Master's Research Research Articles

A qualitative exploration of nursing master's research supervision in a private higher education institution

BackgroundCompleting a Master's thesis is crucial for earning a master's degree and showcasing students' academic and professional skills. However, the process is often challenging owing to its solitary nature and the complexity of its supervisory relationships. PurposeThis study aimed to explore the experience of Nursing Master's Research Supervision and its impact on their thesis journey. DesignExploratory descriptive qualitative research design. Setting and participantsThe study was conducted at a private nursing institute in Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2022 to May 2022. The study included 12 students enrolled in the Masters of Science in Nursing program. MethodsFocus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted online, using a semi-structured guide. Students were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using manual content analysis through a collaborative approach. Rigor was ensured using Lincoln and Guba's trustworthiness criteria. SRQR reporting guidelines were used. ResultsThe study explored graduate students' thesis supervision experiences and discovered six influential categories: “Expectations from Supervisor”, encompassing preceding knowledge and teaching perceptions; “Supervisor Accessibility”, involving physical access and cooperation; “Adverse Supervision Experience”, detailing challenging interactions; “Supervision Meeting Management”, addressing problem-solving and scheduling; “Assistance and Support”, covering collaboration, software, and resources; and “Suggestions”, offering guidance on thesis write-up and research committee roles. ConclusionThe study elucidated students' expectations about supervisor expertise, access difficulties, negative experiences, and the need for clear guidelines. Improved communication, defined roles, and increased support for thesis writing and assessment are crucial for satisfactory supervision. Further investigation of supervisors' viewpoints is advised.

Research on the Constructed-Wetland/Regulation-Tank System at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana's Bogotá Campus

The stormwater harvesting (SWH) project at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá) began in 2007, initiated by the Water and Environmental Engineering research group (Ciencia e Ingeniería del Agua y el Ambiente), as part of PUJB's Environmental Management Plan and in collaboration with the University's Office of Physical Resources. This process included assessments of water supply and demand, rainwater quality, and financial and construction considerations. The system—a constructed wetland/regulation tank (CWRT)—collects rainwater runoff from the university's parking building (3,776 m²), the soccer field, and surrounding areas (14,816 m²). Beyond its hydrological performance, especially during periods of water scarcity, the system also functions as a full-scale laboratory to study biodiversity and ecological impacts in hydrological and hydraulic processes. The monitoring program, focused on changes in rainwater quantity and quality, has inspired several master's and doctoral research projects. These studies explore critical topics in urban hydrology, including stormwater harvesting, urban sediment management, real-time decision-making systems, and environmental and human health. This paper outlines the development of the stormwater harvesting system, shares the main findings from research projects, and discusses ongoing projects.

O desenvolvimento das capacidades de linguagem no processo de escrita dos estudantes universitários: o Projeto de Pesquisa para Iniciação Científica em foco

This article aims to demonstrate the role that the Academic Literacy Laboratory at the University of São Paulo (LLAC) plays in improving students' textual production in the genre of Research Project for Scientific Initiation. This article is part of a master's research project that aims to go beyond a merely descriptive analysis, seeking to illustrate the interaction between theories of texts and genres and teaching practices. Based on the analysis of LLAC's impact on the textual production of genres in the university context, the article tracks the development of language capacities: action capacity, discursive capacity, and linguistic-discursive capacity (Dolz, Pasquier, Bronckart, 1993) of university students. In this sense, the article provides analyses of the development of written production in Portuguese, as a mother tongue, aiming to identify how students develop their language capacities based on the teachable characteristics of the Research Project genre. Through the analysis of various excerpts, it was observed that the interventions during the sessions played the role of a mediating tool in students' language actions, highlighting the importance of the monitor-tutor's role in the reformulation of texts.

Review of the literature of riverside education in the Amazon

The study is the result of Master's research, carried out with the Postgraduate Program in Curriculum and Management of Basic Schools (PPEB), of the Center for Transdisciplinary Studies in Basic Education (NEB) of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) and aims to The objective is to carry out a literature review analysis on the theoretical production of riverside education. For the development of academic research, a qualitative approach was chosen, through bibliographic research to analyze scientific documents. The results indicate that education developed in the riverside territory is centered on the “urbanocentric” model, centered on the interests of capital. To counter this conception of teaching, entities and social groups have defended an education that respects the diversity of the field, encouraging the formulation of pedagogical projects that focus on recognizing the voices, stories and struggles of Amazonian populations.

