Epistemological Interpretation Research Articles

Special economic zones and the influence of transport modes: proposal of a theoretical model appropriate to the brazilian reality

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have become in recent decades an important strategy for economic stimulation. The SEZs are associated with regional development policies and the fight against economic stagnation. The effectiveness of a SEZ depends on the regional economic context, its potential, incentive policies and investment attraction, as well as the supply of infrastructure for productive development. Thus, this study aims to establish a theoretical/hypothetical relational model that represents the influence of transport modes on the effectiveness of a regional development strategy of the SEZ type. To reach the proposed objective, an extensive Systematic Literature Review was carried out with the help of the scientific platforms Connected Papers and Ryyan, aligned with research in the main academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO host, ieeeXplore, Emerald insight). A qualitative approach, inductive logic, and interpretivist epistemology were adopted. The results of the study suggest a theoretical/hypothetical model composed of eight hypotheses and nine constructs (factors that enable SEZ effectiveness, factors that compromise the SEZ effectiveness, SEZ effectiveness, modals of transport, SEZ performance, SEZ program, SEZ characteristics, contextual factors and regional development. The study improves the regional development literature and especially the Special Economic Zones theme by establishing solid theoretical relationships among the suggested constructs.

Benefits of Exposing Third-year English Language Student Teachers to Service Learning in One Rural-based University

The study explored the benefits of exposing third-year Bachelor of Education students to Service Learning at a rural-based South African University. Service Learning (SL) is a practice that links community service with learning activities to promote substantive learning. This study aimed to explore whether third-year student teachers could benefit from helping first-year student university students acquire literacy skills through SL. The study was underpinned by the Experiential learning theory (ELT). A qualitative research paradigm underpinned by an interpretative epistemology was used in this study. A non-random sampling technique was used to select participants from the Faculty of Education at the participating institution. Data were generated using observing classroom activities, semi-structured and focus group interviews. Data analysis emerged with themes and sub-themes. Overall, the results revealed that the third-year students gained self-confidence, enhanced self-esteem and enhanced academic skills. The study revealed that exposing students to SL made them gain academic knowledge, cognitive skills, interpersonal skills, and self-confidence as they endeavoured to put theoretical knowledge into practice. As a pedagogy, SL created an enabling environment for learners to express themselves freely – thereby creating space for the expression and consolidation of new experiences. Thus, the study suggested that SL be incorporated into pre-service teacher education programmes from the first year in a spiral curriculum modality up to the fourth (last) year of study. Incorporation of SL into teacher education programmes may be done by infusing it into School experience modules as proposed by the participants.

International Cooperation for Peace? Development of a Conceptual Proposal

The subject of peace assumes a pivotal role within both the realm of literature and the ambit of collaborative initiatives. Nevertheless, a discerning examination of the distinct sphere termed "peace cooperation" exposes a lacuna in its theoretical underpinnings and nuanced connotations, as per the Sartorian conceptual framework. The prevailing focus in scholarly investigations on cooperation predominantly centers on scrutinizing processes and dynamics associated with "development cooperation," relegating the discourse on peace to a tangential position. Considering this, the inquiry arises: What constitutes the conceptual understanding of "peace cooperation" within academic discourse and practical contexts? Employing an analytical methodology, this study endeavors to furnish a comprehensive array of conceptual components to methodically address its examination and proffer insights for pragmatic application. Employing an interpretative epistemology, the concept of cooperation is juxtaposed against a critical analysis of pertinent literature and insights gleaned from prominent contributors in the Colombian context. This endeavor aims to formulate a conceptual framework, rooted in the delineation of the "peace cooperation" category, to augment comprehension and optimize the implementation of peace cooperation strategies in regions affected by conflict. This scholarly contribution serves to delineate the contours of a novel classification within the overarching domain of development cooperation.
 
