scholarly journals STEM and Non-STEM Library Users Have Increased Their Use of E-Books

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Krueger
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Research University ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Digital Rights Management ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stem Disciplines

A Review of: Carroll, A. J., Corlett-Rivera, K., Hackman, T., & Zou, J. (2016). E-book perceptions and use in STEM and non-STEM disciplines: A comparative follow-up study. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 16(1), 131-162. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2016.0002 Abstract Objective – To compile a set of usability and collection development suggestions and to examine a possible statistical correlation between visiting the physical library, online resource use, and e-book use. Design – Online questionnaire survey. Setting – Major public research university in Maryland, United States of America. Subjects – 47,209 faculty, students, and staff. Methods – This survey is a follow-up to a similar 2012 study at the same institution. Survey respondents completed 14 multiple-choice and up to 8 open-ended questions about academic e-book discovery, perception, and usage patterns for both STEM and non-STEM respondents using the Qualtrics online research platform. Seven of eight open-ended questions were conditional (i.e., dependent on answers to multiple-choice questions), thus the number of questions answered by respondents could vary. The survey was available from October 1 to November 22, 2014, and promoted across a variety of communication channels (email, library website, social media, print flyers and handouts). Incentives for completing the survey included one iPad Mini and eight U.S. $25 Amazon gift cards. Main Results – 1,911 (820 STEM and 1,091 non-STEM) self-selected students, faculty, and staff from a total campus population of 47,209 faculty, students, and staff (4.2% response rate) participated in the survey, excluding 277 additional responses representing library personnel (70) and individuals not affiliated with the institution (207). 64% of respondents indicated more e-book use than three years before, with only 21.9% of respondents noting they never use e-books for academic purposes compared to 31% in 2012. 32.5% of respondents noted daily or weekly use of e-books for scholarly pursuits, with undergraduates reporting the most frequent use: 38.6% daily/weekly use versus 37.2% for graduate students, 16.2% for faculty, and 14.2% for staff. 38% of respondents reporting daily/weekly use were from STEM disciplines; 31.3% were from non-STEM fields. Computers, not e-readers, were the primary devices used for accessing e-books: 72.5% of respondents reported using laptops or desktops to this end versus tablets, 37.9%; mobile phones, 36.7%; Kindles, 25.6%; Nooks, 5.9%; and other e-readers, 3.3%. Top “mixed device access” responses were tablet/mobile phone/computer (98 responses); mobile phone/computer (93 responses); and tablet/computer (81 responses). The top three discovery tools respondents reported using for finding e-books were commercial sites (35.9%), free websites (26.8%), and the library website (26.2%). A weak-positive Spearman’s rho rank correlation of 0.25 provides some evidence that respondents who visit the library often are likely to use online resources and e-books. 35% of respondents reported they use e-books online “most of the time,” and 67% of respondents indicated they print out e-book content for use. Responses to the question “What, if anything, would make you more likely to use e-books for academic purposes?” included easier access via the library website (48% of respondents), better functionality for highlighting/annotating (44%), reduced cost (43.2%), easier downloading (38.5%), more e-books in area of research interest (37.3%), more textbooks (37.2%), and ownership of a dedicated e-reader (35.6%). In 2012, 52% of respondents reported never having downloaded an e-book for offline use. This percentage dropped notably in this study, with only 11.5% of respondents indicating they had never downloaded for later use. Conclusion – While this study indicates both STEM and non-STEM respondents at this institution are increasingly using e-books, preferences for electronic versus print format varied according to content type and type of user (e.g., STEM or non-STEM, undergraduate or graduate, student/faculty/staff). Key recommendations for usability and collection development include: improving discovery and awareness mechanisms, purchasing some content (e.g., references works, style guides) in e-format while ensuring multiple simultaneous use, taking advantage of print plus electronic options to serve users with different format preferences, and encouraging vendors to allow digital rights management free downloading and printing.

