DOI: 10.31038/AWHC.2024711

Abstract

Background: Climate change poses a significant threat to communities across the globe. Whereas low and middle income countries contribute the least to this problem, they are often most affected by the consequences. In addition, women are often disproportionately affected by climate change-related occurrences. To address these issues, Women Climate Centers International (WCCI) Uganda initiated a project to empower women through the promotion of climate change solution enterprises in Uganda. The purpose of this research was to establish the impact of this approach on women social and economic empowerment and quality of life.

Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data among 96 women purposively selected for their involvement in WCCI climate-smart enterprises in Uganda. A digitized structured questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data while a structured Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide were used to aid qualitative data collection. The quantitative data was analyzed statistically using Stata version 15 to provide descriptive and statistics while Atlas ti9 was used to thematically analyze the qualitative data after transcribing of audios recorded during the interviews.

Results: About 38% (36/96) of the women make briquettes, 51% (49/96) make soap and 95.8% (92/96) are generating income from the enterprises. More than half 59.4% (57/96) of the women are confident in running their businesses sustainably while 38.5% (37/96) had trained 4-5 community women each, with the knowledge obtained from the satellites. Over 62% (59/96) of women strongly agreed to an improved sense of belonging within their community, 94.8% (91/96) noticed an improvement in their community engagement and collaboration while 63.5% (61/96) strongly agreed to better treatment from family and neighborhood. Conversely, 22.9% (22/96) of the women had ever experienced intimate or gender-based violence in their life, half of these had experienced it in the previous six months, but only 18.2% (2/11) would attribute their recent experience to engaging in entrepreneurship under WCCI. Economically, 57.3% (55/96) of the women saw a significant increase in their income, and 56.3% (54/96) in their household income. About 76% (73/96) had acquired some personal or household assets using income from the enterprises, and 65% (62/96) had joined a women’s group, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), or local governing bodies since their training with WCCI. Furthermore, 82.3% mentioned that there was a positive difference in the way their husbands treated them ever since they attained financial independence. Lastly, the majority of the women, 63.6% (61/96) strongly agreed, and 29.2% (28/96) agreed that their quality of life and well-being had improved since becoming part of the climate change solution satellites. The qualitative findings strongly corroborated the quantitative.

Conclusions: Overall, participation in these entrepreneurial initiatives has brought about tangible improvements in social cohesion, economic empowerment, and the perceived quality of life and well-being for a significant majority of women involved, demonstrating the positive impact of the WCCI climate change solution satellites on their lives and communities.

Keywords

Women-led, Climate change solution satellites, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment

Introduction and Background

Globally, women and girls from marginalized communities face intersecting challenges related to gender inequalities, economic empowerment, and the profound impacts of climate change [1-3]. Regarding climate change, the complex web of vulnerabilities that these women encounter is rooted in a global context where women are both disproportionately affected by the adverse consequences but underrepresented in efforts to address and mitigate these effects [4]. The African region has witnessed an increase in average temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and conflicts over natural resources, which exert a disproportionate toll on the developing world including Uganda [3,5,6]. These climate shocks have significant implications for agriculture, food security and livelihoods [1,7] and burdensome for women, as they play crucial roles in agricultural production, water collection, natural resource management, and household well-being [8].

While the concept of climate-smart enterprises is gaining traction in East Africa, women-led initiatives in this sector remain scarce [9]. Recognizing the critical need to address these interconnected challenges, Women Climate Centers International (WCCI) [10], embarked on a transformative initiative in Uganda. This initiative sought to empower women through comprehensive training encompassing climate-smart solutions, livelihood strategies, and economic and social empowerment. In the first project year, WCCI has engaged 100 women and girls organized in 10 women-led grassroots groups that belong to 3 different satellites (Gomba, Butambala and Mukono), seamlessly integrating women’s entrepreneurship with grassroots climate resilience initiatives. Through these groups, WCCI conducted extensive trainings, emphasizing climate-smart solutions, livelihoods, and economic and social empowerment, leadership, and management, and fundamental entrepreneurship skills. WCCI trained the women in making climate-smart products such as briquettes, liquid and bar soap, herbal vaseline, fireless stoves, water tanks/jars, and bio-sand filters. The women were also trained to engage in Vermiculture, Agroforestry farming, and Bio-intensive farming including double digging, moist gardens, sack gardens, mixed cropping and mushroom growing, apiary (and liquid manuring year-round food production. Furthermore, WCCI Uganda facilitated the establishment and registration of the 10 women-led enterprises, with full support throughout the registration process. This registration made these enterprises eligible for government funding via the community demand-driven development funds especially the Parish Development Model [11]. WCCI offered 4 full days of training in business development and planning to all 100 women to ensure that they have the needed skills to develop, plan, and run their businesses. WCCI also provided vital business support equipment tailored to each satellite’s needs, ensuring they could efficiently produce, sell, and thrive. Importantly, these innovative approaches are expected to extend WCCI’s impact beyond parishes, fostering sustainable social and economic empowerment and quality of life within communities.

This innovative approach aimed to foster community-driven strategies from a single learning and training center (satellite) for long-term climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience, including carbon sequestration. Through targeted training programs, mentorship, access to finance, and networking opportunities, women can enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities, understand the principles of climate-smart practices, and develop innovative business models that are environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. Ultimately, by fostering the establishment of women-led climate smart enterprises, Uganda can unlock the untapped potential of women, create sustainable livelihoods, and promote economic resilience and sustainable practices in the face of climate change. Central to this initiative is the aspiration to establish women-led climate-change solution enterprises, recognizing the critical role women can play in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and advancing gender equality and social inclusion. By aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan 3 [12], these enterprises aim to serve as catalytic models for sustainable community development.

As these enterprises continued on their transformative journey, it was essential to evaluate the holistic impact on the social and economic empowerment and quality of life of the women involved, as well as any unintended consequences such as gender-based violence. The research sought to illuminate the transformative potential of the one-stop climate change solution center model, exemplified by these satellite initiatives, to contribute insights to inform future initiatives, strengthening WCCI’s mission to empower women and communities in their pursuit of climate resilience, economic growth, and enhanced overall wellbeing.

