Conceptual Understanding Research Articles

The implementation of embedded researchers in policy, public services, and commercial settings: a systematic evidence and gap map.

Embedding researchers into policy and other settings may enhance research capacity within organisations to enable them to become more research active. We aimed to generate an evidence map on evaluations of embedded researcher interventions to (i) identify where systematic reviews and primary research are needed and (ii) develop conceptual understandings of 'embedded researchers'. We define 'embedded researchers' through a set of principles that incorporate elements such as the aim of activities, the types of relationships and learning involved, and the affiliations and identities adopted. We included studies published across all sectors, searching fourteen databases, other web sources and two journals for evaluations published between 1991 and spring 2021. Data were extracted using a coding tool developed for this study. We identified new typologies of embedded researcher interventions through undertaking Latent Class Analysis. The map describes 229 evaluations spanning a variety of contexts. Our set of principles allowed us to move beyond a narrow focus on embedded researchers in name alone, towards consideration of the wide range of roles, activities, identities, and affiliations related to embedded researchers. We identified 108 different allied terms describing an embedded researcher. Embedded researcher activity spanned a continuum across lines of physical, cultural, institutional, and procedural embeddedness (from weaker to more intense forms of embeddedness) and took a range of forms that bridge or blur boundaries between academia and policy/practice. We developed a broad map of international embedded researcher activity in a wide range of sectors. The map suggests that embedded researcher interventions occupy a broader suite of models than previously acknowledged and our findings also offer insight on the type and nature of this literature. Given the clear policy interest in this area, a better understanding of the processes involved with becoming embedded within an organisation is needed. Further work is also necessary to address the challenges of evaluating the work of embedded researchers, including consideration for which outcome measures are most appropriate, to better understand their influence.

Reproductive coercion and abuse in intimate relationships: Women's perceptions of perpetrator motivations.

Reproductive coercion and abuse is a hidden and poorly recognised form of violence against women. It refers broadly to behaviours that interfere with or undermine a person's reproductive autonomy, specifically to promote or prevent pregnancy. Reproductive coercion and abuse can involve physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse in order to achieve these aims, and is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women. As an emerging field of scholarship, conceptual understanding of reproductive coercion and abuse is still in its infancy; however, it is often described as being linked to coercive control. In this article, we seek to highlight the complexity of this relationship through qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 30 victim/survivors in Australia recruited from the community, focusing on their perceptions of the perpetrator's motivations. We developed four themes from our analysis: 1) His needs came first; 2) The illusion of a perfect father; 3) Creating a weapon of control; and 4) My body was his. Perceived perpetrator motivations ranged from entitlement and self-interest to a deep desire for domination and entrapment. Pregnancy preventing behaviour was more likely to be linked with entitlement and self-interest, whereas pregnancy promoting behaviour tended to be described by participants in relationships where there was a broader pattern of ongoing control and entrapment. Thus, we suggest that coercive control is a motivating factor for some, but not all men who perpetrate reproductive coercion and abuse. A greater understanding perpetrator motivations may be important for practitioners, particularly those working in sexual and reproductive health services, since it could be relevant to women's level of risk for coercive controlling behaviour or more extreme forms of physical or sexual violence.

The Politics of Contagion: States, Societies, and the Control and Consequences of Infectious Diseases

The study of contagion offers important but underexplored opportunities to rethink and advance our understanding of key concepts in political science. These include notably state capacity; social policy; state–society relations, especially the role of trust; nationalism and social solidarity; exclusionary dynamics, such as xenophobia, prejudice, and discrimination; and within political psychology, the role of emotions, including disgust. This article reviews studies on contagion and health within and adjacent to political science. While taking note of the surge of studies around COVID-19, this article focuses on work on infectious disease before and beyond the pandemic. It analyzes the scholarship as it sheds light on the control of infectious diseases, on the one hand, and on the consequences of that control, on the other, while also pointing to connections and feedback loops, especially as they open avenues for future research.

