Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Focus group on line'
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Hawkins, Sian Anna. "Pre-registration nurses' reflections on learning end-of-life-care : a focus group study." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2016. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/preregistration-nurses-reflections-on-learning-endoflifecarea-focus-group-study(f7e21fbb-e5d5-432a-8da6-ee1a50b734f1).html.
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The End-of-Life Care Strategy (DH 2008), Quality Standards for End-of-Life Care for Adults (NICE 2013) and One Chance to Get it Right (LACDP 2014), expect nurses to provide compassionate care with sensitive communication to the dying and their relatives. However, More Care Less Pathway reported examples of less than optimum care and communication (DH 2013). There has been a call for basic knowledge of end-of-life care to be in pre-registration nurses’ programmes, but there are currently no curricula guidelines (DH 2008, 2013). Therefore, this study aimed to explore undergraduate pre-registration nurses’ perceptions of how learning end-of-life-care could be enhanced in the Higher Education Institute (HEI) and Clinical Learning Environments (CLE). A review into the effect of pre-registration nurses’ education on end-of-life-care revealed eleven quasi-experimental studies. These suggest that following education programmes, knowledge and attitude towards end-of-life-care appeared to improve. However, only one study occurred in England. A meta-ethnography into pre-registration nurses’ experiences of providing end-of-life-care revealed its emotional impact, including grief, anxiety and fear. This was influenced by ward culture, type of death, performing last offices, difficult communication with patients and relatives and support from friends and nurses. However, these studies did not explore pre-registration nurses’ perceptions of factors that enhance how they learn to provide end-of-life-care. A qualitative investigation was undertaken using focus group methodology. Twelve final year BSc Nursing (Adult) pre-registration students participated in three focus group interviews. Transcripts were analysed following techniques recommended by Strauss and Corbin (1998), including constant comparison, open, axial, selective and process coding. Five key elements that enhanced pre-registration nurses learning were elucidated: translation of knowledge between the HEI, CLE and P-RNs; role modelling; P-RNs motivation to learn, being able to manage the emotional labour of EOLC and the creation of a safe learning environment. It is recommended that future research should be directed towards a longitudinal study following pre-registration nurses learning during the programme, at six months and 12 months after qualification to reveal how knowledge is translated into end-of-life-care.
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Bailey, Etienne Benjamin. "Understanding local public responses to a high-voltage transmission power line proposal in South-West England : investigating the role of life-place trajectories and project-related factors." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10871/17948.
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With a projected increase in electricity demand and low-carbon energy generation in the UK, expansion of the existing transmission grid network is required. In going beyond the NIMBY concept, Devine-Wright (2009) posited a place-based approach that highlights the roles of place attachment and place-related symbolic meanings for understanding public responses to energy infrastructure proposals. This PhD research investigated two overarching and interrelated research aims. The first sought to enlarge our understandings of the processes of attachment and detachment to the residence place by investigating the dynamics of varieties of people-place relations across the life course (people's 'life-place trajectories'), thus addressing the limitation of studies adopting a 'structural' approach to the study of people-place relations. This research, in a second instance, sought to better understand the role of people's life-place trajectories and a range of project-based factors (i.e. procedural and distributive justice) in shaping people's responses to a power line proposal. This research focussed on the Hinckley Point C (HPC) transmission line proposal and residents of the town of Nailsea, South-West England. A social representations theory framework was usefully applied to this research by acknowledging that people's personal place relations and their beliefs about proposed place change, are situated and embedded within wider social representations of place and project. A mixed methods approach was employed comprising three empirical studies. The first consisted of twenty-five narrative interviews, the second a set of five focus group interviews, and the third a questionnaire survey study (n=264) amongst a representative sample of Nailsea residents. Triangulating findings across the three studies produced a novel set of key findings. By elaborating five novel 'life-place trajectories', this PhD research moved beyond structural approaches to the study of people-place relations and made a novel contribution to our understandings of the processes and dynamics of attachment and detachment to the residence place across the life course. This research further confirmed the existing typology of people-place relations and revealed a novel variety termed 'Traditional-active attachment'. Life-place trajectories were instrumental in informing divergent representations of the nearby countryside which were more or less congruent with objectified representations of the HPC project. Future studies investigating place and project meanings should be sensitive to these trajectories. Interestingly, place as a 'centre of meaning' rather than a 'locus of attachment' (or non-attachment) emerged as particularly salient for understanding responses to the project. Project-based factors were salient in informing participants' responses toward the project. A perceived imbalance between high local costs and an absence of local benefits was seen to result in distributive injustice and opposition toward the project. However, improved perceived procedural justice following National Grid's announcement of siting concessions in the spring of 2013, was seen to ameliorate local trust in the developer and project acceptance.
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Ratliff, William Charles. ""I Just Don't Feel Like Doing This Anymore": A Phenomenological Study of Student Engagement and Satisfaction in Learning During COVID19." University of Dayton / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1619618120316513.
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Ilanogovan, Malarvele, and Susan E. Higgins. "Library provision to the Tamil community in Singapore." LIBRES: Library and Information Science Electronic Journal, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/197109.
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This study explored public library provision to the Tamil Community in Singapore using a focus group methodology. Results of the study were analysed and implications for the library services for the Tamil community in Singapore outlined. Improvement is needed in collections, facilities, programming and services, particularly in the area of provision to young people. Among other suggestions, the participants proposed an Internet portal in Tamil. Many indicated that the library could help in promoting the usage of Tamil language in Singapore through facilitating the reading and use of the Tamil language. Participants perceived this as vital to preserve the Tamil culture in Singapore and ensure its survival as part of the country’s unique cultural heritage in the future. The Tamil language among the other Indian languages has been given official status in Singapore, and this recognition of Tamil as a national language has given the Tamils intrinsic satisfaction. The language provides them with a living link to their ethnic culture. They believe the library can help them regain their cultural identities and also assist them in repositioning themselves well in Singaporean society. The contribution of this study to the professional literature is the idea of cultural identity being central in public library services to special user groups.
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Snyder, Carolyn A. "An investigation of behaviors influencing life satisfaction in young adult families." Thesis, Manhattan, Kan. : Kansas State University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/1103.
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Ward, Callahan K. "Professional Development Needs of Utah State University Extension Professionals." DigitalCommons@USU, 2018. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6927.
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Many Utah State University (USU) Extension personnel are nearing retirement age. The purpose of this study was to identify professional development needs of Extension professionals and assess USU Extension by evaluating competencies essential to be a successful Extension professional. USU Extension can conduct more beneficial professional development training by using identified high priority competencies and improve the on boarding process for new Extension professionals. With improvements as suggested, the effectiveness of professional development could be enhanced and produce Extension professionals who work more efficiently and are committed to the success of USU Extension.
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Collin, Angelica, and Sofie Tollander. "Att leva med autismspektrumtillstånd : Innehållsanalys och samtalsanalys av en fokusgruppsdiskussion." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för klinisk och experimentell medicin, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-118998.
