Qualitative Research Framework Research Articles

Examining the Achievement Test Development Process in the Educational Studies

Literature review shows that the development process of an achievement test is mainly investigated in dissertations. Moreover, preparing a form that will shed light on developing an achievement test is expected to guide those who will administer the test. In this line, the current study aims to create an “Achievement Test Development Process Control Form” and investigate the achievement tests for Maths based on this form. Document analysis was conducted within the framework of qualitative research and was done based on descriptive analysis. Within the scope of the research, 1683 articles published in designated journals between 2015-2020 were reviewed. It was determined that a mathematics achievement test was developed in 39 of these articles, which were coded on the control form. The articles that were included in the scope of the current study were investigated in terms of the type of items used in the tests, the theory or practice on which the test was developed, the use of rubric for open-ended items, the number of items in the pilot and final form, features of the test form as well as those pertaining to the table of specifications, the features of item pool, the evaluation of pilot testing, the evaluation of real study, test validity and reliability, and the setting in which tests were administered. The current study findings show that mostly an item pool was not prepared, the pilot application was not conducted or was not specified, and even if it was conducted, item analysis was not performed, test forms or example items were not included in the articles, and there were some deficiencies regarding validity. On the other hand, it was clear that the articles mostly specified the test goal and reported the reliability coefficient. In light of the current findings, some suggestions are provided for test developers and those who will administer these tests.

Challenges of Online English Language Teaching and Learning at Secondary Schools in Bangladesh

Virtual classrooms manifest a burgeoning pedagogic instrument in current English language teaching and learning contexts around the globe; the use of which was significantly increased with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Such practices can also be traced to the secondary-level educational context in Bangladesh. Alike the traditional classroom, these virtual classrooms are not without challenges. To unravel such challenges of online English classes at the secondary level in a developing country context like Bangladesh, a qualitative research framework was used in this research. As such, the current study utilized qualitative data collection instruments to collect in-depth information about the individual, course, contextual and technological challenges of online English language education at the secondary level in Bangladesh, based on Anderson and Grönlund’s (2009) conceptual framework of online education in developing countries. The data was collected from both the learners and the facilitators of such online English language classes and analyzed based on the codes from the conceptual framework of the study. Moreover, data regarding the pedagogic participant-oriented suggestions to encounter such challenges were also collected and analyzed. The findings of the study highlight a range of different pedagogic and contextual challenges in relation to online English education in a developing country context like Bangladesh and draw on its implication to address policy issues as well as pedagogic practices

Perceptions on the Inclusion of Traditional Medicine in Primary Health Care in Allandale Village in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa

This article seeks to explore perspectives on the potential incorporation of traditional medicine into primary health care. Academic discourse examines in depth the historical stigmatisation and demonization of African traditional practices, including traditional medicine. However, the renaissance of scholarly de-colonial and Afro-centric research frameworks re-awakens the need to generate knowledge systems and analytical lenses that pragmatically and sustainably address global challenges using contextually relevant resources that have been maligned for centuries due to colonialism. The 21st century presents opportunities and challenges that require a re-evaluation of the role of traditional medicine in contributing holistically to primary health care. The study adopted Afro-centricity approach as theoretical framework. Within the framework of qualitative research, this study adopted an explorative qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews to generate data. The study findings revealed that traditional medicine deserved a more prominent consideration for the inclusion in primary health. Reasons given for such inclusion included affordability, ease of access, socio-cultural relevance, spiritual significance, holistic approach and potency which could address some of the key challenges facing the primary health care system in South Africa.