The Study Methods

Study Design and Study Area

The study employed a cross-sectional approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from the women. The study was conducted in the three intervention groups including Gomba, Butambala and Mukono. The three districts are located in the central region of Uganda. Gomba district is a rural district which was formed in 2010 by an Act of Parliament, breaking away from Mpigi District. It is bordered by Mubende District to the west and north, Mityana District to the northeast and Butambala District to the east. Kalungu district, Bukomansimbi district and Sembabule district lie to the south of Gomba district. The district lies approximately 97 kilometers (60 mi), by road, southwest of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda. Gomba district receives lower precipitation than the neighbouring districts and livestock farming is a major economic activity, supplemented with subsistence agriculture [13]. Butambala district was too created by an act of parliament, and became operational on 1 July 2010, having been split off of Mpigi district. This district is bordered by Gomba district to the west and north-west, Mityana District to the north-east, Mpigi District to the east and south, and Kalungu District to the south-west. The district headquarters at Gombe are approximately 68 kilometers (42 mi), by road, south-west of Kampala. Subsistence agriculture and small-scale animal husbandry are the backbone of Butambala district’s economy [14]. Mukono district is one of the fastest growing areas in Uganda and is located along the Kampala-Jinja highway. The district is bordered by Kayunga district to the north, Jinja district to the east, Kalangala district to the south-west, Kira Town and Wakiso district to the west, and Luweero district to the north-west. The town of Mukono is about 21 kilometers (13 mi) by road, east of Kampala. The district has a favorable climate, abundant rainfall, rich flora and fauna, and proximity to urban areas [15].

Study Population

Data was collected from women actively engaged in climate change solution satellites supported by Women Climate Centers International (WCCI) Uganda.

Sample Size and Sampling

Of the 100 women currently supported by through the satellites, 96 were engaged in this study and 4 were unavailable at the time of data collection. All the 96 participants were selected purposively because of being beneficiaries of the program. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the same participants.

Data Collection Criteria

A digitized Kobo collect toolbox questionnaire was used to conduct surveys with the participants to gather quantitative data on specific aspects of their experiences and observations related to the contribution of climate change solution satellites. The surveys included predefined questions covering areas such as economic empowerment, social cohesion and collaboration, climate change knowledge, and quality of life.

Qualitatively, a structured Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide was used to elicit data to complement the surveys. A total of six FGDs were conducted, two per district and each FGD comprised 10 women. The FGDs were moderated by a male qualitative data collection expert who was assisted by a female note taker. These FGDs were conducted in Luganda, the local dialect, and focused on open-ended questions that encouraged participants to share their experiences and perceptions in more detail.

Quality Control and Assurance

Both qualitative and quantitative tools were translated to Luganda and the researchers ensured to only recruit research assistants who were conversant with Luganda, the local dialect. Research assistants with a good command of English were recruited to conduct interviews, however, the interviews were conducted in a language most comfortable to the respondent. Research assistants were trained on the research protocol and ethical issues surrounding the study. To ensure data accuracy and consistency, the digitized tool was designed with skips, hints, and prompts to ensure that the research assistants filled in the data the way they were supposed to. Furthermore, the research assistants were supervised during the actual data collection exercise. The supervisors ensured that the tool was checked and field edited, if necessary, to ensure completeness of data before data entry.

Data Management and Analysis

Quantitative Data: Quantitative data was field edited for consistency and accuracy daily. Data materials were secured under lock and key and were only accessed by the study team. The data was downloaded from the Kobo collect web-based server, accessible on the link; (https://eu.kobotoolbox.org/#/forms/aN7ejaQfnbe4dGyp53YySM/data/table) and loaded onto Microsoft Excel for further cleaning and visualization. The data was then imported to STATA version 15 for statistical analysis. Descriptive analysis was done to generate the mean and the standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Frequency tables as well as figures were used to present these results.

Qualitative Data: All qualitative interviews were digitally recorded with permission from respondents and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were proofread before importing them into a qualitative data management software-Atlas.ti9. Data coding and analysis were conducted subsequently. An initial codebook using a sample of two transcripts was developed. The developed codebook was then applied to the entire atlas project with any emerging codes being added in the process. Thematic analysis was used and results were presented using themes with typical quotations from different interviews to summarize social cohesion and collaboration, economic empowerment, and quality of life and well-being.

Results

Socio-demographic Characteristics of the Study Respondents

A third 33.3% (32/96) of the women were aged between 26-30 years, 44.8% (43/96) were of the Anglican religion, 67.7% (65/96) were married and 75% (72/96) had attained the primary level of education. The majority 41.8% (40/96) were from Gomba district (Table 1).

Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of the women engaged in climate change solution satellite enterprises in Uganda.

Variable	Category	Frequency (n=96)	Percentage (%)
Age	18-25	13	13.5
	26-30	32	33.3
	31-35	27	28.1
	36+	24	25.0
Religion	Anglican	43	44.8
	Catholic	29	30.2
	Pentecostal	17	17.7
	Muslim	7	7.3
Marital status	Never married	16	16.7
	Married	65	67.7
	Separated/divorced	15	15.6
Education level	Primary level	72	75%
	Secondary level	22	22.9
	Tertiary level	2	2.1
District of residence	Gomba	40	41.8
	Butambala	26	27.1
	Mukono	30	31.3

Status of Women-led Climate Solution Satellite

Table 2 shows the status of the women-led climate change solution satellites in Uganda. All women involved in the study were part of a satellite. About 38% (36/96) were engaged in briquette making while 51% (49/96) were making soap. The majority of the respondents 70.8% (68/96) mentioned that their enterprises were registered with the district authorities while 95.8% (92/96) mentioned that their businesses were generating them income. About 18% (17/96) faced taxes and licensing as a main challenge, 13% (12/96) faced issues with the market for their products while 11.5% (11/96) found scaling and growth difficult. Additionally, on a scale of 1-10, the mean(SD) level of confidence to run the enterprise sustainably was 6.8(1.81), while 59.4% (57/96) of the women rated their confidence between 7-10. More than a third of the women, 38.5% (37/96) had trained up to 5 or more community women each, with the knowledge obtained from the satellites.

