Category: Uncategorized

D’Agostini, Enrico, Sohyun Jo, Hyung-Sik Nam, & Young Soo Kim (2022, January). Q-method and its application in clustering Hong Kong shippers’ selection criteria of ocean carriers. Research in Transportation Business & Management, art. 100785. (ePub in advance of print) (Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2022.100785)

Abstract: Despite recent geopolitical tensions across nations, the liner shipping industry still plays a pivotal role in supporting international trade by ensuring low-cost transportation services. However, given the increased intensity of mergers and acquisitions, the formation of new shipping alliances and general perception of the commoditisation of ocean carriers pose numerous risks in how shipping line operations interact with shippers’ needs. Previous research has identified several factors regarding ocean carrier selection criteria from the shippers’ perspective, mainly focusing on regional markets. Nonetheless, knowledge of how shippers address these factors is limited. In this study, through a mix of qualitative and quantitative analyses, Q-methodology is applied to investigate shippers’ choice behaviour regarding ocean carriers in Hong Kong. The results of our analysis show the emergence of three unique clusters of shippers with different needs when considering the ocean carrier selection process. The three clusters are ‘reliability and flexibility of service achiever’, ‘long-term shipper-carrier relationship builder’, and ‘customer service and cost-saving seeker’. These findings may assist in enabling shipping lines to enhance their competitiveness by analysing and selecting the most suitable strategy for serving customers and identifying operational and marketing areas that need to be restructured or strengthened.

Enrico D’agostini <enrico@tu.ac.kr> and Young Soo Kim <marineboy68@tu.ac.kr> are in the Department of International Logistics, Tongmyong University; Sohyun Jo <sea@kmou.ac.kr> is in the Division of Navigation Convergence Studies, and Hyung-Sik Nam <hsnam@kmou.ac.kr> is in the Department of Logistics, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, Republic of Korea.

Zagata, Lukas, Tomas Uhnak, & Jiří Hrabák (2021, December). Moderately radical? Stakeholders’ perspectives on societal roles and transformative potential of organic agriculture. Ecological Economics, 190(10), art. 107208. (Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107208)

Abstract: Organic agriculture has achieved many important milestones over the last three decades. Despite these achievements, criticism of the mainstream model of agriculture, which had originally contributed to the success of the organic sector, is potentially having a negative impact on its transformative potential. The main goal of this paper is to provide further empirical evidence that captures ongoing changes in the social discourse of the organic movement. Specific attention is paid to the formation of a relationship between the organic movement and other alternative initiatives and conventional agriculture, based on the potentially shared values of sustainability as articulated in the Organic 3.0 strategy. The empirical study was conducted in the Czech Republic. The study identifies three distinct discourses that show how different groups of stakeholders form their expectations towards organic farming. The findings of our study suggest that their views differ significantly when it comes to the functions of organic farming in society. Results of the study show that the dominant social discourse on organic farming principally conveys the Organic 3.0 strategy.

Lukas Zagata <zagata@pef.czu.cz>, Tomas Uhnak <uhnak@pef.czu.cz>, and Jiří Hrabák <hrabakj@pef.czu.cz> are in the Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.

Di Giuseppe, Mariagrazia, Tracy A. Prout, Lauren Ammar, Thomas Kui, & Ciro Conversano (2021). Assessing children’s defense mechanisms with the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales Q-sort for Children. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 24(3), 320-327. (Open Access: https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2021.590)

Abstract: Defense mechanisms are unconscious and automatic psychological processes that serve to protect the individual from painful emotions and thoughts. There is ample evidence from the adult psychotherapy and mental health literature suggesting the salience of defenses in the maintenance and amelioration of psychological distress. Although several tools for the assessment of children’s defenses exist, most rely on projective and self-report tools, and none are based on the empirically derived hierarchy of defenses. This paper outlines the development of the defense mechanisms rating scale Q-sort for children (DMRS-Q-C), a 60-item, observer-rated tool for coding the use of defenses in child psychotherapy sessions. Modifications to the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale Q-Sort for adults to create a developmentally relevant measure and the process by which expert child psychotherapists collaborated to develop the DMRS-Q-C are discussed. A clinical vignette describing the child’s defensive functioning as assessed by the innovative DMRS-Q-C method is also reported. Finally, we provide an overview of forthcoming research evaluating the validity of the DMRS-Q-C.

Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe <mariagrazia.digiuseppe@gmail.com> is in the Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Ramlo, Susan, Carrie Salmon, & Yuan Xue (2021). Student views of a PBL chemistry laboratory in a general education science course. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 15(2). 11 pp. (Access: https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/ijpbl/article/view/31387)

Abstract: Several traditional chemistry lab experiences were replaced with a problem-based learning (PBL) experience in a university general education, conceptual chemistry course. Students worked in small groups on an authentic chemistry problem in which each student played a different role (Scientist, Engineering, Marketing Manager, Safety Officer, or Secretary). Midsemester, the pandemic forced the course online. Q methodology [Q] was used to determine the divergent viewpoints that existed amongst the students regarding their PBL experience. Each student provided their view by sorting related statements into a grid. Three divergent viewpoints emerged from the analyses: two viewpoints were positive about the PBL experience (Motivated learners and Committed to my group) and one was negative (Negative experience due to group dynamics). Descriptions of these views and implications are discussed.

Susan E Ramlo <sramlo@GMAIL.COM> is an independent researcher and consultant, Northeast Ohio, USA.

Sattler, Claudia, Jens Rommel, Cheng Chen, Marina García-Llorente, Inés Gutiérrez-Briceño, Katrin Prager, Maria F. Reyes, Barbara Schröter, Christoph Schulze, Lenny G.J. van Bussel, Lasse Loft, Bettina Matzdorf, & Eszter Kelemen (2022, January). Participatory research in times of COVID-19 and beyond: Adjusting your methodological toolkits. One Earth, 5(1), 62-73. (Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/one-earth/vol/5/issue/1) (Open Access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2021.12.006)

Summary: Solving grand environmental societal challenges calls for transdisciplinary and participatory methods in social-ecological research. These methods enable co-designing the research, co-producing the results, and co-creating the impacts together with concerned stakeholders. COVID-19 has had serious impacts on the choice of research methods, but reflections on recent experiences of ‘‘moving online’’ are still rare. In this perspective, we focus on the challenge of adjusting different participatory methods to online formats used in five transdisciplinary social-ecological research projects. The key added value of our research is the lessons learned from a comparison of the pros and cons of adjusting a broader set of methods to online formats. We conclude that combining the adjusted online approaches with well-established face-to-face formats into more inclusive hybrid approaches can enrich and diversify the pool of available methods for postpandemic research. Furthermore, a more diverse group of participants can be engaged in the research process.

Jens Rommel <jens.rommel@slu.se> is in the Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

Rust, Niki, Ole Erik Lunder, Sara Iversen, Steven Vella, Elizabeth A. Oughton, Tor Arvid Breland, Jayne H. Glass, Carly M. Maynard, Rob McMorran, & Mark S. Reed (2022). Perceived causes and solutions to soil degradation in the UK and Norway. Land, 11(1), art. 131. (Open Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/land11010131)

Abstract: Soil quality is declining in many parts of the world, with implications for the productivity, resilience and sustainability of agri-food systems. Research suggests multiple causes of soil degradation with no single solution and a divided stakeholder opinion on how to manage this problem. However, creating socially acceptable and effective policies to halt soil degradation requires engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders who possess different and complementary knowledge, experiences and perspectives. To understand how British and Norwegian agricultural stakeholders perceived the causes of and solutions to soil degradation, we used Q-methodology with 114 respondents, including farmers, scientists and agricultural advisers. For the UK, respondents thought the causes were due to loss of soil structure, soil erosion, compaction and loss of organic matter; the perceived solutions were to develop more collaborative research between researchers and farmers, invest in training, improve trust between farmers and regulatory agencies, and reduce soil compaction. In Norway, respondents thought soils were degrading due to soil erosion, monocultures and loss of soil structure; they believed the solutions were to reduce compaction, increase rotation and invest in agricultural training. There was an overarching theme related to industrialised agriculture being responsible for declining soil quality in both countries. We highlight potential areas for land use policy development in Norway and the UK, including multi-actor approaches that may improve the social acceptance of these policies. This study also illustrates how Q-methodology may be used to co-produce stakeholder-driven policy options to address land degradation.

Mark S Reed <mark.reed@sruc.ac.uk> is in the Thriving Natural Capital Challenge Centre, Department of Rural Economy, Environment & Society, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, UK.