Identification and Analysis of Barriers that Impact the Sustainable Development of Brazilian Cabotage

Brazil has ideal conditions for the large-scale use of cabotage cargo transportation: a vast coastline with almost 7,400 km, approximately 70% of the population resident in a coastal range of up to 200 km from the coast and a strong concentration of activities economic along the coast. However, there is an absolute domain of road modal for the transportation of goods, and cabotage is underused. The purpose of the study was to raise the main barriers that negatively impact the performance of Brazilian cabotage. To this end, it was used to bibliographic and documentary research, based on studies already published in journals, doctoral theses, master's dissertations, congress annals, technical reports and research on government-related government agencies sites, navigation companies and entities related to cabotage. The main barriers that contribute to the low use of cabotage in Brazil were identified and analyzed, as well as possible alternatives of solution for sustainable development of this mode of transport. Such a study will certainly serve as subsidies for the definition of public policies aimed at better use of Brazilian cabotage, as well as to encourage navigation companies to invest more in the transport of goods by cabotage, in order to contribute to the reduction of trucks on highways Brazilian and for environmental preservation.

Education Challenges Among Early Career Researchers in Medical Informatics.

There is limited knowledge about early career researchers' challenges when studying the interdisciplinary field of Medical Informatics (MI). We conducted a qualitative content analysis through semi-structured interviews with early career researchers in MI, including individuals pursuing Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral research programmes, across two higher education institutions in the UK. We identified five challenges, including understanding biological jargon, interpreting biological data, interdisciplinary communication, understanding mathematical/statistical concepts, and programming difficulties. These insights and suggested actions to address those challenges can help to improve MI education.

Experiences of early career researchers: Influences on the design and reporting of animal experiments, and the practical and emotional support needed to enhance best practice methods.

While best practice methodology in animal research aims to address reproducibility and translational issues, awareness and implementation remains low. Preclinical systematic reviews have highlighted many flaws, including issues with internal validity and reporting. With early career researchers (ECRs) heavily involved in all aspects of animal experiments, it is crucial we understand what shapes their research practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 ECRs, including research masters, PhD and postdoctoral academics. Data were collected and analysed concurrently using constant comparison techniques and an iterative approach. Findings revealed low-level awareness of best practice recommendations but a desire to engage in dedicated workshops on designing and reporting animal experiments. Current laboratory practices and previous literature were main influences on research practice, more than institutional training. An unexpected finding was the discovery of ethical and emotional dilemmas ECRs faced when working with animals. This highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to better support junior researchers, both emotionally and practically, to encourage responsible science.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH SKILLS IN MASTER STUDENTS

The article examines in detail the requirements for research activities, the role of research activities in the formation of graduate students-teachers. At the master's level, the pedagogical and research work of masters, as well as opportunities for activities outside the classroom, are taken into account as the main forms that ensure the effectiveness of the research activities of future teachers. Carrying out research tasks, preparing scientific articles and dissertations, participating in seminars on the basics of experimental methodology, processing its results, as well as compiling and defending master's theses, working in student scientific associations, participating in conferences, seminars, olympics, etc.. forms of training are considered as components of the organization of research activities. It is concluded that research activity is aimed not only at obtaining new knowledge, but in a broad sense includes all types of work, its organization and, to a large extent, scientific activity.

Evaluating the perceived impact and legacy of master’s degree level research in the allied health professions: a UK-wide cross-sectional survey

BackgroundPost graduate master’s degree qualifications are increasingly required to advance allied health profession careers in education, clinical practice, leadership, and research. Successful awards are dependent on completion of a research dissertation project. Despite the high volume of experience gained and research undertaken at this level, the benefits and impact are not well understood. Our study aimed to evaluate the perceived impact and legacy of master’s degree training and research on allied health profession practice and research activity.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey design was used to collect data from allied health professionals working in the United Kingdom who had completed a postgraduate master’s degree. Participants were recruited voluntarily using social media and clinical interest group advertisement. Data was collected between October and December 2022 and was analysed using descriptive statistics and narrative content analysis. Informed consent was gained, and the study was approved by the university research ethics committee.ResultsEighty-four responses were received from nine allied health professions with paramedics and physiotherapists forming the majority (57%) of respondents. Primary motivation for completion of the master’s degree was for clinical career progression (n = 44, 52.4%) and formation of the research dissertation question was predominantly sourced from individual ideas (n = 58, 69%). Formal research output was low with 27.4% (n = 23) of projects published in peer reviewed journal and a third of projects reporting no output or dissemination at all. Perceived impact was rated highest in individual learning outcomes, such as improving confidence and capability in clinical practice and research skills. Ongoing research engagement and activity was high with over two thirds (n = 57, 67.9%) involved in formal research projects.ConclusionThe focus of master's degree level research was largely self-generated with the highest perceived impact on individual outcomes rather than broader clinical service and organisation influence. Formal output from master’s research was low, but ongoing research engagement and activity was high suggesting master’s degree training is an under-recognised source for AHP research capacity building. Future research should investigate the potential benefits of better coordinated and prioritised research at master’s degree level on professional and organisational impact.

