scholarly journals Using Ethnography in Politeness Studies: A Discursiveness-based Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
QIN Si
Keyword(s):  
Contextual Information ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Valid Conclusion ◽  
Ethnographic Data ◽  
Gain Access

The current study points out the methodological limitations of contemporary discursive politeness research and suggests that in-depth ethnographic data provides a potentially crucial solution. Discursive politeness studies advocate a data-driven, bottom-up analytical approach that stresses the importance of participants’ own contextual assessments. Analysis of such kind requires the corresponding methodological design which allows researchers to obtain the defining information that can be seemingly absent in the on-going interaction. However, in the current body of literature, politeness research focuses on theoretical discussion without specifically organised consideration regarding methodology. Therefore, aiming at providing a more valid methodological approach, the current study proposes to consider ethnography as the foundational data-collection method for discursive politeness research, stressing ‘long-term’ and ‘in-depth’ as the core features in conducting fieldwork.In order to clarify this view, the current study demonstrates a case study via examining an interaction naturally occurring among several family members during dinner time in China. This interaction is examined on two levels respectively (i.e., based on demographic data and in-depth ethnographic data). This paralleled analysis reveals that in complicated real-life interactions, lacking of thorough contextual information of both cultural norms and individually shaped cognition can be misleading in analysis. Therefore, understanding (im)politeness as an interactionally situated contextual/cognitive judgement, long-term ethnography is needed and that the fieldwork should be conducted carefully and patiently in order to gain access to comparatively more solid data and achieve more valid conclusion.  

Crafting Masculine Selves

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Chiovenda
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
The Political ◽  
The Unconscious ◽  
Life Trajectories ◽  
Select Group ◽  
Ethnographic Methodology ◽  
The Individual

Crafting Masculine Selves represents a journey into the culture and psychological dynamics of a select group of Afghan Pashtun men. The book is based on eighteen months of fieldwork in a volatile area of Afghanistan, adjoining the border with Pakistan, carried out between 2009 and 2013. In addition to participant observation, the author employed a person-centered ethnographic methodology, wherein he conducted long-term, one-on-one interview sessions with four male individuals, and analyzed four additional life trajectories. The book unveils and chronicles how the creation and use of multiple subjectivities, and the unconscious, dissociative interplay that the individual maintains between them, is one of the “stratagems” with which individuals manage to make sense of what happens to them in real life, and to pragmatically inhabit personal circumstances that are often marred by conflict and violence, both at the interpersonal and at the political level. The main cultural thread the book investigates is that of masculinity, a crucial idiom in a very androcentric Pashtun society. Virtually all the interlocutors the book presents have to navigate deep private conflicts and contradictions related to how society expects them to be appropriate, proper men, against the backdrop of a sociopolitical Afghan context heavily impacted by almost forty years of uninterrupted war. Feeling constrained by the strict norms about a severe and honor-bound masculinity in a quickly changing Afghanistan, but equally striving to be culturally validated by their own peers, these men struggle to create and publicly legitimize their own, idiosyncratic way of being appropriate men. While they suffer at times the stern rebuke of their social environment, all the same they represent the seeds for a change of those very cultural norms.

scholarly journals Semiotic dimensions of human attitudes towards other animals: A case of zoological gardens

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 209-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelly Mäekivi ◽  
Timo Maran
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Communicative Interactions ◽  
The People ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Symbolic Meanings ◽  
Cultural Connotations

This paper analyses the cultural and biosemiotic bases of human attitudes towards other species. A critical stance is taken towards species neutrality and it is shown that human attitudes towards different animal species differ depending on the psychological dispositions of the people, biosemiotic conditions (e.g. umwelt stuctures), cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. In real-life environments, such as zoological gardens, both biosemiotic and cultural aspects influence which animals are chosen for display, as well as the various ways in which they are displayed and interpreted. These semiotic dispositions are further used as motifs in staging, personifying or de-personifying animals in order to modify visitors’ perceptions and attitudes. As a case study, the contrasting interpretations of culling a giraffe at the Copenhagen zoo are discussed. The communicative encounters and shifting per ceptions are mapped on the scales of welfaristic, conservational, dominionistic, and utilitarian approaches. The methodological approach described in this article integrates static and dynamical views by proposing to analyse the semiotic potential of animals and the dynamics of communicative interactions in combination.

scholarly journals A Systemic Approach to City Image Building. The Case of Katowice City

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 4470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Adamus-Matuszyńska ◽  
Jerzy Michnik ◽  
Grzegorz Polok
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
City Image ◽  
City Development ◽  
Sustainable City ◽  
Causal Mapping ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Image Building ◽  
The City

