Short Interview Research Articles

Complex Issues in the Management of Pericarditis. In Anticipation of the Release of Updated Recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology

With the advent of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the management of pericarditis has not become an easier task. The well-studied, but currently rare tuberculosis, bacterial and malignant forms have been joined by pericarditis associated with infection or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. While 2-3 years ago, cardiologists had to recall the schedule of managing acute viral pericarditis, today its complications are often encountered, including chronic, recurrent, effusive or constrictive pericarditis. The European guidelines were updated 10 years ago and are expected to be issued within the next year. We posed the most pressing questions on the management of pericarditis to the coordinator of the 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines [1], who will also chair the 2025 ESC guidelines on myocarditis and pericarditis, one of the most cited scientists in the field of inflammatory diseases of the pericardium, Massimo Imazio. He is a Professor in the Department of Cardiology and Anatomy at the University of Turin, runs a school on pericarditis, and has initiated fundamental research of this pathology. We presented his answers with comments of the co-author in the form of a short interview.

Unplanned managerial work: crucial support for knowledge creation in manufacturing SMEs

Knowledge capability and innovation performance are essential drivers of organizational success, with managerial work playing a crucial role in fostering these factors. This paper examines planned and unplanned managerial work from a knowledge creation perspective, analyzing 21 short interviews and 21 days of shadowing seven leaders, alongside interactive analyses with management teams in four manufacturing SMEs. A four-step analysis of 2125 activities revealed four categories of managerial work, with unplanned activities accounting for 52% of work time, highlighting the complexity and ad-hoc nature of managerial work. Internally initiated unplanned managerial work was crucial for tacit knowledge conversion. If policymakers want to support lifelong learning initiatives and strengthen innovation capabilities in manufacturing SMEs, they need to encourage the unplanned aspect of managerial work, as it is crucial for knowledge creation, fostering the evolutionary aspect of organizational learning and enhancing innovation capabilities.

Digital CRM in Nagpur's Primary and Secondary Schools: A Health Systems Approach to Enhancing Student Wellbeing in the Digital Transformation Era

Over the last couple of years, a significant increase in the use of educational technologies has changed the ways of student relationships and students’ well-being management. This study aims at establishing the extent and nature of utilization of Digital CRM system in primary and secondary schools in Nagpur from a health systems perspective, and the effects on students health. The research explores the effectiveness of the adopted digital CRM platforms to enhance more friendly, effective communication, and to create supportive mental and physical health student centred programs. The study utilizes survey questionnaires and short interviews with school administrators, teachers and students to determine the extent in which the digital CRM systems are effective and the difficulties encountered in the learning environment. Other relevant areas of interest include improvement in the services available to students, parents and strengthening of efficient mechanisms of collecting student health data for policy formulation. The details will describe the implication of the future digital CRM tools on the present issues related to the Nagpur students’ needs and the implications of health systems integration among schools. Based on this study it is suggested that digital CRM can greatly enhance the capacity of the school to support and respond to students’ needs through timely interventions, accessible collaboration communication, and a positive school climate. However, the program maintains several difficulties which have the potential to hinder valuable implementation: Data protection issue; Training of the system for the stakeholders; and Resource issues. Based on integrating the concepts of digital CRM with health systems the following recommendations for development of student’s wellbeing in the conceptual normal of digital transformation have been formulated by this research for the policymakers, educators, and technology suppliers.

Development of the Compassionate Technology Scale for Professionals (CTS-P): value driven evaluation of digital mental health interventions

