scholarly journals ISIS in Their Own Words: Recruitment History, Motivations for Joining, Travel, Experiences in ISIS, and Disillusionment over Time – Analysis of 220 In-depth Interviews of ISIS Returnees, Defectors and Prisoners

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Speckhard ◽  
Molly Ellenberg
Keyword(s):  
Islamic State ◽  
Time Analysis ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Balkans ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Violent Extremism ◽  
Social Vulnerabilities ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Research Psychologist ◽  
Over Time

Two hundred and twenty Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) defectors, returnees, and imprisoned ISIS cadres were in-depth interviewed by the author, a research psychologist working for the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism (ICSVE) from 2015-2019. These interviews were conducted in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, the Balkans, Europe, and Central Asia with ISIS prisoners, returnees, and defectors. The purpose was to learn about their recruitment history, motivations for joining, travel, experiences inside the group, disillusionment over time, and defection, return or capture. This article reports on a sample of both male and female former ISIS members representing over 35 countries. It examines their demographics, contextual, and other qualitative variants regarding their psycho-social vulnerabilities and motivations for joining. It then discusses the influences and recruitment patterns drawing them into the group, their roles, experiences, and relationships inside it, variance in their will to fight and support violence, and their disillusionment and attempts to leave (when it occurs)—as well as their advice to others about joining. Although a convenience sample, the findings are consistent with other quantitative studies on ISIS and we believe highly informative on many important topics.

scholarly journals Brand Coolness

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 36-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caleb Warren ◽  
Rajeev Batra ◽  
Sandra Maria Correia Loureiro ◽  
Richard P. Bagozzi
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
High Status ◽  
Change Over Time ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Over Time

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.

Understanding Why Older People Develop a Wish to Die

Crisis ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 204-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Rurup ◽  
H. R. W. Pasman ◽  
J. Goedhart ◽  
D. J. H. Deeg ◽  
A. J. F. M. Kerkhof ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Traumatic Life Events ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Wish To Die ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Death Wishes ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Quantitative studies in several European countries showed that 10–20% of older people have or have had a wish to die. Aims: To improve our understanding of why some older people develop a wish to die. Methods: In-depth interviews with people with a wish to die (n = 31) were carried out. Through open coding and inductive analysis, we developed a conceptual framework to describe the development of death wishes. Respondents were selected from two cohort studies. Results: The wish to die had either been triggered suddenly after traumatic life events or had developed gradually after a life full of adversity, as a consequence of aging or illness, or after recurring depression. The respondents were in a situation they considered unacceptable, yet they felt they had no control to change their situation and thus progressively “gave up” trying. Recurring themes included being widowed, feeling lonely, being a victim, being dependent, and wanting to be useful. Developing thoughts about death as a positive thing or a release from problems seemed to them like a way to reclaim control. Conclusions: People who wish to die originally develop thoughts about death as a positive solution to life events or to an adverse situation, and eventually reach a balance of the wish to live and to die.

scholarly journals Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) medical students – an examination of their journey and experiences as medical students in limbo

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Gillezeau ◽  
Wil Lieberman-Cribbin ◽  
Kristin Bevilacqua ◽  
Julio Ramos ◽  
Naomi Alpert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
First Year ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Deferred Action ◽  
The Status ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Although the value of DACA medical students has been hypothesized, no data are available on their contribution to US healthcare. While the exact number of DACA recipients in medical school is unknown, DACA medical students are projected to represent an increasing proportion of physicians in the future. The current literature on DACA students has not analyzed the experiences of these students. Methods A mixed-methods study on the career intentions and experiences of DACA medical students was performed utilizing survey data and in-depth interviews. The academic performance of a convenience sample of DACA medical students was compared to that of matriculated medical students from corresponding medical schools, national averages, and first-year residents according to specialty. Results Thirty-three DACA medical students completed the survey and five participated in a qualitative interview. The average undergraduate GPA (SD) of the DACA medical student sample was 3.7 (0.3), the same as the national GPA of 2017–2018 matriculated medical students. The most common intended residency programs were Internal Medicine (27.2%), Emergency Medicine (15.2%), and Family Medicine (9.1%). In interviews, DACA students discussed their motivation for pursuing medicine, barriers and facilitators that they faced in attending medical school, their experiences as medical students, and their future plans. Conclusions The intent of this sample to pursue medical specialties in which there is a growing need further exemplifies the unique value of these students. It is vital to protect the status of DACA recipients and realize the contributions that DACA physicians provide to US healthcare.