Analysis of Ifsi internship supervision activity through the prism of scaffolding and inquiry

The professional didactic offers a perspective to understand human activity and its adaptation to reality. Two master's research studies in health explored the activity of trainers in nursing training institute during nursing students' internships. These studies highlight the evolution of mentoring practices in the context of nursing education reform. The findings emphasize the importance of reflective guidance and inquiry to promote reflexivity and learning among nursing students. Thisapproach contributes to the professionalization of trainers and clinical mentors, facilitating the transition between theory and practice for students.

Community protagonism based on the participatory inventory of Galópolis (Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil): management of an industrial heritage

The article analyzes the participation of the community of the Galópolis neighborhood, located in the southern part of the city of Caxias do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil), through the processes of musealization of the territory, stimulating their commitment to the management of the heritage listed through strategies that enhance their protagonism. Part of the master's research defended in the Graduate Program in Museology and Heritage at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (PPGMusPa/UFRGS), it is based on industrial archaeology and action research methodologies to understand the dynamics of museums, combining oral history, documentary, iconological and content analysis with a participatory inventory to achieve an integrative museum perspective that fosters the self-management of a community framed by a paternalistic industrial dynamic. Based on the principles of Social Museology, the aim of this research is to provide a continuous process of reflection on local history, museological discourses and the need to stimulate community protagonism in relation to local demands in an empirical and emancipatory way.

POPULAR HOUSING - A HUMANIZED ANALYSIS THROUGH THE 14 BIOPHILIC PATTERNS

Social housing has been discussed as an object of academic study since the 80s. Few academic proposals were approved by governments and transformed into effective actions. In this context, the objective of this article is to analyze in a humanized way the applicability of Biophilic standards, in social housing in the Imburi complex, located in the city of Pilar -AL. The study is part of an ongoing master's thesis research, with a behavioral, qualitative and analytical approach, with the main tool being semi-structured interviews. The research would initially be with (n)100 participants, but due to limitations the final sample was with (n)30 participants, which generated data tabulated in graphs showing the percentage of satisfaction in the different housing complexes Imburi I, II and III The study brings the careful and unconscious inclusion of the standards applied by residents in the homes, promoting a sense of belonging in the spaces and improving the quality of life.

LINGUISTIC STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRACTICE OF LITERACY TEACHERS

Abstract This paper presents the results of a theoretical research on the interference of linguistic knowledge, more exactly, those on phonological awareness, in the practices of literacy teachers. The analysis is guided mainly by the theoretical-epistemological contributions of the field of literacy, that is: linguistic knowledge of grapheme and phoneme relations (CAGLIARI, 1993); Phonetics and phonology in the formation of the literacy teacher (SOARES, 2020); mediation and teacher intervention (ADAMS, 2006). The methodology consisted of a bibliographic review that sought to highlight, in addition to the main theorists of the field, master's and doctoral research, among others, that were dedicated to the theme. The results highlight the importance and positive interference of the linguistic knowledge (phonetics, phonology) of the literacy teacher in her teaching practices.

To Test or Not to Test? The Graduate Record Examinations: Predictive Validity toward Graduate Study Success on Research Masters’ Programs in a Large European University

Graduate admissions committees in Europe have a challenging task of selecting students from an increasingly large pool of candidates with diverse application files. Graduate standardized testing can ease the comparison of application files. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is predictive of several dimensions of graduate success on English-taught research masters’ programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at a large European university. The data from 167 masters’ students were collected. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. All GRE scales predicted Graduate Grade Point Average. Individual GRE scales predicted internship grade and supervisors’ assessments of students’ research performance and the content of their research report. None of the individual GRE scales predicted supervisors’ assessments of students’ practical skills, but the three GRE scales taken together improved the explanatory power of the model. The structure and style of students’ research reports was not predicted by the GRE. All relationships were held after accounting for socioeconomic status. Overall, the GRE appeared as a reasonable predictor of graduate study success. Both the benefits and drawbacks of the implementation of the GRE in European masters’ programs are discussed, as well as the legal limitations.

