scholarly journals Students’ and professionals’ perceptions of test-driven development: a focus group study

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scanniello ◽  
Simone Romano ◽  
Davide Fucci ◽  
Burak Turhan ◽  
Natalia Juristo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unit Testing ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Test Driven Development ◽  
Testing Techniques ◽  
The University

We have conducted a qualitative investigation on test-driven development (TDD) with focus groups in order to develop insights on the opinions of developers using TDD regarding the unintuitive process involved, its claimed effects, as well as the context factors that can facilitate (or hinder) its application. In particular, we conducted two focus group sessions: one with professional developers and another with Master students in Computer Science at the University of Basilicata. We used thematic analysis template (TAT) method for iden- tifying patterns, themes, and interpretations in the gathered data. The application of this qualitative method allowed us to obtain a number of results that can provide directions for future research. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) applying TDD without knowing advanced unit testing techniques can be difficult; (ii) refactoring (one of the phases of TDD) is not done as often as the process re- quires; (iii) there is a need for live feedback to let developers understand if TDD is being applied correctly; and (iv) the usefulness of TDD hinges on task and domain to which it is applied to.

scholarly journals Students’ and professionals’ perceptions of test-driven development: a focus group study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scanniello ◽  
Simone Romano ◽  
Davide Fucci ◽  
Burak Turhan ◽  
Natalia Juristo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unit Testing ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Test Driven Development ◽  
Testing Techniques ◽  
The University

We have conducted a qualitative investigation on test-driven development (TDD) with focus groups in order to develop insights on the opinions of developers using TDD regarding the unintuitive process involved, its claimed effects, as well as the context factors that can facilitate (or hinder) its application. In particular, we conducted two focus group sessions: one with professional developers and another with Master students in Computer Science at the University of Basilicata. We used thematic analysis template (TAT) method for iden- tifying patterns, themes, and interpretations in the gathered data. The application of this qualitative method allowed us to obtain a number of results that can provide directions for future research. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) applying TDD without knowing advanced unit testing techniques can be difficult; (ii) refactoring (one of the phases of TDD) is not done as often as the process re- quires; (iii) there is a need for live feedback to let developers understand if TDD is being applied correctly; and (iv) the usefulness of TDD hinges on task and domain to which it is applied to.

scholarly journals Students’ and professionals’ perceptions of test-driven development: a focus group study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scanniello ◽  
Simone Romano ◽  
Davide Fucci ◽  
Burak Turhan ◽  
Natalia Juristo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unit Testing ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Test Driven Development ◽  
Testing Techniques ◽  
The University

We have conducted a qualitative investigation on test-driven development (TDD) with focus groups in order to develop insights on the opinions of developers using TDD regarding the unintuitive process involved, its claimed effects, as well as the context factors that can facilitate (or hinder) its application. In particular, we conducted two focus group sessions: one with professional developers and another with Master students in Computer Science at the University of Basilicata. We used thematic analysis template (TAT) method for iden- tifying patterns, themes, and interpretations in the gathered data. The application of this qualitative method allowed us to obtain a number of results that can provide directions for future research. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) applying TDD without knowing advanced unit testing techniques can be difficult; (ii) refactoring (one of the phases of TDD) is not done as often as the process re- quires; (iii) there is a need for live feedback to let developers understand if TDD is being applied correctly; and (iv) the usefulness of TDD hinges on task and domain to which it is applied to.

Consumer perceptions and demand for organic food in Australia: Focus group discussions

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Shung Chang ◽  
Lydia Zepeda
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Positive Outlook ◽  
Food Sales

AbstractIn Australia, the retail value of organic food production was estimated at A$250 million, with farm-gate value at around A$90 million and exports at around A$40 million, in 2002. The current share of organic sales in total food sales in Australia is about 1%. The growth rate in organic production was forecast to continue at 10–30% per annum. Despite the positive outlook, there are consumer concerns about product recognition and product integrity. To understand how demand for organic products is changing, it is important to investigate consumer attitudes and knowledge about these issues. The objective of this study was to identify issues that may hinder or promote demand. Given the qualitative nature of these issues, we used a focus group study to probe consumers. While focus group results are a qualitative approach and not intended to be generalizable, the results suggest directions for future research. The participants raised concerns about the use of chemicals, the treatment of farm animals and the environmental impact of food production. Organic food consumers were found to be more knowledgeable about organic foods, as well as being more tolerant of higher prices and inaccessibility. The results also suggest that increasing consumers' awareness of organic farming and certification, as well as the availability of organic foods, may be the most effective way of moving organic foods into mainstream.

