Search

Rethinking research practices and querying knowledge production have emerged as part of a popular movement in the academy to "decolonize" the social and human sciences. This introduction to a forum suggests that if decolonizing has become something of a buzzword applied to curricula and embraced even by mainstream foundations eager to develop funding streams to support (in name) the intellectual/political project, this does not mean we should be cynical. Neither, however, should we take decolonization to be a metaphor. This forum is about one of the most consequential implications of the "decolonizing" move: how it broadens our thinking about ethics. Animated by the particular experiences and concerns of this interdisciplinary group of what Amahl Bishara characterizes as "region-related" scholars of the Middle East and North Africa, the focus turned from the contemporary politics of knowledge production to questions of ethical responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Methaodos: Social Science Journal / Methaodos: Revista de Ciencias Sociales is the property of Departamento de Ciencias de la Comunicacion y Sociologia, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Athenaeum: Polskie Studia Politologiczne is the property of Faculty of Political Science & Security Studies Nicolaus Copernicus University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rapid advancement of Generative AI technologies, and particularly LLMs, has ushered in a new era of possibilities — but also a whole new set of interrogation — for social research. This symposium brings together a set of contributions that collectively explore the diverse ways in which Generative AI could be “repurposed” in a digital methods fashion.

All qualitative researchers are familiar with the idea of saturation: that researchers should continue to collect and/or analyze data until nothing new is being added to their arguments or conclusions. Saturation is, however, used and understood in a variety of ways, often appearing as an unevidenced and dogmatic statement seeking to justify that a piece of research is complete. This article explores the application of the idea of saturation in qualitative research, noting its association with grounded theory and the particular interest taken in it by health researchers. It concludes that it is both a misunderstood and an overworked concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Voces y Silencios is the property of Universidad de los Andes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The questionnaire is a widely used instrument in social research for collecting information. One of the most important design decisions is the choice of one (or more) measurement scale(s). A common scale for rating/opinion questions is the Likert-type scale ranging from 0 or 1 (lowest rating/strongest disagreement) to 10 (highest rating/strongest agreement). Its success is based, among other things, on the advantage of being able to treat the scale from different perspectives (nominal, ordinal, or interval). Making the right choice is not an easy task for the researcher, as the perspective selected determines the methodology to be used for analysis and the potential results. This paper proposes a methodological strategy that facilitates this phase by presenting a protocol that allows the simultaneous analysis of two versions of the scale, nominal and interval. The proposed idea is based on the tabulation of the two scales in a mixed data matrix and it is advised to conduct an exploratory analysis through Multiple Factor Analysis. This technique maintains and compares the idiosyncrasies of each scale. The versatility and suitability of the proposal is illustrated by real research on social and affective relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative thematic study aimed to examine the placement of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors in compulsory institutional care in Sweden, to expand knowledge regarding their care and treatment. The dataset comprised Social documents and anonymized journal documents from personnel detailing the experiences of twenty-five unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors in compulsory institutional care organized by the Swedish National Board of Institutional Care in 2015. The study identified three main themes: traumatic life events and mental health, alignment between needs, goals, and treatment, and language diculties. The findings revealed a high prevalence of severe traumatic experiences among the asylum-seeking minors, with half having endured significant psychological and physical trauma. Mental health issues were inconsistently addressed, and prior traumas were often overlooked in care planning. The majority exhibited various mental health problems, underscoring the need for tailored interventions. The study highlights challenges in aligning unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors’ individual needs, treatment goals, and provided care. Language barriers emerged as a critical concern, impeding e [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of research in recent years have combined elements from the social and scientific sciences. Modern research has shown that social and environmental elements are just as important, if not more so, than biological ones, when assessing health and wellness. Key themes, research approaches, obstacles, and future objectives are highlighted in this study's examination of the present status of research in this area. Through the integration of data from multiple sources, our work highlights the significance of merging biological and social knowledge to tackle critical societal problems including public health, ecological preservation, and inequality. Anyone hoping to further interdisciplinary research objectives and create holistic methods to comprehending human processes will find this work to be an invaluable resource. Both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence form the basis of these discoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an increasingly digital world, there is a growing emphasis on utilising technology for personal and professional success. For neurodivergent individuals--those with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia--acquiring these digital skills presents several challenges. Despite their diverse talents and perspectives, which can greatly benefit the IT sector, neurodivergent individuals often face significant barriers to employment and career advancement [1]. This research study focuses on the 5D Clarity Process, a novel framework explicitly curated for social research aimed at enhancing problem analysis and solution development. The 5D Process--Discover, Detail, Deepen, Dream, Define--offers a systematic approach to comprehensively understand and tackle complex social issues. This study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing case study methodology to examine the application of the 5D Clarity