RESEARCH ON VOICE QUALITY IN CALL CENTER DISCOURSE: VALIDATING RELIABILITY THROUGH INTERRATER AGREEMENT AND PRAAT

Voice quality is an important component of effective communication in call center conversations. A qualitative research methodology was used in the present study to examine how Filipino customer service representatives (CSRs) and American customers use voice quality features in call center discourse. A precise evaluation of voice quality features can aid in the development of effective communication strategies. Through interrater agreement, the present study aimed to validate the reliability of voice quality feature assessment. In this study, how Filipino CSRs and American customers' call center telephone conversations differed in terms of voice quality characteristics such as volume (Loud/Soft), pitch (High/Low), tension (Tense/Lax), and rhythm (Fast/Slow) was investigated. The conversation transcripts were examined using the aforementioned voice quality features. The transcriptions were then evaluated by three independent raters to determine interrater agreement. The findings revealed a high level of interrater agreement between the three raters of all voice quality features, with up to 0.8 in identifying voice quality changes in generic stages. In particular, a higher agreement was found in the assessment of specific voice quality features such as loudness, high pitch, and tension. Praat software was also used to aid in the analysis of some voice recordings to validate the interrater agreement reliability. The approach taken in the present study for assessing voice quality using interrater agreement and Praat software can improve service quality in the call center industry and provides a reliable and valid framework for future qualitative research in applied linguistics.

KURIKULUM MERDEKA REIMAGINED: ADOPTING STORY SCIENCE FOR ENGLISH LITERACY LEARNING IN INDONESIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

In 2018 the Program for International Students Assessment (PISA) result indicates that Indonesia is at a very low literacy level (ranked 71st out of 77th countries). Furthermore, there is a declining trend (64 points) in 10 years in terms of the English Proficiency Index (EPI) as recorded by English First (EF). This fact, however, does not encourage us to move away from using the traditional pedagogy that is oriented toward the memorization of grammar and vocabulary. Recent research conducted by Sudimantara (2021) shows that there is a new alternative to teaching English academic writing without relying on grammar and vocabulary. In this study, Sudimantara (2021) develops a new pedagogy (multisensorial load reduction strategies) that activates the nonverbal components of language (rhythm, intonation, movement, emotion, and aesthetics), which are first processed in the right hemisphere, as the foundation of grammatical processing in the left hemisphere of the brain. This research, in fact, has generated a surprising result where the experimental group has made a highly significant learning improvement. Fletcher (2021) notes that humans do not only thinks in story but also recalls and reconstruct events in their memory in the form of story. The study was undertaken within a qualitative Research and Development framework. All research steps (Research and Information Collecting, Planning, Develop Preliminary Form of Product, and Evaluation) were completed. The result shows that this new digital literacy resource is applicable in the current curriculum context with some expected future improvement. This study is expected to generate more research on the development of brain-compatible digital literacy resources.

Taking command of continuity-An interview study with agencynurses.

The aim of the study was to describe continuity from the perspective of working as an agency nurse (AN). Qualitative design was applied using individual semi-structured interviews. Individual interviews with fifteen registered nurses working at agency companies were conducted in 2020. The interviews were analyzed with thematic analysis. The study followed the guidelines addressed in the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) framework. Thematic analysis yielded one theme - standing strong and taking command - and four categories: being competent and experienced, being prepared and at ease, ensuring an unbroken chain of care, and belonging on my own terms. The categories illustrated the engagement, professionalism, and natural leadership showed by the ANs to uphold quality and continuity.

Considerations for the use of qualitative methodologies in genetic counseling research.

An abundance of qualitative research is being conducted within the genetic counseling field. As this area of research expands, many within our community are "learning through doing", an approach which is practical, but may lack theoretical grounding. This can result in study outputs that do not have the sort of utility for informing clinical practice that is the hallmark of excellent clinical qualitative research. Furthermore, our alignment as a discipline within the health sciences, which still tends to favor quantitative approaches, means that we may often be obliged to justify the use of qualitative methodologies, especially when we intend to use the findings for informing clinical practice. We aim to address these issues by providing guidance about how we, individually and collectively, might think about what excellent qualitative research can look like in our field. In addition to providing information and resources about current best-practices, we discuss how quality can be ensured and evaluated. We seek to legitimize the idea of developing a philosophy of research in pursuit of establishing genetic counseling as an academic discipline. We argue that the principles, ethics, values, and practices of genetic counseling are sufficiently unique that establishing a discipline-specific qualitative research framework is not only warranted, but essential. Ultimately, we hope that this paper can serve as a launching point from which additional discussion about qualitative research can emanate as we strive towards the elevation of this form of inquiry in our field.

