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Wiggins, Bradford J. "The Dilemma of Mixed Methods." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2011. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/2810.
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The past three decades have seen a proliferation of research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, available to psychologists. Whereas some scholars have claimed that qualitative and quantitative methods are inherently opposed, recently many more researchers have argued in favor of "mixed methods" approaches. In this dissertation I begin with a review of the mixed methods literature regarding how to integrate qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Based on this review, I argue that current mixed methods approaches have fallen short of their goal of integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies and I argue that this problem may be due to a problematic ontology. In response to this problem I propose and conduct an ontological analysis, which examines the writings of leading mixed methods researchers for evidence of an underlying ontology. This analysis reveals that an abstractionist ontology underlies current mixed methods approaches. I then propose that an alternative relational ontology might better enable mixed methods researchers to meaningfully relate qualitative and quantitative methodologies and I provide an exploration of what assuming a relational ontology would mean for mixed methods research.
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Bernard, Julia M., and Mary K. Oglesby. "Mixed Methods and the Military." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2016. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/934.
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Romberger, David D. "Optimization methods for mixed minefield clearance." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Springfield, Va. : Naval Postgraduate School ; Available from National Technical Information Service, 1996. http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA319531.
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Neequaye, Beryl Koteikor. "Reviewing the Quality of Mixed Methods Research Reporting in Comparative and International Education: A Mixed Methods Research Synthesis." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1565886346044592.
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NOVELLO, NOEMI. "The Quest for Integration in Mixed Methods Inquiry: A Research Synthesis on Mixed Methods Studies in Social Sciences." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10281/241259.
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Nel campo dei mixed methods nella ricerca sociale, l’integrazione può seguire due possibili logiche generali: una prospettiva di complementarietà, secondo cui com binare strategie qualitative e quantitative sarebbe un tentativo di arricchimento informativo – per ottenere una comprensione più completa di un determinato fenomeno sociale – e una di convergenza, che pone l’attenzione sulla possibilità di superare il bias legato a singoli metodi, attraverso l’integrazione. Mentre il primo punto di vista sembra piuttosto aproblematico, sia da un punto di vista teorico che nell’implementazione empirica, la convergenza sembra porre maggiori sfide
metodologiche, soprattutto nell’elicitazione di “meta-inferenze”. Questa tesi di dottorato propone una sintesi di ricerca metodologica di studi che utilizzano un approccio mixed methods alla ricerca sociale. Le domande di ricerca sono relative alla concezione, implementazione e legittimazione epistemologica della questione dell’integrazione all’interno della comunità accademica degli studiosi che si avvalgono di mixed methods nella ricerca sociale. Varie strategie di analisi sono state utilizzate per rispondere agli obiettivi di ricerca: l’analisi automatica del contenuto di articoli pubblicati in riviste accademiche; l’analisi delle reti citazionali degli stessi paper; alcune interviste semistrutturate a esperti nel campo e la relativa analisi tematica, nell’ottica di un’esplorazione più approfondita del punto di vista delle/gli autrici/ori sull’integrazione, nonché come modalità di indagine delle tematiche legate all’epistemologia.Mixed methods studies in social inquiry may follow two main perspectives on integration: on the one hand, complementarity seeks an information enrichment, a fuller and more comprehensive picture on a social phenomenon; on the other hand, convergence focuses on the chance of overcoming single methods’ bias through mixing. While the first approach results rather unproblematic – both theoretically and empirically – convergence seems to pose additional challenges, especially in the elicitation of “meta-inferences”. This dissertation presents a methodological research synthesis of mixed methods studies in social inquiry. Research questions are related to understandings, implementation and epistemological legitimization of integration within the academic community of scholars applying mixed methods in social sciences. Diverse research strategies were implemented, in order to answer to research objectives: automated content analysis was performed on articles published in academic journals; citation network analysis was applied on references lists of the same papers; semi-structured interviews with experts and the related thematic analysis were helpful to address scholars’ points of view on integration, as well as a modality to explore paradigms and epistemological issues.
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楊謹鴻 and Kim-fong Roseline Yong. "Exploring hikikomori: a mixed methods qualitative research." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2008. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B41712146.
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Åkerlund, Mathilda. "IoT on Twitter : A Mixed Methods Study." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för informatik, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-149232.
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Pai, Hung-Chuan. "Analytical methods for mixed signal processing systems /." The Ohio State University, 1998. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487949508368344.
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Cheng, Xiao Liang. "Some research on mixed finite element methods." HKBU Institutional Repository, 1995. http://repository.hkbu.edu.hk/etd_ra/48.
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Yong, Kim-fong Roseline. "Exploring hikikomori a mixed methods qualitative research /." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2008. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B41712146.
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Levasseur, Cécile. "Generalized statistical methods for mixed exponential families." Diss., [La Jolla] : University of California, San Diego, 2009. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ucsd/fullcit?p3372541.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2009.Title from first page of PDF file (viewed October 13, 2009). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 221-230).
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Liddelow, Caitlin Rose. "Investigating Medication Adherence: A Mixed Methods Study." Thesis, Curtin University, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/84909.
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Caitlin’s PhD investigated the psychosocial predictors of medication adherence. She utilised a range of research designs including quantitative and qualitative methods to explore how an existing model could be applied to understand the factors which influence how people take medication as prescribed. This included a meta-analysis, interviews, and an intervention. The findings of this research provide insights into factors which may help increase medication adherence, highlighting the importance of prompts, planning, and knowledge.
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Zhu, Xiaohong. "Numerical methods for a mixed Stokes-Darcy model /." View abstract or full-text, 2007. http://library.ust.hk/cgi/db/thesis.pl?MATH%202007%20ZHU.
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Elani, Hawazin. "Stress in dental students: a mixed methods study." Thesis, McGill University, 2012. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=110560.
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Previous research demonstrated that dental students experience high levels of psychological distress during their education. However, most of the available literature is based on cross-sectional studies that ignored variations over-time. Therefore, the aim of this research was to describe stress levels and sources of that stress in undergraduate dental students and first year residents longitudinally, and to explore the consequences of stress on participants' well-being. In this study we used a mixed methods approach. In the first quantitative phase, we collected data from participants every month for a period of one year. We used a Visual Analogue Scale to assess stress and impact levels. In addition, we used the Dental Environment Stress questionnaire to report sources of that stress. We also collected information about participants' demographic characteristics, stress-related symptoms, smoking, drinking habits and physical activity. In the qualitative phase, we used one-on-one, semi-structured interviews to explain and better understand the quantitative findings. Our results demonstrated a gradual increase in dental students stress levels throughout the four-year curriculum with a decline after their graduation. With respect to sources of that stress, most undergraduate students concerns were related to "examination and grades" and "workload". In addition, we observed an association between participants' stress level and their demographic characteristics, stress-related symptoms and drinking habits. In conclusion, findings from this study indicate that dental students experience high levels of stress that vary according to their stage in the program and time during the academic year. In addition, our results suggest a negative effect of high stress level on students' health and well-being, and this needs to be addressed by dental faculties and educators.La littérature scientifique montre que les étudiants en médecine dentaire éprouvent beaucoup de stress pendant leur éducation. Cependant, la majorité des études sont transversales et n'indiquent pas si le stress et ses conséquences évoluent avec le temps. Le but de cette étude était donc de décrire, de manière longitudinale, le niveau de stress des étudiants au 1er cycle en médecine dentaire ainsi que des résidents de 1ère année. Il s'agissait aussi d'identifier les causes de ce stress et d'en explorer les conséquences sur l'apprentissage et le bien-être des participants. Cette étude reposait sur une approche à méthodes mixtes : une phase quantitative précédait une phase qualitative. Dans la phase quantitative, nous avons collecté des données une fois par mois pendant un an à l'aide de questionnaires auto administrés. Nous avons utilisé une Visual Analogue Scale pour évaluer le stress des participants et son niveau d'impact. Nous avons également utilisé le Dental Environment Stress Questionnaire pour déterminer les causes de ce stress. Pendant la phase qualitative, nous avons réalisé des entrevues individuelles, de type semi-structuré, avec des personnes ayant gradué l'année précédente. Le but des entrevues était de mieux comprendre et d'approfondir les résultats des analyses quantitatives.Nos résultats montrent que le niveau de stress des étudiants augmente graduellement au cours du curriculum de 4 ans, puis baisse après leur graduation. Ce stress est souvent relié à leurs « examens et notes » ainsi qu'à leur « charge de travail », très lourde. De plus, nous avons observé une corrélation entre le niveau de stress des participants et leurs données démographiques, leurs symptômes de stress et leurs habitudes de consommation d'alcool. Les données qualitatives montrent notamment à quel point le stress peut affecter la qualité de vie et même la santé des étudiants. Pour conclure, cette étude indique que les étudiants en médecine dentaire éprouvent un très haut niveau de stress pendant leur formation professionnelle. Ce niveau de stress et les sources de stress varient d'une année académique à l'autre et même d'un mois à l'autre. De plus, notre étude illustre les effets négatifs de ces hauts niveaux de stress sur la santé et le bien-être des étudiants. Cette situation devrait encourager les facultés dentaires à se pencher sur le problème du stress parmi ses étudiants et à y apporter des solutions.
