Interview Methodology Research Articles

Revitalizing Island Tourism in the Digital Transformation Era : Case of Jebudo Island

This research aims to employ the focus group interview methodology to extract important insights and policy recommendations for the revitalization of tourism in island regions during the era of significant digital transformation. To achieve this objective, the current study focuses on Jebudo Island, located in Hwaseong-city, Gyeonggi province, as a representative case area and utilizes the findings obtained to identify practical and efficacious viewpoints. The ensuing report highlights the paramount importance and policy recommendations extracted via a focus group interview technique. Initially, considering the prospect of being established as a tourism hub, Jebudo Island has persistently engaged in development and business promotions. However, the island continues to be characterized by an aging tourist destination, emphasizing private facilities, which does not align with the current tourism trend. In light of the ongoing digital transformation, it is imperative that Jebudo Island utilizes its local resources efficiently while adhering to contemporary tourism trends by implementing relevant technologies appropriately. Another noteworthy policy recommendation pertains to the underdevelopment of Jebudo Island, given its remarkable geographical conditions and regional resources. Conventionally, tourism activities were confined to sightseeing, primarily highlighting hardware and natural landscapes. However, recently, such activities have shifted towards experiences and emotions, emphasizing content and engagement. Consequently, the need to develop content using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, metaverse, and ChatGPT is essential to enhance national awareness. Finally, concerning the island's placeness strategy in conjunction with digital transformation, islands face a daunting challenge of regional extinction, with a more severe decline in population than that of mainland areas. Despite various policy measures to address this issue, no effective exit strategy has emerged thus far. Therefore, it is imperative to devise a strategy centered on the sense of place that aligns with regional characteristics. In particular, engaging the MZ generation, which values novel social values and actively utilizes social media and the internet, could lead to broader engagement across other generations. Moreover, in the process of revitalizing island tourism during the digital transformation era, various stakeholders are intricately interconnected. Hence, it is crucial to utilize different platforms and establish cooperative governance. Furthermore, to create a functional ecosystem, it is crucial to institute policies such as island business schools, forums, and full-time operating organizations to enhance expertise and commercial viability, while fostering sustainable strategic discussions. Notwithstanding, considering that the present study solely examined the case of Jebudo Island in Hwaseong through the focus group interviews in the era of significant digital transformation, it remains uncertain whether the findings can be uniformly applied and extrapolated to other islands. Consequently, further studies are essential to enhance objectivity and empirical validity by broadening the scope of case areas and incorporating stakeholder surveys.

Localizing Corporate Dei Practices among Technical Communicators

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to better understand how technical communicators understand and implement DEI initiatives in their workplaces, how corporate approaches to DEI impact technical communication work, how the physical and surrounding locale of the company impacts those DEI practices, and the ways technical communicators find themselves intervening, supporting, or advancing those initiatives. Method: Using a qualitative interview methodology, we conducted one-hour interviews with practicing technical communicators. Four different participants representing different demographics and locations in the United States are profiled here. Results: Based on our interviews, we noticed several general commonalities in our technical communicators' experiences of DEI in their workplaces, including a division in the different kinds of labor in the workplace and a lack of feeling like technical communicators had agency in respect to DEI. We also noticed that some trends were influenced by the location and work modality. Conclusion: Practitioners need to be aware of DEI practices in their workplaces and how those practices can impact their work as technical communicators. Technical communicators should also notice how the local community/region, as well as company structure, might impact their work. Educators need to incorporate more attention to DEI as a rhetorical and audience-centered feature in TPC academic programs.