The Rise of the Urban Piety Movement: Jamaah Maiyah as an Urban Spiritualism and Emerging Religiosity in the Public Sphere

Recently, an intense discussion has developed among religion and social issues researchers on the discourse of spiritualism. The existence of spiritualism has changed parts of human civilization, including religious attitudes and expressions that exist in the public sphere. Therefore, in this study, the authors examined the discourse of spiritualism exemplified by Jamaah Maiyah Cak Nun. The model of spiritualism that the authors adopted was different in context from the cultural spiritualism studied by many scientists. This study sought to elaborate and explore the surge of religious spiritualism promoted by Jamaah Maiyah Cak Nun using a qualitative research framework. In addition, this research leads to a social and religious anthropological research model that combines virtual ethnography and fieldwork. The results of this study revealed the existence of spiritualism promoted by Jamaah Maiyah Cak Nun. Meanwhile, the development of various models of different aspects of spiritualism could not be separated from the support of the community itself. The Jamaah Maiyah's interaction also deserved attention; universal religious expressions and egalitarianism were the domains of the community. This research should be a reference for developing religious and social discourse in the future.

Homely Orderings in Times of Stay-At-Home Measures

The stay-at-home measures imposed by governments to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic have drawn attention to the domestic sphere. Besides spending much more time at home in general, people also required the private sphere to fulfill multiple functions, including as workplaces, schools, and fitness centers. Within a qualitative social research framework, the paper examines how people in Vienna, Austria re-ordered their homes during lockdowns to address these challenges. We discuss ordering work as a form of care work regarding the home’s conception, realization and maintenance, and understand the home as being produced in and through practices, including ordering practices. In particular, we are interested in whether and how ordering practices gained higher significance during the pandemic, and in how—by reordering their homes—people re-negotiated their social relations and the inequalities connected to care work and the home.

Application of critical realism in social work research: Methodological considerations

INTRODUCTION: Critical realism (CR) provides a unique and robust philosophical framework for social work researchers by attending to the role of individual agency and social structure; however, little practical guidance is available regarding how the ontology and epistemology of CR can be applied as a methodological framework for qualitative research. APPROACH: In this article, we explain what CR is in relation to other ontological and epistemological positions and provide some practical suggestions for CR-informed research by drawing on relevant examples from a study that examined the causes of trust among Korean migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the three-layered ontological map of CR justifies the use of series of data-coding processes to identify preliminary tendencies at the surface layer of empirical reality, abductive reasoning to formulate ideas about how observed tendencies are connected at the middle layer of actual reality and retroductive inference to identify causal mechanisms or structures and key conditions embedded in the deeper layer of real reality to produce certain experiences under study.

Adapting a Theoretically-Based intervention for underserved clinical populations at increased risk for hereditary Cancer: Lessons learned from the BRCA-Gist experience

BackgroundMinorities at increased risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) frequently have low awareness and use of genetic counseling and testing (GCT). Making sure that evidence-based interventions (EBIs) reach minorities is key to reduce disparities. BRCA-Gist is a theory-informed EBI that has been proven to be efficacious in mostly non-Hispanic White non-clinical populations. We conducted formative work to inform adaptations of BRCA-Gist for use in clinical settings with at-risk diverse women. MethodsGenetic counselors (n = 20) were recruited nationally; at-risk Latinas and Blacks (n = 21) were recruited in Washington DC and Virginia. They completed the BRCA-Gist EBI between April 2018 – September 2019. Participants completed an acceptability scale and an interview to provide suggestions about implementation adaptations. T-tests for independent samples compared acceptability between at-risk women and genetic counselors. The Consensual Qualitative Research Framework was used to code adaptation suggestions. Suggested adaptations were discussed by a multidisciplinary team to integrate fidelity and adaptation considerations. ResultsAt-risk women had a significantly higher acceptability (M = 4.17, SD = 0.47 vs. M = 3.24, SD = 0.64; p = 0.000; scale 1–5) and satisfaction scores (M = 8.3, SD = 1.3 vs. M = 4.2, SD = 2.0; p = 0.000; scale 1–10) than genetic counselors. Genetic counselors and at-risk women suggested contextual (e.g. format) and content (e.g. shortening) adaptations to enhance the fit of BRCA-Gist for diverse clinical populations. ConclusionsFindings illustrate the process of integrating fidelity and adaptation considerations to ensure that EBIs retain their core components while enhancing the fit to minoritized clinical populations. Future studies will test the efficacy of the adapted BRCA-Gist in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Contribution of Local Wisdom as a Halal Tourism Attraction: Case Study of Pekalongan City Central Java Indonesia

