My name is Naomi Robertson and I am an undergraduate Psychology
student taking part in
an 8 week research project as a Research Assistant
alongside supervisor Lauren Powell and co- supervisor Dr Jack Parker. For this
project I have conducted a content analysis for ten apps that claim to be
suitable for children and young people diagnosed with the neurodisabiity, Attention
Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder (ADHD). My placement is part of the Teaching
Assistant Sheffield Undergraduate Research Scheme (TA SURE). The project is
being conducted within the Telehealth and care technologies (TaCT) theme of the
National Institute of Health’s Collaboration for Leadership and Applied Health
Research and Care Yorkshire Humber (NIHR CLAHRC YH). The Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have funded my placement.
Naomi robertson |
This research topic appealed to me, as it is contemporary,
investigating how the growth in technology can be harnessed and used as a tool
for the management of ADHD, which affects 5% of the population. This area of
research I also find very exciting as it is in its infancy meaning the findings
may offer new insights, which have not yet been published by other researchers.
So far my role as a Research Assistant has involved the
identification of ten apps for children and young people with ADHD, which were
screened based on a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final list of
10 apps have been presented to five clinicians who work with young people with
ADHD. These clinicians were interviewed on their perspective on how useful the
apps would be for young people as they seek to manage their ADHD.
This research placement has given me new insight into what
carrying out research first hand looks like, when it previously seemed so
distant simply citing studies throughout my degree. Having the opportunity to
experience the practicalities of research as well as the enthusiasm of the
researchers is unique and something I feel very lucky to have.
Throughout my time in TaCT I have also had countless
opportunities to develop new skills from conducting and transcribing
interviews, writing research documents, undertaking interview data analysis and
learning more about ADHD as a disorder which has many parallels with my
Psychology degree.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with TaCT and the chance
to conduct independent research whilst having the support of such great
supervisors. It has allowed me to have an idea about what conducting research
involves without feeling overwhelmed in something I have never done before. I
am excited about completing my placement and presenting my findings to an
audience which I have gained more enthusiasm for than I could ever have
anticipated.
Written by Naomi Robertson
Ha Naomi, you are keeping us in suspense. What are the ten apps you identified? Have you posted that list somewhere? Can you?
ReplyDeleteWe developed an app to help people with ADHD symptoms. It is called EchoX. Basically it is a reminder app. But what it does is reminds the user, at time intervals he/she defines. Whatever it is you are working on that week, a tap on your phone, or Apple Watch reminds you.
Good job on your work Naomi. As an ADHD adult, I feel that these sorts of robot reminders might be a big help to children. Teachers don't always have the time to help the kid who needs to focus. These apps could help a lot.
Hi Michael,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you appear to have enjoyed Naomi's post. If you would like further information, please may you send me an email at L.A.Powell@sheffield.ac.uk. I am the administrator of this blog and was Naomi's supervisor for the project.