Footwear as product‐service systems: Toward sustainable alternative consumption scenarios

AbstractThe existing footwear ecosystem is not environmentally friendly and thus poses a threat to sustainability. In this article, our objective is to take a product‐service systems approach to propose alternative footwear consumption scenarios from a sustainability viewpoint and investigate the perspective of Indian consumers toward the proposed scenarios. To this end, we initially conducted a comprehensive literature review to explore alternative consumption scenarios in the realm of fashion products. This step led to the development of 10 alternative footwear consumption scenarios that focus on maintenance and repair, takeback, assembly, customization, personalization, advice and consultancy, rent, sequential share, swap, and functionality. Next, we adopted the focus group interview methodology to investigate the perception of Indian consumers toward the 10 alternative footwear consumption scenarios, which can inform the footwear industry's product development, marketing strategies, and sustainability initiatives. Our results indicate that while the participants found the consumption scenarios to be interesting and practical, they feel that the proposed scenarios may prove to be more feasible for comparatively expensive footwear products because of the associated logistics costs. Furthermore, the participants pointed out a few cultural as well as hygiene‐related issues that may hinder the adoption of certain alternative footwear consumption scenarios.

Acceptability of autonomous trains with different grades of automation by potential users: A qualitative approach

While automation in public transport has gained new momentum in recent decades, the Autonomous Train (AT) is still in its infancy. To guide the deployment of the AT, it is necessary to study its acceptability by the public. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the factors that influence the acceptability of the AT. This qualitative study comprised interviews divided into 3 parts. The first part was devoted to free evocation of the AT, while the following ones asked participants to express themselves on the definition of the AT without a driver but with on-board staff (GoA3) and then without any staff on board (GoA4). Thirty participants were interviewed. The sample was balanced in age, gender, train usage, and living location. The semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed according to the method of thematic content analysis. Overall, the results showed a lack of knowledge and an idealized representation of the AT. Participants expressed several concerns inherent in the deployment of ATs. Lastly, the intention to use was more favourable in GoA3 than in GoA4. In fact, the participants expressed rejection of GoA4, due to the absence of on-board staff and lack of trust in remote communication tools and train supervisors. This article is the first to explore the public acceptability of the AT by adopting an interview methodology to avoid priming participants’ responses. It thus adds to the field of research on the acceptability of autonomous vehicles the railway world which previously focused on driverless subway and freight trains only and now opens the idea of AT on a regular train service.

Use of an online gaming tool, the Veterinary DialogueTrainer, for teaching clinical communication skills to bovine veterinary practitioners.

Effective clinical communication is essential for bovine veterinary practitioners to establish and maintain positive client relationships. When applied properly in herd health consultancy, it increases client satisfaction and adherence to veterinary advice, and improves patient health and welfare. Although communication skills are often taught by providing feedback on simulated conversations, this has limitations, including time constraints, subjective assessments, and cost. The Veterinary DialogueTrainer (VDT) is an online serious game platform using 'digital role-play' with avatars, recently developed to enhance and assess learning outcomes, improve use of learned skills, and increase cost-effectiveness of communication training. The objective was to evaluate its suitability and applicability. Finnish (n = 24) and Swedish (n = 21) bovine veterinarians participated in communication training using VDT for training and assessment. Participants completed the provided scenario at least twice. After playing a bovine health communication simulation, participants received their scores and feedback on selected conversation options. VDT scores measured multiple aspects of communication on a 0-100% scale, based on motivational interviewing methodology and Calgary-Cambridge guidelines. Mean (±SD) number of attempts participants played the scenario was 4.1 (±2.6, Finland) and 3.9 (±1.3, Sweden), with highest total score reached after a mean of 3.5 (±2.1, Finland) and 3.1 (±1.1, Sweden) attempts. On the first attempt, 39 participants (87%) scored <50% of the highest possible score, whereas most (n = 34, 76%) achieved a higher score on the second attempt. Mean total score increased from 15 (±14) to 77% (±33) for Finish participants and from 40 (±22.0) to 87% (±19.4) for Swedish participants. The majority (n = 33, 73%) of participants reached a score >80% after 4.0 (±1.6, Finland) or 2.8 (±1.0, Sweden) attempts. Net Promoter Score of the training was +89 (Finland), +88 (Finland) and + 83 (Sweden) on a scale from -100 to +100, indicating that most participants were very likely to recommend the training to other veterinarians. Use of VDT increased communication skills scores but whether it will improve communication skills in practice requires further study. We concluded there is a likely benefit of using the VDT in teaching and monitoring veterinary communication competencies and preparing for offline role-plays and real-life conversations in veterinary practice.

