Use Of Vignettes Research Articles

Using Vignettes to Gain Insights Into Social Norms Related to Voluntary Family Planning and Gender-Based Violence in South Sudan.

Social norms are the shared expectations about behaviors that are held within collective groups. These differ from attitudes and beliefs, which are individually held. In South Sudan, social norms can affect the use of voluntary family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH); some of these norms even present risks for women seeking FP/RH care and their FP/RH providers. This cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in 5 counties in South Sudan used vignettes as a qualitative method to explore social norms related to FP/RH and decisions related to contraceptive use and gender-based violence. Participants were asked to respond to vignettes about a fictional couple during various life stages of care-seeking. Vignettes allow respondents to share their opinions and feelings without directly speaking about their own experiences. Respondents included community members, FP/RH providers, and key influencers (e.g., religious leaders, traditional leaders, elders). The study identified restrictive social norms related to FP/RH, including entrenched, dominant gender roles (i.e., requiring male consent to use contraceptives) and risk for the woman and her provider if she accesses FP/RH services. Of note, supportive social norms are gaining acceptance regarding women's voice and agency; it was found that some women can negotiate their reproductive choice with their partners and participate in planning their families, which has not always been a widely accepted norm. The use of vignettes can lead to a better understanding of the challenges and provide insights on effective implementation approaches. It is essential for programs working to promote the use of FP/RH services in South Sudan to consider the challenges presented by social norms. Findings from this study were shared with stakeholders and communities to codesign interventions aimed at increasing the use of FP/RH services. Additionally, the dialogue stimulated by this study should lead to an organic transformation toward supportive social norms through collective agency.

Telling Tales: Using Vignettes to Overcome Optimism Bias in Farm Health and Safety Attitudinal Studies

ABSTRACT Objective Measuring attitudes of farmers to safe farming practices using quantitative causal relationship approaches is central to improving understanding of (un)safe practices. This knowledge is important in the development of effective farm safety interventions. However, the accuracy of quantitative attitudinal studies in explaining farmers’ decision-making faces a potential measurement challenge, i.e. a high level of optimism bias. In this paper, we present research that develops and tests farm safety attitudinal questions that are framed around “real-life” farming practices with the objective of reducing optimism bias. Methods We apply construal level theory (CLT) to support the design of vignettes that reflect common risk scenarios faced by farmers. Applying qualitative analysis of 274 fatal farm incidents that occurred in Ireland between 2004 and 2018 we identify the occupational behaviors (what farmers do), social (who are farmers), spatial (where farming takes place), and temporal (when farming happens) dimensions of risks resulting in most deaths. The results informed subsequent co-design activities with farm safety experts and farm advisors to develop “real-life” scenarios, attitudinal questions, and response options. The questionnaire was piloted and subsequently implemented to collect data from a sample of 381 farmers with either tractors or livestock. The results of the survey were compared to previous attitudinal research on farmer’s attitudes to safety in Ireland to establish if there was as follows: i) increased variance in the responses, and ii) a statistically significant difference in the attitudes of respondents compared to the results reported in previous studies. Results The findings established that when farmers were provided with real-life scenarios, their responses were less optimistic and more varied, i.e. there was a greater range of responses, compared to previous studies. Conclusion Applying CTL to the development of attitudinal survey instruments anchors attitudinal questions within farming specific occupational, social, spatial, and temporal contexts. The use of vignettes that draw on real-life scenarios offers the potential for improved design of surveys that seek to understand farmer/worker practices. The results suggest that this approach can improve the measurement of attitudes to farm safety.

This is not an experiment: using vignettes in qualitative accounting research

PurposeThe use of interviews for data collection is prevalent in qualitative accounting research. This paper examines vignettes – sketches of hypothetical scenarios – as a promising complementary way to conduct interviews in qualitative accounting research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on our experiences designing and using vignettes in five separate qualitative accounting studies, which collectively involve over 200 interviews with various participants. It discusses the opportunities the use of vignettes in interviews offers to qualitative accounting research, as well as the challenges associated with designing and using vignettes. The paper also reflects on fellow researchers’ varied reactions during seminars, workshops, and the journal review process.FindingsVignettes emerge as a productive and engaging complementary way for accounting researchers to obtain additional insights and perspectives not usually accessible in semi-structured interviews. The paper also provides practical insights into developing, using and publishing qualitative accounting studies using vignettes, contributing an additional behind-the-scenes view of using qualitative research methods.Originality/valueThe aim of this paper is to increase awareness of vignettes as a complement to the standard qualitative accounting interview. It provides guidance on how vignettes might be used productively for studying rare, new, emerging, complex, or multi-period real-world accounting phenomena. It also discusses how vignettes can promote transparency, honesty, and a greater level of detail in participants’ responses, as well as facilitate the involvement of lay people in accounting studies.

