Open-ended Survey Questions Research Articles

A qualitative assessment of perceptions of gender-based stigma among US Marine Corps officers in training

ABSTRACT Military culture is historically rooted in masculine characteristics and ideals. Yet, as of 2016, all occupational specialties in the United States military are open to women and, as such, the number of women that make up the Services is projected to continue rising. The growing presence of women within the military ranks may be at odds with the traditionally masculine military culture, potentially resulting in gender-based stigmatization of female Service members. The current study qualitatively assessed perceived gender stigmatization among newly commissioned male (n = 654, 87%) and female (n = 101, 13%) US Marine Corps officers entering The Basic Course (BOC) at The Basic School (TBS), a six-month secondary training course. A thematic analysis of open-ended survey questions identified that males and females described aspects of gender stigma similarly, with emphases on females’ tendency to be viewed as weaker and needing to “prove themselves,” and a call for equal physical fitness standards for both genders. There were mixed opinions as to whether gender stigmatization should be acknowledged and addressed or dismissed and ignored. Some participants voiced that bringing gender stigma to the attention of Service members could artificially inflate the magnitude of the issue and increase gender stigmatization that is otherwise negligible or non-existent. The insights offered by the participants of this study can help shape the direction of policies and procedures aimed at increasing equality and opportunities for success for Marine officers of all genders. Ultimately, the goal is to optimize physical and mental health and readiness for all Service members.

A corpus-assisted discourse study of parental concerns regarding multilingual child-rearing

ABSTRACT Many parents have concerns about raising their children with multiple languages. However, there is a paucity of previous research regarding parental concerns about multilingual child-rearing, particularly in multilingual societies. We address this gap with a corpus-assisted discourse study of parental concerns regarding multilingual child-rearing in Quebec, Canada. We created two corpora comprising 641 parents’ responses to an open-ended survey question regarding their main concerns about raising multilingual infants/toddlers (English corpus: 12,502 words, French corpus: 9,360 words). We examined frequencies, collocations, concordance lines, and longer segments to investigate the nature and strength of different concerns. Our results revealed that two previously-attested concern types – cognition concerns and exposure-fluency concerns – were most prominent. The results also provided more nuanced insights into the nature of these concerns. Moreover, the results revealed two additional concern types: concerns regarding trilingual/heritage language transmission and concerns about the effect of multilingualism on children’s identity and social/emotional well-being. These had not previously been attested. Our research makes a theoretical contribution by advancing knowledge about parental concerns and how they can contribute to the study of family language policies. Additionally, our findings may serve as the basis for improving support for multilingual families.

UK Government COVID-19 response employees' perceptions on working from home: Content analysis of open-ended survey questions.

This study investigates perceptions of homeworking in UK Government response-focused employees that contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic response. A cross-sectional online survey with open-ended questions was conducted. Free-text responses detailing participants perceptions of barriers, facilitators, advantages, and disadvantages were analysed using content analysis. A total of 1,943 free-text responses (from 150 participants) were analysed. There were many conflicting advantages and disadvantages provided by participants, but crudely more positive statements were provided than negative. Flexibility associated with working from home was the most common positive factor, and the isolation and impact on working relationships was the most reported negative factor of working from home. We suggest a 'one size fits all' approach to supporting staff working from home is not fit for purpose due to individual circumstances and contextual factors.

L2 Learners’ Perspectives on Data-Driven Learning for Identifying Properties of Near-Synonymous Words: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study

This study examines second language (L2) learners’ perspectives regarding the affordances and challenges of using the Data-Driven Learning (DDL) to identify the properties of near-synonymous words. Employing a convergent mixed-method design, this study deciphers the perceptions of 40 undergraduate L2 learners majoring in English language teaching. After an initial identification of the learners’ vocabulary levels, the experienced benefits and barriers associated with carrying out experiential tasks were elicited via questionnaire data and open-ended survey questions. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were revealed and thematic analyses of the responses to the survey questions were documented. The results indicate that completing tasks through the corpus was found to enhance their knowledge of collocations. Integrating corpus tasks into YouGlish (an online practice tool for authentic spoken English in context) was found to increase their awareness of the contextual properties of words. The identification of condensed language exposure, lexical inference, and elicitation of flexible and context-specific patterns were reported to be beneficial. Acknowledging these benefits, gaining familiarity with the corpus interface, encountering limited access to search queries, and analyzing large amounts of concordance lines posed challenges for learners. This research presents the implementation of the DDL supported by experiential learning, contextually rich input, and inductive reasoning tasks in vocabulary learning by further offering instructional implications in L2 contexts.