Learner agency in a chemical engineering curriculum: Perceptions and critical thinking

The extent to which learners have scope and opportunity to direct and influence their own approach to learning activities, what may be termed ‘learner agency’, has been shown to be important for students across many disciplines, in developing key advanced skills and qualities such as self-efficacy, critical thinking, resilience and innovative problem-solving. Employers unsurprisingly value graduates able to exhibit and cope with agency in their approach to work through such elements as self-learning ability, capacity to formulate and solve open-ended problems, coping with unfamiliar situations, and effective teamwork. Here, through a student-led and student-designed research project using questionnaire and interview methodology, we explore via the perceptions of students themselves how a typical UK Chemical Engineering BEng/MEng curriculum provides opportunities for agency and how students feel they cope with agency. We examine the curriculum class-by-class and year-by-year, studying correlations and patterns in the types of learning activity which students perceive as enabling them to exert influence and control over learning. In follow-up one-to-one interviews we further examine the link between perceived degree of agency and critical thinking skills, as measured by standardized scales, to explore how perceived agency-delivering activities may correlate with actual developments in thinking styles and skills.

A typology for learning: Examining how academic makerspaces support learning for students

Abstract While advances have been made in studying engineering design learning in the classroom, to date, such advances have not addressed hands-on, real-world learning experiences in university makerspaces. Our particular interest was how such spaces support women engineers as designers, learners, makers, and community members. To investigate this, we coupled two sets of qualitative interview studies: 1) a three-series in-depth phenomenologically based interview methodology with five women students and 2) a targeted, single interview protocol with fifteen women students. The three-series in-depth interviews were analyzed using grounded theory techniques and coding methods as a means to develop a typology. To explore broader applicability of the findings, 19 additional interviews (5 women and 5 men at Big City U., 4 women and 5 men at Comprehensive U) were also completed. Overall, makerspaces are confirmed to help provide women students with a diverse skillset that engages design, manufacturing, cultural knowledge, failure, collaboration, confidence, resilience, communication management, and ingenuity.

Reducing Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Malaysia by Early Identification of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT): Protocol for a Mixed Methods Evaluation Study.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is predominantly caused by mutations in the 4 FH candidate genes (FHCGs), namely, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB-100), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and the LDL receptor adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1). It is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels leading to premature coronary artery disease. FH can be clinically diagnosed using established clinical criteria, namely, Simon Broome (SB) and Dutch Lipid Clinic Criteria (DLCC), and can be identified using the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT), a primary care screening tool. This study aims to (1) compare the detection rate of genetically confirmed FH and diagnostic accuracy between the FAMCAT, SB, and DLCC in the Malaysian primary care setting; (2) identify the genetic mutation profiles, including novel variants, in individuals with suspected FH in primary care; (3) explore the experience, concern, and expectation of individuals with suspected FH who have undergone genetic testing in primary care; and (4) evaluate the clinical utility of a web-based FH Identification Tool that includes the FAMCAT, SB, and DLCC in the Malaysian primary care setting. This is a mixed methods evaluation study conducted in 11 Ministry of Health primary care clinics located at the central administrative region of Malaysia. In Work stream 1, the diagnostic accuracy study design is used to compare the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of the FAMCAT, SB, and DLCC against molecular diagnosis as the gold standard. In Work stream 2, the targeted next-generation sequencing of the 4 FHCGs is used to identify the genetic mutation profiles among individuals with suspected FH. In Work stream 3a, a qualitative semistructured interview methodology is used to explore the experience, concern, and expectation of individuals with suspected FH who have undergone genetic testing. Lastly, in Work stream 3b, a qualitative real-time observation of primary care physicians using the "think-aloud" methodology is applied to evaluate the clinical utility of a web-based FH Identification Tool. The recruitment for Work stream 1, and blood sampling and genetic analysis for Work stream 2 were completed in February 2023. Data collection for Work stream 3 was completed in March 2023. Data analysis for Work streams 1, 2, 3a, and 3b is projected to be completed by June 2023, with the results of this study anticipated to be published by December 2023. This study will provide evidence on which clinical diagnostic criterion is the best to detect FH in the Malaysian primary care setting. The full spectrum of genetic mutations in the FHCGs including novel pathogenic variants will be identified. Patients' perspectives while undergoing genetic testing and the primary care physicians experience in utilizing the web-based tool will be established. These findings will have tremendous impact on the management of patients with FH in primary care and subsequently reduce their risk of premature coronary artery disease. DERR1-10.2196/47911.