The Use of Vignettes to Improve the Validity of Qualitative Interviews for Realist Evaluation.

Although realist evaluation (RE) requires multiple data collection methods, qualitative interviews are considered most valuable and are most frequently used. The guiding principles of RE may limit the emergence of new Context-Mechanism-Outcome (CMO) configurations by evoking particular underlying mechanisms. This paper proposes a new method for conducting semi-structured interviews in the RE context by drawing on the literature and examining the ability of vignettes to explore perceptions about specific situations. Vignettes are developed based on researchers' knowledge of the setting and program theory and are updated through an iterative process throughout data collection. Interviews focus on situations illustrated in the vignette to capture variations in interviewees' perceptions. This method constrains interviewees to using retroduction to identify the hidden underlying mechanisms that link contextual elements to outcomes based on their experiences. This method allows researchers to focus on CMO configurations without evoking mechanisms, which contributes to the rigor of the method.

Evaluating Suicide Risk Stratification in Outpatient Settings: A Vignette-Based Approach.

Suicide risk assessment and stratification are a key suicide prevention strategy in mental health care systems that treat military service members and veterans. The aim of the current mixed-method project was to address a gap in our knowledge as to how therapists make these important clinical decisions. This manuscript reports the results of a project during which six vignettes were developed reflecting varying levels of risk according to the Rocky Mountain MIRECC Risk Stratification Table. Mental health therapists were asked to evaluate the risk level of each vignette, determine a treatment disposition, and provide justification for their ratings. The results of the study indicate that therapists can reliably evaluate risk, but that treatment planning tended to be based more on vignette-specific factors than essential features of the risk model. The qualitative findings revealed variations in the definition and perception of foundational concepts, suggesting a need for further research and training in these domains. Overall, the results support the use of vignettes as a method to assess clinical decision-making and provide several areas for further training and research.

Use of vignettes in an international comparative social work research

The aim of this article is to reflect on the strengths and challenges in qualitative comparative research on personal social services. The specific methodological approach that these reflections emerge from is the application of case vignettes in focus group interviews with social workers, working in different welfare regimes. We describe the process of vignette construction and implementation in focus group interviews, and relate this to findings in a large international project with researchers and data from Chile, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ireland and the UK. Findings reveal that some globally spread professional norms prevail when they are applied locally, while others are more formed through welfare systems with strong contextual norms and legal and socio-economic barriers. Furthermore, the project showed that to use case vignettes and focus groups, in order to compare ‘social work’ in its totality between countries, is really difficult. It appears more fruitful to use such research methods to compare subsectors and sub-disciplines instead of social work as a whole. The strength of the data retrieved from the study is that it makes it possible to separate information on actual practice from information on principles and system norms, thus providing in-practice and on-practice reflections.

Exploring voice and agency among adolescents in South Asia: a vignettes-based approach

ABSTRACT The innovative use of vignettes in quantitative surveys offers a novel means of assessing attitudes, capturing individuals’ responses across diverse life domains to measure voice and agency more directly. Utilizing the use of scales and vignette-based inquiries, this study explores voice and agency on making marital decisions among 458 adolescents in India and Nepal. Regression analysis revealed that higher voice and agency scores correlated significantly with reduced odds of endorsing early marriage and increased support for continued education post-marriage. In vignette scenarios, greater voice and agency scores were linked to advocating against early sibling marriage and making independent choices for their own futures. These findings highlight that improved self-perception of agency empowers adolescents to assert independent decisions. Utilizing vignettes proved beneficial in this context as they enabled adolescents to understand community norms through storytelling, offering insights into their likely behaviour in specific situations, rather than drawing on abstract concepts.