Table 2: Status of Women-led Climate Solution Satellites in Uganda

Variable	Categories	Frequency (n=96)	Percentage (%)
Climate change solution – products being made	Briquettes	36	37.5
	Water tanks/bio-sand filters	2	3.1
	Fireless cook stoves	9	13.9
	Agro-forestry farming	11	16.9
	Bio-intensive farming	3	4.6
	Soap making	49	51.0
	Others	17	26.1
Enterprise registered with the district authorities?	Yes	68	70.8
	No	28	29.2
Is the business generating you any income yet	Yes	92	95.8
	No	4	4.2
Challenges faced in running the enterprise	Taxes and licensing	17	17.7
	Market for products	12	12.5
	Scaling and growth	11	11.5
	Risk management	9	13.9
	Others	1	1.5
Rate your level of confidence in running the enterprise sustainably Mean(SD)=6.80(1.81)	1-3	4	4.2
	4-6	35	36.5
	7-10	57	59.4
Number of women personally trained with the knowledge from the satellite	0-1	40	41.7
	2-3	19	19.8
	4-5	37	38.5

Qualitatively, six focus group discussions were held with the women. These brought forward insights across the three districts of Gomba, Butambala, and Mukono, highlighting the collaborative nature of product-making among small groups, both for personal gain and communal development. Participants emphasized mutual support, group training, and the positive impact of acquired skills, enabling them to engage in various income-generating activities, from making briquettes and soap to cultivating vegetables and trees. Notably, the cultivation of home vegetables emerged as a significant achievement, not only economically but also in enhancing household food security and familial support. Respondents were quoted saying;

“We are in groups; some are of 10 people others 15 but not more than that. In most cases we do our things together, as in as the big group for the district. We come together for trainings and even for making our products. We support each other in case one of us has a problem. Most of us make these products as a group but also as individuals and we sell them in our communities.” (Participant 1, FGD, Gomba district)

“They told us to assist 5 other women each and some of us have gone beyond that. We gather the women and teach them. Sometimes, you team up with a politician and they help to teach the people which encourages community development.” (Participant 3, FGD, Gomba district)

“Ever since we joined the trainings, we learned so much. We make briquettes, liquid soap, tablet, and bar soap, we also make Vaseline. We have done so many things which have helped us to generate income and save.” (Participant 1, FGD, Butambala)

“We also cultivate nursery beds; we donate and plant some of our trees in schools freely. We make charcoal, soap, and cooking stoves and sell them to people. We also cultivate leafy vegetables because almost all the ladies here have homegrown vegetables, which they sell to people.” (Participant 2, FGD, Gomba)

“The cultivation of home vegetables is so good because it’s amazing for visitors when they find your yard full of vegetables. Then our husbands used to purchase vegetables from the market when they found those that they liked like Nakatti, but now they find it at home.” (Participant 3, FGD, Gomba)

“I have found growing crops as the easiest for me. We were taught how to look after banana plants, and coffee plants, which helped us to cultivate even without fertilizers since we use the home trash as manure in our gardens to be able to pay our children’s school fees.” (Participant 8, FGD, Mukono)

Social Cohesion and Community Engagement among the Women

The majority of the women, 61.5% (59/96) strongly agreed that their participation in the women-led climate change solution satellites had improved their sense of belonging within their community, 94.8%% (91/96) noticed an improvement in their community engagement and collaboration since their involvement in the enterprise, while 63.5% (61/96) strongly agreed that their family treats them better ever since joining the satellites. A similar proportion further strongly agreed that people in their neighborhoods treat them better since joining the women-led climate change solution satellites (Table 3).

Table 3: Social cohesion and community engagement among the women engaged in climate change solution satellites.

Variable	Category	Frequency (n=96)	Percentage (%)
Participation in the women-led climate change solution satellite improved my sense of belonging within my community.	Strongly agree	59	61.5
	Agree	34	35.4
	Neutral	3	3.1
Noticed an improvement in community engagement and collaboration since involvement in the satellite activities?	Strongly agree	41	42.7
	Agree	50	52.1
	Neutral	5	5.2
My family treats me better since joining the women-led climate change solution satellite	Strongly agree	61	63.5
	Agree	29	30.2
	Neutral	6	6.3
People in my neighborhood treat me better since joining the women-led climate change solution satellite	Strongly agree	61	63.5
	Agree	32	33.3
	Neutral	3	3.1

The narratives from the FGDs revealed profound shifts in social dynamics due to the collaborative efforts within WCCI projects. Participants emphasized the development of robust relationships transcending geographical boundaries. The once fragmented communities now exhibit solidarity, as evidenced by the warm welcome received in various households across different towns. Moreover, the newfound friendships extended beyond project members, fostering positive interactions with neighboring villages. This solidarity was born from a spirit of collaboration, where knowledge sharing and support became the norm. The collective efforts in constructing local stoves and utensil stands showcased a shared commitment to cleanliness and community welfare. The projects acted as catalysts for forming friendships, bridging gaps, and nurturing a sense of mutual admiration and respect, ultimately enhancing social cohesion and fostering a network of supportive relationships within these communities.

