Interpretive Qualitative Research Research Articles

Experiences of experts in intelligence measurement of South African school learners

This qualitative research study emerged from the essential need for reliable and valid intelligence test instruments for South African school learners, who are characterised as a diverse population with their variety in culture, ethnicity, and language, as well as having unequal socio-economic and educational backgrounds. The aim of this research study was to use a qualitative interpretive description research design to explore and describe the experiences of both experts in intelligence test development and/or adaptation as well as psychologists and psychometrists who have administered intelligence tests to South African school learners in various contexts. Twelve psychologists and/or psychometrists were interviewed, of which six were also experts in test development and/or adaptation, which yielded four themes after thematic analysis, namely, utilised intelligence measurements in the current South African school learner context are less relevant; the South African education system is a major issue specifically within lower socio-economic status (SES) contexts; it does not seem feasible to design or adapt suitable intelligence measures that are valid and reliable in the current South African school learner context; and key informants’ recommendations from their experiences.Contribution: This research study contributes to the understanding of the measurement of intelligence of South African school learners in diverse contexts. Findings of this research study can guide the strategic process to design an intelligence instrument suitable for a South African population of school learners, informing fair assessment practices for multiethnic equalisation.

What priorities for change are we missing in inclusion? Symphony of voices with participatory interviews

AbstractAn interpretative qualitative research project has been carried out in north‐west Spain (Galicia) with the aim of identifying the priorities which, in the opinion of the different agents involved, constitute the major demands of inclusion for an inclusive social and educational transformation. The data collection technique used was the open interview, through which 44 participants, belonging to different groups (headteachers, teacher‐tutors, specialists, counsellors, families, students, associations and politicians), expressed their experiences in relation to the subject of the study. Content analysis was carried out, through a double coding process combining the deductive and inductive approach, supported by the professional software MAXQDA22. The results reveal three main priorities as the main demands of inclusion in order to move towards inclusive social and educational change: (1) reaching collective agreements, (2) creating micro support networks and (3) strengthening teacher commitment.

Non-Formal Islamic Education Sustainability Construction: Study on the Tahfiz House of Daarul Quran

This research aims to interpret sustainability concepts and practices in Islamic education management in the non-formal spectrum by using interpretive qualitative research methods with content analysis as a tool to describe sustainability in this house (rumah this). This research shows that sustainability is a concept defined as the organization's founder and management's efforts to ensure that the educational program for memorizing Al-Qur’an continues to run and meets the expectations of the various parties involved. By providing scholarships to realize the motto “semua bisa jadi santri (Everyone can be a Santri). This aligns with the SDG's principle of "Education for all". In practice, sustainability is an organizational transformation effort carried out by the founders and management of the organization in the form of establishing a subsidiary organization that specifically manages tahfiz houses as the education center in memorizing Al-Qur’an. The organization's transformation is establishing a partnership based on trust so that the educational goal of SDG's "no one left behind" can be achieved.

“Navigating chaos”: Urban, Rural, and Remote Patient Experiences in Accessing Healthcare with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Perspectives of Living with Chronic Low Back Pain

ABSTRACT Background Healthcare access for chronic low back pain is complex and should consider not only the health system, but patient care seeking experiences as well. People who live in rural and remote communities and/or identify as being Indigenous may often encounter additional barriers to accessing care for chronic low back pain; thus, these contexts must be considered to fully understand barriers and facilitators. Aims The aim of this study was to understand care-seeking experiences of people living with chronic back pain in Saskatchewan and determine unique experiences facing urban, rural, remote, and/or Indigenous peoples. Methods Thirty-three participants with chronic low back pain completed a preliminary survey followed by individual semistructured interviews. Participants were categorized as urban, rural, or remote including Indigenous status. A qualitative interpretive research approach with inductive thematic analysis was employed. Results Three overarching themes were identified with the following subthemes: (1) healthcare access challenges: challenges to accessing care, challenges within the health system, and challenges leading to self-directed management/coping strategies; (2) healthcare access facilitators: funded care, participant education and knowledge, patient–provider communication, and care closer to home; and (3) participant recommendations for improved care provision: coordination of care, integrative and holistic care, and patient-centered care and support. Rural and remote participants highlighted travel as a main barrier. Indigenous participant experiences emphasized communication with healthcare providers and past experiences influencing desire to access care. Conclusion Participants identified a range of challenges and facilitators as well as recommendations for improving access to care for chronic low back pain, with unique barriers for rural, remote, and Indigenous participants.