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Autismspektrumtillstånd (AST) är en neuropsykiatrisk funktionsnedsättning som kan påverka individens vardagsliv. Livsområden som kan vara problematiska är bland annat arbetsliv, familjeliv, relationer och områden som kräver social interaktion. Syftet med föreliggande studie var att undersöka vardaglig kommunikation hos vuxna med AST samt att genom deltagarnas personliga berättelser undersöka hur AST kan påverka en individs liv. Denna typ av studie är viktig för att generera en bättre förståelse för behoven hos vuxna med AST och därmed ge indikationer för vilka typer av anpassningar som kan behövas i samhället. Föreliggande studie baserades på en videoinspelad fokusgruppsdiskussion med fyra deltagare som i vuxen ålder har diagnostiserats med AST. Två olika analysmetoder användes för att studera materialet, nämligen samtalsanalys och innehållsanalys. Resultaten visade att deltagarna har kompetens för social interaktion och empatisk förmåga. Ett par av deltagarna uppfattades ha annorlunda blickanvändning, och oväntade ämnesbyten och avbrottsförsök observeras under diskussionen. Flertalet av deltagarna uppgav att de har haft psykiska svårigheter under sina liv och de ser diagnostiseringen som viktig för deras livskvalitet då den möjliggör kontaktskapande med likasinnade. Detta förefaller vara betydelsefullt för dem då de har svårt att bygga relationer. Resultaten i föreliggande studie kan bidra till en ökad förståelse för hur en neuropsykiatrisk diagnos kan påverka en individs liv.Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a neuropsychiatric impairment that may affect an individual's everyday life. Life areas that may be problematic include work, family, relationships and areas that require social interaction. The aim of the present study was to investigate communication in everyday life amongst adults with ASD as well as, by listening to the participants' personal narratives, explore how AST can affect an individual's life. The study was based on a video recorded focus group discussion with four participants who in adulthood have been diagnosed with ASD. Conversation Analysis and Content analysis were used for analysis of the material. The results showed that the participants have skills for social interaction and empathy. Some of the participants were perceived as using their gaze in a deviant way, and unexpected changes in topics and attempted interruptions were observed during the discussion. The majority of the participants described periods of psychiatric problems during their lives, and that the diagnosis has been important for their quality of life as it enables them to create relationships with people with similar difficulties. This appears to be important to them since they have difficulties building relationships. The results contribute to a better understanding of how a neuropsychiatric diagnosis can affect an individual's life.
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Possan, Edna. "Modelagem da carbonatação e previsão de vida útil de estruturas de concreto em ambiente urbano." reponame:Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da UFRGS, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10183/28923.
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Este trabalho propõe um modelo matemático destinado à estimativa da profundidade de carbonatação e à previsão de vida útil de projeto de estruturas de concreto, envolvendo variáveis de entrada de fácil obtenção (como resistência à compressão, tipo de cimento, umidade relativa, entre outras). Com base no conhecimento de experts (grupo focal) criou-se o banco de dados que deu origem ao modelo, o qual considera as principais variáveis de influência na ação da carbonatação, incluindo: às características do concreto (resistência à compressão do concreto aos 28 dias, o tipo de cimento empregado, o teor de adição, quando houver); às condições de exposição (macro clima - ambiente interno ou externo, protegido ou não da chuva); e, às condições ambientais (umidade relativa média da região de exposição da estrutura e o teor de CO2 do ambiente). O modelo matemático proposto baseou-se no ajuste de dados considerando as leis físico-químicas pertinentes, o qual foi testado com dados de investigações experimentais realizadas por outros pesquisadores. Os resultados indicam que o mesmo representa a ação da carbonatação do concreto, apresentando potencial de generalização. Também foi empregado para a previsão de vida útil de projeto, com uma abordagem probabilística via Simulação de Monte Carlo (SMC) e Análise de confiabilidade, inserindo as variabilidades existentes no processo de degradação. Os resultados das simulações demonstram que o modelo pode ser empregado para estimativa de vida útil via processos estocásticos. O modelo foi desenvolvido essencialmente para servir como um suporte para a análise da durabilidade de estruturas de concreto armado em ambiente urbano, podendo ser empregado tanto para a estimativa da profundidade de carbonatação do concreto quanto para a previsão de vida útil de projeto de estruturas novas ou existentes, com abordagem determinística ou probabilística. As maiores vantagens do modelo são relacionadas à entrada de dados os quais podem ser obtidos com relativa facilidade, à facilidade de aplicação e ao potencial de generalização.This research work proposes a mathematical model to estimate carbonation depths and the service life prediction of concrete structures using easily accessible input variables (such as compressive strength, cement type, relative humidity, etc.). The model was designed using a database which was developed using the knowledge of experts (focus group). This database assesses the main variables that affect carbonation in concrete (compressive strength at 28 days, type of cement, concentration of addition, if applicable), exposure conditions (macroclimate – indoors or outdoors, exposure to rain) and environmental conditions (mean relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration of the area where the structure is located). The proposed model was tested using experimental data from other researchers and the results suggest that it accurately represents the effects of carbonation in concrete, with results that can be expanded to other structures. The mathematical model was also applied to forecasts of the service life of a project using the probabilistic approach of Monte Carlo methods (MC) and an analysis of reliability that accounted for the intrinsic variability found in decay processes. The results of the simulations show that the model can be used to estimate the service life of a project using a stochastic technique. The model was developed to serve mainly as a supporting feature in the assessment of durability in reinforced concrete structures in urban environments and can be applied both to estimates of carbonation depths and to the service life prediction of projects of new or existing structures, using deterministic or probabilistic approaches. The major benefits offered by this model are related to the input of data, which are readily available, its ease of use and its potential for application in general situations.
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Bergnéhr, Disa. "Timing parenthood : Independence, family and ideals of life." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för tema, Tema Barn. Linköpings universitet, Filosofiska fakulteten, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-28896.
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Föreliggande arbete är en kvalitativ studie som behandlar valet att bli förälder. Det som undersöks är svenska unga vuxnas samtal kring när tiden är rätt för att bli förälder, livet som förälder kontra livet utan barn, det ideala livet, det goda föräldraskapet och en bra barndom. Studien är ett bidrag till den västerländska debatten om sjunkande födelsetal och uppskjutet barnafödande. De empiriska analyserna i arbetet är baserade på fokusgrupper med sammanlagt 35 individer mellan 24 och 39 år. Deltagarna har olika bakgrunder sett till utbildning, arbete och bostadsort. 15 var förstagångsföräldrar eller väntade sitt första barn. Resterande 20 hade inte barn. När är tiden rätt för barn? Varför har medelåldern för förstagångsföräldrar ökat? Vilka föreställningar finns kring livet som förälder jämfört med livet utan barn? Dessa var de övergripande frågorna som diskuterades i grupperna. Användandet av fokusgrupper och den diskursiva analysen visade sig vara fruktbara i studiet av ideal och föreställningar kring föräldraskap och övergången till föräldraskap. Resultatet av studien belyser komplexiteten kring valet att bli eller att vänta med att bli förälder; det visar på hur människors liv och förståelse av sig själva påverkas av många motstridiga föreställningar och ideal. Föräldraskap, familj, släktskap, vänskap, kärlek, ålder, biologi, och den oberoende individen är några av de fenomen som framstår som diskurser i fokusgruppsdeltagarnas diskussioner kring tiden för föräldraskap. Denna studie visar hur olika individer förhåller sig till olika diskurser och subjektspositioner, och hur olika individer på olika sätt löser dilemman som motstridiga ideal resulterar i. I avhandlingen undersöks och belyses diskursiva, kulturella strukturer och individers aktiva positionerande gentemot dessa.The present thesis is a qualitative study of reproductive decision-making. It explores ways in which Swedish young adults talk about the timing of parenthood, the ideal life, good parenthood and the auspicious childhood. The work contributes to the debate on why fertility rates are declining and why the transition to parenthood is being postponed in the contemporary Western world. The empirical analysis is based on focus group data including in total 35 participants, between 24 and 39 years of age, with varying educational, occupational, and geographical backgrounds. The participants were new first-time parents, a few who were expecting their first child and some who were childless. The broad guiding questions of the focus group discussions were the timing of parenthood, the general postponement of parenthood, and the childless life contra life as a parent. The focus group method proved to be very useful in exploring ideas and ideals related to the timing of parenthood, as did the discourse analytical approach that was applied. The study illuminates the complexity of reproductive decision-making; it is an exploration of a range of notions and discourses that impact on people’s lives and ways of understanding the world, such as discourses on kin, family, friendship, the romantic relationship, parenthood, age, biology, and the independent, individualized individual. It is also a study of individual positioning towards different, often contradictory ideals, and individual strategies when trying to solve the pertinent dilemmas caused by contrasting notions. Thus, the study is an exploration of general, cultural discursive structures as well as of the different ways in which the subject actively draws upon them.