BackgroundCompassion is an essential and beneficial value in mental healthcare. However, how digital mental health interventions influence compassion in treatment has not been systematically investigated, due to the lack of appropriate measurement instruments. To address this gap, we developed the Compassionate Technology Scale for Professionals (CTS-P), aimed at mental health professionals.MethodsWe used Q-methodology, a method that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis to explore shared viewpoints on a particular topic, to select and refine items. Participants were 15 professionals from different areas of mental healthcare. In individual sessions, while thinking aloud, they sorted 35 statements on relevance for evaluating technology use on compassion. The statements were based on a scientific conceptualization of compassion with five elements. The sorting task was followed by a short interview to explore participants’ associations with compassion and technology.ResultsWith by-person factor analysis, we found three different viewpoints among participants, all with eigenvalues > 1 and with a total explained variance of 63.02%. We selected prioritized items of each viewpoint and for each theoretical element of compassion, resulting in a full scale (15 items) and a short scale (3 items). Based on qualitative input from participants, the scale was adapted to clarify its focus and the wording of items. While thinking aloud, participants shared benefits and critical notes regarding technology and compassion.DiscussionTogether with key stakeholders, we developed the CTS-P. Most participants prioritized the potential of technology to obtain more information and be closer to their client in facilitating compassion. The main critical note participants had was that technology is not necessary to support compassion at the therapist’s experiential level. This emphasizes the need to further explore how mental health professionals and technology can complement each other in a system of compassionate care. Future research should explore the factor structure, validity, and reliability of the scale through psychometric validation.ConclusionsThe CTS-P can make the extent to which technology for mental healthcare influences elements of compassion measurable and comparable. The scale can prove useful for prioritizing the value of compassion in both the development and use of digital mental health interventions.

Design and rationale for an empirical investigation of the resource use and costs of investigator-initiated randomized trials in Switzerland, the UK, and Germany

BackgroundConducting high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is challenging, time consuming, and resource intense. Academic investigators usually depend on scarce financial resources; however, current literature lacks systematically collected empirical data on the detailed resource use and costs of investigator-initiated RCTs.MethodsThe aim of this study is to generate a database of detailed empirical resource use and cost data from 100 investigator-initiated RCTs in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. Investigators enter their empirical costs data into an online data collection form, which is followed by a short interview and a detailed cost report. We plan to investigate cost patterns and cost drivers and examine planned versus actual RCT costs as well as explore different strata of costs across the planning, conduct, and finalization phases, in drug and non-drug trials, and across medical fields and countries.DiscussionThis study will add detailed empirical data to the limited research on investigator-initiated RCT costs currently available. A study limitation will be that cost data will be retrospective and self-reported, which might be inaccurate depending on how costs were recorded.Trial registrationOpen Science Framework (OSF) https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QY2GU. Registered on June 4, 2021.

Towards validating invalidated knowledge: a discourse analysis of firsthand accounts of hearing voices

BackgroundAs Foucault historically traced, dialogs about madness were silenced with the emergence of biomedical psychiatry. The silence entailed the epistemic violence of invalidating persons who hear voices as knowers, arguably leaving them without validating sensemaking languages for firsthand experiences. This article analyzes five Norwegian firsthand accounts of hearing voices, and how they differed from the predominating biomedical psychiatry discourse, in search of validating languages and knowledge that may facilitate making sense of voice-hearing for persons who hear voices.MethodsThe text material consisted of four sets of blogs authored by four young women and a short interview with a man, all of whom had firsthand experiences of voice-hearing in a Norwegian context. Ian Parker’s version of Foucauldian discourse analysis was used to analyze the material.ResultsSix discourses were identified: biomedical psychiatry-discourse, discourse of reason, psychodynamic discourse, discourse of personal characteristics, spiritual discourse and discourse of personal relationships between hearer and voices. Within the discourses of biomedical psychiatry and reason, voice-hearing was rendered as hallucinations, unreason, and as a problem to be solved, preferably by professionals, thus silencing the person who hears voices. In contrast, within the discourses of psychodynamics, personal characteristics, spirituality, and personal relationships between hearer and voices, voice-hearing has diverse meanings, and they grant voice hearers greater freedom concerning voice-hearing. The psychodynamic discourse nonetheless aligns with the discourses of reason and biomedical psychiatry in allowing professionals the prerogative of determining the meaning of voice-hearing. The remaining three discourses appear to facilitate more space for voice-hearers to narrate and engage with their voice-hearing at their discretion, with little to no professional impingement.ConclusionsDiscursive complexity notwithstanding, I consider that particularly the discourses of personal characteristics, spirituality, and personal relationships facilitate languages that may enable a person to narrate their own experiences and actions at their own discretion, without needing an expert commentator on the side. To have such languages available is argued to entail clear strides towards more empowered positions in one’s life.

