Participatory Research Research Articles

Hidden Contexts, Multilevel Comparisons, and the Postcolonial Location: Reconsidering the Documentary Method Vis-à-Vis Decolonization

Postcolonialism and decoloniality, which question the epistemology of Western science as a colonial construct, also challenge qualitative methods. Based on an overview of various attempts to decolonize qualitative methods, this article explores how the Documentary Method, a methodology for reconstructing the modus operandi of social practices, can avoid the pitfalls of colonial epistemology. To achieve this, it is crucial to consider multiple contexts to adequately interpret the utterances and actions of research participants. Comparative and multilevel analyses help not only to uncover hidden contexts but also to give voice to previously unconsidered social groups, such as subaltern and oppressed communities. The concept of “postcolonial location” is newly introduced as a theoretically elaborated search strategy to focus researchers’ attention on the potential coloniality of practices. Rather than relying on self-confession, self-reflexivity is methodically initiated and controlled.

Architecture of the Micro-learning Platform Mixed with Gamification via Metaverse to Promote Creative Problem-solving Skills

The architecture of the micro-learning platform mixed with gamification via metaverse is a research tool that was initiated by the concepts of micro-learning integrated with the gamification mechanism. It is intended to be employed as a guideline for the instruction management that encourages learners to perform self-learning with small or short units of content so that they can understand the contents easily and spend a short time in learning. In addition, it is expected that the use of the gamification mechanism, which is a learning mechanism in the form of a game, in this learning platform can motivate learners to engage more in learning and overcome the challenges therein. This study also relies on the pre-experimental research method with the one-shot case study, in which all the research participants were willing to complete the questionnaire and the evaluation form under the policy of confidentiality and anonymity. The research results show that (1) the overall suitability towards the architecture of the micro-learning platform mixed with gamification via metaverse in terms of overall elements is at the highest level (Mean = 4.91, SD = 0.21), and (2) the overall suitability of the elements of the architecture of the micro-learning platform mixed with gamification via metaverse is at the highest level (Mean = 4.85, SD = 0.30), respectively. According to the research results, it can be concluded that the architecture of the micro-learning platform mixed with gamification via metaverse designed in this study can be applied as a guideline to further design other micro-learning platforms mixed with gamification via metaverse that can be practically used to promote creative problem-solving skills. In the meantime, the learning platform of this kind is believed to enable learners to improve their critical thinking skills with flexible problem-solving processes. All of these skills are considered highly important for the future careers of vocational students.

Camouflaging in neurodivergent and neurotypical girls at the transition to adolescence and its relationship to mental health: A participatory methods research study

AbstractBackgroundAdolescent girls with diagnoses of autism, ADHD and/or developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are at higher risk for mental health problems than boys with the same diagnoses and neurotypical girls. These girls are called neurodivergent here, though neurodivergence includes a broader range of diagnoses. One possible reason for this mental health disparity could be camouflaging, a coping strategy used more by girls. Camouflaging is when the individual pretends to be neurotypical, often involving substantial effort. This study aims to understand: (a) if the use of camouflaging has started by early adolescence, (b) how components of camouflaging (assimilation, masking, and compensation) present at this age, (c) if age predicts camouflaging and (d) what is the relationship with mental health.MethodsParticipatory methods: A co‐production team of 15 adult neurodivergent women co‐produced the project and ranked camouflaging as their most important research theme.Main Study: Participants were 119 girls (70 neurodivergent, 49 neurotypical) aged 11–14 years. A transdiagnostic approach was adopted and the neurodivergent group had a diagnosis of autism, ADHD and/or DCD. Girls completed self‐report measures of camouflaging, anxiety, and depression in an online meeting with a researcher.ResultsNeurodivergent and neurotypical girls presented similarly on two components of camouflaging namely masking and compensation, components related to presenting in a socially acceptable way and mimicry. Groups differed on the assimilation component, which is related to trying to fit in and involves the feelings of pretending/acting. Age had a medium effect on camouflaging with higher levels of camouflaging observed in older girls. Camouflaging scores strongly predicted anxiety and depression scores in both groups.ConclusionsThe use of camouflaging, specifically assimilation, is evident in a transdiagnostic sample of 11–14 year old neurodivergent girls. Importantly, the strong relationship between camouflaging and poor mental health is present at this early age, substantiating the co‐production team's insights.

