Methodological Discussion Research Articles

Framing the Multi-Centre Qualitative Research Design as a Novel Methodology for Nursing and Healthcare Research: Reflections and A Methodological Discussion.

To discuss the multi-centre qualitative methodology as a unique design, articulate its guiding paradigm/theoretical perspectives, and highlight its methodological and methodical issues. A secondary objective is to generate further scholarly discourse regarding the multi-centre approach within the broader qualitative research tradition. Methodological discussion. Rather than an emphasis on only experiences, the multi-centre approach is presented as a unique design which also focuses on uncovering why a phenomenon or problem exists and perceptions regarding the phenomenon/problem. With its focus on capturing multiple subjective realities, the multi-centre qualitative design is arguably underpinned by pragmatist constructivism which offers a robust framework for researching phenomenon in a way that is both theoretically informed and practically relevant. Methodologically, the multi-centre qualitative research design emphasises a problem-centred enquiry, collaborative approach and rigorous study protocols, systematic site selection, contextual immersion and sensitivity and methodical flexibility. With the rapidly evolving nursing and global health landscape, the multi-centre design lends itself to exploring and capturing perceptions on a larger scale compared to single site studies. Careful planning, availability of adequate resources, rigorous protocols and quality assurance plans are critical to ensuring its success. The multi-centre approach offers the possibility of undertaking the same study across multiple settings/locations which has the potential to improve representation and strengthen transferability. This methodological discussion offers clarity regarding the use of the multi-centre approach and offering strategies for its subsequent uptake in nursing and healthcare research. Not applicable. No patient or public contribution.

Research on the run: a carnal sociological approach to running interviews

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been increased interest to the ways people move about in their everyday lives. This interest has given rise to the use of novel forms of mobile interview methods. While increased attention to walking interviews has supported the emergence of different methodologies, there is comparatively little methodological discussion on running interviews. This article stems from 22 running interviews, conducted in the context of a carnal sociological study that sought to gain insight into the embodied processes of 11 individuals who had integrated running into their processes of recovery from substance use. While carnal sociology is usually applied to ethnographic research, this study retained the embodied and embedded qualities that Wacquant (2015) considered vital to his theory through the engagement of the researcher’s own body as a methodological tool. This article aims to illustrate how carnal sociology may be applied to mobile methods, with theory and method converging to shape the structure of the interviews, the establishment of rapport with participants, the technological choices, and the safeguarding of the runner-researcher habitus. Finally, the strengths and limitations of running interviews as a means of data collection are discussed.

Beyond ideal and real types – methodological foundations of typologies in welfare state research

AbstractIn welfare state research, typologies are a frequently applied methodological tool for comparative analyses. They are used for a variety of purposes, such as case selection, for providing a birds-eye perspective on welfare states and their differences and to determine welfare state change. The methodological discussion in welfare state research on the use of typologies is, however, limited because it is centred around the question of whether Esping-Andersen’s (1990) work and other related studies present an ideal type or a real type approach. This is misleading, as both concepts are ambiguous, and there are more relevant aspects when it comes to the characterisation of typologies. Instead, this paper suggests to differentiate between typologies along the four dimensions of a typology’s theoretical foundation, the assessment of cases and the use of qualitative and quantitative attributes and methods. In an integrative literature review, a selection of typological studies of welfare state research is analysed against the background of the suggested classification. Among the studies analysed, assigning country cases to groups is most common what serves the heuristic purpose of these typologies. There are typologies with theoretical types and dimensions and with empirical types and theoretical dimensions, both with a variety of qualitative and/or quantitative attributes and methods. This uncovers the complexity of the typological approaches in welfare state research. In doing so, this paper attempts to simulate a thematically broader and methodologically deeper discussion on typologies in welfare state research.