ILLNESS PERCEPTION AND TREATMENT EXPECTATION IN PATIENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOM DISORDER AT LAHORE, PAKISTAN

OBJECTIVE To explore the perceived illness and treatment expectations of patients with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder. DESIGN OF STUDY It is a Descriptive Research Design PLACE AND DURATION The study was executed at Department of Psychiatry of government and private teaching hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan over a period of 12 months, from Jan 2023 to Dec 2023. METHOD A total of 100 adult participants were recruited as per criteria. Demographic Information Questionnaire and Short Explanatory Model Interview (SEMI) were employed and the qualitative data generated from SEMI was converted to numerical codes and discrete categories by the method of stepwise reduction. The descriptive frequencies were then presented in the tabular format. RESULTS Majority of the participants were female, educated, students and housewives, with 1 – 6 months duration of the illness, mixed symptoms presentation, pseudo seizures and motor symptoms. The main reasons of onset of illness was mentioned as marriage related factors and familial and social factors and majority participants believe that magic can affect others. The intensity of the symptoms were perceived as ‘extreme intense’ associated with the fear about the worsening of symptoms and serious discomfort. The main difficulties due to illness was reported to be lack of interest in daily activities, and increase in problem in relationships. The patients expect proper treatment and prescription of medicines which was followed by responses that they will learn the diagnosis and will receive advice from doctors regarding their illness. CONCLUSION The patient’s perception towards their illness was serious and concerned and their expectations was receiving proper treatment, medications and learning the disorder and doctor’s advice.

Using simulation scenarios and a debriefing structure to promote feedback skills among interprofessional team members in clinical practice

BackgroundTeam reflexivity and peer feedback in daily clinical work can improve patient safety. However, teams do not always engage in reflection after patient care. A reason could be that team members may lack skills in engaging in team reflection. This study explores the use of interprofessional team-based simulations to encourage and equip teams for reflective conversations in the real-world clinical practice.MethodsThis was a prospective, explorative study of team members’ perceptions of the use of in situ simulation-based scenarios with critically ill patient cases to train team-based reflections and peer feedback. The study took place in two neurological wards. Prior to the intervention, a 1-day observation in each ward and semi-structured short interviews with physicians and nurses were conducted.ResultsA total of 94 staff members, 57 nurses, 8 nurse assistants and 29 physicians participated in the in situ simulation scenarios. All team members showed appreciation of the safe learning environment. The authors found that the simulations and the debriefing structure provided an opportunity for training of team reflexivity and feedback. The team members evaluated the simulation-based training very positively, and their initial reaction indicated that they found peer feedback useful for the individual and the team. This approach allowed them to reflect on their own clinical practice.ConclusionThe simulation-based training scenarios and the debriefing structure promoted team members’ team reflexivity and peer feedback skills. The method is feasible and could be used in other specialties and situations.The team members’ reactions to feedback were positive, and based on their reflections, there is a potential to increase both individual and team skills as well as improve patient treatment.

Hybrid emergency care at the home for patients – A multiple case study

IntroductionHealthcare systems worldwide are facing numerous challenges, such as an aging population, reduced availability of hospital beds, staff reductions and closure of emergency departments (ED). These issues can exacerbate crowding and boarding problems in the ED, negatively impacting patient safety and the work environment. In Sweden a hybrid of prehospital and intrahospital emergency care has been established, referred to in this article as Medical Emergency Team (MET), to meet the increasing demand for emergency care. MET, consisting of physicians and nurses, moving emergency care from EDs to patients’ home. Physicians and nurses may encounter challenges in their healthcare work, such as limited resources for example medical equipment, sampling and examination, in unfamiliar varying home environments. There is a lack of knowledge about how these challenges can influence patient care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the healthcare work of the METs when addressing patients’ emergency care needs in their homes, with a focus on the METs reasoning and actions.MethodsUsing a qualitative multiple case study design, two METs in southwestern Sweden were explored. Data were collected from September 2023 – January 2024 and consist of field notes from participant observations, short interviews and written reflections. A qualitative manifest content analysis with an inductive approach was used as the analysis method.ResultThe result of this study indicates that physicians and nurses face several challenges in their daily work, such as recurring interruptions, miscommunication and faltering teamwork. Some of these problems may arise because physicians and nurses are not accustomed to working together as a team in a different care context. These challenges can lead to stress, which ultimately can expose patients to unnecessary risks.ConclusionWhen launching a new service like METs, which is a hybrid of prehospital and intrahospital emergency care, it is essential to plan and prepare thoroughly to effectively address the challenges and obstacles that may arise. One way to prepare is through team training. Team training can help reduce hierarchical structures by enabling physicians and nurses to feel that they can contribute, collaborate, and take responsibility, leading to a more dynamic and efficient work environment.