The role of GeoGebra software in conceptual understanding and engagement among secondary school student

This study aims to identify the impact of GeoGebra software on conceptual understanding and engagement in the topic of Functions and Quadratic Equations in One Variable in high school. The study was conducted in a quasi-experimental design with 60 students at a secondary school in Muallim district. The study results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inference, and the Pearson Correlation. Descriptive analysis indicates that students have a strong grasp of the topic taught, particularly showing high conceptual understanding and maximum engagement in interactive activities. Inference statistics reveal a significant difference in conceptual understanding levels between the treatment and control groups among Level Four students regarding Quadratic Functions and Equations in a Variable. In addition, there were significant differences in student engagement between the treatment and control groups. There is a significant relationship between the level of student engagement and students’ conceptual understanding of Quadratic Functions and Equations in One Variable for both groups. In conclusion, using GeoGebra software has an impact on the relationship between understanding the concept and involving students in learning the topic of Quadratic Functions and Equations in a Variable.

Development of Interactive Multimedia on Electron Configuration Concept

Interactive multimedia has an important role in the learning process. The interactive multimedia presented the learning material in various forms and supported students’ understanding of those who have different learning styles. To help students understand the topic and to facilitate students’ learning style the PeT-EFig is developed. PeT-EFig (periodic table and electron configuration) as interactive multimedia which supported students’ understanding of electron configuration concepts. The objectives of this study were a) to determine the feasibility of PeT-EFig, and b) to determine the response of chemistry teachers and students of PeT-EFig as interactive multimedia. The research method used is research and development (RD) using the ADDIE model with five stages: analysis, design, and development stages. However, the research was only conducted up to the development stage due to time constraints. Based on the result, PeT-EFig is considered very suitable by the experts with 96 and 95% respectively. Likewise, teachers at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Pontianak who teach chemistry subjects, stated that they strongly approved PeT-EFig as interactive multimedia on electron configuration 96%. Additionally, students also provided very positive feedback on the PeT-EFig through a small-scale trial involving 15 students with an average percentage of 87% for each aspect. Similarly, when a large-scale trial with 40 students, the final percentage score for each aspect was found to be 87%. The result indicated that the PeT-EFig could assist teachers in delivering the concepts and help students understand the electron configuration and atomic structure

Vision-related quality of life in children: Cross-cultural adaptation and test-retest reliability of the Danish version of the paediatric refractive error profile 2.

To translate and cross-culturally adapt PREP2 into Danish and to investigate the face validity and reliability of Danish PREP2 through cognitive interviewing, Rasch and reliability analyses. The Danish PREP2 was translated using a standardized procedure and then pretested following the Three-Steps-Interviews (TSTI) process. A total of 15 myopic children aged 7-14 wearing either orthokeratology lenses (ortho-k) or single-vision spectacles (SVS) were included in pretesting comprising cognitive interviews and Rasch analysis. Data from cognitive interviewing was analysed thematically according to Collins. Rasch analysis was used to pretest the psychometric properties in terms of person- and item-fit statistics. Reliability was assessed via test-retest using Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) in the CONTROL study population, which consisted of 60 Danish children aged 7-14 years wearing either ortho-k or SVS. Fifteen children participated in pilot studies comprising of cognitive interviewing and Rasch analysis and 44 out of 60 CONTROL children participated in test-retest reliability analysis. The translation process resulted in a Danish version of PREP2 corroborating the original. Pretesting highlighted issues in the contextualization of items and in marking responses. Thus, we introduced a digital format with help texts. Cognitive interviewing identified issues in the following Collins' themes: comprehension (understanding of concepts), judgement (ambiguity of items) and response (selecting answers). Rasch analysis indicated that help texts were useful for clarifying context. The ICC was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.66-0.85). The cross-cultural adaptation of PREP2 was satisfactory and issues were identified and corrected through pretesting. The test-retest reliability showed substantial consistency. The instrument could be validated in a more generalizable setting in future studies. NCT03246464 (CONTROL study).

