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Subjective Knowledge (subjective + knowledge)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	60%

Selected Abstracts

Evaluation of knowledge and anxiety level of patients visiting the colorectal pelvic floor clinic

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 3 2006
J. C. G. Coolen
Abstract Objective, Discussing defaecating disorders is difficult for patients and many view anal physiology investigations (ultrasound, manometry, electromyography and pudendal nerve studies) as distasteful. This pilot study sought to assess whether present information sheets supplied to patients and the visit to the colorectal Pelvic Floor Clinic itself influenced patients' knowledge and anxiety. Patients and methods, Thirty Pelvic Floor Clinic patients from Auckland City Hospital were included. Each patient filled in a questionnaire before and after the clinic. This included objective questions about their knowledge of the structure and function of the pelvic floor and satisfaction with and understanding of the information sheet. Both visual analogue scale (VAS) and multiple choice questions (MCQ) were used. Their subjective and objective knowledge were compared. Anxiety was assessed on a visual analogue anxiety scale (VAAS). Results were expressed as VAS scores or percentage correct and relationships were tested using Fisher's Exact test and paired T -test. Results, Subjective knowledge increased in 93% of the patients. The doctor's explanation led to a greater increase in subjective knowledge than the information sheet (35/100 mm, P < 0.001 and 10/100 mm, P = 0.01, respectively). Subjective improvement in knowledge did not however, translate into an increase in objective knowledge (P = 0.63). The information sheet was read by 87% of the patients. The information sheet had reduced anxiety only in 23% of the patients and increased in 10%. Anxiety levels were not significantly influenced by the information sheet, but reduced significantly by the clinic visit in 87% of patients (P < 0.001). The mean anxiety level reduced from 44/100 to 12/100 after the clinic visit. Conclusion, Anxiety levels are high in those visiting the Pelvic Floor Clinic. It appears that it is the interaction with the doctor that has a profound influence on anxiety levels and subjective knowledge rather than written information. [source]

A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial of teaching provided by a computer-based multimedia package versus lecture

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 9 2001
Christopher Williams
Background Computer-based teaching may allow effective teaching of important psychiatric knowledge and skills. Aims To investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of computer-based teaching. Method A single-blind, randomized, controlled study of 166 undergraduate medical students at the University of Leeds, involving an educational intervention of either a structured lecture or a computer-based teaching package (both of equal duration). Results There was no difference in knowledge between the groups at baseline or immediately after teaching. Both groups made significant gains in knowledge after teaching. Students who attended the lecture rated their subjective knowledge and skills at a statistically significantly higher level than students who had used the computers. Students who had used the computer package scored higher on an objective measure of assessment skills. Students did not perceive the computer package to be as useful as the traditional lecture format, despite finding it easy to use and recommending its use to other students. Conclusions Medical students rate themselves subjectively as learning less from computer-based as compared with lecture-based teaching. Objective measures suggest equivalence in knowledge acquisition and significantly greater skills acquisition for computer-based teaching. [source]

The effect of knowledge types on consumer-perceived risk and adoption of genetically modified foods

PSYCHOLOGY & MARKETING, Issue 2 2007
Deon Klerck
Scientists have asserted that genetically modified (GM) food offers financial, environmental, health, and quality benefits to society, but the realization of such benefits depends on consumer acceptance of this new technology. Consumer concerns about GM food raise questions about what consumers know about GM food and to what extent this knowledge translates into their evaluations of GM products. The present research empirically examines the effect of both objective and subjective knowledge on perceived risk and, in turn, key consumer behaviors associated with GM food. The results reveal that objective knowledge about GM food significantly reduces performance and psychological risks, whereas subjective knowledge influences only physical risk, and the valence of that impact depends on the level of the consumer's objective knowledge. Furthermore, different risk types enhance consumers' information search and reduce their propensity to buy GM food. The overall findings thus suggest the need for cooperation among government, scientific institutions, and the food industry to foster effective communication strategies that increase consumers' objective knowledge, reduce their risk perceptions, and encourage consumer adoptions of GM technology. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Moral Realism and Kantian Constructivism

RATIO JURIS, Issue 4 2006
JAMES A. STIEB
I distinguish realisms from theories of objective or subjective knowledge, then from cognitivism. Next, I distinguish Kant and constructivism from Rawls' political constructivism. Finally, I propose clues for an alternative theory of moral constructivism. [source]