scholarly journals A disconnect in media accountability: Spanish journalists’ and citizens’ perceptions of established and innovative instruments at the organizational level

Author(s):  
Xavier Ramon ◽  
Marcel Mauri-Ríos ◽  
Jesús Díaz-Campo ◽  
Juan Carlos Suárez-Villegas

In the current media landscape, accountability can be promoted through a wide range of established and innovative instruments. Focusing on the Spanish context, this article examines journalists’ perceptions of in-house accountability instrument effectiveness and analyses citizens’ knowledge and understanding of these mechanisms. A mixed-methods approach was employed: an online survey was administered to Spanish journalists (N = 228), and six citizen focus groups (38 participants in total) were established in several regions of Spain (Andalusia, Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid and Valencia). Findings showed that journalists’ evaluation of media accountability instruments is remarkably limited, scoring 5.82 out of 10 points in the highest case. From the citizens’ perspective, the overwhelming lack of visibility and relative distrust towards these instruments are revealed. This double disconnect from accountability brings to light the need to rethink and reinvigorate the existing instruments so they can effectively contribute to the goal of rebuilding trust in journalism.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Merrill ◽  
Taren-Ida Ackermann

The use of the voice in everyday communication is vital for our understanding of human interaction. The singing of popular music often amplifies vocal features from speech, which can provide insights into vocal activity in the context of the intense emotional impact of music. Three studies with a mixed-methods approach aimed at evaluating rationales and features of disliked voices in the context of popular music. In an interview study (N = 20), rationales and features for disliked voices were identified using self-selected voices. In a group testing session (N = 48) and an online survey (N = 216), these disliked voices were presented to new participants, and the vocal features and evoked emotions by the singers were investigated, assuming that the participants did not have strong opinions about the voices. The results showed that participants justified their dislikes based on object-related/sound and emotional reasons, similar to findings from studies on musical taste. Specific features of disliked voices were confirmed in the following studies, including a specific feature of popular singing styles, the twang, perceived as a squeaky and nasal sound. Further disliked features include a pressed sound, imprecise and ordinary articulation and a uniform expression. Notably, a rough voice was no predictor of aesthetic judgments. Evoked feelings relate to vocal features with similar tension levels. The measures created in the current study will also be informative for studying voice perception and evaluation more generally, which is a tool to evaluate vocal expression and items to evaluate reasons for disliked voices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 36-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caleb Warren ◽  
Rajeev Batra ◽  
Sandra Maria Correia Loureiro ◽  
Richard P. Bagozzi

Marketers strive to create cool brands, but the literature does not offer a blueprint for what “brand coolness” means or what features characterize cool brands. This research uses a mixed-methods approach to conceptualize brand coolness and identify a set of characteristics typically associated with cool brands. Focus groups, depth interviews, and an essay study indicate that cool brands are perceived to be extraordinary, aesthetically appealing, energetic, high status, rebellious, original, authentic, subcultural, iconic, and popular. In nine quantitative studies (surveys and experiments), the authors develop scale items to reliably measure the component characteristics of brand coolness; show that brand coolness influences important outcome variables, including consumers’ attitudes toward, satisfaction with, intentions to talk about, and willingness to pay for the brand; and demonstrate how cool brands change over time. At first, most brands become cool to a small niche, at which point they are perceived to be more subcultural, rebellious, authentic, and original. Over time, some cool brands become adopted by the masses, at which point they are perceived to be more popular and iconic.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 499-511
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Bogenschutz ◽  
Parthenia A. Dinora ◽  
Khalilah R. Johnson

Abstract Case management (CM) is one of the most commonly used services by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), but little is known about the workers who provide CM. This study used a mixed methods approach to gain understanding of the CM workforce in one U.S. state. An online survey was completed by 35 IDD service directors (87.5% of directors in the state); and 113 CMs and CM supervisors participated in semistructured interviews and focus groups. Results indicated an annual crude separation rate of 28.2%, and participants often complained that turnover resulted in caseload sizes that prevented optimal outcomes for people with IDD. A limited applicant pool, duties focused on regulatory compliance, and inadequate wages were cited as major challenges for CMs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 205630512094069
Author(s):  
Samantha Close ◽  
Cynthia Wang

