Browsing by Subject "Grounded theory"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

Open Access
Audio-visual perception of outpatients in an oncology polyclinic
(2022-06) Uğurlu, M. Zeynep
This study aims to analyze the effects of auditory and visual perception in a hospital environment to provide comfort for the outpatients. The research focused on the waiting area of an oncology polyclinic. The binaural audio recordings and 360° photographs were taken from three different locations (reception area, courtyard area, and corridor) on the site. Audio recordings were visualized through signal processing, and the photographs were evaluated through image analysis via MATLAB to show the auditory and visual differences among the locations. These three locations differed from each other in their auditory and visual environments. Regarding the hospital auditory environment, sound sources are human activity-related and technology-based. The reception area has an indoor opening, the courtyard area has indoor and outdoor openings, and the corridor area has none. Voluntary oncology outpatients in three locations in the polyclinic were given questionnaires (n=66) and interviewed (n=20). Questionnaires were analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics, and interviews were analyzed with the Grounded Theory method in ATLAS.ti software. Equivalent Continuous A-Weighted Sound Level (LAeq) measurements were taken within the interview hours and at one-hour intervals from three locations. The questionnaire revealed that the courtyard area is calmer and more pleasant than the other areas. The conceptual framework created with semi-structured interviews showed how the auditory and visual environments affect the outpatients' perception. The conceptual framework revealed audio-visual perceptions in the hospital environment with the existing condition and outpatients' preferences and proposed suggestions for a hospital environment.
Open Access
Combining Grounded Theory (GT) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyze indoor soundscape in historical spaces
(Elsevier, 2019) Acun, Volkan; Yılmazer, Semiha
This paper reports the findings of indoor soundscape research that was conducted in a historical museum setting. The study took place in the historic caravanserai of Cengelhan, which is currently a part of the Rahmi Koc Museum. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to capture visitors’ subjective museum experience and understand the role of the sound environment. In this sense, the research is divided into two parts: Grounded Theory (GT) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). For the qualitative part, semi-structured interviews were held as part of GT, to create a conceptual framework that reflects visitors’ perception of the indoor soundscape of the museum. Hypotheses were derived from this conceptual framework based on the patterns between the categories of the conceptual model. In the second part, this model was tested for statistical significance and path correlations through the SEM method. The core categories of the conceptual framework are similar to the previous research, mainly the categories of Context, Interpretation, and Outcomes. The SEM analysis showed that categories of Expectation and Preference were not significantly associated with the Built or Sound Environment. Findings showed that a positive interpretation of the sound environment could create a livable environment with a unique atmosphere which would increase visitors’ interaction with the museum and positively affect their experience.
Open Access
A comparative study on indoor soundscape in museum environments
(2019-07) Orhan, Cemre
The aim of this study is to understand how visitors perceive and compare the soundscapes of different museum environments. To reach this goal, physical parameters as acoustic measurements, and perceptual data as questionnaires and interviews were explored in Rahmi M. Koç Museum, and Erimtan Archaeology and Arts Museum. Both museums are located near the main gate of Ankara Castle, which is one of the most historic and cultural part of the city. To find out the acoustical parameters of the case study settings, Equivalent Continuous A-weighted Sound Level (LAeq) was measured in-situ with Bruel & Kjaer 2230 sound level meter, and Speech Transmission Index (STI) and Reverberation Time (T30) were measured with the Odeon Room Acoustics Software 13.01. For the perceptual data, the questionnaires were analyzed by using SPSS program. Interviews were analyzed with the Grounded Theory (GT) method to explore the visitors’ perception towards the indoor soundscapes of museum environments. After analyzing the data of interviews, the conceptual framework was created. This process was completed with the ATLAS.ti Software. Results showed that the soundscapes of the indoor environment cannot be explored only with physical parameters. Results showed that visitors’ perception of soundscape changes according to the theme of the museums, and visitors’ preference of sound environment changes according to the building types.