The idea of “Own Space” through “Vignettes” in Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street

This paper delves into the theme of "Own Space" in Sandra Cisneros' novel, The House on Mango Street. It scrutinizes how the protagonist, Esperanza, navigates the complex concept of home and belonging in a Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. Drawing from the theories of spatial belonging, patriarchal constraints, and feminist perspectives, the paper highlights Esperanza's quest to carve out her unique space within the constraints of her environment. The use of vignettes as a literary device is explored, demonstrating how they provide insights into Esperanza's evolving identity and the challenges she faces in defying gender roles and societal spatial practices. In addition, it underscores the importance of space production theory, highlighting the role of vignettes in immersing the reader in Esperanza's coming-of-age journey. Ultimately, it argues that Cisneros' narrative style and Esperanza's experiences reflect the broader context of the Chicana experience, making The House on Mango Street a significant contribution to the discussion of cultural identity, gender, and space.

Vignettes as a novel research tool in spiritual care: A methods paper.

To discuss the construction and use of vignettes as a novel approach in spiritual care research and education. Methods paper. In this methods paper, the authors introduce the use of vignettes in spiritual care research and provide insight into the construction of vignettes. The vignette presented was part of a study of neurosurgical nurses' attitudes and responses to the spiritual needs of neuro-oncology patients. The development process, consisting of four steps, is explained in this paper. Using a vignette to explore nurses' attitudes towards spiritual care is an innovative way to understand what behaviours nurses consider appropriate insituations where the patient is seeking meaning and connection. Transparent description of the development process is crucial to ensure reproducibility. The use of theoretically constructed and validated vignettes in spiritual care research is new. Vignettes used in surveys have the potential to elicit nurses' responses to patients' search for meaning and connectedness. In order to investigate nurses' attitudes and behaviours towards patients' spiritual needs, carefully constructed and validated vignettes are valuable research tools. Vignettes have proven to be a valuable research tool in the social and health sciences. So far, their use as a survey instrument in spiritual care research has not been investigated. Therefore, this method paper introduces vignettes as a novel approach to spiritual care research. Our findings contribute to the further development of vignettes in nursing science, as there are similarities with case development and simulation training in nursing education. Reporting guideline is not applicable. No patient or public contribution.

Supporting Young Exceptional Children’s Mental Health in the Early Childhood Classroom

The mental health of students with disabilities has received increasing attention, yet it is difficult for early childhood teachers to identify young children with mental health issues and access support. Research has shown the lack of timely intervention might cause more serious emotional issues later. The interplay of disability, young age, and mental health issues complicate the teaching of early childhood teachers. The purpose of this article is to highlight the difficulties early childhood teachers are experiencing when a child with special needs requires additional support services for social-emotional and behavioral concerns. Barriers or challenges that exist to accessing mental health services for young children and their families are discussed. Through the use of vignettes, we present six strategies to assist early childhood special education professionals in addressing the mental health needs of young children, including 1) recognizing the warning signs of mental health needs for early identification and intervention, 2) utilizing screening tools to detect a child’s mental health needs, 3) selecting and providing school-based supports, 4) monitoring the child’s response to school-based mental health supports, 5) collaborating with mental health professionals and partnering with families, and 6) securing additional networks and resources to support children with special needs.

Vignette methodology in applied linguistics

Vignette methodology offers promising opportunities for the investigation of situation-specific dynamic (affective) variables, such as emotions and cognitions, in language learning, teaching, and use. Despite their frequent application in adjacent fields like education, sociology, and psychology, the use of vignettes and vignette methodology in applied linguistics is still scarce. Using emotion research as an example, this tutorial introduces applied linguists to vignette methodology, outlines a vignette design framework, illustrates administration strategies, and highlights its ability to bolster methodological consistency and research-practitioner collaborations across various research paradigms. The tutorial aims to advance the use of vignette methodology in applied linguistics by illustrating its potential to strengthen the validity of research findings, as well as its benefits regarding the efficiency of data collection, participant recruitment, and research costs.

Outline of the conceptual evolution of the CEFYP*

AbstractThis article presents a historical journey through the concepts developed (i.e., worked, modified, and made more complex) over four decades in the existence of one of the first family therapy institutions in Argentina: the CEFYP. This journey travels from its beginnings, in the midst of the military dictatorship, to the present. The concepts will be introduced and discussed taking into account those concepts that emerged and stood out as we worked therapeutically, enriching our clinic in each new paradigm. We will start from the CEFYP's emergence within the socio‐political framework of Argentina in the 1970s, its constitution as differentiated from the prevailing psychoanalytic context within the field of psychotherapies, and its evolution, an evolution that was always attentive to the particular questions that accompanied its relational approach. These questions, which intersected philosophy, anthropology, art, and critical history, will express the position of the CEFYP in relation to change, history, power, dialogue, and the therapist and their place in the process of change. Finally, it will also discuss the CEFYP's way of thinking and developing the teaching and training of relational systemic therapists. This article will also present the most outstanding clinical themes, exemplified with the use of vignettes. Among others, these include our trajectories in the clinic of violence and partner violence, the clinic in destructive divorces, and the clinic with seriously disturbed families.