Using Virtual Laboratory to Improve Student's Critical Thinking Ability in Learning Chemistry in High School

Education in the digital era requires innovation in the use of technology as a learning medium that can improve student’s critical thinking skills. One of the promising technologies is the virtual laboratory, which can be used as a medium of learning in chemistry lessons in senior high schools. This study aims to present an overview of the use of virtual laboratories to improve students' critical thinking skills in high school chemistry learning. In this study, an analysis of relevant literature was carried out to identify the benefits and potential of virtual laboratories in chemistry learning. The results of the study show that the use of a virtual laboratory can effectively improve student’s critical thinking skills in high school chemistry learning. Virtual laboratories can help students to develop skills in analyzing, evaluating and interpreting information in a chemical context, as well as increasing their understanding of concepts and problem-solving skills. To optimize the use of virtual laboratories in chemistry learning in high school, good planning, development and implementation is required, as well as an evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of using virtual laboratories. This research is expected to provide insights and recommendations for educational practitioners, especially in the development of chemistry learning that is innovative and oriented towards students' critical thinking skills.

Book Review: "Research Methods for Business Students" (Eighth Edition) by Mark N. K. Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill (Pearson Education, 2019)

Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill's book "Research Methods for Business Students" provides a comprehensive guide for students and researchers involved in business and management research. It offers a pragmatic approach, clear explanations, and a wide array of research methods suitable for both novice and seasoned researchers. The book extensively discusses various research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, providing detailed descriptions to help readers choose the most appropriate approach for their research objectives. The book delves deeply into specific research approaches like experiments, surveys, case studies, and ethnography, helping readers comprehend their utility and implications. A notable strength of the book lies in its emphasis on ethical considerations throughout the research process. The authors address ethical issues related to access negotiation, consent acquisition, and data management, preparing readers to navigate ethical challenges in modern research environments effectively. Furthermore, the book offers practical insights into data collection and analysis techniques, with chapters dedicated to sampling, secondary source utilization, observations, interviewing, questionnaire design, and data analysis, all explained step by step with clear illustrations. The book engages readers through theoretical frameworks, conceptual discussions, and real-world examples, enhancing their understanding of key research concepts like validity, reliability, and generalizability. By integrating case studies and detailed examples from various organizational contexts, the book illustrates how research methods are applied in practice. The authors' ability to convey complex subjects in an accessible manner ensures that readers from diverse backgrounds can grasp the material effectively. The practicality and relevance of "Research Methods for Business Students" to the business context set it apart, as it presents real-world examples and case studies from various industries. It emphasizes the importance of keeping abreast of the latest developments in research methodologies, ensuring the content remains useful and current for students and scholars. In conclusion, "Research Methods for Business Students" is an invaluable resource for individuals embarking on business and management research. Despite minor limitations, the book equips readers with essential knowledge and skills, fostering responsible and effective research practices within the business domain. Through its practical approach, comprehensive coverage, and engaging style, the book empowers readers to conduct high-quality research and make meaningful contributions to the field of business studies.

Misconceptions of mathematical concepts vis-à-vis how they pose as barriers to developing students’ conceptual understanding

Misconceptions of mathematical concepts vis-à-vis how they pose as barriers to developing students’ conceptual understanding

The use of designed E-book to improve a concept understanding and practical skill on a mammography machine quality control among radiological technologist students

The fashion in education increasingly integrates technology as learning supporting tool. For undergraduate radiological technologist (RT) students, the concept understanding and practical skills in their professional field have a significant impact on their success. Quality control (QC) of mammography machine is one of the professional responsibilities. A problematic situation in traditional learning process is the lack of devices and the primarily used lecture-style. This makes studying outside classroom and frequent practice more challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the developed e-book in RT students about the concept understanding and practical skills of the mammography machine QC, compared with conventional methods. One-hundred and fifteen students were participants, whom were randomized into two groups. The experimental group was able to access the e-book for self-learning, while the control group received only the conventional class on the same topic. The five-scale questionnaires were used to assess student’s satisfaction. A strong increase in the test-scores of the experimental students indicated their in-depth knowledge and better performance in practical and evaluation skills. The experimental group performed better than the control group, with a statistically significant difference at p<0.00001. It also found that the majority of the students agreed that the e-book media was an excellent choice for their self-learning and training. So, it can be concluded that the e-book learning media has a positive influence to students – as a low cost, easily accessible and attractive supporting tool to provide students with the better opportunities for learning and skills-training.