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Garcia, Maxine Patricia. "Collocation methods for mixed order boundary value problems." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.322404.
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Duxbury, Suzanne Claire. "Mixed collocation methods for y" = f(x,y)." Thesis, Durham University, 1999. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/4582/.
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The second-order initial value problem y" = f(x,y), y(x(_0)) = y(_0), y'(x(_0)) = z(_0) which does not contain the first derivative explicitly and where the solution is oscillatory has been of great interest for many years. Our aim is to construct numerical methods which are tuned to act efficiently on strongly oscillating functions. The frequencies involved determine the oscillatory character of the function and as the frequencies approach zero, the classical methods are obtained. The exponential- fitting tool has become increasingly popular as it is specially tailored for oscillating functions. Many classes of methods have been used with exponential-fitting and this will be discussed in more detail in the thesis. Collocation methods are considered for which the basis functions are combinations of polynomial and trigonometric terms. The resulting methods can be regarded as Runge-Kutta-Nyström methods with steplength dependent coefficients. We show how order conditions may be obtained, investigate the stability and other properties of particular methods and present some numerical results.
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Welham, Suzanne Jane. "Smoothing spline methods within the mixed model framework." Thesis, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (University of London), 2005. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.425673.
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Ayatakshi, Sukanya. "SMEs and environmental taxation : a mixed methods analysis." Thesis, Bournemouth University, 2012. http://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/20987/.
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The aim of the study is to understand the perceptions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards environmental taxation in UK. The study is based on the premise that environmental taxes are applicable to SMEs just as they are applicable to larger businesses because SMEs operate in almost all sectors of the economy. However, given the unique characteristics of SMEs including constraints of resources and often managed by one owner-manager, it remains to be seen how SMEs cope with the challenges of environmental taxation. An extensive literature review is undertaken to provide a clear background to the research aim and objectives. The literature review discusses environmental taxation as an instrument to mitigate climate change and also in reference to SMEs. The review of literature also provides details into the unique characteristics and the environmental behaviour and attitudes of SMEs. Hypotheses are developed from the literature review and are tested through this study. The researcher chose mixed methodology to do justice to the overall research aim. Data was collected from the chosen sample using surveys and interviews. The study undertakes survey to collect primary data to test the hypotheses. Interviews are also conducted to lend further insights into the survey data findings. To identify the sample, preliminary input-output analysis using UK input output tables is undertaken. The research attempts to make a valuable contribution in understanding environmental taxation from the perspective of the SMEs and is a ready source of reference for literature on the same. The study also makes methodological contribution through the use of input-output tables in the sampling process for the main study.
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Wachtel, Andreas. "Stabilised mixed finite element methods on anisotropic meshes." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2015. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=26108.
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Coidakis-Barss, Christina. "INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAMS IN HEALTHCARE: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1428068372.
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Fisher, Jeffrey R. "A Mixed-Methods Case Study of Compulsory Education." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1479928029160014.
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Bettiol, Enrico. "Column generation methods for quadratic mixed binary programming." Thesis, Paris 13, 2019. http://www.theses.fr/2019PA131073.
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La programmation non linéaire mixte peut modéliser un grand nombre de problèmes réels. Cependant, ces problèmes peuvent contenir de nombreuses variables ou contraintes, il convient donc de proposer des méthodes de décomposition afin de les résoudre efficacement. Parmi ces techniques on peut citer la génération de colonnes et notamment la décomposition de Dantzig-Wolfe. Il s’agit d’une reformulation du problème original, qui permet de générer une séquence de sous-problèmes plus simples, appelés maître etpricing, pour obtenir la valeur optimale. Développée d’abord pour les problèmes linéaires, la décomposition de Dantzig-Wolfe peut être généralisée à des problèmes convexes: dans ce contexte, elle est notamment connue sous le nom de décomposition simpliciale. Cette thèse présente des algorithmes de décomposition pour des problèmes quadratiques. La première partie de ce manuscrit est dédiée aux problèmes quadratiques convexes, continus et mixtes binaires. Dans la deuxième partie, des algorithmes pour résoudre des problèmes binaires avec contraintes quadratiques sont présentés. La première partie est consacrée à la résolution de problèmes convexes, quadratiques et continus. Un algorithme basé sur la décomposition simpliciale est proposé: des nouveaux éléments sont ajoutés à la fois au problème maître et au pricing; nous avons testé notre algorithme sur une grande quantité d’instances avec une structure déterminée, et nos résultats montrent que l’algorithme que nous proposons est très efficace par rapport à Cplex, un solveur générique pour ces problèmes. Ce premier travail a été soumis à un journal pour publication. Ensuite, nous étendons cet algorithme aux problèmes convexes mixtes binaires. Nous incorporons la méthode pour le cas continu dans un algorithme de branch and bound qui nous permet d’exploiter des propriétés de notre formulation. Dans ce contexte aussi, des résultats numériques sont fournis: ils montrent que, dans certains cas, les performances de notre algorithme sont efficaces par rapport à Cplex. Ce travail est en préparation pour soumission à un journal. La deuxième partie de cette thèse est dédiée à l’étude d’algorithmes pour des problèmes quadratiques avec contraintes quadratiques. On se concentre sur les problèmes binaires, dont la relaxation continue peut être non convexe. Nous considérons en premier lieu la formulation étendue avec une matrice qui représente les produits des variables. Nous proposons ensuite un algorithme basé sur la décomposition de Dantzig-Wolfe pour obtenir une relaxation dans le Boolean Quadric Polytope (BQP). Ce polytope est connu aussi comme Correlation polytope et il est strictement contenu dans le cône des matrices complètement positives et des matrices semi définies positives. Notre algorithme permet de résoudre cette relaxation, les bornes obtenues sont plus fortes que les bornes SDP et, dans certains cas, les temps de calcul sont comparables ou meilleurs que ceux de BiqCrunch, unsolveur ad-hoc. On montre aussi que la relaxation BQP est une reformulation du problème binaire original, en exploitant un résultat sur les matrices complètement positives, pour les problèmes à contraintes linéaires en égalité. Ensuite, nous considérons des problèmes où les matrices sont décomposables par blocs. On montre aussi que la relaxation BQP est une reformulation du problème binaire original, en exploitant un résultat sur les matrices complètement positives, pour les problèmes à contraintes linéaires en égalité. Ensuite, nous considérons des problèmes où les matrices sont décomposables par blocs. Une relaxation basée sur les blocs est proposée et nous prouvons que cette relaxation est valide pour la relaxation BQP. De plus, prouver l’équivalence entre les deux relaxations est un problème de complétion BQP. La relaxation décomposée par blocs est BQP complétable dans certains cas, mais n’est pas possible dans d’autres cas [....]Non linear programming problems. There are several solution methods in literature for these problems, which are, however, not always efficient in general, in particular for large scale problems. Decomposition strategies such as Column Generation have been developed in order to substitute the original problem with a sequence of more tractable ones. One of the most known of these techniques is Dantzig-Wolfe Decomposition: it has been developed for linear problems and it consists in solving a sequence of subproblems, called respectively master and pricing programs, which leads to the optimum. This method can be extended to convex non linear problems and a classic example of this, which can be seen also