Miki Saijo

A survey of scientific literacy to provide a foundation for designing science communication in Japan

There are various definitions and survey methods for scientific literacy. Taking into consideration the contemporary significance of scientific literacy, we have defined it with an emphasis on its social aspects. To acquire the insights needed to design a form of science communication that will enhance the scientific literacy of each individual, we conducted a large-scale random survey within Japan of individuals older than 18 years, using a printed questionnaire. The data thus acquired were analyzed using factor analysis and cluster analysis to create a 3-factor/4-cluster model of people’s interest and attitude toward science, technology and society and their resulting tendencies. Differences were found among the four clusters in terms of the three factors: scientific factor, social factor, and science-appreciating factor. We propose a plan for designing a form of science communication that is appropriate to this current status of scientific literacy in Japan.

Using a scientific literacy cluster to determine participant attitudes in scientific events in Japan, and potential applications to improving science communication

Various science events including Science Cafés have been held in Japan. However, there is the question whether these are events in which all people in society can participate? In particular, methods for checking whether or not the event attracts the participants targeted by the organizers have not yet been well established. In this paper, the authors have designed a simplified questionnaire to identify the participants’ attitudes toward science, technology and society, which can then be grouped into four clusters. When applied to various science cafés, the results revealed that participants consisted of Cluster 1 “Inquisitive type” and Cluster 2 “Sciencephile” who are interested in science and technology. The cafes studied did not provide sufficient appeal to people of Clusters 3 and 4 who are not interested in science and technology without applying some inventive methods. Our method provides a means of objectively evaluating the tendencies of participants in science communication events in order to improve the spread of science communications within society.

Knowledge Creation in Technology Evaluation of 4-Wheel Electric Power Assisted Bicycle for Frail Elderly Persons - A Case Study of a Salutogenic Device in Healthcare Facilities in Japan

As societies age, it is anticipated that we will see a sudden increase in the number of frail elderly persons. New assisted-technology (AT) devices to facilitate the activities of daily life (ADL), especially of walking, are essential for the healthy life of these people. However, frail elderly people suffer a variety of physical and mental weaknesses that tend to hinder their ability to make use of AT devices in the intended manner. Because of this, it is important that new AT devices undergo technology evaluation within the context in which they are to be used, but there is very little research in this area. In this study, frail elderly people in Japanese daycare centers and rehabilitation facilities were given a 4-wheel, power-assisted bicycle, called a “Life Walker” (LW), to ride, and technology evaluations were carried out based on functionality, usability, and experience as perceived by the frail elderly riders. The LW is considered to be best suited for those age 75 and older assessed at level 1 to 3 under Japan’s long-term care insurance program, but the data for the 61 people at the rehabilitation facility who tried out the bicycle under the supervision of a resident physical therapist (PT), indicated that there was considerable individual deviation on the continued use of the AT device. The LW is also meant to enable frail elderly users who have difficulty walking to go outside and enjoy themselves more. It was found, however, that this effect was achieved only when the physical therapist intervened, gave encouragement, adjusted the bicycle settings as needed for the user, and otherwise created new knowledge. It was also found that in order for this kind of knowledge creation to take place, the bicycle must be used in an appropriate setting, the user needs to have a proactive attitude, and organizational support to ensure that therapists are appropriately assigned is necessary.

Elucidating Multi-disciplinary and Inter-agency Collaboration Process for Coordinated Elderly Care: A Case Study of a Japanese Care Access Center

This study compares the process of inter-agency collaboration among multi-disciplinary agencies within Japan as they work to provide well-coordinated care for the elderly through a Community Care Access Center (CCAC). Using the KJ method, also known as an “affinity diagram”, in two group meetings (before and after CCAC establishment) with practitioners and administrators from 6 agencies in the city of Kakegawa, Japan. 521 comments by agencies were coded into 37 categories. In comparing the comments from the two meetings, the portion of negative comments regarding organization management decreased, while comments on the shared problems of the CCAC increased. A multiple correspondence analysis indicated that the 6 agencies shared a greater awareness of issues after the establishment of the CCAC, but the problems pointed out by the visiting nurses agency differed from those of the other agencies.

Elucidating and Creating Working Knowledge for the Care of the Frail Elderly Through User-Centered Technology Evaluation of a 4-Wheel Electric Power Assisted Bicycle: A Case Study of a Salutogenic Device in Healthcare Facilities in Japan

Frail elderly people suffer a variety of physical and mental weaknesses that tend to hinder their ability to make use of AT devices in the intended manner. Because of this, it is important that new AT devices undergo technology evaluation within the context in which they are to be used. In this study, frail elderly people in a Japanese daycare center and a rehabilitation hospital were given a 4-wheel, power-assisted bicycle to ride, and user-centered technology evaluations were carried out. While this vehicle was considered suitable for people age 75 and older who rarely walk, the data for the 61 people who tried out the vehicle indicate that they rode the bicycle only when a PT (physiotherapist) intervened, gave encouragement, adjusted the bicycle settings as needed for the user, and otherwise created new knowledge. In this study we summarized this new knowledge in an information DVD directed at people who work to support the frail elderly.

Structure of centre of attention in a multi-party conversation in Japanese: Based on the data of a review meeting concerning a Science Café held in Hiroshima

Applying Wlodarczyk A. & Wlodarczyk H.’s Meta-Informative Centering Theory, the paper describes how a multi-party conversation in Japanese is formed among participants as they keep adding new pieces of information. It is shown here that the CA structure in the multi-party conversation in this case is identical to the expanded speech structure of the MIC Theory, as a result of analyzing discourse examples collected from the actual meeting conducted in Japanese in a framework of topics and comments as well as central and peripheral attentions. Keywords: Meta-Informative Centering Theory; Multi-Party Conversation; Science Cafe held in Hiroshima; Centre and Peripheral Attention; Shared Centre of Attention