Prospective secondary teachers’ noticing of students’ thinking about the limit concept: pathways of development

AbstractResearch has shown that there is a need to examine prospective teachers’ development trajectories related to noticing expertise. An important content in the Spanish high school curriculum (16–18 years old) is the limit concept. Given the importance of this concept in the curriculum and the difficulties some prospective teachers have, developing their noticing of students’ mathematical thinking of this concept in teacher education programs is crucial to achieve high school student mathematics achievement. This study examines how prospective secondary school mathematics teachers (PTs) notice students’ mathematical thinking about the limit concept as they participated in a teaching module. PTs had to anticipate and interpret students’ mathematical understanding and make instructional decisions to support students’ conceptual progression using information about high school students’ understanding of the limit concept. We examined PTs changes related to how they anticipated, interpreted and made instructional decisions during the teaching module. We identified a change in how PTs conceived the understanding of the dynamic limit concept: from all-or-nothing dichotomy to progression; and a change in the instructional decisions they made: from decisions focused on changing the type of discontinuity to conceptual decisions. These changes allow us to characterise development noticing pathways. Our findings also help to identify the teaching module characteristics that support the development of PTs noticing.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING: THEORETICAL OVERVIEW AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR LOCAL INNOVATION-BASED DEVELOPMENT

The aim of this paper is to summarise and present the main features of project-based learning (PjBL) within innovation-based development. Methodology. The methodology of this study involves the use of PjBL as an educational and technology transfer tool. In an educational context, it uses a structured approach where students identify real-world problems, conduct research, develop projects, collaborate on their implementation, and reflect on their experiences to deepen learning and develop critical thinking. PjBL application scenarios cover a variety of disciplines, including STEM education, social sciences, business and humanities, enabling students to apply knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems. In the field of technology transfer, a similar PjBL principle is applied to facilitate the transfer of research innovations for practical application. This involves collaborative partnerships, technology assessment, prototyping, market validation, licensing or commercialisation, fostering innovation and translating research into tangible societal benefits. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of PjBL as a transformational methodology in both the educational and technology transfer contexts. Practical implications. PjBL encourages active, experiential learning where participants interact directly with real-world problems. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of concepts and encourages innovation by allowing participants to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. PjBL can have a long-term impact on innovation by fostering a mindset of lifelong learning and continuous improvement. The skills and experiences gained through PjBL can help people become innovative thinkers and problem solvers who will contribute to positive change in their industries and local communities. Value/Originality. It is substantiated that PjBL allows participants to immerse themselves in real problems or scenarios relevant to technology transfer. By working on projects that simulate the challenges faced in the transfer process, participants gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and develop practical skills that can be directly applied in technology transfer activities.

Design principles for integrating science practices with conceptual understanding: an example from a digital learning environment on microbial resistance to antibiotics

We aim to illustrate the use of generic design principles to attain the integrated promotion of conceptual understanding and science competences in online enquiry-oriented learning environments. Engaging students in the development of competences related to science practices in unison with nurturing rigorous understanding of the mechanisms underpinning phenomena is thought to be valuable both for making science education more relevant to students’ interests and for attaining meaningful learning outcomes. We describe the design and development of a learning environment on the socio-scientific issue of microbial resistance to antibiotics. Our effort is situated in reflective enquiry, a framework for teaching and learning in science. The learning environment seeks to promote argumentation skills and conceptual understanding of evolutionary adaptation, in unison. On the basis of theoretical grounds, we have chosen to work with five design principles, integration of epistemic practices, making evidence-based inferences, competence-oriented design, authentic and relevant context and scaffolding. The first part of the study presents the design principles that have been embedded in the learning environment and the second part provides a description of the learning environment linking the various features to the corresponding design principles. Finally, we discuss the implications of this study for research and teaching practice.

Modeling the extracellular potential generated by a muscle fiber as the output signal of a convolutional system.