Going back to anatomy roots: Exploring the integration of anatomy sessions during clinical clerkships.

The topic of vertical integration of the basic and clinical sciences is an area of great concern and active investigation in medical education. To explore the feasibility of integrating basic sciences into the clinical phase of medical education, gross anatomy was selected as an appropriate discipline. Anatomy faculty, clerkship directors, medical students, and graduate students developed case-based anatomy modules with a design consistent with the principles of self-directed learning. This pilot study aimed to explore medical student responses to the integration of anatomy sessions during clinical clerkships. One-hour anatomy sessions were conducted during rotations of the following clerkships: internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, and general surgery during the academic year 2022-2023. Each session consisted of four case-based stations. Voluntary, anonymous surveys were distributed at the end of each session. Descriptive statistics of survey responses from the 490 participants revealed the overall ratings of the anatomy sessions to be above an 8.50 on a scale of 1.00 (low) to 9.00 (high). A small q thematic analysis of the open-ended survey questions revealed the following themes: relevance of clinical correlations presented, a timely review of anatomical content, appreciation for the collaborative setting and interactivity among the participants, and constructive feedback regarding areas needing improvement. Students reported a high overall rating of the anatomy sessions and shared positive comments about these vertically integrated anatomy experiences. With a reduction in the amount of anatomy instruction during the pre-clinical years and limited exposure during the clinical years, anatomy sessions like the ones proposed could allow for the fluid incorporation of gross anatomy across all 4 years of medical school.

Development of a Refugee Health Research Agenda in North America.

The lack of a cohesive, stakeholder-informed refugee health research agenda has been a barrier to promoting, funding, and conducting health research with refugee populations in North America. A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals working in refugee health in North America (N = 93) to describe major domains within the field of refugee health research and to develop refugee health research priorities. Open-ended survey questions included: (1) What research topics specific to refugee research would you like to see in an international research agenda? (2) Please describe current and important gaps that you believe exist in refugee research and why? Overarching themes focused on the need for the development of research partnerships with refugee communities that are intentional, effective, and driven by the needs of refugee communities. The survey also identified a need for best practices in creating sustainable, community-based research partnerships (effective models and evidence-based strategies) that translate across 12 domains. The refugee health research priorities for North America described in this manuscript should continue to be modified over time as political, economic, social, and medical contexts change.

Theatre of the Oppressed to Teach Medical Students About Power, Lived Experience, and Health Equity.

A difficult challenge in health equity training is conducting honest and safe discussions about differences in lived experience based on social identity, and how racism and other systems of oppression impact health care. To evaluate a Theatre of the Oppressed workshop for medical students that examines systems of oppression as related to lived health care experiences. Mixed-methods cross-sectional survey and interviews. Forty randomly assigned early first-year medical students. A 90-min virtual workshop with three clinical scenes created by students where a character is being discriminated against or oppressed. During performance, students can stop scene, replace oppressed character, and role play how they would address harm, marginalization, and power imbalance. Participants discuss what they have witnessed and experienced. Likert-scale questions assessing workshop's impact. Open-ended survey questions and interviews about workshop. Thirty-one (78%) of 40 participants completed the survey. Fifty-three percent were female. Thirty-seven percent were White, 33% Asian American, 15% Black, 11% Latinx, and 4% multiracial. Ninety percent thought this training could help them take better care of patients with lived experiences different from their own. Most agreed or strongly agreed the workshop helped them develop listening (23, 77%) and observation (26, 84%) skills. Twelve (39%) students felt stressed, while 29 (94%) felt safe. Twenty-five (81%) students agreed or strongly agreed there were meaningful discussions about systemic inequities. Students reported the workshop helped them step into others' shoes, understand intersectional experiences of multiple identities, and discuss navigating and addressing bias, discrimination, social drivers of health, hierarchy, power structures, and systems of oppression. Some thought it was difficult to have open discussions because of fear of being poorly perceived by peers. Theatre of the Oppressed enabled medical students to engage in meaningful discussions about racism and other systems of oppression.