“We have developed very good relationships, I live in Kanyonyi town council, and I didn’t know any ladies from Kifampa, Mpenja or Kabulassobi, but as of now, once you arrive at the home of one of your project colleagues, even their children welcome you to the home which portrays a good working relationship. Additionally, on the villages where we train ladies, the relationships there are very good because back then ladies used to be very jealous of us, but right now they are not jealous anymore. They realize that once we learn something, we mobilize and teach them, which has improved our relationships with people so much, and even their husbands are very supportive of us because they see the good we are doing with their wives.” (Participant 5, FGD, Gomba”

This project has aided us so much as ladies, we mobilize ourselves and go to a colleague’s home and construct for them a local stove, and a utensil stand all in the fight for cleanliness. (Participant 7, FGD, Butambala)

 “The people in the places where we reside became our friends. They know when we are supposed to come for the project meetings and even remind us. Some ladies come to us and want to support us while others request to join our program. We are admired and we are held in high regard wherever we reside.” (Participant 1, FGD, Mukono)

“We have made friends we wouldn’know if it wasn’t for this project. We have made friends from various communities, so I am personally happy about this.” (Participant 8, FGD, Gomba)

Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence Experiences

Table 4 shows experiences related to an intimate partner or gender-based violence. Overall, 22.9% (22/96) of the women had ever experienced intimate/ gender-based violence in their life. Of these, half, 50% (11/22) had experienced it in the previous six months, but only 18.2% (2/11) would attribute their experience to engaging in entrepreneurship. The majority 74% (71/96) of the respondents agreed that they have seen an improvement in the way their husbands treat them since they joined the satellites.

Table 4: Intimate partner and Gender-Based violence experiences among the women engaged in climate change solution satellites in Uganda.

Variable	Category	Frequency (n=96)	Percentage (%)
Ever experienced any intimate partner or gender-based violence in your life	Yes	22	22.9
	No	74	77.1
Experienced any intimate partner or gender-based violence in the last 6 months.	Yes	11	50.0
	No	11	50.0
Would you attribute this violence to your engagement in entrepreneurship	Yes	2	18.2
	No	9	81.8
Noticed improvement in the way my partner treats me since I joined WCCI	Strongly agree	11	11.5
	Agree	71	74.0
	Neutral	8	8.3
	Strongly disagree	6	6.2

The narratives indicate a tangible positive impact on reducing intimate partner and gender-based conflicts through increased education, shared responsibilities, financial empowerment, and altered perceptions of women’s roles within their households and society. Participants noted a distinct transformation in family dynamics, citing fewer reported cases of marital conflicts and domestic violence since the inception of the programs. Increased education and engagement in income-generating activities emerged as pivotal factors redirecting attention away from potential conflict points. The shared responsibilities and shared understanding cultivated through the trainings contributed to more harmonious households, characterized by decreased tension and fewer disputes over childcare and financial obligations. Moreover, the financial independence and changed perceptions of women’s value within households led to a shift in power dynamics, generating respect and diminishing instances of disrespect and marital discord.

“I am the senior woman in my community and back then I was always called to settle cases of women fighting with their husbands all the time, but ever since we started mobilizing ladies to come for these project trainings, ladies now have what things to do. To be honest I have now spent 5 months without being called for such family fights, but before, I used to attend to cases for like 2 families each day. Right now, those cases are unheard of, even at the police station ladies are no longer reporting such cases, which is a good change that’s been brought by these projects.” (Participant 5, FGD, Gomba)

On the issue of family fights, ever since I started coming for these projects, I got enough education to now understand how to handle my family. Secondly, I have things that take up my time compared to the gossip I used to be involved in to try and find out what my husband has been up to. I now have things to occupy me because if I am not doing home chores, I am running my businesses which takes up most of my time and leaves me no time for fights. I now have a lot to do to avoid such fights at home.” (Participant 7, Mukono)

“… before we used to be fighting with the men to take care of the children and their fees. But now we came to terms with our husbands, and they too got some education about shared responsibilities and now there is less fighting in homes. Life has really changed so much.” (Participant 4, FGD, Butambala)

“To add on, even my own husband now sees high value in me and cannot easily mess around with other women. This is because he must first consider whether the person he is messing with can favorably compete with me, and these projects have weighed us up so much on the men’s weighing scale, for which I am so grateful.” (Participant 10, FGD, Mukono)

“Before, I was so disrespected at home because even when he asked me what I had to offer, I couldn’t even show a penny. But now those words cannot come out of him because he knows that I have personal money now. So, that alone brought my home at peace and now we can sit and agree on certain issues, and he calmed down the disrespect he had towards me. That helped me even in society in that whenever they see me, there’s respect because I changed so much and they ask themselves whether I stole the money from someone, they think I went to the Statehouse, but I don’t even know where it is, I just do my projects.” (Participant 2, FGD, Gomba)

Contribution of the Women-led Climate Change Solution Satellites on Individual and Household Income and Financial Stability

Table 5 shows the contribution of the climate change solution satellites to the economic empowerment of women in Uganda. More than half 57.3% (55/96) of the women mentioned that participating in the satellite activities significantly increased their income, 56.3% (54/96) saw some improvement in their household income and 76% (73/96) had acquired some personal or household assets using income from the enterprise. Electronics (42.7%), furniture (24%), and rented/bought land (21.9%) were the most mentioned assets that were acquired by the women. Over 76% (73/96) of the women plan to acquire assets in the future using income from the satellite enterprises.

Table 5: Contribution of the women-led climate change solution satellites on individual and household income and financial stability in Uganda.

Variable	Category	Frequency (n=96)	Percentage (%)
The participation in the climate change solution satellite affected individual income	Increased significantly	55	57.3
	Increased moderately	36	37.5
	Remained unchanged	5	5.2
The enterprise had a noticeable impact on household income and financial stability	Considerable improvement	42	43.7
	Some improvement	54	56.3
Acquired personal or household assets with income from the climate change solution satellite	Yes	73	76.0
	No	23	24.0
If yes, which assets were acquired so far	Rented/bought land	21	21.9
	Constructed a house, roofed/repaired a house	19	19.8
	Car, truck, bicycle, motorcycle	3	3.1
	Furniture	23	24.0
	Electronics	41	42.7
	Others	30	31.3
Plan to acquire any other assets in the coming 3 months	Yes	73	76.0
	No	23	24.0
If yes, which assets	Electronics	13	13.5
	Furniture	19	19.8
	Land	31	32.3
	Construct house	17	17.7
	Car, truck, motorcycle	7	7.3
	Others	27	28.1

Qualitatively, participants highlighted tangible improvements in their standards of living, evident through enhanced household conditions and increased financial stability. Engaging in skill-building activities such as liquid soap making and briquette production became collective family endeavors, involving both children and spouses, resulting in augmented household income. The acquired skills not only boosted individual businesses but also elevated their marketability, as exemplified by one participant’s improved catering services and the plan to acquire business transportation assets. Participants expressed a newfound self-control toward expenditure, demonstrating a shift from impulsive spending habits to thoughtful financial management. They acknowledged the significance of savings, with aspirations to invest in property or business expansions, showcasing a long-term commitment to financial growth and sustainability. These narratives collectively illustrate the tangible impact of climate change solution projects on individual and household incomes, fostering financial prudence.