Multiple choice questions: answering correctly and knowing the answer

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Pass Rates ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Areas ◽  
Summative Assessments ◽  
Reliable Assessment ◽  
Objective Tests ◽  
And Training

PurposeThis paper aims to examine whether multiple choice questions (MCQs) can be answered correctly without knowing the answer and whether constructed response questions (CRQs) offer more reliable assessment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a critical review of existing research on MCQs, then reports on an experimental study where two objective tests (using MCQs and CRQs) were set for an introductory undergraduate course. To maximise completion, tests were kept short; consequently, differences between individuals’ scores across both tests are examined rather than overall averages and pass rates.FindingsMost students who excelled in the MCQ test did not do so in the CRQ test. Students could do well without necessarily understanding the principles being tested.Research limitations/implicationsConclusions are limited by the small number of questions in each test and by delivery of the tests at different times. This meant that statistical average data would be too coarse to use, and that some students took one test but not the other. Conclusions concerning CRQs are limited to disciplines where numerical answers or short and constrained text answers are appropriate.Practical implicationsMCQs, while useful in formative assessment, are best avoided for summative assessments. Where appropriate, CRQs should be used instead.Social implicationsMCQs are commonplace as summative assessments in education and training. Increasing the use of CRQs in place of MCQs should increase the reliability of tests, including those administered in safety-critical areas.Originality/valueWhile others have recommended that MCQs should not be used (Hinchliffe 2014, Srivastavaet al., 2004) because they are vulnerable to guessing, this paper presents an experimental study designed to demonstrate whether this hypothesis is correct.

Evaluation of an Interactive Tutorial for Teaching Hypothesis Testing Concepts

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L. Aberson ◽  
Dale E. Berger ◽  
Michael R. Healy ◽  
Victoria L. Romero
Keyword(s):  
Hypothesis Testing ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Standard Laboratory ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Online Tutorial ◽  
Interactive Tutorial

In this article, we describe and evaluate a Web-based interactive tutorial used to present hypothesis testing concepts. The tutorial includes multiple-choice questions with feedback, an interactive applet that allows students to draw samples and evaluate null hypotheses, and follow-up questions suitable for grading. Students either used the interactive tutorial (n = 15) or completed a standard laboratory assignment (n = 10) covering the same topics. Students who used the tutorial performed better (p =.06) on a quiz than students who completed the standard laboratory, supporting the effectiveness of this freely available online tutorial. A second group of students (n = 112) who did not participate in the assessment overwhelmingly rated the tutorial as easy to use, clear, and useful.

scholarly journals Behind the cloak of competence: brain injury and mental capacity legislation

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Moore ◽  
Rebecca Wotus ◽  
Alyson Norman ◽  
Mark Holloway ◽  
Jackie Dean
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Mental Capacity ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hidden Disabilities ◽  
Mental Capacity Act ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose Brain Injury Case Managers (BICMs) work closely with individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), assessing needs, structuring rehabilitation interventions and providing support, and have significant experience of clients with impairments to decision making. The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and its guidance when applied to ABI survivors. This research aimed to: first, highlight potential conflicts or tensions that application of the MCA might pose, and second, identify approaches to mitigate the problems of the MCA and capacity assessments with ABI survivors. It is hoped that this will support improvements in the services offered. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed method approach, 93 BICMs responded to an online questionnaire about decision making following ABI. Of these, 12 BICMs agreed to take part in a follow-up semi-structured telephone interview. Findings The data revealed four main themes: disagreements with other professionals, hidden disabilities, vulnerability in the community and implementation of the MCA and capacity assessments. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for changes to the way mental capacity assessments are conducted and the need for training for professionals in the hidden effects of ABI. Originality/value Limited research exists on potential limitations of the application of the MCA for individuals with an ABI. This paper provides much needed research on the difficulties surrounding mental capacity and ABI.

scholarly journals The dignity of the human corpse in forensic medicine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara-Sophie Schwarz ◽  
Nikolai Münch ◽  
Johannes Müller-Salo ◽  
Stefan Kramer ◽  
Cleo Walz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Specific Kind ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Human Corpse ◽  
E Mail

AbstractWorking with the dead is a very specific kind of work. Although a dignified handling of the corpses is demanded by the legislator and by the general public, neither the legal status of the corpse is undisputed nor is it obvious what a dignified handling of the deceased should consist of. In our hypothesis generating pilot study, we asked which concrete considerations are involved in daily practice of forensic specialists. We used an online questionnaire (invitations via e-mail) consisting of questions with single choice, multiple choice, and free text entries. The answers to single or multiple choice questions were displayed in pivot tables. The data was thus summarized, viewed, descriptively analyzed, and displayed together with the free text answers. 84.54% of the physicians and 100% of the autopsy assistants stated that considerations concerning the dignity of the deceased should play a role in daily autopsy practice. 45.87% stated that the conditions surrounding the autopsy need improvement to be ethically suitable. The analysis of the survey’s results was based on Robert Audi’s ethics, according to which three aspects need to be lightened in order to evaluate the conduct of a person morally: the actions, the motivation, and the way in which the actions are carried out. This systematization helps to identify the need for improvement and to make the vague demands for a dignified handling of corpses more concrete.

