Learning as researchers and teachers: the development of a pedagogical culture for social science research methods

In light of calls to improve the capacity for social science research within UK higher education, this article explores the possibilities for an emerging pedagogy for research methods. A lack of pedagogical culture in this field has been identified by previous studies. In response, we examine pedagogical literature surrounding approaches for teaching and learning research methods that are evident in recent peer-reviewed literature. Deep reading of this literature (as opposed to systematic review) identifies different but generally complementary ways in which teachers of methods seek to elucidate aspects of the research process, provide hands-on experience and facilitate critical reflection. At a time when the advancement of research capacity is gaining prominence, both in the academy and in reference to the wider knowledge economy, this paper illustrates how teachers of methods are considering pedagogical questions and seeks to further stimulate debates in this area

Utilization of Raman Spectroscopic Techniques for Forensic Science Applications

In the field of forensic science, it is important to have reliable, accurate, and nondestructive testing methods for evidence collection and testing. Current methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), are destructive to evidence and require lengthy sample preparation. Because of its nondestructive nature, specificity, and portability, Raman spectroscopy has been increasingly improving forensic science. The goal of this work is to expand on the growing pool of knowledge of forensics related Raman applications. One problem that has plagued forensic scientists for years is how to accurately identify the time since death, or post-mortem interval. Scientists have been able to estimate time since death based on physical evidence and environmental factors, but it has notoriously proven difficult to quantify this information. It has been difficult for scientists to find a biomarker of post-mortem interval. Herein, we present a Raman study of amino acids to determine possible biomarkers. We also present the first use of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) to identify potential biomarkers of post-mortem interval through a whole bovine eye. Another area where Raman spectroscopy has previously shown to be useful previously is in the study of bone composition. Although the chemical composition of bone is well understood, how bone composition changes through the bone healing process is not as well understood. Here we show the potential of SORS to be used as a tool to estimate the age of bone fractures by changes in chemical composition over time. It is our hope that in the future this method could be developed further and used to age bone fractures of child abuse victims in vivo. The further development of the results of this work could lead to faster, portable, specific, and nondestructive determination of forensically relevant information from in vivo samples. Successful development of these techniques could revolutionize the field of forensic evidence analysis by improving chemical specificity and providing a portable technique with rapid, reliable results

Physical Activity in Two Low-Income Detroit Neighborhoods: Disentangling Human Agency from Social Structure

This article explores strategies developed by African American residents in response to barriers to physical activity in two low-income Detroit neighborhoods. Using 47 in-depth, qualitative interviews, a grounded theory approach allowed the analysis to be reframed around the ways in which structural factors conditioned, but did not determine the human agency of residents seeking physical activity. Interviews revealed numerous responses to structural barriers such as devising home routines, cognitive mapping to avoid perceived threats, and leaving the neighborhood to access resources. Differences in neighborhood contexts, along with unique individual concerns, showed that agency was neither a constant nor independent force, but rather was partially constituted by structural conditions, culture, and other factors