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Trolove, Hamish P. "Line focus solar Stirling domestic power generation." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Mechanical Engineering, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/6468.
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This thesis has found that to generate electricity for a domestic supply, the use of a two stage line focus concentrator coupled to a Stirling engine by way of a heat pipe is very inefficient, and the end result (useful power) could be better achieved by a line focus system with a Rankine cycle heat engine, or by using photovoltaic cells. For larger systems such as that needed to supply a small community, a point focus solar Stirling engine is the most efficient system at this stage, but with the rapid improvements being made in the performance of photovoltaic cells, this may not be the case in the future.
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Tolmie, Diana Maree. "My Life as a Musician: Designing a Vocational Preparation Strand to Create Industry-Prepared Musicians." Thesis, Griffith University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/370346.
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For the last two decades, the discourse surrounding the education of the
professional musician has increased as traditional forms of music employment become
more competitive and the portfolio career has returned as an accepted mode of working
for musicians. Criticism of the nineteenth-century conservatoire model, which in turn
has led to the recommendation to embed an employability focus within degree programs
that fosters the development of industry-prepared musicians. To date, however, there
are few successful examples of this. This study investigates the design, development
and delivery of the My Life as a Musician (MLaaM) vocational preparation strand of
undergraduate courses that assist student musicians to prepare for their likely
employment, both before and after graduation. The thesis makes an original
contribution to higher education teaching and learning by documenting the processes
involved in developing employability education within an undergraduate music
curriculum.
Data collection involved a suite of research methods based on a grounded
theoretical approach that included autoethnography, practitioner action research, focus
groups of 44 Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) students, and
interviews with 12 faculty plus three Australian arts leaders, three Australian higher
education leaders and three Australian music industry lecturers. Further to this,
interviews with 15 South-East Queensland portfolio career musicians informed the
design of a 75-question survey to which 261 Australian portfolio musicians responded.
The findings revealed a shrinking and territorial music industry that has been
affected by macro-environmental forces, an increased professional musician population,
a lack of respect for the portfolio careerist, and cannibalistic employment practices. The
musicians indicated that opportunities exist to provide formal and informal vocational
preparation in the form of experiential learning for the acquisition of an extensive set of
hard and soft skills that support career sustainability. However, the research revealed 11
barriers to the success of this employment education. These involved students’
romanticised career aspirations, varying degree approaches, and professional identity
development from music student to student musician. In addition, the influence of a
master-apprentice model largely subscribing to an art for art’s sake approach to career development, rather than acknowledging the realities of the changing profession, further affected students’ acceptance of formalised vocational learning.
Combined with this qualitative and quantitative inquiry, an extensive literature
review of the music industry, musician identity, career theory and educational practice
has contributed to the development of a Conservatoire Student Lifecycle Model as the
foundation of the MLaaM strand. Implications for the further development of these
courses, ethical extracurricular programme activities, curriculum restructure and the call
for industry reform are discussed. The results of this study may hold relevance for those
wishing to instigate similar vocational preparation courses within undergraduate tertiary music programmes.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Queensland Conservatorium
Arts, Education and Law
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Codio, Sherley. "Understanding Community Privacy through Focus Group Studies." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/32200.
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Just as an individual is rightly concerned about the privacy of their personally identifying information, so also is a group of people, a community, concerned about the privacy of sensitive information entrusted to their care. Our research seeks to develop a better understanding of the factors contributing to the sensitivity of community information, of the privacy threats that are recognized by the community, and of the means by which the community attempts to fulfill their privacy responsibilities. We are also interested in seeing how the elements of a community privacy model that we developed are related to the findings from the studies of communities. This thesis presents the results of a series of focus group sessions conducted in corporate settings. Three focus group interviews were conducted using participants from two information technology companies and one research group from the university. Three themes emerged from the analysis of these focus group interviews which are described as privacy awareness, situated disclosures, and confinement of sensitive information. These three themes capture the character and complexity of community oriented privacy and expose breakdowns in current approaches.Master of Science
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Puchta, Claudia. "Beyond spontaneity : the accomplishment of focus group talk." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1999. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/27162.
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This thesis is concerned with the analysis of talk in a corpus of German market research focus groups. The nature of interaction taking place in these focus groups is studied from a conversation-analytic and discourse-analytic perspective.
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Schmidt, Mellis I. (Mellis Irene). "Forgiveness as the Focus Theme in Group Counseling." Thesis, North Texas State University, 1986. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc330735/.
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This study reviewed the literature regarding forgiveness and developed a structured group counseling format with the theme of forgiveness. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of forgiveness as used in group counseling upon depression, generalized anxiety, dogmatism, relationships, guilt, and forgiveness in the participants. Thirty subjects were selected to participate in one of three groups: an experimental group, a comparison treatment group, and a control group. The experimental group and the comparison treatment group participated in two-hour group sessions, once a week for ten weeks. The experimental group was didactic and experiential with the focus on forgiveness, whereas the comparison treatment group was problem solving using Redecision Therapy. All groups participated in pre and post test sessions. The seven hypotheses in this study were tested with a multivariate analysis of covariance as well as univariate analysis of covariance for each hypothesis. Significance in differences between means was tested at the .05 level of significance.
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Solheim, Inger Helen. "Identitet, kropp og hverdagsliv i et folkelig perspektiv : og erfaringskunnskapens plass innen folkehelsetenkningen." Doctoral thesis, Karlstads universitet, Institutionen för sociala och psykologiska studier, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kau:diva-25972.