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the contribution of local wisdom as a halal tourism attraction. This research is carried out with a qualitative research framework. Primary research data is collected by qualitative research methods, namely through observation, interviews, and documentation. Secondary data is obtained through the assessment of articles, books, research reports, documents, and other sources that are valid and support the theme of the research. Observations are carried out in the region and tourist attractions, while interviews are conducted to the Tourism Office and the managers of tourist attractions, communities, and tourists. The collected data is analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The results of this study show that Pekalongan City has the prospect of becoming a halal tourism destination because it has fulfilled the components of halal tourism (attractions, access, amenities, communication, environment, supporting facilities, and celebration). On the other hand, the attractions and attractions owned by Pekalongan City are interesting and diverse. Pekalongan City has distinctive and unique local wisdom and can be an object and attraction of regional tourism. In addition, it is also supported by community security and creativity activities that support local wisdom as a tourism attraction. Culture, Islamic traditions, and local wisdom in Pekalongan City have not been maximally packaged into tourist attractions. The implication of this study is that the packaging of local wisdom into a tourist attraction will contribute to the development of regional tourism. The abandonment of local wisdom as a regional tourism attraction will negate Indonesia which is rich in cultural diversity as a differentiator with other countries in the field of halal tourism.

Post-Rape Experiences of Undocumented Mexican Women in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region: A Critical Ethnography.

Introduction: Numerous undocumented immigrant women in the United States have survived rape, and many have experienced physical and psychological consequences. Although rape disclosure can facilitate early intervention and improve health outcomes, most undocumented immigrant women do not disclose rape, and little is known about their post-rape experiences. Methods: This critical ethnography explored the post-rape experiences of undocumented immigrant women of Mexican (UIWM) origin living in the U.S. Mexico border region. Data collection and analysis were guided by Carspecken's framework for critical qualitative research. Six women, who identified as UIWM participated in the study. Each was interviewed using a semistructured approach. Results: Interview data revealed three domains: Glimpses of Support, Barrier After Barrier, and Overcoming. In accordance with Carspecken's framework, a theoretical lens was applied to these domains. The application of Feminist Intersectional Theory and Standpoint Theory united the domains into the theme Struggling to Heal. Conclusion: This study suggests that the marginalization of these survivors detrimentally impacts their post-rape experiences and describes the intersections of multiple forces on their experiences, including the cultural and sociopolitical context of the border region. This study lays the foundation for future research aimed at mitigating disclosure and help-seeking barriers for this marginalized group.

A Sustainability Perspective Analysis of the Donggi-Senoro Gas Refinery Development

Mining and the production of oil and gas are two industries that contribute significantly to development. The impact of the Donggi-Senoro gas refinery development in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi on sustainability was assessed using a qualitative research framework. Data were gathered through direct interviews and field observations, which were supplemented by secondary data in the form of regional planning and evaluation documents. According to the findings, the oil and gas industry contributed significantly to regional income growth and economic development in Banggai Regency. The oil and gas industry’s growing contribution to regional spending is expected to support macro development in Banggai Regency, particularly community-oriented economic development, despite its low proportion in comparison to the agricultural and plantation sectors, as well as the marine sector. Since 2015, this multilevel partnership has been at the forefront of building public facilities, infrastructure, and social projects as a form of corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, the study concluded that pursuing long-term gains is hampered in general. The construction of Donggi-Senoro has benefited only a few members of the community. The ‘trickle-down effect’ was stifled due to a lack of long-term CSR monitoring and the Local Government’s political commitment to forming an integral and long-term public-private partnership. Capacity building, a regional economic development roadmap based on an impact analysis, and a CSR-based empowerment program were among the recommendations made in this study.
 Keywords: development, sustainability, public-private-partnership