Trends, gaps, and challenges in doctoral research on community engagement

The field of community engagement in higher education has expanded significantly in the last three decades. Its varied disciplinary perspectives, diverse stakeholders, and wide-ranging cultural contexts have positively contributed to student learning outcomes and community impact. With this expansion comes methodological challenges for doctoral scholars of community engagement, who often lack guidance around conducting community-engaged research that may question traditional epistemologies and ontologies. In this systematic literature review, we analyzed 36 dissertations published between 2018 and 2022 to identify the trends, gaps, and challenges in doctoral research on community engagement. Challenges identified included rethinking research designs, expanding subjects and participants, promoting cross-cultural and global studies, and revisiting epistemological and ontological stances. Recommendations include an open-access dissertation repository, formalized support for graduate students, recognition of “trendbreaking” scholars, and wider embrace of the global network of researchers of community engagement.

Utilization of Participatory Research Theory and a National Framework to Advance a State Food Security Research Agenda: A Mixed-Methods Study

The 2022 White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health outlined goals for ending hunger in the US. Actions fell into five areas, called pillars; the goal of Pillar 5 was to enhance nutrition and food security research. This study leveraged participatory research theory and the National Strategy for developing a statewide, evidence-informed food security research agenda. A mixed-methods study employing the Community Engagement in Research Continuum (CEnR) was implemented. Engagement strategies included collecting baseline data via a statewide survey and encouraging participants of a statewide Summit to participate in a collective prioritization process. Surveys were emailed to a purposive sample of 1575 contacts; 31 registered for the in-person session. A total of 197 records were included in the survey analysis; all 31 registrants attended the in-person session. The research agenda was to include two objectives for implementation over the next two years. Academic and nonacademic stakeholders interacted as peers during the prioritization exercise. The first research objective was to conduct food assistance usage gap analyses; the second was to investigate barriers to collaboration among Idaho’s food security programs. The CEnR proved efficacious for producing a stakeholder-generated research agenda. Leveraging a national framework helped facilitate asset-based, actionable strategies within a proposed timeline.

Voluntary Sector's Roles and Relevance as Alternative Arenas for Promotion of Health and Social Inclusion of Migrant Parents and Families of Children With Special Health and Welfare Needs in Norway

ABSTRACTMigrant families of children with special health and welfare needs such as mental, developmental, and physical disabilities face significant barriers to health and welfare services. This could result in social inequalities and exclusion. The aim of this article was to explore the role and relevance of voluntary sector in promoting health and social inclusion of migrant families of children with special health and welfare needs in Norway. The study is based on a qualitative participatory research design using co‐production and interdisciplinary research methodologies. A total of 15 voluntary sector employees participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews. We found three major themes to summarise the role of voluntary sector: 1) Providing arenas for social inclusion and belonging; 2) Facilitating access to public health and welfare services; and 3) Provision of complementary health and welfare services. Results indicate that voluntary services use more informal community centered caring approaches and are supplementary to public health and welfare services. An exploration of more opportunities for participation of migrant families of children with special health and welfare needs in the development of services and collaboration between voluntary services and public welfare providers may foster inclusion and could be of relevance to future welfare research and practice. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's .

Navigating the consent river: questions to consider before waiving consent requirements in pragmatic cluster randomised trials

The robust design and conduct of pragmatic cluster randomised trials may be in tension with the ethical requirement to obtain written informed consent from prospective research participants. In our experience,...