“I see an improvement in the standards of living amongst all the women, especially those of us who manage our money well. Even our homes have improved in standard too.” (Participant 3, FGD, Butambala)

“Yes, it has helped us with the children, in that they have learnt some of these skills like liquid soap making, because they actively participate while we make it at home. We make briquettes and they also participate, as well as the husbands too, so more money comes in for all of us.” (Participant 4, FGD, Mukono)

 “As a catering person, I saved money from these projects and invested in my business and this made me exemplary and marketable because my services were improved. I bought tents and chairs which made me a very presentable service provider and my services were highly demanded. I desire to purchase a vehicle that can transport my business assets in the future and in God’s name I know that I will purchase it.” (Participant 1, FGD, Gomba)

“Back then as ladies we never used to mind how much we had versus what we spent. Hawkers used to come around our communities and we would buy from almost all of them, but that has changed now. You must assess whether you need that item being hawked and ask yourself how much you made in the past month, and what improvements you need to make in your business, before purchasing say a bed cover from a hawker. Ever since we were trained, ladies have now learnt the importance of money, they appreciate saving and they know their responsibilities. It’s hard to find a lady who doesn’t save now.” (Participant 7, FGD, Butambala)

“Personally, I save the money I get from my business and in my saving group, we split profits annually so, I’ll be getting my share on 12th December and I want to use those savings to purchase an acre of land because I want to rear my cow on the same land as I live. So, I am hopeful that in the coming year, I will achieve it.” (Participant 6, FGD, Gomba)

Meaningful Participation of the Women in Livelihood/Economic Decision-making

About 65% (62/96) of the women had joined a women’s group, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), or local governing body since their training with WCCI and 46.8% (29/62) had a leadership position in that body. Of those with leadership positions, 37.9% (11/29) were at the level of chairperson/vice chairperson while the rest were at secretary, treasurer, mobilizer or councilor level. Additionally, 79.3% (23/29) of the women in leadership rated high, the impact of the WCCI training on their decision to join leadership. Desire for personal growth and development (79.3%), Recognition of my abilities and potential (69%), and Desire to create a positive change (55.2%) were the most mentioned reasons for taking up leadership positions. Furthermore, 47.9% (46/96) jointly made economic/livelihoods decisions with their husbands, 81.2% (78/96) had recently been involved in livelihood/economic decisions while 82.3% mentioned that there was a positive difference in the way their husbands treat them ever since they started making their own money and being empowered. Less than a quarter 22.9% (22/96) acknowledged that their husbands do not support their work with the enterprise (Table 6).

Table 6: Meaningful participation of the Women in livelihood/economic decision-making opportunities at community and household level in Uganda.

Variable	Category	Frequency (n=96)	Percentage (%)
Joined a women group, SACCO or local governing body since the training with WCCI	Yes	62	64.6
	No	34	35.4
Hold a leadership position on that women group, SACCO or local governing body	Yes	29	46.8
	No	33	53.2
Leadership position held on the women group or local leadership body or committee	Chairperson/vice chairperson	11	37.9
	Secretary/treasurer/mobilizer/councilor	18	62.1
Rate the impact of the training on your decision to join leadership and ability to serve in that capacity	High impact	23	79.3
	Moderate impact	6	20.7
Reasons for deciding to take up this leadership position	Desire for personal growth and development	23	79.3
	Passion for climate change cause	14	48.3
	Recognition of my abilities and potential	20	69.0
	Desire to create positive change	16	55.2
	Need for representation and gender equality	6	20.7
	Previous experience	1	3.5
Previously engaged in any advocacy meetings supporting women economic empowerment in your community	Yes	51	53.1
	No	45	46.9
In your household, who primarily makes decisions regarding economic activities and livelihoods	Husband/male household member(s)	12	12.5
	Jointly made by and female household members	46	47.9
	Respondent/female household members	35	36.5
	Others	3	3.1
Recently been involved in any livelihood/economic decision	Yes	78	81.2
	No	18	18.8
If yes, specify the type of livelihood/economic decision-making activities you have been part of.	Income generation and business planning	67	44.7
	Investment decisions	43	28.7
	Market research	4	2.7
	Pricing and sales strategy	3	2.0
	Financial management and budgeting	31	20.7
	Others	2	1.3
Make my own decisions regarding spending income	Yes	80	83.3
	No	16	16.7
Keep and spend my income by myself	Yes	81	84.4
	No	15	15.6
If no, who keeps or spends your income	My husband	13	86.7
	Other person	2	13.3
Okay with this, does this happen because of a mutual understanding between you and your partner	Yes	83	86.5
	No	13	13.5
Come for trainings and meetings with the knowledge of husband	Yes	81	84.4
	No	15	15.6
If No, does he stop you from coming for training/meetings?	Yes	81	84.4
	No	15	15.6
Noticed a difference in the way husband treats you since starting making own money and being empowered	No difference	17	17.7
	Yes, positive difference	79	82.3
Husband doesn’t support my work with the enterprise	Agree	22	22.9
	Neutral	15	15.6
	Disagree	17	17.7
	Strongly disagree	42	43.8

In the realm of livelihood and economic decision-making, the narratives from FGD participants highlighted the impact of WCCI initiatives on women’s empowerment and assertiveness in various spheres. Participants mentioned a transformation in self-perception and assertiveness, indicating newfound confidence and self-esteem among participants. The program also cultivated the courage to engage actively in public forums, a stark contrast to previous shyness and avoidance of meetings. Furthermore, the narratives conveyed the evolution of participants into role models and trainers, and hence can be consulted on various aspects. Crucially, participants shared instances of enhanced agency in economic decision-making within their households. The shift from a scenario where men previously controlled household finances to a situation where women assertively communicate their plans while maintaining harmony in decision-making signifies a tangible shift in gender dynamics and increased agency for women in economic matters.

