scholarly journals Re-invent Yourself! How Demands for Innovativeness Reshape Epistemic Practices

Minerva ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth I. Falkenberg
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
Research Governance ◽  
Double Bind ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Research Practices ◽  
Epistemic Practices ◽  
Productivity And Competitiveness

AbstractIn the current research landscape, there are increasing demands for research to be innovative and cutting-edge. At the same time, concerns are voiced that as a consequence of neoliberal regimes of research governance, innovative research becomes impeded. In this paper, I suggest that to gain a better understanding of these dynamics, it is indispensable to scrutinise current demands for innovativeness as a distinct way of ascribing worth to research. Drawing on interviews and focus groups produced in a close collaboration with three research groups from the crop and soil sciences, I develop the notion of a project-innovation regime of valuation that can be traced in the sphere of research. In this evaluative framework, it is considered valuable to constantly re-invent oneself and take ‘first steps’ instead of ‘just’ following up on previous findings. Subsequently, I describe how these demands for innovativeness relate to and often clash with other regimes of valuation that matter for researchers’ practices. I show that valuations of innovativeness are in many ways bound to those of productivity and competitiveness, but that these two regimes are nevertheless sometimes in tension with each other, creating a complicated double bind for researchers. Moreover, I highlight that also the project-innovation regime as such is not always in line with what researchers considered as a valuable progress of knowledge, especially because it entails a de-valuation of certain kinds of long-term epistemic agendas. I show that prevailing pushes for innovativeness seem to be based on a rather short-sighted temporal imaginary of scientific progress that is hardly grounded in the complex realities of research practices, and that they can reshape epistemic practices in potentially problematic ways.

scholarly journals The Development and Testing of KNACC: Knowledgeable Nursing Assistants as Creative Caregivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 675-675
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Eaton ◽  
Kristin Cloyes ◽  
Brooke Paulsen ◽  
Connie Madden ◽  
Lee Ellington
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Assistants ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Memory Care

Abstract Nursing assistants (NAs) provide 80% of direct care in long-term care settings, yet are seldom viewed as skilled professionals. Empowering NAs is linked to improved resident outcomes. In this study, we collaborate with NAs to adapt and test the feasibility and acceptability of arts-based creative caregiving techniques (CCG) for use in long-term care. We held a series of focus groups (n=14) to adapt, refine, and enhance usability. We then evaluated implementation in two waves of testing (n=8). Those working in memory care units were more likely to use all techniques, while those working in rehabilitation were more hesitant to implement. Participants reported using CCG to distract upset residents. Family members were excited about implementation, and NAs not participating wanted to learn CCG. Nursing assistants have the potential to become experts in creative caregiving but may require in-depth training to improve use.

scholarly journals How Do We Choose Our Giants? Perceptions of Replicability in Psychological Science

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 251524592110181
Author(s):  
Manikya Alister ◽  
Raine Vickers-Jones ◽  
David K. Sewell ◽  
Timothy Ballard
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
Research Practices ◽  
Specific Study ◽  
Psychological Science ◽  
Average Confidence

Judgments regarding replicability are vital to scientific progress. The metaphor of “standing on the shoulders of giants” encapsulates the notion that progress is made when new discoveries build on previous findings. Yet attempts to build on findings that are not replicable could mean a great deal of time, effort, and money wasted. In light of the recent “crisis of confidence” in psychological science, the ability to accurately judge the replicability of findings may be more important than ever. In this Registered Report, we examine the factors that influence psychological scientists’ confidence in the replicability of findings. We recruited corresponding authors of articles published in psychology journals between 2014 and 2018 to complete a brief survey in which they were asked to consider 76 specific study attributes that might bear on the replicability of a finding (e.g., preregistration, sample size, statistical methods). Participants were asked to rate the extent to which information regarding each attribute increased or decreased their confidence in the finding being replicated. We examined the extent to which each research attribute influenced average confidence in replicability. We found evidence for six reasonably distinct underlying factors that influenced these judgments and individual differences in the degree to which people’s judgments were influenced by these factors. The conclusions reveal how certain research practices affect other researchers’ perceptions of robustness. We hope our findings will help encourage the use of practices that promote replicability and, by extension, the cumulative progress of psychological science.

scholarly journals Efficacy of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of chronic fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis – a literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
Justyna Wiśniowska ◽  
◽  
Kamilla Puławska ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Behavioural Model ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Specific Factors

