Social Statistics | Open Access Articles | Digital Commons Network™

Counting The Contributions: Benchmarking For Your Organization And Your State, Andrew N. Rowan

Demography and Statistics for Companion Animal Populations Collection

An analysis of per-capita donations can help shelters assess their effectiveness in raising funds and awareness in their communities.

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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

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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.

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But Is It Research?: A Review Of Patricia Leavy’S Method Meets Art: Arts-Based Research Practice, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

Patricia Leavy’s new book helps to address the gap for an introductory text for those interested in learning more about arts-based research and other approaches to artistic qualitative research. It may also help to address those researchers and editors who, when seeing an arts-based research report or presentation, ask "but is it research?"

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The Value Of Community In Creating Quality: A Review Of The Sage Encyclopedia Of Qualitative Research, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods is a welcomed contribution to the ever-expanding qualitative research reference library as it fills the gap such a standard, comprehensive written compendium should address. Benefiting from the contributions of a community of who’s who in the qualitative research world, the two volume work offers its readers easy to read, concise entries of high quality on methodologies, methods, and procedures as well as the evolving contexts in which these studies are conducted and consumed

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A Qualitative Study Investigating Gender Differences In Primary Work Stressors And Levels Of Job Satisfaction In Greek Junior Hospital Doctors, Alexander-Stamatios Antoniou, Cary L. Cooper, Marilyn J. Davisdson

The Qualitative Report

Primary work stressors and job satisfaction/dissatisfaction in Greek Junior Hospital Doctors (JHDs) are investigated to identify similarities and differences in the reports obtained from male and female hospital doctors. Participants in the study included 32 male and 28 female Greek hospital doctors who provided information through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that a majority of Greek JHDs considered their profession very stressful, and that various differences were identified between male and female JHDs, with regard to perceived stress and satisfaction. The study has implications for the possible introduction of in-house stress management training programmes, both at a generic, and …

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How To Be Happy By Calling For Change: Constructs Of Happiness And Meaningfulness Amongst Social Movement Activists, Alice Mills, Jeremy Smith

The Qualitative Report

This paper focuses on how social movement activists view happiness in relation to their political involvement. Interviewers asked activists questions about their personal histories and feelings. The phenomenological strategy involved focused on interviews with subjects who could speak richly about their commitments and emotions. The data from the 11 subjects revealed that there was no simple relationship between a commitment to social activism and subjects’ experiences of happiness. Several subjects oriented their responses to the relationship between meaningfulness, activism, and happiness. In discussion of the analyzed data, the authors suggest that a relationship is evident between the positions articulated by …

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Unraveling Ethics: Reflections From A Community-Based Participatory Research Project With Youth, Christine A. Walsh, Jennifer Hewson, Michael Shier

The Qualitative Report

There is limited literature describing the ethical dilemmas that arise when conducting community-based participatory research. The following provides a case example of ethical dilemmas that developed during a multi-method community-based participatory action research project with youth in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Several ethical dilemmas emerged during the course of the study related to the community in which the research was being undertaken, the recruitment of participants, and the overall research process. As important are possible harm s that may arise when the researcher is no longer involved. These ethical dilemmas and potential solutions are discussed in relation to social work research …

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Making The Connection Between Prayer, Faith, And Forgiveness In Roman Catholic Families, Mindi Batson, Loren Marks

The Qualitative Report

This study examines meanings and processes associated with religious practices of prayer, building faith, and forgiving through in-depth, qualitative interviews with six highly religious Roman Catholic families with children. Families were interviewed using a narrative approach that asked participants to share experiences and challenges related to faith and family life. Three primary themes in the interviews included: (a) prayer helps piece the puzzle together, (b) faith builds a foundation, and (c) forgiveness allows unity to flourish.

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A Healing Echo: Methodological Reflections Of A Working-Class Researcher On Class, Allison L. Hurst

The Qualitative Report

College students from the working cl ass have interesting stories to tell about the meaning and operation of mobility through education. The author, herself a “working-class academic,” explores some of the issues and dilemmas of uncovering and presenting these stories. Specifically, the author addresses: (1) the effects of interviewing those similar to one’s self; (2) the possibility of losing voice when interviewing too many participants; (3) the responsibility of the researcher to take seriously the importance of renaming interview participants to ensure both anonymity and integrity; (4) the question of audience; and (5) the issue of reliability.

