scholarly journals Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources

2013 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 464-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Asher ◽  
Lynda M. Duke ◽  
Suzanne Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Search System ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Discovery Service ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Search Effectiveness

In 2011, researchers at Bucknell University and Illinois Wesleyan University compared the search efficacy of Serial Solutions Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar, and conventional library databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on students’ usage of these tools. Regardless of the search system, students exhibited a marked inability to effectively evaluate sources and a heavy reliance on default search settings. This article describes these results and makes recommendations for libraries considering these tools.

scholarly journals Health and Wellbeing Needs and Priorities in Mining Host Communities in South Africa: A Mixed-Methods Approach For Identifying Key SDG3 Targets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

scholarly journals Health and wellbeing needs and priorities in mining host communities in South Africa: a mixed-methods approach for identifying key SDG3 targets

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J. Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

scholarly journals Exploring physiotherapists’ clinical definition and diagnosis of inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast in Australia: a mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Heron ◽  
Tanya Maselli ◽  
Adelle McArdle ◽  
Beatriz I. R. de Oliveira ◽  
Leanda McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Australian State ◽  
Lactating Breast ◽  
Systemic Symptoms

Abstract Background Differences in physiotherapy intervention practices for mastitis have been shown across Australian regions and facilities and it is unknown if this is associated with physiotherapists’ definition and diagnosis of Inflammatory Conditions of the Lactating Breast (ICLB). The aims were to determine how Australian physiotherapists’ define and diagnose ICLB and if there are regional or facility differences in their ICLB definition and diagnosis. Method A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used to investigate how physiotherapists construct a definition and diagnosis of ICLB, via online qualitative and quantitative questions. Participants included 63 Australian physiotherapists who treated at least one woman with ICLB per month, over the last year. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse qualitative and quantitative responses, respectively. Results ICLB definition varied among physiotherapists (n = 63) with generated themes including definitions based on pathophysiology (57%), combination of local and systemic symptoms (38%), conditions (32%), local symptoms (25%) and breast function (16%). Overall, quantitative data supported these findings, as some physiotherapists considered blocked ducts an ICLB (83%), but some did not (17%), and some considered abscess and engorgement an ICLB (65%) and some did not (35%). For ICLB diagnosis, the main theme generated was lack of consensus between physiotherapists (n = 39) on the number or combination of local or systemic symptoms required. Quantitative data confirmed these themes, as 63% of physiotherapists (n = 63) indicated that more than one symptom was necessary to clinically diagnose ICLB, but 27% required only one symptom. For region and type of facility, consistency across the themes for region and facility was evident. Overall, quantitative data confirmed these findings, with no regional or facility differences, except physiotherapists from the Australian state of Victoria (96%) were more likely to consider blocked ducts as an ICLB, compared to those from the states of NSW (71%) or WA (71%) (n = 58; χ2 = 6.49, p = 0.04). Conclusion Australian physiotherapists have varied definitions of ICLB and the required ICLB symptoms for clinical diagnosis. These results may prompt physiotherapists, who treat ICLB, to engage in explicit communication when discussing an ICLB in patient care, when delivering information in training courses and in developing treatment guidelines.

scholarly journals The Form of Search Tool Chosen by Undergraduate Students Influences Research Practices and the Type and Quality of Information Selected

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Michelle Dalton
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Relative Proportion ◽  
The United States ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Search Process ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Academic Journal ◽  
Research Practices ◽  
Discovery Service ◽  
Library Resources