Investigating indigenous knowledge awareness among South African science teachers for developing a guideline

AbstractThis research article explores the development of preliminary guidelines for the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into science classrooms. The study addresses the need for such guidelines to enhance learning outcomes in STEM. Grounded in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, the research investigates science teachers’ familiarity with IKS, their beliefs about its relevance, and their proposed strategies for its effective incorporation into science education. The study employed an interpretive qualitative research approach, conducting two independent case studies with a total of five teachers from primary and secondary schools in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. Through surveys and interviews, teachers’ perspectives were explored. A combination of inductive and deductive thematic analysis was used. The findings reveal varied levels of familiarity among teachers, differing perceptions of IKS relevance, and few proposed strategies for IKS integration. Additionally, preliminary guidelines were developed to bridge a gap between cultural knowledge and scientific understanding. These guidelines aim to empower teachers to transition from the familiar (IKS) to the unfamiliar (Western science), fostering a more culturally responsive science education environment. The study acknowledges the limitations of a small sample size, emphasizing the depth of qualitative awareness over generalizability. The proposed guidelines offer a foundation for further research and practical implementation, contributing to the advancement of inclusive and culturally relevant science education.

Perceptions on English as a Medium of Instruction in Community School in Nepal

English as a medium of instruction (EMI) is a model of teaching in which non-English subjects are taught through the medium of English. It has become popular more than a decade and it has increased its tendency rapidly within Nepal and in global context. This study aims at exploring the perceptions of policy maker, head teachers, teachers, students and parents on the use of English as the medium of instruction particularly focusing on its effectiveness in the community schools in Nepal. Having seen the broader picture, I have conducted the qualitative interpretative research adopting narrative inquiry design to explore the ground reality of EMI implementation and its effectiveness. For this, I have selected altogether eight participants from policy to practice level who have observed and experienced the EMI. The entire research study is connected to the theory of neo-liberalism. This interpretive data reveals that the EMI has created a lot of tension to both the teachers and the students. The research findings suggest that the EMI is adopted without any planning and analyzing the teachers' readiness. The intervention of EMI at community schools has been a great challenge not only from the perspectives of instructional difficulties but also found much more challenges in terms of language to all the students and teachers.

Including learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Voices of mainstream teachers

The global shift toward inclusive education is in pursuit of creating a more equal and just society. This has lead schools worldwide to experience an increase in the number of learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) entering the general classroom. At the first level of contact, teachers play an important role in the implementation of inclusive education; it is therefore crucial to acknowledge their experiences. Their voices need to be heard since their experiences can contribute to doing justice to the existing policies on inclusive education. In search of teachers' subjective experiences, we framed this interpretive qualitative phenomenological research study in a social constructivist paradigm. Participants were purposefully selected from an international school in Cape Town, South Africa. We collected data through an online open-ended questionnaire, followed by an in-person focus group discussion at the school. The findings indicated that while teachers are in favour of inclusion, they experience many challenges that result in a policy-implementation gap.

Exploring the Relationship between Critical Thinking and Shona Culture during Teaching and Learning of Young Learners 3-8 Year Olds.

This paper seeks to explore the relationship between critical thinking in young learners and culture. The paper reports on some of the findings of a larger study. The participants were (25) teachers of the (3-8) year olds in five Zimbabwean primary schools and the learners they were teaching approximately (1000) learners. This qualitative interpretive research study was framed within the ambits of social constructivism. Data for this paper was done through video recording teachers teaching Mathematics, interviewing the teachers and observation of learners in the (3-8) year age range engaged in mathematical activities. Interpretation of data from interviews and observations was done through linking related issues or identifying similarities in the responses given by the twenty-five teachers or observed from their teaching or learner activities. Excerpts drawn from responses or observations made are presented verbatim under the different themes that emerged from the issues raised. Findings of this research study indicated that the development of critical thinking in young learners during teaching and learning is greatly influenced by their cultural backgrounds.

Use of Drama to Enhance Speaking Skills of English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners

This study delves into the transformative potential of Shakespearean drama staging in enhancing the speaking skills of English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in higher education. Employing a qualitative interpretive research paradigm and drawing on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, the research utilizes semi-structured interviews as the primary tool to explore the experiences of teachers and students in a specific Department of English Language and Literature at a private university in Chattogram, Bangladesh. The findings illuminate the manifold benefits of drama, including heightened speaking confidence, improved teamwork, enhanced improvisational skills, and increased self-esteem. This study not only contributes valuable insights into the advantages of incorporating Shakespearean dramas in ESL settings but also establishes a foundation for future research in diverse contexts beyond national borders.

