scholarly journals Contributions from Visitor Research to CI and ICT4D Theory and Research Methodology

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia M Alexander ◽  
Helene Gelderblom Gelderblom ◽  
Estelle De Kock
Keyword(s):  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Science Centre ◽  
Visitor Research ◽  
Science Centres ◽  
Free Choice Learning ◽  
Ict For Development ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract The case study involved the evaluation of a single science centre exhibit in a number of different science centres in a developing country. This illustrates the lessons that Community Informatics and ICT for Development researchers can learn from “Visitor Research” theory and methods. The three contexts identified in The Contextual Model of Learning are seen to shed light on the research process as well as to its original purpose, free-choice learning. A multi-methodological research approach was used and each science centre was described separately so that the different levels of context could be taken into account.

scholarly journals Qualitative case study in pedagogical research: Cognitive possibilities and limitations

2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slavica Sevkusic
Keyword(s):  
Theory Development ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Case Method ◽  
Scientific Status ◽  
Methodological Procedures ◽  
Pedagogical Research

This paper discusses the cognitive possibilities and limitations of case study, as a qualitative research approach, and the fields of its application in studying pedagogical problems. Special attention is paid to different ways of defining and usual criticism pointed at this strategy in methodological literature of recent date: (1) general, theoretical (context independent) knowledge is much more valuable from actual, practical (context dependent) knowledge; (2) one cannot perform generalizations based on an individual case and therefore case study cannot contribute to the development of science; (3) case study is the most useful in generating hypotheses, that is, for the first phase of research process, while other methods are more suitable for testing hypotheses and building a theory; (4) case study tends to be partial towards verification, that is, the tendency of a researcher to confirm his/her previously established concepts; (5) it is often very difficult to present in brief the specific case study, and especially difficult to deduce general suggestions and theories on the basis of a specific case study. The objections, therefore, regard the possibility of theory development, reliability and validity of the approach, or doubt in its scientific status. The author of this paper discusses the justifiability of these objections and points out to different methodological procedures of arranging and analyzing the data collected for studying the case, which contribute to the reliability of this research approach. As a general conclusion, it is stated that the case method contains all the features relevant for studying pedagogical phenomena: preservation of the integrality of the phenomenon, appreciation of its context, developmental dimension and complementariness of different data sources.

scholarly journals Poverty's Effects on the Ability to Engage with Education Actively

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-134
Author(s):  
Afzal Sayed Munna
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Higher Education Funding ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Case Study Methods

The research investigates and understands how poverty creates risk and affects the ability to actively engage with education using a case study from an alternative provider's perspective—the research considered case study methods where data was collected using the qualitative research approach. The collection of data used data triangulation (focus groups and interviews of the students and senior staff members) using open-ended questions at the undergraduate level. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to assess the impact poverty has on educational attainment. Different ethical aspects and challenges were considered during the research process to ensure anonymity, confidentiality, power, and authority. Based on the case study research, the institution developed their five years strategic plan, which submitting to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), and also Office for Students (OFS) for their approval. The institution also introduced the Employers' Forum, which will continue to be effectively utilizing to enhance the student experience and retention and progression rates. The research only considered one case study institution and thus was limited to the data set. The research could have produced a comparative study if more institutions were choosing with a more significant data set.

scholarly journals Use of Development Dialogues in Learning and Changing Journalism Practice

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-106
Author(s):  
Jaana Hujanen
Keyword(s):  
Text Analysis ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Research Process ◽  
The Political ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Task Oriented ◽  
And Control

Abstract The present article analyses a case study in which the author experimented with use of the interventionist development dialogue method in journalism practice. Journalistic work is conceptualized as a network of multivoiced, contradictory, historically changing and artefact-mediated activity systems. Through the use of development dialogues, the study aimed at understanding and facilitating the innovation, change and expansive learning that can take place in relation to journalistic work. The data include collaboration between the researcher and four Finnish newspaper journalists, pre- and post-intervention interviews, and diaries kept by the journalists. The data were analysed using the methods of qualitative text analysis. The case study indicates that an interventionist research approach that focuses on journalists’ personal experiences and needs, and makes use of concrete development tasks, is of value to them. It fosters the imagination and the creation of novel journalistic and discursive practices that help journalists reflect on, understand and pursue journalism. As power relations and control impinged on and were manifest in the research process, the development task-oriented interventionist research approach calls for a thorough evaluation that looks at the power relations within an activity system and at the question of the political aim of an interventionist research approach.

