scholarly journals Researchers’ Perceptions of a Responsible Research Climate: A Multi Focus Group Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 3017-3036
Author(s):  
Tamarinde Haven ◽  
H. Roeline Pasman ◽  
Guy Widdershoven ◽  
Lex Bouter ◽  
Joeri Tijdink
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Research Climate ◽  
Evaluation Policies ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Responsible Research

AbstractThe research climate plays a key role in fostering integrity in research. However, little is known about what constitutes a responsible research climate. We investigated academic researchers’ perceptions on this through focus group interviews. We recruited researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University Medical Center to participate in focus group discussions that consisted of researchers from similar academic ranks and disciplinary fields. We asked participants to reflect on the characteristics of a responsible research climate, the barriers they perceived and which interventions they thought fruitful to improve the research climate. Discussions were recorded and transcribed at verbatim. We used inductive content analysis to analyse the focus group transcripts. We conducted 12 focus groups with 61 researchers in total. We identified fair evaluation, openness, sufficient time, integrity, trust and freedom to be mentioned as important characteristics of a responsible research climate. Main perceived barriers were lack of support, unfair evaluation policies, normalization of overwork and insufficient supervision of early career researchers. Possible interventions suggested by the participants centered around improving support, discussing expectations and improving the quality of supervision. Some of the elements of a responsible research climate identified by participants are reflected in national and international codes of conduct, such as trust and openness. Although it may seem hard to change the research climate, we believe that the realisation that the research climate is suboptimal should provide the impetus for change informed by researchers’ experiences and opinions.

What’s in it for me? Food packaging and consumer responses, a focus group study

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 1122-1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrik Fernqvist ◽  
Annika Olsson ◽  
Sara Spendrup
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Responses ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Consumer Benefits ◽  
Group Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore consumer views on different aspects of packaging, exemplified by a common product in the fruit and vegetable category and to identify advantages and disadvantages perceived by consumers purchasing packaged or unpackaged products. Design/methodology/approach – Three focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis based on theory was performed. The findings were categorised into nine themes. Findings – Consumer views on packaging aspects were revealed, covering: packaging material; pack size; protection and preservation; convenience; price; communication and information; ethical perspectives; novelty and innovation; and advantages and disadvantages of packaged and unpackaged products. Research limitations/implications – The study adds to present knowledge on the role of packaging in consumers’ food choices. The qualitative analysis identified areas for further research through quantitative methods. Practical implications – Challenges in communicating the consumer benefits of packaging and ways to improve the attractiveness of items in the fresh produce category were identified. The results can potentially assist in improving food packaging design practice to the mutual benefit of consumers and suppliers. Originality/value – Fruit and vegetables is generally a category with weak branding and low levels of packaging. This study examined the role of packaging in a category with substantial opportunities for differentiation and increasing consumer value. The results can be applied in immediate practice and/or serve as a basis for further research.

scholarly journals Pi-kaPika: A qualitative study for trainer-owned Pokémon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka-Huen Yip
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Childhood Memories ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Objective To explore insights of young people’s experiences and motivations in Pokémon GO in Hong Kong. The perspectives of young people through qualitative focus group interviews. Results Eight focus group discussions with young people (n=45; age from 18-25 years old) recruited in Hong Kong. We analysed the discussions using a thematic approach. Five theme categories emerged from data analysis: missing out or self-regulation, childhood memories of Pokémon, extending virtual-reality exploration, spending more time outdoors for walking and exercise, gathering together and socially interacting with others. This study sets the way for a deeper analysis of motivation factors to young people that indicate the increasing playing location-based game (LBG) via smartphones worldwide among all cohorts of society. This relatively new phenomenon of LBG may impact players’ movement, social activity, and behaviour to gain a common goal into the preferences and effects of playing LBG for young people.

scholarly journals Expectations and Prospects of Young Adult Caregivers Regarding the Support of Professionals: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4299
Author(s):  
Hinke M. van der Werf ◽  
Wolter Paans ◽  
Geertjan Emmens ◽  
Anneke L. Francke ◽  
Petrie F. Roodbol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
Adult Caregivers

