scholarly journals The Setting Questionnaire for the Ayahuasca Experience: Questionnaire Development and Internal Structure

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Augusto de Deus Pontual ◽  
Luís Fernando Tófoli ◽  
Carlos Fernando Collares ◽  
Johannes G. Ramaekers ◽  
Clarissa Mendonça Corradi-Webster
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Questionnaire Development ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multidimensional Item Response ◽  
Consumption Experience ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Interest In Research

The growing interest in research on psychedelic consumption in naturalistic contexts and their possible medical and therapeutic benefits requires assessment of the relationships between the substance and the individual who consumes it (set) and its context of use (setting). This study provides a novel measurement scale for the setting of Ayahuasca consumption, the Setting Questionnaire for the Ayahuasca Experience (SQAE), and examines its psychometric properties. Construction of the scale began with a literature review, followed by interviews on 19 Ayahuasca users from different backgrounds and different consumption experience, and an online survey for quantitative data collection (n = 2,994). Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) was used to investigate the questionnaire's dimensional structure with (n = 1,497, half of the sample), and multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) was used to compare the fit of the theoretical dimensions with the EGA proposed dimensions (n = 1,497, independent other half). EGA identified six dimensions, which corresponded partially to the theorized model (Leadership, Decoration, Infrastructure, Comfort, Instruction, and Social). The MIRT comparison found that the proposed theoretical model fit significantly better than the EGA model, providing support for the former (χ2/df = 1,967; CFI = 0,972; TLI = 0,969; RMSEA = 0,059; WRMR = 1,087). Our findings present evidence of validity of this instrument, justifying its use for future research on the influence of the setting during the ayahuasca experience. Its findings may provide a basis for expanding the settings investigated in the use of psychedelics in general.

Prodigality in Islamic lifestyle: a new scale development

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
hossein emari
Keyword(s):  
Content Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Islamic Schools ◽  
Structure Reliability ◽  
Item Scale

Purpose – This study aims to propose a new construct – prodigality and develop a measurement scale to support the construct. Design/methodology/approach – Combining the paradigms of Churchill, Malhotra and Birks, the item generation and content validity yielded the development of a modified scale. Three main steps in assessment of the scale: dimensional structure, reliability and validity led to the development of a prodigality scale. A total of 32 items were generated, through assessing Qur’anic verses that are related to Muslim consumption patterns linked to in Islam. Findings – In total, 23 items remained after content validity. A pre-test using exploratory factor analysis on the 23-item scale created a two-factor scale. According to extracted validity and reliability scores, prodigality scale was statistically supported. A pool of nine items is proposed for the eventual measurement of the prodigality. Research limitations/implications – The proposed measurement scale warrants further exploratory study. Future research should assess the validity across different Muslim geographies and Islamic schools of thought and practice. Originality/value – Prodigality is proposed as a new construct that focuses primarily on the Qur’an and seeks to achieve relevance and acceptance by both Sunni and Shia denominations. The measurement scale is believed to extend the existing body of literature and contribute new knowledge on Muslim consumption.

Individual difference factors related to anthropomorphic tendency

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 973-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Letheren ◽  
Kerri-Ann L. Kuhn ◽  
Ian Lings ◽  
Nigel K. Ll. Pope
Keyword(s):  
Individual Difference ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Personal Connection ◽  
Experiential Thinking ◽  
Psychology Literature ◽  
The Individual

Purpose This paper aims to addresses an important gap in anthropomorphism research by examining the individual-level factors that correlate with anthropomorphic tendency. Design/methodology/approach The extant psychology, marketing and consumer psychology literature is reviewed, and eight hypotheses devised. Data from 509 online survey respondents are analysed to identify individual characteristics associated with anthropomorphic tendency. Findings The results reveal that anthropomorphic tendency varies by individual and is significantly related to personality, age, relationship status, personal connection to animals and experiential thinking. Research limitations/implications This paper extends on recent research into the individual nature of anthropomorphic tendency, once thought to be a universal trait. Given that this paper is the first of its kind, testing of further traits is merited. It is suggested that future research further examine personality, as well as other elements of individual difference, and test the role of anthropomorphic tendency in the development of processing abilities with age. Practical implications Findings show that anthropomorphic tendency may prove to be a key variable in the segmentation of markets and the design of marketing communications, and that younger, single, more creative, conscientious consumers are an appropriate target for anthropomorphic messages. The importance of personal connection to animals, as well as experiential thinking, is also highlighted. Originality/value Given the importance of anthropomorphic tendency for the processing of messages involving non-human endorsers, as well as the formation of relevant attitudes and behaviours, this paper fulfils an identified need to further understand the characteristics of those high on this tendency.

