Browsing by Author "Budd, Julia Mary"

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    A design-based research study to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration using a case from the New Zealand disability field : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Budd, Julia Mary
    This study developed and evaluated an approach to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration when studying complex real-world issues. Complex real-world issues, such as inclusion for those experiencing disability in New Zealand, have been found to be difficult to resolve. This is due to both the nature of complex real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries as well as epistemological differences held by members of the cross-disciplinary groups brought together to study them. The eight-phase approach developed in this study was designed to address these issues and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration through the employment of a critical realist framework and activities based on Appreciative Inquiry and Future Search. The evaluation of cross-disciplinary studies has also been found to be problematic as they are often judged against contradictory disciplinary criteria. This study, therefore, also developed a multidimensional evaluation process that recognises the interactive nature of crossdisciplinary collaboration. Findings from this study show that this newly developed process was useful to evaluate the approach. They also show that the approach did promote cross-disciplinary collaboration as well as furthered the understanding of cross-disciplinary collaboration and the factors that promote and hinder its development. Based on the study’s findings recommendations are made as to how the approach can be refined and used in a range of settings and areas for further research are identified. In this way, the study contributes to a better understanding of factors that promote and hinder cross-disciplinary collaboration, and provides an approach and evaluation process that could be useful for other cross-disciplinary studies.
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    The efficacy of using a three dimensional, interactive model to teach environmental concepts to children with a visual impairment : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1998) Budd, Julia Mary
    Previous research has identified that children with a visual impairment have difficulty in acquiring independent travel skills. In the past, the research has been concentrated on body and spatial concepts with a more recent emphasis on spatial representation and the use of tactile maps. However, very little attention has been paid to three dimensional models or the teaching of environmental concepts. Consequently, a study was undertaken to see if the use of a three dimensional interactive model was efficient at teaching environmental concepts to four visually impaired children. The study utilised a changing criterion design with an environmental probe to assess the outcome. It was found that the children learnt the concepts taught and were able to transfer knowledge gained on the model to the real environment. In line with other research findings, two children, the youngest and the one with the greatest degree of vision impairment, were found to be unable to plan and execute routes in the real environment. This may be explained by their lack of understanding of Euclidean concepts. The model was also found to have a number of significant advantages over tactile maps as a tool for introducing environmental concepts. Some areas for further investigation are identified.