Translation and Linguistic Validation of the Assessment of Physical Activity in Frail Older People into Simplified Chinese Using Cognitive Interviewing Methodology.

The Assessment of Physical Activity in Frail Older People (APAFOP) is a patient-reported outcome measure assessing physical activity among community-dwelling older adults. However, this instrument has not been verified in the Chinese context. Thus, we translated the APAFOP into Chinese and then linguistically validated the Chinese version of APAFOP (APAFOP-C) by following the guidelines developed by Beaton and Willis. The translation process took 6 months. We identified nine translation issues in the translation process, of which experiential equivalence issues were the most frequent. It took three rounds of cognitive interviews to achieve linguistic validity, and the most significant issues were related to the layout of the questionnaire identified during the cognitive interview. In conclusion, the items of the APAFOP-C were considered comprehensive and relevant to assessing the physical activities of frail older adults in China. This study has laid the foundation for future evaluation of its measurement properties.

Elite middle school students’ citizenship competence learning in Shanghai

With specific reference to Shanghai city in China, this study investigates elite middle school students’ citizenship competence learning – political identity, scientific spirit, legal awareness, and public participation. The study uses a mixed methodology of questionnaires, classroom observations, document analyses, and interviews to collect data and identifies three patterns of students’ citizenship competence learning. This study provides empirical data that supplement the existing literature on elite students’ citizenship learning in the context of China.

Genocide or Vicissitude: A Study on the Effects of Language Education Policies Shift for Uyghur in Xinjiang, China

Language education has profound implications for multiple dimensions of society. Zooming into one of the most populous ethnic minority groups within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, this study examines the reciprocal effects of language education policy on the social role of Uyghurs based on several crucial policy documents. Influenced by multiple factors, including political, societal, cultural, and historical aspects, education on the Uyghur language for the Uyghur people has mainly been weakened. Instead, Mandarin studies became mandatory as part of the minority education system. This study was conducted with methodologies of onsite ethnographic study and interviews to approach the question from a qualitative perspective. Following the macroscopic perspectives, findings reveal that the policies positively impacted Uyghurs economically but raised difficulties for them in inheriting their ethnic cultures. At the same time, implications are discussed following the microscopic perspectives. Finally, concentrating on an individuals self-construal and social identity establishment, it argues the high possibility of the young generation of Uyghur falling under a self-identification crisis when not mastering their mother tongue, the Uyghur language.

"It is in the Nature of Men": The Normalization of Non-Consensual Sex and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women with Acquired Physical Disabilities in South Africa.

This study employed a cross-sectional, qualitative individual interview methodology to explore South African women with physical disabilities' experiences of intimate partner and sexual violence, inclusive of non-consensual and coerced sexual intercourse. For the participants, disability was a factor that intersected with gender norms to create vulnerability to abuse, and that patriarchal ideologies constructing how women should perform their gendered roles in marriage or sexual partnerships, as well as disability stigma, exacerbated this vulnerability. It is important to develop understandings of the different risk factors for violence - at the individual level and in the context of dyadic relationships - to develop programming to better support women.

The introduction of a Surgical Care Practitioner training programme to an acute National Health Service trust and an exploration of the interrelationships between Surgical Care Practitioners, their trainers and surgical trainees.

