Phenomenological Survey Research Articles

Froggatt-Nielsen meets Mordell-Weil: a phenomenological survey of global F-theory GUTs with U(1)s

In F-theory, U(1) gauge symmetries are encoded in rational sections, which generate the Mordell-Weil group of the elliptic fibration of the compactification space. Recently the possible U(1) charges for global SU(5) F-theory GUTs with smooth rational sections were classified [1]. In this paper we utilize this classification to probe global F-theory models for their phenomenological viability. After imposing an exotic-free MSSM spectrum, anomaly cancellation (related to hypercharge flux GUT breaking in the presence of U(1) gauge symmetries), absence of dimension four and five proton decay operators and other R-parity violating couplings, and the presence of at least the third generation top Yukawa coupling, we generate the remaining quark and lepton Yukawa textures by a Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism. In this process we require that the dangerous couplings are forbidden at leading order, and when re-generated by singlet vevs, lie within the experimental bounds. We scan over all possible configurations, and show that only a small class of U(1) charge assignments and matter distributions satisfy all the requirements. The solutions give rise to the exact MSSM spectrum with realistic quark and lepton Yukawa textures, which are consistent with the CKM and PMNS mixing matrices. We also discuss the geometric realization of these models, and provide pointers to the class of elliptic fibrations with good phenomenological properties.

Experiences of hearing voices: analysis of a novel phenomenological survey

SummaryBackgroundAuditory hallucinations—or voices—are a common feature of many psychiatric disorders and are also experienced by individuals with no psychiatric history. Understanding of the variation in subjective experiences of hallucination is central to psychiatry, yet systematic empirical research on the phenomenology of auditory hallucinations remains scarce. We aimed to record a detailed and diverse collection of experiences, in the words of the people who hear voices themselves.MethodsWe made a 13 item questionnaire available online for 3 months. To elicit phenomenologically rich data, we designed a combination of open-ended and closed-ended questions, which drew on service-user perspectives and approaches from phenomenological psychiatry, psychology, and medical humanities. We invited people aged 16–84 years with experience of voice-hearing to take part via an advertisement circulated through clinical networks, hearing voices groups, and other mental health forums. We combined qualitative and quantitative methods, and used inductive thematic analysis to code the data and χ2 tests to test additional associations of selected codes.FindingsBetween Sept 9 and Nov 29, 2013, 153 participants completed the study. Most participants described hearing multiple voices (124 [81%] of 153 individuals) with characterful qualities (106 [69%] individuals). Less than half of the participants reported hearing literally auditory voices—70 (46%) individuals reported either thought-like or mixed experiences. 101 (66%) participants reported bodily sensations while they heard voices, and these sensations were significantly associated with experiences of abusive or violent voices (p=0·024). Although fear, anxiety, depression, and stress were often associated with voices, 48 (31%) participants reported positive emotions and 49 (32%) reported neutral emotions. Our statistical analysis showed that mixed voices were more likely to have changed over time (p=0·030), be internally located (p=0·010), and be conversational in nature (p=0·010).InterpretationThis study is, to our knowledge, the largest mixed-methods investigation of auditory hallucination phenomenology so far. Our survey was completed by a diverse sample of people who hear voices with various diagnoses and clinical histories. Our findings both overlap with past large-sample investigations of auditory hallucination and suggest potentially important new findings about the association between acoustic perception and thought, somatic and multisensorial features of auditory hallucinations, and the link between auditory hallucinations and characterological entities.FundingWellcome Trust.