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Over the last decades the weight has increased in the Norwegian population. Report no 16 to the Storting, “Prescription for a healthier Norway”, expresses concern for this development and defines important areas of commitment to prevent a further increase in health problems like diabetes 2 and other lifestyle related diseases. The foci described above are all justified by figures and statistical surveys. The dominant approach towards lifestyle related diseases is closely connected with Western medicine. The main tendency in the recommendations is primarily presenting overweight and obesity as something negative and problematic. This study focuses on self-assessment and self-perception of people that are overweight as well as those of normal weight. The aim is to reveal the collective understanding in a local community that struggles to avoid a further weight-gain in its population. This thesis seeks to, shed light on how the weight- evolvement in the Norwegian society influence peoples individual self-image and body perception. A local community in Norway (“Libygda”) defined by media, some years ago, as the most overweight local community in the country, constitutes the basis for this thesis. Methods like fieldwork, multistage focus group interviews and individual interviews (all carried out in “Libygda”) were used. The main focus in all the approaches is the bottom up strategy gained through the research approach Co-operative Inquiry which implies that both researcher and participants together search to gain insight and new experiential knowledge. In this case about individual health perception, body and identity. The data material is analyzed mainly through Life Mode-Theory, and theories of social capital (and other theories from the Social Science field). Methodological and theoretical approaches within Public Health Work are mainly based in Health Science, whereas this thesis has Social Science (Sociology and Social Anthropology) as its point of departure. The thesis will by its perspective aim to complement the traditional Health Science and offer a supplemental approach to the Science of Public Health. This thesis describes how experience-based perspectives on health and body exist side by side with the medical and Public Health Science perspective. This implies that there exists a parallel understanding of reality, which is rarely focused on by health professionals. If Public Health Work should gain a greater impact on peoples’ everyday life, these experience based and folk perspectives must be taken into consideration and accepted by professionals as relevant.De siste tiårene har vekten økt i den norske befolkningen. Stortingsmelding nr 16 ”Resept for et sunnere Norge” uttrykker uro for denne utviklingen og definerer viktige satsningsområder for å hindre en økning i antallet diabetes 2 og andre livsstilsrelaterte sykdommer. Satsningsområdene beskrevet over er alle basert på og dokumentert ved statistiske undersøkelser. Hovedtendensen i anbefalingene har som utgangspunkt at overvekt og fedme er assosiert med noe negativt og problematisk. Denne avhandlingens fokus er den subjektive selvoppfatningen til både normalvektige og overvektige. Hensikten er å avdekke den kollektive forståelsen av helse og et godt liv i et lokalsamfunn med overvektsutfordringer i befolkningen. Avhandlingen søker å belyse hvordan vektøkning i det norske samfunnet påvirker individers selvbilde og kroppsforståelse, og hvordan dette speiles på lokalsamfunnsnivå. Et lokalsamfunn i Sør-Norge (”Libygda”), definert av media rundt tusenårsskiftet som den mest overvektige kommunen i Norge, danner utgangspunktet for denne studien. Metoder som feltarbeid, deltagende observasjon, flerstegs fokusgruppeintervju, individuelle intervjuer (alt uført i ”Libygda”) blir benyttet. Hovedfokuset i de metodiske tilnærmingene er en nedenfra-og-opp inngang inspirert av handlingsorientert forskningssamarbeid, hvor både forsker og deltakere sammen søker ny innsikt og erfaringskunnskap om individuell og kollektiv helseoppfatning, kroppsforståelse og identitet. Datamaterialet blir analysert i lys av livsformteori, sosial kapital og andre relevante samfunnsvitenskapelige teorier. Metodiske og teoretiske tilnærminger innen folkehelsearbeidet er ofte knyttet til helseforskningen, mens denne avhandlingen har et samfunnsvitenskapelig (sosiologi og sosialantropologi) utgangspunkt. Avhandlingens perspektiv søker å komplementere tradisjonell helseforskning med en erfaringsbasert tilnærming til folkehelsevitenskapen. Avhandlingen beskriver hvordan erfaringsbaserte og folkelige perspektiver på helse og kropp lever side om side med den medisinske og folkehelsevitenskaplige. Dette innebærer at det eksisterer en parallell forståelse av virkeligheten, som sjelden blir tillagt vekt eller fokusert av helsepersonell eller akademia. Hvis folkehelsearbeid skal få større innflytelse og gjennomslagskraft i menneskers hverdagsliv, må disse erfaringsbaserte og folkelige perspektivene inkluderes av fagfolk.
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GUERINI, MICHELA. "Quality of life and families agency in European Cities: a comparison between neighborhoods in Milan and Amsterdam." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10281/34448.
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La tesi propone un originale modello per lo studio della qualità di vita urbana riferendosi alla Capability Approach (CA) di Amartya Sen (1992, 1999, 2004, 2009) con l’inclusione di aspetti partecipativi. Il concetto di qualità di vita si lega al benessere inteso in termini di sviluppo umano. L’approccio pone la centralità dei cittadini nell’individuazione di quelle dimensioni di benessere che essi stessi hanno motivo di valore come importanti per il raggiungimento degli obiettivi di sviluppo della proprio vita.
Il modello propone una definizione partecipativa di benessere e qualità di vita urbana e viene combinata con l'indagine dei modi di vita dei cittadini. La tesi prende in esame quei tratti di vita urbana composti da funzionamenti, capacità, libertà, scelte e valori messi in gioco dai cittadini quotidianamente per migliorare la propria qualità di vita.
Un test empirico di questo modello è stato implementato in un’analisi comparativa sulle famiglie con i bambini in due quartieri di Milano e Amsterdam. I dati sono stati raccolti attraverso focus group e interviste e sono stati analizzati secondo le categorie del CA declinato all’ambito urbano. Risultati positivi delineano una nuova direzione negli studi sulla qualità di vita urbana basata su un approccio centrata sulle persone e sugli abitanti della città.The thesis proposes an original model to define quality of urban life referring to the Capability Approach (CA) of Amartya Sen (1992, 1999, 2004, 2009) with a participative enforcement. Opening the concept of quality of life to well-being as human development we refer to citizens' centrality in identifying own dimensions of well-being according to what they have reason to value and to what they aim to achievement. The model proposes a participative definition of well-being and quality of urban life to be combined with the investigation of citizens' agency as the sum of valued actions chosen to develop their life. Urban traits of citizens' functionings, capabilities, freedom, choices and values emerge with relevant indications on how people like to improve their personal and social well-being. An empirical test of this model has been implemented in a comparative analysis on families with children in neighborhood in Milan and Amsterdam. Data has been collected trough focus groups and interviews and analyzed trough the CA categories with urban sociological and geographical declination. Positive results have emerged and further improvement on this model could bring new direction on quality of urban life based on a more people-centered approach.
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Rigaard, Judith Petronella. "Tienerswangerskap en die verwerpingsbelewing by 'n groep swanger hoërskoolleerders / Judith P. Rigaard." Thesis, North West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/12799.
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The aim of this African culturally based research is to establish whether a group of unmarried pregnant teenage girls experience rejection during their period of pregnancy as well as to determine whether they experienced rejection for whatever reason before falling pregnant. Seen in the context of the communal and person-centred life view as upheld by the African culture where respect for and well-being of the individual within the tribal and extended family structure is paramount, one would expect that unmarried girls finding themselves in a precarious situation such as premature pregnancy would experience understanding, acceptance and support. The research is quantitative as well as qualitative. The quantitative research focuses on 341 grade 11-leamers at seven secondary schools in the Free State Province of Education as well as in the Gauteng Department of Education. Questionnaires were presented with the aim of establishing the reason for teenage pregnancy; to research the thoughts, feelings and actions of the peer group toward pregnant teenage girls; to determine the presence of feelings of rejection of a group of pregnant teenage girls at the same schools; to determine the thoughts the girls have about themselves as well as about the future. On account of the fact that that the responses of the pregnant girls seemingly contradicted the responses given by the grade 11-peer group sample it was decided to supplement the quantitative research result with a qualitative research investigation by means of focus group interviews conducted with twelve willing to participate pregnant girls at two ofthe secondary schools who voluntarily agreed to participate. The research result indicates that although the pregnant girls did not experience rejection before falling pregnant they did however experience rejection after falling pregnant, especially from the peer group at school, educators, and certain sections of society. Although the parents of these girls were initially offended and reluctant, their attitude toward the pregnancy changed to include acceptance and even support.M.A. Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010
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Ozugurel, Emre, and Abhiram Reddam. "Strategies for assembly line re-balancing with focus on level of automation." Thesis, KTH, Industriell produktion, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-41316.