ANALISIS KETERAMPILAN SERVIS ATAS BOLA VOLI PADA SISWA KELAS XI AGRIBISNIS TERNAK UNGGAS SMK NEGERI 1 BAWEN

This research aims to understand the potential of students of class XI Agribisnis Ternak Unggas SMK Negeri 1 Bawen in performing volleyball overhead serves because many students still have difficulties, such as shots that often fail to pass the net. This research applies a survey method with a quantitative method, and the assessment is carried out using an overhead serve skills rubric. All 64 students of class XI were made research participants. Information was reviewed explicitly and then presented in the form of a percentage. The results showed that most students were in the Good category (65.6%) with a score of 12–14, and the rest were in the Moderate category (34.4%) with a score of 9–11. No students achieved the Very Good, Less, or Very Less classification. The average student score was 11.97, included in the Moderate category. This finding indicates the need for learning improvements to help students improve their overhead service skills.

Developing a toolkit for building a community hospital clinical research program.

Although health research in Canada is primarily conducted in academic hospitals, most patients receive their care in community hospitals. The benefits of increasing research capacity in community hospitals include improved study recruitment, increased generalizability of results, broader patient access to novel therapies, better patient outcomes, enhanced staff satisfaction, and improved organizational efficiency. Nevertheless, building research programs in community hospitals remains challenging because of a lack of support and expertise. To address this gap, we developed a toolkit to help community hospital professionals build and sustain their community hospital research programs. The toolkit was developed by the Canadian Community Intensive Care Unit Research Network (CCIRNet), a group of clinician-researchers and research staff from community hospitals across Canada who have experience building community hospital research programs. Feedback from a concurrent qualitative study of Canadian community critical care professionals informed the toolkit's design. The CCIRNet toolkit outlines five stages of community hospital clinical research program development: 1) building a research team and gaining support, 2) developing a new research program, 3) choosing a first research study, 4) getting the study up and running, and 5) sustaining a research program. Feedback from qualitative interviews emphasized the need for a step-by-step approach, frequently asked questions, and essential resources. Accordingly, each stage is structured in a question-and-answer format and includes relevant resources for each section. The CCIRNet toolkit is a practical resource for establishing research programs in community hospitals. The toolkit may increase research participation and support clinical research capacity building in community hospitals.

Age-related characteristics of sedation in pediatric patients and their correlated adverse events: a cohort study

ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to examine the features and potential hazards of sedation in children of varying ages. Additionally, the study aimed to comprehend these variations to enhance the safety and efficacy of clinical applications.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on case data involving pediatric patients who underwent imaging procedures in outpatient settings and necessitated procedural sedation from 2022 to 2024. The research participants were categorized into three age groups: ≤1 year, 1–3 years, and 3–12 years. The primary sedative agents administered were oral midazolam in conjunction with intranasal dexmedetomidine. We examined the effects of sedation and the occurrence of adverse events across various age groups. Additionally, we applied multivariate logistic regression to identify factors linked to these adverse events.ResultsThe study observed 2,194 children, with 879 (40.1%) being ≤1-year-old. The ≤1-year-old group achieved faster sleep onset at 18.7 ± 0.3 min, with no significant variance in awakening time and length of stay among the groups. The incidence of adverse events varied significantly by age, with the highest rate of 12.2% in the ≤1-year-old group and the lowest rate of 9.7% in the 3–12-year-old group. Multivariate analysis revealed age as an independent factor affecting adverse event occurrence, with a relative risk ratio (AOR) of 2.21 (95% CI: 1.31–3.75) for delayed awakening in children ≤1-year-old, 15.03 (95% CI: 1.92–117.61) for hypoglycemia, and a relative risk ratio (AOR) of 4.58 (95% CI: 2.22–9.42) for receiving a significant intervention.ConclusionsSignificant variations in sedation reactions and adverse events were observed across the different age groups. Specifically, children aged ≤1 year exhibited a higher susceptibility to adverse events such as delayed awakening and hypoglycemia. Clinical Trial Registrationchictr.org.cn identifier (ChiCTR2400082774).