There is a lack of service provision for young adult caregivers (18–25 years of age). This study aims to describe the expectations and prospects of young adult caregivers regarding support from health and education professionals. A qualitative focus group design was used. Twenty-five young Dutch adults (aged 18–25 years) who were growing up with a chronically ill family member participated in one of seven focus groups. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to identify codes and main themes. Two overarching themes with five sub-themes emerged from the focus group discussions. The overarching themes are: the ‘process of approaching young adults’ and the ‘types of support these young adults require’. The process of approaching young adults contains the sub-themes: ‘recognition, attention, and listening’, ‘open-minded attitude’, ‘reliability’, and ‘respecting autonomy’. The types of support this group requires contains the sub-themes: ‘information and emotional support’. Health and education professionals should first and foremost be aware and listen to young adult caregivers, pay attention to them, have an open-minded attitude, respect their autonomy, and have the knowledge to provide them with information and emotional support. Further research could yield comprehensive insights into how professionals can meet these requirements and whether these results apply to male young adult caregivers and young adult caregivers not enrolled in a healthcare-related study program.

Independent medical evaluation for sick-listed workers in Norway: A focus group study of the experience of IME doctors

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aase Aamland ◽  
Irene Øyeflaten ◽  
Silje Maeland
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Medical Evaluation ◽  
Independent Medical Evaluation ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Norwegian politicians have proposed the use of an independent medical evaluation (IME) as a possible solution for reducing long-term sick leave. The use of an IME implies that a new doctor interferes in the relationship between sick-listed workers and their general practitioner (GP). The aim of the current study was to explore experiences of IME doctors from an ongoing randomized controlled trial (the NIME trial evaluating the effect of IME in Norway). Methods: Two focus group interviews were conducted with eight of the nine IME doctors employed in the NIME trial. The discussions were audio-taped and transcribed. Systematic text condensation was used for analysis. Results: The participants reported that the IME provides important second opinions, which they felt empowered the sick-listed workers and provided new insights into their condition. Beneficial IME working conditions and enhanced insight into different sick leave measures were crucial to this perceived usefulness. Some of the participants expressed disappointment with GPs acting as passive conductors and struggled to provide feedback politely. Some adjustments were proposed as necessary for the IME to be implemented nationwide. Conclusions: The participants seemed to have gained a different stakeholder identity by sometimes seeing GPs, their peers, as obstacles to return to work and welcomed the use of IME on a regular basis.

scholarly journals Strengthening research integrity: which topic areas should organisations focus on?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mads P. Sørensen ◽  
Tine Ravn ◽  
Ana Marušić ◽  
Andrea Reyes Elizondo ◽  
Panagiotis Kavouras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Research Integrity ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Technical Science ◽  
Scientific Fraud ◽  
Questionable Research Practices ◽  
Group Interviews

AbstractThe widespread problems with scientific fraud, questionable research practices, and the reliability of scientific results have led to an increased focus on research integrity (RI). International organisations and networks have been established, declarations have been issued, and codes of conducts have been formed. The abstract principles of these documents are now also being translated into concrete topic areas that Research Performing organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding organisations (RFOs) should focus on. However, so far, we know very little about disciplinary differences in the need for RI support from RPOs and RFOs. The paper attempts to fill this knowledge gap. It reports on a comprehensive focus group study with 30 focus group interviews carried out in eight different countries across Europe focusing on the following research question: “Which RI topics would researchers and stakeholders from the four main areas of research (humanities, social science, natural science incl. technical science, and medical science incl. biomedicine) prioritise for RPOs and RFOs?” The paper reports on the results of these focus group interviews and gives an overview of the priorities of the four main areas of research. The paper ends with six policy recommendations and a reflection on how the results of the study can be used in RPOs and RFOs.

scholarly journals Den familiære relasjonens betydning for pårørendes behov i møte med helsetjenesten

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helene Hanssen ◽  
Rita Sommerseth
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Family Relations ◽  
Informal Carer ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Family Relation ◽  
Professional Health ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
Group Interviews

<p>The Significance of Family relations to Informal Carers’ Needs in interaction with Health Services</p><p>This article is based on a study aiming to explore informal carers’ needs and experiences in their contact with health services. The study was accomplished in 2011 and consisted of two sub-studies: a survey addressing informal carers in general and a focus-group study, where the participants were informal carers to one or more family members. In this article, the qualitative data from both studies are emphasised: the open written statements in the questionnaires and the focus-group interviews. The results show a similarity in informal carers’ needs and experiences independent of the patients’ diagnoses. However, we find that the needs are related to the family relation between the informal carer and patient. Particularly, there is a difference between the needs of those who are informal carers to their partner and those who care for their own parent(s) or grown children. The value of informal carers’ support also is clearly pointed out in the results. Our findings highlight the importance of professional health workers paying attention to both the informal carer and the patient, individually as well as relationally.</p>