Managing multichannel coordination in retail banking: the influence of customer participation

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 327-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loïc Plé
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Design ◽  
Retail Banking ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Retail Banks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the combining of marketing and organizational literature. This paper seeks to evaluate the relationships between multichannel coordination and customer participation, as seen through the lens of potential customer opportunism. It aims at showing the impact of this opportunism on the organizational design of multiple channels structures.Design/methodology/approachThe research reports on an exploratory case study in a French retail bank. A total of 25 in‐depth interviews were conducted, and the use of other sources enabled data triangulation.FindingsThe results show first that an increase in the number of distribution channels is liable to favor customer opportunistic behavior. To counter this, the bank mainly relies on impersonal coordination modes. An emerging result highlights the role of the customer as a “perceptual filter” between the different channels of employees.Research limitations/implicationsCustomer opportunism is studied via channels employees perceptions. An investigation using a customer survey may help to better understand this construct, e.g. to identify its antecedents, and to measure it precisely. Moreover, further qualitative and/or quantitative studies with larger sample sizes are needed to try and generalize these results.Practical implicationsIt is recommended not to forget that customers can facilitate or hinder multichannel coordination. Retail banks have the power to use them conveniently, provided that they are fully conscious of the scope of the “partial employee” role played by the customer.Originality/valueThis paper broadens understanding of how multichannel distribution structures are coordinated, and in a way belies traditional organizational design literature. The emerging result gives birth to the concept of “reversed interactive marketing”, which has interesting theoretical and practical repercussions.

Inequality, Exclusion, and Tolerance for Political Dissent in Latin America

2021 ◽  
pp. 001041402199716
Author(s):  
Jana Morgan ◽  
Nathan J. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Public Opinion ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Political Tolerance ◽  
Time Analysis ◽  
Political Dissent ◽  
Structural Context ◽  
Democratic Rights ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Cross National

Although many countries meet electoral standards of democracy, often these regimes fail to promote social inclusion or meaningful representation. We argue that systems of exclusion have deleterious consequences for how people think about democracy, undermining tolerance for political dissent. Using cross-national public opinion data together with contextual measures of economic and political marginalization along ethnoracial lines, we evaluate the relationships between exclusion and political tolerance across Latin America. Over-time analysis in Bolivia further probes the mechanisms linking exclusion to intolerance. We find that tolerance of dissent is depressed where ethnoracial hierarchies are pronounced. We advance understanding of oft-unexplained society-level differences in political tolerance and emphasize the importance of the macro-structural context in shaping citizens’ commitments to basic democratic rights.

Framing the development and directions of business sustainability efforts

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils M. Høgevold ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
The Status ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to frame the development and directions of business sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was undertaken with respect to a convenience sample of reputable companies in Norway, which have implemented significant business sustainability efforts within their organisations, their business networks, the marketplace and in the society, beyond the level of mere compliance. Findings Different directions are associated with the development of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability. Business sustainability efforts are not static, but dynamic and based upon continuous flexibility to changes and adaptations over time. Research Limitations/implications The current study highlights the need for further research into the development and directions of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability in the marketplace and society. A key suggestion for further research is to further explore the existence of other directions. Practical Implications The directions reported, provide a framework to assess the development or the status of companies’ business sustainability efforts in the marketplace and society. Corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability develop over time as experiences are gained and personal impressions move the identified directions forward. Originality/value This study contributes to seven interconnected directions of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability that are both relevant and potentially fruitful to both scholars and practitioners.

scholarly journals A Mobile App for Longterm Monitoring of Narcolepsy Symptoms: Design, Development, and Evaluation

10.2196/14939 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e14939
Author(s):  
Laury Quaedackers ◽  
Jan De Wit ◽  
Sigrid Pillen ◽  
Merel Van Gilst ◽  
Nikolaos Batalas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interaction Design ◽  
Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Subjective Burden ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Over Time

