Working in Research Teams: Lessons from Personal Experiences

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 461-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas W. Lee ◽  
Terence R. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Team Processes ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Team Meetings ◽  
Personal Experiences

Managing a successful research team involves a variety of activities and potential issues. In this article, we discuss these issues based on our experience of having worked together for 20 years with regular team meetings that include Ph.D. and undergraduate students and occasionally other faculty colleagues. We attempt to describe the challenges that occur, including some ethical issues, and distil the knowledge we have gained over the years. We pose and answer nine questions about our team processes and procedures and end with a brief summary of key learning.

Researching people who are bereaved: Managing risks to participants and researchers

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 224-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh E Butler ◽  
Beverley Copnell ◽  
Helen Hall
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
Potential Safety ◽  
Personal Experiences

Conducting qualitative research, especially in areas considered ‘sensitive’, presents many challenges. The processes involved in such research often expose both participants and the research team to a vast array of risks, which may cause damage to their personal, professional, social and cultural worlds. Historically, these risks have been considered independent of each other, with most studies exploring only the risks to participants or only risks to researchers. Additionally, most researchers only consider risks during data collection, frequently overlooking risks that might be present during other phases of the research project. We aim, therefore, to bring together this fractured literature to enable an integrated exploration of the current academic discourse relating to risks to participants with the literature exploring risks to researchers across all phases of the research process. This article draws on personal experiences to highlight ethical issues and risks encountered by both participants and researchers throughout all phases of a research project. Beginning in recruitment, we discuss the risk of secondary distress in participants arising from researcher contact and then explore the concept of informed consent during grief and bereavement research. We then focus on risks present during data collection, examining risks for participants, such as emotional distress, and potential safety risks for the research team. Finally, we consider the risks which arise in data analysis, including both confidentiality and the possibility of researcher burnout. Previous recommendations are summarised, with new management strategies suggested based on lessons learned along the way.

Pearls and Pitfalls of Team Science

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 920-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicki S. Conn ◽  
Ann Marie McCarthy ◽  
Marlene Z. Cohen ◽  
Cindy M. Anderson ◽  
Cheryl Killion ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Team ◽  
Team Member ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Team Science ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Team Meetings ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
New Ideas

Formidable health problems are often best addressed by teams of scientists with varied expertise. This diversity among team members and complexities in managing teams can lead to challenges in designing, funding, conducting, and reporting research. Team science difficulties can be addressed by sophisticated planning, frequent reassessment and realignment of team strategies with goals, and consistent transparent communication. This article addresses specific strategies to build and sustain research teams, manage team meetings, strategically develop publications and grants, thrive in the midst of disciplinary and individual team member differences, embrace new ideas and change to maintain creativity, and build future team scientists and projects. The potential value in team science justifies the effort required to build and maintain efficient and effective research teams.

Ethical Issues Relevant to the Assessment of Suicide Risk in Nonclinical Research Settings

Crisis ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn M. Wilson ◽  
Bruce K. Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Schizotypal Personality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Genetic Features ◽  
Conducting Research

Background: Our laboratory recently confronted this issue while conducting research with undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo (UW). Although our main objective was to examine cognitive and genetic features of individuals with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), the study protocol also entailed the completion of various self-report measures to identify participants deemed at increased risk for suicide. Aims and Methods: This paper seeks to review and discuss the relevant ethical guidelines and legislation that bear upon a psychologist’s obligation to further assess and intervene when research participants reveal that they are at increased risk for suicide. Results and Conclusions: In the current paper we argue that psychologists are ethically impelled to assess and appropriately intervene in cases of suicide risk, even when such risk is revealed within a research context. We also discuss how any such obligation may potentially be modulated by the research participant’s expectations of the role of a psychologist, within such a context. Although the focus of the current paper is on the ethical obligations of psychologists, specifically those practicing within Canada, the relevance of this paper extends to all regulated health professionals conducting research in nonclinical settings.