Using the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access to Health Services) process as a practical tool for health promotion program delivery in various Philippine communities.

The Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access to Health Services) process can be used as a practical tool for effective health promotion program delivery because of its multi-sector and pragmatic approach to designing health interventions. An initial case study showed how its first phase was successfully adapted in a pilot community in Leyte, Philippines. In this study, the three phases of the Ophelia process were implemented in Leyte, along with additional communities in Mindoro and Surigao. After conducting needs assessment and community profiling in phase 1, the results were transformed into vignettes, hypothetical personas representing the health needs of the community. These were used in phase 2, which involved focus group discussions and workshops to cocreate intervention ideas with government organisations, practitioners, and community representatives. A rapid realist review was conducted in phase 3 to check for the feasibility of interventions. Through this, the top evidence-based health interventions for each life stage were listed and presented for prioritisation. Program implementation and impact evaluation plans were created for the top health intervention prior to implementation. The Ophelia process ensured that health promotion interventions addressed community needs and were designed using community resources and the wisdom of health practitioners that have been immersed in the local health system. SO WHAT?: The study demonstrated the usefulness of vignettes in presenting data to lay people and how the rapid realist review approach is a practical tool for policy-makers to ensure that program plans designed by the communities and health practitioners are evidence-based without sacrificing the timeliness of implementation.

Perceptions of Infection Control Practices and the use of Vignettes to Alter Infection Control Behavior: A Feasibility Study.

To explore the perceptions of infection control practices among healthcare personnel and evaluate the use of authentic vignettes as a means to alter infection control behavior. Four authentic vignettes were used as a part of reflective dialogues with healthcare personnel. An evaluation of the dialogues was performed with six healthcare personnel using the focus group technique. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The mind-set to help one another and do one's best in every situation was described as a core aspect in preventing the transmission of microorganisms. Having support, taking personal responsibility, being knowledgeable about infection control practices, and having a reasonable workload were seen to play decisive roles in controlling the spread of infection. Discussing authentic comprehensible vignettes with colleagues during the allotted time was considered a valuable method for improving infection control practices. Meaningful insights on how best to use vignettes as a means to improve infection control practice were gained. These findings should be considered when designing theory-driven interventions in different contexts, which are aimed at improving infection control practices in health care.

An investigation into the emotion situation knowledge of early primary school-aged children with language impairment and the impact on their peer relations

ABSTRACT This study explored emotion situation knowledge of 6–8-year-old primary schoolchildren with language impairment (LI) and its relationship with their peer relations. Emotion situation knowledge contains experience-based predictions and anticipations of what will a person likely feel based on information about a particular social situation. To select study participants, the Detroit Test of Learning Aptitude (DTLA) was applied. Emotion situation knowledge was assessed with the use of vignettes, and peer relations were assessed with a peer relation checklist. Research findings indicated that: (i) children with LI had significant difficulties in understanding simple and mixed emotions as compared to their typically developing peers and (ii) emotion situation knowledge was a significant predictor for the participation of children with LI in academic activities and friendship relations. It is argued that the emotion-situated knowledge, which contains normative emotion expectations, may promote the peer relations of children with LI because it can help them respond to others in a more predictable way. Future research is needed to investigate the predictive utility of different facets of emotion knowledge on various domains of peer relations of children with LI.

