Research Article
Jannis Hahn, Jennifer Tiede, Silke Grafe
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 1-25
ABSTRACT
In light of the rapid processes of digitalization, teachers must possess the competence to develop adolescents’ media literacy. Against this backdrop, a theory- and practice-based pedagogical concept was developed to enhance pre-service teachers’ media education competence. This pedagogical concept is grounded in a competence-standard model for media pedagogy in initial teacher education and employs an action- and development-oriented pedagogical approach. It includes competence-oriented tasks, a structured teaching and learning process, and learning and reflection portfolios. The pedagogical concept was implemented as a semester-long course at a German University. In an exploratory case study involving a convenience sample of 71 pre-service teachers, participants’ media education lesson designs were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results indicate that when participants described learning prerequisites and objectives in their lesson planning, they primarily focused on adolescents’ knowledge and experiences, as well as their intellectual and socio-moral development and needs related to media use. Most participants elaborated on learning and teaching activities centered on design, followed by assessment, problem-solving, and decision-making. Conclusions and implications for further research and practice underscore the importance of theory- and evidence-based approaches to enhance pre-service teachers’ media education competence, which is essential for progressive initial teacher education.
Keywords: Initial teacher education, pre-service teachers, media education, pedagogical concept, lesson planning
Research Article
Kalayu Weldegebriel Abraha
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 26-46
ABSTRACT
This article discusses the impact of parental involvement on students’learning as perceived by students and teachers at one Public Primary School in Tigray-Ethiopia. The study aimed to investigate how parental involvement affects students' learning. A qualitative approach was used, involving in-depth interviews with six participants (four students and two teachers) and a document review. These participants were selected using purposive and convenient sampling techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the issue. The study used a case study to explore students' and teachers' perspectives on the impact of parental involvement on learning. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The results suggested that a close relationship between students and families, and parental support have a positive effect on students' learning. The study concluded that there is a positive correlation between parental involvement and students' learning. To strengthen the school-parent relationship and parental involvement, study recommends that the school implement different parental involvement strategies, including inviting parents to understand the school environment and working with parents to understand their children’s learning needs.
Keywords: Parental involvement, students’ learning, effect, public primary school
Research Article
R. Thomas Collins II, Stephen Roth, Meenu Singh, Rania Sanford
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 47-60
ABSTRACT
Academic medical centers are investing heavily in physician career development to foster career satisfaction and success. Though studies in numerous other professions have identified serendipity as a major contributor to success, its role in physician career success is unknown. We conducted 40 semi-structured, 50-minute interviews of physicians who had achieved the rank of full professor in our school of medicine. We used inductive content analysis to identify content categories, with serendipity emerging as one such category. In this study, we performed a secondary analysis to identify if and how participants discussed serendipity in relation to success in academic medicine. Following identification of subcategories related to serendipity, we conducted a secondary inductive content analysis revealing themes that were synthesized into a new theory of serendipity. Twenty-nine participants spontaneously described as serendipitous various circumstances important to their professional success and comprised the present study cohort. Four major themes emerged and revealed serendipitous events occurred when a participant was either 1) prepared for, 2) in right position for, and/or 3) promoted for an opportunity that they took the personal initiative to seize. These findings form a new theory of serendipity. Our group of academic physicians identified serendipity—the intersection of preparation and opportunity—as a significant contributor to career advancement. Our theory of serendipity suggests it is possible to “create your own luck.” These findings have important implications for physician career development.
Keywords: Physician, faculty development, career, luck
Research Article
Daniella Hauser, Christine McConnell, Katie Lawson, Casey Smithey, Isabelle Harrison, Robyn Oakley, Allison Yarborough, Stacy Kobe
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 61-81
ABSTRACT
The majority of examined literature generalizes veteran experiences after serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, identifying a research gap specific to veterans’ experiences reintegrating into their communities and daily lives. There is a lack of evidence pertaining to occupational therapy service provision in veteran community reintegration. Colaizzi’s phenomenological qualitative approach was used to analyze data from semi-structured interviews to define themes from seven participants. Convenience and network sampling were used to recruit participants until reaching saturation. Eight themes were identified related to the participants’ experiences reintegrating into their communities post-discharge. Each veteran had a unique reintegration process dependent upon their experiences during active service; sustained physical or mental health conditions from service; environmental and social support; and plans after discharge. The participants highlighted the challenges and supports faced post-discharge from active duty. The results of this study identified support systems, utilization of VA services, and experiences with mental health impacting transition to civilian life. Further research is needed to enhance services offered to veterans post-discharge, including the expansion of occupational therapy services with this population.