scholarly journals Exploring the Therapeutic Affordances of Self-Harm Online Support Communities: An Online Survey of Members

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil S Coulson ◽  
Emma Bullock ◽  
Karen Rodham
Keyword(s):  
Online Community ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Psychosocial Burden ◽  
Self Presentation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Positive Coping ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Individual

Background A growing number of online communities have been established to support those who self-harm. However, little is known about the therapeutic affordances arising from engagement with these communities and resulting outcomes. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the presence of therapeutic affordances as reported by members of self-harm online support communities. Methods In total, 94 respondents (aged 13-63 years, mean=23.5 years; 94% female) completed an online survey exploring their experiences of engaging with a self-harm online support community. Respondents varied in terms of how long they had been accessing an online community, with 22% (21/94) accessing less than 1 year, 39% (37/94) 1 to 2 years, 14% (13/94) 2 to 3 years, and 24.5% (23/94) more than 3 years. Responses were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Results The results of our analysis describe each of the five therapeutic affordances that were present in the data, namely (1) connection, the ability to make contact with others who self-harm for the purposes of mutual support and in so doing reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation; (2) adaptation, that is, how use of online support varies in relation to the personal circumstances of the individual user; (3) exploration, that is, the ability to learn about self-harm and learn about strategies to reduce or stop self-harming behavior; (4) narration, that is, the ability to share experiences, as well as read about the experiences of others; and (5) self-presentation, that is, how and what users present about themselves to others in the online community. Conclusions Our findings suggest that engagement with self-harm online support communities may confer a range of therapeutic benefits for some users, which may serve to minimize the psychosocial burden of self-harm and promote positive coping strategies. In addition, the online nature of the support available may be helpful to those who are unable to access face-to-face support.

Exploring antecedents of social media usage in B2B: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 629-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Pascucci ◽  
Chiara Ancillai ◽  
Silvio Cardinali
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Social ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Interest In Research

PurposeThis paper aims to review the state-of-the-art literature on social media adoption in business-to-business (B2B) contexts to propose an inclusive and theoretical viewpoint to understand the antecedents of this phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the results of a systematic literature review. For this purpose, 29 studies published in academic journals, books and conference papers in the field of marketing and management from 2001 to 2017 were analysed.FindingsThe results show that the number of studies has increased in the past five years. Three different groups of antecedents are identified by considering the nature of these factors (personal, organisational and external) and analysed at two different levels of adoption: individual and firm/function. Managerial implications and future research insights are provided.Research limitations/implicationsThis research area deserves much more attention, both theoretical and empirical, to analyse the existing classifications and develop new categories of antecedents of social media adoption in B2B. Further studies are needed on the individual level of adoption, on new skills and capabilities required to use social media as well as on the social factors influencing usage.Practical implicationsThe literature review allows to understand the role of personal, organisational and social antecedents and suggest ways to improve the level and quality of adoption.Originality/valueDespite a considerable interest in research on social media, this paper provides the first complete framework in the new field of study concerning social media adoption in B2B.

scholarly journals Assessing the Association between Agile Maturity Model Levels and Perceived Project Success

10.28945/4519 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaughan Henriques ◽  
Maureen Tanner
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Capability Maturity ◽  
Continuous Delivery ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Constant Improvement

Aim/Purpose: Given the underlying philosophy of the agile manifesto, this study investigates whether an increase in agile maturity is associated with improved perceived project success. Background: The underlying philosophy of the agile manifesto is embodied in principle one which promotes the continuous delivery of software that is deemed valuable by the customer, while principle twelve encourages continual improvement of the delivery process. This constant improvement, or maturity, is not a concept unique to agile methods and is commonly referred to as a maturity model. The most common of maturity model is the Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI). However, research consensus indicates CMMI might not fully be compatible with agile implementation, specifically at higher levels of maturity without sacrificing agility. Agile maturity models (AMM), which are aligned to agile principles encourage continuous improvement while maintaining agility. Methodology: The study employs a conceptual model based on an existing agile maturity model that is related to perceived project success. Using an objectivist perspective, a quantitative method was employed to analyze the results of an online survey of agile practitioners. Contribution: The significant contribution from this research is the validation of the conceptual model relating the activities and maturity levels of the AMM as the independent variables to the dependent variable of perceived project success. Findings: The data analysis found that a significant positive correlation exists between maturity levels and perceived project success. The strongest correlation was found at the highest maturity level, with relatively weaker correlation at the lower levels of maturity. It can thus be concluded that a higher level of maturity in the AMM is positively associated with perceived project success. Recommendations for Practitioners: The study has practical implications in highlighting that performance management, requirements management, regular delivery and customer availability are key areas to focus on to establish and continually improve the success of agile implementations. This study further assists practitioners in systematically identifying the critical agile activities, such as the use of story cards, continuous delivery and the presence of a knowledgeable customer. Recommendation for Researchers: The contributions of this study for academics is the confirmation of the maturity model developed by Patel and Ramachandran (2009a). This study also shows the association between the individual activities within the maturity levels as well as the maturity levels and the perceived project success, addressing a gap in literature relating these concepts. Future Research: It would be useful to replicate this study whilst following a qualitative approach. The study could also be replicated with a sample consisting of agile project customers.