Making long-term decisions and developing successful policy is always a challenge for a governing body. Within the framework of causal mapping, we evolved a model for the problem of creating and reinforcing a city’s image. Then, the model was enhanced into a quantitative form and processed with a novel approach: the extended form of the Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge System (WINGS). A real-life case study of the city of Katowice showed that the presented approach can be helpful for city authorities. It reinforces the understanding of the problem, facilitates choosing policy options, and supports sustainable city development.

scholarly journals Subjective vs. documented reality: A case study of long-term real-life autobiographical memory

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Mendelsohn ◽  
O. Furman ◽  
I. Navon ◽  
Y. Dudai
Keyword(s):  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Real Life

New Perspectives on Experimental Archaeology: Surface Treatments and Thermal Response of the Clay Cooking Pot

1994 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Brian Schiffer ◽  
James M. Skibo ◽  
Tamara C. Boelke ◽  
Mark A. Neupert ◽  
Meredith Aronson
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Thermal Response ◽  
Experimental Archaeology ◽  
Surface Treatments ◽  
Organic Coatings ◽  
Pottery Technology ◽  
New Vision

This paper examines pottery technology and change through the eyes of the experimental archaeologist. A new vision is presented of experimental archaeology and the role its findings can play in archaeological explanation. It is argued that the most useful results of experimental archaeology are best obtained with long-term research programs. This perspective is illustrated by a case study of the relations between surface treatments (interior and exterior) and thermal performance in cooking pots. The experiments indicate that surface treatments like texturing, organic coatings, and smudging have marked impacts on thermal shock cracking and on thermal spalling in simulated cooking. It is emphasized that the findings of experimental archaeology, expressed as correlates, can be employed in explanations of prehistoric technological change, but only when embedded in more inclusive correlate theories and coupled with the requisite contextual information.

How robust are Bayesian posterior inferences based on a Ricker model with regards to measurement errors and prior assumptions about parameters?

2001 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
pp. 2284-2297 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Rivot ◽  
E Prévost ◽  
E Parent
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Posterior Distributions ◽  
Informative Priors ◽  
Ricker Model ◽  
Stock Recruitment

We present a Bayesian approach of a Ricker stock-recruitment (S/R) analysis accounting for measurement errors on S/R data. We assess the sensitivity of posterior inferences to (i) the choice of Ricker model parameterizations, with special regards to management-related ones, and (ii) prior parameter distributions. Closed forms for Ricker parameter posterior distributions exist given S/R data known without error. We use this property to develop a procedure based on the Rao–Blackwell formula. This procedure achieves integration of measurement errors by averaging these closed forms over possible S/R data sets sampled from distributions derived from a stochastic model relating field data to the S and R variables. High-quality Bayesian estimates are obtained. The analysis of the influence of different parameterizations and of the priors is made easier. We illustrate our methodological approach by a case study of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Posterior distributions for S and R are computed from a mark–recapture stochastic model. Ignoring measurement errors underestimates parameter uncertainty and overestimates both stock productivity and density dependence. We warn against using management-related parameterizations because it makes the strong prior assumption of long-term sustainability of stocks. Posterior inferences are sensitive to the choice of prior. The use of informative priors as a remedy is discussed.

scholarly journals Mask side-effects in long-term CPAP-patients impact adherence and sleepiness: the InterfaceVent real-life study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Caroline Rotty ◽  
Carey M. Suehs ◽  
Jean-Pierre Mallet ◽  
Christian Martinez ◽  
Jean-Christian Borel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Life Study ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Real Life Study