as a generalization of the Frank-Wolfe algorithm, is Simplicial Decomposition(SD).In this thesis we discuss decomposition algorithms for solving quadratic optimization problems. In particular, we start with quadratic convex problems, both continuous and mixed binary. Then we tackle the more general class of binary quadratically constrained, quadratic problems. In the first part, we concentrate on SD based-methods for continuous, convex quadratic programming. We introduce new features in the algorithms, for both the master and the pricing problems of the decomposition, and provide results for a wide set of instances, showing that our algorithm is really efficient if compared to the state-of-the-art solver Cplex. This first work is accepted for publication in the journal Computational Optimization and Applications.We then extend the SD-based algorithm to mixed binary convex quadratic problems;we embed the continuous algorithm in a branch and bound scheme that makes us able to exploit some properties of our framework. In this context again we obtain results which show that in some sets of instances this algorithm is still more efficient than Cplex,even with a very simple branch and bound algorithm. This work is in preparation for submission to a journal. In the second part of the thesis, we deal with a more general class of problems, that is quadratically constrained, quadratic problems, where the constraints can be quadratic and both the objective function and the constraints can be non convex. For this class of problems we extend the formulation to the matrix space of the products of variables; we study an algorithm based on Dantzig-Wolfe Decomposition that exploits a relaxation on the Boolean Quadric Polytope (BQP), which is strictly contained in the Completely Positive cone and hence in the cone of positive semi definite (PSD) matrices. This is a constructive algorithm to solve the BQP relaxation of a binary problem an dwe obtain promising results for the root node bound for some quadratic problems. We compare our results with those obtained by the Semi definite relaxation of the ad-hocsolver BiqCrunch. We also show that, for linearly constrained quadratic problems, our relaxation can provide the integer optimum, under certain assumptions. We further study block decomposed matrices and provide results on the so-called BQP-completion problem ; these results are connected to those of PSD and CPP matrices. We show that, given a BQP matrix with some unspecified elements, it can be completed to a full BQP matrix under some assumptions on the positions of the specified elements. This result is related to optimization problems. We propose a BQP-relaxation based on the block structure of the problem. We prove that it provides a lower bound for the previously introduced relaxation, and that in some cases the two formulations are equivalent. We also conjecture that the equivalence result holds if and only if its so-called specification graph is chordal. We provide computational results which show the improvement in the performance of the block-based relaxation, with respect to the unstructured relaxation, and which support our conjecture. This work is in preparation for submission to a journal
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Truskowski, Scott. "Leadership within Occupational Therapy : A Mixed Methods Study." Diss., NSUWorks, 2017. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_ot_student_dissertations/60.
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PURPOSE: This sequential embedded mixed methods study first identified the ways in which occupational therapy leaders experience leadership, then explored the ways in which those same leaders utilized their professional training as occupational therapists within their practice of leadership. METHODS: The twelve participants held formal leadership positions in either academia, clinical practice, or professional associations. The ecology of human performance model of practice was utilized to frame the research study. Data was collected through an initial interview with all 12 participants and through leadership artifacts and a second interview with six participants. RESULTS: Three themes resulted from thematic analysis of initial interview: leadership journey, leadership deconstructed, and personal approach to leadership. The leadership artifacts were analyzed using a coding frame, which included four dimensions: occupational perspective of leadership, connections, leadership approach, and team mindset. Thematic analysis of the second round of interviews resulted in three themes: how they do leadership, leadership interaction, and reflection on leadership action. CONCLUSIONS: The participants described the construct of leader as a role consisting of contextually discrete leadership occupations. A number of parallels were identified between the practice of occupational therapy and the practice of leadership. The development of a personal leadership identity was found to occur over time and required some form of either internal or external recognition of leadership ability or outcome. The structure of this mixed methods design included a combination of two qualitative methods, which was novel to the occupational therapy literature.
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Becker, Karen Louise. "Unlearning in the workplace : a mixed methods study." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2007. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/16574/1/Karen_Louise_Becker_Thesis.pdf.
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Contemporary organisations face a raft of challenges in coping with competing demands and rapidly changing environments. With these demands and changes comes the need for those within the organisation to be adequately skilled to meet these challenges both now and into the future. There is a growing concern that the rate of change is such that learning will not be sufficient and that individuals will need to be skilled in unlearning or letting go of past practice and behaviour.
This research investigated individual unlearning as it applies in the workplace, and enabled the development of a process model of unlearning that provides specific indication of factors affecting unlearning during times of change.
In particular, this thesis highlights the critical importance of elements of a more personal and affective nature; often referred to as "soft" issues. Six key factors at the level of the individual were identified as impacting unlearning; positive prior outlook, individual inertia, feelings and expectations, positive experience and informal support, understanding the need for change, and assessment of the new way.
Two factors emerged from the organisational level that also impact unlearning; organisational support and training and history of organisational change. Many change efforts will fail because of lack of attention to individuals, how they unlearn and the level of feelings and expectations that accompany change. This research demonstrates that organisations must provide resources and education to provide both those in supervisory roles and those impacted by change with the necessary skills to unlearn and to embrace change at an individual level.
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Becker, Karen Louise. "Unlearning in the workplace : a mixed methods study." Queensland University of Technology, 2007. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16574/.
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Contemporary organisations face a raft of challenges in coping with competing demands and rapidly changing environments. With these demands and changes comes the need for those within the organisation to be adequately skilled to meet these challenges both now and into the future. There is a growing concern that the rate of change is such that learning will not be sufficient and that individuals will need to be skilled in unlearning or letting go of past practice and behaviour. This research investigated individual unlearning as it applies in the workplace, and enabled the development of a process model of unlearning that provides specific indication of factors affecting unlearning during times of change. In particular, this thesis highlights the critical importance of elements of a more personal and affective nature; often referred to as "soft" issues. Six key factors at the level of the individual were identified as impacting unlearning; positive prior outlook, individual inertia, feelings and expectations, positive experience and informal support, understanding the need for change, and assessment of the new way. Two factors emerged from the organisational level that also impact unlearning; organisational support and training and history of organisational change. Many change efforts will fail because of lack of attention to individuals, how they unlearn and the level of feelings and expectations that accompany change. This research demonstrates that organisations must provide resources and education to provide both those in supervisory roles and those impacted by change with the necessary skills to unlearn and to embrace change at an individual level.
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Sitapati, Kartik. "Mixed-Field Finite-Element Computations." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/11195.