 Received: 3 October 2023 / Accepted: 23 December 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024

Constructing Identity Through Sex-Consumption: The Consumerist Narratives of Israeli Men Who Pay Women for Sex

ABSTRACT This study examined how consumerism shapes the identity construction processes of Israeli men who pay women for sex (MPWS). Using the theoretical framework of symbolic interaction and the theoretical concept of extended self, we explored how Israeli MPWS extend their selves through sex-consumption. To this end, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 23 Israeli MPWS. An interpretive epistemology and a constructivist grounded theory methodology guided the data-analysis. We conceptualized three dynamics of self-identity construction processes through sex-consumption: Extending the self through assimilation of products or experiences, Extending the self through the purchasing process, and Extending the self through consuming the imagined. The findings revealed a complex process, whereby MPWS attribute various and contradictory meanings to their possessions, their consumerist experiences, and their purchasing processes. We conclude that consumerism is central to the meanings that MPWS attribute to their engagement in the sex industry. Thus, the theoretical framework of consumerism should be further applied to future studies in this field in order to gain a nuanced and deeper understanding of MPWS and the phenomenon of sex consumption.

Love (and) ageing well: A qualitative study of sexual health in the context of ageing well among women aged 50 and over.

The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 the 'Decade of Healthy Ageing' and identified the need to strengthen the evidence base on interpretations and determinants of healthy ageing to inform policy. This study sought to interrogate a 'policy blind spot' and examine interpretations and experiences of sexuality and sexual health within the context of ageing well among women aged 50+. The qualitative study design was underpinned by an interpretivist epistemology. Research was guided by principles of feminist scholarship and located in an affirmative ageing framework. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted between April-June 2019 with 21 English-speaking women aged 52-76. Women were recruited through community organizations in North West England. Transcripts were analysed using a framework approach to thematic analysis, applying an inductive approach to theme generation. Narratives encompassed six broad themes: reflections on 'ageing well'; age alone does not define sexuality and sexual health; interpretations of sexual health and sexuality; vulnerability and resistance in later-life sexual health; narratives of (in)visibility; and reimagining services to promote sexual health in later life. There was a dominant belief that sexual health represents a component of ageing well, despite a broad spectrum of sexual expression and health challenges. Sexual expression was diversely shaped by conflicting societal expectations within an evolving digitized environment. In clinical settings, however, sexual health discussions were often muted or framed from a disease-focussed lens. Women expressed a preference for holistic, person-centred sexual health provision from an orientation of wellness to support varied sexual expression, sensitive to wider health, life and relationship realities. This work strengthens calls to disentangle sexual health from disease-centred narratives and legitimize sexual health as part of the healthy ageing agenda.

Incoherent Meanings

Stojnić holds the radical view that coherence relations determine the reference of context-sensitive language. I argue against this from the theoretical perspective presented in Overlooking Conventions (2021). Theoretical interest in language comes from an interest in thoughts and their communication. A language is a system of symbols, constituted by a set of governing rules, used (inter alia) to communicate the meanings (contents) of thoughts. Thought meanings, hence speaker meanings, are explanatorily prior to semantic meanings. So, we start our consideration of the theoretical place of coherence by considering the bearing of coherence on thought meanings. The paper argues that a person can have any thought at all, however incoherent. So, a thought’s meaning is independent of its coherence. Any thought can be expressed in an utterance. The semantic meaning of any utterance governed by the linguistic rules will be the meaning of the thought it expresses. So, the utterance’s meaning is independent of its coherence. The paper concludes that coherence has no place in the theory of meaning or reference. Nonetheless, it has a place in the theory of communication. I suspect that the error exemplifi es the widespread confusion of the metaphysics of meaning with the epistemology of interpretation.

A Methodology for Surveying Indigenous Collections at an Australian Academic Library

This paper examines the University of Sydney Library’s development and piloting of a methodology to survey its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural collections, to enhance catalogue metadata and allow culturally sensitive material to be identified and protected. The research falls broadly within the interpretivist epistemology and draws methodologically on Participative Action Research. The pilot survey was conducted using a qualitative, collection-based approach, more specifically Direct Collection Analysis. A broad syntax was used to identify cultural content within the catalogue metadata, and items individually examined to determine the nature of their contents. The findings surface the benefits and shortcomings of the initial methodology. It is recommended future surveys be conducted using more specific terminology checklists and undertaken by a dedicated team that has received care and handling training for cultural materials and is led by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander expert in cultural collections.