Keywords: Veteran, community reintegration, mental health, social support
Research Article
Irán Barrera
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 82-100
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effects of a community-based parenting program on Latino parents, particularly regarding their understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), communication, discipline strategies, and emotional well-being. Data were collected through structured interviews using qualitative methods. This study identified significant changes in family dynamics, including enhanced communication and reduced use of physical punishment. Parents reported transitioning from authoritarian parenting styles to more positive, respectful approaches that foster their children’s trust, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Further, this study investigated the parenting practices and experiences of two cohorts of Latino parents. Using purposive sampling with the Centro La Familia dataset, 15 Latino parents were selected. Five major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Supportive family and learning environment i.e., participants appreciated the safe, confidential space and culturally sensitive facilitation provided by the program; (2) community resources and educational materials i.e., parents had mixed views on the clarity and accessibility of materials, though many found them valuable; (3) parental communication and discipline i.e., parents shifted to using more empathetic, constructive discipline strategies, promoting better understanding and cooperation with their children; (4) emotional well-being and stress management i.e., parents reported improved emotional regulation and stronger family bonds, reducing their overall stress levels; and (5) transforming parental discipline i.e., parents embraced positive discipline techniques centered on love, respect, and effective communication, resulting in better parent-child relationships. This study highlights the effectiveness of parents’ training related to ACEs in fostering trauma-informed parenting and improving family relationships. The findings suggest that culturally relevant, supportive learning environments are crucial for promoting reflective parenting. These results contribute to the existing literature on parenting interventions and advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive resources and ongoing support in similar future programs.
Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; discipline strategies; family dynamics; Latino parents
Research Article
Lisbeth Alexandra Pino Gavidia
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 101-107
ABSTRACT
The process of data analysis in qualitative research can be a daunting process for early-career researchers. The ARISE Framework offers an operational guide with a set of questions reflecting the research question. The purpose of this paper is to implement a creative and systematic way of doing the research endeavour. As such, the ARISE Framework is an action-oriented approach that involves knowledge development, synthesis, and conceptualization within an interpretive-constructivist paradigm. The proposed framework consists of theoretical and practical procedures to conduct a methodologically sound analysis. Each stage of the framework opens a reflection on the art of qualitative data analysis through a five-stage approach. Optimization of this process includes revising the themes as they can evolve over time. Each prescriptive piece on carrying out the analysis will provide qualitative researchers with an in-depth understanding of data-generated insights.