Open Access
A comparative study on indoor soundscape assessment via a mixed method: A case of the high school environment
(Elsevier, 2022-02-28) Çankaya Topak, Sıla; Yılmazer, Semiha
Environments for learning-teaching activities require optimum acoustical conditions since students learning attitudes are directly related to verbal speaking. However, optimum acoustical conditions are not enough to provide acoustic comfort to students. To explore the acoustic requirements of educational spaces, there is a need to understand the role of sound and in which factors auditory perception of stu- dents changes. This study explores the relationship between auditory perception and the built environ- ment in a high school. It aims to provide design guidelines for educational facilities using the systematic categorization that defines the comparison between classroom and computer laboratory spaces in _Ihsan Dog ̆ramacı Foundation Bilkent High School. To understand the existing acoustic conditions in a selected educational facility, Equivalent Continuous A-Weighted Sound Level (LAeq), Reverberation Time (T30), and Speech Transmission Index (STI) were measured. This mixed method study includes quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data was collected through multiple instruments, including a ques- tionnaire survey (n = 117) and semi-structured interviews (n = 50). The data analyses were conducted using SPSS v.20 statistical software and applying the method of Grounded Theory (GT). The results show that the auditory perception of students does not only depend on sound levels since the responses towards sound sources and sound levels changed depending on the context of the space (such as the lec- ture content or the students’ task). The conceptual framework presented the relations between the built environment, acoustic environment, and auditory perception of students. The results of this research were interpreted for possible improvement directions, providing a guideline for designers to shape the auditory quality of future educational spaces
Open Access
Grounded theory approach on audio-visual perception of users in a university cafeteria
(2024-05) Syed, Shomaila Fatima
The study aimed to create a conceptual framework for audio-visual perception in cafeteria environments by comparing four locations with distinct audio-visual characteristics in a cafeteria at Bilkent University, Türkiye. An exploratory study was conducted using ISO 12913-2 Soundscape Method C semi-structured interviews and analyzed via the Grounded Theory (GT) method with ATLAS.ti software. To assess the perceived environment, an ISO 12913-2 Soundscape Method A questionnaire survey was administered, Equivalent Continuous A-weighted Sound Levels (LAeq) were monitored, and signal analysis generated spectrograms and time histories. Additionally, image analysis evaluated the visual environment. These measurements and responses were used to assess the Perceived Affective Quality (PAQ) of the current environment. The resulting conceptual framework revealed a complex interplay between audio-visual contextual aspects, showing that auditory perceptions are influenced by more than just sound levels. Perceptions of sound level and source varied with different audio-visual contexts. The framework indicated that natural sounds and views reduced negative soundscapes and increased user preference. Negative responses to excessive noise and disruptive sounds highlighted the adverse effects of an unfavorable acoustic environment on comfort and satisfaction. Users employed distraction and coping mechanisms to transform negative responses into neutral or positive perceptions. Participants generally expected visual elements that enhance comfort, such as nature views, indoor plants, fewer crowds, artwork, cheerful socializing, more empty seats, clean surfaces, well-arranged furniture, and larger tables.
Open Access
A grounded theory approach to assess indoor soundscape in historic religious spaces of Anatolian culture: A case study on Hacı Bayram Mosque
(SAGE Publications, 2018) Yılmazer, Semiha; Acun, Volkan
This study presents a research that is concerned with the indoor soundscape in historical mosque. Hacı Bayram Mosque and its surroundings area of Hamamönü has been selected as the research site due to being the historical centre of Ankara. Although there are studies concerned with the acoustical characteristics of mosques, there is not enough research focusing on user’s expectation and interpretation of the indoor soundscape within a historical space. This study adopts the user-focused grounded theory to capture individuals’ auditory sensation and interpretation of the indoor soundscape within a historical mosque. In-depth interviews are held with congregation of the mosque and with the individuals sitting around the surrounding area. Based on their subjective responses, a theoretical framework is generated to gain an insight on the factors that affect individuals understanding and expectation from mosques. The conceptual framework generated through grounded theory shows how indoor soundscape may influence their individuals’ response to the physical environment of the mosque showing the association between the soundscape elements, spatial function and place identity.