The platformization of crafting in an unequal world encourages discriminatory attitudes toward ethnic Others. Imagining that the “magic circle” of a subcultural platform can insulate users from racism is deeply misguided. We examine this thesis through a mixed-methods approach combining an online survey assessing perceived experiences of racism online and willingness to communicate with people of different ethnicities, discourse analysis of crafters’ online posts, and ethnographic interviews. As the e-commerce platform Etsy allowed “manufactured goods” to be sold in their marketplace as handmade, Western crafters channel their frustrations with a broken platform economy into racist sentiment against Chinese crafters. This study explores the implications of these Orientalist sentiments as a reinforcement of Western exceptionalism around originality and creativity, and it analyzes White fragility and the assumption of Whiteness within the crafting subculture.


Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Carman ◽  
Leigh Quarles ◽  
Lauren Southwick ◽  
Emma K Benn ◽  
Salina P Waddy ◽  
...  

Background: Race-ethnic disparities exist in stroke incidence, recurrence and mortality. Minority participation in stroke clinical trials is staggeringly low. A significant literature describes patient-reported barriers to recruitment, but researcher barriers are not well documented. Aim: To assess stroke researcher best practices and challenges to minority inclusion in stroke trials. Methods: The National Initiative for Minority Involvement in Neurological Clinical Trials (NIMICT) uses a mixed methods approach including surveys, focus groups and key informant interviews to expand on understanding of minority recruitment and retention in stroke clinical trials. We designed and tested a 40-item survey based on literature review and used the results to inform semi-structured focus groups and key informant interviews among stroke clinical trial investigators (N=110). Results: Key stroke investigators, identified through the Princeton Conference, were invited via email to participate in the survey. Over 70% (n=93) responded: 68% White. Less than half (N=43) reported actively setting recruitment goals for minority inclusion. Only 37% (N=29) required cultural sensitivity training for recruitment staff. Over 80% reported treating adults unable to consent and were concerned about acute stroke time constraints negatively impacting patient/family participation decisions. Key themes from focus groups (N=17) included: 1) Role of government in defining valid minority sub analyses and enforcing existing inclusion guidelines; 2) Challenges unique to acute setting including consent in conditions of prognostic uncertainty; 3) Lack of scientific/research literacy in the lay population; 4) Lack of community engagement including Primary Care Physicians; 5) Lack of cost data to adequately budget for inclusion efforts. Best practices included health literate consent forms, cultural competency, and motivational interview training for coordinators. Conclusion: NIMICT’s mixed methods approach contributes new perspectives on unique challenges in stroke clinical research. These findings will inform strategies to improve minority recruitment and retention among neurological clinical trials.


Author(s):  
Shalini Felicity Wickremesooriya

Social inclusion is based on acceptance and belonging irrespective of any status, disability, or disadvantage. The ability to communicate empowers humans in their quest for social inclusion. However, children challenged by communication disorders struggle to form friendships and make inroads into social groups. Mothers, the primary caregivers in most instances, with their intimate knowledge of their children, are considered the best advocates. This study set out to identify strategies that mothers engage in to pave the way for successful social inclusion of children with communication disorders. An online survey was conducted in different geographical locations. Mothers with children aged 6-13 years who had received speech therapy or are currently receiving speech therapy were invited to participate. Data were analyzed using a mixed methods approach. Outcomes suggest that all mothers believe in social inclusion despite facing a range of inclusion and exclusionary practices. Undeterred by these responses, mothers advocate for social inclusion by engaging in a range of strategies.


Author(s):  
Britta Wittner ◽  
Luisa Barthauer ◽  
Simone Kauffeld

Social support is a crucial factor for first-generation students’ (FGS) integration at university and their educational success. FGS are often assumed to lack social support and integration, but research shows mixed results. By means of a mixed-methods approach (combination of interviews and online survey), we aimed to shed light on the characteristics in FGS social networks that classify them as high-quality networks in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the structure and setup of the social contexts from which FGS receive support. Using these characteristics, we constructed types of socially supported students and related them to academic success. For that, we conducted N = 40 semi-structured interviews linked to Qualitative Social Network Analysis at an urban German University. Prior to the interviews, the interviewees filled out an online survey (1) consisting of demographic variables and psychological scales. During the interviews (2), we followed a problem-centred interview approach for the first part and then (3) asked about the FGS’s support networks during the beginning of their bachelor’s degrees. All the interviews were coded by applying content analysis. Network maps were analysed using qualitative structural analysis (QSA). Both maps and codes were used to build three types of support as received by the students. These types were in turn connected to the results of the support forms in content analysis and the psychometric scales to estimate how students perceive different structures in their networks as supportive. The results revealed three types: small and dense bijou networks, medium networks with emotionally close alters (close-knit networks), and large and diverse networks (have-it-all networks). The types show different results for university success and perceived support for their networks.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e046977
Author(s):  
Beatriz Goulao ◽  
Camille Poisson ◽  
Katie Gillies

