Browsing by Subject "Focus groups"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    Change we can believe in? the role and implications of culture and environmental values on climate change perceptions.
    (2012-08) Heeren, Alexander
    Climate change poses many ecological and social challenges to natural resource agencies. One great challenge that resource managers face is how to manage, or adapt, to climate change in a socially acceptable way. To meet this challenge, it is necessary to understand how public perceptions about climate change are formed and whether the public will support climate change management strategies. This issue was examined at the regional level (northeast Minnesota) using a conceptual framework tested with the results of focus groups and a mail survey. Chapter 1 of this thesis provides an introduction to the framework. The second chapter discusses the results of the focus groups examining how individuals talk about climate change. Chapter 3 tests the conceptual framework quantitatively using the results of a region wide mail survey. Finally, Chapter 4 provides a summary of the project and discusses directions that future research can take.
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    The influence of sensory and behavioral factors on whole grain bread consumption among a convenience sample of adults.
    (2012-02) Sjoberg, Sara A.
    Considerable epidemiological research indicates that whole grain foods are associated with lower risk of chronic diseases. However, Americans consume far below the recommended 3 daily servings of whole grains. Little research has focused on factors that influence consumption of specific foods, such as whole grain bread. Examining sensory and behavioral factors through the theory of planned behavior may provide a comprehensive explanation for liking and consumption of whole grain breads. In Phase 1, using descriptive analysis, a lexicon was developed to describe the sensory attributes of 12 commercial 100% whole grain breads. Five breads were representative of the range of breads analyzed, and selected for use in the subsequent bread liking study. Phase 2, part 1 included development and testing of a questionnaire associated with whole grain bread consumption. Next the theory-based questionnaire was used to determine factors that influence whole grain bread consumption among 270 bread consumers recruited at a local grocery store. The mean daily whole grain bread intake was 1.3 servings. Liking, whole grain versus refined grain bread preference, and usual whole grain bread consumption pattern were significant predictors of intention to consume whole grain bread and significantly increased the variance explained by the model compared to the standard model. Intention, whole grain versus refined grain bread preference, and usual whole grain bread consumption pattern were significant predictors of whole grain bread intake and significantly increased the variance explained by the model. During Phase 3 differences in liking ratings were examined among five commercial whole grain breads and if liking ratings were influenced by different consumer groups (whole grain versus refined grain bread preference, type of bread bag returned and propylthiouracil taster groups). Results showed that Cub Foods and Country Hearth breads were most liked and Natural Ovens bread was least liked. Consumer characteristics had no effect on liking ratings. When comparing descriptive analysis sensory attributes and liking ratings, several sensory attributes had a significant effect on bread liking ratings. Consumption of whole grain bread is dependent upon preference and liking of bread and whether one has control over their behavior related to consuming whole grain breads.
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    Minutes: Senate Committee on Student Academic Integrity: October 9, 2002
    (2002-10-09) University of Minnesota: Senate Committee on Student Academic Integrity
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    Northeast Minnesota Industry Cluster Study
    (2001) Munnich, Lee W; Chatfield, Nathan; Schrock, Greg; Lichty, Richard W; McIntosh, Chris; Wittrock, Tiana
    This major study explored factors contributing to the economic competitiveness of northeastern Minnesota communities and counties. It has a strong focus on economic and industrial development. The study focuses on four “clusters”: forest products, tourism, health services and information technology. The first two clusters are assumed to require an adequate supply of water, and are assumed to greatly influence the quality and quantity of water available for multiple uses. Summary: "This regional study sought to understand the issues shaping the competitiveness of Northeast Minnesota’s industry clusters. The study follows the Michael Porter 'industry cluster' approach to understanding competitiveness. The project identified four clusters for the region: 1) forest products, 2) tourism, 3) health services, and 4) information technology. Focus groups and individual interviews with local business leaders and economic development professionals offered insight into the industries. The study region encompassed a twelve-county area of northeastern Minnesota that centered on the city of Duluth (St. Louis County). Also included are Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Cook, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties.”
