A Practical Approach to Theory Structuring and Analysis

2012 ◽  
pp. 271-297
Author(s):  
T. Schwartzel ◽  
M. M. Eloff
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Completion Rate ◽  
Research Proposal ◽  
Practical Approach ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Completion Rates ◽  
Data Capturing

A large proportion of students who enroll for postgraduate degrees never finish their studies, with non-completion rates yielding 30% for a sample size of 2000 students. A number of empirical studies have been conducted indicating the possible factors for the non-completion rate. This chapter briefly highlights such factors and proposes a possible solution to increase the number of successful studies using relevant philosophies and problem-solving to build insight in determining IS/IT solutions and innovations. A research methodology is suggested to enable data capturing aligned to research objectives and organise sub-problem solving effectively. The process of finding information, determining if it is relevant, and then relating it to existing keywords and topics can be facilitated by using a spreadsheet as a data generation method. The outcome may lead to a research proposal and study to investigate the problem identified, search for possible solutions, and prove/disprove the validity of the suggested solutions.

scholarly journals Remote Virtual Simulation for Incident Commanders—Cognitive Aspects

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6434
Author(s):  
Cecilia Hammar Wijkmark ◽  
Maria Monika Metallinou ◽  
Ilona Heldal
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Virtual Simulation ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Case Research ◽  
Action Case

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, on-site Incident Commander (IC) practical training and examinations in Sweden were canceled as of March 2020. The graduation of one IC class was, however, conducted through Remote Virtual Simulation (RVS), the first such examination to our current knowledge. This paper presents the necessary enablers for setting up RVS and its influence on cognitive aspects of assessing practical competences. Data were gathered through observations, questionnaires, and interviews from students and instructors, using action-case research methodology. The results show the potential of RVS for supporting higher cognitive processes, such as recognition, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, and allowed students to demonstrate whether they had achieved the required learning objectives. Other reported benefits were the value of not gathering people (imposed by the pandemic), experiencing new, challenging incident scenarios, increased motivation for applying RVS based training both for students and instructors, and reduced traveling (corresponding to 15,400 km for a class). While further research is needed for defining how to integrate RVS in practical training and assessment for IC education and for increased generalizability, this research pinpoints current benefits and limitations, in relation to the cognitive aspects and in comparison, to previous examination formats.

scholarly journals The mirroring hypothesis: theory, evidence, and exceptions

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 709-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyra J Colfer ◽  
Carliss Y Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Technical Problem ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Organizational Form ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Relational Contracts ◽  
Industry Studies ◽  
Hypothesis Theory ◽  
Organizational Ties

Abstract The mirroring hypothesis predicts that organizational ties within a project, firm, or group of firms (e.g., communication, collocation, employment) will correspond to the technical dependencies in the work being performed. This article presents a unified picture of mirroring in terms of theory, evidence, and exceptions. First, we formally define mirroring and argue that it is an approach to technical problem-solving that conserves scarce cognitive resources. We then review 142 empirical studies, divided by organizational form into (i) industry studies, (ii) firm studies, and (iii) studies of open collaborative projects. The industry and firm studies indicate that mirroring is a prevalent pattern but not universal. However, in technologically dynamic industries, partial mirroring, where knowledge boundaries are drawn more broadly than operational boundaries, is likely to be a superior strategy. Firms can also strategically ‘break the mirror’ by implementing modular partitions within their boundaries, or by building relational contracts across their boundaries. Finally, studies of open collaborative projects, most of which focused on software, were not supportive of the hypothesis. We argue that digital technologies make possible new modes of coordination that enable groups to deviate from classical mirroring as seen in firms.

A Review of Empirical Treatment Studies for Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M. Brausch ◽  
Sarah K. Girresch
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Behavioral Problem ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a concern in the adolescent population given its relationship to suicidal behavior, pointing to the serious need for adequate treatments for this high-risk population. This review examined empirical studies that evaluated treatments for NSSI among adolescents, and evaluated how the components of each treatment address common underlying and concurrent factors of NSSI. Among the available treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions that integrate a problem-solving component and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have received the most empirical attention. However, studies examining the utility of cognitive-behavioral problem-solving interventions for adolescents, and randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of DBT are lacking. Overall, CBT-based treatments improved underlying or maintaining factors of NSSI, such as depression, hopelessness, and problem-solving skills. DBT was effective for reducing hospitalizations. No existing studies evaluated treatment effectiveness for NSSI exclusively, and few studies used a purely adolescent sample. This review highlights the gap in knowledge regarding adolescent NSSI—there is no strong evidence for the efficacy of any specific treatment.