Industry professionals speak: It's all about messages – Except when it isn’t

Engaging and guiding the public to accept new, green fuels carries manifold challenges for communication. This article employs interview data to explore how communications professionals in the Australian energy sector speak about communicative aspects of their jobs. One key finding is that research participants initially describe work to be about making and sending telemediated messages. When prompted for further detail, however, professionals acknowledge the weakness of this approach and stress the need – and incommensurable value of – direct person-to-person engagement. Implications for both communication practice and communication theory are connected to this finding and are discussed via a reformed process model of communication. In so doing, potential opportunities for closing the gap between what communications professionals do and what they would prefer to do in the future are illuminated.

CareACT in communities. Theatre interventions for justice-oriented and participatory learning processes in Caring Communities

ABSTRACT This article addresses the question of how theatre interventions as elements of a participatory and action-oriented research design can contribute to justice-oriented Caring Community processes. Caring Communities are local initiatives that strengthen everyday solidarity through civic engagement and neighbourhood support, link informal and formal care and contribute to raising public awareness and alternative ways of dealing with social exclusion, age(ing), vulnerability, loneliness, care, illness, dying, death and mourning. Caring Communities can also be seen as a response to the fragility of current care systems and to the ‘care crisis’ in late-modern societies of the global North. Based on empirical data, the article describes the ongoing project ‘CareACT’ in Austria and focuses on the impact of theatre interventions in the context of the Caring Community process in the Vienna district of Josefstadt as elements of participatory and action-oriented research. We combined participatory theatre interventions and formats with elements of a responsive evaluation approach that is particularly suited to care contexts. This participatory approach intertwines the objectives of knowledge generation, individual and collective empowerment, (self-)development, and system change, as well as evaluation of the process. On a conceptual level, our findings enrich the discourse on the equality-oriented promotion of Caring Communities and a better understanding of their essential characteristics. We also gain new experiences and insights into the methodological potentials and obstacles of theatre interventions in participatory action research processes. On a concrete local level, we show that participatory theatre formats contribute to the further development of the Caring Community in Vienna.

Using concept mapping methods to evaluate overdose data to action program efforts in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

The Pitt Public Health evaluation team used a mixed-methods, community-based participatory research method of concept mapping to evaluate factors affecting the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) opioid overdose surveillance and prevention project outcomes for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. In June 2021 we developed the focal prompt: "What factors work to help or limit OD2A program outcomes at the individual, community, and or/system level?"Community partners participated in three phases: Brainstorming, Sorting and Rating, and Interpretation. Using concept mapping software, we applied multidimensional scaling to visualize a point map displaying factors and their relative relationships, and hierarchical cluster analysis to generate concept maps displaying clusters of factors. During the brainstorming phase community partners (N = 18) generated 69 unique statements describing factors impacting OD2A work and community partners (N = 16) sorted and rated statements using concept mapping software. In the interpretation community partners (N = 26) selected the 10-cluster map as the most salient cluster solution. Using this cluster map and cluster ratings, we identified Stigma, Criminalization and Marginalization, and Racial Equity as factors of highest importance to overdose prevention success but lowest in success thus far. Using concept mapping to evaluate factors affecting OD2A outcomes was a successful method of engaging community partners in considering opportunities to strengthen OD2A and future overdose prevention efforts.

Normative Ranges for Oculomotor and Reaction Time Tests in U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans.