This study aimed to explore the impact of the introduction of a Surgical Care Practitioner programme on junior surgical training within an acute National Health Service trust. A qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews was used to gather information from eight Surgical Care Practitioners, eight surgical trainees and eight consultant grade trainers. The authors found an overall positive and mutually beneficial outcome of the training programme, with surgical trainees unanimous that the presence of the Surgical Care Practitioners freed them up for more time to be spent in theatre, as well as acting as highly experienced surgical assistants when the trainees were operating on their own. This study found significant mutual benefits to surgical trainees and Surgical Care Practitioners, as well as smoother running of the wards, theatres and the clinical firms through the addition of a highly skilled and versatile Surgical Care Practitioner workforce.

Generic characteristics of patients’ e-consultations with general practitioners

Electronic communication between patients and general practitioners (GPs), known as e-consultations, was introduced in Denmark as a cost-effective and convenient means for patients to access their GP and receive test results as well as answers to quick questions. Research on e-consultations internationally has found that patients are generally very positive, while doctors are more hesitant. Most studies of e-consultations have involved survey or interview methodologies, while studies of their content, form or language are limited. In this study, we address this gap by proposing that genre may be a productive concept for comprehending textual aspects of e-consultations. We explore the following two questions: (1) what are the generic characteristics of the e-consultation?; and (2) do e-consultations belong to the email genre? Based on an analysis of two Danish corpora of patients’ first turns in e-consultations with their GPs, we identify an underlying move structure: subject, opening, update, problem presentation, request, argumentation, closing. We argue that the e-consultation is an example of an email genre with identifiable conventions, which are both specific to the communicative function of e-consultations and aligned with generic features of emails.

Patient perceptions of body mass index restrictions limiting fertility care for women with high body mass index

Research questionWhat is the patient experience of women with high body mass index (BMI) with BMI restrictions that limit fertility care? DesignQualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interview methodology. Interview transcripts were analysed for iterative themes in accordance with principles of grounded theory. ResultsForty women with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher with scheduled or completed appointment at the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) clinic completed an interview. Most participants experienced BMI restrictions as unjust. Many perceived that BMI restrictions on fertility care may be medically justified and were in support of weight loss discussions to improve chances of pregnancy; however, several argued that they should have autonomy to commence treatment following an individualized risk assessment. Participants offered recommendations to improve discussion of BMI restrictions and weight loss, including framing the conversation as supportive of their reproductive goals and offering proactive referral to weight loss support to prevent the perception that BMI is a categorical exclusion to future fertility care. ConclusionsParticipant experiences highlight a need for enhanced strategies for communicating BMI restrictions and weight loss recommendations in ways that are perceived to be supportive of patients’ fertility goals without further contributing to weight bias and stigma experienced in medical settings. Opportunities for training to mitigate experiences of weight stigma may be beneficial for clinical and non-clinical staff. Evaluation of BMI policies should be undertaken within the context of clinic policies that permit or prohibit fertility care for other high-risk groups.

Interuniversity Online Courses as Possible Approach to Improve Teaching During Crisis: a Ukrainian Case Study

The war launched by Russia has created new challenges for universities, including massive student migration abroad and massive displacement of students within Ukraine from the frontline areas. Many students lost access to quality education or had their studies interrupted by the war. Recognizing these problems, universities are trying to find different solutions. One such approach may be to introduce inter-university online courses that will be recognized by partner universities. In this case study, we analyze the effectiveness of inter-university online courses as an approach to restoring education for students severely affected by the war and as a way to maintain the quality of education in small groups at universities. The online course "Integrated Life Science Course" was taken for analysis, which was taught both to biology students from different universities in Ukraine within the framework of the educational project supported by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Using statistics on course registration and attendance, as well as interview methodology, we assessed students' motivation to participate in this online course, course satisfaction, and learning outcomes, and identified shortcomings and pitfalls to avoid in similar courses. The survey and the results of the final test show that the main motivator for students to register and study at the course was the desire to gain new knowledge for further professional growth. A scholarship was also an important argument to enroll in the course; however, it did not impact the motivation of students to study. The fraction of students that successfully passed the final exam (~70%) was equal in the cohorts that had and had not been awarded scholarships. Thus, the scholarship was not a motivator to complete the course and successfully pass the exam to receive the certificate. Therefore, in order for such courses to be productive and effective, it is necessary to emphasize student motivation during selecting procedure.