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A new method called the Direct Method is developed to solve for the propagating modes in waveguides via the finite-element method. The variational form of the Direct method is derived to ensure that an extremum is reached. The Direct method uses Maxwell's equations directly, both zero and first-order, scalar and vector bases that are used in the finite-element formulation. The direct solution method solves for both the magnetic and electric fields simultaneously. Comparisons are made with the traditionally used vector-Helmholtz equation set. The advantages and disadvantages of the newly developed method is described as well as several results displayed using the WR-90 waveguide and a circular waveguide as test waveguides. Results include a partially filled dielectric loaded rectangular waveguide. The effects of including the divergence of the fields in the functional as penalty terms on the quality of results obtained by the Direct method and the vector-Helmholtz method is explored. The quality of results is gauged on the accuracy of the computed modes as well as the elimination or a significant reduction in the number of 'spurious modes' that are often encountered in solutions to waveguide problems. It is shown that computational time for the solution and computer storage requirements exceed the typically used Helmholtz equation method but the results obtained can be more accurate. Future work may include developing a sparse eigenvalue solution method that could reduce the solution time and storage requirements significantly.
The Direct method of solution in dynamics resulted after an initial search in magnetostatics for methods to solve for the magnetic field without using the magnetic-vector potential using finite-element methods. A variational derivation that includes the boundary conditions is developed for the magnetic-vector potential method. Several techniques that were used to attempt accurate solutions for the magnetostatic fields with multiple materials and without the use of the magnetic-vector potential are described. It was found that some of the newly developed general techniques for magnetostatics are only accurate when homogeneous media are present. A method using two curl equations is developed which is a Direct method in magnetostatics and reveals the interaction between the bases used. The transition from magnetostatics to dynamics is made and similar Direct methods are applied to the waveguide problem using different bases.Ph. D.
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Choy, Yan-tsun, and 蔡恩浚. "Statistical evaluation of mixed DNA stains." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2009. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B42664287.
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Nowak, Ivo. "Relaxation and decomposition methods for mixed integer nonlinear programming." [S.l. : s.n.], 2004. http://deposit.ddb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?idn=974403326.
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Rowley, Rebecca. "Media constructions of 'arthritis' : a mixed methods qualitative study." Thesis, Keele University, 2016. http://eprints.keele.ac.uk/2432/.
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Musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, have a global impact, causing increased disability and reduced quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated negative attitudes and beliefs about arthritis exist which means the condition is often undermanaged and deprioritised. One potential influence on such attitudes is the media. Understanding how the media constructs arthritis, and what impact media constructions have on perceptions of arthritis, will shed light on factors that influence attitudes and management of the condition in everyday life. This research aimed to investigate media constructions of arthritis. Mixed methods were used, including media analysis of highest circulating newspapers (n=11) and magazines (n=3), and focus groups (n=2) to explore reception of media messages. Results were analysed using a combination of thematic, discourse and imagery analyses. A total of 1014 newspaper and 18 magazine articles were analysed. Arthritis was conceptualised in three ways - as a disease, condition or ailment. As such, arthritis was not presented as a singular condition; instead the construction, enactment and reality of arthritis were multiple. These multiple conceptualisations were shaped by wider social issues, such as understandings of disability (saints or scroungers) and ageing (peril or promise), and their representation in the media was determined by factors of media production (audience targeting, commercial interests and ‘newsworthiness’). The focus group findings reflected these perceptions, as well as illustrating that media trust and credibility influence how media messages are received and interpreted by the general public. Recognising arthritis as multiple is important for health care professionals and patients, as the multiple conceptualisations can impact on how arthritis is enacted, and may affect perceptions of legitimacy and deservedness. Media representations of arthritis may lead to the condition being deprioritised and could present a barrier to the uptake of self-management strategies recommended in current guidelines.
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Wei, Xiaoxi. "Mixed discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods for incompressible magnetohydrodynamics." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/34789.
Full textAbstract:
We develop and analyze mixed discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods for the numerical approximation
of incompressible magnetohydrodynamics problems.
Incompressible magnetohydrodynamics is the area of physics that is
concerned with the behaviour of electrically conducting,
resistive, incompressible and viscous fluids in the presence of
electromagnetic fields. It is modelled
by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations, which couples the
Navier-Stokes equations with the Maxwell equations.
In the first part of this thesis, we introduce an interior penalty discontinuous
Galerkin method for the numerical approximation of a linearized incompressible magnetohydrodynamics
problem. The fluid
unknowns are discretized with the discontinuous
℘k-℘k-1 element pair, whereas the magnetic
variables are approximated by discontinuous ℘k-℘k+1 elements. Under minimal regularity
assumptions, we carry out a complete a priori error analysis and
prove that the energy norm error is optimally convergent in the
mesh size in general polyhedral domains, thus guaranteeing the
numerical resolution of the strongest magnetic singularities in
non-convex domains.
In the second part of this thesis, we propose and analyze a new mixed discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the approximation of a fully nonlinear
incompressible magnetohydrodynamics model. The velocity field is
now discretized by divergence-conforming Brezzi-Douglas-Marini
elements, and the magnetic field by curl-conforming
Nédélec elements. In addition to correctly capturing magnetic
singularities, the method yields exactly divergence-free
velocity approximations, and is thus energy-stable. We show that the energy norm error is
convergent in the mesh size in possibly non-convex polyhedra, and
derive slightly suboptimal a priori error estimates under minimal regularity and small data
assumptions.
Finally, in the third part of this thesis, we present two extensions of our discretization techniques
to time-dependent incompressible
magnetohydrodynamics problems and to Stokes problems with nonstandard
boundary conditions.
All our discretizations and theoretical results are computationally
validated through comprehensive sets of numerical experiments.
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Jackson, Ben Stuart. "Efficacy Beliefs in Sporting Dyads: A Mixed-Methods Approach." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2008. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.485746.
Full textAbstract:
Guided by Lent and Lopez's (2002) theoretical model, this thesis was designed in order to explore the nature of efficacy perceptions in the context of close sporting relationships. In study one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of six elite athlete dyads regarding their self-efficacy, other-efficacy, and relation-inferred self-efficacy (RISE) beliefs. Content analysis revealed that efficacy beliefs stemmed from perceptions regarding oneself, one's partner, the dyad, and external factors, and in tum, results showed that self-efficacy, othe~-efficacy, and RISE were inter-related and were associated with key intra-personal and interpersonal consequences. Study Two was subsequently designed to identify the variables associated with efficacy beliefs, this time within six elite coach-athlete partnerships. Antecedents that emerged in Study Two supported as well as supplemented findings from athlete-athlete contexts. Furthermore, athletes' and coaches' efficacy beliefs were independently related to a number of desirable task-related and relatioriship-based outcomes (e.g. motivation and relationship persistence intentions, respectively). In study three, quantitative, cross-sectional data were collected from both members of 60 junior tennis dyads. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIM; Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006) revealed that (a) other-efficacy and RISE were significantly related to self-efficacy, (b) athletes were not accurate in making RISE inferences, (c) individuals were more satisfied with their relationship when they were confident in their partners' capabilities, and (d) athletes' self-efficacy beliefs were predictive of their own and their partners' relationship commitment. Finally, in study four, prospective data were collected with 50 tennis coaches and their athletes. APIM analyses subsequently showed that self-efficacy and other-efficacy were associated with positive outcomes (e.g., relationship commitment, effort) for oneself and one's significant other; however the effects for RISE in study four were generally positive for coaches but negative for athletes. Collectively, these four studies make an important and unique contribution to the extant literature relating to efficacy beliefs and close sporting relationships. Moreover, the novel methodological and analytical approaches highlighted in this thesis (e.g., APIMs) hold significant potential for the future study of relationship dynamics in sport and beyond. Within each of the studies that constitute this thesis, limitations are considered, and findings are discussed in relation to theory advancement, future research directions, and practical implications.
