scholarly journals Taking phenomenology beyond the first-person perspective: conceptual grounding in the collection and analysis of observational evidence

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Elisabeth Klinke ◽  
Anthony Vincent Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Hemispatial Neglect ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Neurologic Disorder ◽  
Person Perspective ◽  
Qualitative Health Research ◽  
Illness Experiences ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Abstract Phenomenology has been adapted for use in qualitative health research, where it’s often used as a method for conducting interviews and analyzing interview data. But how can phenomenologists study subjects who cannot accurately reflect upon or report their own experiences, for instance, because of a psychiatric or neurological disorder? For conditions like these, qualitative researchers may gain more insight by conducting observational studies in lieu of, or in conjunction with, interviews. In this article, we introduce a phenomenological approach to conducting this kind of observational research. The approach relies on conceptual grounding to focus a study on specific aspects of the participants’ experiences. Moreover, the approach maintains the openness to novel discoveries that qualitative research requires while also providing a structured framework for data collection and analysis. To illustrate its practical application, we use examples of hemispatial neglect—a neurologic disorder in which patients characteristically lack awareness of their own illness and bodily capacities. However, the approach that we describe can be applied more broadly to the study of complex illness experiences and other experiential alterations.

Development of an Integrated Approach to Virtual Mind-Mapping: Methodology and Applied Experiences to Enhance Qualitative Health Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110581
Author(s):  
Shahmir H. Ali ◽  
Alexis A. Merdjanoff ◽  
Niyati Parekh ◽  
Ralph J. DiClemente
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Mind Mapping ◽  
Qualitative Health Research ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Visual Learners ◽  
Mind Maps ◽  
The Mind

There is a growing need to better capture comprehensive, nuanced, and multi-faceted qualitative data while also better engaging with participants in data collection, especially in virtual environments. This study describes the development of a novel 3-step approach to virtual mind-mapping that involves (1) ranked free-listing, (2) respondent-driven mind-mapping, and (3) interviewing to enhance both data collection and analysis of complex health behaviors. The method was employed in 32 virtual interviews as part of a study on eating behaviors among second-generation South Asian Americans. Participants noted the mind-mapping experience to be (1) helpful for visual learners, (2) helpful in elucidating new ideas and to structure thoughts, as well as (3) novel and interesting. They also noted some suggestions that included improving interpretability of visual data and avoiding repetition of certain discussion points. Data collection revealed the adaptability of the method, and the power of mind-maps to guide targeted, comprehensive discussions with participants.

scholarly journals Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and Elaboration. Translation to Russian

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jan P. Vandenbroucke ◽  
Erik Von Elm ◽  
Douglas G. Altman ◽  
Peter C. Gotzsche ◽  
Cynthia D. Mulrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Useful Flow ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Strobe Statement

Much medical research is observational. The reporting of observational studies is often of insufficient quality. Poor reporting hampers the assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a study and the generalisability of its results. Taking into account empirical evidence and theoretical considerations, a group of methodologists, researchers, and editors developed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations to improve the quality of reporting of observational studies. The STROBE Statement consists of a checklist of 22 items, which relate to the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion sections of articles. Eighteen items are common to cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies and four are specific to each of the three study designs. The STROBE Statement provides guidance to authors about how to improve the reporting of observational studies and facilitates critical appraisal and interpretation of studies by reviewers, journal editors and readers. This explanatory and elaboration document is intended to enhance the use, understanding, and dissemination of the STROBE Statement. The meaning and rationale for each checklist item are presented. For each item, one or several published examples and, where possible, references to relevant empirical studies and methodological literature are provided. Examples of useful flow diagrams are also included. The STROBE Statement, this document, and the associated Web site (http://www. strobe-statement.org/) should be helpful resources to improve reporting of observational research. This article is the reprint with Russian translation of the original that can be observed here: Vandenbroucke JP, von Elm E, Altman DG, Gotzsche PC, Mulrow CD, et al. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and Elaboration. PLoS Med 2007;4(10):e297. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0040297