Cuaderno (etno)gráfico

The purpose of this essay is to present and reflect on the creation of an «(ethno)graphic notebook» based on a master's research on the uses and meanings attributed to instruments with wheels (handcarts, loading carts, refrigerator carts, warehouse carts, supermarket carts, etc.), in and around a public market (Velame, 2023) in João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. Between 2021 and 2023, drawings, photo collages and paintings were produced, forming a visual ethnography of the «carrinhos» present in the lives of various social actors. This essay reflects on the creative, imaginative and data organization processes in the construction of this drawn (ethno)graphy, exploring a visual perspective on the wheelbarrows and their narratives. The work is enriched by methodological techniques, standing out for the «critical and dense description» (Tsing, 2019; Geertz, 2015), adopting an ethnographic approach focused on the «art of seeing, art of being, art of writing» (Winkin, 1998).

How Sensitive Are South African Postgraduate Research to Pandemic Lockdowns? A Case of Agricultural Economics and Extension Dissertations

The key to avoiding the next pandemic catastrophe is to be prepared. This research represents an attempt to understand the potential effects of lockdowns on completing Masters and PhD dissertations that focus on smallholder farmer's primary data, taking the example of COVID-19. A sample of four South African universities (Fort Hare, Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal, and Western Cape), which mainly research smallholder farmers using primary data, addresses the study objective. Dissertations completed in 2014-2019 (pre-pandemic) were retrieved from the respective universities’ repositories. An abstract appraisal was done to identify dissertations that focused on smallholders and used smallholder primary data. Hence, a smallholder dissertation index (SDI) was computed to measure the susceptibility of each university to lockdown interruptions. The results indicated that the master's and PhD research in the selected universities rely heavily on smallholder primary data (shown by >0.50 SDI), with varying proportions between the universities. Dissertations that used smallholder primary data obtained the data using face-to-face field interviews. This implies that in these institutions, the lockdowns could have negatively affected the writing of master's and PhD dissertations. Consequently, the study concluded that adopting online survey methods might help minimise the impact of lockdowns.

The Influence of Supervisor-Postgraduate Relationship on Master's Students' Research Learning Engagement-The Mediating Effect of Academic Aspiration.

Research learning engagement is the basic element of master's students' innovation output, and the supervisor is the first responsible body for master's students' cultivation. Exploring the influence of the supervisor-postgraduate relationship on master's students' research learning engagement, with a focus on the mediating role of academic aspiration, is of great significance for the improvement of master's students' cultivation quality. We surveyed 569 master's students at a university in Wuhan, China, using 3 measurement tools: the Supervisor-Postgraduate Relationship Scale, the Research Learning Engagement Scale, and the Academic Aspirations Scale. The results showed that: (1) The supervisor-postgraduate relationship positively and significantly predicted master's students' research learning engagement, and academic aspiration played a fully mediating role in the process. (2) There were differences in the effects of the three dimensions of the supervisor-postgraduate relationship on master's students' research learning engagement, with research collaboration having the greatest total effect on the impact of master's students' research learning engagement. This study emphasizes the importance of the supervisor-postgraduate relationship and academic aspirations and provides some implications for improving the research learning engagement of master's students.