scholarly journals A Metacognitive MOOC Framework

2019 ◽  
pp. 234-250
Author(s):  
Jennifer Roberts ◽  
Ignatius Gous
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Research Paper ◽  
Content Delivery ◽  
Completion Rate ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Completion Rates ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Learner’S Perspective

MOOC completion rates are well documented as being very low, in most cases, between 5% to 15% (Greene, Oswald, Pomerantz, 2015; Jordan, 2014). Many reasons have been suggested for the low completion rate. This paper investigates the thesis that one of the predictors of the low completion rates, is that students are not satisfied with the overall experience (structure, content, delivery, etc.) of the MOOC. According to the SERVQUAL measurement scale of satisfaction, service quality can be defined as the difference between expectations and actual experiences. The argument put forward in this paper is that service quality will be enhanced if students’ expectation of the MOOC is well understood and that they are properly prepared for what to expect when undertaking the MOOC. This paper follows from an already accepted research paper featuring an auto ethnographic journey of undertaking a MOOC. The author proposed a metacognitive MOOC framework, from a learner’s perspective, based on her MOOC journey. In this paper, this metacognitive MOOC framework is examined in terms of reflective as well as practical components, to assist prospective MOOC students to be prepared for the experience and enhance their satisfaction with their MOOC.

scholarly journals An N-Pact Factor for Clinical Psychological Research

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Wade Reardon ◽  
Avante J Smack ◽  
Kathrin Herzhoff ◽  
Jennifer L Tackett
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Medium Effect Size ◽  
One Step ◽  
Hard To Reach Populations ◽  
Self Examination ◽  
Adequate Sample Size

Although an emphasis on adequate sample size and statistical power has a long history in clinical psychological science (Cohen, 1992), increased attention to the replicability of scientific findings has again turned attention to the importance of statistical power (Bakker, van Dijk, & Wicherts, 2012). These recent efforts have not yet circled back to modern clinical psychological research, despite the continued importance of sample size and power in producing a credible body of evidence. As one step in this process of scientific self-examination, the present study estimated an N-pact Factor (the statistical power of published empirical studies to detect typical effect sizes; Fraley & Vazire, 2014) in two leading clinical journals (the Journal of Abnormal Psychology; JAP, and the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology; JCCP) for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. Study sample size, as one proxy for statistical power, is a useful focus because it allows direct comparisons with other subfields and may highlight some of the core methodological differences between clinical and other areas (e.g., hard-to-reach populations, greater emphasis on correlational designs). We found that, across all years examined, the average median sample size in clinical research is 179 participants (175 for JAP and 182 for JCCP). The power to detect a small-medium effect size of .20 is just below 80% for both journals. Although the clinical N-pact factor was higher than that estimated for social psychology, the statistical power in clinical journals is still limited to detect many effects of interest to clinical psychologists, with little evidence of improvement in sample sizes over time.

scholarly journals GENERATING WORKING HYPOTHESES FOR ORIGINAL RESEARCH STUDIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
Durga Prasanna Misra ◽  
Vikas Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Research Proposal ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Proposal A ◽  
Expected Outcome ◽  
Working Hypotheses ◽  
Young Researchers ◽  
Research Studies

A hypothesis is a statement of the expected outcome of a research study, generally based on analysis of prior published knowledge, or with reference to the previous work of the investigators. The hypothesis forms the foundation of a research proposal. A study based, and planned, on a sound hypothesis may have a greater likelihood of meaningfully contributing to science. After the generation of a hypothesis, it is equally important to appropriately design and adequately power a study (by ensuring a sufficient sample size) in order to test the hypothesis. Adhering to principles discussed forthwith shall help young researchers to generate and test their own hypotheses, and these are best learnt with experience.

