Stefan Thomas

Bio: Stefan Thomas is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Humanities & Political science. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 12 publications receiving 830 citations.

Participatory Research Methods: A Methodological Approach in Motion

Abstract: Dieser Beitrag soll in die FQS-Schwerpunktausgabe "Partizipative qualitative Forschung" einfuhren. Partizipative Forschungsstrategien finden in neuerer Zeit wieder groseres Interesse. Die Aufsatze aus unterschiedlichen Disziplinen befassen sich auf dem Hintergrund von konkreten empirischen Forschungsprojekten mit verschiedenen konzeptionellen Uberlegungen und methodischen Herangehensweisen. Uber die Lekture dieser Beitrage und in Auseinandersetzung mit den Forderungen der Autor/innen sind wir dazu angeregt worden, auf jene Bereiche besonders einzugehen, in denen unserer Ansicht nach weitergearbeitet werden sollte. Dies betrifft Grundlagen partizipativer Forschung wie demokratietheoretische Uberlegungen, das Konzept des "sicheren Raums", Fragen der Partizipation oder der Ethik, aber auch forschungspraktische Fragen zur Rolle und zu den Aufgaben der verschiedenen Teilnehmenden, zu besonderen methodischen Herangehensweisen bis zur Frage der Gutekriterien, die hier als Rechtfertigungsargumente verstanden werden. Damit soll zu einer breiten Diskussion angeregt werden, die nicht nur auf den engeren Bereich partizipativer Forschung bezogen sein sollte. Da partizipative Methodik manche Fragen nach Erkenntnis und Forschung radikal stellt, birgt sie in sich auch die Chance, auf bisher vernachlassigte Bereiche in der qualitativen Methodik hinzuweisen und ihre weitere Entwicklung anzuregen. URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1201302

Unbegleitete minderjährige Geflüchtete - Ihre Lebenssituationen und Perspektiven in Deutschland

Abstract: Bielefeld : transcript 2018, 251 S. - (Kultur und soziale Praxis) - (Wien, Univ., Diss., 2016) Padagogische Teildisziplin: Sozialpadagogik; Bildungssoziologie;

Member Checking: A Tool to Enhance Trustworthiness or Merely a Nod to Validation?

Abstract: The trustworthiness of results is the bedrock of high quality qualitative research. Member checking, also known as participant or respondent validation, is a technique for exploring the credibility of results. Data or results are returned to participants to check for accuracy and resonance with their experiences. Member checking is often mentioned as one in a list of validation techniques. This simplistic reporting might not acknowledge the value of using the method, nor its juxtaposition with the interpretative stance of qualitative research. In this commentary, we critique how member checking has been used in published research, before describing and evaluating an innovative in-depth member checking technique, Synthesized Member Checking. The method was used in a study with patients diagnosed with melanoma. Synthesized Member Checking addresses the co-constructed nature of knowledge by providing participants with the opportunity to engage with, and add to, interview and interpreted data, several months after their semi-structured interview.

An Age-Old Problem: Examining the Discourses of Ageing in HCI and Strategies for Future Research

Abstract: Ageing has become a significant area of interest in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in recent years. In this article we provide a critical analysis of 30 years of ageing research published across the ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI) community. Discourse analysis of the content of 644 archival papers highlights how ageing is typically framed as a “problem” that can be managed by technology. We highlight how ageing is typically defined through an emphasis on the economic and societal impact of health and care needs of older people, concerns around socialisation as people age, and declines in abilities and associated reductions in performance when using technology. We draw from research within the fields of social and critical gerontology to highlight how these discourses in SIGCHI literature represent common stereotypes around old age that have also prevailed in the wider literature in gerontology. We conclude by proposing strategies for future research at the intersection of ageing and HCI.

YPAR and Critical Epistemologies: Rethinking Education Research:

Abstract: Knowledges from academic and professional research-based institutions have long been valued over the organic intellectualism of those who are most affected by educational and social inequities. In ...

Participatory Design in Gerontechnology: A Systematic Literature Review.

Abstract: Purpose of the Study Participatory design (PD) is widely used within gerontechnology but there is no common understanding about which methods are used for what purposes. This review aims to examine what different forms of PD exist in the field of gerontechnology and how these can be categorized. Design and Methods We conducted a systematic literature review covering several databases. The search strategy was based on 3 elements: (1) participatory methods and approaches with (2) older persons aiming at developing (3) technology for older people. Results Our final review included 26 studies representing a variety of technologies designed/developed and methods/instruments applied. According to the technologies, the publications reviewed can be categorized in 3 groups: Studies that (1) use already existing technology with the aim to find new ways of use; (2) aim at creating new devices; (3) test and/or modify prototypes. The implementation of PD depends on the questions: Why a participatory approach is applied, who is involved as future user(s), when those future users are involved, and how they are incorporated into the innovation process. Implications There are multiple ways, methods, and instruments to integrate users into the innovation process. Which methods should be applied, depends on the context. However, most studies do not evaluate if participatory approaches will lead to a better acceptance and/or use of the co-developed products. Therefore, participatory design should follow a comprehensive strategy, starting with the users' needs and ending with an evaluation if the applied methods have led to better results.