Understanding and addressing sexual- and gender-based harassment and discrimination among Royal Canadian Mounted Police

ABSTRACT The current study sought to examine experiences of gender- and sexual-based harassment and discrimination within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and what changes, if any, RCMP think are needed to address these issues within the organization. A representative sample of serving RCMP (n = 870; 72.6% men; 83.6% White) answered an open-ended survey question examining participants’ perspectives of how the RCMP can work to eliminate harassment and discrimination in RCMP workplaces. Responses were analyzed inductively, using an open-coding approach. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and frequency analysis was performed to assess for recurrent concrete recommendations. Three themes were identified: Walking the Talk: Broad Accountability; Out with the Old, in with the New: Largescale Cultural Change; and Alternative Perspective: An Exaggerated or Non-Existent Problem. The most common concrete recommendations were to enforce actual consequences (n = 172), to have more effective leadership (n = 138), and to change the promotion process (n = 116). The current results indicate that many RCMP conceptualize gender- and sexual-based harassment and discrimination within the RCMP as a two-tiered problem, involving the actions of individual perpetrators and insufficient organizational responses to those actions. Results further evidence individual and structural hegemonically masculine elements within the RCMP organizational culture. Participant suggestions provide possible actionable solutions.

Illness-related communication between siblings and parents of children with chronic illness and life-limiting conditions: A qualitative analysis.

Having a brother or sister who has a chronic illness (lasting >6 months and requiring long-term care) or life-limiting condition (LLC; where cure is highly unlikely and the child is expected to die) has major impacts on siblings. Parent-sibling illness-related communication may contribute to siblings' capacity to cope. In this study, we aimed to explore parent-sibling illness-related communication, from the perspectives of parents and siblings. We also aimed to qualitatively compare participants' responses according to illness group (chronic illness vs. LLCs). We collected qualitative data from siblings (32 with a brother/sister with a chronic illness, 37 with a brother/sister with an LLC) and parents of a child with a chronic illness (n = 86) or LLC (n = 38) using purpose-designed, open-ended survey questions regarding illness-related communication. We used an inductive qualitative content analysis and matrix coding to explore themes and compare across illness groups. Two-thirds of siblings expressed satisfaction with their family's illness-related communication. Siblings typically reported satisfaction with communication when it was open and age-appropriate, and reported dissatisfaction when information was withheld or they felt overwhelmed with more information than they could manage. Parents generally favored an open communication style with the siblings, though this was more common among parents of children with an LLC than chronic illness. Our findings show that while many siblings shared that they felt satisfied with familial illness-related communication, parents should enquire with the siblings about their communication preferences in order to tailor illness-related information to the child's maturity level, distress, and age.

University Students Speak Out: Suggestions to Improve the Move to Emergency Remote Education

The 2020 COVID-19 crisis forced universities to make a dramatic shift to emergency remote education (ERE). While the urgency of the pandemic is gone, schools continue implementing ERE, but more often on a short-notice, short-term basis in response to various situations. This research examines students’ suggestions for improving university transitions to ERE and applies them to post-pandemic use of ERE. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze responses to an open-ended survey question answered by 2,751 students at a large Southeastern U.S. university. Responses identified main concerns as Grades and Grading (38%), Better University and Instructor Preparation (23%), Improved Learning Experience (18%), Meeting Student Needs (12%), and No Suggestions (9%). The study found that reducing the uncertainty students felt about ERE’s impact on grades, course content, class schedules, assignments, and communication with instructors would improve their online learning experience. Recommendations suggest preemptive steps universities can take to improve post-pandemic use of emergency remote education.

