Organizing Investigations and Surveys

2021 ◽  
pp. 135-146
Author(s):  
J Patrick Vaughan ◽  
Cesar Victora ◽  
A Mushtaque R Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Check List ◽  
Careful Planning ◽  
Laboratory Procedures ◽  
Logistic Support ◽  
Careful Design

Organizing investigations and surveys can be complicated and they require careful planning. Hand-held portable devices and mobile phones are commonly used today. All questionnaires require careful design, preparation, and piloting. Survey objectives can be reviewed if they are too ambitious and survey design may require changes, such as a reduction in sample size, omission of particular questions, or fewer clinical and laboratory procedures. A pilot trial is essential to test all the methods, fieldwork plans and logistic support. A full survey check list is provided.

scholarly journals Virtual reality-based relaxation for enhancement of perioperative well-being and quality of life: protocol for a randomised pilot trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e044193
Author(s):  
Matthias Christian Schrempf ◽  
Julian Quirin Petzold ◽  
Hugo Vachon ◽  
Morten Aagaard Petersen ◽  
Johanna Gutschon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Sample Size Calculations

IntroductionPatients with cancer undergoing surgery often suffer from reduced quality of life and various forms of distress. Untreated distress can negatively affect coping resources as well as surgical and oncological outcomes. A virtual reality-based stress reduction intervention may increase quality of life and well-being and reduce distress in the perioperative phase for patients with cancer. This pilot trial aims to explore the feasibility of the proposed intervention, assess patient acceptability and obtain estimates of effect to provide data for sample size calculations.Methods and analysisPatients with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis undergoing elective surgery will be recruited for this single-centre, randomised pilot trial with a three-arm design. A total of 54 participants will be randomised at 1:1:1 ratio to one of two intervention groups or a control receiving standard treatment. Those randomised to an intervention group will either receive perioperative virtual reality-based stress reduction exercises twice daily or listen to classical music twice daily. Primary feasibility outcomes are number and proportions of participants recruited, screened, consented and randomised. Furthermore, adherence to the intervention, compliance with the completion of the quality of life questionnaires and feasibility of implementing the trial procedures will be assessed. Secondary clinical outcomes are measurements of the effectiveness of the interventions to inform sample size calculations.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol, the patient information and the informed consent form have been approved by the ethics committee of the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany (Reference Number: 19–915). Study findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberDRKS00020909.

scholarly journals The Students' Perceptions of Using Zoom Application on Mobile Phone in Improving Speaking Skills During Online Learning at Ban Loeiwangsai School, Loei Province, Thailand.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Putri Karya Dwi Bawanti ◽  
Yudhi Arifani
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
School Students ◽  
Strategic Design ◽  
Grade 5 ◽  
Speaking Skill ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Speaking Skills

This study focused on the impact of using the Zoom application on mobile phones by examining students' perceptions of speaking skills and their attitude during online learning. The students have 4 months of experience using the Zoom application. This research method used a survey design and collects data by giving 12 questionnaire items through Google form to students. The participants are elementary school students with 3 categories, namely grade 4, grade 5 and grade 6 at Ban Loeiwangsai school, Thailand. The findings of this study are that the strategic design of online learning on the use of the Zoom application has an impact on students performance in independent learning and managing time. This also has an impact on the ability and knowledge of students learning English especially in the speaking skill. Their academics are particularly affected by the use of the Zoom application during online learning.

scholarly journals The effect of alcohol strength on alcohol consumption: findings from a randomised controlled cross-over pilot trial.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parvati Rose Perman-Howe ◽  
Emma L Davies ◽  
David R Foxcroft
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
Participant Recruitment ◽  
Licensed Premises ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Reducing the alcohol content of drinks has the potential to reduce alcohol consumption. Aims: (1) test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the effect of alcohol strength on alcohol consumption within licensed premises in the United Kingdom (UK), (2) provide data to estimate key parameters for a RCT. Methods Double-blind randomised controlled cross-over pilot trial based within four licensed premises in the UK. Participants (n=36) purchased and consumed ad libitum a 3.5% lager and a 4.8% lager during two separate study sessions. Descriptive statistics reported the efficacy and efficiency of the study processes, and the rates of licensed premises recruitment, and participant recruitment and attrition. Mean and the 95% confidence interval (CI) compared alcohol consumption between conditions. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and CI of UK units of alcohol consumed were used to calculate a sample size for a RCT. Responses to participant questionnaires and duration of participation in study sessions between conditions were analysed.Results Components of the study protocol were effective and efficient. The venue recruitment rate was less than anticipated. The participant recruitment rate was greater than anticipated. The rate of attrition was 23% and varied by less than 1% according to the arm of the trial. There was a reduction of alcohol consumed under the intervention conditions. Estimated mean difference, and 95% CI (UK units): -3.76 (-5.01 to -2.52).The sample size required for a RCT is 53. Participants did not find one lager more pleasant in taste: (on a scale of one to 10) -0.95 (-2.11 to 0.21). Participants found the reduced-strength lager less enjoyable: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.44 (-2.64 to -0.24) and they perceived themselves to be less intoxicated after consuming it: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.00 (-1.61 to -0.40).Conclusion A RCT is feasible with minor alterations to the study protocol and scoping work to establish different brands of alcohol that are more alike and more enjoyable than the products used in the pilot trial. Trial registration Registered in the American Economic Association (AEA) Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) Registry as of 16 June 2017: https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/2266. Unique identifying number: AEARCTR-0002266.

