41 research outputs found
Making education work
No full textThis conference presentation was given as part of the Achieving Compliance with Road Traffic Law: What can enforcement, prosecution and sentencing contribute? Conference by Dr Fiona Fylan, Consultant Health Psychologist and Reader in Psychology at Leeds Metropolitan University. The conference, jointly organised by PACTS and the Criminal Justice Research Centre with Brunel Law School, was hosted at Brunel University on the 13th June 2012, and was the first opportunity to review the evidence about how to improve compliance with road traffic law. Its aim was to set out the challenges facing the government over the next few years and the steps that need to be taken to improve levels of compliance on our roads. It took a wide look at the process of compliance from initial choices about enforcement through to the effectiveness of the court system
In search of a theory of list memory: an inquiry into the efects of long-term information on short-term recall
No full textOver recent years, evidence has been accumulating in favour of the importance of long-term information as a variable which can affect the success of short-term recall. Lexicality, word frequency, imagery and meaning have all been shown to augment short term recall performance. Two competing theories as to the causes of this long-term memory influence are outlined and tested in this thesis. The first approach is the order-encoding account, which ascribes the effect to the usage of resources at encoding, hypothesising that word lists which require less effort to process will benefit from increased levels of order encoding, in turn enhancing recall success. The alternative view, trace redintegration theory, suggests that order is automatically encoded phonologically, and that long-term information can only influence the interpretation of the resultant memory trace. The free recall experiments reported here attempted to determine the importance of order encoding as a facilitatory framework and to determine the locus of the effects of long-term information in free recall. Experiments 1 and 2 examined the effects of word frequency and semantic categorisation over a filled delay, and experiments 3 and 4 did the same for immediate recall. Free recall was improved by both long-term factors tested. Order information was not used over a short filled delay, but was evident in immediate recall. Furthermore, it was found that both long-term factors increased the amount of order information retained. Experiment 5 induced an order encoding effect over a filled delay, leaving a picture of short-term processes which are closely associated with long-term processes, and which fit conceptions of short-term memory being part of language processes rather better than either the encoding or the retrieval-based models. Experiments 6 and 7 aimed to determine to what extent phonological processes were responsible for the pattern of results observed. Articulatory suppression affected the encoding of order information where speech rate had no direct influence, suggesting that it is ease of lexical access which is the most important factor in the influence of long-term memory on immediate recall tasks. The evidence presented in this thesis does not offer complete support for either the retrieval-based account or the order encoding account of long-term influence. Instead, the evidence sits best with models that are based upon language-processing. The path urged for future research is to find ways in which this diffuse model can be better specified, and which can take account of the versatility of the human brain
Semi-structured interviewing
No full textThis chapter presents a guide to conducting effective semi-structured interviews. It discusses the nature of semi-structured interviews and why they should be used, as well as preparation, the logistics of conducting the interview, and reflexivity.</p
Neuromagnetic investigations of functional organisation within human visual cortex
No full textThis thesis describes a series of experimental investigations into the functional organisation of human visual cortex using neuromagnetometry.This technique combines good spatial and temporal resolution enabling identification of the location and temporal response characteristics of cortical neurones within alert humans. To activate different neuronal populations and cortical areas a range of stimuli were used, the parameters of which were selected to match the known physiological properties of primate cortical neurones. In one series of experiments the evoked magnetic response was recorded to isoluminant red/green gratings. Co-registration of signal and magnetic resonance image data indicated a contribution to the response from visual areas V1, V2 and V4. To investigate the spatio-temporal characteristics of neurones within area V1 the evoked response was recorded for a range of stimulus spatial and temporal frequencies. The response to isoluminant red/green gratings was dominated by a major component which was found to have bandpass spatial frequency tuning with a peak at 1-2 cycles/degree, falling to the level of the noise at 6-8 cycles/degree. The temporal frequency tuning characteristics of the response showed bimodal sensitivity with peaks at 0-1Hz and 4Hz. In a further series of experiments the luminance evoked response was recorded to red/black, yellow/black and achromatic gratings and in all cases was found to be more complex than the isoluminant chromatic response, comprising up to three distinct components. The major response peak showed bandpass spatial frequency tuning characteristics, peaking at 6-8 cycles/degree, falling to the level of the noise at 12-16 cycles/degree. The results provide evidence to suggest that within area V1 the same neuronal population encodes both chromatic and luminance information and has spatial frequency tuning properties consistent with single-opponent cells. Furthermore, the results indicate that cells within area V1 encode chromatic motion information over a wide range of temporal frequencies with temporal response characteristics suggestive of the existence of a sub-population of cells sensitive to high temporal frequencies
Information within optometric practice:comprehension, preferences and implications
No full textThe partnership approach to health care, in which patients take an active role in decision making, can potentially improve patient satisfaction and adherence to clinician recommendations. However, the process can be impeded by insufficient or poor-quality information provision. This study explored participants' understanding of, and requirements for, optometric information. Information leaflets were obtained from 12 optometry practices and four internet-based resources. Sixty-four patients/ clients participated in focus groups that explored: (1) their understanding of diagrams of visual function, (2) perceptions of good information, (3) information requirements and (4) perceptions of the effects of improved information. A theory-led thematic analysis identified three major themes within each of the four categories. The use of jargon and the inappropriate layout of diagrams and text impeded comprehension of the leaflets. High-quality information was defined as being written concisely with simple explanations and clear diagrams. There was also a preference for information to be relevant and applicable to the patient's own eye care needs. In addition, participants expressed a desire for both written and verbal information regarding eye examination procedures and interpretation of prescriptions. Advice regarding eye care was also requested. To facilitate a partnership approach and improve patient satisfaction, patients should be provided with jargon-free concisely written and clearly presented information. In addition to general information, patients would also benefit from personalised information regarding test results and eyecare regimes
