Browsing by Subject "Qualitative research"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    An exploration of the relationship between children in treatment foster care and their foster caregivers
    (2013-09) Kiesel, Lisa R.
    Purpose: This study explored through the perception of foster children and caregivers, the importance, quality, and content of their shared relationship in Treatment Foster Care (TFC). Children at TFC level of care due to emotional/behavioral disturbance (EBD) evidence a persistent and severe degree of EBD and are at risk of placement in a more restrictive setting, i.e. psychiatric hospitalization or residential treatment. TFC seeks to improve child safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes through therapeutic care within the context of normalized family life (Dore & Mullin, 2006). The body of knowledge of the condition of children served within TFC level of care outpaces the body of knowledge of how these children can and need to be effectively cared for. Much is known about the antecedents, their behavioral and emotional presentation, and relationship difficulties, however only a few interventions or outcomes specific to these foster children or foster families have been rigorously studied (Craven & Lee, 2006). No standard of care exists for foster care of EBD children, and theoretical models and treatment methods of TFC vary widely (Farmer, et al, 2002). Although therapeutic relationship has been demonstrated as an instrument of adaptive change for children in other contexts, it is yet to be thoroughly explored within TFC. Methods: This study utilized qualitative research methods in an interpretive description study design. Through purposeful sampling subjects were identified within a statewide TFC program. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with foster parents and children in their care, and agency child case-file document review. Data analysis, informed by attachment theory, resilience, and clinical knowledge, occurred concurrently with data collection. Through the analysis process, themes and patterns were identified among subjective perspectives, while also accounting for variations between individuals, and to led to clinical application implications Results: Analysis yielded descriptive information about the quality, process, and importance of TFC child-caregiver relationships. Relationship process and importance for children centered on being helped, being known, being comfortable, choosing to connect. For TFC parents this centered on providing consistent care, valuing and respecting kids, figuring kids out, modeling parenting/lifestyle. Connectedness to foster family as a whole and connectedness long term (formally and informally) was prevalent. Description of TFC relationship: therapeutic relationship utilizing reflective and responsive parenting as the technique of change. Conclusions/Implications: This research contributes knowledge for direct application to social work practice within TFC and to guide further inquiry regarding this vulnerable, high-risk population. It offers detailed description of adaptive relationship processes and perception through the insight of foster youth and their caregivers.
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    Mind the gap: a case study of values-based decision making in a nonprofit organization
    (2013-08) Craft, Jana L.
    Using an exploratory case study approach, this research examined the consistency between espoused and enacted values within a large nonprofit organization known as an ethical leader in the human services industry. This research explored ethical business culture, ethical decision making, deontological and utilitarian moral paradigms and learning organization theory. The process of values-based decision making was dissected and analyzed in order to understand why and how it was used. Findings revealed a gap between hierarchical levels and corporate and satellite locations in several areas. Yet, strong ethical culture and ethical decision making practices were evident. Further, differing philosophical viewpoints were found to exist between higher and lower organizational levels. The study concluded with recommendations for Human Resource Development-related practices that help address the gap between espoused and enacted values and more fully operate as a learning organization to strengthen the ethical business culture and better understand the benefits of ethical decision making.
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    Narratives of scholars in the field of intimate partner violence
    (2014-12) Becher, Emily Harrington
    Historically, divisions have existed in the field of Intimate Partner Violence, with intense and sometimes acerbic debate ensuing in the literature between scholars affiliated with a "feminist" perspective and those affiliated with a "family conflict" perspective. New scholars just entering the field lack a historical understanding of how these divisions came to be, what are the core questions at the heart of the divide and how have leaders in the field navigated these questions along their own professional journeys? This dissertation is an effort to document from a first person perspective an extensive review of the scholarly literature related to these divisions and a narrative inquiry and analysis of how six leading scholars in the field, affiliated with both perspectives describe their journey.