Open Access
A grounded theory approach to investigate the perceived soundscape of open-plan offices
(Elsevier, 2018) Acun, Volkan; Yılmazer, Semiha
This paper presents the findings of a user focused soundscape survey, that took place in a visual task based and a computational task based open-plan office spaces. Aim of this study was to conduct a grounded theory survey which captures individuals’ subjective response to the soundscape and creating a conceptual framework in the end. In order to achieve this goal, acoustical environment and sound sources were identified. In-situ measurements of sound levels (LAeq) and simulations, prepared by Odeon Room Acoustics Software 13.10 Combined, were used to explore the acoustical environment of the office spaces. Grounded Theory was used as the main research method to create a conceptual soundscape framework, and to reveal employees perception of the soundscape of their work environment. As part of grounded theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with forty-nine employees from both types of offices. The results showed how the task at hand were affected by the sound environment and employees’ characteristics. Sound that were not expected or out of context and those that interfere with the concentration demanding tasks caused a negative interpretation of the soundscape. Due to this, employees’ adopted coping methods such as, accepting and habituating, intervening to the sound source, or putting on headphones to isolate themselves from the soundscape. It was discovered during the interviews that employees were concerned with silence as much as they were concerned with the noise. Employees expressed that the sound of keyboard and mouse means that they are working at that moment, there are other people around, and they are not working alone, or not working overtime.
Open Access
Remote work from the eyes of remote workers: understanding the changing nature of work in the 21st century
(2022-08) Tuhanioğlu, Hande
This thesis examines remote work as a labour process in which remote workers make sense of social life and themselves through their work. In this regard, it aims to contribute to the conceptualisation of remote work in the context of the changing nature of work in the 21st century. More specifically, this study asks the following question: “How and under what conditions does remote work transform the meaning of work for remote workers?” This question will be explored through an examination of the working experiences of remote workers in Turkey. With this aim in mind, a critical examination of the meaning of work in modern and contemporary social theory, as well as the recent discussions on the digitalization of work will be provided. In this thesis, the experiences of remote workers are obtained as the main data of the study which is analysed by adopting a methodology inspired by ‘grounded theory’ approach. Under this methodological framework, 18 in-depth interviews were conducted with remote workers in Turkey. Among the interviewees, there are freelancers, full-time employees and business owners working in sectors that are suitable for remote work in terms of the digitalizability of the work. In the end, this study argues that remote work does not enable a full emancipation from negative work conditions as is widely argued; however, it is also not possible to say that remote workers are simply the passive sufferers of relations of exploitation beyond their control. Rather, it is argued that remote workers are engaged in an attempt to liberate themselves from the existing social and economic conditions with a desire to construct what they consider to be ‘better’ living and working conditions for themselves under the unique circumstances of the 21st century.
Open Access
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) context and the perceived soundscape: a grounded theory approach
(Sage Publications, Inc., 2024-07) Orhan, Cemre; Yılmazer, Semiha
Background:Studies address excessive sound levels and their adverse effects on infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, objective measurements represent merely one aspect of the acoustic environment, and investigations into staff’s perceptions of the acoustic environment remain scarce in the NICU context. A holistic approach, soundscape, is needed to explore the acoustic environment in-depth. Aim:This study aims to (1) contribute to indoor soundscape literature and inform decision-makers of future NICU design and research by focusing on staff members’ perceptions of the soundscape and (2) explore whether there is a relationship between staff members’ perceptions of soundscapes and the built and acoustic environments of one NICU. Methods:Following the ISO/TS 12913-2/3 protocols, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 NICU staff members and analyzed using the grounded theory to generate a conceptual framework for NICU soundscapes. Results:The results indicated that the task-related sounds, including false alarms, were neutrally responded to as they evoked acceptance and adaptation behaviors. The sound sources perceived as irrelevant were responded to negatively. NICU staff indicated that although they expect to hear alarms clearly, specific features of alarms caused several physiological and psychological problems. Conclusions:The findings of the study revealed the importance of conducting a soundscape approach to investigate NICU acoustic environment in detail. The study showed that staff members’ perceptions and responses primarily depend on the context rather than on sound levels.