In Search of the Causes of the Globalization Backlash: Methodological Considerations on Post-treatment Bias

We study the implications of post-treatment bias in the context of the globalization backlash. We discuss whether horse-race regressions can inform about the relative role of economic versus cultural drivers. We make three methodological points: (1) if and insofar as cultural variables are post-treatment with respect to economic factors, the estimates of the effect of economic shocks on voting are biased in regressions that include cultural controls (and vice versa); (2) for the same reason, such horse-race regressions do not allow to accurately estimate the relative role of economic versus cultural factors; (3) one cannot infer mediation effects from changes in regression coefficients for a given factor of interest before and after including post-treatment controls. We accompany the methodological discussion with empirical evidence on the relevance of post-treatment bias in studies of the globalization backlash, both by replicating and expanding on earlier studies, and by presenting novel cross-country results on the culture-economy nexus.

A Worked Example of Qualitative Descriptive Design: A Step-by-Step Guide for Novice and Early Career Researchers.

To provide a worked example informed by relevant literature and related studies that novice and early career researchers may use to reflect on, prepare and conduct a thoughtful and rigorous qualitative descriptive study. Methodological discussion of qualitative descriptive design. Seminal work and recent related literature were reviewed to situate the discussion and identify the concepts and steps to conduct a qualitative descriptive study. Qualitative descriptive design is widely used in nursing and health science research. This design offers flexible use of qualitative methods, which presents a double-edged sword, posing challenges in preparing a well-developed study and achieving methodological rigour. The design often borrows methods from other qualitative traditions, which may need to be clarified for novice and early career researchers, wherein studies may be conducted using a mix and match of methods without giving justice to the heart of qualitative descriptive design. In this paper, we present a step-by-step guide, using a worked example, to demonstrate how to conduct a qualitative descriptive study. Qualitative descriptive design may be confusing due to its flexibility, which may limit the scope of research and subsequently, the quality and impact of the findings. With the appropriate application of research methods producing high-quality and relevant findings, qualitative descriptive design is a valuable qualitative method in its own right. Novice and early career researchers may increase the impact of their findings through rigorously conducting their studies. Clarifying steps for thoughtful execution may inform novice and early career researchers, allowing for a rigorous application of the method, which, in turn, may contribute to impactful findings. A clear presentation of steps, supported by a worked example and related studies, may support novice and early career researchers in conducting a qualitative descriptive study with methodological rigour. Not applicable. No patient or public contribution.

Implementing an Educational Design Based on Hypermedia to Enhance Creative Imagination Among Fifth-Grade Literary Students

The research delves into the intricate design and effectiveness of hypermedia-based educational systems, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing learning processes through spatially induced learning formats and creative tools. Hypermedia, a sophisticated form of computer-based media technology, facilitates non-linear, feature-rich media interfaces that significantly augment educational content delivery. This technology transcends traditional instructional tools by embedding navigational methods tailored to diverse learning tasks and environments, thereby fostering deeper understanding and engagement among learners. In this context, the ADDIE model a structured approach comprising Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation—is crucial for the systematic development of educational programs. Each phase of ADDIE builds upon the insights gained from the previous, starting with a comprehensive analysis of training needs, followed by the design and development of instructional materials that incorporate effective strategies and media. The implementation phase involves deploying these materials through learning management systems, ensuring accessibility and alignment with educational goals. Finally, the evaluation phase seeks feedback to refine and enhance the learning modules, demonstrating ADDIE’s iterative nature and its focus on continuous improvement. Moreover, the study engages with a broader theoretical and methodological discourse, integrating perspectives from instructional design and creative imagination within the framework of hypermedia technology. This integration supports the construction of a learning environment that not only addresses theoretical knowledge but also stimulates creativity and innovation among students. The effectiveness of these instructional strategies is evidenced through rigorous assessments and evaluations, highlighting the significant impact of hypermedia on student creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall academic performance. This comprehensive approach not only validates the use of hypermedia in educational settings but also outlines potential improvements and future directions for integrating technology in learning processes, thereby contributing to the evolving landscape of educational technology and pedagogy.