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The Use Of Complex Adaptive Systems As A Generative Metaphor In An Action Research Study Of An Organisation, Callum Brown

The Qualitative Report

Understanding the dynamic behaviour of organisations is challenging and this study uses a model of complex adaptive systems as a generative metaphor to address this challenge. The research question addressed is: How might a conceptual model of complex adaptive systems be used to assist in understanding the dynamic nature of organisations? Using an action research methodology, 6 Ai r Force internal management consulting teams were exposed to overlapping attributes of complex adaptive systems. The study shows that participants found the attributes valuable in understanding the dynamic nature of organisations; however they did present challenges for understanding. Despite being challenging to …

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Creating Vocative Texts, Jennifer J. Nicol

The Qualitative Report

Vocative texts are expressive poetic text s that strive to show rather than tell, that communicate felt knowledge, and that appeal to the senses. They are increasingly used by researchers to present qualitative findings, but little has been written about how to create such texts. To this end, excerpts from an inquiry into the experience and meaning of music listening in the context of chronic illness (Nicol, 2002) are presented and used to illustrate five elements associated with vocative texts (van Manen, 1997). Further student examples of vocative writing are also provided. The intent is to make a pragmatic contribution …

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The False Witness: Artistic Research On Stage, Orit Simhoni

The Qualitative Report

Sharing research findings with others is a fundamental concern of researchers. Qualitative research results may be disseminated in conventional (e.g., scholarly text or presentation) or innovative (e.g., art, drama, or poetry) forms. Given that researchers should select the best form of presentation of their work, it is worthwhile to explore creative options. One such option is theatrical performance. The purpose of this study is to describe one playwright’s experience in creating a research- based drama, The False Witness. While focusing on the process of research-based drama, this article is intended to inform researchers and artists about the potential of a …

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Conceptualizing From The Inside: Advantages, Complications, And Demands On Insider Positionality, Christina Chavez

The Qualitative Report

The debate on insider/outsider positionality has raised issues about the methodological advantages and liabilities between the two, yet no clear account exists for what insider scholars can expect when they enter the field. First, I conceptualize how insider positionality can dually benefit and disadvantage the insider. Using a partial review of insider studies, including my study of my multigenerational Mexican American family, I also present a practical discussion on specific insider advantages and complications. In conclusion, I present a new approach to training novice insider scholars that will help them mediate between insider perspective and researcher position, an approach that …

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Exploring The Enactment Of Functional Curriculum In Self-Contained Cross-Categorical Programs: A Case Study, Emily C. Bouck

The Qualitative Report

Little research has been devoted to studying functional curriculum in secondary special education programs, self-contained cross-categorical programs, or curriculum enactment in special education, which warrants study of the culmination of these issues. This article presents a case study that attempts to answer, “What is the nature of the enactment of functional curriculum in rural self-contained cross-categorical programs?” The study occurred in two rural secondary self-contained cross-categorical programs with two teachers, four paraprofessionals, and 15 students. The findings suggest that the curriculum was enacted in the moment, was relative, and created tensions between special education and general education. The findings also …

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Adjusting The Value Of A Statistical Life For Age And Cohort Effects, W. Kip Viscusi, Joseph E. Aldy

Vanderbilt Law School Faculty Publications

To resolve the theoretical ambiguity in the effect of age on the value of statistical life (VSL), this article uses a novel, age-dependent fatal risk measure to estimate age-specific hedonic wage regressions. VSL exhibits an inverted-U shaped relationship with age. In the year 2000 cross-section, workers' VSL rises from $3.7 million (ages 18-24), to $9.7 million (35-44), and declines to $3.4 million (55-62). Controlling for birth-year cohort effects in a minimum distance estimator yields a peak VSL of $7.8 million at age 46, and flattens the VSL-age relationship. The value of statistical life-year also follows an inverted-U shape with age.

