Computer-Mediated Cooperative Learning: Synchronous and Asynchronous
Communication Between Students Learning Nursing Diagnosis.
Ph.D. Thesis. © 1991 Dr. Rob Higgins


Appendix G

Samples of Coded Transcripts

G.1 Samples by Code Category

- - - {MGM} - - -

The {MGM}code was often used for verbal elements referring to the time and pace required to complete the task:

n2. {MGM}So, we're half way there. 

n28. {MGM}Anyway I don't know how to end this thing but I do know
that we came up with at least two nursing diagnoses.

n38. {MGM}We should because we are running out of time. 

n27. {MGM}Let's go step by step. 

n9. {MGM}It may be a good idea to quickly list the diagnosis we
came up with as a conclusion to this task. 

{MGM} was also used to code content that helped organize the discussion in terms of the components of the task as stated at the end of the case study (see Appendix @Ref).

n4. {MGM}Well we've come up with 2 diagnoses, ...

n6. {MGM}Are we not supposed to only come up with two diagnoses?

n7. {MGM}Ok, next step is the care plan.

n12. {MGM}Now we have to do a nursing care plan on the most 
important diagnosis.

Sometimes {MGM} was used to code items that dyad members used to direct their partners to other parts of their contributions or to suggest that they review their work to that point:

n9. {MGM}See my next note for real work!   

n3. {MGM}Lets take a minute and reread the case study.

n6. {MGM}Lets review what we have so far.  
- - - {FRM} - - -

{FRM} was used to code verbal elements representing discussion of the nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan problem in terms of specific requirements or in terms of nursing process in general:

n2. {FRM}I think we should complete the care plan in detail with 
dates and goals.

n16. {FRM}Did we ever clarify what the interventions were for 
anxiety? 

n26. {FRM}The order of the goals seem to be okay.

n7. {FRM}We need to have a nursing intervention. 

Sometimes there was recognition of the problem space, but the reality of limited data in a case study and the projection of possible outcomes led to:

n30. {FRM}Nah, let's just pretend this guy met all his goals. 
- - - {ARG} - - -

The {ARG} code was applied to statements of opinion that were supported with further information or clarification in order to develop a position. These items dealt with the actual content of the case study or the proposed actions:

n17. {ARG}Have the patient write down what he wants to do in his
immediate future and long term. Research has shown that having 
patients write down their problems on paper, helps in problem-
solving procedures. 

n31. {ARG}This male seems to be clearly depressed.  What seems to 
be causing this depression or anxiety are his parents.  Their
high expectations are causing a major dilemma in his life because
he cannot fulfill them.

n19. {ARG}I would think the anxiety r/t family would be ahead of
the respiratory problems because we can't do anything about
his panic attacks until we have decreased his anxiety.
- - - {RSP} - - -

Some {ARG} were in direct repsonse to the opinions and arguments being developed by one's partner in the dyad discussions. Together, they represented active debate and interaction:

n14 and n16:

n14. {OPN}I feel that this patient's main diagnosis would be
anxiety related to situational crises.

n16. {ARG}{RSP}I don't know that the primary diagnosis may
instead be lack of self esteem although his medical diagnosis
is anxiety. 

n11 and n12:

n11: {OPN}How about related to perceived failure? Or, {FCL}I
can't think of a better word for perceived incompetence.

n12: {ARG}{RSP}I like the perceived failure. It indicates how
he feels and can result from his parents high expectations.
- - - {OPN} - - -

By far the most commonly applied code for cognitive activity was {OPN}. Unsupported opinions, as demonstrated in the previous two examples,were the most frequently appearing form of cognitive activity. It is important to note also, that a cluster of opinions does not make an argument:

n22: {OPN}Patient seems to be experiencing severe anxiety related
to his low self-worth.  {OPN}Although his eating and sleeping 
habits have deteriorated, I believe his depression 
should be addressed first.  {OPN}If we can get him to talk 
more about the circumstances surrounding his attacks, I 
believe we will have a better chance at ameliorating his
deteriorating eating and sleeping habits.  {OPN}Patient 
should be teamed up with a psychiatrist and possibly a 
therapy group.   