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Production companies often encounter changes that have to be met because of changing market tastes. This requires them to be flexible in their production process. In order to achieve this flexibility the efficiency of the production line is sometimes compromised. Efficiency of the production line and its flexibility has to go hand in hand if the company is to compete successfully in this dynamic market. Line balancing is an important feature in ensuring that a production line is efficient and producing at its optimum. The process of Line balancing attempts to equalize the load on each workstation of the production line.This thesis wishes to address the requirements of three organizations, KTH, SWEREA and Electrolux.We are required to submit a Master‟s thesis in order to be eligible to receive a Masters degree from the Department of Production Engineering and Management at KTH.Swedish research group SWEREA has been involved in a project titled COMPLEX in collaboration with academic and industrial organizations, which aims to define the „complexity „of a production system and help manage it. This project was founded by VINNOVA.Electrolux is a stakeholder in the COMPLEX project and has hence provided us with this opportunity of doing our Master‟s thesis at their plant. The Electrolux factory at Mariestad has undergone significant renovation. This has been done in order to reach higher levels of flexibility and efficiency in order to deal with constantly changing markets. To help rebalance their new production line by focusing on the Level of Automation at inefficient workstations is a priority along with supporting them during this phase of reconstruction.We will work on satisfying all three organizations simultaneously. On completion of this thesis, we wish to have contributed towards rebalancing the new assembly line with special focus on Level of Automation at the Electrolux factory in Mariestad along with supporting them during this phase of reconstruction. We also hope to contribute significantly in developing the definition of complexity and possible ways to deal with it.
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Giesbert, Lena-Anna. "Microinsurance and risk management." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Landwirtschaftlich-Gärtnerische Fakultät, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/16900.
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Im Zuge der rasanten Verbreitung von Mikrokrediten und Mikrosparprodukten werden seit etwa einem Jahrzehnt auch Mikroversicherungen an einkommensschwache Haushalte in Entwicklungsländern verkauft. Sie stellen für diese Haushalte eine Möglichkeit dar, mit den Folgen von Risiken besser umzugehen und somit ihren Wohlstand zu steigern. Diese Arbeit verwendet quantitative und qualitative Analysemethoden – basierend auf eigenen Haushaltsumfragen und Fokusgruppendiskussionen –, um die Aufnahmebedingungen von Mikroversicherung in Ghana zu untersuchen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen erstens, dass über Standarddeterminanten der Versicherungsnachfrage hinaus Faktoren informeller Vertrauensbildung und die subjektive Risikoeinschätzung eine entscheidende Rolle spielen. Dies begründet sich in bestehenden Informationsasymmetrien und einer geringen Erfahrung mit dem Versicherungsprodukt und dem Versicherer. Ferner steht die Nutzung von Mikrolebensversicherung in einer sich verstärkenden Beziehung zu der Nutzung anderer formaler Finanzdienstleistungen. Zweitens wird deutlich, dass der Wert (Client Value), den die Zielgruppe in Mikroversicherung sieht, nicht allein auf Kosten- und Nutzenerwägungen basiert. Vielmehr spielen auch emotionale- und soziale Aspekte eine Rolle. Der Kundenwert wird dabei von Faktoren wie (geringen) Finanz- und Versicherungskenntnissen, der Beeinflussung durch die soziale Gruppe und dem Vergleich mit alternativen Risikomanagementstrategien beeinflusst. Drittens bestehen genderspezifische Muster in der Aufnahme von Mikrolebensversicherung, die mit dem Haushaltstyp und regional unterschiedlichen soziokulturellen Bedingungen zusammenhängen. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass Präferenzen bezüglich Lebensversicherung innerhalb von Haushalten variieren und die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Versicherungskaufs mit wachsender Verhandlungsstärke der Frau zunimmt. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass Frauen eine besonders wichtige Zielgruppe für Mikrolebensversicherungen sind.Microinsurance has been the third financial service – following microcredit and microsavings - to enter emerging financial markets in the developing world. It is widely regarded as a promising innovation that could provide high welfare gains, given that low-income people often lack efficient strategies to manage and cope with risks. This thesis applies quantitative econometric and qualitative methods – based on own household and individual survey data and focus group discussions – to investigate participation patterns and perceived value in micro life insurance in Ghana. The results of this thesis show that household, first, uptake of micro life insurance does not entirely follow the predictions made by standard insurance theories. Informal trust-building mechanisms and subjective risk perceptions turn out to play an important role in the context of information asymmetries and limited experience with formal insurance. Furthermore, there is a mutually reinforcing relationship between micro life insurance and other formal financial services available in the rural and semi-urban study areas in Ghana. Second, the perceived value of microinsurance consists not only of the expected or experienced benefits and costs, but also of quality, emotional and social dimensions. Perceptions of high or low value are driven by large discrepancies between expectations and experiences, clients’ knowledge about insurance, their interaction with peers, and the availability and effectiveness of alternative risk management options. Third, there are gender-specific patterns of market participation between and within households that are intertwined with the household type and regionally varying sociocultural conditions. Spousal preferences on insurance differ and women with a higher bargaining power are more likely to purchase insurance on their own. The results suggest that women are an important target group for the provision of micro life insurance.
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Daniels, Sarah Christy. "A Focus Group Exploration of Sexual Identity Formation in Nonmonosexual Women." UNF Digital Commons, 2009. http://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/256.
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Nonmonosexuality invisibility in the scientific literature is explored as well as opposing historical viewpoints of nonmonosexuality's origins and nature. A focus group was used to explore the sexual identities of self-identified nonmonosexual women, their own journeys toward sexual identity formation, and the extent to which society has impacted their ability to express these identities. Using Consensual Qualitative Methodology (C. E. Hill, S. Knox, B. J. Thompson, E. N. Williams, S. A. Hess, & N. Ladany, 2005; C. E. Hill, B. J. Thompson, & E. N. Williams, 1997), several themes emerged: (a) defining one's identity; (b) social consciousness; (c) experiences of marginalization; and (d) strategies for managing one's identity in the face ofbiphobia. Results are discussed in light of focus group dynamics and benefits. Keywords: qualitative analysis, focus group, bisexual, women, identity formation, social structure
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Majidy, Maryam. "The health perspectives of overweight Iranian women : a focus group approach /." Thesis, This resource online, 1996. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-11012008-063520/.
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Harrison, Todd M. "Internal stakeholder perceptions of intercollegiate athletic reform a focus group examination /." Connect to this title online, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1085773185.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004.Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xix, 286 p. : ill. Advisor: Donna Pastore, College of Education. Includes bibliographical references (p. 257-264).
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Adams, Melanie D. "Perceptions of Customized Employment Among Employers: A Survey and Focus Group." DigitalCommons@USU, 2015. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/4591.
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Customized employment for individuals with significant disabilities is becoming a focus of job placement. Customized employment is defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014 as “Competitive integrated employment, for an individual with a significant disability, that is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the individual with a significant disability that is designed to meet the specific abilities of the individual with a significant disability and the business needs of the employer, and is carried out through flexible strategies.” Despite its status in federal legislation, no research exists on the employer’s perspective on customized employment. This study surveyed 53 employers and a focus group of 10 employers to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to customized employment. The researcher found that the highest-rated barriers employers identified with regards to customized employment were their lack of experience with customized employment, cost and responsibility of accommodations. The highest-rated facilitators included support was available from other agencies, financial incentives, and increased productivity. Limitations of this research and implications for further research are discussed.
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Erb, Michele. "Identification of Training Needs: A Focus Group Interview/Q-Sort Methodology." TopSCHOLAR®, 1987. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/2313.
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In light of research that suggests that formal needs analysis leads to efficient and productive training programs, managers and a sampling of non-management employees from a mid-size manufacturing company participated in a needs assessment to determine future training needs for the company's mangers. The information was collected through focus group interviews and a Q-sort technique was developed to categorize the issues raised in the interviews. The categories of training issues and related concerns identified as a result of the focus group interview process were compared to a list of training topics generated by managers through an informal survey prior to the needs assessment. The comparison indicated that the training issues generated by managers in the informal survey were not congruent with the issues identified as a result of the needs assessment process. Comparisons were made between the major issues addressed by various departments, management levels, and functional groups. These comparisons indicated that some concerns were identified by all departments, management levels, and functional areas and could be defined as organizational concerns while other concerns were identified by specific departments, management levels, or functional areas.