Nelson, Laura K., Molly Bogeberg, Alison Cullen, Laura E. Koehn, Astrea Strawn, & Phillip S. Levin (2022, January). Perspectives on managing fisheries for community wellbeing in the face of climate change. Maritime Studies. (ePub in advance of print) (Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40152-021-00252-z)

Abstract: Coastal communities are being impacted by climate change, affecting the livelihoods, food security, and wellbeing of residents. Human wellbeing is influenced by the health of the environment through numerous pathways and is increasingly being included as a desired outcome in environmental management. However, the contributors to wellbeing can be subjective and the values and perspectives of decision-makers can affect the aspects of wellbeing that are included in planning. We used Q methodology to examine how a group of individuals in fisheries management prioritize components of wellbeing that may be important to coastal communities in the California Current social-ecological system (SES). The California Current SES is an integrated system of ecological and human communities with complex linkages and connections where commercial fishing is part of the culture and an important livelihood. We asked individuals that sit on advisory bodies to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council to rank 36 statements about coastal community wellbeing, ultimately revealing three discourses about how we can best support or improve wellbeing in those communities. We examine how the priorities differ between the discourses, identify areas of consensus, and discuss how these perspectives may influence decision-making when it comes to tradeoffs inherent in climate adaptation in fisheries. Lastly, we consider if and how thoughts about priorities have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laura K Nelson <lknelson@uw.edu> is in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (USA).

Munno, Greg, Megan Craig, Alex Richards, & Mohammad Ali (2022). Student journalists exhibit different mindsets but agree on the need for truthful reporting. Media Practice and Education. (ePub in advance of print) (Link: 10.1080/25741136.2021.2015817)

Abstract: This study investigates the ethical orientations journalism students bring to the profession they seek to enter. Using Q methodology to explore the participants’ subjective conceptions of journalism, we map their attitudes and beliefs about journalistic norms and ethics. Participants (n = 54) sorted 28 statements about journalism from ‘most like’ their journalistic mindset to ‘most unlike.’ Factor analysis identified two distinct mindsets among the participants, one expressing a traditional journalistic mindset, the other embracing a more involved, vocal journalism. Yet both factors expressed strong support for many facets of traditional journalism and embraced an orientation towards the search for truth and the need for truthful reporting.

Greg Munno <gjmunno@syr.edu> is in the Department of Magazine, News & Digital Journalism, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (USA).

Zhang, Si (2021). Research university faculty views on professional development opportunities related to teaching: A Q study. Doctoral dissertation (Education), University of Georgia. (Access: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2572546517?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true)

Abstract: The growing number of teaching professional development (TPD) programs in most major universities shows higher education institutions’ determination to improve the quality of classroom teaching with the support of contemporary instructional strategies and advanced technology. However, TPD programs at research universities often face the struggle of how to engage faculty members to participate in voluntary TPD. This study used a unique mixed-methods methodology named Q methodology to investigate perceptions of faculty members in research universities toward their participation in TPD in order to understand motives for and barriers against faculty members’ participation in TPD. Q methodology uses an integrated quantitative and qualitative framework to examine human subjectivity. This study followed Watts and Stenner’s (2012) guidance for conducting multi-participants Q research. Discussion of the findings of this study involve comparisons of different viewpoints of faculty members in a large college of education at a research university regarding their participation in TPD.

Si Zhang <zhangsi@uga.edu> is a graduate of the Department of Learning, Design, and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (USA) and will soon take a position in the Center for Teaching and Learning, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.

Franklin, Jess, Tiernan Henry, Gesche Kindermann, & Caitriona Carlin (2021, January). Trust and perception: Key challenges facing geoscientists in practice and in Irish society. Irish Journal of Earth Sciences, 39(1), 29-45. (doi: 10.1353/ijes.2021.0002) [Related poster: https://www.mic.ul.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/624/Franklin%20IGRM%20poster.pdf%5D

Abstract: Society is underpinned by geoscience, from power generation, construction, communication, resource management, water supply and security, to responses to climate change impacts. Communicating the complexities and uncertainties that are familiar concepts to geoscientists with the general public can be challenging. Fostering and increasing public trust in geoscience is therefore essential to empower stakeholders to make better informed decisions about the various complex environmental issues facing society. There is abundant evidence that this can only be effective if there is a dialogue, an exchange of information with stakeholders, rather than just a presentation of information. However, before the geoscience community can effectively start that dialogue, we need to understand how the geoscience community is perceived, and how trusted it is. This project assessed the public perception of, and trust in, geoscience and geoscientists in Ireland, through a series of semi-structured interviews and a subsequent online survey. Trust in and the perception of geoscience and geoscientists was explored and compared to other professionals who may interact with the natural environment such as environmental scientists and engineers. The results from the survey, coupled with the thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews provide a basis for reflection by the geoscience community.

Jess Franklin <jesscfranklin@gmail.com> is in the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.