PhD Study : Studying professional decision making in care of older people using innovative factorial survey methods

Summary

Professional judgement is increasingly challenged within modern societies. A concern about risks of harm has led to increased scrutiny of the power of professionals and the decisions that they make. There are particular concerns in relation to the domains in which social workers make decisions such as the allocation of finite publicly-funded social care services to adults in need by virtue of age, disablement or chronic health conditions (Taylor, 2017a). The study of decision making is relatively under-developed, particularly within social work.

Gaining access to the cognitive processes used by individuals in making a particular judgement is particularly challenging. The factorial survey experiment is an innovative research design studying the cognitive judgement processes of individuals such as moral issues (for example fair sentencing) in society (Auspurg & Hinz, 2014). This proposal develops the application of the factorial survey method to the study of professional judgement.

The factorial survey experimental method involves presenting decision makers with a vignette (case scenario) of a realistic situation of the type for which the respondent regularly makes decisions (Killick & Taylor, 2012). The factors (variables) in the vignettes are randomly varied within a set sentence structure. Each respondent indicates their judgement on 10-20 unique vignettes. The method thus combines the cost-effectiveness of a survey with the rigour of an experimental design in attributing causality to the relationship between the vignette factors and the decision made.

Respondents are community-based health and social care staff working with older people in Northern Ireland (approx. 300 professionals) and also across Ireland if feasible. The study would be based soundly in existing research through a systematic narrative review with an explicit and rigorous method of study identification (Stevenson et al., 2016). Overall the study design would be mixed-methods, with initial qualitative work using focus groups and interviews used to ensure that the variables in the vignettes (IVs) are true to life, and that the decision options (DVs) reflect realistic care plan options.

The vignettes would embody risks identified through previous research, such as falls, depression, medications mismanagement, wandering unsupervised, financial mismanagement, abuse by others, risks to others and alcohol abuse (Taylor et al, 2018). Qualitative data would be analysed using grounded theory, and quantitative data using multiple regression and ANOVA. Innovation in methodology would be developed through the use of D-efficient sampling (Auspurg & Hinz, 2014) andadministration of the survey using Qualitrix software. Theoretical models of professional judgement on which the supervisors have published would be used to conceptualise the data in generalisable terms (Taylor 2012, 2017b).

This project relates to Theme 2 Method, Evidence and Theory for Practitioners of the School Thematic priorities. This project involves innovation in developing the rigour of the factorial survey research method combined with a robust theoretical approach to the study of professional judgement. The project is relevant to the contemporary social and political challenge facing social work policy makers, public administrators and service providers in justifying the social work decisions in complex, ‘risky’ situations.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living