title: Undergraduate linguistics and human research ethics

authors: Barbour, Julie Renee

abstract: For students of linguistics at the University of Waikato, in Aotearoa/New Zealand, human research ethics has been something of a mystery. Delayed until graduate study, allocated to a generic Research Methods class, or even encountered for the first time in the preparation of an application for Human Research Ethics approval, ethics has been viewed as a separable module of learning, closely tied to graduate study, but less relevant to our undergraduate students. In this paper, the argument is put forward that ethical learning can and should be incorporated into the undergraduate linguistics curriculum. Two sets of ethical principles that could inform such a curriculum are presented, followed by the description of a pedagogic strategy that can be used to ensure that students graduating with a linguistics degree take with them an understanding of ethical considerations relevant to their discipline.

text: Undergraduate linguistics and human research ethics For students of linguistics at the University of Waikato, in Aotearoa/New Zealand, human research ethics has been something of a mystery. Delayed until graduate study, allocated to a generic Research Methods class, or even encountered for the first time in the preparation of an application for Human Research Ethics approval, ethics has been viewed as a separable module of learning, closely tied to graduate study, but less relevant to our undergraduate students. In this paper, the argument is put forward that ethical learning can and should be incorporated into the undergraduate linguistics curriculum. Two sets of ethical principles that could inform such a curriculum are presented, followed by the description of a pedagogic strategy that can be used to ensure that students graduating with a linguistics degree take with them an understanding of ethical considerations relevant to their discipline.

year: 2016

title: Which fatigue scale should I use? A Rasch analysis of two fatigue scales in inflammatory conditions

authors: Bartholomew, Emerson J.

subjects: Fatigue

abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of two widely used fatigue scales in a sample of patients with inflammatory conditions. 
METHODS: Rasch analysis was used to examine scale reliability, item bias, unidimensionality and overall fit to the Rasch model. Sub-test methodology was utilised to attempt to improve model fit for the CFQ and BRAF-MDQ. 
RESULTS: Initial analysis displayed strong reliability (PSI=0.89 0.96), alongside a lack of item bias in both scales. However, evidence for unidimensionality was not found for either scale. Overall fit to the Rasch model was marginal for the CFQ, and misfitting for the BRAF-MDQ. Local dependency was observed, as well as significant item misfit for both scales. Sub-test modifications resulted in the best model fit for the BRAF-MDQ (χ2(16)=15.77, p=0.469) and the CFQ (χ2(25)=15.49, p=0.929). Modifications resulted in improved fit, reductions in measurement error, and the production of ordinal-to-interval conversion tables for both scales. Conversion tables apply the benefits of enhanced measurement accuracy, valid comparison of BRAF-MDQ and CFQ scores to other interval-level data, appropriate use in parametric statistics, and enhanced precision in clinical cut-off scores-without the need to change administration format. 
CONCLUSION: The BRAF-MDQ and CFQ are valid, reliable tools for fatigue assessment. Psychometric indices and content factors suggest the CFQ is suited to measuring general fatigue, particularly when response burden is a concern, while the BRAF-MDQ should be used in clinical presentations where other symptoms are severe and the impact of fatigue on daily living, emotional, and social well-being is of interest.

text: Which fatigue scale should I use? A Rasch analysis of two fatigue scales in inflammatory conditions OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of two widely used fatigue scales in a sample of patients with inflammatory conditions. 
METHODS: Rasch analysis was used to examine scale reliability, item bias, unidimensionality and overall fit to the Rasch model. Sub-test methodology was utilised to attempt to improve model fit for the CFQ and BRAF-MDQ. 
RESULTS: Initial analysis displayed strong reliability (PSI=0.89 0.96), alongside a lack of item bias in both scales. However, evidence for unidimensionality was not found for either scale. Overall fit to the Rasch model was marginal for the CFQ, and misfitting for the BRAF-MDQ. Local dependency was observed, as well as significant item misfit for both scales. Sub-test modifications resulted in the best model fit for the BRAF-MDQ (χ2(16)=15.77, p=0.469) and the CFQ (χ2(25)=15.49, p=0.929). Modifications resulted in improved fit, reductions in measurement error, and the production of ordinal-to-interval conversion tables for both scales. Conversion tables apply the benefits of enhanced measurement accuracy, valid comparison of BRAF-MDQ and CFQ scores to other interval-level data, appropriate use in parametric statistics, and enhanced precision in clinical cut-off scores-without the need to change administration format. 
CONCLUSION: The BRAF-MDQ and CFQ are valid, reliable tools for fatigue assessment. Psychometric indices and content factors suggest the CFQ is suited to measuring general fatigue, particularly when response burden is a concern, while the BRAF-MDQ should be used in clinical presentations where other symptoms are severe and the impact of fatigue on daily living, emotional, and social well-being is of interest.

year: 2023-12-09

title: Stemming the colonial environmental tide – Ecosystem-based management and shared Crown-Māori co-governance for sustaining our marine coastal estate in Aotearoa New Zealand – Summary report

authors: Joseph, Robert

subjects: Co-governance and ecosystem-based management, shared Crown-Maori governance jurisdiction over the coastal marine estate, ecosystem-based management

abstract: This summary report was prepared by Dr Robert Joseph from Te Mata Hautū Taketake – the Māori and Indigenous Governance Centre, Te Piringa Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato for the National Science Challenge Sustainable Seas Ko Ngā Moana Whakauka Project.

text: Stemming the colonial environmental tide – Ecosystem-based management and shared Crown-Māori co-governance for sustaining our marine coastal estate in Aotearoa New Zealand – Summary report This summary report was prepared by Dr Robert Joseph from Te Mata Hautū Taketake – the Māori and Indigenous Governance Centre, Te Piringa Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato for the National Science Challenge Sustainable Seas Ko Ngā Moana Whakauka Project.

year: 2023-12