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Kline, Melissa Dolores. "Digging into Schoolyard Gardens A Mixed-methods Case Study." Thesis, Prescott College, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1590442.
Full textAbstract:
Garden-based environmental education addresses ecological literacy in the context of schoolyard gardens. This study seeks to elucidate the topics and factors that influence student engagement while learning in these schoolyard spaces, through a mixed-methods case study at a San Francisco public elementary school. Data were collected from student work, student interviews, teacher interviews, and educator observations of the garden-based environmental education class. From the data, many themes were identified such as describing student engagement, topics that were particularly engaging, and engaged and disengaged behaviors. Student work and educator observations supported that lessons with a focus on food or animals were particularly engaging for students. The hands-on components of lessons, alignment with state standards, and the schoolyard garden space itself were also found to support student engagement in this study. Though previous research does not address engaging topics in garden-based environmental education, some studies support the engaging nature of hands-on activities, specifically in science contexts. It is my hope that this research informs garden-based environmental education practices, and continues to add to the number of studies regarding it.
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Hayfield, Nikki Jane. "Bisexual women's visual identities : a feminist mixed-methods exploration." Thesis, University of the West of England, Bristol, 2011. http://eprints.uwe.ac.uk/25762/.
Full textAbstract:
The majority of research on bisexuality does not take into account the importance of bisexual visual identities. Appearance has often been trivialised, despite it being an integral part of forming and expressing our identities. A small body of literature on lesbians and gay men’s visual identities has found that appearance norms can serve a number of positive functions, including identity formation and maintenance, ‘coming out’ (signalling sexuality to others), recognition, attracting a partner, resisting heteronormativity, forming communities, and safe-guarding such spaces from voyeuristic or homophobic others. However, very little is understood about bisexual people’s visual identities. The feminist research reported in this thesis provides a mixed methods exploration (using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and photomethodology with 20 self-identified bisexual women, a quantitative questionnaire completed by a total of 494 bisexual, lesbian and heterosexual women, and a qualitative survey completed by 176 predominantly heterosexual university students) of bisexual women’s visual identities. The findings highlight that binary constructions of sexuality remain dominant within psychology and the wider culture. These dichotomous understandings are problematic for bisexual people because they continually position heterosexuality and homosexuality as the only viable identity options. This has resulted in the dismissal and marginalisation of bisexual women and their identity. This research fills a gap in knowledge around bisexual women’s appearance practices and (lack of) visual identities. A key finding was that bisexual women experience their identity in ways which are distinct from either lesbians or heterosexual women. Bisexual and heterosexual participants were able to describe visual images associated with lesbian, gay, and heterosexual identities, but in stark contrast they were unable to recognise any equivalent bisexual appearance norms or a bisexual visual identity. This raises a number of issues around the implications of bisexual women’s lack of validation and visibility, and highlights the necessity for psychologists to recognise the existence of bisexuality in order to address the continued overlooking and marginalisation of bisexual women and their identities.
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Hardy, Claire. "A mixed methods investigation on British expatriate assignment success." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2011. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/12557/.
Full textAbstract:
Psychological research on expatriation has been dominated by North American researchers, and expatriation models have been tested using predominantly US employee samples. This dominance may bias our understanding of expatriation and influence the practice of expatriate assignments within organisations. This thesis addresses the need for European expatriation research, and investigates expatriate assignment success from a British employee perspective. A sequential mixed-methods design was used to examine whether existing knowledge on predictors for successful expatriate assignments can be generalised to British samples. The first phase of the research was a qualitative exploration of factors that contribute to expatriate assignment success from the British employee perspective. Four focus groups were conducted with formerly expatriated British employees (n=14). An inductive thematic analysis was conducted on the focus group transcripts, which resulted in nine themes highlighting the importance of individual, organisational, and contextual-level variables. Moreover, the analysis highlighted an important outcome variable that has been largely ignored in previous research: whether or not the employee would go on another expatriate assignment. From the results of phase one, an initial model of British expatriate assignment success was hypothesised. Phase two involved the practical application of the variable considered most important in contributing to expatriate assignment success from study one: personality. A new expatriate assignment personality instrument was developed in phase two using a sample of British employees (n=402). The third phase of the research combined the results of the previous two phases, and employed an embedded mixed-methods design to further investigate British expatriate assignment success. Data (n=155) was collected using an online questionnaire sent to currently expatriated (n=91) and formerly expatriated British employees (n=45), as well as their accompanying partners (n=19 expatriate/partner dyads). The quantitative element explored the influence of several individual, organisational, and contextual variables on various expatriate assignment success outcome measures. Qualitative data was also collected through open-ended questions placed within the questionnaire to help explain and support the quantitative results, and identify potential areas for future research. Finally, the newly developed personality instrument from phase two was further examined for psychometric robustness. Overall, this thesis presents an initial model of British expatriate assignment success and a new personality instrument for British expatriate selection and assessment contexts. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed together with suggestions for future research.
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Geada, Joao Moreno Colaco. "A study of mixed mode test pattern generation methods." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1991. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.315547.
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Adkins, Kate. "Stigmatisation, media and acne : a mixed methods interdisciplinary approach." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2018. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/22086/.
Full textAbstract:
Acne is associated with a range of psychosocial impacts, including stigmatisation. Yet little is understood about the role of sociocultural context in acne-related stigma. Media representations and consumption are likely to play a role in the nature of such impacts. This thesis adopts a novel mixed methods, interdisciplinary approach to examine how media messages relate to stigma surrounding acne. An ethnographic content analysis (Study 1) of 637 magazine advertisements (1972 – 2008), indicated that acne was framed as a cosmetic concern, with acne opposed to the ideal of perfect skin. Within advertisements, acne was associated with negative characteristics and psychosocial maladjustment. However, several advertisements normalised acne. The frequency and content of acne-related advertisements differed over time and between magazines, suggesting a shift away from acne myths, yet increased pressures to meet unrealistic ideals. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (Study 2) investigated 15 women’s experiences of acne in the context of contemporary media culture. Participants compared themselves to the media-disseminated ideal of perfect skin, describing themselves as looking and feeling different. Participants were frustrated by stigmatising messages and the absence of acne across media. However, participants also identified benefits to digital media, cautiously using online information to inform treatment, and seeking out images and experiences of acne. Within an online survey (Study 3) of 650 individuals with acne, negative comparisons mediated the relationship between photo-function use and feelings of stigma in Facebook (but not Instagram) users, although negative comparisons continued to predict feelings of stigma. Furthermore, self-compassion was consistently associated with lower levels of negative comparisons and feelings of stigma. The findings suggest that individuals with acne are exposed to idealised images of skin and stigmatising messages about acne, which influence feelings of stigma. Cognitive processes like comparisons appear to play an important role in feelings of stigma in this population.
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Meissner, Henrique. "Teaching young musicians expressive performance : a mixed methods study." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2018. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/22929/.
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Zhang, Fan. "Statistical Methods for Characterizing Genomic Heterogeneity in Mixed Samples." Digital WPI, 2016. https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/etd-dissertations/419.