Unlocking the Potential: Attitudes of Tertiary Level EFL Learners Towards Using AI in Language Learning

In the current era of rapid change in which AI has become inevitable in foreign language education as in many aspects of life, this study, which aims to examine EFL learners’ attitudes towards AI and to analyse its future potential, was conducted with the participation of 772 English preparatory year students studying at A2, B1, and B2 levels in the schools of foreign languages of a state and a private (foundation) university in Türkiye. The data for the study were collected online through an attitude scale (MALL:AI) and an open-ended survey question. Quantitative results revealed that the participants had moderate attitudes towards the use of AI in EFL learning, with no clear tendency towards positive attitudes. While university type and gender were not found to be significant determinants of attitudes, engineering and natural sciences students showed more positive attitudes towards AI in EFL learning than those in the humanities and social sciences. In terms of proficiency level, A2 level participants reflected lower attitudes in the behavioural factor than B1 and B2 levels. Qualitatively, it was found that students had overwhelmingly positive perspectives on the use of AI, shared some negative approaches with reservations, and offered concrete suggestions for the integration of AI into ELT. With its intriguing findings, the present study sheds light on further studies and paves the way for educational administrators and EFL instructors to better make use of AI in language education.

Achieving teacher agency for inclusive education: an exploration of general education teachers’ perspective

ABSTRACT This work outlines a practitioner-oriented theorisation of teacher agency concerning inclusive education. Exploring teacher agency is relevant for general and SEN teachers and governmental and educational agencies offering initial training and professional development opportunities for teachers. This qualitative study sheds light on teacher agency, which is seen as a change-making process concerning inclusive practices in school contexts. Participants were 124 Italian general education teachers who responded to an open-ended survey question. Framework analysis allowed for the identification of four interrelated categories: enabling conditions, strategies, outcomes and outcome directions. Indeed, by leveraging specific strategies and enabling conditions, teachers produce educational, relational, and context-related outcomes, impacting different stakeholders. The results provide insights into how teacher agency unfolds in inclusive school settings and offer practitioners a set of core strategies and enabling factors to draw upon to produce positive transformations. Implications for research, policy, and practice are also discussed.

Sexual Minority Athletes Between Concealment and Disclosure: A Multilevel Perspective on Coming Out in Sport

Abstract Introduction Sexual orientation disclosure is a complex, multifaceted process and has not yet been sufficiently explored with regard to LGB + athletes. Methods Based on a multilevel model for understanding sexual minority athletes’ (SMA) experiences in sports, we adopt a mixed-method approach, analysing data from a European survey conducted in 2018 with 1749 LGB + athletes to identify factors that influence the decision of disclosure in sports. Results Multivariate analyses include factors at the macro level (legal situation, population density and gender-typing of sport), meso level (composition of friendships, type of sport and performance level) and micro level (age, sexual orientation, education level and athletic capital). The analysis shows that sexual orientation disclosure is less likely when respondents were younger, had a bisexual or other sexual orientation (compared to lesbian or gay), lower athletic abilities, fewer non-heterosexual friends, participated in individual sports (rather than in team sports) and lived in a country with less inclusive LGB + laws and regulations. Responses to open-ended survey questions highlight the relevance of inclusive sport contexts in terms of trust, safety and LGB + visibility. Conclusions Coming out in sports is influenced by manifold factors on macro, meso and micro levels, and only few of them have gender impact. Policy Implications Policymakers, administrators, coaches, and teammates are relevant stakeholders in sports to establish an environment of trust and safety that eventually leads to an upward spiral of LGB + visibility and the coming out of other SMA.

AI for Cataloging and Metadata Creation: Perspectives and Future Opportunities from Cataloging and Metadata Professionals

ABSTRACT This study examined the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of cataloging and metadata creation through a case study approach. It explored the perceptions of cataloging and metadata professionals regarding the application and effectiveness of AI in their job duties, as well as the main challenges they encountered when utilizing AI for cataloging purposes. Quantitative data was collected through surveys to understand the target audience’s perspectives on AI in their work. Qualitative data from open-ended survey questions provided deeper insights. Both data types were analyzed to assess AI’s impact on cataloging and metadata workflows.

Improving well-being among women in neonatology.

