Momentum Effects in Discussions on Intellective Tasks: Comparing Informed and Non-Informed Groups

2007 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Hansmann ◽  
Helmut W. Crott ◽  
Roland W. Scholz
Keyword(s):  
Correct Answer ◽  
Formation Process ◽  
Probabilistic Model ◽  
Dynamic Factor ◽  
Opinion Formation ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Opinion Change ◽  
Informational Intervention

A probabilistic model of opinion change (PCD model, Crott, Werner, & Hoffmann, 1996 ) was applied to analyze the opinion formation process in five-person group discussions concerning intellective tasks. Control groups performed conventional face-to-face discussions, whereas an informational intervention (INFO) was applied in the experimental condition. Analyses performed in line with the PCD model examined the attraction of the correct answer, the size of the subgroups favoring each answer alternative, and a dynamic factor accounting for the possibility that, immediately subsequent to an individual’s opinion change towards a particular alternative, the probability of additional opinion changes to that alternative is dynamically increased. In both conditions the model variants including the dynamic factor were able to adequately describe opinion formation. A stronger attracting influence of the correct answer was observed in the INFO condition compared to the control condition.

Group Discussion in a Blended Environment in Engineering Education

TEM Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 508-516
Author(s):  
Deepti Mishra ◽  
Gonca Gokce Menekse Dalveren ◽  
Frode S. Volden ◽  
Carly Grace Allen
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Group Process ◽  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Verbal Cues ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Seating Arrangement ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Group Members

Group work is a necessary element of engineering education and group members need information about one another, group process, shared attention and mutual understanding during group discussions. There are several important elements for establishing and maintaining a group discussion such as participant’s role, seating arrangement, verbal and non-verbal cues, eye gaze, gestures etc. The present study investigates these elements for identifying the behavior of group members in a blend of traditional face-to-face discussion along with computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) setting. The results of this study have shown that, speaking duration is the key factor for identifying the leadership in a group and participants mostly used eye gazes for turn taking. Although this study is a mix of face-to-face and CSCW discussion setting, participants mostly behave like faceto- face group discussion. However, unlike the previous studies involving face-to-face discussion, the relation between seating arrangement and amount of attention is not apparent from the data during this study.

Digital transformation of face-to-face focus group methodology: engaging a globally dispersed audience in management of institutional change (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Mahmoud ◽  
Anna TOKAR ◽  
Melissa ARRIAS ◽  
Christos MYLONAS ◽  
Heini UTUNEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Learning ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Global Workforce ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

UNSTRUCTURED As part of its transformation process to meet the health challenges of the 21st century by creating a motivated and fit-for-purpose global workforce, the World Health Organization (WHO) is developing the first-ever global Learning Strategy for health personnel around the world. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were organized as part of in-depth qualitative research on staff views, visions, and suggestions. Due to the pandemic, a flexible, multi-linguistic, participatory, iterative methodology for digitization of face-to-face FDGs to engage a globally dispersed workforce was implemented.

Identifying key network characteristics for agricultural innovation: A multisectoral case study approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Evelien Lambrecht ◽  
Maarten Crivits ◽  
Ludwig Lauwers ◽  
Xavier Gellynck
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Agricultural Innovation ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Innovation Characteristics ◽  
Depth Interviews

This article identified network characteristics critical for successful agricutural innovations within networks, or a set of interrelated organizations aiming at knowledge exchange for innovations. To explore key success factors, the research questioned how networks cope with innovation characteristics and combined network characteristics with four innovation characteristics in four agricultural sub-sectors. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with farmers and network coordinators and from focus group discussions with farmers active in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Factors particularly helpful for success in agricultural innovation networks include numerous contacts, integration of knowledge providers in the network structure, face-to-face communication, a self-initiated coalition and surpassing innovation beyond the mere agricultural level, through collaboration with people from outside the sector. The findings are useful for academics, network coordinators and network members, possibly leading to a higher innovation performance via networking.

scholarly journals Schisto and Ladders version 2: a health educational board game to support compliance with school-based mass drug administration with praziquantel – a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Uchechukwu Ejike ◽  
Akinola Stephen Oluwole ◽  
Olaitan Olamide Omitola ◽  
Adedotun Ayodeji Bayegun ◽  
Islamiat Yetunde Shoneye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Board Game ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
School Based ◽  
Praziquantel Treatment ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background We redesigned the Schisto and Ladders health educational board game and evaluated its potential to encourage compliance to school-based mass drug administration with praziquantel. Methods Two hundred and seventy-five children from six schools who rejected praziquantel treatment were divided into intervention and control groups. Before the intervention, preassessment interviews were conducted on their knowledge about praziquantel treatment and schistosomiasis. The Schisto and Ladders version 2 game as an intervention, and the Snakes and Ladders game as a control, were played for 6 mo. Postassessment interviews, including focus group discussions, were conducted. Results At preassessment, 0/98 (0.0%) children in the intervention group had heard of praziquantel compared with 2/177 (1.1%) in the control group. Similarly, 0/98 (0.0%) children in the intervention group did not know that praziquantel does not kill compared with 4/177 (2.3%) in the control group. The postassessment showed that 53/78 (67.9%) in the intervention group were aware of praziquantel compared with 2/177 (1.1%) in the control group (p=0.000). Similarly, 53 (69.7%) in the intervention group knew about the safety of praziquantel compared with 0/177 (0.0%) in the control group (p=0.000). Sixty-four children (65.3%) from the intervention group sought praziquantel treatment after the trial. Conclusions Schisto and Ladders version 2 is a useful sensitisation tool with which to encourage compliance to praziquantel treatment in schools.