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Mensah, Frank George. "Analysis of a routine for documentation management : focus on Stena IT-services." Thesis, University West, Department of Informatics and Mathematics, 2003. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-612.
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Andersson, Emma, and Carolina Andersson. "- Jag kunde prata med min son : En fokusgruppsstudie av föräldrars deltagande i föräldragrupp." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Sektionen för Hälsa och Samhälle, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-8125.
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The purpose of our study is to examine how parents experienced their participation and their involvement in a solution-focused parenting group. The parenting groups are a part of the social welfare system in a town in south of Sweden. The study is conducted as a qualitative study with focus groups. 11 parents have participated. The study´s theoretical framework considers solution focused theory, social constructionism and process within groups.In the study we found that participants generally perceived their participation as positive and that they received confirmation by meeting other parents in the same situation. Participants’ expectations for practical tips and advice were fulfilled indirectly through their participation, but the focus of the parent group was to strengthen the participants themselves by thinking solution-focused. Although the participants did not receive the practical advice they initially expected, the parent group's approach felt to be positive and the participants have understood the idea behind the solution-focused approach. Overall, participants felt that they have become stronger as people and thus also as parents.The study shows that based on the parents’ statements the group leaders have throughout the parenting groups been faithful to the solution focused idea and have implemented this way of thinking within its participants.This study can be seen as a contribute to the development of future solution focused parenting groups. It also shows that there is a need for parenting groups and that this kind of activity can generate positive effects for participants.
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Briggs, Robert Owen. "The focus theory of group productivity and its application to development and testing of electronic group support systems." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/186938.
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This dissertation develops the Focus Theory of Group Productivity, describes the use of the theory to guide development of several electronic group support tools, and reports the results of experiments testing whether the tools yield the predicted productivity gains. Focus theory posits that to be productive group members must divide their attention between three cognitive processes: communication, Deliberation, and information access. Communication, Deliberation, and information access are, in turn, constrained by limited attention and fading memory. Finally group members are only willing to engage their attention resources to the extent that the group goal is congruent with their individual goals. Electronic tools can reduce the attention demand of each of the three cognitive processes, and focus participant attention on appropriate problem-solving behaviors. Electronic tools can foster goal congruence under some circumstances. This dissertation describes how Focus Theory guided the development of the several electronic tools to support the needs of real groups experiencing real productivity problems. It reports the results of several laboratory experiments to test the goal-congruence hypothesis of Focus Theory. The first experiment frames social loafing and social comparison as goal congruence issues, showing that subjects using a real-time graph to compare their own performance to that of an average group generated more unique ideas than a group with no basis for comparison. Facilitation techniques boosted the salience of the comparison, further increasing performance. The second study frames affective reward as a goal congruence issue and develops and validates a measure for the construct. The third study frames user interface design in terms of goal congruence and demonstrates the strengths (pointing, selecting, moving, fine motor control) and weaknesses (handwriting recognition) of pen-based interfaces in those terms. The fourth study frames the classroom as a group-productivity setting and demonstrates that group support systems can be used to improve classroom interactions.
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Graff-Dolezal, Jennie. "Measure what works a focus group investigation of the session rating scale /." Menomonie, WI : University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2005. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2005/2005graff-dolezalj.pdf.
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Patankar, Chetana. "Enhancing the care of pregnant women with epilepsy a focus group approach /." Connect to resource, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1811/32115.
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Edvardsson, Ingrid, Margareta Troein, Göran Ejlertsson, and Lena Lendahls. "Snus user identity and addiction : a Swedish focus group study on adolescents." Högskolan Kristianstad, Avdelningen för Hälsovetenskap, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-9969.
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BACKGROUND:The teenage years are the years when adolescents seek their identity, and part of this involves experimenting with tobacco. The use of tobacco as such, and norms among their friends, is more important to the adolescents than the norms of parents when it comes to using tobacco or not. The aim was to explore the significance of using snus for adolescents, and attitudes to snus, as well as the reasons why they began using snus and what maintained and facilitated the use of snus.METHODS:Adolescents who use snus were interviewed in focus groups. The material was analysed using content analysis.RESULTS:Four groups of boys and one group of girls were interviewed, a total of 27 students from the upper secondary vocational program. Three themes related to the students' opinions on and experiences of using snus were found: Circumstances pertaining to snus debut indicate what makes them start using snus. Upholding, which focuses on the problem of becoming addicted and development of identity, and approach, where the adolescents reflect on their snus habits in relation to those around them. A number of factors were described as relevant to behaviour and norm building for the development into becoming a snus user. Attitudes and actions from adults and friends as well as - for the boys - development of an identity as a man and a craftsman influenced behaviour.CONCLUSIONS:The results showed that development of identity was of major importance when adolescents start using snus. The adolescents were initially unable to interpret the early symptoms of abstinence problems, but subsequently became well aware of being addicted. Once they were stuck in addiction and in the creation of an image and identity, it was difficult to stop using snus. These factors are important when considering interventions of normative changes and tobacco prevention in schools as well as among parents.
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Weierbach, Florence M., and Marietta P. Stanton. "Rural Community Case Management Experience for BSN Students: A Focus Group Evaluation." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2018. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7365.
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BACKGROUND: This presentation concerns the evaluation of an additional clinical experience in case management for senior baccalaureate students. During their final leadership course, nursing students can elect to do an additional 80-hour precepted clinical experience focusing on case management in primary care clinics. As part of that experience, they rotate through seven nurse-managed rural primary health clinics in Tennessee.
METHOD: As part of the evaluation process, students and preceptors were asked to review the experiences that students had participating in the clinical.
RESULTS: For the most part, students were highly satisfied with the case management experience and thought it provided an additional skill set for them as they were completing their final year in nursing school and preparing to enter the nursing workforce as graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
CONCLUSION: A community case management clinical opportunity in primary care allows a community experience for students that provides them with an opportunity to witness an RN practicing to the full scope of the license.
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Handley, Megan, and Kevin Boesen. "Factors That Determine Career Choice in Pharm.D. Candidates: a Focus Group Study." The University of Arizona, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/614111.
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Class of 2015 AbstractObjectives: The objective of the study is to describe which factors influence career choice in Pharm.D. candidates, and determine what makes a potential employer attractive to graduating students. Methods: A descriptive focus group study was conducted to describe opinions of Pharm.D. candidates regarding factors that determine career choice. Subjects were recruited via email. All participants were required to have a scheduled graduation date in 2015 or 2016. Demographic data was collected anonymously. Focus group conversations were recorded. Results: There were 13 participants, 8 female (61.5%) and 5 male (38.5%). Six (46.2%) hope to work in the retail setting after graduation, and 5 (38.5%) wish to work in an institutional setting. Four participants (30.1%) plan to complete a PGY1 residency after graduation. Ten participants (76.8%) agree that they would consider working for their current employer after graduation from pharmacy school. The majority of participants changed their mind throughout their education in regards to their future career choice. Rotations, professors, employers, and family seem to be the most common factors that helped determine career choice in participants. All participants agreed that clinical pharmacy and residency are promoted career paths at University of Arizona. Conclusions: The clinical pharmacy career path is believed to be strongly promoted at the University of Arizona. Rotations, professors, family, and employers during pharmacy school appear to be determining factors in career choice for Pharm.D. candidates. Many students pursue a career with the same employer they had during their education.
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Dudash, Elizabeth A. "Generational shifts and the creation of political selves a focus group investigation /." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4775.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on March 10, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.