A central topic in Bioelectricity is the generation of the extracellular potential that results from the propagation of a transmembrane action potential along the muscle fiber. However, the way in which the extracellular potential is determined by the propagating action potential is difficult to describe, conceptualize, and visualize. Moreover, traditional quantitative approaches aimed at modeling extracellular potentials involve complex mathematical formulations, which do not allow students to visualize how the extracellular potential is generated around the active fiber. The present study is aimed at presenting a novel pedagogical approach to teaching the generation of extracellular potentials produced by muscle fibers based on the convolution operation. The effectiveness of this convolutional model was tested using a written exam and a satisfaction survey. Most students reported that a great advantage of this model was that it simplifies the problem by dividing it into three distinct components: 1) the input signal (associated with the action potential), 2) the impulse response (linked to the system formed by the fiber and the recording electrode), and 3) the output signal (the extracellular potential). Another key aspect of the present approach was that the input signal was represented by a sequence of electric dipoles, which allowed students to visualize the individual contribution of each dipole to the resulting extracellular potential. The results of the survey indicate that the combination of basic principles of electrical fields and intuitive graphical representations largely improves students' understanding of Bioelectricity concepts and enhances their motivation to complete their studies of biomedical engineering.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We presented a new pedagogical method to describe the extracellular potential generated by a muscle fiber as the output signal of the convolution between an input signal and an impulse response. The input signal represents the action potential traveling along the fiber, and the impulse response represents the system formed by the fiber and the recording electrode. The output signal is the summation of the contributions from all individual dipoles that formed the input signal.

Investigating Vulnerability, Adaptation, and Resilience: A Comprehensive Review within the Context of Climate Change

This review seeks to enhance the understanding of the critical concepts of vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience within the context of global environmental challenges, with a particular focus on climate change. Climate change is characterized by rising global temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events, making the comprehension and addressing of these concepts crucial for effective adaptation strategies. Despite widespread recognition of the interconnectedness of vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience, there remains a gap in a comprehensive understanding of how these concepts interrelate. Through synthesizing existing literature, this review provides a detailed examination of their definitions and the interrelationships among vulnerability, adaptation, resilience, and climate-related disasters. Additionally, it explores the impact of climate change on future disaster risk reduction efforts by analyzing the nexus between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Key findings highlight the necessity of incorporating social, institutional, economic, and environmental factors into adaptation planning and call for innovative approaches to boost adaptive capacity and resilience. This review not only furthers the discourse in research, policy, and practice in this vital area but also offers strategic insights for developing more resilient and adaptive societies amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

Digitale Öffentlichkeit(en). Linguistische Perspektiven

Abstract In this thematic volume we ask how digitalization and mediatization are transforming public communication and its conceptual understanding. This introductory text delves into the historical shift from oral and body media to written media in societal communication, highlighting the evolution through telecommunication mass media to the replacement of analog communication by digital forms. It addresses the lack of consensus on the definition of ‘publics’ and public communication, underscoring the multidimensional, heterogeneous, and fluid nature of these concepts. We ask how digitalization and mediatization processes raise questions about fundamental changes in publics due to new technological-communicative possibilities. Furthermore, we discuss the concept of publics as communicatively constructed and maintained, shaped by media and community ideologies. We propose a continuum model for digital/digitized publics, ranging from dyadic communication to multi-party communication. It emphasizes four key aspects for linguistic engagement with digital publics: communicative construction, technical and social affordances, multiplicity of addressing, and practices of digital community formation. With this model and the contributions following the introduction we contribute to a nuanced understanding of digital publics, considering their scale, complexity, and the dynamics of content creation and audience interaction.