Background Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder with a broad variety of symptoms. Although narcolepsy is primarily characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy (loss of muscle control triggered by emotions), patients may suffer from hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and fragmented night sleep. However, the spectrum of narcolepsy also includes symptoms not related to sleep, such as cognitive or psychiatric problems. Symptoms vary greatly among patients and day-to-day variance can be considerable. Available narcolepsy questionnaires do not cover the whole symptom spectrum and may not capture symptom variability. Therefore, there is a clinical need for tools to monitor narcolepsy symptoms over time to evaluate their burden and the effect of treatment. Objective This study aimed to describe the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Narcolepsy Monitor, a companion app for long-term symptom monitoring in narcolepsy patients. Methods After several iterations during which content, interaction design, data management, and security were critically evaluated, a complete version of the app was built. The Narcolepsy Monitor allows patients to report a broad spectrum of experienced symptoms and rate their severity based on the level of burden that each symptom imposes. The app emphasizes the reporting of changes in relative severity of the symptoms. A total of 7 patients with narcolepsy were recruited and asked to use the app for 30 days. Evaluation was done by using in-depth interviews and user experience questionnaire. Results We designed and developed a final version of the Narcolepsy Monitor after which user evaluation took place. Patients used the app on an average of 45.3 (SD 19.2) days. The app was opened on 35% of those days. Daytime sleepiness was the most dynamic symptom, with a mean number of changes of 5.5 (SD 3.7) per month, in contrast to feelings of anxiety or panic, which was only moved 0.3 (SD 0.7) times per month. Mean symptom scores were highest for daytime sleepiness (1.8 [SD 1.0]), followed by lack of energy (1.6 [SD 1.4]) and often awake at night (1.5 [SD 1.0]). The personal in-depth interviews revealed 3 major themes: (1) reasons to use, (2) usability, and (3) features. Overall, patients appreciated the concept of ranking symptoms on subjective burden and found the app easy to use. Conclusions The Narcolepsy Monitor appears to be a helpful tool to gain more insight into the individual burden of narcolepsy symptoms over time and may serve as a patient-reported outcome measure for this debilitating disorder.

Persuasion and Propaganda in War and Terrorism

2019 ◽  
pp. 1048-1071
Author(s):  
Thomas Steinfatt ◽  
Dana Janbek
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
World War I ◽  
The United States ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
World War ◽  
The Past ◽  
Political Unrest ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Time Part ◽  
Over Time

This chapter focuses on the use of propaganda during times of war, prejudice, and political unrest. Part one distinguishes between persuasion and one of its forms, propaganda. The meaning-in-use of the term ‘propaganda' is essential to understanding its use over time. Part two presents relevant examples of propaganda from the past several centuries in the United States and Europe. These examples include episodes from World War I and II, among others. Propaganda is not a new tool of persuasion, and learning about its use in the past provides a comparison that helps in understanding its use in the present and future. Part three looks at recent examples of how propaganda occurs in actual use in online terrorist mediums by Al-Qaeda and by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

How Emotional Ties Influence the Diaspora to Return

2021 ◽  
pp. 86-103
Author(s):  
Nick Williams
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Emotional Attachment ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Over Time

Chapter 6 examines the role of emotional ties in fostering diaspora entrepreneurs to return and invest in their home country. The chapter utilises in-depth interviews with returnee entrepreneurs to B&H, Kosovo, and Montenegro, and draws on the theory of embeddedness. The chapter finds that while entrepreneurship is often considered to be a profit-maximising activity, in the case of returnee entrepreneurs to post-conflict economies, other motivations can be more prevalent. Indeed the analysis demonstrates that for entrepreneurs returning to post-conflict economies, an emotional attachment to the home country is the most important driver of activity. Furthermore, the desire for emotional gains influences investment activities over time, often leading to investment in family and friends, or activities which have a social impact.

Contraception Coverage Policy in Congress

2019 ◽  
pp. 62-83
Author(s):  
Rachel VanSickle-Ward ◽  
Kevin Wallsten
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Affordable Care Act ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Policy Frames ◽  
Congressional Debates ◽  
Coverage Policy ◽  
The Affordable Care Act ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Over Time

Chapter 4 traces the trajectory of competing policy frames in congressional debates over the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although the ACA was not the first attempt to ensure contraceptive coverage, it was easily the most visible, sweeping, and significant. Utilizing content analysis and in-depth interviews with policymakers, this chapter shows that the debate over contraceptive regulation in the ACA shifted course over time—from being predominantly about health care at the start to being predominantly about religious freedom after the law’s passage. Additionally, the analyses presented in this chapter suggest that a policymaker’s gender was far more important than their partisanship in shaping how they chose to frame issues related to contraception under the ACA. Taken together, these findings reveal the dramatic extent to which rhetoric about the ACA’s contraception requirements was dynamic (rather than static) and shaped by gender.

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