Notions of Identity and Investment in Second Language Acquisition: Bangladeshi Indigenous Students’ Perspectives

Identity and investment are closely related to second language learning in many contexts. Many studies have been done on how second language learning aff ects the identity and investment of second language learners. Banking on the theory of identity, this article investigates how and why Bangladeshi students, belonging to indigenous communities, invest in second language learning and how their investment in L2 is linked to their agency. The study adopted an interpretative qualitative research paradigm and more precisely, utilized narrative inquiry as a research method to explore the lived experiences situated in a particular time, space and context. The findings exhibit that Bangladeshi ethnic students have made financial, physical, psychological and academic investments to own the linguistic, cultural and symbolic capital of English as a second language and such investment seems to be impacted by factors such as generating new identities (real or imagined), agency, neoliberalism and social justice. The research findings tend to have implications for second language teachers, researchers, SLA curriculum and material designers and other stakeholders in the Bangladeshi context or elsewhere.

Analysis of 'Beauty Bestie' Perceptions Built in Emina Beauty Bestie Day Campaign

Beauty has become a hot topic in public discussions, especially adolescent girls with various definitions of 'beautiful' that exist. However, the influence of technology has created specific beauty standards. In the transition process, adolescents begin to realize the importance of physical appearance to affect their self-confidence. This study analyzes the perception of 'Beauty Bestie' built in the Emina Beauty Bestie Day campaign by Emina Cosmetics as a support system for teenagers to overcome their skin problems, so that the object in this study is the perception of 'Beauty Bestie' and the subjects are campaign audiences as key informants and psychology experts as expert informants. This study used interpretive qualitative research methods with a phenomenological approach and research data obtained through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Social cognitive theory was used as a foundation for reviewing this research and Van Kaam's phenomenological data analysis techniques were used to analyze data findings with data analysis units oriented to the stage of perception formation by Julia T. Wood and DeVito. The results showed that the perception of 'Beauty Bestie' built in the Emina Beauty Bestie Day campaign has been formed in the campaign audience to the stage of recall. This research is only limited to the formation of the perception of 'Beauty Bestie' in the Emina Beauty Bestie Day campaign, so that future research can further analyze the perception of 'Beauty Bestie' in the campaign audience in terms of brand positioning, brand image, or sales. 
 Keywords: Beauty Standards; Formation of perception; Beauty Bestie; Campaign

Emotional and Cultural Resonances: A Nostalgic Analysis of Khaled Hosseini’s Selected Novels

This paper explores the nostalgia experienced by major characters in Khaled Hosseini’s selected novels, The Kite Runner and the Mountains Echoed. The study employs a qualitative-interpretive research methodology while applying textual analysis as a research method for data analysis, including Homi K. Bhabha’s theory of hybridity as the lens. The protagonists of the novels leave their homeland (Afghanistan) to pursue a better life in the host countries away from the turmoil of their native land, but they find the new lands antagonistic to their expectations, and as a result, they are confronted with various problems, including nostalgia, a pervasive theme that prompts the diasporic struggles of the immigrants and keeps challenging and problematizing their identity and lifestyle in the new world. This research seeks to unearth the nuanced layers of nostalgia in Hosseini’s storytelling, shedding light on the emotional and cultural resonances that have made his novels enduring classics.

Ambulance personnel's perceptions on their workplace well-being: A descriptive interpretative study.

Ambulance personnel face numerous challenges during their working hours. Exposure to stressful situations and other factors in the outpatient emergency medical service can affect the health of ambulance personnel as well as their well-being. The main objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of ambulance personnel regarding their physical and mental well-being at the workplace. A qualitative descriptive-interpretative research design was used. Individual face-to-face and online interviews were conducted between February and April 2022. A total of 26 interviews were conducted to explore employees' perceptions regarding the impact of work on their health and well-being. Ambulance personnel described in detail their perceptions of the impact of work on their physical and mental health and well-being. Three main themes emerged from our data: 1) the impact of work on the psychophysical condition of ambulance personnel; 2) the impact of work on the lifestyle of ambulance personnel; 3) the impact of work and the work environment on the lives of ambulance personnel. Long-term work in emergency medical services affects the health and well-being of ambulance personnel. As demonstrated by this study, raising awareness on the importance of preventive and health promotion programmes, understanding employees' problems by considering their opinions, and providing relevant training are extremely important tools for preventing such problems among employees.