scholarly journals Convergence of Conceptual Innovation Model to Reduce Challenges Faced by the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarnima Warda Andalib ◽  
Hasliza Abdul Halim
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
The Other ◽  
Constraint Factor ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Conceptual Innovation ◽  
Innovation Model ◽  
Financial Regulatory

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh have been growing for the preceding two decades in various ways. Even though these enterprises exert an important effect on the national economy of the country, they face certain challenges and suffer in quite a manner. To reduce the suffering and help deal with these unavoidable challenges, SME foundations in Bangladesh have been working a lot to assist these enterprises. Usually, the challenges are financial, regulatory, or innovation performance-related. Since the enterprises are focused on particular products and their manifestation and production, performing innovatively within these organizations becomes quite a constraint factor. In this paper, a qualitative method was applied with soft systems, where an innovation model was commenced to reduce the challenges and constraints of SMEs in Bangladesh. From the literature, 50 articles were analyzed, a content and thematic analysis was done, and eight main challenges were highlighted and finalized. On the other hand, a focus group discussion among 10 entrepreneurs in Bangladesh was done, where collected data were stored in the NVIVOMac tool, transcribed, and coded, and 55 open codes were identified. These open codes were transferred to 20 axial codes and 8 themes to construct a conceptual innovation model for SMEs in Bangladesh by applying soft systems techniques to connect the themes to each other.

Investigating the Attitudes of Health-Care Professionals towards the Use of Integrated Care Pathways in a District General Hospital: A Thematic Analysis of Focus Group Discussion

2005 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Claridge ◽  
Dianne Parker ◽  
Gary Cook
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Integrated Care Pathways

Context: Integrated care pathways (ICPs) are an increasingly common approach to the standardization and integration of health-care practice in the NHS. They delineate interdisciplinary critical decision points and evidence-based daily treatment regimens for patients in specific disease groups. ICP champions assert that they have the potential to decrease medical errors, increase the accuracy of data capture, increase the efficiency of personnel and ultimately improve the quality of patient care. Despite the theoretical benefits of ICP use, there was anecdotal evidence of staff unease and audit evidence of variable compliance with ICPs at a district general hospital (DGH). Objective: This focus group study was one of the three interdependent methodologies used to investigate the attitudes of health-care professionals towards ICPs in a DGH. It was anticipated that thematic analysis of the focus group discussion would facilitate further the interpretation of qualitative data already analysed in a previous phase of the project, and inform the development of a survey questionnaire investigating the attitudes of the health-care professionals towards ICPs. Design: Ten focus groups comprising on average, six health-care professionals were conducted. The staff involved included doctors, nurses, professions allied to medicine, a member of the Community Health Council and non-clinical managers. The focus groups included staff with a range of seniority and speciality. Results: Analysis of the data achieved facilitated the confirmation and identification of themes underpinning the focus group discussion. These are reported here and illustrated by representative quotations. Conclusion: The focus group study provided a valuable insight into the attitudes regarding ICPs of over 60 health-care professionals. The themes identified were used to facilitate the development of a survey questionnaire to explore them in a quantifiable way. Focus group methodology proved to be a useful way to explore emerging issues in depth, and to observe areas of disagreement among staff.

scholarly journals Factors related to sleep behavior in adolescents: a focus group study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Vandendriessche ◽  
B Deforche ◽  
M Verloigne
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Behavior Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Sleep Behavior ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Abstract Background Adolescents' sleep behavior has deteriorated over the last decades. However, little research has been conducted into possible psychosocial factors related to this behavior, which is an important prerequisite to develop effective sleep behavior interventions. In addition, previous research showed that actively involving adolescents in the development of interventions increases the chance of effectivity and sustainability. This study examined psychosocial factors related to sleep behavior in adolescents and investigated adolescents' willingness to participate in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. Methods Nine focus group interviews were conducted with seventy-two students (63,9% girls, 14.8 (±1.0) years) using a standardized interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and thematic content analysis was performed using Nvivo 11. Results Adolescents had adequate knowledge of sleep hygiene and short-term consequences of sleep deficiency, but limited knowledge of sleep norms and long-term consequences. Positive attitudes towards sleep were outweighed by positive attitudes towards other behaviours such as screen time. Leisure activities, smartphones, television, schoolwork, early school time and worrying were mentioned as barriers for healthy sleep. Adolescents showed low self-efficacy towards changing their sleep behaviors and perceived a negative social norm towards sleep. Although some adolescents indicated parental rules to have a positive influence on their sleep, others indicated these sometimes provoked frustration. Finally, adolescents emphasized the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention at school, although adult guiding would be needed. Conclusions Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents could focus on psychosocial factors such as knowledge, attitudes, barriers, self-efficacy and social perceived norm and could involve adolescents in intervention development. Key messages Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents should in addition to knowledge, also focus on psychosocial factors such as attitudes, self-efficacy and perceived social norms. Adolescents emphasize the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. This approach could be worth trying in future research.

scholarly journals A Focus Group Study of Perceptions of Genetic Risk Disclosure in Members of the Public in Sweden: “I’ll Phone the Five Closest Ones, but What Happens to the Other Ten?”