The future of leadership development: how can L&D professionals design and develop our next generation of leaders?

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 6-9
Author(s):  
Karen Meager ◽  
John McLachlan
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Successful Leadership ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Development Approach ◽  
Open Question

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to inform L&D Professionals of our research finding and the key highlights from our published book, so that they can use this information when reviewing or designing Leadership Development Programmes. Design/methodology/approach – We wanted to discover the common themes present in successful leadership. We researched over 60 leaders from businesses of various sizes and structures. They completed a set of multiple choice questions (personality profiling questions) and then we asked them a set of open question to identify their likes/dislikes, keys to success, areas for development, values and main issues they face. Findings – We found that the leaders profiled across a broad spectrum of personality types (from the multiple choice questions), and yet there were strong similarities in the themes in the open question answers. We concluded that successful leadership was not dependant on a personality type but could be developed and learnt while staying true to your own personality. Research limitations/implications – We would have liked to research more leaders and define the research specifically by type of organization. As the purpose of the research was to inform our writing of a useful and practical leadership development book, we did not feel it was essential for this purpose. Practical implications – We would like this to inform the shape of future leadership development towards a more “whole person” development and away from the traditional skills-based approach. This will support leaders to be healthier, more successful and better role models. Social implications – Leaders are one of the most important roles in the world, and we need healthier, more rounded, emotionally regulated, more focused leaders to be appropriate role models for future generations. It is also important that a diverse range of leadership styles is accepted and developed in organizations. Originality/value – What is new in our paper is the development of the idea, supported by our research that Leaders can be authentic and successful without the need for a personality transplant. We have brought together our research with our psychological qualifications and business experience to produce a leadership development approach that is deep in its thinking and construction but easy and practical to use and apply.

scholarly journals The role of the document delivery service at an evolving research library in Saudi Arabia

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Vijayakumar ◽  
Faten Al Barayyan
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
User Perception ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Service ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
Service Staff ◽  
Usage Analysis ◽  
Document Delivery Service

Purpose – This purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the document delivery service according to user perception, and a usage analysis was done to inform collection building and refining. This is especially important in a high-calibre research community, where the usage, interests and research groups and disciplines are still evolving. Design/methodology/approach – To collect the responses of document delivery service users, an online questionnaire was used with 12 multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions. The questionnaires were sent only to the users of this service, and the responses were collected anonymously. Two surveys were conducted, in 2010 and 2013, with the same questions. The responses are displayed graphically prepared to compare the results. There were 71 responses in 2010 and 95 in 2013. Findings – In both surveys, the majority of users rated the service, staff behaviour, speed, quality, etc. with a high satisfaction level. Document delivery order statistics are a major decision-making tool, in addition to usage analysis, for developing a better, economical and highly utilized collection in brand new libraries. Originality/value – This is the first published study of user perception of document delivery in Saudi Arabia.

Computer-Supervised Exposure Treatment for Phobias

1988 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.C. Carr ◽  
A. Ghosh ◽  
I.M. Marks
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Exposure Treatment ◽  
Conversational Style ◽  
Desk Computer ◽  
Exposure Tasks ◽  
Treatment Improvement

Twenty phobic outpatients were treated by 9 weekly “interviews” at the console of a desk computer. Using a conversational style and multiple choice questions, the computer assessed the symptoms and agreed a hierarchy of self-exposure tasks. Each week the patient was given a diary sheet of tasks to practise daily. At his next visit his progress and motivation were assessed, and if he was succeeding he was encouraged to accept progressively more difficult tasks. This group was compared with a group of 20 patients (matched for age, sex and type of phobia) treated conventionally by a therapist in the preceding year. Progress was measured on standardized scales (both self- and clinician-rated). The two groups showed significant improvement on all the scales, and 75–80% of each group were much improved (scores reduced by 50%). The therapist treated group tended to be more severely ill at entry and to show greater improvement during treatment. Improvement was maintained at 6 month follow-up in both groups.