Using a Qualitative Interpretive Approach in Educational Technology Implementation

2020 ◽  
pp. 318-331
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Osman Adam
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Doctoral Research

This chapter presents some methodological issues raised in the research process of an interpretive researcher in a maiden doctoral programme in a developing country. The chapter draws on a doctoral research experience which employed an interpretive case study approach as the methodology and a combined lens of activity and agency theories as to the theoretical foundation. The research relied on a single case study in a developing country context. The chapter offers an overview of some practicalities of carrying out a single case study research using an interpretive philosophy by presenting the different viewpoints using semi-structured interviews, documents and participant observation, and analysing the data through hermeneutics. The chapter presents some challenges and how interpretive research methods can be used as a clear methodological strategy, especially in an environment where many researchers are not familiar with this research approach. This reflective account provides lessons for others who wish to go through an interpretive process of researching an information systems phenomenon.

Unpacking the Dynamics of Paradoxes across Levels

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Gilbert ◽  
Valérie Michaud ◽  
Kathleen Bentein ◽  
Carl-Ardy Dubois ◽  
Jean-Luc Bédard
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Healthcare Organization ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Shed Light

Based on an in-depth case study of a healthcare organization, this chapter shows how paradoxical tensions were transferred between managers and professionals at different levels as they were dealing with them. It adds to the existing literature on nested tensions by showing more precisely how tensions transfer not only through discourse, but through control of specific structures and tools, according to actors’ power and views. The results shed light on how paradoxical tensions undergo transformation and surface, as actors at a higher level mobilize and impact others at a lower level. While previous studies have suggested that managers’ ability to embrace and deal with paradoxical tensions like quality and efficiency favours organizational change and maximizes organizational performance, the findings explained in this chapter question whether this permanent quest for performance could also compromise workers’ experience.

Selecting research approaches and research designs: a reflective essay

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurdiana Gaus
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Reflective Essay ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show the research process which is laid on the interrelated aspects of paradigm-research-based approaches and research designs. Design/methodology/approach It draws on my PhD research project experience, where I deployed these interrelated aspects informing my methodological perspective to produce quality research via the generation of legitimate research findings. Findings From this practice, my chosen held paradigm, constructionism, has guided me to proceed with my research process, leading to the selection of a research approach (qualitative case study) and research designs (interviews, observation, and document analysis). Originality/value This conduct helps valorise the legitimacy of my research findings to produce legitimate knowledge. This reflective account of the research process can become a lesson for others who wish to go through a legitimate process of selecting the research approaches and research designs, particularly, in social sciences.

scholarly journals Corruption Risks in Renewable Resource Governance: Case Studies in Iceland and Romania

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Gisladottir ◽  
Sigurbjörg Sigurgeirsdottir ◽  
Ingrid Stjernquist ◽  
Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Resource ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sustainable Resource Management ◽  
Resource Governance ◽  
Forestry Sector ◽  
Governance Systems ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Shed Light