The Experience of Overcoming School Bullying Among Young Adults in Malaysia

Past research has supported the notion that school bullying can have a negative and enduring impact, persisting into adulthood. Therefore, this study aims to explore the experiences of young adults in Malaysia who have successfully overcome school bullying. A basic interpretive qualitative research design was employed to understand the experiences of 12 young adults, aged between 19 and 28, who had gone through school bullying and overcome adversity. Through purposive sampling, selected participants were interviewed with the guidance of semi-structured questions. The collected data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's 6-step thematic analysis method. The analysis revealed seven themes: 'Turning point,' 'After-effect,' 'Catalyst,' 'Cognitive reappraisal,''Realization of control,' 'Adaptive coping,' and 'Letting Go and Moving On'. The study's key finding explains that immediate coping strategies during bullying may be maladaptive, emphasising the importance of effective post-bullying cognitive strategies. Furthermore, cognitive reappraisal emerges as critical, with suppressing emotions potentially leading to detrimental consequences. The significance of a catalyst role in addressing cognitive limitations in young adolescents was also discussed. Finally, emphasising the significance of letting go and moving on as adaptive forms of control. In summary, these findings contribute to the existing knowledge, offering a nuanced perspective on overcoming school bullying. The study's implications for mental health care providers and educational institutions were highlighted. Future recommendations and limitations were also addressed.

Masculinity and transfemininity: Evidence in the film "Memories of My Body"

As a distinct field of research, so-called transfemininity studies can be used for the purposes of creating strategic coalitions and exploring specificities and differences. This study aims to explore the life journey of Arjuna (Juno), a man who is also a trans feminist, through the perspective of masculinity studies. The sub focuses of this research include: 1) transfemininity, physical transformation 2) and socio-psychological transformation. This research is interpretive qualitative research that verbally narrates data in the film Memories of My Body which was broadcast in 2019 as the data source. The results of the study show that Juno as the main character is caught between past trauma, his profession as a Lengger dancer, his sexual orientation and being liked by other men. Not yet finished making peace with himself, the people around him also add to the chaos with the end of his return to the beginning, trans-feminity – masculinity. Gender and sex as the other side of the coin are simple constructs, so future studies should be carried out to provide additional insights into the gender identities that have been internalized, reproduced, and possibly opposed by 'women' in everyday life in the social environment.

Perspectives on Digital Transformation Initiatives in the Mechanical Engineering Industry

Companies from the mechanical engineering industry are eager to embrace new technologies in their pursuit of a competitive advantage. However, the complete digitalization of the sector encounters limitations, as certain aspects necessitate human supervision or manual labor. This is where the concepts of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, and digital transformation become relevant. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to gather and extract valuable insights and lessons from the experiences of German companies in the plastic extrusion machinery sector with digital transformation (DT). Qualitative interpretative research was used, using in-depth expert interviews with C-level executives. We organized the findings into three categories: (i) DT communication initiatives, including the elimination of paper, CRM solutions, messenger services, home office, and online procurement platforms; (ii) departments and areas most involved, including accounting and procurement, sales and production, and construction; and (iii) cost–benefit perception, including positive assessment, long-term impacts, and variation from company to company. The results provide valuable insights into the progress of DT initiatives in companies operating in the pipe extrusion sector in Germany. Additionally, several DT misconceptions were identified, thereby enriching the DT misconceptions framework that has been intensely discussed in the DT literature.

“Hey, Alexa” “Hey, Siri”, “OK Google” ….” exploring teenagers’ interaction with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled voice assistants during the COVID-19 pandemic

AI-enabled virtual voice assistants have eased user interaction and user experience. The current study aims to understand how teenagers interact and engage with voice assistants. The rationale of usage, perceptions, patterns and expectations of teenagers from smart speakers has been explored within the framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model. The study uses an interpretive qualitative research method to gain in-depth insights, empirical details, and narrative aspects of user experiences of smart speakers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 teenagers pursuing high school in the age group 13–15 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicated that all seven variables (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivations, habit, and privacy concerns) impact the usage of smart speakers. The study also ascertains that hedonic motivation is a significant driving factor in the UTAUT2 model.

Architectural historicism: the reflection of Western medieval architecture on contemporary churches. Jordan as a case study