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH, DELIBERATION, AND INNOVATION

Episteme ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Brad Wray
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Wrong Direction ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Alternative Solutions

AbstractI evaluate the extent to which we could learn something about how we should be conducting collaborative research in science from the research on groupthink. I argue that Solomon has set us in the wrong direction, failing to recognize that the consensus in scientific specialties is not the result of deliberation. But the attention to the structure of problem-solving that has emerged in the groupthink research conducted by psychologists can help us see when deliberation could lead to problems for a research team. I argue that whenever we need to generate alternative solutions or proposals, groupthink is a genuine threat, and research teams would be wise to allow individuals opportunities to work alone. But the benefits of team work emerge when scientists seek to evaluate the various proposals generated, and determine a course of action. Then the group is less prone is groupthink, and the interaction of group members can be an epistemic asset.

scholarly journals Attributes of Interdisciplinary Research Teams: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

2012 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jahan Lakhani ◽  
Karen Benzies ◽  
K. Alix Hayden
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Team Development ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Mutual Respect ◽  
Leadership Communication ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Progressive Movement ◽  
Health Related

Purpose: To solve large complex health-related problems, there has been a progressive movement towards interdisciplinary research teams; however, there has been minimal investigation into the attributes of successful teams. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the attributes that are important for the effective functioning of these teams. Method: Literature from medicine, nursing and psychology databases, published between 1990 and 2010, was reviewed. Principal findings: Thematic organization of the findings identified seven attributes important to effective interdisciplinary research teams: team purpose, goals, leadership, communication, cohesion, mutual respect and reflection. These attributes are described in depth. Conclusion: Identification of these attributes could form the basis of a new measure to monitor interdisciplinary research team effectiveness, identify weaknesses and promote team development.

Perceived Health Implications in the Use of Mobile Devices by Undergraduate Students of Nigerian Universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-13
Author(s):  
Janet O. Adekannbi ◽  
Rotimi Abayomi Egunyomi
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Ibadan Nigeria

This study investigated responses by undergraduate students to the perceived health implications in the use of mobile devices. The survey research design using the qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Five faculties common to both Lead City University and University of Ibadan, Nigeria, were purposively selected for the study while convenience sampling was used in selecting the respondents. Interview was conducted and responses analyzed on forty-eight respondents using the Nvivo software for analyzing qualitative data. Findings showed that many of the respondents had their perceptions on the health implications arising from mobile devices use. Some sources of information on these perceived health hazards include social media, radio, TV, personal experiences, friends and family members. Many reported taking precautions on their use of mobile devices based on their perceived health implications of mobile devices use. Findings also showed that while few respondents refrained from sharing the information on the perceived health hazards, many of the respondents shared this information with others despite this information not being verified. The study recommends government and other stakeholders implementing policy that mandates manufacturers of mobile devices to inform and sensitize users on the potential health hazards involved in their use, thus reducing the level of unsubstantiated information available on the use of mobile devices.

Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Innovations in Social Work Education

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Locklear Hertel
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Doctoral Education ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Transdisciplinary Education ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Work Education ◽  
Scientific Integration ◽  
Scholarly Inquiry

Grounded in an indigenous holistic worldview and borrowing from the four Rs (values of relationships, responsibility, reciprocity, and redistribution), this article supports the inclusion of translational science and the integration of core metacompetencies into social work doctoral education as innovations in the field of social work science. The author argues that these innovations will enhance the ability of social–work–trained researchers to serve on transdisciplinary research teams, which are necessary to address complex metaproblems found in the natural world. Further, the author asserts that transdisciplinary scientific integration is helpful to social work science, as it builds awareness and appreciation of social work scholarly inquiry, promotes the inclusion of social work values in scientific research, and helps erode the scientific hierarchy that has traditionally existed between the natural and social sciences. By leveraging personal experiences in transdisciplinary education, the author offers a conceptual framework for innovations in doctoral education.