Full textAbstract:
"Recently, sequencing technologies have generated massive and heterogeneous data sets. However, interpretation of these data sets is a major barrier to understand genomic heterogeneity in complex diseases. In this dissertation, we develop a Bayesian statistical method for single nucleotide level analysis and a global optimization method for gene expression level analysis to characterize genomic heterogeneity in mixed samples. The detection of rare single nucleotide variants (SNVs) is important for understanding genetic heterogeneity using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Various computational algorithms have been proposed to detect variants at the single nucleotide level in mixed samples. Yet, the noise inherent in the biological processes involved in NGS technology necessitates the development of statistically accurate methods to identify true rare variants. At the single nucleotide level, we propose a Bayesian probabilistic model and a variational expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate non-reference allele frequency (NRAF) and identify SNVs in heterogeneous cell populations. We demonstrate that our variational EM algorithm has comparable sensitivity and specificity compared with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling inference algorithm, and is more computationally efficient on tests of relatively low coverage (27x and 298x) data. Furthermore, we show that our model with a variational EM inference algorithm has higher specificity than many state-of-the-art algorithms. In an analysis of a directed evolution longitudinal yeast data set, we are able to identify a time-series trend in non-reference allele frequency and detect novel variants that have not yet been reported. Our model also detects the emergence of a beneficial variant earlier than was previously shown, and a pair of concomitant variants. Characterization of heterogeneity in gene expression data is a critical challenge for personalized treatment and drug resistance due to intra-tumor heterogeneity. Mixed membership factorization has become popular for analyzing data sets that have within-sample heterogeneity. In recent years, several algorithms have been developed for mixed membership matrix factorization, but they only guarantee estimates from a local optimum. At the gene expression level, we derive a global optimization (GOP) algorithm that provides a guaranteed epsilon-global optimum for a sparse mixed membership matrix factorization problem for molecular subtype classification. We test the algorithm on simulated data and find the algorithm always bounds the global optimum across random initializations and explores multiple modes efficiently. The GOP algorithm is well-suited for parallel computations in the key optimization steps. "
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Sugai, Sakae. "Cross-cultural leadership interaction : a mixed-methods approach study." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2009. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.611820.
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Seabe, Dineo Shirley. "Understanding volunteerism in South Africa : a mixed methods approach." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95949.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The past two decades have seen a growing interest in volunteering in South Africa as the new democracy struggles with providing services while ensuring the economic and social inclusion of its populace. This interest is inspired by the desire, especially by government, to harness the benefits of volunteering to assist in dealing with the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inadequate levels of service delivery. However, because individual characteristics, needs and attitudes are linked to volunteering, it requires a careful understanding of its determinants and motivations if its potential for development is to be realised (Anheier & Salamon, 1999). This research therefore investigated which human, social and cultural capital variables best explain volunteering in South Africa. The aim was to understand how the interaction of poverty, inequality, and religious adherence in the country influence the chances of volunteering, the choice of activity and the sense people make of their participation. The understanding of this interaction is important, because as much as volunteering is “hailed as supporting democratic and participatory principles” the reality may be that it “perpetuates existing power imbalances”, and thereby serves to entrench existing inequalities (Hustinx, Cnaan & Handy, 2010, p. 426). To achieve the above aims the researcher adopted a holistic approach to the study of volunteering, with both an integrated theory and research design. Consequently, Wilson and Musick’s (1997) integrated resources theory of volunteering guided the study. Additionally, in line with the research aims and theory, a sequential mixed methods design was employed, consisting of two phases. In research Phase I, the 2001 South African wave of the World Values Survey was examined through logistic and descriptive analysis to examine the patterns and determinants of volunteering. In research Phase II, the study investigated which human, social and cultural capital factors feature in volunteers’ interpretations of their actions. The findings of Phase I revealed that most South Africans partake in formal volunteering and prefer to do so in religious, community and health and sports organisations. Additionally, they showed that, true to the findings of other studies, human capital is an important determinant of volunteering. The results indicate that human capital factors such as educational attainment and income form the basis for certain groups to be excluded from volunteer activities. Another interesting result among the human capital variables was the negative relationship between employment and volunteering. Prejudice and civic-mindedness were consistent positive predictors of volunteering among the social capital variables, while religiosity also came out as a significant predictor of volunteering. Participants’ narratives in research Phase II revealed that altruism and egoistic influences are important factors in decisions to volunteer. This is evident in how they understood volunteering as being an expression of ‘Ubuntu’, but at the same time a means to employment. Indeed, these two themes emerged as the most common themes in participants’ constructions. Most participants noted giving back to their communities as a reason, yet some also mentioned volunteering as a means to survive the harsh township life of poverty, unemployment and crime and violence. This instrumentalising of volunteering was also evident in the participants’ reasons to stay committed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Oor die afgelope twee dekades was daar ʼn groeiende belangstelling in vrywilligheidswerk in Suid Afrika, soos die nuwe demokrasie sukkel om dienste te lewer asook ekonomiese en sosiale insluiting vir sy mense te verseker. Die belangstelling word ge-inspireër deur die begeerte, veral van die regering af, om die aktiwiteit se voordele om die probleme van werkloosheid, armoede en onvoldoende vlakke van diens- lewering te tuis. Egter, as gevolg van individuele karaktertrekke, behoeftes en houdings wat geheg is aan vrywilligheidswerk, is dit nodig vir ʼn begrip van die bepalings en motivering agter dit, as dit die potensiaal het om ontwikkeling aan te spoor (Anheier & Salamon, 1999). Met hierdie navorsing het ek ondersoek watter menselike, sosiale en kulturele veranderlikes vrywilligheidswerk in Suid Afrika die beste verduidelik. My doel is om te verstaan hoe die interaksie tussen armoede, ongelykhede en godsdienstige nakomste in die land, die kanse van vrywilligheidswerk, die keuse van aktiwiteit en die sin wat mense maak van hulle deelname impak. Dis belangrik om hierdie interaksie te verstaan, want alhoewel vrywilligheidswerk “[is] hailed as supporting democratic and participatory principles” die realiteit is dat “[it] perpetuates existing power imbalances”, en deur dit word ongelykhede vergerger (Hustinx et al., 2010, p. 426). Om die bogenoemde doelwitte te bereik, het ek ʼn holistiese benadering van die studie van vrywilligheidswerk aangeneem, met beide ʼn gëintegreerde teorie en navorsing ontwerp. Wilson en Musick’s (1997) gëintegreerde hulpbronne teorie van vrywilligheidswerk het die studie gelei. In lyn met die navorsing se doelwitte en teorie, het ek ʼn sekwensiële gemengde metodes ontwerp gebruik wat uit twee fase bestaan. In Fase I van die navorsing het ek die World Value Survey (2001) van Suid Afrika ontleed in ʼn logiese en beskrywende vorm om die patrone van die bepalings van vrywilligheids werk te ondersoek. In Fase II van die navorsing het ek die hulpbronne verwante faktore wat te vore kom in vrywilliges se interpretasies van hul aksies, ondersoek. Die resultate van Fase I wys dat meeste Suid Afrikaners deelneem aan formele vrywilligheidswerk en verkies om so te doen in ʼn godsdientige, gemeenskaplike, gesondheids of sport organisasie. Hulle wys ook dat, dieselfde soos in ander studies, menselike kapitaal ʼn baie belangrike bepaling is van vrywilligheidswerk. Die resultate bewys dat menselike kapitaal faktore soos ovoeding en inkomste die rede is hoekom sekere groepe uitgesluit is uit vrywilligheidswerk aktiwiteite. ʼn Ander interessante resultaat in die menselike faktore is dat daar ʼn negatiewe verhouding is tussen mense wat werk en vrywilligheidswerk. A Vooroordeel en burgerlike gee was die enigste twee faktore wat konstante, positiewe veranderlikes van vrywilligheidswerk in verband met menselike kapitaal was. Godsdiens het ook sterk voorgekom as ʼn rede vir vrywilligheidswerk, veral kerk bywoning. Deelnemers se beskrywings in Fase II van die navorsing wys dat altrϋisme en egoїstiese invloede belangrike faktore is in die keuse om vrywillige werk te doen. Die getuienis van hierdie is in die feit dat hulle vrywillige werk sien as ʼn uitdrukking van ‘Ubuntu’ en op dieselfde tyd ʼn manier om werk te bekom. Hierdie twee temas het na vore gekom uit verduidelikings vir hulle eerste vrywilligheidswerk. Baie deelnemers het gesê dat hulle terug gee aan hulle gemeenskappe. Dit was nog ʼn rede om vrywilligheidswerk te doen. Sommige het ook gesê dat vrywilligheidswerk een manier is om die swaar township lewe van armoede, werkloosheid, geweld en misdaad te oorleef. Dit was ook ʼn rede vir baie van die vrywilliges om getrou te bly aan vrywilligheidswerk.
