Non-participant Observation Research Articles

Reconstructing Religious Capital in Exile: The Tibetan Influence on Monastic Education of Buddhists from Ladakh, India

This paper explores the Tibetan influence in monastic education of Ladakhi Buddhists in India. The reconstructed Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India post the Tibetan exodus in 1959 serve as training grounds for thousands of monastics from Ladakh. The fieldwork for this qualitative research study was conducted in Leh, Ladakh, and the Tibetan settlement of Mungod in Karnataka. On the basis of interview guides, interview schedules, focus group discussions and non-participant observation, this paper argues that the religious capital of Tibetan Buddhism has had an integral role in shaping the spiritual education and life worlds of the Buddhist monastics of Ladakh.

Decolonizing Western Conducting: Gospel Music Conducting Practices in Twenty-First Century Southern Nigeria

At the initial stages when Western conducting was introduced to Nigeria, it was mainly used to direct European art music. This was the practice from the nineteenth century to the late twentieth century. However, in twenty-first century, Western conducting is utilized to direct gospel ensembles, especially in Southern Nigeria. Although some of the nuances used to conduct gospel music in the locale predate twenty-first century Nigeria, literature is scant on how gospel music is conducted; and how such practice decolonizes Western conducting in Southern Nigeria. In this paper, I purposively selected eighteen (18) gospel music conductors, utilized non-participant observation, interview; and the theories of decolonization and conducting dynamism to descriptively discuss gospel music conducting practices and how the conducting practices are decolonizing Western conducting in twenty-first-century Southern Nigeria. Findings indicate that gospel music conducting in the region rarely engages basic conducting beat patterns, lavishly utilizes audible counting and finger snapping, feet stamping, clapping; and dance/kinetics that are traceable to popular music traditions to remove the restraints of conducting classicism, and to elicit kinetics in tandem with gospel music performance tradition in Southern Nigeria. These decolonize Western conducting, produce a form of conducting that combines Western and popular music idioms; that is predominantly opposed to the restrains of classical conducting. These warrant canonization for conducting taxonomy and education in Nigeria and beyond.

Reflections on Social Justice in the Promotion of Biotechnology Crops and Institutionalisation of Food Values among Smallholder Farmers in Central Uganda

The academic discourse of agricultural biotechnology carries a lot of information on how biotechnology crops are crucial in realizing food security once they are fully adopted by farmers. Biotechnology crops are seen as the solution to ameliorate the Malthusian catastrophe of population increase threatening food security. While studies on agricultural biotechnology are increasing, they mainly focus on how the new agriculture science produces crops with desirable traits in supporting food production interventions. Few studies have concerned themselves with the social justice implications among smallholder farmers, posed by institutionalised agricultural biotechnology knowledge with its sophistication. This paper addresses itself to the above lacuna. The data collection used an embedded mixed method design with focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and questionnaire survey methods. The paper shows that mechanisms that are used to promote biotechnology crops are highly institutionalized. The institutions not only develop the biotechnology crops but also engage in mechanisms that encourage smallholder farmers to adopt these crops. The major social justice concerns addressed by this study are plant diversity, equity and commercialization of biotechnology-generated seeds/crops, participation, and farming choices

An Exploratory Study of Small-Group Learning Interactions in Pre-Clerkship Medical Education: Uncovering a Mismatch Between Student Perceptions and Real-Time Observations

Small-group learning is a mainstay of medical education, and group functioning can have a major influence on these learning experiences. Our objective was to explore verbal exchange patterns within small-group learning sessions and examine how different patterns related to tutor involvement, tutor expertise, and participants’ perceptions. A non-participant observer collected group interactivity data using a real-time mobile device-based system. Verbal interaction patterns were visualized and analyzed using social network analysis and correlated with participant survey data and aggregate course grades. There were 46 observations across 30 separate groups. Group interactions clustered into four patterns defined by (1) tutor involvement (high vs. low) and (2) interactivity (high vs. low). Interaction patterns were largely stable for a given group and groups with content expert facilitators were generally less interactive. Students reported objectively fewer interactive groups as more interactive and enjoyable. There were no significant intergroup differences in aggregate course grades. Paradoxically, student perceptions were not aligned with observed interactivity data, and tutor content expertise influenced group interactivity. These findings suggest the need to better manage learner expectations of small-group learning, and to explicitly reflect on and develop skills for effective collaborative learning with both faculty and students.