Research-based theatre across disciplines: A relational approach to inquiry

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72
Author(s):  
Tetsuro Shigematsu ◽  
Chris Cook ◽  
George Belliveau ◽  
Graham W. Lea
Keyword(s):  
Research Methodology ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Relational Approach ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Innovative Research ◽  
Interdisciplinary Projects

Research-based theatre (RbT) is an innovative research methodology that draws on theatre practices and conventions to engage in and share research. It is an inherently collaborative and relational methodology, inviting research participants, artists and researchers to take part in embodied data generation, analysis and knowledge-exchange activities. This methodology encompasses writing, rehearsing and performing a research-based monologue, scene or play. In this article, the authors share three recent examples from interdisciplinary projects where researchers and artists engaged with different communities to dramatize data using an RbT methodological approach. To add to literature in the field, the authors consider their experiences leading RbT projects in three disparate fields: theatrical, social and therapeutic. The authors explore the question of how RbT transforms relationships and how relationships transform RbT.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of  Job stress among Iranian nurses

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parvaneh Isfahani ◽  
Marzieh Arefy ◽  
Saeed Peyravi ◽  
Rasoul Corani Bahador ◽  
Mahnaz Afshari
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Organizational Productivity

Abstract Background: Job stress is the most important factor in reducing organizational productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to identify prevalence of job stress among nurses in Iran.Methods: This study was conducted using a meta-analysis. All published articles on prevalence of job stress among nurses in Iran until July 2018 were searched and collected using PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Scopus, Magiran, IranMedex and SID and Bibliography section of the retrieved papers and related journals. Finally, 22 empirical studies were reviewed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.Results: The overall prevalence of job stress in Iranian nurses was 49.5% (95% CI 41.9%-59.1%). The highest job stress was recorded in Tehran in 2016, 96.4% (95% Cl: 90.3%-98.7%) and the lowest job stress was found in Kashan in 2011, 2.5% (95% Cl: 6.0%-1.0%). Significant statistical correlation was observed between job stress, year and sample size (p<0/05).Conclusion: job stress affects about half of nursing staff in Iran; thus, managers and policymakers should take serious measures to reduce prevalence of job stress among nurses.

Internationalization Process of Innovative SMEs in Lebanon

2015 ◽  
pp. 365-388
Author(s):  
Maarouf Ramadan
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
International Cooperation ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Research Proposal ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter aims to highlight the relationship between innovation and internationalization in the context of international development of Lebanese innovative SMEs. The problems of the commitment of these SMEs in a process of internationalization is relevant in the Mediterranean countries in general and Lebanon in particular, but few empirical studies have been done so far to understand their international development (Ramadan, 2008; Ramadan and Levratto, 2011). The role of key factors such as size, age, international cooperation and strategic planning in the international development of Lebanese SMEs has rarely been comprehensively studied. Motivated by the literature that establishes a positive relationship between innovation and internationalization, this study presents a research proposal on these SMEs to bring out certain variables that characterize them. Moreover, the aim of the study is to verify the effect of the above factors and integrates into schools of thought that attempt to demonstrate that the international development of SMEs is influenced by a context that must be identified in the case of Lebanon.

Evolution of methodology and reporting of emergency medicine quantitative research over a 20-year period

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 324-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesse Smith ◽  
Patrick Date ◽  
William Spencer ◽  
Erik de Tonnerre ◽  
David McDonald Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Trends Over Time ◽  
Over Time

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine trends over time in article origin, and article and methodology characteristics.MethodWe examined original research articles published every fifth year over a 20-year period (1997–2017) in six emergency medicine (EM) journals (Ann Emerg Med, Acad Emerg Med, Eur J Emerg Med, Emerg Med J, Am J Emerg Med, Emerg Med Australas). Explicit data extraction of 21 article characteristics was undertaken. These included regional contributions, specific article items and research methodology.Results2152 articles were included. Over the study period, the proportional contributions from the USA and the UK steadily fell while those from Australasia, Europe and ‘other’ countries increased (p<0.001). All specific article items increased (p<0.01). Institutional Review Board/Ethics Committee approval and conflicts of interest were almost universal by 2017. There were substantial increases in the reporting of keywords and authorship contributions. The median (IQR) number of authors increased from 4 (2) in 1997 to 6 (3) in 2017 (p<0.001) and the proportion of female first authors increased from 24.3% to 34.2% (p<0.01). Multicentre and international collaborations, consecutive sampling, sample size calculations, inferential biostatistics and the reporting of CIs and p values all increased (p<0.001). There were decreases in the use of convenience sampling and blinding (p<0.001). The median (IQR) study sample size increased from 148 (470) to 349 (2225) (p<0.001).ConclusionTrends over time are apparent within the EM research literature. The dominance in contributions from the US and UK is being challenged. There is more reporting of research accountability and greater rigour in both research methodology and results presentation.

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