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Cornejo, Zamorano Janis, Aranzaes Katerinne Figueroa, Ulloa Valentina Pacheco, Vallejos Esteban Ruiz, Jaña Valentina Salas, Varas Thomas Stanger, and Rodríguez Claudio Tapia. "Linguistic features employed to mark focus by a group of British speakers." Tesis, Universidad de Chile, 2017. http://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/170346.
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Greco, Matteo. "Dall'io al noi (andata e ritorno) : il focus group : per una semiotica del gruppo." Limoges, 2012. http://www.theses.fr/2012LIMO2013.
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A la base de l'étude sémiotique du focus group, défini comme étant la pratique d'une interaction groupale, on peut identifier deux exigences théoriques distinctes, mais étroitement liées entre elles : d'une part, l'exigence de décrire et d'optimiser une pratique de recherche sociale spécifique, et d'autre part, celle d'aborder sémiotiquement un phénomène, la groupalité, qui détermine largement la vie relationnelle de l'individu. Par conséquent, on peut dire que le focus group est à la fois l'objet théorique spécifique de cette étude et le point de départ d'une réflexion sur un sujet plus vaste, soit celui des formes de la gestion du sens à l'intérieur d'un groupe. La première partie de la recherche est consacrée à l'élaboration méthodologique, tandis que la seconde partie comprend le travail de description théorique de l'objet de l'enquête. Plus précisément, en ce qui concerne la deuxième partie de la recherche, une analyse contrastive de deux focus groups est menée, afin de poser les bases pour identifier les traits distinctifs de l'objet d'étude ; le principal résultat théorique de la recherche est, en ce sens la description des processus communicatifs et relationnels au sein du focus group et la proposition d'une méthode d'analyse structurale des données produites. Enfin, à partir des considérations effectuées de façon analytique, on procède à la formulation d'une proposition interprétative relative à la description des processus groupaux en généralThe dissertation investigates the focus group, a form of qualitative research widely used in social and market research. Focus groups are studied as conversational practices - rather than as analysis methods - during which different social actors are called to identify efficiency forms while handling the action course. The most relevant forms of focus groups developments are descibed through the "semiotics of practices" approach, with regards both to relationships and to communication. In this perspective, the theoretic output of the research is the creation of a methodology for the analysis of focus groups which takes into account not only "what" participants say, but also the way they argue and relate to each other from time to time. In the second section, this dissertation proposes a theoretical generalization : starting from the considerations exemplified with regards to focus groups, a general description of a "semiotics of the group" and of its consituent processes is provided
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Chau, Cecilia, and den Broucke Stephan Van. "Alcohol consumption and its determinants among Peruvian university students: A focus group study." Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2012. http://repositorio.pucp.edu.pe/index/handle/123456789/102067.
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A qualitative study was performed using the focus group methodology with first year university students in Greater Lima, to learn about their drinking habits and explore the main determinants of their alcohol consumption. Four homogeneous focus groups (by gender and social class) were organized, with group sizes between 5 and 9. Content analysis of the discussions revealed that the stressors experienced by these students are similar to those of other western adolescents, yet that economic difficulties and weight concerns (among females) provide additional stress. Expectancies towards alcohol were predominantly positive and partly reflected those of American adolescents (social enhancement, tension reduction and improved cognitive/motor abilities), although additional expectancies were mentioned (pleasure, diversion, loss of inhibitions, selfconfidence and group acceptance) and others were considered less important (sexual enhancement, increased arousal, and cognitive/motor impairment). Self-efficacy to refuse alcohol was not perceived as an important determinant of alcohol use.Se presenta un estudio cualitativo –focus group- para conocer los hábitos de consumo del alcohol y los principales determinantes de su uso entre estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Lima. Se organizaron cuatro grupos homogéneos (por género y nivel socio económico) con 5 a 9 participantes. El análisis de contenido reveló que los estresores experimentados son similares a los reportados por los adolescentes occidentales, sin embargo, reportaron estrés adicional por las dificultades económicas y el control de peso (entre las mujeres).Las expectativas sobre el alcohol fueron positivas y reflejaron lo mismo que en los adolescentes norteamericanos (mejora social, reducción de la tensión y mejora de habilidades motoras/cognitivas), aunque también se mencionaron expectativas adicionales (placer, diversión, pérdida de inhibiciones, auto confianza y aceptación del grupo). Otras fueron consideradas menos importantes (mejora sexual, incremento de la activación y deterioro cognitivo/motor). La autoeficacia para rechazar el alcohol no fue percibida como un determinanteimportante entre los participantes.
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Hermit, Mette Brunsgaard. "Molecular pharmacology of metabotropic glutamate receptors : focus on group III and subtype selectivity /." [Kbh.] : Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2004. http://www.dfh.dk/phd/defences/mettehermit.htm.
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Humphrey, Brandon Thomas. "The Consequences of Entitativity for Group-Level Regulatory Fit." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1498492660567764.
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Biello, Tim Rikoon J. Sanford. "A case study on the use of focus groups as participatory research." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri--Columbia, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/6562.
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The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on October 20, 2009). Thesis advisor: Dr. James (Sandy) Rikoon. Includes bibliographical references.
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Perry, Alex David. "Outcomes defined by users of day treatment services : a focus group and Delphi study." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2005. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.418732.
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Brion, John M. "Perspectives regarding adherence to prescribed treatment a focus group study of HIV positive men /." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1173130064.
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Alexander, James Andrew. "Third-location decompression for Canadian soldiers ending a tour of duty : a focus group." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/42213.
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This study investigated the Canadian Third-Location Decompression (TLD) Program, a program in which soldiers participate immediately after their Tours of Duty in operational deployments prior to their transition home to Canada. To investigate this matter, a research focus group was run for three hours, and thematic analysis of the data gathered was completed. The orientation questions for the focus group were: “What is the experience of third-location decompression?” and “What factors in TLD would have aided in a more successful re-entry experience back home to Canada?” Two primary themes were supported by a number of subthemes which indicated 1) The apparent value of TLD is questioned upon arrival, but changes over time with enhancement of personal awareness and TLD being perceived as a buffer, and 2) Reservists perceive a disparity between their members and Regular Force counterparts which threatens their personal identity and leads to a perception of abandonment. Contributing to this, Reservists also perceive a greater challenge to re-entry and reintegration with civilian lifestyle after TLD compared to Regular Force members. These themes are discussed in relation to the current literature, and suggestions for further investigation are made as well.
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Hill, Susan. "Illness perceptions of people with hand problems : a population survey and focus group enquiry." Thesis, Keele University, 2005. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.412989.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is common in older people. The impact of lower limb OA is well characterised, but little is known about hand OA. Illness perceptions are known to influence health outcomes. The aim of this thesis was to investigate illness perceptions in older people with hand problems and their associations with outcome, and to investigate the impact of hand problems on the individual. Following a pilot reliability study a cross-sectional postal general health survey was undertaken in three general practices involving people age ~50. In those who responded with hand problems/pain a hand questionnaire was mailed, including measures of illness perceptions (IPO-R), hand function, pain and medication use (AIMS2), psychological morbidity (HADS) and consultation. Data were analysed using logistic regression. A second study conducted semi-structured interviews (n=29) and focus groups (n=4) in primary and secondary care patients with a clinical diagnosis of hand OA. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis. There was a 78.5 percent adjusted response rate with 2,113 people classified with hand problems/pain (62.8 percent female, mean age 65.4 (SO 9.6)). Pain/ache was the most commonly reported symptom (77.9 percent) and age perceived to be the most common cause (71.4 percent). The most consistent and strongest relationships with outcomes were consequences and identity (IPO-R), and frustration.The qualitative findings described impact in terms of disruption of everyday tasks and frustration. Hand OA patients described beliefs concerning treatment efficacy in reducing symptoms that were weighed against actual or perceived side-effects. Patients described a lack of understanding amongst health professionals regarding hand OA and its impact on life, and that treatment needs were not fulfilled. Illness perceptions can be measured using the IPQ-R in a general population of older people with hand problems. Patients with hand OA described the frustration and disruption that OA brings, and the lack of treatment available. Targeting illness perceptions as part of an intervention package may improve outcome.