To evaluate the factors that improve professional and personal well-being amongst women in neonatology (WiN). A 30-question survey of multiple choice, rank order, and open-ended questions focused on professional and personal factors that affect the well-being of WiN members. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to determine leading factors and themes. Of 326 respondents, 64% felt "well" professionally over half of the time. Professional well-being was most affected by scheduling flexibility, helping patients, administrative and staffing support, feelings of being valued, and clinical workload/acuity. Time for family and self-care, having domestic help, and scheduling flexibility were factors that most positively impacted personal well-being. In this national survey, WiN members identified the factors that can improve their well-being. Strategic planning and targeted interventions are urgently needed to enhance work-life integration and job satisfaction, leading to improved neonatal workforce retention and improved quality of patient care.

From many voices, one question: Community co-design of a population-based qualitative cancer research study.

This study formed the development stage of a population-based survey aiming to: (i) understand the needs and experiences of people affected by cancer in Queensland, Australia and (ii) recruit a pool of participants for ongoing cancer survivorship research. The current study aimed to co-design and test a single qualitative survey question and study invitation materials to maximise acceptability of, and participation in, the survey and future research. Fifty-two community members, including cancer survivors and caregivers, participated across 15 co-design workshops and 20 pretest interviews. During workshops, participants generated and refined ideas for an open-ended survey question and provided feedback on a study invitation letter. The use of a single, open-ended question aims to minimise participant burden while collecting rich information about needs and experiences. The research team then shortlisted the question ideas and revised study invitation materials based on workshop feedback. Next, using interviews, community members were asked to respond to a shortlisted question to test its interpretability and relevance and to review revised invitation materials. Content analysis of participant feedback was used to identify principles for designing study materials. Principles for designing qualitative survey questions were identified from participant feedback, including define the question timeframe and scope; provide reassurance that responses are valid and valued; and use simple wording. Principles for designing study invitation materials were also identified, including communicate empathy and sensitivity; facilitate reciprocal benefit; and include a 'human element'. The qualitative survey question and study invitation materials created using these principles were considered relevant and acceptable for use in a population-based survey. Through community consultation and co-design, this study identified principles for designing qualitative data collection and invitation materials for use in cancer survivorship research. These principles can be applied by other researchers to develop study materials that are sensitive to the needs and preferences of community members.

Simulation techniques in optometric education: Is a model eye for tonometry a valuable instruction tool?

Simulation techniques are used in healthcare education to support the development of clinical skills. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived value of a tonometry model eye (TME) when used in teaching and learning the clinical skill of Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) in optometric education in the UK. A retrospective two-armed cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the perceived value of using a model eye for teaching and learning GAT in optometric education. Focus group discussion (FGD) was employed to explore the views of academic experts experienced in teaching GAT using a TME. Semi-structured surveys were conducted to elicit the opinions of optometry students following GAT simulation training. Qualitative thematic analysis of the FGD and open-ended survey questions was undertaken. Quantitative data based on rated student responses was assessed using Chi-square analysis to examine differences between year-group responses. The TME was reported to be a useful experiential tool, facilitating a safe learning environment for students to develop the technical skills required to perform GAT before moving on to real-eye experiences. Whilst limitations of the model eye were noted, these did not diminish the value of the model eye as an instructional tool. Students reported improved confidence (86%) and would highly recommend (82%) the TME to other students. The model eye for tonometry was perceived by academic tutors and optometry students to be a valuable instruction tool as part of a scaffolded process for learning GAT. Irrespective of their learning stage, students reported a range of benefits from the model eye, such as being able to make mistakes, taking repeat measurements and getting used to the equipment, all whilst not having to worry about patient safety.

Reported Barriers and Facilitators for Autistic Individuals, Persons with Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Their Caregivers to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Pilot Study.