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Demographic Trends In New England At Mid-Decade, Kenneth M. Johnson

Sociology

With 14.3 million residents, New England is home to just 5 percent of the U.S. population, yet it reflects many of the strands that comprise the country’s demographic fabric: densely settled urban cores, expanding suburbs, struggling industrial towns, fast-growing recreational and retirement amenity areas, and isolated rural villages. In recent years New England’s population grew thanks to immigration and more births than deaths, but there is a net outflow of existing residents. Therein lies the challenge for policymakers who want to keep the region vibrant and diverse. A closer look at the demographics may help.

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Why Video? How Technology Advances Method, Martin J. Downing

The Qualitative Report

This paper reports on the use of video to enhance qualitative research. Advances in technology have improved our ability to capture lived experiences through visual means. I reflect on my previous work with individuals living with HIV/AIDS, the results of which are described in another paper, to evaluate the effectiveness of video as a medium that not only collects data, but also produces knowledge. I have provided strategies for confronting specific technological barriers and concerns in research. I made sure to consider my own role within this research, and have chosen to share the personal insights and revelations that occurred …

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Teachers Who Left The Teaching Profession: A Qualitative Understanding, Lisa Gonzalez, Michelle Stallone Brown, John R. Slate

The Qualitative Report

In this study, the researchers investigated public school teacher attrition in the State of Texas. The study examined the problem by focusing on the predominant reasons teachers give for leaving the profession after working only one year as a teacher. Eight persons who had left the teaching profession after one year teaching were contacted and interviewed concerning their reasons for leaving. The three most influential factors found were lack of administrative support, difficulties with student discipline, and low salary levels. Study findings and implications for policy are discussed.

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Madhubani Art: A Journey Of An Education Researcher Seeking Self-Development Answers Through Art And Self-Study, Kavita Mittapalli, Anastasia P. Samaras

The Qualitative Report

This study is situated within a self-study research methods course to scaffold doctoral students’ explorations of the intersections of their culture, and research interests using arts as a tool. Embracing the arts as a research method, the first author painted a self-portrait using the vibrant colors of Madhubani art which holds cultural significance to her. She utilized Blumer’s (1986) and Mead’s (1934) theory of symbolic interactionism to explain the process of her self-development as a researcher. Combining her self-portrait with an earlier research study proved valuable as a conduit for understanding and interpreting her work as a research methodologist. This …

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First Love: A Case Study In Quantitative Appropriation Of Social Concepts, Diederik F. Janssen

The Qualitative Report

Peer love is a highly invested autobiographical marker, and its scientific ascent can be studied in terms of its literature’s motives, stated objectives, exclusions, and delimitations. In this article an overview of numeric and selected ethnographic data on the timing of “first love” is presented, to inform an assessment of the ontological underpinnings of milestone research common to quantitative sociology and developmental psychology. Complicating scientific normalization of love’s initiatory connotation, selected ethnographic observations on the timing and notion of early/first love in non-Western societies are presented. These observations facilitate a critique of love as a heterosocial, propaedeutic event, and hence, …

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Using Technology To Enhance Qualitative Research With Hidden Populations, John Matthews, Elizabeth P. Cramer

The Qualitative Report

Advances in technology provide researchers with increased opportunities to locate and conduct research with populations that have historically been inaccessible. This manuscript de scribes the development of private, voluntary web-based groups, and the process for using web cameras to conduct individual web-based interviews as a method of data collection in qualitative research. Also contained within are detailed steps for utilizing each of these technological innovations as well an exploration of the ethical issues related to using technology to enhance the research experience with members of hidden populations, using the GLBT population as a referent group.

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Palinode: The Heteronormative Re/Production Of Transsexual, Jodi Kaufman

The Qualitative Report

This project began at the intersection of several conversations: Recently Jay Prosser (2005) wrote a palinode of his analysis of Del Lagrace's photograph of the genitals of a female -to-male transsexual. Recanting his original reading of the photograph as a referent directly linked to "male," Prosser re-read the photograph, suggesting "the referent [is] unsuturable with the signifier," in other words concluding that transsexuality...is...irreconcilable...within gender representation" (p. 176). This idea of a palinode caught my attention. How could I re-read my data to realize what was lost in the original, to find that which exceeded the bounds of signification so I …

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Mixed Methods Analysis And Information Visualization: Graphical Display For Effective Communication Of Research Results, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Wendy B. Dickinson