Process in developing digital skilling programs for neurodivergent individuals. Key findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework in uncovering hidden talents, personalizing learning pathways, and improving engagement levels among participants. The study's implications extend to policy development, educational practices, and workplace inclusion strategies for neurodivergent individuals in the IT sector. While the primary focus is on the framework itself, the paper also explores its application in the context of digital skilling and curriculum planning for neurodivergent individuals, showcasing how the 5D Clarity Process can transform the identification and nurturing of skills, ultimately leading to better employment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a bibliometric analysis of the studies on environmental conflicts and peace produced by the global scientific community in the last ten years (2015-2024). This analysis aims to identify the contributions and gaps of the scientific community regarding these topics. To do so, a scientific mapping of environmental conflicts and peace was carried out using bibliometric techniques and tools in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Scientific production was reviewed by year, author, institutional affiliation, and country. As a result, various asymmetric interactions between the global North and South were identified, and the emerging nature of this field of study was determined, which allows us to question its scope and highlight opportunities and challenges for future research from the South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the process of theory building based on Grounded Theory, from the analysis of empirical data on the right to health information (RHI) in the detection and medical care of breast and cervical cancer. These data derive from qualitative research, in which focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with women between 25 and 45 years of age in a city in northern Mexico, to find out how they exercised the DIS in medical care, what their experiences in management were and what their perceptions of care were like. In the analysis of the first data and at the beginning of the open coding, self-perception was identified as an emerging category, defined as the interviewees’ self-perception of their position vis-à-vis the physician and the health institution during the management of care. This category was analyzed in axial and selective coding, showing its explanatory potential for understanding the practices of women in exercising their right to health information. This empirical exercise shows that grounded theory implies a systematic and rigorous process of codification, comparison and integration of data and theory. This paper contributes to the understanding of theoretical and methodological decisions based on grounded theory in social research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of The L N Gumilyov Eurasian National University Political Science Regional Studies Oriental Studies Turkology Series is the property of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Facultad de Derecho y Ciencias Políticas is the property of Revista Faculdad de Derecho y Ciencias Politicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The importance of ethics in social research has increased in recent years, something reflected, among other things, in the progressive codification and institutionalization of research ethics and the growing literature on this topic. We argue that despite increasing ethical regulation and ethical reflection in social research, ethical challenges also arise, i.e., difficult situations connected with selecting ethically appropriate behavior. The aim of this special issue is to invite social researchers to reflect upon and discuss ethical challenges in contemporary social research. The contributions in this issue concern vulnerability (one critically analyzing it, and another adapting the vulnerability concept to conducting research with people after a laryngectomy), the researcher and participant relationship, research ethics in multilingual world, and the ethicality of data representation where language plays a particular role in creating a form of activist research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to clarify the concept of the theoretical framework and its pivotal role in conducting field social research, in addition to clarifying how to employ theoretical categories in explaining social phenomena. The research relied on the analytical-applied approach in studying the research topic. The research also concluded that theoretical selection represents one of the most important steps in the procedures of serious social research, which should be guided by a social theory from which the research hypotheses are derived, determine its approaches and methodology, and constitute the researcher's reference in the process of analysing and interpreting the studied phenomenon. The research also recommended the need to hold academic lectures and seminars in the field of sociological theories on the importance of designing a theoretical framework in directing the steps of field research. In the end, the research recommended the need to develop students' academic and applied skills in the field of employing the appropriate theoretical framework to study the research problem by holding training seminars at the bachelor's degree to acquaint them with the importance of sociological theories and their pivotal role in field research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article restores the significance of social research in interwar Poland. The author presents four different studies linked primarily by the dynamics of transformation in the face of political instability. The text positions memoir writing methods among other types of qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the role of social research and human behaviour in attempts to eradicate bTB. Future attempts to eradicate bTB are likely to involve an increasing range of sophisticated technologies. However, the acceptance and use of these technologies is likely to depend on a range of behavioural incentives. The use of appropriate behavioural nudges may facilitate bTB eradication, but the paper contends that of more value are socio-cultural approaches to understanding behaviour. Specifically, the concepts of the 'good farmer' and 'real vets' are discussed to show how bTB eradication is dependent on social identities. In conclusion, the paper outlines four key roles for social research in assisting with future bTB eradication policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Big data represents a significant challenge for the social sciences. From a philosophy-of-science perspective, it is important to reflect on related theories and processes for developing them. In this paper, we start by examining different views on the role of theories in big data-related social