A Review of: Asher, A. D., Duke, L. M., & Wilson, S. (2012). Paths of discovery: Comparing the search effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and conventional library resources. College & Research Libraries, 74(5), p. 464-488. Objectives – To explore the effectiveness of different search tools (EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), Summon, Google Scholar and traditional library resources) in supporting the typical research queries faced by undergraduate students and gain an understanding of student research practices. Design – Mixed methods approach using quantitative data collected from grading of students’ selected resources combined with qualitative data from a search process interview with students. Setting – Two university libraries in the United States of America (Bucknell University (BU) and Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU)). Subjects – Eighty-seven undergraduate students across a range of disciplines. Methods – Participants were assigned to one of five test groups and required to find two resources for each of four standardised research queries using a specified tool: EDS; Summon; Google Scholar; Library catalogue/databases; or “no tool” where no specific tool was specified and participants were free to choose. The resources submitted by students for each of the four queries were rated on a scale of 0-3 by four librarians using a rubric, to produce average ratings for each tool. The interview comprised two parts: the search task, followed by a reflective interview based on open-ended questions relating to search practices and habits. The search process interview was recorded using Camtasia screen capture and audio software, and the URLs used by participants were also recorded. Main Results – Quantitative results indicated that students who used EDS selected slightly higher quality sources on average (scoring 2.54 out of 3), compared to all other groups. Those who used EDS also completed the queries in less time (747 seconds) than those using Summon (1,209 seconds), Google Scholar (968 seconds), library databases (963 seconds) or where no tool was specified (1,081 seconds). Academic journal articles also represented the relatively highest proportion of resources for this group (73.8% of resources chosen), whilst newspaper articles were chosen most frequently by those using Summon (20.6% of resources chosen). The qualitative findings suggest that students may over-rely on the top results provided by search systems, rather than using critical analysis and evaluation. Conclusion – Although EDS performed slightly better overall, in some cases the tools produced relatively similar results, and none of the tools performed particularly poorly. Indeed the reasonably strong performance of both Google Scholar and traditional library tools/databases in some aspects (such as the relative proportion of books and journal articles chosen by students), may raise questions regarding the potential benefit of acquiring a new discovery product, given the possibly significant costs involved. As the study finds that most students do not go beyond simple searches and the first page of results, regardless of the tool they are using, this suggests that discovery services do not substantially lessen the need for information literacy instruction, although it may provide some opportunity to redirect teaching time away from retrieval and towards higher-order skills such as evaluating information and critical thinking.

Practical utility of mixed methods research in pharmacy practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy Elder Dalpoas ◽  
Kenneth M Shermock
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Literature Highlight ◽  
Complex Question

Abstract Purpose Our aim was to review key methodological concepts and provide a practical guide to employing mixed methods research to enhance pharmacy practice research. Summary Mixed methods research provides multiple organized analytic perspectives to thoroughly investigate complex social and scientific problems in a methodologically rigorous manner. This research design incorporates collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data components to create a thorough understanding of a complex question. The 5 most commonly identified reasons for conducting mixed methods research include triangulation, complementarity, development, initiation, and expansion of results. For research questions that benefit from mixed methods research, we review how to structure the study, including timing, sequencing, and prioritization of methods. Illustrative examples from the literature highlight the utility of this methodology for clinical and operational pharmacy research questions. Conclusion Mixed methods designs can enhance pharmacy research inquiry, provide a means to understand complicated issues, and uncover optimal interventions.

Identifying the challenges to implementing a neuromuscular warm-up in pre-elite netball

2021 ◽  
pp. 174795412199846
Author(s):  
Erin Smyth ◽  
Renee Appaneal ◽  
Michael Drew ◽  
Alanna Antcliff ◽  
Gordon Waddington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Knee Injury ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Time Constraints ◽  
Importance Rating ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Knee Injury Prevention