The Qualitative Report

In this paper, we introduce various graphical methods that can be used to represent data in mixed research. First, we present a broad taxonomy of visual representation. Next, we use this taxonomy to provide an overview of visual techniques for quantitative data display and qualitative data display. Then, we propose what we call “crossover” visual extensions to summarize and integrate both qualitative and quantitative results within the same framework. We provide several examples of crossover (mixed research) graphical displays that illustrate this natural extension. In so doing, we contend that the use of crossover (mixed research) graphical displays enhances researchers’ …

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Extending The Conversation: Qualitative Research As Dialogic Collaborative Process, Trena Paulus, Marianne Woodside, Mary Ziegler

The Qualitative Report

Collaborative research often refers to collaboration among the researcher and the participants. Few studies investigate the collaborative process among researchers themselves. Assumptions about the qualitative research process, particularly ways to establish rigor and transparency, are pervasive. Our experience con ducting three collaborative empirical research studies challenged and transformed our assumptions about qualitative research: (a) research planning taught as concrete and linear rather than as emergent and iterative, (b) data analysis conceptualized as individual discovery rather than collaboratively-constructed meaning, and (c) findings represented as individual product rather than as part of an ongoing conversation. We address each assumption, including how our …

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Physical Activity In Intermediate Schools: The Interplay Of School Culture, Adolescent Challenges, And Athletic Elitism, Colleen Macquarrie, Donna Murnaghan, Debbie Maclellan

The Qualitative Report

The intervention potential of physical activity programs for intermediate schools (grades 7–9), could be enhanced by an understanding of how students engage with and disengage from physical activity. This study provides an interpretation of how adolescents, parents, teachers, and principals perceive students’ involvement in physical activity within their intermediate school environment. Thematic analyses of eighteen interview transcripts resulted in an interpretation of students’ continuum of engagement with or disengagement from physical activity. The continuum is reflective of a social process that is grounded in three key themes: school culture, social valuing of athletic elitism, and adolescent challenge

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Qualitative Research And Consumer Policy: Focus Group Discussions As A Form Of Consumer Participation, Eva Heiskanen, Katja Järvelä, Annukka Pulliainen, Mika Saastamoinen

The Qualitative Report

This paper describes our ongoing attempts to involve consumers in innovation and technology policy by means of a national Consumer Panel, using focus group discussions as the primary method of consumer participation. We evaluate our experiences of the usefulness of focus group discussions in this context by considering two examples of studies focused on product safety. We evaluate the usefulness of this method in promoting consumer empowerment, deliberation, and multivocality in the assessment of new technologies and innovations. We also raised some critical questions that require further analysis and discussion.

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The Unexpected Rewards Of Qualitative Research In Assessment: A Case Example, Penny Singh

The Qualitative Report

This paper reports on the inclusion of an oral component of assessment in science at two tertiary institutions in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is not to report on the results of the assessments conducted, but to focus on some of the unexpected rewards of conducting qualitative research in assessment. Using focus group discussions within a qualitative framework allowed me insights into the thoughts and experiences of the students and assessors, making the benefits of oral assessment apparent. These benefits included how assessment can be used as a learning opportunity, the advantages of homogeneous versus heterogeneous groups, and …

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When Does Public Opinion Matter?, Jennifer L. Christian

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The landmark 1996 reform to Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) provides an opportunity to study processes of welfare reform in the United States. A potential factor behind the transformation of AFDC is public opinion, possibly in the form of changes in attitudes among politically relevant groups. This study will evaluate this thesis, focusing on attitudinal changes between partisan identifiers. Most data suggest the American public may have been critical of welfare programs prior to the 1996 reform. However, the extent of these criticisms generally varies depending on who is asked, how questions are worded and the type of …

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“Taking Charge Of One’S Life”: A Model For Weight Management Success, Marlene Adams

The Qualitative Report

Obesity is a serious, prevalent, and refractory disorder that increases with age particularly in women who enroll in formal weight loss treatments. This study examined the processes used by obese postmenopausal women as they participated in a formal weight loss program. Using grounded theory, interviews were conducted with 14 women engaged in a formal weight loss study examining success with specific, targeted weight loss treatments based on one’s weight control self-efficacy typology. “Taking Charge of One’s Life” emerged as a model for weight management success, comprised of three phases: engaging, internalizing, and keeping one’s commitment. This study supports the unique, …