Agreeing was also very common:

n26. {OPN}I agree that his depression is a major priority and
should be looked after first. 

n24. {OPN}I agree with you on having a lot of things going
on at once.

n27. {OPN}I like the poor self-esteem part.

Occasionally, participants "expressed puzzlement":

n13. {OPN}I am quite perplexed at coming to a decision regarding
the diagnosis of priority. 
- - - {CLR} - - -

{CLR} was applied to verbal elements that rephrased, elucidated, or detailed, previous statements, opinions, information, or arguments:

n22. {CLR}As previously stated, try to get him involved in some
kind of activity so he can feel a sense of accomplishment. 

n36. {CLR}By doing this, we are involving him in his
plan of care. 

n36. {CLR}The rationale for this is that by doing so, we are
allowing the young man to participate in his own care.

n6. {CLR}What I mean (I think) is that the e.p.o. would be client
will pick out items from the menu showing his understanding
of a balanced diet. 
- - - {INF} - - -

The code {INF} was applied to more direct restatements of the content previously covered than those coded with {CLR}. It was also used for contributions of new information or summaries:

n24. {INF}Remember you mentioned Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

n28. {INF}He states he has few friends.

n33. {INF}The literature suggests a multitude of combative 
techniques that will reduce one's sense of helplessness.

n27. {INF}To sum up the nursing actions, they are that he
is able to  communicate comfortably and know the major problem
he is having.
- - - {QST} - - -

The {QST} code (when not combined with the {FCL} code) was applied to verbal elements that requested further information, explanation, or confirmation:

n38. {QST}What do you think about the patient's greatest concern?

n12. {QST}What are you not sure about?

n3. {QST}Do you have any other thoughts about a nursing
diagnosis?

n5. {QST}Which word would you use and/or, or or?

n36. {QST}Do you agree that the following should be our two
nursing diagnoses:  DEPRESSION RELATED TO INABILITY TO MEET
PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS amb PANIC ATTACKS; and POTENTIAL FOR
WEIGHT LOSS r/t DETERIORATION IN EATING PATTERNS. 
- - - {FCL} - - -

{FCL} was applied to elements of the verbal interaction that demonstrated efforts to elevate the interpersonal rapport and comfort between the discussants. {FCL}, as a code for cooperation, was applied in combination with codes for cognitive activity where appropriate. It is important to note that {FCL} was used more for affective aspects of interpersonal communication than for the facilitative effects of managing ({MGM}) the cognitive aspects of the interaction:

n9. {FCL}Be good to yourself and I'll talk to you later.
{FCL}Hugs and kisses, your screen pal. 

n24. {FCL}Is this guy unlucky or is this just a bad day? (just a
little humour to get started...back to work) 

n7. {FCL}Good. {OPN}I think that is the first step. 

n15. {FCL}I haven't had psych. yet so perhaps you have an idea
for a dx.

n7. {FCL}Sorry you lost me.

n15. {FCL}(That makes me think of bowel control.)

n4. {FCL}Well I think I shall bid you farewell. {FCL}It has
been truly delightful "talking" with you.  {FCL}Good luck with
your session! {FCL}Bye.
- - - {DBL} - - -

There were very few debilitative {DBL} elements in the transcripts as a whole. Most came from one individual.

n9. {PRS}Now as you can tell I'm absolutely lousy at nursing
diagnosis so {DBL}why don't you take care of the formalities
and I'll give you some meat to play with.

n8. {DBL}What a drag.

n8. {DBL}Good-bye. {DBL}This is where the nursing student takes
an axe and kills entire family, but his "pals" all say he was
such a nice guy.
- - - {PRS} - - -

Verbal elements not specific to the task were coded {PRS}:

n6. {PRS}I didn't do that on the test and lost marks.

n9. {PRS}Speaking of verbose, have you ever seen the movie
Jumping Jack Flash. Whoopie Goldberg plays a computer terminal
operator who suddenly receives messages from a British spy
trying to get out of Russia. {PRS}It really was quite exciting
and I kept hoping the same kind of experience was gong to
happen to me on this project. 

n17. {PRS}I always believe that two heads are better than one
when trying to devise a nursing care plan for an individual.
- - - {UNC} - - -

There were only seven items that received the uncodeable {UNC} code because they either did not meet the criteria of the other codes or could not be placed due to the context in which they were expressed. The example given here shows the last line of one note being incomplete, and then reference to it in the subsequent note:

n33. {UNC}Related to the previous diagnosis I would like to add.,

n33. {UNC}Ignore last line of previous note.