Improving recovery after bowel cancer surgery: mixed methods feasibility study of a co-produced information intervention (Recover Together).

Recovery after surgery for colorectal cancer is a complex process, involving numerous physiological, emotional, social and economic challenges. Good information is a key factor for enabling patients to recover well, but there is a paucity of evidence to guide how this should be done. A new information intervention (Recover Together) comprising a booklet, an online video and an inpatient goal board has been developed. This study explores its feasibility, as well as the feasibility of key study methods, during its first use in the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS). This is a mixed methods, multi-centre, feasibility study of a complex intervention. A total of 105 participants undergoing oncological colorectal surgery will be recruited across three to four study sites in the UK. Participants will receive each component of the Recover Together intervention at defined timepoints before and during hospital admission. A series of patient-centred outcome instruments will be administered in hospital and during follow-up at 30 days and 6 months. Outcomes of feasibility will comprise the time taken to establish the intervention at participating sites, assessments of intervention fidelity and acceptability, as well as return rates of key clinical outcome instruments. The mixed methods design will comprise interviews and focus groups with patients and health professionals, non-participant observation in ward areas and clinics, user-specific video analytics and daily photographs of the goal boards. The findings of this study will provide a feasibility assessment of the Recover Together intervention when used for the first time in NHS practice. If shown to be feasible, this will guide the development of a future definitive study to explore the clinical and cost effectiveness of the Recover Together intervention to improve recovery after surgery. ISRCTN62430915.

Exploring the suitability of a ward-based clinical pharmacy activity collection tool for ambulatory care practice: a mixed-methods study.

At a London-based hospital, a validated ward-based clinical pharmacy activity collection tool has been used to monitor activities of clinical pharmacy teams across all settings, including ambulatory care services. No data confirm its representativeness for the full range of ambulatory clinical pharmacy services, and pharmacists share this concern. This study aimed to identify the range of clinical pharmacy activities in ambulatory care, assess the suitability of the existing ward-based tool for capturing these activities, and recommend modifications. Non-participant direct observations were conducted to record pharmacists' clinical activities in ambulatory clinics and multidisciplinary meetings. These observations were compared to the existing ward-based tool to identify discrepancies. Semi-structured interviews with eight ambulatory pharmacists were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed inductively to explore the tool's representativeness of their routine clinical activities. Twenty-nine clinical pharmacy activities were observed in ambulatory services. Only fifteen were captured by the existing tool, with therapy monitoring and recommending therapeutic changes not accurately captured. Pharmacists agreed that the tool was not fully representative and included irrelevant activities. Four common uncaptured activities were multidisciplinary meeting-specific activities, arranging laboratory tests, monitoring patient outcomes, and liaising with community healthcare professionals. This study identified 33 candidate ambulatory clinical pharmacy activities. The existing ward-based tool does not fully capture the full range of ambulatory care clinical pharmacy activities, highlighting the need for an improved tool. Pharmacists recommended including the uncaptured activities. The candidate activities provide a foundation for standardised measurement of relevant ambulatory care activities to enable effective workforce deployment and improve patient outcomes.

Parent-spectators’ misbehaviour in grassroots football: an explorative qualitative study

The overall purpose of the present study was to explore the behaviour, comments and unsporting reactions of parent-spectators at football matches. For this, a non-participant naturalistic observation was carried out on 52 groups of parent-spectators of Spanish grassroots football. The observations were supplemented by informal interviews with three referees, a field delegate and three sports facility workers. The results of the study show, on one hand, how parent-spectators often make negative comments about referees, coaches and players. They ridicule and complain about referees’ actions to pressure in favour of their team and may also make gratuitous remarks about their physical appearance. Parent-spectators criticise and occasionally even insult coaches, belittling some of their decisions and even supplanting them in their comments to the players in their team. Players of the opposing team receive negative comments for unsporting actions and those in their own team may receive negative comments on their play. Parent-spectators remain passive in the face of their own and other children’s negative behaviour and may even unconsciously encourage unsporting behaviour in players and coaches. This study examines different implications for the improvement of the social-moral climate at grassroots football matches.