scholarly journals Attitudes and opinions of US neurosurgical residents toward research and scholarship: a national survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 252-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Karsy ◽  
Fraser Henderson ◽  
Steven Tenny ◽  
Jian Guan ◽  
Jeremy W. Amps ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
National Level ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Resident Research ◽  
Scholarly Output ◽  
Interest In Research

OBJECTIVEThe analysis of resident research productivity in neurosurgery has gained significant recent interest. Resident scholarly output affects departmental productivity, recruitment of future residents, and likelihood of future research careers. To maintain and improve opportunities for resident research, the authors evaluated factors that affect resident attitudes toward neurosurgical research on a national level.METHODSAn online survey was distributed to all US neurosurgical residents. Questions assessed interest in research, perceived departmental support of research, and resident-perceived limitations in pursuing research. Residents were stratified based on number of publications above the median (AM; ≥ 14) or below the median (BM; < 14) for evaluation of factors influencing productivity.RESULTSA total of 278 resident responses from 82 US residency programs in 30 states were included (a 20% overall response rate). Residents predominantly desired future academic positions (53.2%), followed by private practice with some research (40.3%). Residents reported a mean ± SD of 11 ± 14 publications, which increased with postgraduate year level. The most common type of research involved retrospective cohort studies (24%) followed by laboratory/benchtop (19%) and case reports (18%). Residents as a group spent on average 14.1 ± 18.5 hours (median 7.0 hours) a week on research. Most residents (53.6%) had ≥ 12 months of protected research time. Mentorship (92.4%), research exposure (89.9%), and early interest in science (78.4%) had the greatest impact on interest in research while the most limiting factors were time (91.0%), call scheduling (47.1%), and funding/grants (37.1%). AM residents cited research exposure (p = 0.003), neurosurgery conference exposure (p = 0.02), formal research training prior to residency (p = 0.03), internal funding sources (p = 0.05), and software support (p = 0.02) as most important for their productivity. Moreover, more productive residents applied and received a higher number of < $10,000 and ≥ $10,000 grants (p < 0.05). A majority of residents (82.4%) agreed or strongly agreed with pursuing research throughout their professional careers. Overall, about half of residents (49.6%) were encouraged toward continued neurosurgical research, while the rest were neutral (36.7%) or discouraged (13.7%). Free-text responses helped to identify solutions on a departmental, regional, and national level that could increase interest in neurosurgical research.CONCLUSIONSThis survey evaluates various factors affecting resident views toward research, which may also be seen in other specialties. Residents remain enthusiastic about neurosurgical research and offer several solutions to the ever-scarce commodities of time and funding within academic medicine.

Psychometric Validation of the Meaningful Role Functioning Questionnaire in a Sample of 229 Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-138
Author(s):  
Rana Yaghmaian ◽  
Kanako Iwanaga ◽  
Teresa Ann Grenawalt ◽  
James Reling ◽  
Dana Brickham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychometric Validation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Role Functioning ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Life Roles ◽  
Core Self ◽  
Meaningful Role

BackgroundParticipation is one of the most important interdisciplinary outcome variables in biopsychosocial conceptions of health and disability. While the literature surrounding social and community participation in persons with disabilities indicates that participation is a highly subjective construct, there are few known psychometrically validated instruments designed to measure participation in a way that captures the subjective nature of the concept. The present study aimed to develop and test a measure of participation in a way that prioritizes roles that are subjectively meaningful to the individual.ObjectiveTo establish the psychometric properties of the Meaningful Role Functioning Questionnaire (MRFQ) a new life role participation scale intended to measure life role functioning in a way that weighs life roles that are more important to the individual more heavily than those that are less important to the individual.Methods229 women with fibromyalgia took an online survey measuring the following biopsychosocial constructs: meaningful role functioning, participation in society, perceived social support, core self-evaluations, fibromyalgia severity, and life satisfaction.FindingsThe 4-week test-retest reliability coefficient for the MRFQ was .74, indicating acceptable reliability for this measure of life role functioning. The MRFQ was significantly correlated in the expected directions with several external correlates, establishing its construct validity.ConclusionsThe MRFQ is a reliable and valid subjective measure of life role functioning in women with fibromyalgia. Future research should seek to validate the scale in a wider range of disability populations and the general public.