 

G.2 Uncategorized Sample

A coded asynchronous excerpt:
n9:
{FCL}Hello nurse!   {INF}You know the case study and what the
goals of this exercise are: diagnosis and care plan. {FRM}Shall
we first agree how to approach the problem? May I suggest we
both list in priority what we think are the major problems
with this unfortunate gentleman and then take it from
there? {MGM}We have four opportunities to communicate with
each-other. {FRM}How about we follow this work plan?
Communication: 1. Problem list  
               2. Establish two or more diagnosis
               3. Care plan
               4. Last minute questions and wrap up.

  {FCL}Okay with you?  {MGM}See note two for my problem list! 

n9:
 {INF}Communication 1.  Problem List

{OPN}1. Low Self esteem seems to be a major factor in this
poor dude's depression.  Sounds like his parents have too
high expectations for him. 

{OPN}2. Anxiety attacks which are " uncontrollable" seem to be 
a physiological manifestation of what is going on with
his psyche.

{OPN}3. Sleep and eating disturbances are also congruent with 
depression and could go on to cause other problems.

{OPN}Strengths: Willingness to go to hospital for help.
           Support of two close friends.

{OPN}Disadvantages: Depression and anxiety
               Multiple losses: job, school, girlfriend.
               Alteration in nutrition and sleep.
               Loss of control over panic attacks.

{ARG}Well I think low self esteem is the biggest problem here
and it has put him depression. It probably came from his
parents expectations and they will have to be included
in the care plan for sure.

{MGM}Please make your list and any further suggestions or
observations. {MGM}My communication #2 will begin with
Diagnosis derived from both our lists. {MGM}No reason why you
can't start on that right away too.

{FCL}Have fun and talk to you later. 

n17:
{FCL} Good afternoon, {OPN}yes, we do have an individual with
various problems: physiological and psychological.  {FRM}I
think the most important thing to do first, is to handle
Mr. X 's physiological problems.  {OPN}I think it would be best
to put Mr.X on anti-anxiety drugs before any kind of
crisis intervention. {FCL}{QST}How do you feel this first plan in
care?  {OPN}Secondly, I will start crisis intervention. {QST}Are
you familiar with the Crisis Intervention Theory in
Nursing Research?  

n17:
{INF}Briefly, this theory looks at the patients strengths and
weaknesses as you have pointed out.  {OPN}However, before
listing them, lets identify the stressor, which I think
is his parents high expectations of their son, girlfriend
leaving him, heavy course-load at school and the lost of
his part-time job.  {ARG}What we have to discover is Mr.X.'s
coping mechanisms in regards to these stressors.  From
what I see in this case study, he probably copes by not
eating or sleeping, he copes very passively. {QST}What do you
think his coping mechanisms are? 

n17:
{OPN}Before I sign off today, I end by constructing one nursing
diagnosis:  Anxiety related to inappropriate coping
mechanisms.     

n9:
 {FCL}Thanks for your note. {OPN}I have given it a great deal of
thought and am not sure I agree with some of your
interventions.
 1) {ARG}{RSP}I would not get this person on drugs right away.
    Ativan PRN may be a good idea but I don't think
    we have enough info to insist on a standing order.
    In other words I'm anti-drugs.

 2) {OPN}Crisis intervention is definitely a good idea. {INF}Yes
    I am familiar with the crisis intervention theory. 