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1191
Author(s):  
Carolina Hawranek ◽  
Senada Hajdarevic ◽  
Anna Rosén
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Risk Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Genetics ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Risk Disclosure ◽  
Focus Group Study

This study explores perceptions and preferences on receiving genetic risk information about hereditary cancer risk in members of the Swedish public. We conducted qualitative content analysis of five focus group discussions with participants (n = 18) aged between 24 and 71 years, recruited from various social contexts. Two prominent phenomena surfaced around the interplay between the three stakeholders involved in risk disclosure: the individual, healthcare, and the relative at risk. First, there is a genuine will to share risk information that can benefit others, even if this is difficult and causes discomfort. Second, when the duty to inform becomes overwhelming, compromises are made, such as limiting one’s own responsibility of disclosure or projecting the main responsibility onto another party. In conclusion, our results reveal a discrepancy between public expectations and the actual services offered by clinical genetics. These expectations paired with desire for a more personalized process and shared decision-making highlight a missing link in today’s risk communication and suggest a need for developed clinical routines with stronger healthcare–patient collaboration. Future research needs to investigate the views of genetic professionals on how to address these expectations to co-create a transparent risk disclosure process which can realize the full potential of personalized prevention.

scholarly journals Education and training policies for research integrity: Insights from a focus group study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishma Labib ◽  
Natalie Evans ◽  
Rea Scepanovic ◽  
Panagiotis Kavouras ◽  
Andrea Reyez Elizondo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Research Integrity ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Formal Element ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis ◽  
And Training

Education is important for fostering research integrity (RI). Although RI training (a formal element of RI education) is increasingly provided, there is little knowledge on how research stakeholders view institutional RI education and training policies. Here, we present insights about research stakeholders’ views on what research institutions should take into account when developing and implementing RI education and training policies. We conducted 30 focus groups, engaging 147 participants in 8 European countries. Using a mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis, we identified five themes: 1) RI education should be available to all; 2) education and training approaches and goals should be tailored; 3) motivating trainees is essential; 4) both formal and informal educational formats are necessary; and 5) institutions should take into account various individual, institutional, and system-of-science factors when implementing RI education. Our findings suggest that institutions should make RI education attractive for all, and tailor training to disciplinary-specific contexts.

Attitudes Towards Assisted Dying in Dementia: A Focus Group Study with Younger and Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110632
Author(s):  
Freya Thompson ◽  
Alexandra R. Nelson ◽  
Rachel O. Coats ◽  
Judith Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
General Public ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Professional Experience ◽  
Assisted Dying ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
The United Kingdom

Objectives: To explore attitudes towards assisted dying in dementia (ADID) and the rationales underlying these attitudes, among younger and older adults. Method: We conducted separate focus groups with younger ( n = 11) and older adults ( n = 14) in the United Kingdom with personal or professional experience of dementia. Discussions were prompted by two vignettes depicting scenarios of ADID. The data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Though sometimes stronger in the older adults, many of the attitudes and underlying rationales were common across the age groups. Analysis generated four themes: ‘Perceptions of the disease’, ‘A case for empowerment’, ‘The morality of killing’ and ‘Logistical complexities’. Conclusions: For some, ADID was a hopeful alternative to the challenges they had witnessed in dementia. For others, the logistical problems surrounding ADID were insurmountable. Discussions were informed and insightful, highlighting the importance of including the general public in this ongoing debate.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Investigation of Young Female Dancers’ Use of Imagery

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Muir ◽  
Krista J. Munroe-Chandler ◽  
Todd Loughead
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Practical Implications

Although dancers have noted using imagery to mentally rehearse a routine, understand and reinforce movement, inspire strong emotions, and lower arousal levels, this finding is specific to adult dancers, overlooking imagery use with young dancers. The current study qualitatively examined the 4 Ws of imagery use (where, when, what, and why) with female dancers 7–14 years of age. Twenty-three female dancers (Mage = 10.43, SD = 2.19) from various dance styles participated in 1 of 4 focus-group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed findings similar to those identified in the domains of both adult dance and children’s sport. There were, however, findings emerging from the current study specific to young female dancers. These findings are provided, in addition to practical implications for dance instructors.

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