DESAIN DIDAKTIS UNTUK MENGATASI HAMBATAN BELAJAR SISWA SD PADA PEMAHAMAN KONSEP LUAS BANGUN DATAR

This research focused on students who faced challenges in understanding concepts of two-dimensional area. The primary cause of these learning obstacles was the lack of mastery and comprehension in mathematics. To address this, a didactical design was developed based on the principles of the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) model, aimed at helping students overcome these difficulties. This design was initially tested with fourth-grade students to observe their responses during the learning process. Despite some unforeseen reactions, the analysis of these initial implementations informed a revised design, which was subsequently tested again. The didactical design was divided into three sessions, each with anticipated student responses in mind. The research employed Didactical Design Research (DDR) using qualitative methods, including learning barrier tests, short fill-in lists, interviews, questionnaires, documentation, and field notes for data collection. The study resulted in a didactical design that could be effectively used to improve students' understanding of two-dimensional area concepts in mathematics.

Creation of a novel microburst alarm for Air Traffic Control using a signal design framework

In this study, we used a previously validated alarm design framework to design and test a new microburst alarm for air traffic controllers. MethodsTwo air traffic controllers participated in a detailed structured interview, describing aspects of the current alarm that worked well and identifying features that should be changed. They then chose the properties most important to the design of this specific alarm. This information was used to develop a prototype microburst alarm while making iterative changes. A short interview asking about those properties was then conducted with sixty-two controllers at a national conference. ResultsWe developed an effective microburst alarm using the Signal Design Framework. Informativeness, Distinguishability, Saliency, Disruptiveness, Exclusivity, and Recognizability were improved by adding an electronically accelerated verbal component (‘Microburst!’) to the beginning and midway through the alert. The tonal component, volume, and timing of the prototype alarm were similar to that of the original alarm. During the alarm testing phase, most controllers agreed that the prototype would work well in both Air Traffic Control Tower and TRACON environments. Controllers agreed that incorporating an audible ‘Microburst!’ helped to direct their attention to the source of the alarm, especially in facilities where this alarm is uncommon. Controllers also spoke favorably of the length, pitch, oscillation, and timbre of the auditory component. ConclusionsWe used a validated framework to develop a new alarm that would work well for controllers in their environment. The framework facilitated design, iterative testing, and large-scale evaluation.

Teaming Up with an AI: Exploring Human–AI Collaboration in a Writing Scenario with ChatGPT

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly in generative pre-trained transformer large language models, have significantly enhanced the capabilities of text-generative AI tools—a development that opens new avenues for human–AI collaboration across various domains. However, the dynamics of human interaction with AI-based chatbots, such as ChatGPT, remain largely unexplored. We observed and analyzed how people interact with ChatGPT in a collaborative writing setting to address this research gap. A total of 135 participants took part in this exploratory lab study, which consisted of engaging with ChatGPT to compose a text discussing the prohibition of alcohol in public in relation to a given statement on risky alcohol consumption. During the writing task, all screen activity was logged. In addition to the writing task, further insights on user behavior and experience were gained by applying questionnaires and conducting an additional short interview with a randomly selected subset of 18 participants. Our results reveal high satisfaction with ChatGPT regarding quality aspects, mainly cognitive rather than affect-based trust in ChatGPT’s responses, and higher ratings on perceived competence than on warmth. Compared to other types of prompts, mostly content-related prompts for data, facts, and information were sent to ChatGPT. Mixed-method analysis showed that affinity for technology integration and current use of ChatGPT were positively associated with the frequency of complete text requests. Moreover, prompts for complete texts were associated with more copy–paste behavior. These first insights into co-writing with ChatGPT can inform future research on how successful human–AI collaborative writing can be designed.