 3) {FCL}Sorry to disagree again but I think we need to look at 
    the stressors differently. {ARG}{RSP}I don't believe the
    losses you mentioned are his stressors. The stressor here
    is his parent's attitude towards his success. {CLR}The
    losses are a result of him not being able to cope
    with his parental pressure. {INF}So we do agree that he is
    having some difficulty coping. 

n9:
 {INF}I'm back and I was looking at your nursing diagnosis.
 {ARG}{RSP}Seems appropriate but I think we should be heading
towards an alteration in self-esteem r/t ineffective
coping and poor parental communication.

{PRS}Now as you can tell I'm absolutely lousy at nursing
diagnosis so {DBL}why don't you take care of the formalities
and I'll give you some meat to play with.

{PRS}Just as a note on the side, what do nursing diagnoses
really tell you anyway! I mean look at it, Anxiety related
to inappropriate coping mechanisms or even mine for that
matter. {PRS}You haven't a clue what the problem is if you
didn't have the history. {PRS}Anyway I guess you could say I
am not the world's greatest fan of nursing diagnosis
either. {FCL}Anyway don't answer this last paragraph its only
friendly conversation.

{MGM}See my next note for real work!   

n9:
{FCL}Please, please, please would you be so kind as to do the 
formal diagnosis writing ?

{OPN}Problems 

   1. Low self-esteem
   2. Anxiety
   3. Ineffective coping
   4. Multiple losses

{DBL}You figure out the rest. {PRS}My specialty is intervention.
{PRS}Besides I'm not a psyche nurse are you?

{FCL}Be good to yourself and I'll talk to you later.
{FCL}Hugs and kisses, your screen pal. 
A coded synchronous excerpt:
n7:
{FCL}Hi. 

n8:
{FCL}Good morning.

n7:
{QST}Well what do you think about this?

n8:
{FCL}Not sure.

n7:
{OPN}One diagnosis that comes to mind is one related to
ineffective coping. {FCL}Sound good?

n8:
{OPN}Yes, {OPN}and how about decreased self-esteem related to?

n7:
{FCL}That is a good one. {ARG}{RSP}He has decreased self-esteem
because of the high expectations of his parents (partly),
{FCL}but I don't know how to word it professionally.

n8:
{FCL}I completely understand.

n7:
{OPN}How about something like decreased self-esteem related 
to perceived failure to meet expectations???
{FCL}I don't know.

n8:
{PRS}I need about 2 minutes to gather my thoughts. {FCL}Ok??

n7:
{FCL}No problem. {FCL}I will just wait until you "speak" to me.
{FCL}Ok?  {FCL}I need to think for awhile too.

n8:
{OPN}Loss of control related to ineffective coping mechanisms,
{OPN}sense of despair related to loss of control??

n7:
{ARG}{RSP}I like the first one, since it is because he is not
coping properly with his problem that he also feels out
of control. {OPN}I think we also need to address his decreased
self-esteem too.

n8:
{PRS}God, do I hate nursing diagnosis.

n7:
{PRS}So do I. {PRS}I can get the first part not too bad but these
"related to's" drive me bananas.

n8:
{OPN}Decreased self-esteem related to feelings of worthlessness??

n7:
{FCL}{OPN}Bonus. {CLR}I was just thinking of related to feelings
of failure, but worthlessness sounds better.

n8:
{QST}So, are we finished now?

n7:
{DBL}Do we have to do those retarded "as manifested by's"?

n8:
{INF}I don't think so. {FRM}Just have to prioritize them.

n7:
{UNC}Oops. {ARG}I think the decreased self-esteem would be more
important because what is the point of teaching him more
effective ways of coping if he still feels he is
worthless?  {FCL}{QST}What is your opinion?

n8:
{FCL}I agree. {ARG}{RSP}But, the reason he is in hospital is
because he feels he can no longer cope with the outside world.

n7:
{OPN}True. {ARG}{RSP}This could be difficult because it can work
the other way too.  {CLR}If he could cope better he would feel
better about himself and yet if he had a better image
of himself he could cope better. {FCL}Have I got you
confused yet?  {INF}He is admitted for depression though so,.
{QST}So what?