Crossing Boundaries: Analysing Corruption Dynamics At Nigeria-Benin Border Points

This study explores the dynamics and characteristics of border corruption at five key crossing points along the Nigeria-Benin border: Seme, Ilara, Hunbe, Owode-Apa, and Idiroko. A pilot survey conducted in June 2023 informed the theoretical framework, followed by a comprehensive nine-week field study from August to October 2023, involving 1,032 participants, including traders, crossers, commuters, smugglers, migrants, motorists and local community members. Data collection methods included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and non-participatory observations, providing an in-depth understanding of participants' experiences with corruption. The findings reveal a significant gender disparity, with 63.37% of participants being male, and indicate that corruption predominantly involves traders (29.27%) and crossers (24.42%). A notable prevalence of smuggling (49.03%) and immigration-related corruption (22.10%) suggests systemic collusion between customs officers, immigration officers and clients across these borders. The study identifies seven primary causes of border corruption: weak accountability (78%), high tariffs and lack of transparency (73%), lack of probity (64%), administrative corruption and nepotism (61%), generational transfer of corruption (58%), low automation levels (53%), and informal social networks (51%). Furthermore, the research underscores the interplay between coercion and collusion, with officials often extorting bribes while allowing illicit activities to proceed unchecked. Notably, social networks play a crucial role in facilitating corrupt transactions, as traders frequently establish ongoing relationships with border agents to ensure smoother operations. The research highlights that both traders and officials benefit from these corrupt practices, undermining government efforts to regulate trade and manage border security. The study emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in border management processes, thereby addressing the entrenched corruption that undermines the integrity of cross-border activities in Nigeria

Questioning to Elicit Inferential Responses: A Study of Teacher-Child Linguistic Interactions During Block Play Activities in Chinese Kindergartens

ABSTRACT Research Findings: This study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine how kindergarten teachers in China stimulate literal and inferential responses during block play. The quantitative study analyzed interactions in 17 randomly sampled classrooms from Guangzhou, observing one teacher per classroom. Using visual recording and non-participatory observation, we found four key results from ANOVA analyses: (1) teachers produced more utterances (n= 4,629) than children (n= 1,798), with 61.55% being comments and 38.45% questions; (2) teachers predominantly asked literal questions (78.77%), mirrored by children’s responses (75.71% literal); (3) a significant alignment existed between teachers’ inferential questions and children’s responses, termed “responsive interaction”; and (4) degree-holding teachers asked more questions, fostering more interaction and child responses. The qualitative study examined four successful and three unsuccessful cases to understand how teachers’ questions either scaffolded or failed to scaffold children’s inferential responses. These findings suggest that teachers’ inferential questioning elicits more inferential responses, with degree-holding teachers facilitating more responsive interactions. Practice or Policy: Degree-holding teachers’ inferential questioning enhances children’s inferential responses, emphasizing the importance of teacher education in fostering responsive interactions.

The times, are they changing? Examining platform companies' chameleonic labour process as a response to the Spanish Rey Rider

Abstract This article investigates the effects of the Spanish initiative to deploy a universal presumption of employment relationship for all platform couriers (Ley Rider). Drawing from 36 semi-structured interviews and several non-participant observations in Spain, this article shows that the impact of this initiative has been positive but limited. The eradication of bogus self-employment is a positive development, as it allows workers to access safety nets such as social security and employment rights while preserving valued aspects of their employment model like flexible scheduling. However, this progress is undermined by the platforms' efforts to circumvent regulations through what we term a ‘chameleonic labour process’. Such chameleonic behaviour on the part of the platforms includes: outsourcing labour operations to other companies; maintaining the independent contractor model; and, condoning undocumented work. Despite some progress, workers continue to face insecurity and low wages across all platforms, albeit in varying degrees and in different forms.