117 Applying the Competency Index for Clinical Research Professionals (CICRP) for Educational Program Evaluation

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To demonstrate the value of the Competency Index for Clinical Research Professional (CICRP) as a tool in program evaluation using a pre- and post- design to evaluate student perceived self-efficacy in clinical trial competencies at program entry and at program completion. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using a separate-sample pre-post study design, we administered the CICRP questionnaire to students in the entry and exit courses of the Master of Clinical Research (MCR) Program during the 2021-2022 academic year, using QualtricsTM (Provo, Utah) survey instrument for use on desktop or mobile device. We included the 20 CICRP competency items asking students to rate their self-efficacy in performing each item using a Likert Scale (from 0-10) (0=not at all confident; 10= extremely confident). Links to the survey were included in the courses for the foundational entry course and for the final culminating project course. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Overall, 54 students took the CICRP during the entry course and 56 during the exit. Cronbach’s alpha for each assessment ranged from 0.93 to 0.98. Both the Welch’s two-sample t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test show very significant differences between the group of students entering the program and leaving the program (p value < 0.001). A significant increase in mean CICRP total score is seen at each experience level between program entry and program exit (p<0.001) A linear regression, adjusting for available covariates, individuals taking the exit course have a mean CICRP total score 92.690 (p value < 0.001) higher than individuals taking the entry course. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Competency indices have been used to measure self-efficacy in translational research scientists, thus the use of CICRP to measure self-efficacy can be useful in assessing whether our competency-based program is meeting the JTF Competency needs of students.

Being effective and supervising for thesis success in nursing coursework master degrees: A qualitative descriptive study.

Master's degrees for nurses have various foci including clinical practice, leadership and education, with some programs consisting of coursework, while others offer hybrid study that combines coursework and research. Multiple formats are associated with offering the research component. The research component is often termed the minor thesis. Limited knowledge exists regarding the supervision of the research component. To capture the practices and perspectives of experienced nurse academics regarding effective supervision of the masters-level minor thesis in nursing coursework master degrees. Design Qualitative descriptive. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 28 experienced nurse academics recruited from 15 Australian and three New Zealand universities linked to the Council of Deans in Australia and New Zealand. Inclusion criteria were having experience of supervising masters-level minor theses and higher degrees. Interviews were face-to-face using the internet platform Zoom©. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Findings The analysis revealed three themes and associated sub-themes: (i) establishing the framework (setting up the student's research; building the student-supervisor relationship; setting clear expectations), (ii) supervisors' knowledge and actions: driving for success (supervisors' knowledge for a satisfactory and timely outcome; supervisors' actions to develop students' capabilities; supervisors' actions of drawing in other expertise) and (iii) supervisor savviness: Attending to the finer points of supervision for student success (using your attributes as a supervisor; being savvy to teach and engage students; creatively seeking a smooth process for student success). The findings highlight three themes crucial to effective supervision of masters-level minor theses in nursing: Establishing a strong research framework, emphasizing supervisors' knowledge and proactive engagement and attending to nuanced aspects of supervision for student success. These insights contribute to deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of supervising minor theses, providing a valuable foundation for refining supervisory practices and enhancing the educational experience within coursework nursing master degree programs. The findings highlight the supervisors' pivotal practices in guiding students through the minor thesis. These insights will be useful for inexperienced and experienced supervisors and for degree program directors. The findings should inform supervision training and supervision practices in the future. The study addressed a gap in knowledge about what experienced supervisors do to be effective and achieve success in the research component in a hybrid master degree for registered nurses. Effective supervision for student success in the minor thesis requires supervisors to establish and maintain a project and supervisory framework with appropriate boundaries and that is attuned to both the supervisor and student capabilities and preferences. Supervisors have an active role in directing the focus, scale and scope of a minor theses in keeping with university requirements and the short timeframe. Supervisors pay attention to the development of multiple student literacies (research, academic, professional, feedback and cultural) as core aspects of the masters research journey. Supervisors use their savviness and customize supervision to student contexts and capabilities as they guide development to achieve student success. The research findings have implications for targeted supervisor training and enhancing educational strategies for research supervision of minor thesis students. COREQ reporting was adhered to as the relevant EQUATOR guideline. No patient or public contribution.

Isophreatic curves of groundwater wells in the upper zone of Cerro de Hula, Santa Ana, Francisco Morazán

The research is part of a master's research thesis, the aim of which is the generation of groundwater well curves in Cerro de Hula, located south of the capital of Honduras, which serves as a baseline to understand the movement of groundwater flow in the area preliminarily. To achieve this, groundwater level surveys were carried out in the field in April 2022 (dry season), which were analyzed, processed, and interpolated using the Kriging method in ArcGis software. The main findings show the survey of 21 groundwater extraction points, belonging to shallow and deep wells that supply around 2900 people in the area, and that the preliminary water movement according to the isophreatic curves corresponds to a radial flow, with curves ranging from 5 m deep of the water table remaining in the western part of the area (highest part), and moving downwards to the 100 m deep curves (eastern region). It is conclusive to mention that this is a preliminary tool for managing the area's underground water resources. Keywords: groundwater, water table, isophreatic curves, radial flow.