scholarly journals Indigenous knowledge of Vietnamese cultivation in the Mekong Delta

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. First
Author(s):  
Ngo Thi-Thu Trang
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Mekong Delta ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Current Production ◽  
Near Future

Being passed from generation to generation, indigenous knowledge is unique and confined to a particular culture or society. This knowledge is generated and transmitted through communities, over time, in an effort to cope with their own agro-ecological and socio-economic environments (Fernandez, 1994). Vietnamese residents in the Mekong Delta during the development of cultivation activities have accumulated a lot of folk experiences, creating a large amount of indigenous knowledge in daily life and farming production. This knowledge has supported the Vietnamese people to adapt themselves to survive for several hundred years. However, throughout the time, under the strong impact of scientific knowledge, indigenous knowledge nowadays is no longer applied as much as before. In the context of increasing climate change, understanding and reevaluating the correct value of this knowledge, besides preserving, also contribute to public policy implications in environmental change adaptation strategies in the near future. With an interdisciplinary approach to geography and anthropology, via long fieldwork methods, face-to-face meetings with farmers and group discussions, 10 in-depth interviews were conducted on issues related to this current production model and production experience. Indigenous knowledge has been and is being applied in flooded areas with representatives being An Giang and Hau Giang provinces. The author has systematized the indigenous knowledge of Vietnamese people on cultivating to better adapt to nature.

scholarly journals An Investigation of How Online Learning Reduces ZPD in Mandarin Language Classrooms

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Noor Hanim Rahmat ◽  
Mok Soon Sim ◽  
Lau Suk Khi ◽  
Ling Tek Soon
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Proximal Development ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Mandarin Language ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Language Needs ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Play Group

Traditionally, language needs to be learnt face-to-face. Pronunciation practices, role play, group discussions are all activities that allow interaction among learners. Previously, some things are better learnt face-to-face, while some can be learnt online. Nevertheless, the pandemic has accelerated the need for online learning in almost all courses offered at institutions. Devices used for online learning can be used as a leaning tool by learners to improve understanding. These devices help to reduce a learner’s zone of proximal development (ZPD) thus maximizing learning. Online learning has been said to facilitate rather than hinder language learning. This study is therefore done to explore how it helps the learning of Mandarin. The study investigates how online interaction affects the learning of Mandarin in language classrooms. 173 participants responded to a 28 items (5 likert scale) instrument. Findings reveal how online learning influences interaction, encourages participation of more knowledgeable others, and improves interaction with content among learners.

scholarly journals Investigating the Contributions of International Oil and Gas Firms to Local Development in Ghana: Dilemmas and Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (28) ◽  
Author(s):  
Remy Nyukorong
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Priority Needs ◽  
Oil And Gas Firms

Ghana is relatively new to oil and gas extraction and there is little empirical knowledge about the key players in the oil and gas business, what they do to contribute to local socio-economic development, and the quandaries these firms struggle with while operating under difficult circumstances. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of international oil companies to local development in Ghana and to evaluate the challenges and dilemmas faced by these firms. The study adopted a qualitative, interpretive case study design that relied on face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions to gather primary data. Interview responses were analysed, compared, and categorised with the results of transcription of the focus group discussions, and later triangulated and interpreted to draw conclusions. The study revealed that most international oil companies in Ghana are transparent in reporting on their business activities and operations. Despite the efforts by these firms to support local development by funding developmental projects, paying taxes, and providing employment opportunities to local youth, international oil companies are still a target of criticism for unsatisfactory performance. Local populations would like to see extractive firms finance community infrastructural projects matching with local priority needs and focus more on impact rather than the quantity of money disbursed or the number of projects funded. International oil companies should change their engagement approach from a mere consultation to a realistic, democratic, and broad-based involvement of the publics. This study has enriched existing frameworks applied to evaluate business organisations’ contributions to local development.

scholarly journals The Unexpected Rewards of Qualitative Research in Assessment: A Case Example

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Singh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Learning Opportunity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Oral Assessment ◽  
Oral Component

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 the benefits of face-to-face interaction, all of which led to improved relationships between students and assessors.

scholarly journals How Do Friends and Strangers Play the Game Taboo? A Study of Accuracy, Efficiency, Motivation, and the Use of Shared Knowledge

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 497-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique M. H. Pollmann ◽  
Emiel J. Krahmer
Keyword(s):  
Correct Answer ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Shared Knowledge ◽  
Common Belief ◽  
Or Efficiency ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Taboo Words ◽  
E Mail

According to common belief, friends communicate more accurately and efficiently than strangers, because they can use uniquely shared knowledge and common knowledge to explain things to each other, while strangers are restricted to common knowledge. To test this belief, we asked friends and strangers to play, via e-mail and face-to-face, the word-description game Taboo, in which objects need to be described without using certain “taboo” words. When descriptions were sent via e-mail, there was no difference in accuracy (number of correct answers) nor in efficiency (number of words per correct answer) between friends and strangers. When descriptions were given face-to-face, friends were more accurate than strangers, but not more efficient (number of seconds and words per correct answer). Shared knowledge did not predict accuracy or efficiency. Hence, our findings do not support the idea that friends only need a few words to understand each other.

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