Oculomotor and reaction time tests are frequently used assessments of vestibular symptoms, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other neurological disorders in both clinical and research contexts. When interpreting these tests it is important to have a reference interval (RI) as a comparison for what constitutes a typical/expected response; however, the current body of research has only limited information regarding normative ranges calculated according to established standards or for a military-specific sample. The purpose of the present study was to describe RIs for oculomotor and reaction time tests in a cohort of service members and veterans (SMVs) for use as comparators by clinicians and scientists. Descriptive. Participants were prospectively enrolled in the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center-Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence 15-year Longitudinal Traumatic Brain Injury Study. Only SMVs without a history of TBI or blast exposure were included in the RI calculations. The test paradigms included in this analysis were: smooth pursuit, prosaccades, antisaccades, saccades and reaction time, predictive saccades, optokinetic nystagmus, auditory reaction time, and visual reaction time. Nonparametric methods, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recognized consensus standards, were used to calculate 95% RIs. A comparison between the calculated RIs and those available from previously published research is provided. Summary statistics and RIs were calculated for 47 outcome parameters from 13 oculomotor and reaction time tests. Sample sizes and age ranges varied across outcome parameters depending on the availability of reference values for RI calculations. The sample sizes used to calculate RIs ranged from 51 to 69. The age of SMVs included in each RI ranged from 19 to 61 years with mean ages ranging from 37 to 39 years. Similarities/differences between the RIs in the present study and those in previously published research are highly dependent on the outcome parameter; however, in general, the RIs in the present study tended to be somewhat wider. The RIs provided in this paper can serve as comparisons for clinicians and scientists who are utilizing these oculomotor and reaction time testing paradigms in similar cohorts of patients or research participants.

Enhancing Rigor, Quality, and Patient Engagement in Qualitative Research: A Step-By-Step Guide to Applying Reflexive Thematic Analysis to the Experience-Based Co-Design Methodology.

Experience-based co-design (EBCD) is a qualitative form of participatory action research supported by a toolkit providing guidance and recommendations. The toolkit is intentionally non-prescriptive, allowing EBCD practitioners the freedom to flex the approach to cater to the needs of their specific populations and contexts. For less experienced researchers, the lack of specificity can be a challenge when navigating activities such as data analysis, particularly as wider literature provides limited insights to methods, processes, methodological critique, and lessons learned. Despite increasing use of EBCD, few practitioners publish details of their methods, processes, or decision-making for how they adapt EBCD for their studies, focusing more often on findings and outcomes. This can impact understanding and development of rigor in EBCD literature. In this methodology paper, we respond to this gap by providing a case example and step-by-step guide for application of reflexive thematic analysis to EBCD, with consideration of reflexivity, a conceptual framing for interpreting experiences, opportunities for greater participant involvement, and strengths and challenges of using reflexive thematic analysis within EBCD.

Behavioral interventions for Black male students: A systematic review.

Educators use behavioral interventions to help children with behavioral concerns in school settings. Research on these interventions has shown that they can be effective in reducing concerning behaviors in students of different ages, educational settings, and behavioral topographies. However, Black male students continue to be disproportionately punished in schools. Although various factors (e.g., systemic racism) likely contributed to this issue, a review of the research participants of evidence-based interventions reported by the What Works Clearinghouse found a lack of representation of Black children in the studies. Without research on the effectiveness of interventions for Black male students, educators and researchers may perpetuate the current problem. This necessitates examining their representation in such research to inform effective behavioral interventions at schools. The criteria for inclusion were as follows: (a) journal articles and unpublished dissertations or theses, (b) participants who were children aged 3-18 years, (c) interventions targeting behavioral modification to reduce problem behaviors, (d) studies conducted in school settings, and (e) research utilizing single-subject designs. The results of the review included 15 studies with a total of 34 Black male participants. Of the studies reviewed, the majority were not function-based and did not meet the What Works Clearinghouse's design standards without reservations. Limitations and practical implications within a cultural context are also discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Parental Divorce: Challenges and Opportunities for Adolescent

Divorce can have a significant impact on family dynamics. Adolescents with divorced parents show unique characteristics as they navigate the transition to adulthood and adjust to altered family dynamics. This study aims to see how the post-divorce parenting impacts on adolescents. The research used convenience sampling to select four adolescents with divorced parents as participants. Parenting is viewed based on the pattern of parental responsiveness and demandingness in adolescents. The data collection process was done using a qualitative approach, which involved interviews with four research participants. The interview data were then processed using thematic analysis, yielding several themes presented descriptively to answer the research questions. The results of this study found that adolescents with divorced parents have positive and negative experiences, meanings, and impacts from their parents' divorce. This is significantly influenced by the role of parents in parenting their teenagers after divorce. Parents can be risk factors and protective factors for adolescents whose parents are divorced. This study's data is crucial for divorced or divorcing parents and the Indonesian government, especially religious courts, as it provides psychoeducation on the impact of parental divorce on adolescents and the importance of appropriate post-divorce parenting.

