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Qualitative research & evaluation methods

01 Jan 2002-Iss: 1
TL;DR: In this paper, conceptual issues and themes on qualitative research and evaluaton methods including: qualitative data, triangulated inquiry, qualitative inquiry, constructivism, constructionism, complexity (chaos) theory, qualitative designs and data collection, fieldwork strategies, interviewing, tape-recording, ethical issues, analysis, interpretation and reporting, observations vs. perceived impacts and utilisation-focused evaluation reporting.
Abstract: This book explains clearly conceptual issues and themes on qualitative research and evaluaton methods including: qualitative data, triangulated inquiry, qualitative inquiry, constructivism, constructionism, Complexity (chaos) theory, qualitative designs and data collection, fieldwork strategies, interviewing, tape-recording, ethical issues, analysis, interpretation and reporting, observations vs. perceived impacts and utilisation-focused evaluation reporting.
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01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined personal standards, self-evaluation and attitudes to eating and weight in the development of disturbed eating in adolescent girls, and examined how they were affected by eating disorders.
Abstract: The overall aims of this thesis were to examine personal standards, self-evaluation and attitudes to eating and weight in the development of disturbed eating in adolescent girls, and to examine how ...

44 citations

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the status of rigor in qualitative research, its main criteria, the differences in its interpretation and application, ethics and the researchers' social commitment are discussed, and issues related to the instrument, field work, analysis and theoretical sampling, theoretical saturation and researcher's integrity are analyzed.
Abstract: For research methodology scholars, rigor issues related to the quality of the research is a core issue. The objective of this article is to show the status of rigor in qualitative research, its main criteria, the differences in its interpretation and application, ethics and the researchers’ social commitment. For such purpose, issues related to the instrument, field work, analysis and theoretical sampling, theoretical saturation and researcher’s integrity, are analyzed. Validity, reliability, objectivity versus subjectibity, credibility, confirmability and transferability concepts, as well as evaluation guidelines, are reviewed. Those are necessary elements to all the ones who are involved in research from different perspectives and interests.

44 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Thematic Synthesis Analysis concluded that none of the current awareness interpretations can deal properly with collaborative computer games, specifically due to collaboration and social & group dynamics.
Abstract: Includes a Thematic Synthesis of the awareness interpretations defined so far.No interpretation can deal with the awareness needs of collaborative games.The Gamespace Awareness interpretation for collaborative games is defined.Workspace Awareness was used as the main foundation of our integrated solution. ContextCollaborative computer games have evolved from single-player to massively multiplayer awareness-demanding games, usually involving collaboration to achieve team goals. As a consequence of such evolution, these players should be provided with awareness information that enables them to perform collaborative tasks with other team members. ObjectiveThe objective of this work is the analysis of current awareness interpretations in order to develop an awareness interpretation that collects the awareness needs of such games. MethodThis analysis has been conducted by means of a step-by-step Thematic Analysis of current interpretations that led us to extract the most relevant awareness elements defined in existing interpretations. The developed awareness interpretation was empirically evaluated by means of several surveys aimed at assessing whether the implementation of the interpretation elements in a game would improve the players enjoyment. ResultsThe Thematic Synthesis Analysis concluded that none of the current awareness interpretations can deal properly with collaborative computer games, specifically due to collaboration and social & group dynamics. This Thematic Synthesis Analysis led us to coin Gamespace Awareness, a new awareness interpretation based on a combination of the previously analyzed awareness interpretations, which is suitable for collaborative computer games. The interpretation was positively evaluated for two games, namely a first person shooter and a real-time strategy game. ConclusionsGamespace Awareness combines the potential awareness elements needed for collaborative computer games, making it possible to identify the awareness requirements of these games from the very beginning.

44 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A conceptual model of systems change that integrates familiar and fundamental community psychology principles (succession, interdependence, cycling of resources, adaptation) and accentuates a process orientation is proposed.
Abstract: In June 2007 the American Journal of Community Psychology published a special issue focused on theories, methods and interventions for systems change which included calls from the editors and authors for theoretical advancement in this field. We propose a conceptual model of systems change that integrates familiar and fundamental community psychology principles (succession, interdependence, cycling of resources, adaptation) and accentuates a process orientation. To situate our framework we offer a definition of systems change and a brief review of the ecological perspective and principles. The Ecological Process Model of Systems Change is depicted, described and applied to a case example of policy driven systems level change in publicly funded social programs. We conclude by identifying salient implications for thinking and action which flow from the Model.

44 citations


Cites background or methods from "Qualitative research & evaluation m..."

  • ...In this case study, Kelly’s (1968) four ecological principles were used as sensitizing concepts (Patton 2002) within a multidisciplinary framework....

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  • ...…us, building the notion of process and the sense of movement (e.g., progression, iteration, feedback) into our framework was the key to transforming a cluster of sensitizing concepts (Patton 2002) for understanding social contexts into a cogent and practical model for understanding systems change....

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  • ...As a sensitizing framework (Patton 2002) the Model may be useful to researchers to guide exploration, enrich understanding and structure descriptions of systems change....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings demonstrate the importance of a multi-level contextual analysis to gaining both breadth and depth to the understanding of innovation implementation and use in health care and provide new insights into several important issues under-reported in the literature on moving innovations into healthcare practice.
Abstract: The implementation of innovations (i.e., new tools and practices) in healthcare organizations remains a significant challenge. The objective of this study was to examine the key interpersonal, organizational, and system level factors that influenced the implementation and use of synoptic reporting tools in three specific areas of cancer care. Using case study methodology, we studied three cases in Nova Scotia, Canada, wherein synoptic reporting tools were implemented within clinical departments/programs. Synoptic reporting tools capture and present information about a medical or surgical procedure in a structured, checklist-like format and typically report only items critical for understanding the disease and subsequent impacts on patient care. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants, document analysis, nonparticipant observation, and tool use/examination. Analysis involved production of case histories, in-depth analysis of each case, and a cross-case analysis. Numerous techniques were used during the research design, data collection, and data analysis stages to increase the rigour of this study. The analysis revealed five common factors that were particularly influential to implementation and use of synoptic reporting tools across the three cases: stakeholder involvement, managing the change process (e.g., building demand, communication, training and support), champions and respected colleagues, administrative and managerial support, and innovation attributes (e.g., complexity, compatibility with interests and values). The direction of influence (facilitating or impeding) of each of these factors differed across and within cases. The findings demonstrate the importance of a multi-level contextual analysis to gaining both breadth and depth to our understanding of innovation implementation and use in health care. They also provide new insights into several important issues under-reported in the literature on moving innovations into healthcare practice, including the role of middle managers in implementation efforts and the importance of attending to the interpersonal aspects of implementation.

44 citations