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms seen in patients with multiple sclerosis. Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy can be a non-pharmacological approach for these patients. Van Kessel and Moss-Morris developed a cognitive-behavioural model to explain multiple sclerosis-related fatigue (2006). According to this model, inflammatory and demyelinating factors present in the central nervous system trigger fatigue, while cognitive interpretation, anxiety, or depressive symptoms and resting lifestyle are maintaining factors. Based on the cognitive-behavioural model of fatigue in multiple sclerosis, a protocol encompassing 8 treatment sessions was developed. For over 10 years, studies have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. The so far obtained results show that cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy has a moderate short-term effect on reducing fatigue, while the effect size in the long-term is small. The obtained results were undoubtedly influenced by several factors: the heterogeneity of the procedures used, the size of the research groups, and the large number of disease-related intermediary variables. Further research should be conducted to identify specific factors responsible for the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of fatigue and to assess the long-term effects of therapy.

scholarly journals The Theory of the Cultural Industries: A “Milieu” for Building Dynamic Knowledge

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric George
Keyword(s):  
Nous Allons ◽  
Cultural Industries ◽  
Cultural Industry ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Important Work ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
The Past ◽  
Institutional Contexts ◽  
Social Logic

Over the past 40 years, important work has been done on cultural industries through the close collaboration of researchers in Québec and France, to the point that it has become a question of the theory of cultural industries. In this article, I first examine the institutional contexts that have supported the development of research on this theme within French and Québécoise research groups. I then focus on discussions around the very nature of “the cultural industry” as a research object, as well as its unique characteristics. Thirdly, I address another issue of debate among the protagonists of this text, the concept of a “social logic” (or “model”). Finally, I conclude with a few open-ended questions with the goal of deepening research in this domain.Depuis une quarantaine d’années, d’importants travaux ont été effectués sur les industries culturelles en collaboration étroite par des chercheurs francophones à la fois au Québec et en France tant et si bien qu’il est dorénavant question de théorie des industries culturelles. Dans le cadre de ce texte, nous allons tout d’abord revenir brièvement sur les contextes institutionnels qui ont favorisé le développement de travaux sur ce thème au sein des équipes de recherche française et québécoise. Par la suite, nous mettrons l’accent sur les discussions consacrées à la nature même de l’objet de recherche « l’industrie culturelle », ainsi qu’à ses caractéristiques, voire ses spécificités. Après quoi, nous aborderons un autre enjeu de débat parmi les protagonistes, à savoir celui qui porte sur le concept de « logique sociale » (ou de « modèle »). Enfin, nous conclurons sur quelques questions restées en suspens en vue d’approfondir les recherches dans le domaine.

scholarly journals QUANTUM COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATIONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Antonio Manzalini ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Progress ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Information Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
5G Network ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Second Wave

Today, like never before, we are witnessing a pervasive diffusion of ultra-broadband fixed-mobile connectivity, the deployment of Cloud-native 5G network and service platforms, and the wide adoption of Artificial Intelligence. It has the so-called Digital Transformation of our Society: as a matter of fact, the transformative role of Telecommunications and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has long been witnessed as a precursor of scientific progress and economic growth in the modern world. Nevertheless, this transformation is still laying its foundations on Electronics and the impending end of Moore’s Law: therefore, a rethinking of the long-term ways of doing computation and communications has been already started. Among these different ways, quantum technologies might trigger the next innovation breakthrough in the medium long-term. In this direction, the paper provides an overview of the state of the art, challenges, and opportunities posed by an expected second wave of quantum technologies and services.

scholarly journals ENHANCING PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA CARE BY NURSING HOME STAFF USING MICROLEARNING: LITTLE MESSAGE WITH A BIG IMPACT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S3-S3
Author(s):  
Jenny Inker ◽  
Christine J Jensen ◽  
Sonya Barsness
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Training Curriculum ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Online Platform