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Hu, Xiaoyang. "Integrative medicine for musculoskeletal disorders : a mixed methods study." Thesis, London South Bank University, 2016. http://researchopen.lsbu.ac.uk/1799/.
Full textAbstract:
The rising prevalence and burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is a major health concern, affecting quality of life and causing an economic burden to the individual as well as society as a whole. Integrative medicine (IM), a complex intervention which includes complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional medicine, emphasising a holistic approach and patient-practitioner relationship, is a popular option for people with MSDs. The Medical Research Council’s (MRC) framework for evaluating complex interventions was used to explore IM for MSDs and to provide future guidance. The aims of this research study were to develop a theoretical understanding of IM; and to determine the feasibility of carrying out a mixed methods study of IM for MSDs in the UK. For the initial development stage of the MRC framework, a mixed methods review consisting of a mapping review, a systematic review, and a narrative review was performed to develop a theoretical understanding of IM for MSDs. There was promising evidence for integrative treatments provided for low back pain and patients perceived benefits in receiving CAM for their MSDs. However, the components identified in the review as essential in IM were rarely discussed or reported in research. The lack of a standard definition of IM and an absence of guidelines for reporting IM has hindered the process of developing its evidence base. Identification of authentic IM research was challenging, and evidence on IM for MSDs remains inadequate. In particular, no research studies explored IM as a package of care for MSDs in a secondary National Health Service (NHS) setting in the United Kingdom (UK). As part of the second stage of the MRC framework, the feasibility stage, a mixed methods research study was conducted to assess the feasibility of evaluating IM for MSDs at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM). The results of this mixed methods study of 60 patients followed up over 12 months suggested that the approach was generally feasible. Feasibility was reflected in four aspects: 1). Integrative treatments potentially produced moderate pain relief and improved health related quality of life (HRQoL) at four months which was sustained at 12 months, 2). Patients’ general acceptability of treatment was good, 3). Patients demanded integrative treatment, and 4). Overall research design was feasible with patients reporting positive experiences by participating in the research study. Issues and challenges were identified in the research procedure, including difficulties identifying and recruiting eligible patients, working with busy NHS practitioners, and failure of accessing unit cost data from the hospital. These issues need to be considered in future IM research. In addition, patients suggested particular outcome measures, and a narrative approach was preferred. An IM model was hypothesised from the findings of this research study which represented patients’ perception of good IM care. This research study is the first step in evaluating IM for MSDs. It has provided essential information needed to move the evidence base for IM; and provided original data on the feasibility and practicality of conducting the study. Following the next stage of the MRC framework, future research evaluating IM effectiveness, exploring the potential interaction between the components of the model, and whether these components were associated with the overall effects of IM, using a mixed methods design under a pragmatic approach is warranted.
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Eplett, Matthew R. "Experimental methods for the study of mixed-mode fractures." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2017. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/27552.
Full textAbstract:
Any composite material is made up from two or more materials and therefore contains interfaces, which usually represent planes of weakness. Interfacial fractures are effectively constrained to propagate along these interfaces as mixed-mode fractures with all three opening, shearing and tearing actions (i.e. mode I, mode II and mode III), instead of kinking to maintain pure-mode-I conditions at the advancing crack front, as would typically happen in an isotropic material. This is significant because mixed-mode fracture toughness is load-dependent and not a purely intrinsic material property (although clearly the pure mode fracture toughnesses are indeed intrinsic material properties that can be determined experimentally). Therefore, in order to know the fracture toughness under general loading conditions, it is necessary to know both the interface failure criterion (that describes the fracture toughness as a function of the mode mixity), and the mode mixity of the crack under the specified loading conditions. This is a complex problem that has occupied researchers in the fracture mechanics community for decades. Consequently, the literature contains a large number of different mixed-mode partition theories. This work appears to show that, of all the partition theories assessed, Wang and Harvey s (2012a) Euler beam partition theory is able to most accurately predict the fracture toughness of a mixed-mode delamination in a fibre-reinforced polymer composite laminate. This statement is based on the outcomes of three separate studies: The first study uses data reported in the literature from a thorough programme of mixed-mode fracture testing of unidirectional and multi-directional laminates. The Euler beam partition theory is able to accurately predict the fracture toughness in all cases. Furthermore, the Euler beam partition theory, which is completely analytical, closely agrees over a large domain with Davidson et al. s (2000) independently-derived non-singular field partition theory, which was derived with the aid of experimental test results. In general, the singular-field approach based on 2D elasticity and the finite element method give poor predictions. In the second study, an original programme of mixed-mode fracture testing is carried out, which incorporates several novel aspects including new test apparatus and a methodology for testing with a wide range of applied pure bending moments. Eighty five fracture tests are performed on unidirectional glass/epoxy laminates to determine the initiation and propagation fracture toughnesses. Although the second study was inconclusive with respect to the correctness of any particular partition theory, the development of the test apparatus and test methodology are considered to be major contributions that will be useful for both design engineers and academic researchers, not only working with fibre-reinforced polymer composite laminates, but also working with other composite materials containing interfacial cracks. The third study uses digital image correlation to investigate the near-crack tip strain fields of mixed-mode delaminations to try to discover the underlying mechanics that govern the selection of a mixed-mode partition theory. The new testing apparatus is used again, and another novel testing methodology is developed. The work appears to confirm (with some caveats) that two sets of pure modes exist, that is, two pure mode I modes, and two pure mode II modes, with their numerical values roughly corresponding to those from Wang and Harvey s (2012a) Euler beam partition theory. It should be noted that, as far as the author s knowledge is concerned, Euler beam partition theory is the only one in the literature to predict the existence of two sets of pure modes. Although this work set out to conclusively determine which mixed-mode partition theory is able to most accurately predict the fracture toughness of a mixed-mode delamination in a fibre-reinforced polymer composite laminate, and also, to discover why, the outcomes cannot truly be called conclusions . Rather, they only offer strong support for Wang and Harvey s (2012a) Euler beam partition theory for predicting the fracture toughness fibre-reinforced polymer composite laminates against delamination. Despite this, the work makes major contributions that will be useful for both design engineers and academic researchers in the field, as described in the above.
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Dewa, Lindsay. "Insomnia in a prison population : a mixed methods study." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2017. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/insomnia-in-a-prison-population-a-mixed-methods-study(6f501889-4a7f-4029-beb2-67da832cf14a).html.