THE TRANSITION FROM LOGICAL POSITIVISM TO PHENOMENOLOGY IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES: POLITICAL ASPECTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 81-95
Author(s):  
A.A. KOVALEV ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
Civil Service ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
The State ◽  
Logical Positivism ◽  
Phenomenological Method ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
The Social

The purpose of this study is to study the research potential of the phenomenological approach in the social sciences, which emerged in the first half of the XX century as a critique of the dominant method of logical positivism at that time. The following scientific approaches and methods were used in the article: the method of analysis, description and comparison, as well as the phenomenological approach. The author has made an attempt to prove the significance of phenomenology in the social sciences by means of comparison as a way not only to describe facts, but also to explain motives and unobservable meanings. According to the results of the conducted research, the author comes to the conclusion that the solution of urgent problems of society through the practical application of the acquired knowledge about society is possible only if the phenomenological method is actively applied in such a scientific and practical discipline as public administration. This will help to overcome the bureaucratization of the civil service, the isolation of the state administrative apparatus from real social problems, as well as to involve the population itself in the process of public administration, establishing feedback.

External Validity Reconsidered

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana C. Mutz
Keyword(s):  
Political Science ◽  
Real World ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Conventional Wisdom ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Convincing Case

This chapter talks about the significance of generalizability. Experimentalists often go to great lengths to argue that student or other convenience samples are not problematic in terms of external validity. Likewise, a convincing case for causality is often elusive with observational research, no matter how stridently one might argue to the contrary. The conventional wisdom is that experiments are widely valued for their internal validity, and experiments lack external validity. These assumptions are so widespread as to go without question in most disciplines, particularly those emphasizing external validity, such as political science and sociology. But observational studies, such as surveys, are still supposed to be better for purposes of maximizing external validity because this method allows studying people in real world settings.

scholarly journals Recommendations for Designing, Conducting and Reporting Observational Studies in Homeopathy

Homeopathy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 109 (03) ◽  
pp. 114-125
Author(s):  
Michael Teut ◽  
Harald Walach ◽  
Roja Varanasi ◽  
Raj K. Manchanda ◽  
Praveen Oberai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Validity ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Strobe Statement

Abstract Background Randomized placebo-controlled trials are considered to be the gold standard in clinical research and have the highest importance in the hierarchical system of evidence-based medicine. However, from the viewpoint of decision makers, due to lower external validity, practical results of efficacy research are often not in line with the huge investments made over decades. Method We conducted a narrative review. With a special focus on homeopathy, we give an overview on cohort, comparative cohort, case-control and cross-sectional study designs and explain guidelines and tools that help to improve the quality of observational studies, such as the STROBE Statement, RECORD, GRACE and ENCePP Guide. Results Within the conventional medical research field, two types of arguments have been employed in favor of observational studies. First, observational studies allow for a more generalizable and robust estimation of effects in clinical practice, and if cohorts are large enough, there is no over-estimation of effect sizes, as is often feared. We argue that observational research is needed to balance the current over-emphasis on internal validity at the expense of external validity. Thus, observational research can be considered an important research tool to describe “real-world” care settings and can assist with the design and inform the results of randomised controlled trails. Conclusions We present recommendations for designing, conducting and reporting observational studies in homeopathy and provide recommendations to complement the STROBE Statement for homeopathic observational studies.

scholarly journals Observational Research on Alcohol Use and Chronic Disease Outcome: New Approaches to Counter Biases

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenbin Liang ◽  
Tanya Chikritzhs
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
The United States ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
Treat Analysis

Background. The frequently reported protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption in observational studies may be due to unadjusted bias.Aim. To examine two new approaches that account for unknown confounding factors and allow the application of intention-to-treat analysis.Method. This study used data from the 2008, 2009, and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys conducted in the United States. Unknown confounding effects were estimated through the association between parental alcohol use and health outcomes for children, because the presence of hypothetical physiological effects of alcohol can be ruled out for this association. In order to apply intention-to-treat analysis, previous alcohol use of former drinkers was obtained by using multiple imputations. Estimates with new adjustment approaches were compared with the traditional approach.Results. The traditional analytical approach; appears to be consistent with findings from previous observational studies; when two further adjustment approaches were used, the “protective” effects of moderate drinking almost disappeared.Conclusion. Use of a proxy outcome to estimate and control residual confounding effects of alcohol use and application of the intention-to-treat principle could provide a more realistic estimation of the true effects of alcohol use on health outcomes in observational epidemiological studies.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement in Observational Studies Published in Iranian Medical Journals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheila SHAGHAGHIAN ◽  
Behrooz ASTANEH
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Journals ◽  
Multistage Sampling ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
Strobe Statement