Keywords: Qualitative data analysis, ARISE Framework
Research Article
Shane J. Gill, Carine Kambou, Brooke Mauriello
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 108-140
ABSTRACT
Cultural adaptations to Integrated Primary Care (IPC) models have impacted behavioral health outcomes in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), with varying results. However, researchers have yet to determine which culturally sensitive approaches in IPC have the greatest impact. Furthermore, no study has explored culture in the context of IPC or how cultural context shapes behavioral health processes for BIPOC patients, who are overrepresented in behavioral health diagnoses and underrepresented in services in the United States. This phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews to explore Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs) definition of culture and how culture shaped screening, assessment, and treatment of behavioral health conditions in BIPOC patients in IPC settings. Thematic analysis revealed endorsement of White male cisgender heteronormative and use of White authoritarianism in medicine, both of which reportedly contributed to poor conceptualization of BIPOC patients’ symptoms. Use of culturally sensitive and responsive frameworks in IPC, tailored to contextual factors that shape behavioral health outcomes in BIPOC patients were encouraged. Themes support an ongoing need to identify how culturally-sensitive and responsive frameworks are defined in IPC settings and the efficacy of these frameworks in reducing structural barriers across all levels of health systems. In doing so, cultural adaptations to existing models and interventions can be made to improve behavioral health outcomes for BIPOC patients
Keywords: Integrated Primary Care, Cultural Humility, Person-Centered, Socioeconomic Factors, and Americanism
Research Article
Miriam Bou Kheir, Stephen Fallows, Lynne Kennedy
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 141-161
ABSTRACT
Adolescent obesity has become a major public health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid Nutrition Transitions. Lebanon, a middle-income country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, has experienced substantial shifts in dietary patterns and physical activity levels in recent decades, contributing to an alarming rise in obesity among youth. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders in Lebanon regarding the multilevel determinants of adolescent obesity, as well as the challenges and opportunities for effective prevention strategies in this context. The study explored stakeholders' views on the drivers of adolescent obesity in Lebanon at the individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy levels. The findings underscore the critical need for comprehensive, multilevel, multistakeholder approaches to address the root causes of adolescent obesity in Lebanon. This study provides timely and contextually relevant insights that can inform the development of effective and sustainable strategies to prevent and control adolescent obesity in Lebanon. It also contributes to the growing literature on the challenges and opportunities for tackling the global burden of obesity in the context of rapid Nutrition Transitions in low- and middle-income countries.
Keywords: Stakeholders, Low-Middle Income Countries, Obesity, Policies, Public Health
Research Article
Yujin Kim, Nicolette Cagle, Anita Simha, Zoe Herlick
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 162-181
ABSTRACT
A growing trend favors holistic approaches to understanding and producing knowledge about the natural world, such as social-ecological systems (SES) and interdisciplinary fields like environmental history and political ecology. Similar to many other fields, the ecological sciences increasingly recognize the importance of site-specific history. However, research addressing scientists’ perspectives and practices concerning historical knowledge within their research is lacking. This study addresses that gap by interviewing 14 researchers who have published ecological or natural sciences projects at a single long-term research site, the Duke Forest, regarding their understanding of Duke Forest’s history and perceptions of its role in scientific research. The resulting data show that, among our interviewees, (1) all had more knowledge of ecosystem history than social history; (2) many did not consider site history a necessary component of their research; (3) opinions varied about the relevance of history in different stages of the scientific method; (4) many considered long-term ecological research sites such as the Duke Forest to be valuable. This research contributes to the evaluation of research practices in order to support more holistic research in the ecological sciences.
Keywords: Historical ecology, environmental history, ecology, succession, natural sciences, research process
Research Article
Jessica Cassidy, Kathy Siepker, Jen Hirsch, Alisha Thompson, Jaci Mitchell
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 182-203
ABSTRACT
The theory of biophilia hypothesizes humans have an instinctual desire to interact with nature that benefits physical and cognitive development, as well as health and well-being. This study aimed to explore how the theory of biophilia was represented across urban older adults’ descriptions of their experiences in and perceptions of nature. We analyzed secondary qualitative data from focus groups with community-dwelling, urban older adults. Using directed content analysis, we developed a categorization matrix and a priori codes derived from concepts and mechanisms outlined in the theory of biophilia. Two coders then independently coded the data and reached a consensus. The team then worked iteratively to identify categories and sub-categories. All participants were female (N =30), and the majority were African Americans or Black (83.3%). We identified five broad categories: 1) Cognitive Aspects of Nature, 2) Nature Influences Multiple Domains of Well-being, 3) Nature as a Platform for Shared Experiences and Social Connectedness, 4) Greater Nature Appreciation in Later Stages of Life, and 5) Barriers to Enjoying Nature. Overall, we observed that participants valued their interactions with nature and, as a result, experienced elevated feelings of well-being. Many participants explained how their appreciation for nature interactions intensified in later life, suggesting nature-based activities may be a useful approach to promoting the health and well-being of older adults.
Keywords: Biophilia, non-pharmacological interventions, ecotherapy, gerontology, horticultural therapy