Essential aspects in the design of data collection instruments in primary health research

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the literature production on the design of forms for research in the health area and describe the most relevant concepts and precepts of the topic. Methods: an integrative literature review in the PubMed and Scielo databases with the key words: survey, constructing, questionnaire, formulary, development and design in various combinations, including articles published in any language in the last ten years. The survey returned 1,480 articles, and after reading and critically reviewing the abstracts according to the objective of the study, 16 articles were selected for complete reading. Information regarding aspects that were most relevant to the objective of the study was analyzed, as well as its recurrence in the selected articles. Results: the reading of the 16 articles resulted in three categories, based on the recurrence of the themes: structure, validation and sampling. Conclusion: clarity in the formulation of the questions was the most valued aspect in the structure of the instrument. As for validation, the realization of pilot tests was considered fundamental. Finally, the method of administration and adaptation of the questionnaire to target population was considered fundamental.

University Libraries Work with Electronic Licensed Resources in the Mirror of Users Perception

The article analyzes the results of survey of 1357 employees of the Russian Universities. The aim of the study is to identify various aspects of use of library resources and services, as well as to reveal the degree of satisfaction with the work of libraries. The survey results are presented for the sample as a whole and by specific groups of respondents, selected by the place of work (employees of the leading and metropolitan universities) and by preferences in the use of new formats of resources (only working with electronic resources or their subset - licensed resources). It is concluded that the users highly appreciate the work of libraries in general, however demonstrate the need for improvement in the use of licensed resources: the need for the new search services, new forms of library support when using these resources and the opportunity to work with them outside of the University premises. Key words: Survey, University Libraries, Library Resources, Library Services, Electronic Resources, Licensed Resources, Leading Universities, Sociological Data, Quantitative Methods of Analysis

UNIVERSITY STUDY PROBLEMS FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF STUDENTS: MOTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS

University education is a multiplex phenomenon. Both global and local political, socioeconomic changes condition higher education system’s development too. Universities seek to adequately react to various challenges, though not always successfully. An obvious thing is growing competition among universities – both at national and international levels. It is natural, that various hardships are being faced. It is understandable, that solution to any problem requires reliable and adequate information. University students’ opinion on higher education problematics questions research doesn’t lose its relevance. On the contrary, in this way rather objective initial information is obtained about the processes taking place in this sector. The empiric research (N=544) carried out between January and February 2012 showed, that students’ opinions about higher university education are, in fact, controversial. Having accomplished expectation analysis of the respondents, it was stated, that young people mostly orientate into self-realisation. Finding a job according to the acquired speciality, having a likable job, making career are the very essential students’ expectations. Education seeking, career possibilities are also the most important motives having determined the students’ decision to study at university. The main motive, having encouraged the students to choose university studies is seeking for education. Seeking for education is becoming a very important value for contemporary youth. A very important motive choosing university studies is seeking for future career and better (or imaginably better) person’s, having a university education, position in labour market. People of great significance (parents, teachers, friends and other) have very little influence on choosing university studies. Personal decision has the greatest influence while making a decision. Having graduated from university, and acquired necessary education, the biggest part of students relate their expectations with the open opportunities to realise themselves and seek professional career both in the country and outside its boundaries. A part of students after graduation from bachelor studies are planning to seek further education studying for master’s degree in Lithuania or abroad. Another part of students, as the main expectation related with university studies, point out the nearest, obviously pragmatic purposes – to successfully graduate the studies, not foreseeing further goals and opportunities. A very essential thing that came into light is student’s expectations focused on finding a job, getting it and so on. Almost unexpressed expectations are related with personal working place creation (own business, enterprise establishment and so on), which would be a very significant indicator and result of a qualitative university education. Key words: survey, empiric research, qualitative analysis, university education, expectations.

A survey of production characteristics, ownership and extension needs of the Alberta dairy industry

All dairy producers in the province of Alberta were mailed a questionnaire to determine current production and management practices. Eight hundred and two producers (55.7%) responded. The average herd size was 67 ± 39 cows and milking cow production was 21.9 ± 4.7 kg d−1. A large proportion of farmers owned their land and the farm mainly supported one or two families. The principal operators worked full time on the farm and few sought outside employment. About 28% of farmers owned personal computers but were slow to take advantage of this technology. Farmers received extension information primarily from veterinarians and other dairy producers, while the Alberta Dairy Producers newsletter was the primary medium of receiving information. Over 90% of the producers surveyed either planned to maintain present levels of production or expand. Milking cow production was influenced by operator experience and level of education. Those respondents who planned on maintaining or expanding their production had significantly (P < 0.05) larger herds. Key words: Survey, production, dairy, Alberta, management