This research aims to explore the existence of metacognition during the use of text-to-image generators in the design ideation stage. We recruited five participants with a design background to use Midjourney as an ideation tool and to produce three sketches at the end of their task. Through semi-structured interviews and retrospective verbalization, we collected data on their thought processes. The qualitative analysis revealed clear indications of metacognitive engagement, such as monitoring and evaluating, which opens the path for future research into the impact of AI on design cognition.

The UK Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) demonstrated that a weight loss strategy consisting of: (1) 12 weeks total diet replacement; (2) 4 to 6 weeks food reintroduction; and (3) a longer period of weight loss maintenance, is effective in reducing body weight, improving glycaemic control, and facilitating type 2 diabetes remission(1). The DiRECT protocol is now funded for type 2 diabetes management in the UK(2). Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem in Aotearoa New Zealand(3), but the acceptability and feasibility of the DiRECT intervention in our diverse sociocultural context remains unclear. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of DiRECT within a Māori primary healthcare provider in O¯tepoti Dunedin. Forty participants with diabetes and obesity who wanted to lose weight were randomised to receive the DiRECT intervention or usual care. Both groups received the same level of individualised support from an in-house dietitian. We conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with 26 participants after 3 months. Questions explored perspectives and experiences, barriers and facilitators, and future expectations regarding dietary habits and weight loss. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis(4). Participants struggled with weight management prior to the study. Advice from doctors, friends and whānau, and the internet was prolific, yet often impractical or unclear. The DiRECT intervention was mentally and physically challenging, but rapid weight loss and an improved sense of health and wellbeing enhanced motivation. Participants identified strategies which supported adaptation and adherence. Food reintroduction beyond 3 months was an exciting milestone, but the risk of reverting to previous habits was daunting. Participants feared weight regain and felt ongoing guidance was required for a successful transition to a real-food diet. Conversely, usual care participants described a gradual and ongoing process of health-focused dietary modification. While this approach did support behaviour change, a perceived slow rate of weight loss was often frustrating. Across both interventions, self-motivation and whānau support contributed to perceived success, whereas busy lifestyles, social and cultural norms, and financial concerns presented additional challenges. The role of individualised and non-judgemental dietetic support was a central theme across both groups. In addition to nutrition education and practical guidance, the in-house dietitian offered encouragement and promoted self-acceptance among participants. At 3 months, positive shifts in perspectives surrounding food, health, and sense of self were identified, which participants largely attributed to the level of nutrition support received: a new experience for many. The DiRECT protocol appears an acceptable weight loss approach among New Zealanders with diabetes and obesity, but tailored dietetic and behavioural support must be prioritised in its implementation. Future research should examine the broader health benefits associated with providing greater dietetic support and the cost-effectiveness of employing nutrition-trained health professionals within the primary care workforce.

This article explores Indigenous perspectives on archaeology in Canada and the United States and the role of archaeologists in engaging with Indigenous communities. As part of our study, we interviewed Indigenous community members about their experiences in archaeology and their thoughts on the discipline. We analyzed each interview thematically to identify patterns of meaning across the dataset and to develop common themes in the interview transcripts. Based on the results of our analysis, we identified six themes in the data: (1) Euro-colonialism damaged and interrupted Indigenous history, and archaeology offers Indigenous community members an opportunity to reconnect with their past; (2) archaeological practices restrict access of Indigenous community members to archaeological information and archaeological materials; (3) cultural resource management (CRM) is outpacing the capacity of Indigenous communities to engage meaningfully with archaeologists; (4) the codification of archaeology through standards, guidelines, and technical report writing limits the goals of the discipline; (5) archaeological methods are inconsistent and based on individual, or company-wide, funding and decision-making; and (6) archaeological software offers a new opportunity for Indigenous communities and archaeologists to collaborate on projects.

What qualifies as a political event is a core question for social and historical research. This article argues that the use of temporal structures in narratives of political and social developments contributes significantly to the making and unmaking of events. We show how arguments that draw upon history play a particularly important role in transforming the everyday unfolding of politics into discernable events with a clear time bracket. Through this lens, we investigate the 2016 Brexit referendum as an event that has triggered extensive debates about both Europe’s experiences of the past and political expectations for its future. Conflicting assessments of history are crucial for understanding how and when Brexit became an event of European significance and why it then ceased to be so. This case also enables us to distinguish more clearly between the agent-centered focus on the event itself, and the analytical ex-post assessment as a critical juncture. Methodologically, the article demonstrates the value of a multi-perspective approach for qualitative analyses with a focus on Brexit narratives articulated across several EU countries and the United Kingdom.

Socio-relational aspects are essential for mental wellbeing (MWB), especially in the oldest old age. Our study aims to explore the socio-relational aspects related to MWB in accordance with the experiences of the oldest old of four European countries; and to examine how these differ between Mediterranean and Nordic people. A total of 117 participants aged 80+ years old were recruited, and 23 focus groups were performed. Qualitative content analysis identified five main themes. Family seemed to be the most important driver of the MWB of the oldest old, followed by relationships with close friends. Participants felt better when they had a sense of being needed, cared for, and connected. Loneliness and isolation negatively affected MWB, although solitude was appreciated. Differences appeared between Mediterranean and Nordic regions. Initiatives to promote positive interactions with family and friends, as well as social activities within the community, may contribute to strengthening MWB in the oldest old.

In a recent article, I argued that the Bayesian process tracing literature exhibits a persistent disconnect between principle and practice. In their response, Bennett, Fairfield, and Charman raise important points and interesting questions about the method and its merits. This letter breaks from the ongoing point-by-point format of the debate by asking one question: In the most straightforward case, does the literature equip a reasonable scholar with the tools to conduct a rigorous analysis? I answer this question by walking through a qualitative Bayesian analysis of the simplest example: analyzing evidence of a murder. Along the way, I catalogue every question, complication, and pitfall I run into. Notwithstanding some important clarifications, I demonstrate that aspiring practitioners are still facing a method without guidelines or guardrails.

Qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) has grown in prominence and popularity since the 2007 themed section on the subject in this journal. This new themed section reflects on how QLR has been mobilised and made sense of in recent times. This article showcases QLR’s distinctive way of knowing and understanding the social world and how it can illuminate the processes through which policy can enhance, or indeed inhibit, the well-being of individuals and groups within society. This state of the art article focuses on QLR as a valuable but tricky approach. It argues that QLR can enhance qualitative research in social policy by fostering sustained policy engagement and development, and that this is especially useful for policy-making in relation to socioeconomic disadvantage. It also explores cross-cutting methodological dimensions pertinent to QLR’s distinct approach, such as its enhanced ethical considerations, which are also integral to research with people at high risk of socioeconomic disadvantage. The article concludes with possible future directions and developments for QLR as a methodology.