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Full-Text Articles in Social Statistics

Counting The Contributions: Benchmarking For Your Organization And Your State, Andrew N. Rowan

Demography and Statistics for Companion Animal Populations Collection

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

The Qualitative Report

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

But Is It Research?: A Review Of Patricia Leavy’S Method Meets Art: Arts-Based Research Practice, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

The Value Of Community In Creating Quality: A Review Of The Sage Encyclopedia Of Qualitative Research, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

A Qualitative Study Investigating Gender Differences In Primary Work Stressors And Levels Of Job Satisfaction In Greek Junior Hospital Doctors, Alexander-Stamatios Antoniou, Cary L. Cooper, Marilyn J. Davisdson

The Qualitative Report

How To Be Happy By Calling For Change: Constructs Of Happiness And Meaningfulness Amongst Social Movement Activists, Alice Mills, Jeremy Smith

The Qualitative Report

Unraveling Ethics: Reflections From A Community-Based Participatory Research Project With Youth, Christine A. Walsh, Jennifer Hewson, Michael Shier

The Qualitative Report

Making The Connection Between Prayer, Faith, And Forgiveness In Roman Catholic Families, Mindi Batson, Loren Marks

The Qualitative Report

A Healing Echo: Methodological Reflections Of A Working-Class Researcher On Class, Allison L. Hurst

The Qualitative Report

The Use Of Complex Adaptive Systems As A Generative Metaphor In An Action Research Study Of An Organisation, Callum Brown

The Qualitative Report

Creating Vocative Texts, Jennifer J. Nicol

The Qualitative Report

The False Witness: Artistic Research On Stage, Orit Simhoni

The Qualitative Report

Conceptualizing From The Inside: Advantages, Complications, And Demands On Insider Positionality, Christina Chavez

The Qualitative Report

Exploring The Enactment Of Functional Curriculum In Self-Contained Cross-Categorical Programs: A Case Study, Emily C. Bouck

The Qualitative Report

Adjusting The Value Of A Statistical Life For Age And Cohort Effects, W. Kip Viscusi, Joseph E. Aldy

Vanderbilt Law School Faculty Publications

Demographic Trends In New England At Mid-Decade, Kenneth M. Johnson

Sociology

Why Video? How Technology Advances Method, Martin J. Downing

The Qualitative Report

Teachers Who Left The Teaching Profession: A Qualitative Understanding, Lisa Gonzalez, Michelle Stallone Brown, John R. Slate

The Qualitative Report

Madhubani Art: A Journey Of An Education Researcher Seeking Self-Development Answers Through Art And Self-Study, Kavita Mittapalli, Anastasia P. Samaras

The Qualitative Report

First Love: A Case Study In Quantitative Appropriation Of Social Concepts, Diederik F. Janssen

The Qualitative Report

Using Technology To Enhance Qualitative Research With Hidden Populations, John Matthews, Elizabeth P. Cramer

The Qualitative Report

Palinode: The Heteronormative Re/Production Of Transsexual, Jodi Kaufman

The Qualitative Report

Mixed Methods Analysis And Information Visualization: Graphical Display For Effective Communication Of Research Results, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Wendy B. Dickinson

The Qualitative Report

Extending The Conversation: Qualitative Research As Dialogic Collaborative Process, Trena Paulus, Marianne Woodside, Mary Ziegler

The Qualitative Report

Physical Activity In Intermediate Schools: The Interplay Of School Culture, Adolescent Challenges, And Athletic Elitism, Colleen Macquarrie, Donna Murnaghan, Debbie Maclellan

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative Research And Consumer Policy: Focus Group Discussions As A Form Of Consumer Participation, Eva Heiskanen, Katja Järvelä, Annukka Pulliainen, Mika Saastamoinen

The Qualitative Report

The Unexpected Rewards Of Qualitative Research In Assessment: A Case Example, Penny Singh

The Qualitative Report

When Does Public Opinion Matter?, Jennifer L. Christian

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

“Taking Charge Of One’S Life”: A Model For Weight Management Success, Marlene Adams

The Qualitative Report