research. Then, we try to show how big data is related to standards for evaluating theories. We also outline how big data affects theory- and data-based research approaches and the process of theory building. Discussions include a summary of lines of reasoning, limitations, and a proposal for future developmental steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a moderator has become ubiquitous when using focus groups for social science research. While a skilled moderator can facilitate discussion, we argue that, in some instances, moderators can potentially hinder the generation of the types of group discussions that academic researchers may seek to access. In this paper we outline some of the challenges associated with moderated focus groups and propose a complimentary methodology: a remotely-moderated focus group that can help overcome some of the problems a physically present moderator might create, while still incorporating many of the benefits of moderation. Using two remotely-moderated focus group designs – one exploring dietary identity and the other exploring gendered experiences of sexual harassment – we provide evidence for the efficacy of this design in multiple contexts. We evaluate its ability to produce high quality conversational data and suggest directions for future research exploring the utility of this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on research work carried out by a prisoner-student in the framework of the closure of a degree course and a research grant. It reflects on the higher education programs in the context of confinement, which contributed to a person deprived of liberty being able to become a student-researcher. To do this, we analyze different research and academic work that has been developed during the degree training and how such training can give different meanings to those usually attributed to education and culture in prisons. In addition, we intend to expose the conflicts and transformations that involved transiting the faculty during the prison sentence, which constituted the transition from "prisoner" to student-researcher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Qualitative Forschung (ZQF) is the property of Verlag Barbara Budrich GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pacha: Revista de Estudios Contemporáneos del Sur Global is the property of PACHA REVISTA DE ESTUDIOS CONTEMPORANEOS DEL SUR GLOBAL and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Economics & Environment / Ekonomia i Środowisko is the property of Fundacja Ekonomistow Srodowiska i Zasobow Naturalnych and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The phenomenon of popularisation of alternative methods of conflict resolution is widespread in Poland, both at the state and self-government levels. Combining the interdisciplinary achievements of practice and doctrine, numerous projects and programmes are being developed to encourage parties and professional lawyers to use mediation in the process of dispute resolution. However, on the basis of statistical data showing the use of judicial mediation in cases where it could have been used at a level of 1.6%, it should be concluded that there is still a long way to go before mediation becomes a ‘fully-fledged’ method of conflict resolution, constituting a viable alternative to the traditional adjudicative method of dispute resolution. The purpose of the article is to present the results of empirical research conducted by the authors within the framework of scientific activities related to the implementation of the assumptions of the Academic Mediation Centre operating at the Institute of Legal Sciences of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (Lublin). The article consists of three parts. The first one presents the subject, scope and objectives of the research, as well as the research hypotheses and methodological details. The second part presents the results of the empirical research conducted and the partial conclusions. The last part is a summary of the conclusions of the research carried out.

This empirical study examined the effects of the presence of others (physical observers and embodied agents) on the performance of the Stroop task within an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment. Drawing from the research conducted by Pascal Huguet and his colleagues, who explored the social facilitation and inhibition effects in traditional lab conditions using the Stroop test, the current study sought to test these effects in VR conditions. Participants were divided into four groups, each experiencing different conditions – performing the task alone, under the awareness of being observed, or in the presence of embodied agents (formally dressed as Dr. Piotr or casually as Piotrek). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent samples was conducted to evaluate the results. Findings showed a significant reduction in Stroop interference when participants were aware of being observed by the experimenter. However, the presence of embodied agents in the VR environment, regardless of their regardless of their dress or manner of presentation, did not significantly influence the results. These results not only confirmed the occurrence of the Stroop interference effect in VR conditions, comparable to traditional lab conditions, but they also suggested that the social presence of the experimenter could enhance task performance in the VR environment. There was no significant influence observed from the presence of embodied agents, though. These observations can greatly contribute to the development of VR. However, further research is required to expand these findings, considering factors such as sample size and realism of embodied agents.

Due to global climate change, community resilience to natural disasters has become a high priority in environmental research. Academicians and practitioners from different disciplines and organizations include several dimensions to outline the process of building resilient communities. Although this research branch suffers from the lack of a shared theoretical and methodological consensus, many scholars publish research articles each year. Similarly, social scientists include diverse contextual humanitarian dimensions that are challenging to trace. Therefore, this study attempts to undertake a systematic review of the literature of the last 12 years (2010–2021) to outline the current trends in research methods, selected dimensions, and theoretical standpoints from the social perspective. This systematic observation of the literature identifies the recent trends in adopting research design, sampling design, and data collection techniques used for the research. The present review also traces the propensity of including major theoretical dimensions in the research. After identifying the contemporary trends in research, we find that a comprehensive multi-phase research model is necessary to initiate an effective policymaking in a specific socio-ecological context.