Gender Dysphoric Disorder (GDD) in Adolescence: A Psycho-Social Issue forFaithbased Groups and Cultural Societies in Nigeria

Gender Dysphoric Disorder (GDD) in Adolescence: A Psycho-Social Issue for Faithbased Groups and Cultural Societies in Nigeria Oluwatoyin Olatundun Ilesanmi (PhD) Abstract There exists a dearth of literature on the psychosocial consequences of the “unusual” or atypical sexual practices and gender identity disorders on affected persons and there family members as many cases are either not documented or reported in clinical settings or treated on cultural and or religious grounds. There is also a general lack of professional and research attention drawn to the nature, prevalence and management of these disorders among mental health practitioners and scholars working in faith-based and cultural societies like Nigeria. Therefore, the true incidence of these disorders in Nigeria is at present undetermined. Thus, little is known about what may be done to help people with these disorders in culture bound societies like Nigeria. Hence, the need for this paper which adopted a descriptive and interpretive double hermeneutic phenomenological survey research design to examine the faith-based and cultural definitions and responses to gender dysphoria in Nigeria. A total of 200 subjects participated in the study, one hundred from the faithbased organizations and another one hundred from different cultural groups in Nigeria. The pre-tested Faith-Based/ Cultural Definitions of Gender Dysphoric and Response Instrumentwas administered to them in their natural setting.Five (5)research questions and three (3) hypotheses were raised and tested at 0.05 level of significance using both simple descriptive statistics and Kruskal Wallis test. The results which have implications for mental health practitioners, faith-based organizations and cultural societies indicated that sexual orientation played significant role in adolescents’ religious beliefs and socio-cultural definitions and attitudes towards sexual deviations and gender dysphoria among adolescent boys and girls in Nigeria. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v3n2a17

L’implication des missionnaires pentecôtistes dans l’aide au développement en Asie du Sud-Est

A noticeable shift has been recently observed in Western-based Pentecostal mission agencies’ activities in mainland Southeast Asia. Where once these organizations avoided a visible priority on social justice as being at odds with their understanding of mission, the funding for and implementation of such programs has increased dramatically for the last two decades. This shift in focus is best understood by considering the motivations for this work and the perceived differences between evangelism and development work. This paper explores the motivations of these agencies for engaging in international development, and in particular the extent to which development programs are seen by these agencies as a strategy for proselytization and the extent to which they are conducted out of other humanitarian motivations. The research is based on a phenomenological literature survey and new interview data exploring development operations of western-based Pentecostal mission organizations in mainland Southeast Asia. Analysis of these data challenges preconceived notions of a distinction between motives of evangelism and humanitarian concern.

A New Phenomenological Survey of Auditory Hallucinations: Evidence for Subtypes and Implications for Theory and Practice

A comprehensive understanding of the phenomenology of auditory hallucinations (AHs) is essential for developing accurate models of their causes. Yet, only 1 detailed study of the phenomenology of AHs with a sample size of N ≥ 100 has been published. The potential for overreliance on these findings, coupled with a lack of phenomenological research into many aspects of AHs relevant to contemporary neurocognitive models and the proposed (but largely untested) existence of AH subtypes, necessitates further research in this area. We undertook the most comprehensive phenomenological study of AHs to date in a psychiatric population (N = 199; 81% people diagnosed with schizophrenia), using a structured interview schedule. Previous phenomenological findings were only partially replicated. New findings included that 39% of participants reported that their voices seemed in some way to be replays of memories of previous conversations they had experienced; 45% reported that the general theme or content of what the voices said was always the same; and 55% said new voices had the same content/theme as previous voices. Cluster analysis, by variable, suggested the existence of 4 AH subtypes. We propose that there are likely to be different neurocognitive processes underpinning these experiences, necessitating revised AH models.

Olfactory hallucinations in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: A phenomenological survey

Olfactory hallucinations (OHs), so it has been argued, are prognostic of a poorer outcome, are unpleasant, and cannot be well explained within current theoretical accounts of hallucinations. We examined these and related issues by conducting structured interviews with 51 participants who experienced OHs and who were previously diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We found no relationship between disease severity measures and type or frequency of OHs. As with prior research, we too noted the predominance of negative OHs, but with many reports of positive OHs, and also found significant relationships between frequency of OHs and severity of tactile hallucinations. We then examined whether odor imagery or involuntary memory might account for the presence of OHs, but these possibilities were not well supported. We then explored, using cluster analysis, whether or not our sample was homogenous. Two clusters were of especial interest; one which may reflect a ‘sensory dysfunction group’ and one characterized by more severe tactile hallucinations. The presence of tactile hallucinations may suggest a further novel cause of OHs, which we discuss. Our data suggest diverse causes for OHs in schizophrenia, none of which are consistent with current models of hallucinations in other modalities.