Effects of a Learning Trajectory for statistical inference on 9th-grade students’ statistical literacy

AbstractIn our data-driven society, it is essential for students to become statistically literate. A core domain within Statistical Literacy is Statistical Inference, the ability to draw inferences from sample data. Acquiring and applying inferences is difficult for students and, therefore, usually not included in the pre-10th-grade curriculum. However, recent studies suggest that developing a good understanding of key statistical concepts at an early age facilitates the understanding of Statistical Inference later on. This study evaluates the effects of a Learning Trajectory for Statistical Inference on Dutch 9th-grade students’ Statistical Literacy. Theories on informal Statistical Inference and repeated sampling guided the Learning Trajectory’s design. For the evaluation, we used a pre-post research design with an intervention group (n = 267). The results indicated that students made significant progress on Statistical Literacy and on the ability to make inferences in particular, but also on the other domains of Statistical Literacy. To further interpret the learning gains of this group, we compared students’ results with national baseline achievements from a comparison group (n = 217) who followed the regular 9th-grade curriculum, and with international studies using similar test items. Both comparisons confirmed a significant positive effect on all domains of Statistical Literacy. These findings suggest that current statistics curricula for grades 7–9, usually with a strong descriptive focus, can be enriched with an inferential focus.

From conceptualization to practice: enhancing economic resilience at the local government level in Australia

ABSTRACT Seven principles of resilience developed by Stockholm Resilience Centre were adopted as a central framework from which practical objectives were identified to support local government organizations, and small local businesses to enhance their level of resilience to natural disasters. Discussions and interviews with local government executives from four coastal, local governments in Australia were undertaken to refine each economic development objectives to ensure utility and relevance. The final suite of practical objectives aims to respond to socio-ecological system features such as slow and fast variables, feedbacks and thresholds that create climate risks for businesses, and consider the sector and individual businesses’ learning capacity, participation and self-organization. We consider that these important objectives provide a pathway that enable small businesses, central to the local economic sector to self-assess their risks, and develop longer term adaptive and transformative strategies beyond preparedness and recovery. The significance of this research is in its ability to translate and anchor conceptual understandings of socio-ecological systems and resilience theory into a set of practical and useful objectives for local governments and small businesses to combat their vulnerability to natural disasters.

Abolishing Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles in Dubai Hotels as a Voluntary Act—Scenarios and Environmental Impacts

Dubai, a popular vacation spot, has launched an initiative to reduce reliance on single-use plastic water bottles. Tourists in Dubai widely utilize PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) water bottles, and significant quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) are released during the production and disposal of PET bottles. In response to Dubai’s initiative, some hotels eliminated PET bottles and substituted them with environmentally favorable alternatives. These hotels are considered adopters of the initiative, while other hotels that might follow are imitators. Thus, innovation diffusion theory (IDT) is used in this work to forecast the transition of hotels to non-PET bottles. The diffusion of this new behavior is simulated using a system dynamic (SD) model, where factors pushing imitators to abolish PET bottles are found using the Delphi method and hotel surveying. Moreover, the importance of each identified factor is found using an analytical hierarchical process (AHP). Since hotels are divided into several categories based on their service quality, the analysis shows that hotels are affected by other hotels in their category or better categories. Using this conceptual understanding, Bass and generalized Bass modeling are used in the SD model to study how imitating hotels will follow the adopters. Best-, average-, and worst-case scenarios are studied to help decision-makers understand what to expect in the future. For the best- and average-case scenarios, the SD simulation shows that all hotels will potentially have abolished PET bottles in 25 years. However, only 16% of hotels will have cancelled PET bottles in 25 years if the worst-case scenario occurs; thus, decision-makers need to intervene to expedite the process.

Using Manipulative-Based Instructional Sequences to Increase the Understanding of Fractional Concepts of Students With Mathematical Learning Disabilities

Manipulative-based instructional sequences have proven to be successful with students with disabilities. However, instruction must not only support the acquisition of conceptual and procedural knowledge but also build on students’ strengths. This article describes how teachers can use manipulative-based instructional sequences to support the fractional understanding of students who are diagnosed with mathematical learning disabilities. We begin by describing common misconceptions that may affect students’ abilities to reason with and calculate fractions. We then explain how teachers can use a concrete-semi-concrete representational-abstract (CRA) model to plan and implement lessons that maximize learning and minimize frustration. Readers are also provided with detailed descriptions of how teachers can assess fraction knowledge, reinforce conceptual understanding, and promote procedural fluency.