Reimagining Comparisons in International Relations through Reflexivity

Abstract The article argues that International Relations, and especially those approaches that are informed by the epistemological and methodological premises of reflexivity, would benefit from a more diversified range of comparative methodologies other than those deriving from the work of J.S. Mill and more recent developments within the neopositivist canon. While discussions of methodology in International Relations have become open to a diversity of approaches in recent years, scholars have often been less prone to formulate explicit methodological guidance, especially in the form of practical guidance for alternative comparative research designs. Building on but further developing existing work on reflexivity and methodology, the article thus aims to open up methodological possibilities for reflexive IR by delineating three comparative strategies: defamiliarizing discursive comparison, contrapuntal comparison, and vernacular comparison. Each of the strategies is explained with reference to its theoretical and methodological background in existing scholarship, two key stages for its practical application, as well as examples. The article concludes by highlighting the importance and urgency of methodological innovation in IR––especially when it comes to approaches inspired by reflexivity.

Assessment of Climate Change Mitigation Potential for Heating System in Kosovo

Objective: In this study is we have provided a prediction model for the improvement of heating system in Kosovo, following the implementation of an energy efficiency program, the consumption of energy commodities in heating system will decrease and the problem of deforestation will be mitigated. Theoretical Framework: We suppose a degree of reduction variable due to the renewable energy sources use, new technology options and energy efficiency toward GHG and air pollution reduction and policy initiative for District Heating in Kosovo. Method: For modelling impacts of the technology and policy options for reducing GHG and air pollution due to improvement of heating system in Kosovo, the model STELLA software has been used. Projection for emission factors and total annual emission for Air Pollutants and GHG (CO2) are calculated with US EPA methodology Results and Discussion: The resulting reductions of Air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the loss of heat and water and increasing the energy efficiency will have a direct and positive impact on the environment and climate change. Research Implications: Implementing the emission reduction policies EE, Renewable energy and introducing new technologies in heating system in Kosovo for the total emission of CO2, we will have reduction for about 20% (3.36 Mt CO2) in 2025 in comparison with (4.41 Mt CO2) in year 2015; also, we will have a significant reduction for other GHG. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by impruvemment of heating system in Kosovo.

Understanding Network Meta‐Analysis: A Practical Introduction for Nurses

ABSTRACTAimsThis paper examines network meta‐analysis (NMA) as a methodological advancement in nursing research and discusses considerations for interpreting and applying NMA results in clinical practice.Design and MethodsMethodological discussion.ResultsThe NMA method simultaneously evaluates multiple interventions by combining direct and indirect evidence. The publication of NMA articles in nursing journals has been increasing. However, interpreting NMA results can be complex and challenging. In this paper, we outline the prerequisites and assumptions of NMA, provide a graphical representation, discuss effect estimation and quality of evidence and give an overview of applying NMA results in clinical practice.ConclusionNMA is a valuable analytical approach in nursing research that can provide high‐level evidence to guide clinical decision‐making. Accurate interpretation of NMA findings is necessary to inform clinical practice. This paper serves as an introduction to NMA for nurses unfamiliar with the approach.Implications for the ProfessionNMA is a powerful statistical technique for assessing the relative effectiveness of different nursing interventions and informing evidence‐based nursing guidelines. When interpreting the results, nurses should consider the certainty of evidence and the practical value of the results and be cautious of misleading conclusions.ImpactNMA is a recent analytical method in nursing research. This practical introduction seeks to enhance comprehension of NMA and the interpretation and application of NMA findings in clinical practice. NMA is a robust statistical technique to assess the relative effectiveness of various nursing interventions.Reporting MethodIn the methodological discussion guide, no new data was generated. A hypothetical dataset was used.Patient or Public ContributionThis methodological paper contributes to understanding NMA and interpreting its results, integrating it into clinical practice, and improving patient outcomes.