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Background: Around a third of the general population experience insomnia at some point in their lives. A lack of good quality sleep can negatively impact upon daytime functioning, relationships and behaviour. Although the issues and management of prisoner's mental health has been assessed thoroughly across the prison literature, the importance of poor sleep prevalence, associated causes and its management has failed to be systematically examined. My systematic integrative review of the sleep-prison literature collated and synthesized the evidence, informing the overall study objectives and design. Aim: The overarching aim of this mixed-methods thesis was to produce a treatment pathway to help manage insomnia in a prison population, acceptable to both staff and prisoners. Study 1: A national survey and telephone interviews examining current insomnia management practice in England and Wales prisons. Eight-four prisons took part (73%). The most common interventions were medication and sleep hygiene education. Analysis of telephone interviews revealed four main themes, insomnia as a normal occurrence in prison; the problem of medication in prison; the negative impact of the prison environment; and effective management of insomnia in prison. Study 2: A cross-sectional study looking at prevalence and associated factors of insomnia in male and female prisons was conducted. Two hundred and thirty seven prisoners completed a questionnaire battery. Around two-thirds had insomnia disorder and clinical, environmental and situational factors were much more likely in this group than those without insomnia. Study 3: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and prisoners to explore perspectives of insomnia management. Three themes were found: value of good sleep, barriers and considerations for good sleep management and future direction of insomnia management in prison. Study 4: A modified Delphi consensus study was conducted with academic sleep researchers, prison staff and service users over three rounds of consultation. Consensus was achieved and a stepped-care treatment pathway was produced. Conclusion: When used in future practice, the treatment pathway should help practitioners to identify, assess and manage insomnia in a population that is twice as likely to experience insomnia as the general population.
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Davies, Gabriel. "A mixed methods examination of insomnia in early psychosis." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2017. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/a-mixed-methods-examination-of-insomnia-in-early-psychosis(0cf5c8f7-2bb7-427c-8023-79d7317c5800).html.
Full textAbstract:
The available evidence suggests insomnia is common in individuals who experience psychosis. Poor sleep within this population has been associated with numerous detriments to mental health and well-being. Nevertheless, the majority of work to date has focused on chronic presentations, with few studies investigating the role of insomnia in recently onset psychosis. Understanding and treating psychosis following the first presentation is important to promote recovery and prevent the development of long-term illness. This work therefore aimed to utilise mixed methods to comprehensively investigate insomnia in early psychosis. It is presented in a series of five research papers, supplemented by additional chapters to provide an introduction, additional methodological details and general discussion. Paper one presents a systematic review, which aimed to synthesise the relevant literature with regards to the nature and correlates of insomnia in early psychosis. Paper two utilised qualitative methods aiming to understand the experience of insomnia, its impacts and experiences of help-seeking in early psychosis. Paper three aimed to investigate the nature of insomnia symptoms in first episode psychosis, compared to a healthy control group, using actigraphy and sleep diary measurement over a 14-day period. Paper four aimed to investigate how poor sleep was associated with next-day mental health and functioning, presenting data from an electronic diary study conducted alongside the sleep profiling presented in paper three. Paper five aimed to assess the acceptability of a Brief Behavioural Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI) delivered to a first episode psychosis group. Findings across studies indicated insomnia to have a wide range of detrimental outcomes, indicating the treatment of insomnia may be an important target for relevant mental health services.
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Schilder, Evelien A. "Perceptions of Media Literacy Assessment: A Mixed Methods Study." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/47727.
Full textAbstract:
Media literacy scholars have to a great extent ignored the assessment of media literacy outcomes and associated challenges. Martens (2010) states that evaluating and explaining the effectiveness of media literacy education is one of the most overwhelming challenges for current research in the field. Buckingham and Domaille (2009) claim that the lack of structured assessment procedures likely contributed to the lack of status of media literacy education. The purpose of this mixed methods study (exploratory sequential design) was therefore to explore the views of media literacy scholars and professionals on media literacy assessment through qualitative interviews (N = 10) with the intent of using this information to develop a quantitative survey to validate and extend the qualitative findings with a larger sample of media literacy professionals and scholars from all around the world (N = 171).
The study provides an overview of goals and outcomes of media literacy education. In addition, it provides information about the extent to which outcomes are specified and by whom these outcomes are specified. The study also offers a comprehensive overview of assessment methods that were used by participants of the study, the role that media literacy plays in their work, and the entities which developed these assessment methods. It provides further detail about the extent to which the learning process and product are assessed, the importance of context in assessment, approaches that are used to evaluate and interpret students' work, and factors that influence the way participants assess media literacy. The study also offers an overview of assessment challenges that were encountered by participants and the extent to which these are considered challenges for the field. In addition, for each of the assessment methods that were used by participants, a distinct set of challenges is identified. An account of the extent that respondents felt constrained by any outside regulations or mandates is provided as well, along with a description of how they would assess media literacy void of these constraints. Finally, methods to overcome media literacy challenges are presented, along with recommendations to improve the effectiveness of media literacy assessment.Ph. D.
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Shurtleff, Kay. "Teachers' Attitudes toward Professional Development: A Mixed Methods Study." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2020. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1703399/.
Full textAbstract:
Research has identified job context, specific attributes of professional development (PD), and perceived teacher input as factors that contribute to teachers' attitudes. This sequential mixed methods study tested those findings together and further investigated teachers' beliefs and attitudes about their own professional learning. The first phase of data collection included a 5-item attitude survey, demographic information, and two short-answer questions. Multiple regression analysis of the sample (N = 328) showed four statistically significant contributors to teacher attitude: (i) socioeconomic status of the school, (ii) teacher years of experience at the campus, (iii) content area taught, and (iv) degree attained by the teacher. During the second phase, six focus groups were conducted which confirmed earlier findings and revealed four themes in teachers' attitudes: (1) a need and desire for collaborative, engaging PD; (2) perceived interference from outside forces that supplant teachers' own PD goals and wishes; (3) a need to establish a context and a cohesive plan for long-term career and campus goals; and (4) a subgroup of teachers who believe that PD has little inherent value. Limitations and implications are included.
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Burrows, Timothy. "A Preliminary Rubric Design to Evaluate Mixed Methods Research." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/19324.
Full textAbstract:
With the increase in frequency of the use of mixed methods, both in research publications and in externally funded grants there are increasing calls for a set of standards to assess the quality of mixed methods research. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to conduct a multi-phase analysis to create a preliminary rubric to evaluate mixed methods research articles. This study included four research questions:1. What are the common evaluation criteria found in the contemporary methodological literature pertaining to the design of mixed methods research?
2. What evaluation criteria do experts in the field of mixed methods research perceive as the most important when distinguishing top-quality research in mixed methods?
3. What differences are there in the outcome of the rubric for evaluating mixed methods research identified from the literature compared to those advocated most uniformly by a panel of mixed methods research experts?
4. What are disciplinary differences between the use of mixed methods and views about evaluating it, including the role of paradigms in mixed methods research?
In the first phase of this multi-phase mixed methods study I used an inductive qualitative process to identify the quality criteria endorsed by 12 methodologists with a long-term involvement in mixed methods research. In the second phase of this study I conducted a quantitative analysis to pilot test a set of criteria identified in the qualitative phases. The sample for both phases of this study was comprised of the same eight males
and four females from multiple nationalities. Respondents to the on-line survey rated all 14 items as being important, with 11 of the 14 items being rated as very important or higher.
When considered together, findings from the two phases of this study provide a interesting view of attitudes about the use and application of quality standards to the mixed methods literature. While there was agreement about what elements were important to evaluate, there was not an agreement about the idea that one set of standards could be applied to all mixed methods studies.
Ph. D.
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Haessler, Katherine. "Foreclosures, Ownership and Crime: A Mixed Methods Case Study." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1445609057.
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Greer, Patricia A. "Elements of Effective Interorganizational Collaboration: A Mixed Methods Study." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1502545581350892.
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Pallo, Alyssa M. "DEFINING SEXUAL CONSENT: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF RESPONSES." Kent State University Honors College / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1544559571227034.
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