Abstract This paper considers the role of social research and human behaviour in attempts to eradicate bTB. Future attempts to eradicate bTB are likely to involve an increasing range of sophisticated technologies. However, the acceptance and use of these technologies is likely to depend on a range of behavioural incentives. The use of appropriate behavioural nudges may facilitate bTB eradication, but the paper contends that of more value are socio-cultural approaches to understanding behaviour. Specifically, the concepts of the ‘good farmer’ and ‘real vets’ are discussed to show how bTB eradication is dependent on social identities. In conclusion, the paper outlines four key roles for social research in assisting with future bTB eradication policies.

Social work education in Nigeria is largely dominated by Eurocentric knowledge, theories and beliefs. This has led to a one-sided narrative where Eurocentric ideologies are advanced and indigenous knowledge often sidelined in academic curricula. This non-inclusive teaching and learning methodology acts as a continuous (re)colonization process where knowledge from Europe is imported and planted in the African academy. To contribute to the discussion for indigenous knowledge, this study researched the need for indigenous knowledge in social work education in Nigeria using 18 semi-structured interviews. Participants for the study were made up of 4 social work educators, 10 social work students and 4 social work practitioners. Major findings affirmed that social work education and practice in Nigeria was anchored by Western ideologies rather than indigenous knowledge. It was evident from research findings that indigenous knowledge need to be made more transparent in social work curriculum in Nigeria. Overall, indigenous and Western knowledge need to be blended in the present social work curriculum in Nigeria to ensure the best of both and to off avoid the 'danger of a single story'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Society & Leisure / Loisir & Société is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Latin America is a very fertile region for memory studies, as evidenced by the publications that range from the founding works of Elizabeth Jelin to the most recent compilation works. It is important to recognize that this consolidated field of studies has traditionally revolved around victimization processes and, more recently, transitional justice. However, it is also a scenario for the renewal of memory studies, in tune with contemporary global debates such as (1) the new generations and post-memory; (2) the redefinition of the role of the state as guarantor of official and public memories and, added to this; (3) the new place (geographical, institutional) occupied by the citizenry. Based on an assessment that recovers both the founding studies in Latin America, as well as the main contributions of research on memory and violence (with emphasis on work on transitional justice, exile and new generations), here we identify the new lines of research that are being privileged by memory studies in the region, this in order to draw a new research agenda for the field, which registers both the renewal of traditional themes (e.g. systematic investigations on the engagements of the researchers regarding issues such as transitional processes, and violence against marginalized or repressed groups; or the need to reintroduce the field of corporeity to think about issues such as gender, violence, exile) and the emergence of new problems of urgent research (the field of crises and uncertainty). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the importance of visualizing the scientific production of universities is increasingly notorious, the dissemination of research by teachers in horizontal social networks has gained strength, this aims to reach general and non-specialized audiences. The objective of this research was to identify the level of visibility of the scientific production of the Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias Agropecuarias y Ambientales FICAYA of the Universidad Técnica del Norte UTN in horizontal social networks. This research was quantitative with a descriptive scope. The study focused on identifying the presence and use of horizontal social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) by the groups of this faculty, for this observation sheets and surveys were used. leaders of the research groups to find out the reasons for their presence or absence in these networks. According to the observation sheets applied, the faculty has a general presence in horizontal social networks, but they do not share their scientific production, no group has profiles in the networks, one of the important reasons to highlight is that 75% of the groups mention that They are focused on other dissemination channels for their scientific production. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that scientific production should be displayed not only in specialized channels but also in horizontal social networks with the public, since it can inform and publicize the efforts of the academy with its research to provide solutions to problems. of the royal society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that old cadastral maps have multiple uses, such as reestablishing cadastral parcel boundaries, municipality boundaries, and coastal limits, or conducting historical, economic, and social studies. In Spain, the Directorate General for Cadastre, and the National Geographic Institute, has numerous digitized old maps that are accessible to users. In the Comunidad Valenciana, the georeferencing of certain series of old cadastral maps is being carried out in phases, which is one of the subjects of this study. A metric analysis of two series of old cadastral maps from a municipality was conducted. One of the series was georeferenced by the Valencia Provincial Cadastre Office, while the other was georeferenced in this research. Additionally, a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) was created, providing WMS, catalog, and document download services. Metadata were also published, containing information about the source, digitalization process, georeferencing, and achieved accuracy, following the ISO 19115 standard for geographic metadata. Furthermore, through individual and group interviews, participatory social research was conducted, to assess the use of old cadastral maps and the created SDI services, aiming to understand the users' appreciation of the services. The results of the social research indicate that the SDI services created are highly valued, but certain conditions need to be met to ensure their effective use by the general public in order to avoid misuses and misinterpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Iuridica Lublinensia is the property of Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)