Study of Moderation Verses in the Perspective of Nusantara Tafsir

This study provides an understanding and interpretation of the verses of moderation in the opinion of the commentator or commentator in the archipelago. The Qur’an is not a final product, it is necessary to carry out the activities of intellectual diligence in the form of “interpretation” because the lip of the Qur’an cures me all my time to eat. Social interaction as the basic capital and characteristics of the social humanity of Muslims through understanding the verses contained in the Qur’an is a solution to the hope of divine pleasure and the achievement of correct understanding. The difference is the flavor of understanding, because some interpretations of the verses of the Qur’an tend not to be moderate in interpretation. As a moderate Muslim discussing verses of moderation, he will generate a moderate character in personality and personality that mediates the two tensions in the epistemology of interpretation between the text and the liberal. ntolerant beliefs and attitudes in the world and views of life began to emerge at the primary and secondary levels. The emergence of intolerance in religion as one of the factors is the lack of understanding and practice on the largest possible scale in the content, meaning, and context of the Qur’an itself and in matters related to the interpretation of the verses of moderation and moderation.

The Epistemology of Reading and Interpretation, written by René van Woudenberg

The Epistemology of Reading and Interpretation, written by René van Woudenberg

Gender Bias in Hiring: An Analysis of the Impact of Amazon's Recruiting Algorithm

Algorithmic bias in artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing concern, especially in the employment sector, where it can have devastating effects on both individuals and society. Gender discrimination is one of the most prevalent forms of algorithmic bias seen in numerous industries, including technology. The underrepresentation of women in the field of information technology is a well-known issue, and several organizations have made tackling this issue a top priority. Amazon, one of the world's top technology businesses, has been at the forefront of initiatives to increase inclusiveness and diversity in the sector. Concerns exist, however, that algorithmic bias in their recruitment process may perpetuate discrimination based on gender. This study intends to investigate these issues by employing an interpretive epistemology and utilizing interviews and focus groups to acquire a more nuanced knowledge of the subject,with keyfactors contributing to algorithmic gender bias in Amazon's recruitmentprocess andrecommend strategies for improving women's employment in information technology.

Cloud computing adoption decision-making process: a sensemaking analysis

PurposeThe authors study how cloud adoption decision making unfolds in organizations and present the dynamic process leading to a decision to adopt or reject cloud computing. The authors thus complement earlier literature on factors that influence cloud adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt an interpretive epistemology to understand the process of cloud adoption decision making. Following an empirical investigation drawing on interviews with senior managers who led the cloud adoption decision making in organizations from across Europe. The authors outline a framework that shows how cloud adoptions follow multiple cycles in three broad phases.FindingsThe study findings demonstrate that cloud adoption decision making is a recursive process of learning about cloud through three broad phases: building perception about cloud possibilities, contextualizing cloud possibilities in terms of current computing resources and exposing the cloud proposition to others involved in making the decision. Building on these findings, the authors construct a framework of this process which can inform practitioners in making decisions on cloud adoption.Originality/valueThis work contributes to authors understanding of how cloud adoption decisions unfold and provides a framework for cloud adoption decisions that has theoretical and practical value. The study further demonstrates the role of the decision-leader, typically the CIO, in this process and identifies how other internal and external stakeholders are involved. It sheds light on the relevance of the phases of the cloud adoption decision-making process to different cloud adoption factors identified in the extant literature.