“WCCI has been helpful to some extent because it has created a working relationship with the government and they both know and respect each other. In my observation, WCCI has helped to make us strong women who believe in ourselves in that if you have decided to do something, you must believe it in your heart. We are on committees that are making decisions in our communities.” (Participant 3, FGD, Gomba)

“I have gained a lot of self-esteem, even when speaking in public I am more confident compared to before when I used to be shy and sometimes, I would even dodge the meetings but it’s not the case anymore and whenever I am phoned, I know that I have an important call to which I respond.” (Participant 2, FGD, Butambala)

“The other thing I’ve gained is that I have become an example for other ladies, and I am also a trainer to them of the skills I gained.” (Participant 5, FGD, Mukono)

“We used to have money back then, and the men would take it from us. But now, when he asks for it, I tell him that I have plans for my money and we still come to an agreement, without him thinking that I have refused to give him money, but I have other things to use it for.” (Participant 5, FGD, Gomba)

Overall Quality of Life and Well-being among the Women

When asked if their overall well-being and quality of life have improved since becoming part of the climate-smart enterprise, the majority of the women, 63.6% (61/96) strongly agreed, 29.2% (28/96) agreed and 5.2% (5/96) were neutral. None of the women disagreed (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Perception on quality of life and overall wellbeing among the women

Through the diverse discussions, participants conveyed transformative personal and communal changes spurred by engagement in WCCI projects. These initiatives not only empowered women economically but also fostered improved family dynamics and social recognition. Participants highlighted a shift in household dynamics, with husbands now supportive and involved, and even prompting participation in the projects. Moreover, individual transformations were evident, reflected in enhanced self-esteem, improved appearance, and upgraded living standards. Participants celebrated tangible improvements in cleanliness, financial independence, diversified diets, and sustainable practices, demonstrating a profound shift in mindset towards environmental stewardship.

“… before, our husbands would get angry whenever we left home to come engage in such projects, but now they are steadily adjusting because we are very open about the dates when the projects will take place. So, the men have calmed down on realizing how much these projects have aided us. Even expenditures at home weighed down on men since we are now able to chip in on some of the home expenses. The husbands now even remind us of the dates when we are supposed to attend the projects. The improvement has been so evident in that even the children acknowledge that back then, they used to be chased from school due to lack of school fees, but now it’s no more.” (Participant 2, FGD, Gomba)

“I did not look like this before, the first thing I did with my money was to make sure I look good, and I am no longer looked down upon wherever I go. So, I see a big improvement from the ratchet I used to be to now looking better, it’s a very awesome change we should clap for ourselves.” Participant 6, FGD, Butambala

The other thing I had forgotten is that these trainings have improved cleanliness at home. A lady who is part of WCCI has a significantly decent home compared to those who are not in the project. We as ladies are very proud of these improvements. (Participant 1, FGD, Mukono)

“I used to just sit at home without much to do, but ever since WCCI came, it taught me so many things so right now I do my projects and have some personal money on me, and I have a job that I do, and doesn’t put me on pressure, I do it from my home without paying rent; customers come at my home without me having to hawk, schools too come and pick from my home. It has helped me a lot since I used to just sit at home back then. I am more satisfied with life now.” (Participant 5, FGD, Gomba)

“I used to eat cassava with tea and no sauce, but now life has changed. I can go and purchase beef, fish, and any sauce because the money is available. Even the dress code has changed.” (Participant 4, FGD, Buambala)

“I learned how to handle nature more than I used to before I could cut down trees but now, I look at trees like my own children and I cannot cut them down because it feels like I am cutting down my child like I’m ruining my child’s future.” (Participant 7, FGD, Mukono)

Discussion

The study aimed to assess the feasibility of Women-led climate change solution satellites on women’s social and economic empowerment and quality of life in the face of climate change in Uganda. The findings earlier shown are discussed per the objective below.

Collective Action in Women-led Climate Change Solution Satellites Influences Social Cohesion and Community Engagement

A noteworthy aspect of this project lies in its ‘train the trainer’ model, which has yielded substantial social impact while justifying the claim that empowering women through training can have far-reaching effects. Beyond individual skill acquisition, the project has employed a strategy where trained women become mentors, disseminating knowledge and skills within their communities. This ‘train the trainer’ approach has catalyzed a transformative shift among the women, not just as beneficiaries but as active agents of change within their communities.

The majority of participants reported significant improvements in their sense of belonging, increased community engagement, and notably better treatment from their families and neighbors. These outcomes are emblematic of a deeper societal transformation facilitated by these women-turned-trainers. By imparting their acquired knowledge and skills and actively engaging in communal projects, they have redefined their roles within their communities. Their involvement as both conveyors of expertise and active contributors to communal endeavors has elevated their status and influence, positioning them as key contributors to community progress.

Moreover, the collaborative nature of their work within the group-learning from each other, practicing in front of fellow satellite members-has fostered a supportive environment that nurtures confidence and competence. This newfound confidence not only improved their individual capacities but also equipped them to meaningfully contribute to larger communal initiatives. The ‘train the trainer’ model not only enhanced individual capabilities but also served as a catalyst for community development through knowledge dissemination and collaborative engagement.

Gender inequality, poverty, and other economic challenges are among the major causes of intimate and gender-based violence globally [16]. Given the high poverty levels of not only women but the general rural population in Uganda, it is understandable to unearth a 22% prevalence of intimate partner or gender-based violence among the respondents. The World Health Organization recommends seven strategies for prevention and reduction of violence against women, among which is the empowerment of women; Poverty reduction and creating an enabling environment [17], which were all targeted outcomes of this project. This evaluation indicated a 50% reduction in intimate partner and gender-based violence, with only 2 out of 11 individuals who had recent experiences attributing the violence to their engagement in entrepreneurship and the majority alluding to better treatment from their husbands. The trainings and empowerment given to women may have played a critical role in managing intimate and gender-based violence as has been deduced by earlier scholars [18,19].