‘ORIGEM’: Queering Indigeneity through Participatory (Audio)visual Methods in Northeastern Brazil

‘ORIGEM’ (2020) was a queer kind of research project from its inception. Its original funding was for research impact, yet no formal research project came before it. Instead, academics based at the University of Leeds (Paulo Pepe and Thea Pitman) used a modest pot of impact funding to support the work of two emerging artists (Laryssa Machada and Antônio Vital Neto Pankararu) with personal contacts in Queer Indigenous circles in Northeastern Brazil who set out to creatively honour and reflect on their relationships within those communities through digital photographic portraits and short video interviews. The UK-based researchers remained in the UK throughout the process, leaving the artists free to travel between the communities involved (the Pankararu community at Brejo dos Padres in southern Pernambuco, and the Tupinambá community at Olivença de Ilhéus in Southern Bahia) and explore the topic as they saw fit. Since then, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the results were circulated online via a website and promoted on social media, and, with the post-pandemic return to offline encounters, they were also exhibited at the Bolivia International Digital Art Fair in Cochabamba in September 2022. The present article seeks to showcase the project and the work that came out of it, interpreting it as a form of decolonial research using participatory, creative methodologies (arts-based Participatory Action Research), and to explore the perspectives of a cross-section of those involved in the project – the artists, their friends and relatives who agreed to be interviewed and photographed (including most notably Fykyá and Bia Pankararu) and the academics too – as they engaged in the original project and its subsequent exhibitions. In so doing, it seeks to reveal the deep learning to be derived from the project without shying away from any tensions that this form of working can engender.

Peran Komunikasi Interpersonal Frontliner dalam Meningkatkan Kepuasan Pelanggan Pengguna LRT Jakarta

This study aims to examine the role of frontliner interpersonal communication in increasing customer satisfaction of Jakarta LRT users. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection through observation and short interviews. The results showed that clarity of information, friendliness, and responsiveness of frontliners contributed significantly to customer satisfaction. Most respondents were satisfied with the service received Especially related to punctuality, cleanliness, and comfort. However, there are some areas that need improvement, such as addressing rush hour overcrowding and improving accessibility at stations. The conclusion of this study confirms the importance of effective interpersonal communication in building a positive experience and increasing customer loyalty to Jakarta LRT services.

Gen Z Consumer Behavior in Jakarta MRT Stations Retail Shop

This paper focuses on the shopping behavior of Gen Z consumers while shopping in Jakarta MRT station. MRT has become an alternative solution for transportations in Jakarta to get over traffic jam and tends to have punctual schedule. Each MRT stations have different type of brand and retail stores that varies from food and beverages, convenience store and others. Gen Z often use MRT as their preferred transportations and in this study their response towards MRT stations retail and shopping behavior was analyzed during a short interview with the respondents. Analysis in retail shop and how consumers behave towards shopping including their motivations and preferences. In applying a qualitative approach, the study brings forth the Gen Z passengers' preference for punctual, fast travel, brand loyalty, and quick shopping. The results from the research indicate that Gen Z consumers tend to shop at retail shops near the city transit stations in the morning, providing that they love speed and efficiency. It also shows that brand play key role in the Gen Z consuming behavior and how they have planned ahead before actually shopping. The research also indicates that retail firms need to blend the digital way of doing business and social responsibility in order to reach this popular demographic. The dynamics of Gen Z consumers contribute significantly to the choice of products, place, time, and retail shops. Through a deep understanding of these elements, a business can succeed in the trends of the consumers in the urban transit setting.

Environment in the views of preschool children: an investigation of children’s drawings and narratives in Turkey

ABSTRACT The environment consists of different interrelated elements including biotic, abiotic, and anthropic. It is essential to understand the interrelations between these systems to be able solve environmental problems (e.g. climate change, pollution). In particular, it is necessary to develop such a systematic vision of the environment from the childhood years to raise them as environmentally conscious citizens. This study focused on preschoolers’ (5-year-old children) systematic vision and feelings regarding the environment in Samsun, which is the central city in the north region of Turkey. Data were collected from 51 children from three different preschools through their drawings and short interviews and then analysed with content analysis. As a result, findings presented the biotic, abiotic, and anthropic elements in their drawings. It was revealed that the majority of the children have a high level of complexity in their vision by representing different elements of the environment together. Moreover, children’s feelings reflected in their drawings were also analysed and reached as happiness, love, and responsibility. It was concluded that children’s social and emotional development can be supported through natural environment.