scholarly journals Formative Assessment Enriches Learning: Perspectives Of Female University Teachers In Karachi (Pakistan)

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noor Mohammad ◽  
Rubina Masum ◽  
Sheeba Farhan
Keyword(s):  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Female Faculty ◽  
University Teachers

This article is drawn from PhD dissertation and the prime purpose of this research is to study the perspective of female university teachers regarding impact of formative assessment on learning at university level in Karachi (Pakistan) and to suggest the appropriate practices of formative assessment to enhance the learning. The scope of the study is limited to female faculty members of education in the universities in Karachi. The survey design, research strategy, was adopted for the study. The target population, for the study, was 136 female faculty members of education in the universities (public and private) in Karachi (Pakistan). Simple Random Sampling (SRS) design was adopted to select the universities as a unit of sampling and female faculty members of the same universities were the sample size. In this process 66 Female faculty members were selected as sample size from different eight (8) universities. The questionnaire was adopted as research instrument. Data was analyzed and it was found that the formative assessment enriches learning. In the light of findings concrete recommendations were made.

scholarly journals High-dose vitamin D supplementation in multiple sclerosis – results from the randomized EVIDIMS (efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in multiple sclerosis) trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 205521732090347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Dörr ◽  
Priscilla Bäcker-Koduah ◽  
Klaus-Dieter Wernecke ◽  
Elke Becker ◽  
Frank Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Clinical Relapse ◽  
Lesion Development ◽  
Cholecalciferol Supplementation

Background Epidemiological, preclinical, and non-interventional studies link vitamin D (VD) serum levels and disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unclear whether high-dose VD supplementation can be used as an intervention to reduce disease activity. Objectives The study aimed to compare the effects of every other day high- (20,400 IU) versus low-dose (400 IU) cholecalciferol supplementation on clinical and imaging markers of disease activity in patients with relapsing–remitting MS or clinically isolated syndrome. Methods The EVIDIMS (efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in multiple sclerosis) trial was a multicentre randomized/stratified actively controlled explorative phase 2a pilot trial with a double-blind intervention period of 18 months, add on to interferon-β1b. Results Fifty-three patients were randomized, and 41 patients completed the study. Cholecalciferol supplementation was well tolerated and safe in both arms. After 18 months, clinical (relapse rates, disability progression) and radiographical (T2-weighted lesion development, contrast-enhancing lesion development, brain atrophy) did not differ between both treatment arms. Post-study power calculations suggested that the sample size was too low to prove the hypothesis. Conclusions The results neither support nor disprove a therapeutic benefit of high-dose VD supplementation but provide a basis for sound sample size estimations in future confirmatory studies. www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01440062

scholarly journals We Can Quit2 (WCQ2): a community-based intervention on smoking cessation for women living in disadvantaged areas of Ireland—study protocol for a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Hayes ◽  
Aurelia Ciblis ◽  
Catherine Darker ◽  
Nadine Dougall ◽  
Joanne Vance ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cluster Randomised