The Economic Impact of Women-led Climate Change Solution Satellites on Individual and Household Income and Financial Stability

Significant proportions of the respondents mentioned an increase in their individual and household income, with some already purchasing property including gadgets, furniture, and land, using the newly found income. This result confirmed a partially achieved goal of the project; to positively impact women’s economic status and financial sustainability. The achievement can be explained by WCCI’s efforts in training the women on how to manage their finances including self-control towards expenditure, a saving culture and skilling in income-generating projects. WCCI engages the women in skill-building activities such as making soap, vaseline, and briquette among others that can be sold within the community to generate income and also supports them with the pre-requisite equipment for enhanced production. Skilling of women and trainings on financial literacy coupled with start-up support have been associated with economic empowerment in Uganda and other settings globally [20-22]. Through the “train the trainer model” which the women have wholesomely embraced and already practicing, this transformation can be transitioned to entire communities to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1; eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 [23].

This evaluation also revealed the participation of women in decision-making ventures both in the community and in the households regarding livelihoods and economic development. Over 60% of the women joined women groups, SACCOs or local governing bodies and 47% of these were in leadership. These findings can be explained by the fact that WCCI emphasizes transformation in self-perception and assertiveness, which are key in interpersonal relationships and leadership [24,25] and can collaborate the newfound confidence and self-esteem among participants to join groups and even take up leadership positions. The program also cultivated the courage to engage actively in public forums, a stark contrast to previous shyness and avoidance of meetings, and women evolving into role models and trainers, who can be consulted on various aspects. The women are also gradually joining in decision-making at home, contributing ideas and funds for household development projects. The majority of the women mentioned keeping, planning for, and spending their money on things they find important unlike before when they used to spend randomly or simply give the money to their husbands to spend. This could be as a result of understanding the value of money, and the fact that these women have financial goals and have been taught to gradually grow their businesses and achieve more rather than being comfortable in their poverty.

The Overall Well-being and Quality of Life Improvements among Women Engaged in Climate Change Solution Satellites

Almost all the women in the study agreed that their overall well-being and quality of life has improved since becoming part of the climate-change solution satellites. The transformation can be attributed to the different gains from associating with WCCI. The nexus of economic empowerment heightened self-esteem, improved personal appearance, hygiene, financial autonomy, diverse dietary habits, enhanced family dynamics with increased support from husbands, improved treatment within families, and elevated social recognition collectively signify an elevated quality of life among the participants. According to the World Health Organization [26], the physical and psychological aspects of one’s life, their level of independence, social relationships, and the environment are key determinants of one’s quality of life and are the domains in the WHO quality of life assessment (WHOQOL) tool. These findings show that even though WCCI did not apply the standard 100-item WHO assessment tool, the women’s claim of improved quality of life and overall well-being is to a greater extent in accordance with the standard measurements as spelled out in the WHO’s quality of life user manual [26]. The findings therefore imply that WCCI’s model of women’s transformation through the climate change solution satellites is achieving their intended results, however, more standard assessments could be needed to further ascertain these findings.

Strengths and Limitations

The study encompassed a relatively large sample size (96 women), providing a diverse pool of participants engaged in different entrepreneurial activities related to climate change solutions. The study also collected data across various thematic areas, including social, economic, and personal aspects, offering a holistic view of the impacts of women’s engagement in entrepreneurship. The combination of quantitative and qualitative insights provides a comprehensive understanding of the women’s experiences and the findings indicated tangible outcomes such as increased income, asset acquisition, and improved social cohesion, highlighting the practical implications. On the other hand, there could be biases in self-reporting, especially regarding sensitive issues like experiences of violence or attributing them to entrepreneurship, which might lead to underreporting or misinterpretation. To address this, the women were made aware of the importance of giving accurate information and that their responses would be anonymous. The data collection process was also conducted by people who are not part of the trainers to try and make the participants comfortable to air out their issues. In addition, whereas the study highlights positive outcomes associated with entrepreneurship and WCCI training and support, establishing a direct causal link between participation and outcomes might be challenging due to external factors not accounted for in the study. The study however tried to focus on specific attributes provided to the participants through WCCI trainings and eliminated possible external factors.

Conclusions

Overall, participation in these entrepreneurial initiatives has brought about tangible improvements in social cohesion, economic empowerment, and the perceived quality of life and well-being for a significant majority of women involved, demonstrating the positive impact of the WCCI climate change solution satellites on their lives and communities. Through the train the train-the-trainer approach that has been embraced by the women and community, the program ought to be scaled up to enable more women to benefit, contributing to SDG 1.

Declarations

Data and Materials Availability

The data used in this study is available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Informed consent was obtained from all participants for both the structured surveys and FGDs conducted, after ensuring that they understood the purpose of the research, their rights, and the confidentiality of their responses. The research was also approved by the Uganda Christian University Research and Ethics Committee-approval number UCUREC-2023-55. Measures were also taken to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of participants’ identities and responses.

Authors’ Contributions

All authors conceptualized the study. CHM, AT and GB participated in data collection, and drafted the first manuscript, CHM, GB, AT, RA, RWN, EM, and SD reviewed the first manuscript draft. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding

Support for this research was made possible through funding support of the Forum for Women and Development (FOKUS) in partnership with the sisters of Joseph and Climate Justice Resilience. The information provided does not necessarily reflect the views of the funders.