Exploring epistemological prospect of proximity tourism in refugeedom through the creative lens of poetic inquiry

ABSTRACT In this article, the author explores the epistemological prospect of proximity tourism in refugeedom through the creative lens of poetic inquiry (PI). With spoken word poetry at its core, the author portrays an unsung refugee’s journey during resettlement and articulates the importance of PI and creative analytic practice in doing so. Given that ‘creativity’ can lead to concerns about research reliability and antipathy toward research participants, the author emphasizes the importance of academically informed approaches in mitigating such risks in this article. This exploratory article illustrates the author’s evolution as a researcher actively involved in refugeedom and tourism, underscoring the relevance of PI as a creative, analytical conduit. He emphasizes incorporating PI into research while carefully balancing creative sensibilities and academic rigour.

Factors influencing community intensive care unit research participation: a qualitative descriptive study.

Community hospitals account for 90% of hospitals in Canada, but clinical research is mainly conducted in academic hospitals. Increasing community hospital research participation can improve generalizability of study results, while alsoaccelerating study recruitment and increasing staff engagement. We aimed to identify and describe the factors that influence community intensive care unit (ICU) research participation and the development, implementation, and sustainability of a community ICU research program. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews. Between April 2022 and May 2023, we interviewed a purposeful sample of individuals interested or involved in community hospital research in Canadian community ICUs. We analyzed qualitative data using both conventional content analysis and rapid qualitative analysis. Findings were deductively mapped out using the Ecological Model of Health Behavior. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants included 23 health care workers, ten research staff, and five hospital administrators (n = 38) from 20 community hospitals across six provinces in Canada. The main factors associated with community ICU research participation were 1) infrastructure, 2) personnel characteristics, 3) key relationships and connections, and 4) the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative descriptive study, participants identified the physical resources, skills, and relationships required to start and sustain a clinical research program in a Canadian community ICU. Our findings suggest that all levels of the Canadian health care system need to invest in strengthening community hospital research capacity to increase research participation.

Decreased urinary excretion of norepinephrine and dopamine in autonomic synucleinopathies.

Autonomic synucleinopathies feature autonomic failure and intracellular deposition of the protein alpha-synuclein. Three such conditions are the Lewy body diseases (LBDs) Parkinson's disease (PD) and pure autonomic failure (PAF) and the non-LBD synucleinopathy multiple system atrophy (MSA). These diseases all entail catecholaminergic abnormalities in the brain, sympathetically innervated organs, or both; however, little is known about renal catecholaminergic functions in autonomic synucleinopathies. We measured urinary excretion rates of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine, the hormone epinephrine, the autocrine-paracrine substance dopamine, the catecholamine precursor 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG, the main neuronal metabolite of norepinephrine), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC, a major dopamine metabolite), in PD, PAF, and MSA groups and controls. Data were reviewed from all research participants who had urine collections (usually 3.5 h) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center from 1995 to 2024. The control cohort had neither autonomic failure nor a movement disorder. Norepinephrine excretion rates were decreased compared with controls in PD (p = 0.0001), PAF (p < 0.0001), and MSA (p < 0.0001). Dopamine excretion was also decreased in the three groups (PD: p = 0.0136, PAF: p = 0.0027, MSA: p = 0.0344). DHPG excretion was decreased in PD (p = 0.0004) and PAF (p = 0.0004) but not in MSA. DOPA and epinephrine excretion did not differ among the study groups. Autonomic synucleinopathies involve decreased urinary excretion rates of norepinephrine and dopamine. Since virtually all ofurinary dopamine in humans is derived from circulating DOPA, the low rates of urinary norepinephrine and dopamine excretion may reflect dysfunctions in the renal sympathetic noradrenergic system, the DOPA-dopamine autocrine-paracrine system, or both systems.