Ethical framework and inclusivity: research mechanics of difficult-to-reach migrants in civil military context

In the midst of humanitarian crises, understanding and helping hard-to-reach migrant communities, is a major challenge for researchers. This article addresses the ethical framework and dimensions of inclusivity associated with researching such populations in civilian-military setting. With the overarching aim of improving methodological discourse, this study seeks to understand the mechanisms involved in working with crisis-affected migrants who are often marginalised and geographically isolated. The significance of this research lies in its multi-layered approach to understanding the ethical considerations and inclusivity that are essential to conducting research in crisis situations. By examining existing theories in the field, including participatory research methods, ethnographic studies and community-based research frameworks, this study critically evaluates their applicability in the context of crisis-affected migrant communities. This research contributes to methodological approaches by proposing innovative strategies that emphasise ethical integrity, cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. It argues for the development of collaborative and culturally sensitive research practises that enable migrant communities to actively participate in the research process and ensure that their voices are heard, and their perspectives accurately represented. This study contributes to existing knowledge by illuminating the complexities of researching hard-to-reach migrant communities in civil military setting. This study provides researchers and practitioners with the necessary tools and perspectives required for engaging with crisis-affected migrant communities in a manner that is both ethical, respectful, and impactful.

Conclusions Regarding the Role of Expectations in Placebo Analgesia Studies May Depend on How We Investigate It: A Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, and Proposal for Methodological Discussions.

Expectations are highlighted as a key component in placebo effects. However, there are different approaches to whether and how placebo studies should account for expectations, and the direct contribution has yet to be estimated in meta-analyses. Using different methodological approaches, this meta-analysis and systematic review examines the extent to which expectations contribute to pain in placebo studies. The databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for placebo analgesia mechanism studies with numerical measures of both expectations and pain. Thirty-one studies, comprising 34 independent study populations (1566 subjects: patients and healthy participants) were included. Two meta-analyses were conducted: meta-analysis 1, using study-level data, estimated the effect of expectation interventions without taking measures of expectations into account (expectations assumed); and meta-analysis 2, using individual-level data, estimated the direct impact of participants' expectations on pain (expectations assessed). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Meta-analysis 1 showed a moderate effect of expectation interventions over no expectation intervention on pain intensity (Hedges g = 0.45, I2 = 54.19). Based on 10 studies providing individual-level data, meta-analysis 2 showed that expectations predicted pain intensity in placebo and control groups ( b = 0.36, SE = 0.05), although inconsistently across study methodologies. Participants' expectations contributed moderately to pain in placebo analgesia studies. However, this may largely be influenced by how we measure expectations and how their contribution is conceptualized and analyzed-both within and across studies.

Invisible and fluid walls in early childhood nature learning: collecting data through video

ABSTRACT Background The forest school and nature kindergarten approach to early childhood education and care (ECEC) has been established for well over 50 years in the United Kingdom and across parts of Europe including Scandinavia. One example where the nature kindergarten approach has recently taken a foothold is the Australian ‘bush kinder’. Bush kinders are gaining popularity in the delivery of ECEC to four- and five-year-old Australian children. They provide children an opportunity to learn through a play-based experience, often with the child leading their learning, supported by the educator. This longitudinal research project examining STEM teaching and learning in bush kinders began in 2015 with further data collection occurring in 2017, 2020 and 2023. Purpose The study sought to explore the challenges of using video as a data source in ethnographic research in the context of wide open, natural environments such as nature reserves, forests, beaches and paddocks. It asked the question: ‘What ethical dilemmas arise when using video to collect data in early childhood research?’ Method The study focused on the teaching and play activities of around 20 educators and 200 four- to five-year-old children across four Australian bush kinders. Influenced by an ethnographic research tradition that emphasises researcher participation and observation, the paper presents two vignettes, which explore the use of video in recording the experiences of teachers and children in the bush kinder environment and the dilemmas that arise. Findings The use of video creates a dual data collection situation. First, videoing can take place from behind an ‘invisible wall’, where the researcher remains distant from the research subjects being studied. Second, the researcher can move through a ‘fluid wall’, closer to the events they are capturing on video, at times, becoming a participant in the study. Conclusions This paper offers a contribution to the methodological discourse on the use of video as a data collection method within ethnographic research in ECEC outdoor settings. In drawing close attention to the ways in which videoing can occur, it provides a framework that could be helpful to other researchers engaged in designing and carrying out ECEC research in diverse outdoor settings.