Undergraduates’ understanding of cardiovascular phenomena

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel A. Michael ◽  
Mary Pat Wenderoth ◽  
Harold I. Modell ◽  
William Cliff ◽  
Barbara Horwitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Cardiovascular Function ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Conceptual Difficulties

Undergraduates students in 12 courses at 8 different institutions were surveyed to determine the prevalence of 13 different misconceptions (conceptual difficulties) about cardiovascular function. The prevalence of these misconceptions ranged from 20 to 81% and, for each misconception, was consistent across the different student populations. We also obtained explanations for the students’ answers either as free responses or with follow-up multiple-choice questions. These results suggest that students have a number of underlying conceptual difficulties about cardiovascular phenomena. One possible source of some misconceptions is the students’ inability to apply simple general models to specific cardiovascular phenomena. Some implications of these results for teachers of physiology are discussed.

Influence of type of assessment and stress on the learning outcome

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godson Ayertei Tetteh ◽  
Frederick Asafo-Adjei Sarpong
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Bloom's Taxonomy ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Final Assessment ◽  
Bloom’S Taxonomy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of constructivism on assessment approach, where the type of question (true or false, multiple-choice, calculation or essay) is used productively. Although the student’s approach to learning and the teacher’s approach to teaching are concepts that have been widely researched, few studies have explored how the type of assessment (true or false, multiple-choice, calculation or essay questions) and stress would manifest themselves or influence the students’ learning outcome to fulfill Bloom’s taxonomy. Multiple-choice questions have been used for efficient assessment; however, this method has been criticized for encouraging surface learning. And also some students complain of excelling in essay questions and failing in multiple-choice questions. A concern has arisen that changes may be necessary in the type of assessment that is perceived to fulfill Bloom’s taxonomy. Design/methodology/approach – Students’ learning outcomes were measured using true or false, multiple-choice, calculations or essay questions to fulfill Bloom’s taxonomy and the students’ reaction to the test questionnaire. To assess the influence of the type of assessment and the stress level factors of interest, MANOVA was used to identify whether any differences exist and to assess the extent to which these differences are significantly different, both individually and collectively. Second, to assess if the feedback information given to respondents after the mid-semester assessment was effective, the one-way ANOVA procedure was used to test the equality of means and the differences in means of the mid-semester assessment scores and the final assessment scores. Findings – Results revealed that the type of questions (true or false, multiple-choice, calculations or essay) will not significantly affect the learning outcome for each subgroup. The ANOVA results, comparing the mid-semester and final assessments, indicated that there is sufficient evidence means are not equal. Thus, the feedback given to respondents after the mid-semester assessment had a positive impact on the final assessment to actively improve student learning. Research limitations/implications – This study is restricted to students in a particular university in Ghana, and may not necessarily be applicable universally. Practical implications – The practical implications of this research is that assessments for learning, and the importance of assessment impact not only on students, but also on teachers and the literature. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by examining how the combination of the type of assessment (true or false, multiple-choice, calculation or essay) and stress contributes to the learning outcome.

scholarly journals Female entrepreneurs in a time of crisis: evidence from Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Stephens ◽  
Isobel Cunningham ◽  
Yousra Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Based Organizations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Willingness To Contribute

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the impact that a crisis such as that created by COVID-19 has on entrepreneurs. The authors focus on female entrepreneurs and their ability and propensity to continue their entrepreneurial journey. Design/methodology/approach For each respondent (n = 113), data was collected using an online survey. The survey was distributed in April 2020 during a nationwide lockdown and again in September 2020 as the economy reopened. In completing the survey, respondents were asked a series of multiple-choice questions and a series of open-ended questions. Findings The authors present data characterizing the female entrepreneurs, their experience during a time of crisis and the enablers and disablers to the continuation of their entrepreneurial journey. The key findings that emerge from this study include the resilience of the female entrepreneurs, their willingness to contribute to community-based organizations during a crisis and their desire to seek and receive support from their peers. Originality/value The findings from this study provide novel insights with regard to the resources and strategies used by female entrepreneurs during a time of crisis. The data was collected during two periods of great uncertainty for the entrepreneurs and at times when their availability was extremely limited.

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