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Eary, Wesley W. "School Administrators' Identification of Desirable Dispositions in New Teacher Candidates: A Focus Group Study." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/81540.
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Many new teachers will be hired in the decades to come. A school administrator screening candidates for teaching positions is faced with a decision that can have long-term consequences for a community, a school, and thousands of children. Finding the best candidates for teaching positions has never been more important. A variety of questions centering on prior experience, knowledge, or expertise may be asked by those responsible for screening candidates, yet there is another area of importance to be considered in the process, that of dispositions.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation [CAEP], formerly known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education [NCATE] (2008), and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium [INTASC] (2010) have emphasized the need to identify dispositions in addition to the knowledge and skills that have historically received emphasis by school districts seeking candidates and institutions preparing them. In response to this emphasis, administrators may benefit from a greater understanding of dispositions when interviewing and making hiring decisions. Administrators will also benefit by greater knowledge of the questions asked to determine if a candidate possessed a particular disposition.
The research procedure uses a focus group format to conduct a multi-round survey/discussion to obtain input and consensus on two asked of school administrators: (1)'What do administrators believe are the critical dispositions a teacher candidate must possess?' and (2) 'Do administrators believe that a person can ask candidates questions to determine if they possess those dispositions? If so, what are the questions administrators can ask to determine if the candidates possess those dispositions?' Recommendations on dispositions that should be assessed and questions that may be used in the assessment of those dispositions will be developed from the results of the study.
The focus group identified 19 dispositions and 74 interview questions within 5 theme groupings. These groupings included: beliefs about children, attitudes/beliefs – willingness to act, job-related skill, structure, and other personal attributes/traits.Ed. D.
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Brion, John M. Jr. "Perspectives regarding adherence to prescribed treatment: a focus group study of HIV positive men." The Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1173130064.
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Holtzhausen, Minnon. "Psychiatric in-patients’ experiences of an art group : with a focus on the self." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013146.
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Aims: It is argued that one’s sense of self is threatened and eroded by mental illness. According to the narrative perspective, one’s personal life narrative is displaced and maintained by a story of illness. However, dialogical self theorists argue that mental illness limits the number of ‘I’ positions available within an individual, resulting in the positions/voices becoming rigid and being dominated by a singular, monological position. The aims of this qualitative study are to attempt to understand and examine psychiatric inpatients’ personal lived experiences of an art group. The goal of the study is to focus on the impact of the art-making process on these patients with regards to the construction of their sense of self. Design: A qualitative research design was used in the study. Method: Four psychiatric in-patient art group members – three male and one female, between the ages of 27 and 40 – were interviewed. A semi-structured interview schedule consisting of sixteen questions focusing on the interviewees’ experiences of the art group was used. The interviews were analysed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged: What the Participants Gained From the Art Group, Sense of Community and Leaving a Mark, and The Experience of Self in the Art group. All three Superordinate themes fall within the participants’ experience of the art group. Conclusion: All four of the participants expressed positive feelings and enjoyment towards the art group. Participation in the art group provided the participants with a sense of pride, achievement and hope within their lives. As a result of participation on the art group, one of the four participants was able to construct a thin alternative experience and sense of self.
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Le, Flao-Bertho Gaelle Senand Rémy. "Le recours au spécialiste, qu'en pense le généraliste étude à partir d'un focus group /." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 2007. http://castore.univ-nantes.fr/castore/GetOAIRef?idDoc=25746.
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Olivier, Wernich Corné. "The geology of the Witteberg group, Cape supergroup, with specific focus on the Perdepoort member as a potential silica source." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1386.
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Selected outcrops of the Upper Devonian to Lower Carboniferous, Witteberg Group, Cape Supergroup were mineralogically and structurally analyzed. The study area is located approximately 30km northwest of Kirkwood and 10km south of Darlington Dam, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Strata predominantly consist of arenaceous Witpoort Formation, which includes the Perdepoort, and Rooirand Members. The Perdepoort Member is a thinly bedded quartzite also known as the "white streak". The Rooirand Member quartzite is a highly iron stained red-brown quartzite. The dark-grey, pyritic rich shales of the Kweekvlei Formation overlie the Witpoort Formation in the southern half of the study site. These shales are highly deformed and display closely spaced thrust faults and close folds. The study area encapsulates a range of folding from tight to open folds. Faulting consists of low angle north verging thrust fault, south verging back thrusts, south and north dipping normal faults, and strike-slip faults. Closely spaced, fore-land verging thrusts faults predominate over hinterland verging back thrusts. Normal faulting post-dates thrust faulting and utilized weaknesses in axial planar cleavage and in certain instances existing thrust fault planes. Strike-slip faulting post-dates thrusting and has in places reactivated pre-existing thrust fault planes. Macro scale folding includes overturned synclines and large anticlines which have been eroded, exposing older strata. Fold axes plunge at low to moderate angles west-southwest. This correlates with tension gashes which indicate north westward directed forces. Eastward directed forces are confirmed by the presence of tension gashes and strike-slip movement. The local geology displays north westward directed compression followed by strike-slip movement. Normal faulting post-dates all other structures and is associated with the Mesozoic break-up of Gondwana. The Perdepoort Member was sampled along strike, at different outcrop latitudes. Seven samples were selected for scanning electron microscope analysis. Samples are composed almost entirely of quartz; accessories include, biotite, muscovite, sericite, baryte, and apatite. Epigenetic hematite is present along cracks within certain samples Epigenetic hematite occur along cracks with oxides and phosphates in the form of rutile, apatite and monazite present in a number of samples. When compared to other silica extraction operations the Perdepoort Member appears viable for explotation. However, for the solar cell industry the purity of this horizon is clearly far below that required for industy.
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Layton, Jamie Anne. "Consensus mapping of deletion line mapped EST loci in wheat homoeologous group 4 /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2004. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p1420932.
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Moller, Valerie, Benjamin J. Roberts, and Dalindyebo Zani. "The Personal Wellbeing Index in the South African isiXhosa translation: a qualitative focus group study." Springer Netherlands, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67125.
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publisher versionInternational scholars who rely on the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) to compare cross-cultural quality of life have often been confronted with the problems of nuances getting ‘lost in translation’. This qualitative study explored the meaning of the isiXhosa version of the PWI in focus group discussions with native speakers. Participants in the study discussed how they understood and rated their lives on each item in the index. The discourse conveyed the different shades of meaning associated with the PWI items of life satisfaction and eight domains of life. The study found that PWI items related to material well-being, living standards, achievements in life and future (financial) security were best understood. The PWI items referring to personal relationships and community connectedness were seen as nearly identical in meaning. Both translation and cultural factors may be responsible for the conflation of these two items. Noteworthy is that the PWI item on religion and spirituality was seen to embrace both Christian and traditional African beliefs and practice, without prejudice. A new item on daily activities was piloted with good results. The focus group study also showcased the manner in which discussants worked with the rating scale and drew on social comparisons when evaluating global and domain satisfactions. It is concluded that cognitive testing of PWI items in different translations will serve not only to appraise the validity of PWI ratings across cultures, but importantly also opens a window on what makes for a life of quality in a particular social setting.