Implementation of the Independent Curriculum: Educational Innovation that Encourages Learning Independence

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Independent Curriculum in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Palembang using a qualitative descriptive approach. This research involves subject teachers, madrasah heads, curriculum waka, and students as key and supporting informants. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured interview techniques, non-participatory observation, and documentation. The data obtained was analyzed through four stages: data reduction, data display, data verification, and drawing conclusions to describe the implementation of the curriculum in depth. The results of research related to the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Palembang show a significant impact on students' academic and social performance. Academically, curriculum flexibility allows students to choose topics and learning methods according to their interests, leading to improved academic understanding and skills. Project-based and research-based learning methods develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as evidenced by better academic outcomes and increased achievement. On the social side, the curriculum strengthens collaboration and communication skills between students through group projects and community activities. This increases students' sense of community and confidence, as well as their participation in extracurricular activities. However, challenges such as unequal access to resources and limited teacher training need to be addressed. With adequate support and periodic evaluation, the positive impact of the Independent Curriculum is expected to be maximized, encouraging the holistic development of students at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Palembang.

EXPLORING POLITENESS STRATEGIES IN ‘A WALK TO REMEMBER’ MOVIE: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC APPROACH

The primary objective of this research is to determine the many types of politeness tactics and the prevalent ones in the film "A Walk to Remember". This analysis aims to explore how language variation, social factors, and politeness strategies are represented through the interactions of the main characters, Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter. Politeness tactics are used to maintain social peace and reduce communication disputes. This study uses Brown and Levinson's (1987) approach to identify several types of politeness techniques. The characters' conversation from the film "A Walk to Remember" was utilized to collect the data. The data for this study were gathered by non-participant observation and note-taking approaches. The data for this investigation were examined using a classified approach. The film screenplay had 4 examples of positive politeness, 4 instances of negative politeness, 4 instances of off-record techniques, and 4 instances of bald-on-record strategies.

Prisión Preventiva en Chile: Presión de la Gestión del Tiempo y Estandarización

The use of pre-trial detention in Chile is widely debated. Chilean legal scholars, for the most part, have advocated a restrictive interpretation. Despite this, empirical research studies on the use of pre-trial detention in Chile has revealed an increase in its use during the last decade and the development of standardized working strategies in judicial decision-making in this institution. To date, we lack in-depth analysis of the practice of this standardization and its specific relationship to pre-trial detention decisions. Based on non-participant observation of hearings and interviews with judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys in courts in the Araucanía and Bio-Bio regions, this article presents an empirical analysis of the application of pre-trial detention in Chile. In particular, how does the standardization of judicial practices influence the way decisions on pre-trial detention are made in Chile? The research study focused on the bureaucratic management of time from a socio-legal perspective. It finds that, in the face of time pressures, courts have adopted specific strategies to organize hearings, generating different types of hearings, each with its own speed and logic of standardization. The article emphasizes the need for a detailed and empirical exploration of the processes of bureaucratization within the judicial system and the tangible impacts these processes have on the fairness of access to justice.

Evaluating the Socioecological Classroom in Full-Service Schools: A Whole-School Approach to the Inclusive Education Context in South Africa

This paper evaluates the socioecological classroom in the context of a whole-school approach to inclusive education, which has evolved beyond the traditional classroom setting. Inclusive education calls for a paradigm shift to accommodate learners previously marginalised, with the classroom transforming into an ecosystem. The socioecological paradigm steers away from the notion that psychological and physiological elements are the main causes of disability. The importance of addressing multiple layers of influence is emphasised to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. First, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which emphatically explains how a learner’s development is influenced by the systems in the environment that surrounds them, and then Foucault’s Theory of Power and Knowledge, in which power and knowledge are interconnected and inseparable, with power being exercised through the creation and control of knowledge, guided this study. A qualitative approach was adopted, and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and non-participant observation were used to collect data. Phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data from these data-collecting instruments. It was found that learners with disabilities need support at home, with imbalances being found in the power–knowledge relations between teachers and parents, and teachers occupying a superior position regarding academic knowledge. Some teachers still believe in the Medical-Deficit Model. A strengths-based approach should rather be adopted. Strategies for enhancing community–school collaboration that balances teacher–parent power dynamics should be explored.