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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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    The positive story of couples and wilderness
    (2014-12) Miller, Matthew Collins
    Interdisciplinary researchers from a variety of fields have recently become interested in studying the consequences of wilderness experiences. Different scholars have theorized about the impact of time spent in the wilderness, including implications for individual-level physiological, psychological, and emotional health. Before attempting to incorporate wilderness experiences into programming for couples, we must first begin exploring the relational implications of shared time in the wilderness. The purpose of this study is to develop a preliminary understanding of how wilderness experiences affect couples. The specific research question being addressed in this work is: What are the perceived relational implications of positive shared wilderness experiences for couples? Using a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological approach, the author gathered and analyzed stories from times that couples ventured into the wilderness together. Ten couples participated by telling twenty stories of positive shared wilderness experiences. Findings shed light onto the lived experience of couples in wilderness. Shared wilderness experiences allowed for uniquely intimate encounters, provided opportunities for rest and rejuvenation, and brought couples closer together through both challenges and conversations. Implications for programming and future research are discussed.
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    The story of intuition in marriage and family therapy
    (2014-04) Zaid, Samantha Joy
    Clinical intuition has been a subject of interest in the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) for decades. Authors have theorized how intuition might be useful in the practice of MFT. Before understanding the place of intuition in the field, we must first explore the concept of intuition in MFT. The purpose of this study was to more deeply understand the phenomenon of intuition in MFT clinical work. The specific research question addressed in this study was: How have marriage and family therapists (MFTs) experienced intuition in their clinical work? Using a qualitative transcendental phenomenological approach, the researcher gathered and analyzed MFTs' stories of intuition in order to begin to make meaning of this phenomenon. Twelve participants shared 26 stories of intuition in their clinical work. Findings provided insight into the lived experience of intuition in MFT. Intuition allowed therapists to shift their attention to new possibilities, thus forming and offering interventions for clients to make significant changes and achieve their goals. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
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    Transitioning from a student to a professional in athletic training:a phenomenological review of graduate assistants/fellows.
    (2011-05) Hoppe, Susan Britton
    Although many colleges and universities employ Graduate Assistants/Fellows (GAFs) in the field of Athletic Training, little research has been conducted to understand best practices for assisting GAFs in their transition from a student to a professional. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the GAFs' and their supervisors' perceptions of changes occurring during their first semester of post-professional study within a Master's in Athletic Training program. Specifically, this phenomenological research attempted to describe any changes in the GAFs' clinical competence. Clinical competence can be attributed to decision-making skills and clinical diagnosing skills. In addition, this study explored specific strategies and experiences that contribute to the changes in perceptions of clinical competence of allied health care professionals in Athletic Training. Through purposeful criterion sampling, one Post-Professional Athletic Training Education Program was selected and resulted in four first-year GAFs, one GAF supervisor/faculty member, and the Program Director (PATEPD) agreeing to be participants. Primarily in-depth interviews were utilized to collect data although secondary data were obtained through observations, journal entries, and other program documents and artifacts. The data were transcribed, coded and analyzed based on the research questions. Four analytic categories were determined to affect the GAF experience: culture of the program, clinical experiences, personal attributes, and coursework. Several findings and recommendations emerged from the data. The largest influence on the GAF experience stemmed from the PATEPD and the program's philosophy. Notions such as self-reflection, critical thinking, and feeling supported resonated with the participants in order to assist in their confidence and decision-making in the clinical setting. Recommendations include the PATEPD having consciousness of his/her influence throughout the program, the necessity for incorporating clinical thinking skills in coursework due to its application in the clinical setting, and providing varied clinical experiences to further enhance the GAF's clinical knowledge. In addition, the National Athletic Trainers Association should include clinical education as a key component of Post-professional Athletic Training Education Programs. Due to the complexity of the phenomenon of being a GAF in the clinical setting, the researcher suggests the recommendations be considered based on their applicability to the reader's individual situation.