Fractal concepts and recognition: Hegelian intersectional feminism

ABSTRACT Feminists have long been aware that the notion of women is problematic and using it uncritically without further qualifications leads to exclusions. In the article, I argue that the source of these problems lies in the understanding of concepts as static and clearly defined. I deploy Hegel’s idea of syllogism to define dynamic concepts, which I term ‘fractal concepts’ because of their complexity and constant development. In such structures the balance between the universal, the particular and the individual is maintained and, consequently, every woman is essential for the definition of such a non-essentialist notion of women. I propose that an epistemological interpretation of the Hegelian idea of recognition can be used to describe the development of fractal concepts in the confrontation of different perspectives. It also explains the obstruction of this process by the desire for domination and control, which results in the appropriation of group identities by their privileged members. I situate the logical and political framework developed in the paper in the context of feminist controversies around the concept of woman and argue that it provides us with a comprehensive account of intersectionality as well as an explicative solution to the regress problem.

Structuralism and informal provability

Mathematical structuralism can be understood as a theory of mathematical ontology, of the objects that mathematics is about. It can also be understood as a theory of the semantics for mathematical discourse, of how and to what mathematical terms refer. In this paper we propose an epistemological interpretation of mathematical structuralism. According to this interpretation, the main epistemological claim is that mathematical knowledge is purely structural in character; mathematical statements contain purely structural information. To make this more precise, we invoke a notion that is central to mathematical epistemology, the notion of (informal) proof. Appealing to the notion of proof, an epistemological version of the structuralist thesis can be formulated as: Every mathematical statement that is provable expresses purely structural information. We introduce a bi-modal framework that formalizes the notions of structural information and informal provability in order to draw connections between them and confirm that the epistemological structuralist thesis holds.

The Epistemology of Reading and Interpretation , by René van Woudenberg

The Epistemology of Reading and Interpretation , by René van Woudenberg

The problems of community cohesion in the perception of young people

This study addresses from several perspectives the perception of young people regarding the problems of community cohesion. Social cohesion plays a decisive role in the ability to organize social groups, construction of harmonious social relations. The generation of the 21st century places a greater emphasis on social cohesion compared to the other generations. What barriers declare young people and how they see the future of a cohesive society in the Republic of Moldova, are the questions that find their interpretation. The empirical data were collected during the focus-groups with young people. The analysis of the synthesis of the answers has outlined the perceptions of young people regarding the problems of community cohesion. The epistemological interpretation of the research results suggests valuable conclusions regarding the correlation between young people and the construction of a cohesive society.

PULL FACTORS TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER: A PSP PERSPECTIVE

Joining the Civil Service through the Civil Service Exam is one of the most sought-after careers in Pakistan. With each passing year number of CSS, aspirants are increasing. Among the Civil service, the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) and the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) are most sought after due to the power and nuisance value that these cadres promise. This paper has tried to address why PSP remains a preferred choice and what are the motivating factors that PSP officers have when they opt for the Police service of Pakistan. The study has adopted an interpretivist epistemology with a constructivist ontological stance and has applied the method of thematic analysis of interviews conducted with Police officers of different ranks in the police service of Pakistan. The study found that the PSP officers view themselves to be in a superior position compared to other groups, the motivations for joining police service include the perception of superiority, power, protection, nuisance value and ability to influence society through police office. The study also found that the PSP officer perceives himself/herself differently. The motivations of noncommissioned officers are however different. Keywords: Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Civil Service of Pakistan, Police Reforms, Cavil service Reforms, Interpretivism, interpretivist research, constructivism, constructivist ontology. Selection of Police as a Career. Public sector employment.

PULL FACTORS TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER: A PSP PERSPECTIVE

Joining the Civil Service through the Civil Service Exam is one of the most sought-after careers in Pakistan. With each passing year number of CSS, aspirants are increasing. Among the Civil service, the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) and the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) are most sought after due to the power and nuisance value that these cadres promise. This paper has tried to address why PSP remains a preferred choice and what are the motivating factors that PSP officers have when they opt for the Police service of Pakistan. The study has adopted an interpretivist epistemology with a constructivist ontological stance and has applied the method of thematic analysis of interviews conducted with Police officers of different ranks in the police service of Pakistan. The study found that the PSP officers view themselves to be in a superior position compared to other groups, the motivations for joining police service include the perception of superiority, power, protection, nuisance value and ability to influence society through police office. The study also found that the PSP officer perceives himself/herself differently. The motivations of noncommissioned officers are however different. Keywords: Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Civil Service of Pakistan, Police Reforms, Cavil service Reforms, Interpretivism, interpretivist research, constructivism, constructivist ontology. Selection of Police as a Career. Public sector employment.