PurposeThis research purpose was to explore the meaning of historicism, architectural historicism, the architectural attributes, design principles, elements and ornamentations of churches in medieval Western architecture, and how they were reflected in contemporary churches' design in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachThis research used the historical descriptive–interpretive qualitative research method. Around 24 Western medieval churches were selected, studied and analyzed to explore the common design attributes of each historical era. The design attributes of each era were segmented under three categories: Design principles (plans' typology, facades, shapes, details, composition and building form), design elements (openings, towers and entrances) and ornamentation (sculptures, paintings and interior decoration). Additionally, three modern Jordanian churches were analyzed using the same method to compare with the historical churches through personal observations, field trips, researchers' memories, site visits, archival records, plans, images, books, slides, details and note-making. Different types of evidence were used, such as determinate, contextual and inferential. In addition, different tactics for analysis were used in analyzing the historical churches: site familiarity, use of existing documents, virtual and visual inspection and comparison with conditions elsewhere. Credibility was achieved when the results were reviewed and compared with the original and similar information.FindingsEarly Christian design principles, elements and ornamentations were reflected in Jordanian churches more than in Byzantine, Renaissance, Romanesque and Gothic. The design principles of Western medieval architecture were reflected in the selected Jordanian churches more than in ornamentation and design elements. Moreover, this research found that the highest reflection of Western medieval architecture on Jordanian churches was in designing the plans, which is a basilica with a central nave and aisles followed by opening styles, façade, shapes, entrances design, composition, painting and the minimum reflection was in sculptures. Additionally, there was no reflection on tower design and interior decoration.Practical implicationsThis research encourages architects to enhance architectural historicism by focusing on historical styles in contemporary designs and using design elements, principles and decorations of historical styles in medieval architecture to enrich the variety and originality of architectural design and create new modern stylistic architecture. Architectural historicism increases historical self-awareness and helps a generation of architects to answer the question: In what style should be built.Originality/valueLearning the design principles, not copying the past, is becoming a trend for most architects. Architectural historicism introduces new temporal elements, gives a new meaning and primary function to architecture to become socio-temporal and contextual contrast and reflects the essential points of references of the past through design methodology to express the present. The advantage of this research is to put an end to architects' role in syncretism and subjectivism. Instead, historicism architects equipped with the necessary knowledge and supported by the published research and inventors of historical architecture, can choose, imitate, adapt, borrow and use the correct historical forms that originated in a given period.

ESTETIKA KARYA SENI ILUSTRASI DOODLE ART KOTA MAKASSAR

Art is a work or human action that has a point of beauty that makes the human heart moved. In other words, art is an element of culture which aims to fulfill the needs of humans or community groups for aesthetic values. Doodle Art is a work of art that uses a lot of imagination and truth in processing and setting images on a medium. The purpose of this analysis is to find out the aesthetics of Makassar City Doodle Art Illustration Art works. For this reason, the target of the analysis is directed at the Makassar Doodle Art community, namely the millennial community of young people in Makassar City. This type of research is interpretive qualitative research and uses Monroe Breadsley's aesthetic theory approach which emphasizes elements of unity, complexity and seriousness. The population in this research is the Makassar Doodle Art community, totaling 50 people and the research sample is the Makassar Doodle Art Community, totaling 10 people. The data analysis techniques used are literature, video and photo documentation from existing samples, namely the Makassar Doodle Art community, Makassa city. The conclusion that can be presented in this article is that apart from the aesthetic concept, it is also about the process of creating illustrations (doodles) in the Makassar DoodleArt community. The process of creating Doodles using simple, improvised equipment can produce good work that can be analyzed.

Interpretive Qualitative Evaluation Informs Research Participation and Advocacy Training Program for Seniors: A Pilot Study.

Background: An 8-week educational intervention co-taught by medical students and faculty was designed to foster communication between clinical researchers and populations of interest to ultimately increase participation in clinical research by older adults, including underrepresented groups. Weekly topics focused on age-related changes and health conditions, socio-contextual factors impacting aging populations, and wellness strategies. Objectives: To evaluate the successes and weaknesses of an educational intervention aimed at increasing the participation of older adults in clinical research. Design: A focus group was assembled after an 8-week educational intervention, titled DREAMS, to obtain participants' feedback on the program, following a pre-formulated interview guide. Settings: Participants were interviewed in a health center office environment in the United States of America in April of 2016. Participants: A post-intervention focus group was conducted with a group of eight older adults (mean age = 75.8 ± 11.4 years) from 51 total participants who completed the intervention. Methods: The focus group was interviewed loosely following a pre-formed question guide. Participants were encouraged to give honest feedback. The conversation was recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analyses. Results: While participants viewed most aspects of the study as a success and stated that it was a productive learning experience, most participants had suggestions for improvements in the program content and implementation. Specifically, the composition of and direction to small breakout groups should be carefully considered and planned in this population, and attention should be paid to the delivery of sensitive topic such as death and dementia. A clear main benefit of this programmatic approach is the development of a rapport amongst participants and between participants and clinical researchers. Conclusions: The results provide useful insights regarding improving participation among hard-to-reach and historically underrepresented groups of older adults in clinical research. Future iterations of this program and similar educational interventions can use these findings to better achieve the programmatic objectives.