‘They Say it was Her Fault… This is Not True!’ Using Vignettes With Adolescent Girls to Collectively Address Norms About Sexual Violence

This article discusses the piloting of vignette research tools within focus group discussions involving 34 adolescent girls aged 15–19 in Rwanda. The purpose of the research was to elucidate norms around sexual violence. Through a ‘collective capabilities’ lens, which focuses on ways to move beyond change at the individual level towards empowerment processes that benefit all girls, we reflect on the opportunities this methodological tool offers for expanding girls’ understanding of the norms that enable sexual violence, and the context-specific ways they can respond. After providing an overview of the vignettes exercise and the way in which the vignette on sexual violence was used with participants, we present girls’ accounts of sexual violence drawn from discussions based around the vignettes and our analysis of these findings. We find that gendered social norms around gender, sexuality, age, and responsibility for safety that apportion blame to girls who experience sexual violence play a role in preventing girls from using reporting mechanisms. Although girls have a strong sense of this being unfair, they realise they must also find ways to navigate these norms to avoid being blamed for their own victimisation. Based on this data, we suggest that the use of vignettes in the context of qualitative longitudinal research offers insights into norms about the drivers and causes of sexual violence that are otherwise challenging to elicit because of the sensitivity of the topic. We find that vignettes can be an empowering tool, both in raising ‘unspoken’ issues girls face and in creating the opportunity for girls to collectively work out pathways to accountability in a context where sexual violence is widespread but underreported. However, strategies to address sexual violence must account for barriers to reporting that include the social implications for girls of identifying perpetrators and exposing themselves to stigma and blame.

Teaching cultural competence to undergraduate pharmacy students using vignettes (case scenarios) as an innovative teaching intervention.

Cultural competence is instrumental in reducing health equities. Addressing cultural competence at higher education level in healthcare students lays a solid cultural competence foundation for professional practice. The use of vignettes as a teaching intervention was effective because it allowed the use of role-modelling in real-life situations.The study aimed to enhance cultural competence in undergraduate pharmacy students using a self-directed online interactive cultural competence module embedded with three vignettes (case scenarios). This study was an exploratory longitudinal mixed method (survey and written feedback) study and used a convenience sample of 90 pharmacy students at an Australian University. Students' self-perceived transcultural self-efficacy was evaluated pre- and post-intervention using Jeffreys' Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) which is a validated outcome measure. Vignettes were effective in teaching cultural competence as shown by significant (P < 0.0005) changes pre- to post-intervention in cognitive, practical and affective domains scores using TSET. The affective domain had the least positive mean score change. There was no significant association between any of the demographic factors such as age, gender or birthplace/parents' birthplace and changes in any of the three domains. Cronbach's alpha of >0.90 in all domains confirmed the test's internal consistency and reliability. The findings were indicative of the students' positive receptivity to learning cultural competence and that they had a well-developed understanding of cultural competence. Further research is needed to determine why most cultural competence teaching methods produce little or no meaningful change in enhancing the affective domain.

Increasing Knowledge and Skills of Graduate Students Using Experiential Education

This study examined the impact of experiential education through the utilization of vignettes on graduate student knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the area of written language disorders. Graduate students enrolled in a written language disorders class completed assessment measures designed to examine clinical understanding and confidence when preparing to teach a client exhibiting a written language disorder. The impact of the use of vignettes in the learning process was measured using pre- and post-tests, class surveys, and focus group interviews. Students demonstrated significant improvement in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding written language disorders. All pre- and post-course comparisons were significant (p < .01). Therefore, the use of vignettes in a graduate level written language disorders course created learning experiences which resulted in the transformation of factual and theoretical knowledge into active clinical understanding and clinical confidence.

Howard Thurman, Body Memories, and the Power of the Vignette

Howard Thurman is attuned to bodies under threat. In this article, I argue that his use of vignettes offers a distinctive rhetorical strategy for addressing collective trauma. Through closely examining “The Third Component,” a sermon preached in 1958, I display his distinctive contribution to working with traumatic memories. In relying on a third memory—a memory of communing in the Presence of total regard—he connects religious experience to the somatic efforts to heal bodies from trauma. I make the case that, for Thurman, the work of racial justice depends on spiritual practices to hone attention and enable the awareness necessary for the work.

The attrition problem: The role of police officer's decision making in rape cases

AbstractRape offences in England and Wales garner incredibly low levels of convictions. The policing stage of a complaint experiences high levels of case discontinuances. The aim of this research is to explore police officer's decision making in rape cases and how that shapes the attrition of cases. The method employed in this study is qualitative interviews, with retired or serving police officers, with the use of vignettes. This study found that police officers prioritise and continue with cases that they predict to be most likely to reach a conviction. Such predictions are guided by assessments over the strength of the evidence in cases, informed by a range of legal and extra‐legal factors. An overarching prediction employed is how likely a jury would be to convict a case. However, the participants reported that they find it incredibly difficult to accurately predict jury verdicts, making such decisions premised on a flawed logic.