<p>In this research, we attempt to shed light on the question of where corruption risks in the governance of renewable resources are located and how they have been addressed in European countries that have different levels of corruption. A comparative case study design was chosen, looking into the fisheries sector in Iceland and the forestry sector in Romania. We conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders sampled through a snowball method. Qualitative coding and systems analysis were used to analyse the interviews. The results indicate that comprehensive and ambitious legislation does not necessarily translate into successful resource governance systems. In general, the institutions that were put in place to enforce and monitor the legal codes and regulations did not have the capacity to carry out their role. Additionally, interviewees were generally found to have a widespread perception of there being a corrupt relationship between politics and big companies operating in their sectors. Our findings suggest that when people hold such perceptions, it undermines anti-corruption policy efforts in the resource sectors, which can then impede sustainable resource management.</p>

scholarly journals Knowledge◦Room exploring social justice by going beyond ‘traditional’ spaces and activities of science centres

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. C03
Author(s):  
Hessam Habibi Doroh ◽  
Barbara Streicher
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Disadvantaged Groups ◽  
Science Centre ◽  
Science Engagement ◽  
Science Centres ◽  
Diverse Groups

This article describes an example of science engagement striving for social justice by invigorating neglected spaces. The pop-up science centre “Knowledge◦Room“ in Vienna encourages learning, participation and engagement and provides accessibility to different groups regardless of their background. Based on a case-study of a bottom-up event at the Knowledge◦Room, we show how science communication can create a trust-based connection with disadvantaged groups in society and inspire their curiosity in science. We argue that science communication can be used as a tool for advancing social justice in the wider sense and facilitate encounters between diverse groups within society.

scholarly journals Challenges of science-society interactions in the frame of sustainable development: A case-study of contemporary Bulgaria

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-80
Author(s):  
Aneliya Paneva
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Lay Persons ◽  
Science In Society ◽  
Governance Processes

Effectively tackling problems of sustainable development such as climate change, poverty, and biodiversity loss requires a different perspective on the role of science in society. Building on the understanding that knowledge production processes shall go hand in hand with governance processes, sustainability science and ecological economics promote transdisciplinarity and participatory procedures as a key requirement for scientific work on nature-society interactions. Involving non-academic actors such as local lay persons, civil society representatives, businesses, and decision makers in the research process promises the discovery of practical solutions to related problems and empowerment of communities. While this novel research approach has been increasingly applied in Western societies, its adoption by scientific actors in the context of Central and Eastern Europe, however, remains relatively low. Employing Bulgaria as a case study, this investigation examined the inter-actions between academia and practice through a series of expert interviews and a review of policy documents, thus offering insights into the specific conditions of implementing science for sustainable development. It emerges that knowledge transfer and experience exchange in the field are needed. Promoting social learning in this domain requires clarification of the roles of actors and institutions for sustainable development. Finally, recommendations for science related policies and scientific work are given.

Modernisation of Higher Education – Willful Action or Wishful Thinking? The Case of Bulgaria

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-17
Author(s):  
Elena Blagoeva
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

The impact of the last global economic crisis (2008) on the European economy put a strain on higher education (HE), yet it also pushed the sector towards intensive reforms and improvements. This paper focuses on the “Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria 2014-2020”. With a case study methodology, we explore the strategic endeavours of the Bulgarian government to comply with the European directions and to secure sustainable growth for the HE sector. Our research question is ‘How capable is the Bulgarian HE Strategy to overcome the economic and systemic restraints of Bulgarian higher education?’. Because the development of strategies for HE within the EU is highly contextual, a single qualitative case study was chosen as the research approach. HE institutions are not ivory towers, but subjects to a variety of external and internal forces. Within the EU, this is obviated by the fact that Universities obtain their funds from institutions such as governments, students and their families, donors, as well as EU-level programmes. Therefore, to explore how these pressures interact to affect strategic action on national level, the case method is well suited as it enabled us to study the phenomena thoroughly and deeply. The paper suggests the actions proposed within the Strategy have the potential to overcome the delay, the regional isolation and the negative impact of the economic crisis on the country. Nevertheless, the key elements on which the success or failure of this Strategy hinges are the control mechanisms and the approach to implementation. Shortcomings in these two aspects of strategic actions in HE seem to mark the difference between gaining long-term benefits and merely saving face in front of international institutions.

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