scholarly journals Healthy aging through the lens of community-based practitioners: a focus group study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubee Dev ◽  
Oleg Zaslavsky ◽  
Barbara Cochrane ◽  
Thomas Eagen ◽  
Nancy F Woods
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Abstract Background Nearly one in every seven Americans is 65 years and older, facing day-to-day challenge of aging. Although interest in healthy aging is growing, most of the efforts are directed towards understanding the perceptions of older adults. Little is known about the perspectives of community-based practitioners who work with older adults and deliver programs to promote healthy aging. The purpose of this project was to expand knowledge on healthy aging by exploring the perspectives of community-based practitioners working directly with older adults. Methods We purposively sampled community-based practitioners (n=12, including nurses, physician, social workers, and other community services professionals), who then participated in one of three in-depth focus group discussions. Results Three core categories were identified: (1) characteristics of healthy aging; (2) healthy aging attainment; and (3) programs and activities for healthy aging. Participants identified a number of characteristics under person-specific, social, and spiritual dimensions of healthy aging. Healthy aging attainment was represented as facilitators and barriers, and programs and activities through promoting fitness and wellness. Conclusions Although practitioners’ perspectives had some overlap with traditional research and medical views on healthy aging, the unique and holistic model derived provides a more refined foundation for supporting healthy aging.

scholarly journals Exploring the characteristics of a local demand for African wild meat: A focus group study of long-term Ghanaian residents in the Netherlands

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246868
Author(s):  
Sandrella M. Morrison-Lanjouw ◽  
Roel A. Coutinho ◽  
Kwasi Boahene ◽  
Robert Pool
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
West African ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Wild Meat ◽  
The City

While there is a growing body of research documenting unregulated African wild meat imports into Europe from the Africa continent, the drivers of this demand are virtually unknown. This study employs focus group discussions and a survey questionnaire to examine the attitudes and practices related to African wild meat consumption in the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Ghanaian community was selected as the object of this study, as it is the largest West African population in the Netherlands and represents an important part of Dutch society. We model our report on a recent US study of the Liberian community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, which allows for the comparison of results between two Western countries. The overall perceived health risk of consuming African wild meat in The Netherlands is low and unlikely to deter consumption. However, local prices for the meat may be prohibitive in some cases. Incentives include health benefits, cultural drivers and a strong preference for the taste of African wild meat over all local meat alternatives. The study calls for further research into the nature of the drivers of demand for African wild meat as well as its public health consequences, in the Netherlands and beyond.

Making Research More Ethical for Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
John Aspler
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

In this chapter, the author reflects on challenges associated with conducting focus group interviews with adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)—a complex neurodevelopmental disability caused by alcohol exposure in utero. Given the heterogeneity of this diagnosis, people with FASD have different strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, for effective and ethical research inclusion, each person with FASD may need unique accommodations, which can help to both minimize concerns about unjust research exclusion and mitigate sources of vulnerability. To explore these issues, the author describes the focus group study, presents anticipated risks and challenges, explores critical stakeholder feedback, and addresses ethical tensions arising from the resulting protocol adjustments. This chapter demonstrates the importance of researchers remaining open to criticism and being willing to work through their moral discomfort.

scholarly journals The key success factors in focus group discussions with the elderly for novice researchers: a review

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-371
Author(s):  
Kasorn Muijeen ◽  
Puangpaka Kongvattananon ◽  
Chomchuen Somprasert
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Success Factors ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Group Interviews

PurposeThis study aimed to discuss the key success factors in focus group discussions among the elderly as a means of supporting novice researchers and also to share the experiences of novice researchers with focus group discussions.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a literature review of previous studies that revealed three themes regarding the key success of focus group discussions with the elderly. Focusing on issues published between 2009 and 2019, four health-related databases, namely the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ScienceDirect, PsycARTICLES and Thaijo were investigated using keyword searches, both individually and in combination, and the inclusion criteria used in selecting relevant articles as primary sources included research written in the English and Thai languages.FindingsThe literature review involved eight published articles related to this topic in the nursing field. Three themes for key successes were identified as follows: good planning and convenient organization, being accepting and flexible concerning their opinions and good management.Originality/valueFocus group discussions with the elderly are complex and challenging for novice researchers. It is necessary that a novice researcher in the nursing field builds up the skills of a moderator in conducting focus group interviews if he or she wishes to obtain rigorous data.

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