Abstract Background Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland with almost 6000 smokers dying each year from smoking-related diseases. The ‘We Can Quit2’ (WCQ2) study is a pilot pragmatic two-arm, parallel-group, cluster randomised trial that aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of trial processes including recruitment and to estimate parameters to inform sample size estimates needed for an effectiveness trial. This future trial will assess the effectiveness of a community-based smoking cessation intervention for women living in disadvantaged areas on short- and medium-term cessation rates. Methods/design Four matched pairs of districts (eight clusters) selected by area level of deprivation, geographical proximity, and eligibility for free medical services will be randomised to receive either WCQ (behavioural support + access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)) delivered over 12 weeks by trained Community Facilitators (CFs) or to a form of usual care, a one-to-one smoking cessation service delivered by Smoking Cessation Officers from Ireland’s national health service, the Health Service Executive (HSE). Within each cluster, 24–25 women will be recruited (97 per arm; 194 in total) in 4 phases with consent obtained prior to cluster randomisation. The outcome measures will assess feasibility and acceptability of trial processes, including randomisation. Outcome data for a future definitive intervention (biochemically validated smoking abstinence) will be collected at end of programme (12 weeks) and at 6 months. WCQ2 has an embedded process evaluation using both qualitative and quantitative methods. This will be conducted (semi-structured client and CF interviews, intervention delivery checklist, and diary) to explore acceptability of trial processes, intervention fidelity, trial context, and implementation. Trial processes will be assessed against domains of the PRECIS-2 wheel to inform a future definitive trial design. Discussion Data from this pilot trial will inform the design and sample size for a full cluster randomised trial to determine the effectiveness of an intervention tailored to disadvantaged women in improving smoking cessation rates. It will provide transferable learning on the systems and implementation strategies needed to support effective design of future pragmatic community-based trials which address health promotion interventions for women in disadvantaged communities. Trial registration Concurrent to publication. Controlled trials ISRCTN74721694.

scholarly journals Will mobile learning change language learning?

ReCALL ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes Kukulska-Hulme
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning Practices ◽  
Formal And Informal Learning ◽  
Significant Change

AbstractThe use of mobile phones and other portable devices is beginning to have an impact on how learning takes place in many disciplines and contexts, including language learning. Learners who are not dependent on access to fixed computers can engage in activities that relate more closely to their current surroundings, sometimes crossing the border between formal and informal learning. This creates the potential for significant change in teaching and learning practices. Taking the broader field of mobile learning as the setting within which developments in mobile-assisted language learning may be understood, the paper argues that an emphasis on mobility can lead to new perspectives and practices. The paper offers reflections on what mobile learning has to offer and considers whether it is likely to change how languages are taught and learnt. ‘Mobile learning’ is not a stable concept; therefore its current interpretations need to be made explicit. Examples of current projects and practices show an affinity between mobile and games-based learning, and can further illuminate what is distinctive and worthwhile about mobile learning.

scholarly journals Education in mobility

Comunicar ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (31) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Gómez-Aguilar ◽  
María de los Ángeles Martínez-García
Keyword(s):  
Media Literacy ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Global Society ◽  
Digital Contents ◽  
Nuevas Tecnologías

Nowadays, digitalization of contents constitutes one of the keys of the development in the educational sector. The ubiquitous proliferation of mobile phones and portable devices, added to the development of the access to wide band, changes the scene of distribution of digital contents through communication nets, removing the need for the support and the physical delivery. Education in mobility implies the education of critical receivers, with skills in the new technologies (media literacy) in our global society. La digitalización de los contenidos constituye una de las claves del desarrollo del sector educativo en la actualidad. La proliferación ubicua de dispositivos móviles y portátiles, sumada al desarrollo del acceso a banda ancha, plantea un nuevo escenario de distribución de los contenidos digitales a través de las redes de comunicación, eliminando la necesidad del soporte y la distribución física. La educación en móvil(idad) pasa por la formación de receptores críticos, diestros en las nuevas tecnologías (alfabetización mediática) en el seno de la sociedad global.

scholarly journals Determining the extent of ICT implementation and use in financial management of Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Katitia Melita David ◽  
Edward Tanui ◽  
Florence Oruta
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Ict Implementation ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Directors Of Education

The objective of the study was to determine the extent of ICT implementation and use in financial management of Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population for this study was the 61 public secondary schools’ principals, 1220 teachers, 610 students, 25 ICT teachers, 6 Sub-county Directors of Education in the 6 Sub-counties and 1 County Director of Education in Kajiado County. The study used 30% of the accessible population as sample size. The sample size for this study was 18 principals, 366 teachers, 8 ICT teachers,183 students, 2 Sub- county Directors of Education and 1 County Director of Education. This study used questionnaires, Observation schedules and interview schedule as tools for data collection. The questionnaires were administered to Principals, teachers and ICT coordinators while interview schedules were administered to the students, Sub-county Directors of Education and the County Director of Education. The pilot test was carried at the schools with similar characteristics to those sampled through random sampling. Instrument reliability was determined through test- retest method. Cronbach alpha was used to test the internal reliability of the measurement instrument. The study concluded that most of the public secondary schools in Kajiado County had not embraced ICT in various areas of administration. Based on the findings, the study recommends that proper technology should be put in place by purchasing of the required ICT facilities in schools to enhance management of schools using the current technology.

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