scholarly journals Academic Conferences as Learning Sites: A Multinational Comparison of Doctoral Students’ Perspectives and Institutional Policy

10.28945/4383 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 479-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omolabake Fakunle ◽  
Mollie Dollinger ◽  
Joyceline Alla-Mensah ◽  
Blair Izard
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Doctoral Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Student Training ◽  
Conference Attendance ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
The Individual

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this paper is to explore trends and motivations for doctoral students’ participation in domestic and international conferences. We draw on doctoral students’ perceptions and experiences from four contexts (USA, Scotland, England, Australia) to further explore variations across different global contexts. Background: There is increased recognition of the importance of conferences within doctoral education. Yet very little is known or understood about doctoral students’ participation and motivations for participating in conferences. Methodology: Our sample includes doctoral students from four institutions studying in a School of Education. We used an online survey and follow-up focus group interviews to investigate doctoral students’ perceptions and experiences of conferences. Contribution: There are few studies on doctoral students’ participation in conferences. This study contributes to the literature on doctoral students as it investigates the trends and rationale for doctoral students’ participation in national and international conferences. We highlight the importance of conferences as learning sites for doctoral students. Furthermore, our research highlights dissimilarities and ambiguities in the provision of support for doctoral students’ regarding what we describe as the social aspect of their researcher learning and development, in this case, in networking activities. Findings: Our findings show that a) at both the individual (doctoral students) and institutional level, there is an implicit understanding of the importance of networking and yet programs rarely formally require conference attendance; b) students’ motivations to attend conferences may be mediated by their career aspirations and supportive structures (i.e., funding); and c) conferences support doctoral students’ learning and confidence in future networking. Recommendations for Practitioners: Our recommendations to doctoral education training programs and/or supervisors are to explicitly discuss and promote networking and/or conference attendance, and to find ways to support students to engage in networking outside their immediate study environment. Recommendation for Researchers: Our recommendation to researchers is to further investigate the importance of networking behaviors and experiences on doctoral student training and/or career outcomes. Impact on Society: This research highlights the importance of recognizing the learning needs of doctoral students who are expected to work in a complex, globally connected society as part of the reality of higher education in the 21st century. Future Research: Results from the study could help inform a larger study on the trends and motivations of doctoral students’ networking across all disciplines.

Development of a German-Language Questionnaire to Measure Collective Orientation as an Individual Attitude

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Hagemann
Keyword(s):  
Team Performance ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
German Language ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Collective Orientation ◽  
Team Research ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
The Individual

Abstract. The individual attitudes of every single team member are important for team performance. Studies show that each team member’s collective orientation – that is, propensity to work in a collective manner in team settings – enhances the team’s interdependent teamwork. In the German-speaking countries, there was previously no instrument to measure collective orientation. So, I developed and validated a German-language instrument to measure collective orientation. In three studies (N = 1028), I tested the validity of the instrument in terms of its internal structure and relationships with other variables. The results confirm the reliability and validity of the instrument. The instrument also predicts team performance in terms of interdependent teamwork. I discuss differences in established individual variables in team research and the role of collective orientation in teams. In future research, the instrument can be applied to diagnose teamwork deficiencies and evaluate interventions for developing team members’ collective orientation.

Current Postvention Research and Priorities for the Future

Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Andriessen ◽  
Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart ◽  
Julie Cerel ◽  
Myfanwy Maple
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Intercultural Collaboration ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Future ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Ethical Approval

Abstract. Background: Suicide can have a lasting impact on the social life as well as the physical and mental health of the bereaved. Targeted research is needed to better understand the nature of suicide bereavement and the effectiveness of support. Aims: To take stock of ongoing studies, and to inquire about future research priorities regarding suicide bereavement and postvention. Method: In March 2015, an online survey was widely disseminated in the suicidology community. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 77 times, and 22 records were included in the analysis. The respondents provided valuable information regarding current research projects and recommendations for the future. Limitations: Bearing in mind the modest number of replies, all from respondents in Westernized countries, it is not known how representative the findings are. Conclusion: The survey generated three strategies for future postvention research: increase intercultural collaboration, increase theory-driven research, and build bonds between research and practice. Future surveys should include experiences with obtaining research grants and ethical approval for postvention studies.

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