Problematising upstream technology through speculative design: the case of quantified cats and dogs

There is growing interest in technology that quantifies aspects of our lives. This paper draws on critical practice and speculative design to explore, question and problematise the ultimate consequences of such technology using the quantification of companion animals (pets) as a case study. We apply the concept of ‘moving upstream’ to study such technology and use a qualitative research approach in which both pet owners, and animal behavioural experts, were presented with, and asked to discuss, speculative designs for pet quantification applications, the design of which were extrapolated from contemporary trends. Our findings indicate a strong desire among pet owners for technology that has little scientific justification, whilst our experts caution that the use of technology to augment human-animal communication has the potential to disimprove animal welfare, undermine human-animal bonds, and create human-human conflicts. Our discussion informs wider debates regarding quantification technology

Attitudes to and perceptions of research

Ambivalences and uncertainties towards research are common amongst practitioners in counselling and psychotherapy. The chapter speaks directly to these concerns and suspicions and encourages the reader to reflect on their images of and fantasies about research. It discusses the role of research in our culture/society and the ways research is used in counselling and psychotherapy. It also looks at the range of social, personal and professional meanings that are associated with research, and possible reactions of research participants (clients, therapists) when asked to participate in research. Experiential and reflexive questions/exercises are utilized to engage the reader and reinforce their learning. By providing a broader perspective, the chapter helps to de-mystify counselling and psychotherapy research and to demonstrate the potential and challenges of research for practice and training

Wearable Computing for Health and Fitness: Exploring the Relationship between Data and Human Behaviour

Health and fitness wearable technology has recently advanced, making it easier for an individual to monitor their behaviours. Previously self generated data interacts with the user to motivate positive behaviour change, but issues arise when relating this to long term mention of wearable devices. Previous studies within this area are discussed. We also consider a new approach where data is used to support instead of motivate, through monitoring and logging to encourage reflection. Based on issues highlighted, we then make recommendations on the direction in which future work could be most beneficial

Predicting objectively assessed physical activity from the content and regulation of exercise goals: evidence for a mediational model

Grounded in self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), the purpose of this work was to examine effects of the content and motivation of adults’ exercise goals on objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). After reporting the content and motivation of their exercise goals, 101 adult participants (Mage = 38.79 years; SD = 11.5) wore an ActiGraph (GT1M) accelerometer for seven days. Accelerometer data were analyzed to provide estimates of engagement in MVPA and bouts of physical activity. Goal content did not directly predict behavioral engagement; however, mediation analysis revealed that goal content predicted behavior via autonomous exercise motivation. Specifically, intrinsic versus extrinsic goals for exercise had a positive indirect effect on average daily MVPA, average daily MVPA accumulated in 10-min bouts and the number of days on which participants performed 30 or more minutes of MVPA through autonomous motivation. These results support a motivational sequence in which intrinsic versus extrinsic exercise goals influence physical activity behavior because such goals are associated with more autonomous forms of exercise motivation

Exploring employer behaviour in relation to Investors in People

"This report explores employer behaviour in relation to choices they make about Investors in People (IIP) accreditation in order for the future IIP strategy to ensure IIP is relevant, adds value to employers and tackles any barriers to successful delivery. The research focuses on the decision-making processes and experiences of three key groups of employers: employers that have held IIP accreditation for a number of years; employers who previously held IIP accreditation but have let this lapse; and employers who committed to gaining IIP accreditation but subsequently did not to go through the assessment process" - page 1

The Quantified Relationship

The growth of self-tracking and personal surveillance has given rise to the Quantified Self movement. Members of this movement seek to enhance their personal well-being, productivity, and self-actualization through the tracking and gamification of personal data. The technologies that make this possible can also track and gamify aspects of our interpersonal, romantic relationships. Several authors have begun to challenge the ethical and normative implications of this development. In this article, we build upon this work to provide a detailed ethical analysis of the Quantified Relationship. We identify eight core objections to the QR and subject them to critical scrutiny. We argue that although critics raise legitimate concerns, there are ways in which tracking technologies can be used to support and facilitate good relationships. We thus adopt a stance of cautious openness toward this technology and advocate the development of a research agenda for the positive use of QR technologies

Are older people at risk of sexually transmitted infections? A new look at the evidence

Two policy documents were published by the UK Department of Health in 2001 which established the service development agendas for their respective areas over the coming years. The National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People sets out national standards for ‘better, fairer and more integrated health and social care services for older people’ and ‘addresses conditions significant to older ages’ to promote ‘active and healthy aging’. The National Sexual Health Strategy identifies ways to ensure that that the sexual health of the UK population is maximized, predicated on the grounds that ‘our sexual health affects our physical and psychological well-being and is central to some of the most important and lasting relationships in our lives’. What is striking, if perhaps ultimately unsurprising, is that there is no overlap between the documents. The NSF for Older People makes no reference to sexuality or sexual health issues, and the National Sexual Health Strategy makes no reference to older people and, indeed, explicitly focuses on younger people, particularly through linking the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with the reduction in teenage pregnancies

Effective Informal Learning: Considerations For The Workplace

This article consists of an academic librarian\u27s suggestions for an individual wanting to be a successful informal Learner in the workplace. Examples of modes of communication, scholarly activity, and education are explored, in addition to helpful mindsets and practical strategies for becoming an efficient and effective informal Learner. Discussion is given concerning an individual\u27s responsibilities and the environmental factors necessary for success in this type of learning. Prevailing climates and attitudes by administrators and employers are examined in addition to how these factors might influence learning of this typ

History, culture and traditions: the silent spaces in the study of spirituality at the end of life

Recent increase in the number of studies on spirituality manifests growing recognition of the importance of spirituality, as well as mounting interest in studying spirituality in healthcare. Most studies on spirituality in end of life care focus on identifying specific features of spirituality and often represent an individualistic understanding of spirituality. They seldom engage in a historical–cultural exploration of the contextual meanings of those features of spirituality. This paper aims to demonstrate the absence of contextual factors in studying spirituality at the end of life and to highlight the growing recognition of the importance of history, culture and traditions as resources to enrich our understanding of spirituality. An exploration of the concept of spirituality, an overview of the trajectory of the study of spirituality and a review of existing methodological stances reveal the silent space in current approaches to understanding spirituality at the end of life. Recognition of the importance of these contextual factors in understanding spirituality is growing, which is yet to influence the conceptualization and the conduct of spirituality research. Contextual understandings of spirituality that incorporate insights from the history, culture and traditions of specific contexts can inform effective means for providing spiritual support in clinical practice