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    Online Learning Preferences: 4‐H Volunteer Survey & Focus Group Findings
    (University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development, 2019-04) Robideau, Kari
    An online survey was distributed by email to a sample of Minnesota 4-H adult volunteers who attended one or more trainings, online and/or in-person, within 18 months. Following the survey, two focus groups were conducted through a web-based seminar to provide further insight into the survey findings. This report outlines the findings from the survey and the focus group, followed by implications for training 4-H volunteers in online settings.
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    Optimal size for Online asynchronous text-based focus group discussions: a mixed methods study
    (2014-11) Hatten, James Edward
    For over six decades, focus group discussions have been a popular and effective methodology for qualitative researchers. Focus group interviewing is a specific type of post-positivistic qualitative research that uses groups of people and a set of predetermined questions directed to a specific conversation to elicit valuable data. Traditional focus groups are conducted face-to-face with participants and moderator all at the same venue. In the past 20 years, Internet technologies have given rise to online focus group discussions. However, as the method of conducting online focus groups has increased, scant research exists in the literature wherein optimal practices are examined in an effort to work toward a standardized form of the approach. This mixed methods dissertation study advances the field of online qualitative research toward a clearer understanding of the online asynchronous focus group methodology in answering the key research question: What is the optimal size for online asynchronous text-based focus group discussions? Using a comparison of online focus groups conducted in an evaluation of a PK-12 educator professional development workshop, it examines the yield differences of group size for six variables of interest: depth of discussion, breadth of discussion, retention rates, participant interaction, adherence to topic, and disclosure of sensitive information. Additionally, comparable qualitative data were analyzed in two areas: participant reactions and researcher/moderator notes. A total of eight online asynchronous text-based focus group discussions were conducted in the evaluation, each with the researcher as moderator and each normalized with the same questions, moderator interaction, and length of time. Three focus groups were classified as small (4-6 participants), three as medium (10-13 participants), and two as large (17 participants). In total, 84 educators (teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and support staff) completed the four days of online discussion, answering questions about the workshop they attended. In addition, participants responded to a discussion question regarding experiences in the online focus group and completed a post-discussion survey. Analysis of transcripts, notes, survey results, content, and statistics showed significant differences exist between the three treatment sizes. Medium-sized groups were found to be the most optimal of the treatment groups. While large groups yielded similar content results, the participant feedback and researcher indicated the large treatment was more taxing on them for what resulted in a similar net yield of data. Small groups were lacking in interaction and the depth and breadth of text-based conversation of either of the larger groups. Small group participants and the researcher also noted frustrations of the smaller group.
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    Quality of Life: Assessment for Transportation Performance Measures
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2013-01) Schneider, Ingrid E.; Guo, Tian; Schroeder, Sierra
    Quality of life (QOL) is a commonly used term. Defining QOL, however, is an ongoing challenge that experts often take on with minimal input from citizens. This groundbreaking research sought citizen input on what comprised QOL and what role transportation played in it. Further, this research explored in detail the important factors across the breadth of transportation and how the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) was performing on these important factors. The research encompassed three phases between 2010 and 2011: (1) an extensive literature review on QOL, (2) 24 focus groups that asked Minnesota’s citizens about their QOL, and (3) a mail questionnaire about what matters in quality of life, transportation and their intersection. Eleven related quality of life factors emerged, including transportation: education, employment and finances, environment, housing, family, friends and neighbors, health, local amenities, recreation and entertainment, safety, spirituality/faith/serenity, and transportation. Within transportation, seven important areas were identified that predicted satisfaction with MnDOT services: access, design, environmental issues, maintenance, mobility, safety and transparency. Results reveal that a) QOL is complex and transportation plays an important and consistent role in it across Minnesota; b) transportation is critical to QOL because it connects us to important destinations in aspects that matter most; and c) Minnesotans can readily identify what matters and how the state is performing within the breadth of transportation services.