Objective To identify challenges for implementing Netball Australia’s ‘Knee injury prevention for Netballers and Enhance performance and Extend play’ (KNEE) program for 17/U & 19/U State (i.e. regional/provincial representative) teams. Design Concept mapping, a mixed-methods approach incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses. Setting Pre-elite netball. Participants Thirty-nine netball coaches, strength & conditioning coaches and physiotherapists working with State 17/U & 19/U teams. Methods Participants brainstormed challenges to implementing the KNEE program, sorted the challenges into groups based on similar meaning and rated the importance and difficulty of overcoming each challenge on a scale from 0 (least important/easiest to overcome) to 5 (most important/hardest to overcome). Results Forty-six statements (i.e. challenges) were identified and organised into the following eight clusters (mean importance rating out of 5, mean difficulty rating out of 5): ‘athlete engagement’ (3.31, 2.48); ‘supervision and correction of technique’ (3.03, 2.67); ‘time constraints’ (2.79, 2.59); ‘athlete technique’ (2.70, 2.64); ‘education’ (2.56, 2.16); ‘support staff resourcing’ (2.51, 2.67); ‘program flexibility and adaptability’ (2.02, 1.85); and ‘coach and support staff prioritisation’ (1.95, 1.81). Nineteen statements/challenges had above average ratings for importance (2.63) and difficulty (2.41). Conclusions This study identified ‘athlete engagement’, ‘supervision and correction of technique’, ‘time constraints’, ‘athlete technique’, ‘education’ and ‘support staff resourcing’ as the most important and difficult challenges to implementing the KNEE program in pre-elite netball. These multi-factorial challenges are the main barriers to implementing the KNEE program. They can be addressed using the implementation driver’s framework.

scholarly journals Mixing Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Sports Fan Research

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Jones
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Sports Fandom ◽  
Sports Fan

Sports fandom consists of cognitive and affective, as well as behavioural components. Existing sports fan research utilises either strong qualitative, or more often, strong quantitative methodologies. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are outlined, developing the argument that the use of a single methodology often fails to explore all of these components. The use of a mixed methods approach is suggested to counteract this weakness and to enhance research into the sports fan.

scholarly journals Predicting and reasoning about replicability using structured groups

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Wintle ◽  
Fallon Mody ◽  
Eden T. Smith ◽  
Anca Hanea ◽  
David Peter Wilkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Predictive Accuracy ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Original Study ◽  
Replication Study ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Structured Groups ◽  
Behavioural Sciences

This paper explores judgements about the replicability of social and behavioural sciences research, and what drives those judgements. Using a mixed methods approach, it draws on qualitative and quantitative data elicited using a structured iterative approach for eliciting judgements from groups, called the IDEA protocol (‘Investigate’, ‘Discuss’, ‘Estimate’ and ‘Aggregate’). Five groups of five people separately assessed the replicability of 25 ‘known-outcome’ claims. That is, social and behavioural science claims that have already been subject to at least one replication study. Specifically, participants assessed the probability that each of the 25 research claims will replicate (i.e. a replication study would find a statistically significant result in the same direction as the original study). In addition to their quantitative judgements, participants also outlined the reasoning behind their judgements. To start, we quantitatively analysed some possible correlates of predictive accuracy, such as self-rated understanding and expertise in assessing each claim, and updating of judgements after feedback and discussion. Then we qualitatively analysed the reasoning data (i.e., the comments and justifications people provided for their judgements) to explore the cues and heuristics used, and features of group discussion that accompanied more and less accurate judgements.

Mixed Methods Program Evaluation

2019 ◽  
pp. 304-320
Author(s):  
Deepthiman Gowda ◽  
Tayla Curran ◽  
Dorene F. Balmer
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Narrative Medicine ◽  
Health Humanities ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Evaluation

Program evaluations explore the effectiveness and feasibility of new programs. An evaluation method using a mixed methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative data; this approach enables triangulation of data to provide more comprehensive understanding of a program and increase the trustworthiness of evaluation findings. Mixed methods evaluation can be resource intensive and requires expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Program evaluation questions should be informed by program stakeholders and by the concerns of the field. In this chapter, the authors describe how to conduct a mixed methods program evaluation and explore its benefits and limitations. The authors draw on their experience of using a mixed methods approach to evaluate a year-long narrative medicine program in primary care clinics. Though not appropriate for all health humanities program evaluation, a mixed methods evaluation offers rich, multidimensional understandings of programs.

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