Digitala plattformar för att motverka våld i nära relationer

Digital platforms to counter violence in close relationships - Women’s shelters digitising their functions during the Covid-19 pandemic This study focuses on how women’s shelters in Sweden came to use digital platforms to reshape their social work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Through short telephone interviews with 14 managers of women’s shelters on several occasions during 2020 and 2021, this study highlights how their extended use of digital platforms left them with both possibilities and thresholds in their work to reach and stay in contact with abused women and children. Women’s shelters made use of both mobile and wireless platforms (such as text messages in mobile phones) and web-based platforms (such as chat groups on the Internet). The results of the study are presented in four different themes. The first theme concerns how women and youth came into contact with the women’s shelters and what platforms they used. The next theme focuses on how the digital contact was created and maintained. An important finding is that the number of contacts from young people increased, while the overall number of adult women decreased. The third theme highlights those thresholds that risk creating weak networks between the women making contact and the women’s shelters. This is also discussed in relation to the last theme, which focuses on the women’s shelters’ work with the platforms. An important result is that the digital platforms made it possible for women to come into contact with the women’s shelters during the Covid-19-pandemic; nevertheless, there are also thresholds that need to be made visible.

Educating New Military Leaders to be Robust against Influence Operations: A Case Study

Influence operations and cognitive warfare are part of the new complex threat picture that Norway and other nations face. In general, military education and leadership education have traditions in place to build robustness against war demands, but how to build robustness against influence operations is still almost non-existing. In this case study, we show how an educational module on influence operations was conducted at the Norwegian Defence University College’s Cyber Academy department and how this module contributed to strengthening robustness against cognitive warfare. The impact of the educational module was evaluated by a questionnaire and a short group interview, and the results are shown in this paper. The findings indicate a positive development in the cadets' own perceived robustness. In addition, we also discuss and suggest some personal and organizational factors that can strengthen military leaders' robustness against influence operations. The findings and the discussions can be used as inspiration when educational modules are designed both in military and civilian education.

Navigating the challenges of imposter participants in online qualitative research: lessons learned from a paediatric health services study

BackgroundThe growth in online qualitative research and data collection provides several advantages for health service researchers and participants, including convenience and extended geographic reach. However, these online processes can also present unexpected challenges, including instances of participant fraud or scam behaviour. This study describes an incident of participant fraud identified during online focus group discussions and interviews for a PhD health services research project on paediatric neurodevelopmental care.MethodsWe aimed to recruit carers of Australian children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Potential participants were recruited via a publicly available social media advert on Facebook offering $50 AUD compensation. Those who expressed interest via email (n = 254) were sent a pre-interview Qualtrics survey to complete. We identified imposters at an early stage via inconsistencies in their self-reported geographical location and that captured by the survey as well as recognition of suspicious actions before, during and after focus group discussions and interviews.ResultsInterest in participation was unexpectedly high. We determined that all potential participants were likely imposters, posing as multiple individuals and using different IP addresses across Nigeria, Australia, and the United States. In doing so, we were able to characterise several “red flags” for identifying imposter participants, particularly those posing as multiple individuals. These comprise a combination of factors including large volumes and strange timings of email responses, unlikely demographic characteristics, short or vague interviews, a preference for nonvisual participation, fixation on monetary compensation, and inconsistencies in reported geographical location. Additionally, we propose several strategies to combat this issue such as providing proof of location or eligibility during recruitment and data collection, examining email and consent form patterns, and comparing demographic data with regional statistics.ConclusionsThe emergent risk of imposter participants is an important consideration for those seeking to conduct health services research using qualitative approaches in online environments. Methodological design choices intended to improve equity and access for the target population may have an unintended consequence of improving access for fraudulent actors unless appropriate risk mitigation strategies are also employed. Lessons learned from this experience are likely to be valuable for novice health service researchers involved in online focus group discussions and interviews.

Difficulty and Mastery of Physics Concepts for Middle School Students in Density Material

The purpose of this research is exploring the student’s density conception as early as possible so that when heading to essential topics that involve density in physics (like statics and dynamics fluid), students can easily understand these essential topics. In general, students' concept understanding of density is already relatively high with 63,5%. There are differences between the conceptual understanding of male and female students, which the conceptual understanding of density in female students was better than male students. The notable difference between them is the understanding of the concepts relating mass, volume, and density. Some students also shown that they had not been able to understand the basic conception of the density and properties of matter. For further research, it is better to provide a short interview session and give students the opportunity to describe mental models of the properties of substances that students have understood.