Abstract Background For some patients, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) remains an uncomfortable therapy despite the constant development of technological innovations. To date, no real life study has investigated the relationship between mask related side-effects (MRSEs) and CPAP-non-adherence (defined as < 4 h/day) or residual-excessive-sleepiness (RES, Epworth-Sleepiness-Scale (ESS) score ≥ 11) in the long-term. Methods The InterfaceVent-CPAP study is a prospective real-life cross-sectional study conducted in an apneic adult cohort undergoing at least 3 months of CPAP with unrestricted mask-access (34 different masks). MRSEs were evaluated using visual-analogue-scales, CPAP-data using CPAP-software, sleepiness using ESS. Results 1484 patients were included in the analysis (72.2% male, median age 67 years (IQ25–75: 60–74), initial Apnea–Hypopnea-Index (AHI) of 39 (31–56)/h, residual AHIflow was 1.9 (0.9–4) events/h), CPAP-treatment lasted 4.4 (2.0–9.7) years, CPAP-usage was 6.8 (5.5–7.8) h/day, the prevalence of CPAP-non-adherence was 8.6%, and the prevalence of RES was 16.17%. Leak-related side-effects were the most prevalent side-effects (patient-reported leaks concerned 75.4% of responders and had no correlation with CPAP-reported-leaks). Multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluating explanatory-variable (demographic data, device/mask data and MRSEs) effects on variables-of-interest (CPAP-non-adherence and RES), indicated for patient-MRSEs significant associations between: (i) CPAP-non-adherence and dry-mouth (p = 0.004); (ii) RES and patient-reported leaks (p = 0.007), noisy mask (p < 0.001), dry nose (p < 0.001) and harness pain (p = 0.043). Conclusion In long-term CPAP-treated patients, leak-related side-effects remain the most prevalent side-effects, but patient-reported leaks cannot be predicted by CPAP-reported-leaks. Patient-MRSEs can be independently associated with CPAP-non-adherence and RES, thus implying a complementary role for MRSE questionnaires alongside CPAP-device-reported-data for patient monitoring. Trial registration InterfaceVent is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03013283).

Session Fifteen: Meaning and Purpose

2018 ◽  
pp. 104-110
Author(s):  
Tayyab Rashid ◽  
Martin Seligman
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
The Self ◽  
Positive Psychotherapy ◽  
Final Session ◽  
Sense Of Purpose ◽  
The World ◽  
Greater Good ◽  
Meaning And Purpose

This final session integrates the three phases of positive psychotherapy (PPT): the narrative of resilience (positive introduction), the hope of cultivating a better version of the self, and the aspiration of leaving a positive legacy. Meaning refers to a coherent understanding of the world that promotes the pursuit of long-term goals that provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Session Fifteen focuses on the search and pursuit of meaningful endeavors for the greater good, and the central PPT practice in this session is Positive Legacy. The chapter provides a list of readings, videos, and websites that relate to the Positive Legacy idea and offers two worksheets to practice the concepts learned in the chapter. The chapter also includes a real-life case study that illustrates Positive Legacy.

scholarly journals Online examination: a feasible alternative during COVID-19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Choon Yong Alex Tan ◽  
Kye Mon Min Swe ◽  
Veronica Poulsaeman
Keyword(s):  
Academic Dishonesty ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Examination

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to share the authors’ involvement and observation in adopting online exam as an evaluation tool, in the hope that others may too be able to adapt and circumvent this lockdown period while bringing a more reliable methodological approach in an online exam. Design/methodology/approach This is a case study that reports the application of an online examination for a year 3 MBBS Professional Exam during the period of lockdown (movement control). This case highlights the conduct of online theory in the form of single best answer multiple choice questions and online practical via objective structured clinical examination, without jeopardizing the integrity of the system, and the measures adapted to mitigate potential academic dishonesty. Findings The authors’ observation shows that online exam can be conducted in scenario where conventional exam is not possible. Research limitations/implications This is an observation in a real-life scenario that discusses the purpose and the process. A single study may not be sufficient to relate the reliability and generalizability of the analysis. Practical implications The practice of social distancing is a hindrance towards traditional classroom teaching. Online exam has promising potential to be the solution to this problem. The authors have demonstrated that an MBBS theory and practical exam can be conducted remotely without any physical contact, without any compromise in achieving the learning objectives within the curriculum. Medical education can proceed with a new drive while ensuring the learning process continues a stable momentum. Originality/value Online examination is almost unheard of, especially for undergraduates in the medical programme. This study highlights a plausible approach in the design of the online examination and identifies the barriers and favourable edges of this platform.

We can't help feeding the monster: the social handling of uncertainty in an environment of high-risk and fast-paced change

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-100
Author(s):  
Øyvind R. Haugen ◽  
Jens Preil
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Role Identities ◽  
Development Organisation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Scientific ◽  
Gain Access

In this article the authors present a case study that they conducted in the research and development organisation of a global pharmaceutical company. The aim of the study was to explore the social handling of uncertainty in a business environment characterised by high-risk and fast-paced change. The authors present a new methodological approach in which they combine grounded theory and depth hermeneutic analysis to gain access to the social reality of the organisation. The creation of work role identities and social imaginaries were the two main variables emerging from the data. The authors discuss how certain coping strategies against anxiety and emotional distress affect the design and execution of work processes. Furthermore, they explore to what extent social-scientific research methods can be applied to study the unique observations and interpretations made by the organisation's members, and how this knowledge can inform the development of organisations and management of change processes.

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