Hypertension-related knowledge, attitudes and life-style practices among hypertensive patients in a sub-urban Nigerian community

Hypertension (htn) is an important public health challenge at Auchi, Nigeria. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological survey was to determine hypertensive patients’ knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and life-style practices so as to optimize their health and treatment needs. We examined a cohort of 108 randomly selected hypertensive by means of a self-structured questionnaire and a detailed interview. Analysis was by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and chi-square of the GraphPad Prism software was used for significance tests at 0.05 level. More males 60 (55.6%) than females 48 (44.4%) were assessed. Their age range was 35 – 80 years (mean = 59.05 ± 9.06 years), the modal age group was 56 – 60 years (24.1%). Sixty-six respondents (61%) knew htn to be high blood pressure (BP), 22 (20%) thought it meant excessive thinking and worrying while 57 (53%) claimed it was hereditary. Forty-three (40%) felt it was caused by malevolent spirits, 32 (30%) believed it was caused by bad food or poisoning. A few (18%) knew some risk factors. Symptoms attributed to htn were headache, restlessness, palpitation, excessive pulsation of the superficial temporal artery and “internal heat”, but 80 (74%) attested to its correct diagnosis by BP measurement. Although 98 (90.7%) felt the disease indicated serious morbidity, only 36 (33.3%) were adherent with treatment and fewer practiced life-style modification. Thirty-two (30%) knew at least one antihypertensive drug they use. Psychosocial factors like depression and anxiety, fear of addiction and intolerable drug adverse effects impacted negatively on patients’ attitude to treatment. We conclude that patients’ knowledge of htn in Auchi is low and their attitudes to treatment negative. Patient education, motivation and public enlightenment are imperative. Key words: Hypertension-related knowledge, perception, attitudes, life-style practices, hypertensive Nigerian patients.

A phenomenological survey of auditory verbal hallucinations in the hypnagogic and hypnopompic states

The phenomenology of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) occurring in hypnagogic and hypnopompic (H&H) states has received little attention. In a sample of healthy participants (N = 325), 108 participants reported H&H AVHs and answered subsequent questions on their phenomenology. AVHs in the H&H state were found (1) to be more likely to only feature the occasional clear word than to be clear, (2) to be more likely to be one-off voices than to be recurrent voices, (3) to be more likely to be voices of people known to the individual than unknown persons, (4) to be more likely to talk directly to the person rather than not, and (5) to only rarely give commands, ask questions, or to result in an interactive conversation. Their phenomenology was similar to normative AVHs in wakefulness (as established by previous research) in that the voice-hearer was usually the target of the voice, and the voice was more likely to be of a recognized person. However, H&H AVHs differed from AVHs in wakefulness in that commands and questions were rare, and there was typically no dialogical engagement with the voice. We conclude by proposing that two distinct types of H&H AVHs may exist (which we term “dialogic” and “monologic”), based on an analysis of the phenomenology of the experience, and suggest avenues for future research.

Exploring the Role of Distance Education in Fostering Equitable University Access for First Generation Students: A phenomenological survey

Using a qualitative study of distance education (DE) learners whose parents have not accessed post-secondary education (PSE), this paper proposes themes for further research in the study of first-generation students (FGS). This survey asked a number of open-ended questions about parental influences on university enrollment, and respondents’ reasons for choosing university in general and DE in particular. Findings were consistent with current research in many areas focusing on debt aversion, lower parental guidance, older starting age, and difficulty separating from familial roles. Differences were noted, including lower parental valuation of PSE and an increased emphasis on non-educational priorities, such as family and work. The limitations of the current study are discussed, as well as suggestions for future FGS research in DE.

Visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease: a review and phenomenological survey: prospective study of hallucinations and delusions in Parkinson’s disease

Visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease: a review and phenomenological survey: prospective study of hallucinations and delusions in Parkinson’s disease

Visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: a review and phenomenological survey

OBJECTIVESBetween 8% and 40% of patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing long term treatment will have visual hallucinations during the course of their illness. There were two main objectives: firstly, to...

The auditory hallucination: a phenomenological survey

A comprehensive semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 100 psychotic patients who had experienced auditory hallucinations. The aim was to extend the phenomenology of the hallucination into areas of both form and content and also to guide future theoretical development. All subjects heard 'voices' talking to or about them. The location of the voice, its characteristics and the nature of address were described. Precipitants and alleviating factors plus the effect of the hallucinations on the sufferer were identified. Other hallucinatory experiences, thought insertion and insight were examined for their inter-relationships. A pattern emerged of increasing complexity of the auditory-verbal hallucination over time by a process of accretion, with the addition of more voices and extended dialogues, and more intimacy between subject and voice. Such evolution seemed to relate to the lessening of distress and improved coping. These findings should inform both neurological and cognitive accounts of the pathogenesis of auditory hallucinations in psychotic disorders.

Gender differences in the semantics of ownership: A quantitative phenomenological survey study

Gender differences in the meaning of ownership were sought in phenomenological data from 320 respondents from three Eastern Ontario samples (ferry queue, adult undergraduates, law students). Inspired by Husserl's psychology and Frege's semiotics, the study asked respondents to list examples of things they own but for which they have little sense of ownership and examples of things they do not own but for which they have some sense of ownership, and then to describe their sense of ownership. Responses were categorized by literal content analysis, and gender differences were determined by phi coefficient tests. Results showed men to be more focused on property as rights, with emphasis on absolute autonomy and exclusivity. Women more frequently reported ownership to entail responsibility, self-connection, and pride, and accordingly reported feeling ownership of familiar people and their possessions. Following Gilligan (1982), the argument is made that women's appreciation and understanding of ownership has not been well represented in traditional property discourse.

Dreams, nightmares and reality

This is a phenomenological survey of the history of computer-controlled manufacturing systems over the last thirty years. First, came the dreams of the imminent push-button factory, controlled by a central computer. Then, the nightmare experiences of the first pioneers, contending simultaneously with inadequate hardware, software, skill, funding, receptivity and their own underestimation of the extra dimension of unprecedented interdisciplinary complexity. Finally today's realities: the possibilities opened up by distributed multiprocessor systems, by local area networks and by advanced systems synthesis techniques, the limitations imposed by investment, education, employment and environmental considerations.

Dreams, nightmares and reality

This is a phenomenological survey of the history of computer-controlled manufacturing systems over the last thirty years. First, came the dreams of the imminent push-botton factory, controlled by a central computer. Then, the nightmare experiences of the first pioneers, contending simultaneously with inadequate hardware, software, skill, funding, receptivity and their own underestimation of the extra dimension of unprecedented interdisciplinary complexity. Finally today's realities: the possibilities opened up by distributed multi-processor systems, by local area networks and by advanced systems synthesis techniques, the limitations imposed by investment, education, employment and environmental considerations.

Clinical Consequences of Chronic Primal Scene Exposure

The author presents a phenomenological survey of the symptomatic, characterological, and transference manifestations observed in five male and five female patients who had spent the first three to twelve years of their lives in the parental bedroom. While chronic primal scene exposure is seen in these cases as not having produced any single specific psychopathological sequelae, certain sexual disturbances, split self-representation phenomena, etc., seem to have been primarily (though not solely) determined by these early exposures.