Improving EFL students’ speaking proficiency and self-confidence using drama technique: An action research

The current study used a drama technique to teach a speaking course to second-level English Department students. The primary goal of language learning is to be able to communicate effectively in the target language with excellent self-confidence. The research was conducted using an action research methodology within a qualitative research framework. A total of 30 second-year undergraduate students at the proposed institution participated in the research as sample. Observation, interview, audio-video recordings, and researcher diary were used to collect data. Content analysis was used to examine the information gathered. Results of the study revealed that using drama technique to teach English as a foreign language has a substantial impact on the acquisition of fluent speaking abilities and results in beneficial improvements in the target audience's communication skills.
 
 Keywords: drama technique; English language; EFL classroom; self-confidence; speaking proficiency

Musicians of the Titanic: An EFL teacher’s classroom management experiences during Covid-19 pandemic

This single-subject case study dwells on the classroom management (CM) practices during emergency remote teaching (ERT) that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The participant is an English teacher, teaching young learners (aged 6-8) during the time of the study. Under the qualitative research framework, the strategies and views upon CM practices were derived from observation of 20 lessons, 4 weekly reflection reports, and a semi-structured interview. The data were transcribed, analyzed using in-vivo and descriptive coding methods, and interpreted with relating to the existing literature. As a result, it was found out that there were many factors interwoven in this subject matter, giving rise to an intricate network of developing strategies, perceptions, and roles. In this vein, various teacher roles/resources, dynamic learners’ roles, a toolkit for dealing with CM issues, the intervening surrounding factors affecting the course of CM during ERT were presented and discussed within the related literature. Accordingly, practical implications upon ameliorating this process and recommendations for enhancing the understanding of the subject matter were provided.

Exploring changing news repertoires: Towards a typology

The past few decades of journalism studies have been characterized by a focus on change, from the transforming digital media ecology, to shifting usage patterns, transitioning business models, and other pressing developments. However, specifying such changes in relation to news audiences and engagement is challenging. This article aims to unfold the complexity of consumption to specify different processes of changing news use. Employing an abductive approach that augments existing literature with a study on the processes and catalysts of transformation, we develop a heuristic framework to explicate changing news repertoires. The framework establishes where change takes place, explores what qualities change has, examines what dynamic factors drive change, and ultimately elaborates a more precise vocabulary to identify different change processes. Further specifying and modeling the exploration and elaboration phases, the article details how deliberateness, permanence, and scale vary the intensity and direction of change, before developing a typology that systematizes different analytical characteristics of how news media become part of ( emergence), exist within ( maintenance), and are removed from ( disappearance) an individual’s media repertoire. The article provides a detailed, systematic, and innovative approach to analyze news use, providing scholars with a comprehensive, actionable framework for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research to better understand what, exactly, repertoire change “is”. In terms of applicability, the theoretical perspective developed alerts us to the fact that changing news use is often conceptualized by audiences in association with non-journalistic, contextual considerations, which are key to whether or not the potential for changing news use is actualized.

Evaluating the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System of a Bread Manufacturing Organisation from the Perspectives of Stakeholders