Mapping a food donation supply chain and the implications for social policies in Brazil

PurposeThe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic raised global alarms about hunger and food insecurity worldwide and the corresponding need for public policies, particularly in emerging countries. One possible solution for addressing this important topic is a food donation supply chain, which comprises food banks and involves their relationships with suppliers (donors), customers (people in need) and other potential stakeholders. The aim of this research is to understand how different agents in a food donation supply chain use different but interrelated capital dimensions (human, structural and relational) to leverage their resources and build knowledge in their relationships with other stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted an abductive single case study with the food bank as a focal organisation in a direct supply chain. Data were collected by way of 15 semi-structured interviews with representatives from each tier in the chain (food bank, donor, social impact company and social movement), non-participant observation and secondary data (e.g. codes of practice, websites and media). All data sources were analysed individually and then cross-checked.FindingsOur findings show that tangible dimensions, such as those that are structural, are present upstream while intangible dimensions – those that are relational and human, for example – are prevalent downstream. The political dimension was identified as an important mechanism that allows stakeholder engagement and access to resources, funding and government incentives.Originality/valueBy applying a multi-tier approach, the present research explores how different stages in this supply chain use intellectual capital (IC) to better manage relationships. The heterogeneity of agents within the food donation supply chain (public, private and third sector), each of which has distinct levels of IC dimensions, can share their knowledge to improve efficiency and social protection mechanism policies. Since the focal organisation is a non-profit organisation, this study also contributes to IC theory.

APPLICATION OF BEHAVIORAL ACCOUNTING: HEURISTIC THINKING IN INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING BY CRYPTOCURRENCY INVESTORS

This study aims to examine the impact of heuristic involvement on the behavior and decisions of cryptocurrency investors. The study employs an interpretivism paradigm with a qualitative approach to understand the perspectives of both beginner and experienced cryptocurrency investors, using interviews, observations, and document analysis. Four cryptocurrency investors participated in the study. Interviews were conducted three times a week, while observations followed a semi-structured format to gather in-depth insights from four investors. Document analysis complemented the findings by reviewing relevant literature on the impact on investment behavior. Data collection included non-participant observations of investor behavior and decision-making habits, interviews that explored the factors influencing these decisions, and an analysis of documents, including previous research on heurism biases. Heuristic representativeness is a useful tool to predict the development of cryptocurrencies in the long term to a certain extent.

Pedagogy and ICT in Crisis Situations or the Games and Issues of a Win-Win Relationship

"Let a micro-processor never become a micro-professor". This allegation by Francis Meynard (1989) certainly reflects the relationship of complementarity or conflict that may exist between teaching and digital technology. In fact, the present research is interested in the presumed or proven problematic between pedagogy and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). In a more subtle but demonstrative way, the aim is to study the tangible and/or alleged contributions of ICTs in the various teaching-learning methods of secondary school learners in priority education zones (PEZ), in a crisis situation. Three data collection tools allow us to carry out this work, namely non-participant observation, the semi- directed interview and finally the documentary exploitation. The results that emanate from this work reveal a triptych: firstly, convergent as well as divergent characteristics of the two notional approaches in these places, secondly, an incapacity of ICTs for a conjunctural pedagogy, and thirdly, a rigorous conditioning of ICTs for an improved and continuous pedagogy in a crisis situation in PEZs.

Learning by Visualize a Nurse-Led CCOS Using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method.