The development and implications of a case-based computer program to train ethical decision-making

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 943-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Jun Park
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Computer Program ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Ethical Decision ◽  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Nursing Ethics ◽  
Ethics Course ◽  
Case Based

To effectively train ethical decision-making of nursing students, a case-based computer program was developed using Flash animation. Seven ethical cases collected from practicing registered nurses’ actual clinical experiences and a six-step Integrated Ethical Decision-Making Model developed by the author were employed in the program. In total, 251 undergraduate students from three nursing schools used the program in their nursing ethics course. The usability of the program and its usefulness in improving 11 abilities needed in ethical decision-making were measured; it scored higher than 4 on a 5-point scale. Of the students, 82% recommended the program as a valuable complementary tool in the teaching of a nursing ethics course. A variety of encouraging and positive experiences were reported by the students. The computer program is likely to be usefully practical in the training of abstract skills to nursing students, though certain challenges remain, such as the precise understanding of cognitive or affective responses to ethical issues.

Ethical Considerations for Psychophysiology Studies

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-45
Author(s):  
Roger A. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Psychology Research ◽  
Ethical Practice ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Research Guidelines ◽  
British Psychological Society ◽  
The Uk

All psychology research should strictly adhere to ethical principles outlined by the researcher's local governing body. In the UK, this is the British Psychological Society (BPS). However, in papers advising on methodology used in psychophysiology (a research area within psychology), issues linked to ethics are rarely mentioned despite the invasive nature of this type of research. Guidelines published by local governing bodies are never mentioned. In this paper, important ethical issues in psychophysiology research are discussed with respect to BPS guidelines. Recommendations are made for ensuring ethical practice when conducting psychophysiology research. This paper is intended for those new to psychophysiology research (postgraduate and undergraduate students) and should be read in conjunction with the BPS ‘Code of ethics and conduct’.

scholarly journals The Effect of Team Communication Behaviors and Processes on Interdisciplinary Teams’ Research Productivity and Team Satisfaction

10.28945/4857 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 083-110
Author(s):  
Susan E Morgan ◽  
Soyeon Ahn ◽  
Alexandra Mosser ◽  
Tyler R Harrison ◽  
Jue Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Productivity ◽  
Interdisciplinary Teams ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Team Communication ◽  
Team Processes ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Team Outcomes ◽  
Goal Clarity ◽  
Team Satisfaction ◽  
Communication Processes

Aim/Purpose: There is ample evidence that team processes matter more than the characteristics of individual team members; unfortunately, very few empirical studies have examined communication process variables closely or tied them to team outcomes. Background: The University of Miami Laboratory for Integrated Knowledge (U-LINK) is a pilot funding mechanism that was developed and implemented based on empirically-established best practices established in the literature on the Science of Team Science (SciTS). In addition to addressing grand societal challenges, teams engaged in processes designed to enhance the process of “teaming”. This study uses the Inputs-Mediator-Outputs-Inputs (IMOI) model as a blueprint for an investigation into how team communication processes (shared communication, shared leadership, formal meetings, informal meetings) influence intermediary team processes (goal clarity, role ambiguity, process clarity, trust) and team outcomes (team satisfaction, team productivity). Methodology: Monte Carlo methodologies were used to explore both longitudinal self-report (survey of communication and team outcome variables) data and objective data on scholarly productivity, collected from seventy-eight members of eleven real-world intact interdisciplinary teams to explore how team communication processes affect team outcomes. Contribution: This study is among the few that centers communication practice and processes in the operationalization and measurement of its constructs and which provides a test of hypotheses centered on key questions identified in the literature. Findings: Communication practices are important to team processes and outcomes. Shared communication and informal meetings were associated with increased team satisfaction and increased research productivity. Shared leadership was associated with increased research productivity, as well as improved process and goal clarity. Formal meetings were associated with increased goal clarity and decreased role ambiguity. Recommendation for Researchers: Studying intact interdisciplinary research teams requires innovative methods and clear specification of variables. Challenges associated with access to limited numbers of teams should not preclude engaging in research as each study contributes to our larger body of knowledge of the factors that influence the success of interdisciplinary research teams. Future Research: Future research should examine different team formation and funding mechanisms and extend observation and data collection for longer periods of time.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document