Browsing by Subject "Qualitative analysis"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Domestic terrorism on the Nightly News
    (2010-05) DeFoster, Ruth Maku
    This thesis examines coverage of domestic terror events in the United States on evening network news broadcasts, using both content analysis and qualitative analysis to examine the extent of coverage and differences in coverage over a five-year period. Coders looked for the presence or absence of the term “terror,” “terrorist” and “terrorism” between attacks perpetrated by culprits identified by different ethnic, racial, and religious descriptors. Qualitative analysis examined those stories that used the terms “terror,” “terrorist” and “terrorism” more deeply, looking for context, meaning, identification of culprits and assignment of blame. Analysis of 394 stories (42 events) found a significant association between the use of the word “terrorism” and the identification of culprits as Muslim (x2 = 25.026, df = 1, p < .0001), an absence of discussion of whiteness, and a religious-based application of “terror” terms that served to externalize domestic terrorism.
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    Evaluation of Workforce Perceptions as a Means to Identify and Mitigate the Causes of Musculoskeletal Disorders
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation Research Services Section, 2010-01) Loushine, Todd William
    An analysis of workers’ compensation data showed that five job classifications accounted for over 93% of all cases. This analysis also showed that 48% of the cases resulted in sprains and strains, and 70% of those cases were caused by over-exertion and/or awkward work postures. Based on these findings, a research proposal was created to investigate worker perceptions of potential musculoskeletal injury factors and possible corrective actions. Fifty randomly-selected Mn/DOT transportation generalists and mechanics from District 1 were interviewed via telephone. Interviews were voice recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by shortening and separating responses. Each of the six questions produced between fifteen to twenty-one response categories and total response counts between 63-to-123. The most frequently cited safety concern was exposure to public traffic on road projects; followed by heavy or awkward lifting, “rushing” to get a job done and exposure to typical construction site hazards. Overall, workers felt management and co-workers were committed to safety on the job. Possible safety improvements revolved around: general awareness, watching out for each other, planning ahead, taking time to do the job right, and proper use of personal protective equipment. Most of the workers interviewed indicated interest in participating and promoting a workplace wellness program to improve their health and fitness. Efforts to reduce musculoskeletal injuries need to incorporate the concerns and ideas of workers, building off of what was learned in this study.
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    Identifying and Reconciling Stakeholder Perspectives in Deploying Automated Speed Enforcement
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2017-05) Peterson, Colleen; Douma, Frank; Morris, Nichole L.
    Speeding is a public-health crisis, making up approximately a third of roadway deaths each year in the United States. One countermeasure with clearly documented efficacy to reduce speed is automated speed enforcement (ASE). Public acceptance of ASE, however, has been marginal with many drivers calling into question its need and legality. This project used surveys and interviews to better understand public rejection of ASE and to strategically provide individualized information to determine whether opinions can be shifted toward a more favorable view of ASE. Statistically significant movement on ASE opinion was achieved after respondents engaged with a tailored survey addressing their particular ASE concerns. Those who changed their opinion were more engaged (e.g., considered the opposite of their current stance more fully) and were persuaded by evidence of safety benefits resulting from reduced speeds and effective speed reduction with ASE deployment.