BMR placement Semester 1

 

Focus Groups – City of Tshwane (CoT)

At the beginning of my placement period, I was invited to observe the focus group part of a study the BMR was conducting on service delivery by the CoT. Quantitative data had already been collected and they were finalising the qualitative data collection which involved the carrying-out of focus groups in various areas. I attended a focus group in Olievenhoutbosch and one in Mamelodi. For both I submitted notes that I had taken for the BMR to undertake a thematic analysis on the conversations.  (focus groups for CoT). I received a very complimentary e-mail after handing in my notes from Prof. Joubert and a verbal compliment from Prof. Tustin (the head of the BMR).

Creation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document.

The impetus for this project came from myself as I saw a need for such a document based on the problems I myself experienced when beginning with data capture for my masters after having been away from the lab for a while.( If the equipment is not used regularly, it is easy to forget what the steps involved in using the equipment and software are). This is an ongoing project and incorporates the following documents…

  1. Adding stimuli: images and video
  2. Adding stimuli: websites
  3. How to create stimuli blocks
  4. Miscellaneous tips
  5. How to quote iMotions in an academic article
  6. Problem-solving
  7. Saving your data
  8. Starting a new study
  9. Study testing
  10. Switching on the lab
  11. How to recharge the dongle
  12. Using the dongle off-campus
  13. Lab inventory

Library project

This involved undertaking a study to investigate the use of the library website when accessing e-resources. The following documents were generated from this project…

  1. Prior to a meeting with Ms Poalse to discuss the library project, I compiled a list of questions to ask her. (questions for library usability study.doc)
  2. Immediately after meeting with Jacolize Poalse to discuss the project, I compiled a summary of what was discussed, and forwarded it to her. (3 April. Doc)
  3. After another meeting with Ms Poalse, I set up a document outlining how to proceed with the study. (unisa library project.doc)
  4. I created the stimuli for the study . The content of these stimuli can be found at:
    1. Answer template (completed by the researcher as the participant was required to read out the answers to tasks) (answer template.doc)
    2. Consent form (consent form.doc)
    3. Stimuli content (library study slides)
  5. I created a script to read out to participants while they were seated at the computer at the beginning of the study.(script.doc)
  6. I came up with the idea of adding 4 sheets of paper above the screen so that participants need not move their heads away from the screen to remind them what the tasks were. This worked very well as it ensured there was minimal head movement. They were also asked to read out their answers rather than writing or typing them in to keep hand movement to a minimum. The sheets could be flipped out of sight according to which tasks the participant was required to complete.

  1. I facilitated data capture for ten of the participants.
  2. Unfortunately, we are still short of two undergraduate participants so I will not officially be involved in the analysis of the results, but in preparation of the analysis, I have compiled the following documents:
    1. Compilation of each individual’s pathways to complete the tasks required of them (respondents data) including a summary
    2. Document noting the researchers’ comments during data capture (participant comments.doc)
    3. I did a literature search on the topic (Articles.doc)
    4. I wrote a literature review and methodology section for Ms Poalse to incorporate into her final report (lit review.doc)

National Council of and for People with Disabilities (NCPD)

This project was an ongoing project (but now subsequently completed) which involves determining how to get more people involved in the “Casual Day” event by using psychophysiological instruments to measure their reaction to

  • The concept of casual day
  • The symbols used by the organisation
  • The visibility of the organisation

I attended a meeting with the client (approximately 10 interested parties) along with Professors Joubert, van Aardt and Ms Poalse in Johannesburg. The neuroscience approach was explained along with possible approaches that could be taken to solving the client’s problems. At this meeting, the client was able to clarify what they required of the BMR.

In preparation for the meeting, I undertook a literature search (articles.doc) and it would seem that the theory of planned behaviour might be applicable to this project.

South African Milk Processors Organisation (SAMPRO)

This project is an ongoing project. SAMPRO are producing a new television advertisement and want to use psychophysiological measurements to determine the reaction to the advertisement. They are wanting to use a sample of 15 teenagers of varying ages. I have created a study using the storyboard that they have given us, but we recommended that they give us a full animation with voice-over to obtain an accurate representation of what they require.

Miscellaneous

  • I spent an afternoon with Professor Joubert and Dr Moshoeu, learning how to send out a Qualtrics survey
  • I tried to ‘pretty-up’ the waiting room with posters.
  • I was introduced to what a commercial research environment was like and was particularly impressed with the range of topics that are addressed.