Quality improvements (QIs) in dynamic and complex health care contexts require resilience and take variability into account in quality improvement. The Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) helps us understand resilience and gain insight into (un)desirable variability in the complex system of daily practice. We explored how using FRAM in the Deming cycle of a QI project can help professionals and researchers learn from, reflect upon, and improve complex processes. We used FRAM in a Dutch hospital to study a QI: Critical Care Outreach Service (CCOS). The aim was to use FRAM before and after implementation to create a FRAM model and reflect to health care professionals the mismatch between Work As Imagined (WAI) and Work As Done (WAD). The WAI FRAM model was co-created with professionals before the implementation of CCOS. We used descriptions of tasks and processes for ICU nurses and verified them in 30-minute semistructured interviews (N = 2). WAD was created by input of semistructured interviews with key professionals in CCOS (N = 21) and 3 nonparticipant observations of trained CCOS nurses. We validated WAD in 2 dialogue sessions with key professionals (N = 11). Data collection continued until saturation. Juxtaposing the WAI and WAD models showed that WAD contained additional functions and highlighted unexpectedly complex functions. Reflecting on the application of FRAM with health care professionals revealed opportunities and challenges, especially time investment. FRAM helps professionals outline processes and tasks (WAI), learn from, and reflect upon their daily practice (WAD). FRAM models help professionals identify variability proactively to improve practices that enhance resilient performance.

Acute Care Nurses' Partnership With Patients to Recognise and Respond to Changes in Patients' Clinical States: AQualitative Study.

To explore and describe acute care nurses' partnership with patients to recognise and respond to changes in patients' clinical states. Acute care nurses' decisions to partner with patients to recognise deterioration in clinical states and to respond by activating a rapid response system improves patient outcomes. Acutely unwell patients can also experience clinical changes that include improvement and deterioration that does not trigger rapid response system activation over the course of hospitalisation from illness and treatment. How acute care nurses partner with patients in response to improvement and deterioration not triggering a rapid response system is not well-understood. An exploratory, descriptive study underpinned by Tanner's Clinical Judgement Model. Using purposive and quota sampling, 20 nurses with direct patient care responsibilities on one medical and one surgical ward in a large Australian hospital were recruited. Nonparticipant observations followed by semistructured interviews were conducted between January and May of 2021. Nurse-patient interactions were observed for 4 h, and verbally described and recorded. Semistructured interviews were recorded and explored nurses' reasoning behind decisions observed. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three themes were identified from the data: nurses checking in for changes; nurses forming judgements; and nurses partnering with patients to respond. Acute care nurses promoted subjective assessment based on patients' safety risks. Patients' participation in response to changes was prioritised based on acute care nurses' judgement of safety. Patients receive significant safety benefits when acute care nurses partner with patients in response to their experience of improvement and deterioration during acute illness. Further research should evaluate the sensitivity of subjective cues in patient assessment. Partnership with patients in assessment and management of improvement and deterioration improves the quality and safety of patient care. Assessment frameworks should equally prioritise the use of objective and subjective cues. Nursing education should promote the safety benefits of patient partnerships in responding to patient changes. Equator checklist COREQ. Data collected included description of patients' interactions with study participants.

The implementation of the fee-free secondary education policy in Ukerewe district, Tanzania: Teachers’ points of view on increased classroom workload

The implementation of the fee-free secondary education policy offers significant comprehension into teachers' points of view, particularly regarding workload challenges. Guided by Expectancy-Value Theory, this study explores teachers' points of view on the policy's implementation in the selected government secondary schools in Ukerewe District, Tanzania. A key focus is on whether the government sufficiently considered the increased teacher workload resulting from higher student enrolments. In this article, surveys, non-participant observations, and focus group discussions were utilised to collect first-hand information. This was complemented by documentary reviews for secondary data. Qualitative data were thematically analysed, while quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistics. A five-point Likert scale was also designed to assess three hypothetical statements regarding teachers' points of view on the implementation of the policy. In this study, 90.63% of the teachers considered that their workload had significantly increased due to the surge in student numbers following the policy's implementation. The study concludes that the implementation process was flawed, as the government did not recruit additional teachers to meet the growing demand. The study recommends the government to invest in more educational resources and recruit additional teachers to better accommodate the expanding student population.