Transnational queer cultures and digital media: an introduction

Abstract Queer cultures have long been transnational and in times of rapid technological advancements, large migration flows, and intense cross-cultural exchanges, queer connections are evolving in new forms and meanings. These developments occur at the intersection of various intertwined geopolitical scales: urban, regional, national, continental, and global, as well as physical and digital. This introduction synthesizes various theoretical and methodological discussions to highlight the ambivalences of contemporary queer cultures, focusing on their intrinsic transnational and digital conditions. The authors contributing to this issue demonstrate that understanding queer cultures in the digital age requires examining the roles of various actors, including big tech employees, online platform volunteers, queer influencers, audiences, and migrants. They also highlight how queer digital cultures transcend national borders and challenge oppositional binaries, such as local vs. global and the West vs. the Rest, all while maintaining a critical perspective on the ambivalences of digitality.

Teaching children to discriminate?

Rosina Lippi-Green’s (1997, 2012) classic quantitative study of linguistic representation in animated Disney films of the 20th century found these films to be discriminatory. Her main and most publicized finding was that characters who spoke varieties of American English tended to be morally good, while characters with a foreign accent were often evil and untrustworthy. Following a methodological discussion of Lippi-Green’s approach as it relates to our own, we investigate the degree to which her results also describe 273 characters from Disney’s successful “Revival Era,” starting with The Princess and the Frog (2009) and ending with Encanto (2021). We find, among other significant developments, that the foreign-accented characters in these more recent films are distinctively good. Also examined are other relationships between characters’ language, moral standing, gender, and age. Notably, female and younger characters tend to speak Standard American English, and they tend to be more moral than male and older characters. We end by discussing some possible causes of the main developments.

How Moscow did not become a world center of marxist anthropology: historian L.V. Danilova, theoretical discussions of the 1960s, and international contacts of soviet scholars

The article analyzes theoretical and methodological discussions in Russian ethnography and historiography of the 1960s. The focus is on the fate of the historian L.V. Danilova and the collection, edited by her, “Problems of the History of Pre-Capitalist Societies” (1968), one of the brightest achievements of the non-dogmatic Marxism of the thaw era. On the basis of new archival materials, it reconstructs the project of the multi-volume publication “Laws of History and Specific Forms of the World Historical Process”, traces the roots of the “new direction” in ethnography, and offers a new reading of the activity of the history methodology sector of the Institute of History. International team of the would-be authors of this project could have made it a notable phenomenon in world Marxist thought. The author concludes that this did not happen because of the opposition of the conservative academic establishment.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills has become crucial for navigating an increasingly complex world. This study aims to explore the significance of these skills in modern education and how they can be effectively nurtured among students. The research employs a qualitative methodology, using interviews and focus group discussions with educators, students, and education experts as primary data sources. Through a thematic analysis of the data, the study identifies key strategies for integrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills into the curriculum. The results indicate that while educators recognize the importance of these skills, there are significant challenges in their implementation, including a lack of resources, teacher training, and assessment methods. Furthermore, the findings reveal that students who are exposed to curricula that emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving are better equipped to tackle real-world challenges, demonstrating enhanced creativity, adaptability, and decision-making abilities. The study concludes with recommendations for educators and policymakers to develop more comprehensive frameworks that support the integration of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in educational systems, ultimately preparing students to succeed in the 21st-century landscape.

New achievements in orbital angular momentum beam characterization using a Hartmann wavefront sensor and the Kirkpatrick-Baez active optical system KAOS.