ObjectiveWe aimed to find out if trialists involve patients and the public in numerical aspects of trials, how and what are the barriers and facilitators to doing it.DesignWe developed a survey based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. We used a mixed methods approach to analyse the data and to identify important domains.SettingOnline survey targeting UK-based trial units.ParticipantsStakeholders working in UK-based clinical trials, 18 years old or over, understand English and agree to take part in the study.Outcome measuresTrialists’ behaviour of involving patients and the public in numerical aspects of trials and its determinants.ResultsWe included 187 respondents. Majority were female (70%), trial managers (67%) and involved public and patient partners in numerical aspects of trials (60%). We found lack of knowledge, trialists’ perception of public and patient partners’ skills, capabilities and motivations, scarce resources, lack of reinforcement, and lack of guidance were barriers to involving public and patient partners in numerical aspects of trials. Positive beliefs about consequences were an incentive to doing it.ConclusionsMore training, guidance and funding can help trialists involve patient and public partners in numerical aspects, although they were uncertain about public and patient partners’ motivation to be involved. Future research should focus on identifying public and patient partners’ motivations and develop strategies to improve the communication of numerical aspects.


Author(s):  
Effrossyni (Effie) Fragkou

Mode switching is a frequent practice in healthcare interpreting, but has received very little attention. This research aims to bridge the aforementioned gap by investigating the instances of mode switching in interpreter-mediated healthcare encounters and the implications of this practice (or lack thereof) in managing effectively the administration of patients' care. To achieve this aim, the investigator created an online survey intended for trained healthcare interpreters alone. Seventy-five responses were collected over a period of three months (May to July 2019) and analyzed using a mixed methods approach. The objective was to demonstrate how interpreters envisage mode switching from the perspective of the training they received, the applicability of switching in relation to the nature of assignments that call for such shift in modes, the differences in mode switching between spoken and sign language, the institutional or other constraints (such as time limitations, number of participants, power differential among interactants) that call for or hamper mode switching, etc. The collected answers reveal a discrepancy between training and practice as well as between prescriptive requirements and reality in the field of healthcare interpreting. The respondents' comments allow the investigator to make key training recommendations.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sagar Jilka ◽  
Claire Murray ◽  
Ania Wieczorek ◽  
Helena Griffiths ◽  
Til Wykes ◽  
...  

Background Only one-third of patients with major depressive disorder achieve remission. One new and promising treatment, ketamine, may prove challenging to implement because of its abuse potential. Although clinicians' views have been sought, we need patients' views before large scale roll-out is considered. Aims To explore patients’ and carers' views to inform policy and practical decisions about the clinical use of ketamine. Method We carried out a mixed-methods study using data from 44 participants in 21 focus groups in three sessions and an online survey with patients, carers and advocates during a consultation day. Focus groups explored participant's views about ketamine as a form of treatment and the best way for ketamine to be prescribed and monitored. The qualitative data were analysed by two patient–researchers using an exploratory framework analysis and was supplemented by a survey. Results The ten themes generated were monitoring, information, effect on daily life, side-effects, recreational use, effectiveness, appropriate support, cost, stigma and therapy. Participants wanted better evidence on the safety of ketamine after long-term use and felt that monitoring was required. Collecting this information would provide evidence for ketamine's safe use and administration. There were, however, concerns about the misuse of this information. Practical issues of access were important: repeated travelling to clinics and a lack of sufficiently informed medical staff were key barriers. Conclusions Clinicians have some similar and some different views to those of patients, carers and advocates, which need to be considered in any future roll-out of ketamine. Declaration of interest R.M. has had UK National Institute for Health Research grant funding to study ketamine, is participating in trials of esketamine, runs a clinic that provides ketamine treatment, and has consulted for Johnson & Johnson and Eleusis.


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