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) framework integration is an important and foundational business process preparation and knowledgesharing process. The ERP framework has in the past decade been regarded as a vital enabler for organisational performance and functions as an integral feature in today's diverse and competitive market climate. It normally needs considerable feedback in terms of commitment, time, and resources to incorporate an ERP method.In recent research, numerous contributing factors to the ERP's performance or failure were more specifically demonstrated; still, only the ERP's contributions in developed countries were illuminated. Moreover, many developing countries are interested in ERP deployment in their organizations.As Microsoft Dynamics 365 has not been thoroughly researched to date, this study seeks to penetrate an unexplored territory for Malaysia by concentrating on Malaysia-specific results. The importance of this analysis is a detailed review of the spectrum of Microsoft Dynamics 365 operations in supply chain management. Additionally, this analysis aims to help specific sectors and enterprises further grasp the value of Microsoft Dynamics 365 as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. A reasonable amount of evidence would be supplied that addresses the feasibility, usefulness, and practicality of Microsoft Dynamics 365.This research aimed to discover variables that impact ERP users in an ERP environment, with the intention of gaining a more detailed understanding of the end-user ERP output through a qualitative case study. It is important to recognise all of the influences on the stakeholders in the ERP management and in this study, the Microsoft Dynamic 365 (D365) was the target system. The study utilized a qualitative research framework that combines computational techniques and mathematical estimation for data collection and interpretation. The ERP data obtained are the data required for answering the study questions.The findings of this study show the importance of stakeholders and ERP Framework as well as ERP system such as D365 in promoting individual ERP successes. The researcher also looked at the views of stakeholders on the impact of system quality. This relationship was investigated from the viewpoints of the end-users, stakeholders. Understanding the relative value of the information system factors places an emphasis on the vital performance factors perceived by end consumers by organisations and suppliers. Ingeneral, the conclusion from the analysis is that the management of the supply chain in extended companies should not expect too much of an ERP system as eventually still needs various customizationwithin certain industries.This study has helped to reduce the discrepancy in the theory of stakeholders regarding the criteria for the selection of systems and methods for bread production in Malaysia, although some of the criteria and methods provided for in the theories might not be prominent in the real world. Practitioners tend to respect and comply with the requirements of the organisation over the more sophisticated ERP scheme.

Women with hepatitis B: how mothers with chronic hepatitis B understand and experience the prevention of mother-to-child transmission interventions in Victoria, Australia.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B can be prevented with targeted interventions; however, MTCT continues to occur in Australia and globally. This qualitative research investigated how mothers with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) understand and experience interventions for the prevention of MTCT of CHB (PMTCT-CHB) in Victoria, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with CHB. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling. Interviews explored the women's experience of care for themselves and their infants aimed at PMTCT-CHB. Interviews were conducted over the phone with a qualified interpreter where required. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research framework was used with data thematically analysed. This study was co-designed with mothers with CHB through a Community Advisory Group established for this research; coordinated and supported by LiverWELL and the researchers. Sixteen women were interviewed. Although most women understood the purpose of hepatitis B vaccination, there were significant gaps in information and education provided to mothers regarding PMTCT-CHB. These gaps included understanding of the extent of protection of vaccination, breastfeeding with CHB, post-vaccination testing for infants and lack of clarity of the woman's own hepatitis B status. There was notable fear and worry associated with hepatitis B transmission, with emotional support for mothers identified as a major gap in service delivery. Additionally, some women experienced stigma and discrimination due to their hepatitis B and refugee status. This study explored how mothers with CHB understand and experience interventions to prevent MTCT. Our findings reveal substantial gaps in delivery of information and care in the context of PMTCT-CHB in Victoria. Our findings can support development of evidence-based interventions and systems to improve healthcare for mothers with CHB and their infants, and thereby reduce possible CHB transmission and other negative outcomes, including stigma and discrimination.

SOCIAL WORKER PERSPECTIVE ON WORKING CONDITIONS, SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE PROFESSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ITS ADVANCEMENT

ABSTRACT Social work represents an applied profession and academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, empowerment and emancipation of individuals. This paper aimed to gain an insight into the perspective of social workers on working conditions and social attitudes towards the profession, with recommendations from professionals for advancing its current position. The thematic analysis was applied within a qualitative research framework. Research results indicated negative perceptions on working conditions among research participants – social workers in Croatia – pinpointing issues, such as financial insecurity, understaffing, inadequate office space, shortage of business vehicles for field visits, an excessive scope of work and administrative burden, disrespect for social workers’ dignity, and difficulties in establishing cooperation with service users. Social workers’ recommendations for addressing these issues concerned: improving working conditions (amendments to the legal framework, employment of professional staff and professional training), improving workplace security (reinforcing the public official status and increasing security staff), and promoting the social work profession, involving enhanced media relations, consistent communication and raising public awareness through best practices from the organisations and institutions in the system. Key words: social work; working conditions; perspectives; society