Advances in physics have been significantly driven by state-of-the-art technology, and in photonics and X-ray science this calls for the ability to manipulate the characteristics of optical beams. Orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams hold substantial promise in various domains such as ultra-high-capacity optical communication, rotating body detection, optical tweezers, laser processing, super-resolution imaging etc. Hence, the advancement of OAM beam-generation technology and the enhancement of its technical proficiency and characterization capabilities are of paramount importance. These endeavours will not only facilitate the use of OAM beams in the aforementioned sectors but also extend the scope of applications in diverse fields related to OAM beams. At the FERMI Free-Electron Laser (Trieste, Italy), OAM beams are generated either by tailoring the emission process on the undulator side or, in most cases, by coupling a spiral zone plate (SZP) in tandem with the refocusing Kirkpatrick-Baez active optic system (KAOS). To provide a robust and reproducible workflow to users, a Hartmann wavefront sensor (WFS) is used for both optics tuning and beam characterization. KAOS is capable of delivering both tightly focused and broad spots, with independent control over vertical and horizontal magnification. This study explores a novel non-conventional `near collimation' operational mode aimed at generating beams with OAM that employs the use of a lithographically manufactured SZP to achieve this goal. The article evaluates the mirror's performance through Hartmann wavefront sensing, offers a discussion of data analysis methodologies, and provides a quantitative analysis of these results with ptychographic reconstructions.

The Evolution of Selection Bias in the Recent Epidemiologic Literature-A Selective Overview.

Selection bias has long been central in methodological discussions across epidemiology and other fields. In epidemiology, the concept of selection bias has been continually evolving over time. In this issue of the Journal, Mathur and Shpitser (Am J Epidemiol. XXXX;XXX(XX):XXXX-XXXX) present simple graphical rules for using a Single World Intervention Graph (SWIG) to assess the presence of selection bias when estimating treatment effects in both the general population and a selected sample. Notably, the authors examine the setting in which the treatment affects selection, an issue not well-addressed in the existing literature on selection bias. To place the work by Mathur and Shpitser in context, we review the evolution of the concept of selection bias in epidemiology, with a primary focus on the developments in the last 20-30 years since the introduction of causal directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to epidemiologic research.

Promoting Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices for Optimal Maternal and Child Nutrition

This review article examines the critical role of promoting breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in addressing maternal malnutrition and improving maternal and child health outcomes. It begins with an introduction highlighting the significance of these practices in achieving optimal nutrition, followed by a discussion of methodology involving a comprehensive review of existing literature and the interventions (Like PLA approach and awareness raising through 1000 days Window of Opportunity etc.) being implemented under the project “Improved Resilience through Food and Nutrition Security” by Farmers Development Organization. The purpose of the review is to underscore the importance of breastfeeding and complementary feeding in maternal and child health, offering insights into successful interventions, challenges, and recommendations for improvement. Results emphasize the profound impact of these practices, emphasizing the need for early initiation of breastfeeding and the introduction of nutritious complementary foods. In conclusion, the urgent need for concerted efforts to promote these practices is emphasized, with the potential for significant progress in enhancing overall public health through evidence-based intervention.

Marginalised or missed? The curious case of influential autistic self-advocates in England: introducing the 3i instrument

This article argues that the social policy influence of marginalised groups is at risk of being underestimated, in the scholarship, policy communities and wider society. It proposes the 3i instrument: a new, triangulated approach to measuring influence with a broader set of indicators than usually attempted. These indicators, which are designed to include influence in its early stages, are explored through a case study of autistic self-advocates in England. Surprisingly, the results show not just that autistic self-advocates but, through them, the wider autistic community, have more policy influence than they or others expect, but that influence is also being missed in its later stages, indicating that researcher bias may also be a complicating factor. While a single case of ‘missed’ influence is not sufficient to generalise to other contexts and groups, this research opens the door to a wider methodological discussion and reflexivity on the part of researchers.