Background: Although much medical knowledge comes from observational research, such studies are more prone to confounding and bias than others. This study was conducted to evaluate the adherence of the observational studies published in Iranian medical journals to the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) statement. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we selected 150 articles of Iranian medical journals, using multistage sampling from Aug 2016 to Jun 2017. The reported items of the STROBE statement in the articles was determined and considered as the adherence of the articles to the statement. The adherence of the articles with different characteristics was compared. Results: The adherence of the articles to the statement varied from 24% to 68% with a mean score of 48%±9%. The lowest mean scores were found in the Result (36%) and Method (49%) sections. The adherence was significantly better in the articles published in the journals indexed in PubMed or Web of Knowledge (ISI) databases (P<0.001) and those written by cooperation of the authors from other countries (P=0.044). Conclusion: The evaluated articles in our study had not adequately reported the items recommended by the STROBE statement. This indicates deficiency in key elements for readers to assess the validity and applicability of a study.  

scholarly journals 98Framework for the Treatment And Reporting of Missing data in Observational Studies: The TARMOS framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Cornish ◽  
Kate Tilling ◽  
Rosie Cornish ◽  
James Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Missing Data ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Data Checking

Abstract Focus of presentation Missing data are ubiquitous in medical research. Although there is increasing guidance on how to handle missing data, practice is changing slowly and misapprehensions abound, particularly in observational research. We present a practical framework for handling and reporting the analysis of incomplete data in observational studies, which we illustrate using a case study from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Findings The framework consists of three steps: 1) Develop an analysis plan specifying the analysis model and how missing data are going to be addressed. Important considerations are whether a complete records analysis is likely to be valid, whether multiple imputation or an alternative approach is likely to offer benefits, and whether a sensitivity analysis regarding the missingness mechanism is required. 2) Explore the data, checking the methods outlined in the analysis plan are appropriate, and conduct the pre-planned analysis. 3) Report the results, including a description of the missing data, details on how missing data were addressed, and the results from all analyses, interpreted in light of the missing data and clinical relevance. Conclusions/Implications This framework encourages researchers to think carefully about their missing data and be transparent about the potential effect on the study results. This will increase confidence in the reliability and reproducibility of results from published papers. Key messages Researchers need to develop a plan for missing data prior to conducting their analysis, and be transparent about how they handled the missing data and its potential effect when reporting their results.

scholarly journals 98Framework for the Treatment And Reporting of Missing data in Observational Studies: The TARMOS framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Lee ◽  
Kate Tilling ◽  
Rosie Cornish ◽  
James Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Missing Data ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Data Checking

Abstract Focus of presentation Missing data are ubiquitous in medical research. Although there is increasing guidance on how to handle missing data, practice is changing slowly and misapprehensions abound, particularly in observational research. We present a practical framework for handling and reporting the analysis of incomplete data in observational studies, which we illustrate using a case study from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Findings The framework consists of three steps: 1) Develop an analysis plan specifying the analysis model and how missing data are going to be addressed. Important considerations are whether a complete records analysis is likely to be valid, whether multiple imputation or an alternative approach is likely to offer benefits, and whether a sensitivity analysis regarding the missingness mechanism is required. 2) Explore the data, checking the methods outlined in the analysis plan are appropriate, and conduct the pre-planned analysis. 3) Report the results, including a description of the missing data, details on how missing data were addressed, and the results from all analyses, interpreted in light of the missing data and clinical relevance. Conclusions/Implications This framework encourages researchers to think carefully about their missing data and be transparent about the potential effect on the study results. This will increase confidence in the reliability and reproducibility of results from published papers. Key messages Researchers need to develop a plan for missing data prior to conducting their analysis, and be transparent about how they handled the missing data and its potential effect when reporting their results.

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