Autistic individuals and persons with other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience challenges in social engagement, sensory processing, and behavior rigidity. This population is more likely to face barriers to successful preventative healthcare, including vaccines, compared to neurotypical peers. Autistic individuals and persons with other IDD may be at greater risk for COVID-19 infection due to sensory dysregulation that interferes with mitigation such as wearing masks, and challenges in social communication that impose difficulties in understanding and adhering to prevention measures. Adaptations are needed to make vaccine opportunities more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. A series of seven Sensory-Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (SFVCs) were conducted between December 2021 and August 2022 in collaboration with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. SFVCs examined perceived barriers and facilitators to vaccine experiences, based on feedback from autistic individual/persons with IDD and their caregivers. Surveys were administered to autistic individuals/persons with IDD or their caregivers (n = 35) from the larger sample who attended the clinic; 18 participants also complete a supplemental interview. Scaled survey questions were analyzed to determine the acceptability of the SFVCs. Open-ended survey questions and interview responses were coded thematically to identify barriers, facilitators, and areas of improvement. All individuals who came to a SFVC with intent to be vaccinated were successfully administered a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 90% of participants reported that experiences at the SFVCs were positive, promoted retention, and they would recommend clinics to others. Staff clinical expertise, sensory-friendly elements, and hosting clinics at a neutral location (free from past medical history) served as facilitators to successful vaccine administration, whereas factors such as ill-equipped pharmacy staff, behavioral challenges, and logistical issues may serve as barriers. Incorporating reported barriers, facilitators, and accommodations of SFVC experiences may lead to more successful preventative healthcare processes for neurodivergent individuals.

Moderate burden amongst caregivers posthip arthroscopy linked to younger caregiver age and task load: A cross-sectional survey study.

To evaluate the burden experienced by primary informal caregivers of patients who have undergone hip arthroscopy and to identify factors that predict increased caregiver burden. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a single academic hospital centre, enroling caregivers of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between November 2018 and November 2023. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) survey. Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify predictors of caregiver burden, with the global CBI score serving as the primary outcome measure. Secondarily, open-ended survey questions were analyzed qualitatively to elucidate specific challenges and facilitators of caregiving, as reported by the caregivers themselves. The study involved 99 eligible caregivers (mean [standard deviation] age; 47 [11] years), 58% were female, and 85% were relatives of the patient. The median global CBI score was 13.0 (interquartile range: 8.0-22.4), indicating a moderate burden. Regression analyses demonstrated that younger caregiver age and a higher number of caregiving tasks were significant predictors of increased global burden. Additionally, nonweightbearing status of patients, female gender of caregivers and working full-time statistically significantly increased specific dimensions of caregiver burden. This study highlights the meaningful burden faced by caregivers of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, despite its minimally invasive nature and outpatient setting. Identified risk factors such as younger caregiver age, female gender of the caregiver, nonweight-bearing status and increased caregiving tasks suggest targeted areas for intervention. The qualitative analysis revealed that caregivers struggle with time management and physical and emotional strain, yet better communication and practical support from healthcare teams could help to alleviate these challenges. Level IV, prognostic study.

Multidisciplinary oncology clinicians' experiences delivering spiritual care to patients with cancer and their care partners.

To understand multidisciplinary healthcare clinicians' meaningful and challenging experiences providing spiritual care to patients with cancer and their care partners. Multidisciplinary clinicians who participated in a communication training program supported by the National Cancer Institute or a palliative care training for nurses (N = 257) responded to two, open-ended questions about meaningful and challenging experiences of providing spiritual care. A thematic analysis of responses using an iterative, inductive approach was conducted until saturation was reached. Participants from nursing (68%), social work (22%), and chaplaincy (10%) responded to open-ended survey questions. Three themes related to meaningful experiences of providing spiritual care emerged: building authentic interpersonal connection with patients and care partners; creating intentional space for patients and care partners to inform spiritual care; and actively supporting patients and care partners in their processes with spirituality. Three themes related to challenging experiences of providing spiritual care emerged: contextual factors and clinical circumstances complicate provision of spiritual care; facing barriers to providing high-quality, patient-centered care; and navigating ethical and logistical issues that affect spiritual and other care. Clinicians derive meaning from a range of experiences throughout their provision of spiritual care to patients with cancer. However, they also face many challenges in delivering person-centered spiritual care in cancer settings, with some challenges reflecting significant gaps in spiritual care knowledge and training. Findings can guide future training and educational endeavors for multidisciplinary clinicians in the domain of spiritual care.