Abstract Effective training is critical to providing quality care in long-term care environments, where many residents have dementia. Training has been linked to positive resident care outcomes and improved job satisfaction of staff. The aim of this study was to develop, pilot, and evaluate a Microlearning training curriculum, using short (5-10 minute) “bursts” of training available through an online platform on demand (i.e. 24/7). The expected outcomes were to improve staff knowledge, attitudes, and skills regarding person-centered dementia care and to increase job satisfaction. Researchers translated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Hand-in-Hand training curriculum into 52 weekly Microlearning lessons delivered via an online platform (accessible by computer, IPad or smart phone) followed by a short quiz. Using pre- and post-tests, nine focus groups, and fourteen telephone interviews, the researchers engaged with a convenience sample of staff (N = 244) working at all levels from direct care to leadership in nine nursing homes in Virginia. Pre- and post-tests comprised items from the Dementia Attitudes Scale and the Nursing Home Nurse Aide Job Satisfaction Scale. Results from a between subjects t-test demonstrated significant improvements in attitudes to people with dementia. Focus groups and interviews revealed high satisfaction with the training with a significant majority agreeing it was a helpful way to learn and that they were able to apply what they had learned to caring for residents. This pilot demonstrates a promising new practice for training long-term care staff. Further research using a control group receiving usual training is indicated.

Internet and Access to Scholarly Publications

2011 ◽  
pp. 653-659
Author(s):  
Jean-Philippe Rennard
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Networks ◽  
Cultural Goods ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
Scholarly Publications

“If I have seen further it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” The famous statement of Sir Isaac Newton demonstrates that the progress of science relies on the dissemination of discoveries and scientific knowledge. Even though scientific progress is not strictly cumulative (Kuhn, 1970), information sharing is the heart of this progress. In the Gutenberg era, researchers had no alternative: Publishers were the only way to reach readers. The development of e-commerce and of digital networks led to the post-Gutenberg era, and offers a powerful alternative that can lead in the long term to a new organization of scientific publications (Harnad, 1999). As well as e-commerce is revolutionizing the distribution of cultural goods (particularly music), the distribution of scientific knowledge through the Internet should contribute to the emergence of a new economic model.

scholarly journals Who Was Afraid of Pregnancy Tests? Gestational Information and Reproduction Policies in France (1920–50)

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-152
Author(s):  
Fabrice Cahen
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
The State ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Double Bind ◽  
Individual Freedom ◽  
Institutional Agents ◽  
Apparent Paradox ◽  
Informational Asymmetry ◽  
Long Time

Though resulting from a long-term process, the need to manage pregnancies both medically and bureaucratically became a state concern, especially from the 1920s onwards. A woman’s official obligation to notify the state of her pregnancy (and therefore to know it on time) goes beyond a matter of biopolicies and poses a range of contradictions. ‘Pregnant or not?’ – as an issue of knowledge – is a powerful tool for apprehending the tensions between individual freedom, privacy, institutional requirements and professional powers.In order to better understand the historical meaning of pregnancy diagnostics in mid-twentieth-century France, this paper combines three dimensions: uncertainty and its management; the informational asymmetry between institutional agents and women; and the diachronic dimension of gestation. Writing this history sheds more light on an apparent paradox: while knowing and notifying one’s own pregnancy became a duty, the tools that could help women eliminate some doubt right from the first months of their pregnancy – in particular the innovation of laboratory diagnosis – was seen as a danger. When, in 1938, private laboratories began publishing advertisements for the laboratory test in the most widely-read newspapers, tending to reframe it as a commercial service, the anti-abortion crusade was increasing its propaganda and its political pressure. This crusade’s legal victory proved incomplete, but for a long time some of the most conservative physicians recommended great parsimony in prescribing testing. Combined with reducing the legal time limit for notification, this conflict shows how the state injunctions towards women could look like a ‘double bind’.

scholarly journals ResearchingWITH: Narratives and Crafts in Research in Psychology

Genealogy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia Moraes ◽  
Laura de Toledo Quadros
Keyword(s):  
Research Field ◽  
The Other ◽  
Embodied Knowledge ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Reciprocal Transformation ◽  
Research Practices ◽  
The Feminine

In this paper, we share research narratives based on our practice as researchers. We understand that narrating, researching, and weaving are intertwined processes that lead us into peculiar and unpredictable actions in the research field. Therefore, researching is a risky practice. It entails unforeseen transformations and is both a craft and an ontological policy: If there is no given reality, what realities are performed along with our research practices? For what and to whom do we produce knowledge? We aim to discuss research policies that are in tune with local, contextualized, and embodied knowledge, and ways of doing research that consider the other—or the “object”—not as a passive target from whom you get information, but as an expert. Consequently, researching is understood as sharing expertise and as a reciprocal transformation device that activates all of those involved. We intend to share what has been produced by our research groups in Brazil. Our studies are intertwined as a network of connections and affectations and are guided by ResearchWith, which is a way of undertaking research that weaves WITH others and not ABOUT them. We emphasize this experience as a way of doing science in the feminine and we understand this as a craft.

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