The Process of Transferring Knowledge through Grand Songs Among the Dong Ethnic Group in Southeast Guizhou, China

This study used the qualitative research method. The objectives were to describe the process of transferring knowledge through the grand songs of the Dong ethnic group in Southeast Guizhou, China. There are three main informants. The research process includes literature reviews, field investigation methods, and interview methodologies. The study's results show that people not only learn songs but also gain education, enjoyment, history, and personality from singing. Moreover, the Grand Song, with its important academic value, unique artistic value, elegant style, and green ecological economic value, has become a symbol of the integration of ethnic culture.

Investigation of the Historical Development and Knowledge Guidelines of Contemporary Guangxi Vocal Music in China

This study used the qualitative research method. The objectives were to: 1) investigate the historical development of Guangxi vocal music in China. 2) Presenting guidelines for studying knowledge of contemporary Guangxi vocal music in China. There are three main informants. The research process includes literature reviews, field investigation methods, and interview methodologies. The study's results are as follows: 1) Since the beginning of the century, the "Nanning International Folk Song Festival" has been a new starting place for the creation of Guangxi vocal works. The "Guangxi Folk Music and Dance Symposium" laid the groundwork for Guangxi's new century vocal music compositions. The "China-ASEAN Music Week" was a success, and it has tremendously fostered song creation in Guangxi, particularly vocal music development with rich content and different styles. 2) Taking students to the exhibition of the development history of vocal music creation in Guangxi and studying the important collections of vocal music creation in different periods since the new period is the best way for students to understand the development trend of vocal music creation in Guangxi. Make students conduct fieldwork, collect, and analyze ethnic folk songs. Conduct a field study, engage with the musical elements in daily life, and experience the melody with regional characteristics. To promote music creation, an open, creative attitude and constantly innovative creative methods are required.

Knowledge of the Historical and Contemporary Status of Dong Ethnic Group's "Da Ge" Folk Music in Liuzhou, China

This research uses the qualitative research method, with the objectives of investigating the historical and contemporary status of the Dong ethnic group's "Da Ge" folk music. Using the research conceptual frameworks of Chinese art and music theory and western art and music theory, and the methodology of participant observations, experiments, simulations, questionnaires, and interviews, the three most representative types of "Da Ge" folk music of the Dong ethnic group in Liuzhou, China, selects two key informants. The study's findings are as follows: Many studies on musical score examples have revealed: The mode and scale of Dong “Da Ge” folk music are usually the Chinese national mode, and most of them are "Yu" mode. The melody is usually sung in several parts, usually two. The melody is sung in the high part of a song, and the continuous bass is sung in the low part. In melody, Dong “Da Ge” folk music primarily employs arpeggios and vibrato. The use of eighth and sixteenth notes, as well as dot rhythms that frequently alternate between two and three beats. Most songs have a paragraph structure. Dong ethnicity "Da Ge" music is sung in the most natural way possible, with a light breath.

Parent Involvement with Their Children's Schools: Perceptions of Saudi Parents of Elementary School Students with Learning Disabilities

AbstractThis exploratory, qualitative study investigated the perceptions of Saudi Arabian parents of elementary school‐aged children with learning disabilities with regard to their involvement in their children's education. Guided by results of previous research conducted primarily with Western samples, and using a semistructured interview methodology followed by thematic phenomenological analyses, specific interview topics included parental perceptions of (a) the importance of parent–school partnerships, (b) the means of encouraging a parent–school relationship, and (c) how school practices may affect parental participation. The study involved 13 parents of children in elementary education (ages 7–12 years) diagnosed with learning disabilities. The results suggest several ways to overcome the involvement barriers reported by parents.