our world changed. The images flash even in my sleep. The heart of America ripped. Though natural, the cry for revenge and the call for the unleashing of the first war of this century, prolonged or not, seems more connected to social and psychological processes of finding a way to release deep emotional anguish, a sense of powerlessness, and our collective loss than it does as a plan of action seeking to redress the injustice, promote change and prevent it from ever happening again. …

Côte D’Ivoire Needs A New Conflict Resolution And Peace-Building Strategy, Essoh J. M. C. Essis

Peace and Conflict Studies

The military and political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire is an illustration of the assertion that resistance is a concept embodying a multitude of meanings. The Ivorian parties have framed their civil war as the result of a conflict between several meanings of resistance. The presidential party claims to lead a nationalist resistance against neocolonial forces associated with the French government, as well as a Christian resistance against Islamic terrorism. The armed rebellion and the traditional political opposition contend that their actions are justified by a duty of resistance against ethnic and religious sectarianism, as well as Mr. Gbagbo’s despotic and …

The Western-Islamic “Clash Of Civilizations”: The Inadvertent Contribution Of The Bush Presidency, Dennis J. D. Sandole

Peace and Conflict Studies

This article argues that policies of the Bush administration since 11 September 2001, have had -- perhaps inadvertently -- the effect of generating "facts on the ground" that have led to the self-fulfilling realization of realities corresponding to Samuel Huntington's contentious concept of the "clash of civilizations" in relations between the Western and Islamic “worlds”.

One of the significant indicators of this phenomenon has been the counterproductive, self-defeating impact of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq on the "war on terror," with all available information, even from the CIA and other U.S. governmental sources, agreeing that the presence of …

Volume 12, Number 2 (Fall 2005), Peace And Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies

No abstract provided.

An Introductory Essay: Are We In “The Age Of Resistance” In A Post-9/11 World?, J. P. Linstroth

Peace and Conflict Studies

This introductory article to the Special Issue of Peace and Conflict Studies asks, “are we in the ‘Age of Resistance’ in a post-9/11 world?” It is argued the concept of “resistance” may be framed in a broad theoretical context to include multiple and contested meanings by social and political actors as well as by scholars and through intellectual debate. The article questions recent ideas prevalent in fauxpolitical science studies which promote a clash of civilizations, essentialize histories, support anachronistic Orientalist-approaches, and bolster foreign policy initiatives by removing the human element. The contention is for researchers and theorists to concentrate on …

Tidings, Volume 8, Number 3 - Fall 2005, Nova Southeastern University Libraries

Tidings: A publication of Nova Southeastern University Libraries

No abstract provided.

Applying Qualitative Methods In Organizations: A Note For Industrial/Organizational Psychologists, Benjamin Osayawe Ehigie, Rebecca Ibhaguelo Ehigie

The Qualitative Report

Early approach to research in industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology was oriented towards quantitative techniques as a result of influences from the social sciences. As the focus of I/O psychology expands from psychological test development to other personnel functions, there has been an inclusion of qualitative methods in I/O psychology practice. The present paper therefore examines how qualitative methods like observation, interviews, ethnography, focus group discussion, nominal group technique, Delphi method, and projective techniques can be used by I/O psychologists in organizational studies. It is believed that knowledge gained on the application s of these qualitative methods would enhance understanding …

Fantasy, Vision, And Metaphor - Three Tracks To Teachers Minds, Dorit Tubin

The Qualitative Report

This paper explores how the three concepts of vision, metaphor, and fantasy serve educational research for a better understanding of teachers’ minds regarding educational issues. Drawing upon data based on a review of the literature, the following has been found: a semantic comparison showed that the concepts were similar in their abilities to create visual images and function as communication media, but differed in origin, time orientation, reality reflection, activity orientation, and consensus creation. Empirical findings demonstrated the importance of question formulation, the researcher’s position, and the scope of the study. In conclusion, the paper proposes how the different concepts …

The Social Construction Of The Child Sex Offender Explored By Narrative, Helen Gavin

The Qualitative Report

The notion of "child sex offender" provokes aversion, but it may be that it is a social construction. We suggest that a Dominant narrative, in which child sex offenders are constructed as irredeemable, persists, despite the emergence of assumption challenging Alternative narratives. A story completion method was used to elicit themes of Dominant or Alternative narratives, theory-led thematic analysis was used to identify them. The use and analysis of narrative and free-form stories are well established in social research, but remain a novel concept in the study of offenders. The results support the persistence of the Dominant narrative with two …

Amish Teacher Dialogues With Teacher Educators: Research, Culture, And Voices Of Critique, Henry Zehr, Glenda Moss, Joe Nichols

The Qualitative Report

This dialogical project is framed with in critical inquiry methods to bring an Amish teacher’s voice to the fore front. Henry, an Amish middle school teacher, and two university teacher educators in northeastern Indiana collaboratively critiqued educational literature written about the Amish culture from the past 15 years. Building on critical ethnography and narrative methods, the authors used dialogue as a medium for inquiry. The intersubjective, collaborative project democratized the university researchers’ research role and allowed an Amish voice to gain a place in the academic field of research.