Young people's motivations to drive: expectations and realities
No full text© 2017 Elsevier Ltd Fewer young adults are choosing to learn to drive and there is a safety argument for encouraging those who do learn to delay doing so. In this study we explore what motivates young people to learn to drive and we uncover their expectations – and the reality – of the difference driving makes to their short- and longer-term futures. We conducted 12 focus groups with 48 young people age 16–24. The discussions explored why they do or don't want to drive, the immediate life changes that driving brings as well as how driving might affect their life in the future. We analysed the data using thematic analysis using the question: what motivates young people to learn to drive? We identified five motivations in the data, organised into two themes. The first theme relates to the benefits of maturity. Young people believe driving provides independence and represents the first stage of becoming an adult. Most rely on their parents for lifts, and therefore parents control and scrutinise their social life. The car as a form of personal space was very important for young people, as they have complete control over this environment, which can be missing in other aspects of their lives. Driving also bestows kudos, particularly for those amongst the first in their peer group to pass their test. Novice drivers enjoy being able to offer lifts to friends and family, although described how this rapidly becomes an imposition. The second theme is about broadening horizons. Young people believe that driving expands their social world, enabling them to travel further afield with their friends for day trips because driving is faster, more convenient and cheaper than public transport. In practice, few of those who drive had used their car in this way, instead using it mainly for commuting and getting fast food. Participants talked about how driving opens up career opportunities, allowing them to travel to more distant cities for work and study. However, driving usually made accessing work and study opportunities more convenient rather than possible. Instead, the main benefit young people actually experienced was having more time to sleep in the morning. The qualitative nature of the study, together with the inclusion of pre-drivers, drivers and non-drivers, has provided insight into motivations for learning to drive and how the reality of driving often does not match expectations. The results could be used to inform the potential content of an intervention to encourage young people to delay learning to drive
Visual illusions?:Beliefs and behaviours of presbyope clients in optometric practice
No full textMany clients in optometry practice have reported that they do not receive sufficient information from practitioners to make informed purchasing decisions for corrective spectacles. The aim of this study was to identify participants' attitudes and beliefs towards visiting an optician and purchasing spectacles, to compare clients' and practitioners' perceptions of purchasing decisions, and to examine clients' preferences for information and decision making. One hundred and fifty-eight presbyopes completed a questionnaire to examine attitudes and behaviours regarding visiting an optician. Thirty-four practitioners completed a questionnaire examining the purchasing recommendations they make to clients, and their perceptions of clients' purchasing decisions and information needs. Participants reported positive attitudes towards visiting an optician but required more information about their eyesight and about purchasing options. A discrepancy was found between client and practitioner perceptions of purchasing decisions and of involvement in the decision making process. Practitioners overestimated the importance of price to clients and underestimated the importance of their own recommendations on purchasing decisions. The findings of this study could be used to guide practitioners in their provision of information to clients
Making it work for me: beliefs about making a personal health record relevant and useable
No full textYesBackground: A Personal Health Record (PHR) is an electronic record that individuals use to manage and share their
health information, e.g. data from their medical records and data collected by apps. However, engagement with
their record can be low if people do not find it beneficial to their health, wellbeing or interactions with health and
other services. We have explored the beliefs potential users have about a PHR, how it could be made personally
relevant, and barriers to its use.
Methods: A qualitative design comprising eight focus groups, each with 6–8 participants. Groups included adults
with long-term health conditions, young people, physically active adults, data experts, and members of the voluntary
sector. Each group lasted 60–90 min, was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We analysed the data using
thematic analysis to address the question “What are people’s beliefs about making a Personal Health Record have
relevance and impact?”
Results: We found four themes. Making it work for me is about how to encourage individuals to actively engage with
their PHR. I control my information is about individuals deciding what to share and who to share it with. My concerns is
about individuals’ concerns about information security and if and how their information will be acted upon. Potential
impact shows the potential benefits of a PHR such as increasing self-efficacy, uptake of health-protective behaviours,
and professionals taking a more holistic approach to providing care and facilitating behaviour change.
Conclusions: Our research shows the functionality that a PHR requires in order for people to engage with it. Interactive
functions and integration with lifestyle and health apps are particularly important. A PHR could increase the effectiveness
of behaviour change apps by specifying evidence-based behaviour change techniques that apps should incorporate. A
PHR has the potential to increase health-protective behaviours and facilitate a more person-driven health and social care
system. It could support patients to take responsibility for self-managing their health and treatment regimens, as well as
helping patients to play a more active role when care transfers across boundaries of responsibility.Leeds Informatics Boar
Experiencing “continuity”: A qualitative investigation of waking life in dreams.
No full textContinuity between waking life and dreaming has typically been studied via the quantitative analysis of dream reports, which has illustrated that dreaming reflects waking-life experiences, thoughts, and emotions. However, there are currently no reliable methods of analyzing dreams for the more subjective aspects of dreams, such as those dreams that are metaphorically related to the dreamer’s waking life, which require dreamer input. We conducted a qualitative study involving in-depth semistructured interviews with 4 participants. The interview schedules were based on Schredl’s (2010) dream group technique. Using thematic analysis we developed 3 themes that describe continuity between waking life and dreams: “experiential continuity” (between waking-life experiences/thoughts and dreams), “emotional continuity” (between waking-life emotions and dreams), and “representative continuity” (metaphorical and generic representations of waking life in dreams). Rather than being dichotomous, participants experienced continuity in gradations. A fourth theme (“attitudes toward continuity”) explored how attitudes toward continuity influenced continuity experiences