Promoting unlearning at work through paradox mindset: a grounded theory approach

PurposeThis study aims to qualitatively investigate when and how individuals' paradox mindset influences their individual unlearning.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory approach based on constructivist ontology and interpretive epistemology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 employees of a research company. The employees were asked about their perceptions of their roles and other factors that stimulated them to unlearn in a tension-setting environment.FindingsThis study developed a process model of paradox mindset for enhancing individual unlearning through three relational mechanisms, namely, enabling motivation to unlearn, understanding to unlearn and engaging in the unlearning process. The unlearning process is found to be influenced by paradoxical frames and emotions. Moreover, external factors, such as organizational changes, stimulate the adoption of paradoxical cognition and emotions while resource availability facilitates the unlearning process.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to qualitatively investigate how a paradox mindset facilitates the process of unlearning through relational mechanisms. This model provides a holistic understanding of the cognitive, emotional and motivational processes involved in accepting the tensions of unlearning and promoting the unlearning process. The findings also have implications for research on paradox theory and the management of unlearning tensions at the micro level.

An insight into the urban smellscape: the transformation of traditional to contemporary urban place experience

ABSTRACT Sensescape, predominantly explored from the viewpoint of viewscape and soundscape, needs investigation from other senses such as smell, a vital part of place experience. The place experience not only depends on senses but also on how senses act within the context. Cities across developing countries, with dynamic tension of coexistence between traditional and modern, are experiencing transformations, inducing major alterations in urban land-use systems and have started to impact upon urban place experience and urban smellscapes diversities. Smellscape is a complex phenomenon posing challenges to the reductionist approach for better insight, hence requiring an effective conceptual framework for analyzing the smellscape with reference to the transformations in cities. Four urban node precinct typologies, as representative cases from developing countries, namely, traditional, partially transformed, transformed and majorly transformed urban nodes, are assessed and presented in this paper. The smellscape and urban place experience, their interconnectedness, and interdependency are investigated in this paper. Based on interpretive epistemology from the cognition framework, the paper posits that the smellscape has a vital role in urban place experience, it correlates and influences urban place liking, and provides clues for theory building for the assessment of smellscape, an underexplored intangible aspect of sensory place experience.

Audit regulation and its relevance for audit quality in Namibia

Background: Corporate scandals have resulted in decreasing levels of confidence in the audit profession so that audit quality is under finer scrutiny.Aim: This article has explored the role external audit regulation in Namibia plays in ensuring the quality of its financial statement audits.Setting: The opinions of audit and regulation experts in Namibia were examined.Method: A mixed-method approach, grounded in an interpretive epistemology, was employed. A correspondence table was developed, using the current literature. The opinions of audit and regulation experts on the effect that external regulations have on audit quality were then sought, using correspondence analysis and interviews.Results: The primary themes of audit quality from a regulatory perspective are maintaining independence and consulting on complex audit matters, the employment of competent members in the engagement team and a culture of quality, driven by firm leadership. It is further revealed that administrative functions play a vital role in contributing to the quality of an audit.Conclusion: A conceptual model, linking regulation and audit quality, is presented. Independence is considered the cornerstone of the audit profession, while regulations are relevant to independence. Regulators may consider introducing measures such as rotation of audit firms or the disclosure of audit tenure in annual financial statements.Contribution: This is the first research of its kind in Namibia. It is helpful to regulators and audit practitioners because it allows them to gain a better understanding of whether the current regulations adequately enhance audit quality, instead of being perceived as a ‘tick-box’ exercise.