Conflict of Interest

Authors Comfort Hajra Mukasa, Godliver Businge, Rosemary Atieno, Rose Wamalwa Nyarotso, Elaine McCarty, Sarah Diefendorf are employed by Women Climate Centers International. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

References

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DOI: 10.31038/AWHC.2023645

Abstract

The study focused on the messages which might enhance women’s participation in mammogram screening. The study followed the Mind Genomics process of presenting respondents with different combinations of relevant messages, identifying the strong performing messages for each respondent, and clustering respondents on the basis of the patterns of elements which drive positive responses. The messages themselves were developed using AI, allowing the researcher ahead of the experiment to gain a broad education-type overview of the types of messages that could be used. Two mind-sets of respondents emerged, representing different patterns of messages which are deemed motivating. Mind-Set 1, “Motivated and Informed Women,” seeks improved breast health, values screenings, with the goal to minimize health risk, and maximize well-being. Mind-Set 2, “Concerns and Motivations,” focuses on the mammogram experience itself, the mammogram risks, comfort, and cost, demanding accurate diagnoses. It may be possible to increase mammogram screening by assigning a person to one of these mind-sets. The Mind-Set Assigner (previously called Personal Viewpoint Identifier (PVI)) comprises a set of six questions based upon the study, the patterns of answers to which assign a person to either Mind-Set1 or Mind-Set 2. The Mind-Set assigner offers the promise of a personalized approach to understanding what people need to hear to ensure better health.

Introduction

Despite its significant advantages in understanding human perception and decision-making, contemporary technology involving health messages is confronted at every turn by hosts of drawbacks and challenges. Among these, data privacy and security concerns loom large as the collection and storage of vast amounts of personal data raise questions about safeguarding sensitive information [1]. Moreover, the potential for bias and unfairness in machine learning algorithms remains an ongoing challenge, demanding continual efforts to ensure fairness and reduce [2]. A consequence of the efforts to maintain privacy in a data-intensive world is the focus on making sure that key information about a patient is safeguarded [3]. Those efforts move the focus from advancing by understanding the patient as a human being towards protecting the patient who could be the source of possibly compromising data.

The focus of this paper moves attention from understanding the body and behavior of the patient to the mind of the patient as a consumer of the health care experience. The objective of this paper is to showcase what can be achieved in just a few hours, even with limited prior knowledge of a subject. Our goal is to gain insights into how people perceive the ordinary world, make decisions, and, perhaps most crucially, understand the myriad ways in which everyday individuals view topics in their daily lives using the innovative approach of Mind Genomics. Instead of focusing on exceptional or unusual circumstances, Mind Genomics centers on the daily, commonplace world in which most people live.

For this exercise, we have chosen to examine the issue of mammography, a vital aspect of healthcare, as it pertains to women’s participation in breast cancer screening. The focus will be on the person as a receiver of heath messages, the person being likened to a consumer, the health messages being the motivational communications to get the consumer, the woman, to buy the product.

When healthcare providers screen patients for breast cancer, their primary objective is to encourage greater participation among women in screening mammograms. Increasing participation needs a multifaceted approach which goes beyond simply knowing what to say. Rather, it is critical to understand and interpret women’s responses and, in turn, effectively address their concerns. Communication plays a pivotal role in this process. Providers must effectively convey the importance of regular screenings and underscore the potential to save lives through early detection.

The literature about mammography is large, not surprisingly because of the pivotal role of mammography in detecting breast cancer. The existing literature recognizes the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, and the emotions involved in breast cancer. There is a significant literature on mammograms and mammography. Part of the focus is on the medical aspects of mammograms as a preventive for breast cancer, which belongs in the world of biological and medical science [4,5].

Unfortunately, the existing literature often falls short when it comes to delving into the communicating with patients, even though the literature does recognize the psychological and emotional effects on individuals undergoing mammography, with a predominant focus on clinical and technical facets [6], as well as keeping appointments [7-9]. Whereas some studies do touch upon the significance of communication and addressing patient concerns, there remains the important gap regarding the specific language, words, and customized communication strategies which truly resonate with individuals.

Closing this gap by understanding the unique needs, assessing the psychological impact, and recognizing the decision-making processes of patients is paramount. Such an approach can significantly enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer screening and improve the overall patient experience, ultimately leading to increased participation rates and earlier detection of cancer.

The important thing to keep in mind is that the approach presented here breaks new intellectual ground, lying between the world of the scientific establishment and the world of the practitioner. As will be shown below, the objective is to understand the way the person thinks, letting the patterns which emerge suggest directions for research. In scientific parlance, the traditional way, the hypothetico-deductive system [10] with its effort to create science step-by-step gives way to the more intellectually adventurous but less rigorous effort called ‘grounded theory’ [11]. In a sense the approach presented here will end up being a ‘user’s manual of the everyday mind.’

Mind Genomics Offers a New Perspective on Thinking

Surveys are popular, easy to use, and understand. However, polls have fundamental issues. One of the worst is susceptibility to respondent bias toward giving the “correct answer.” This bias is especially harmful when the topic is emotional, or when the respondent doesn’t know the answer. The desire to appear positive often leads to hesitation to respond negatively [12].

A second, subtle bias is lack of context. The respondent is instructed to rate or to rank relevance of distinct characteristics like price, nutrition, brand, etc. Respondents typically adapt their rating criteria to fit the thing being rated. Interspersing topic examples is better. Instead of asking how important ‘price’ is against ‘availability in store’, a more productive technique may be to present different combinations of features, and afterwards deconstruct the response to the combination into the contribution of the single components of the combinations.

Mind Genomics has been developed to address these biases. Mind Genomics combines experimental psychology (psychophysics), statistics (experimental design), and consumer research (focus on the world as is, rather than put the respondent through an artificial situation, unless that artificial situation is of direct scientific interest). The past history and future opportunities Mind Genomics have been described in previous papers [13-15].

Mind Genomics traces its history to three disciplines:

1. Psychophysics – The oldest discipline of experimental psychology. Psychophysics examines how humans interpret external inputs. Traditional psychophysics connects the physical and psychological worlds. Traditional psychophysics focuses on ‘measuring’ the intensity of perception, such as beverage sweetness [16].
2. Experimental design is a discipline in statistics which examines how independent factors combine to create a dependent variable. Mind Genomics adopts that concept but focuses on how thoughts interact. It might be called the ‘algebra of the mind.’
3. Consumer research explores daily life. Mind Genomics explores everyday scenarios rather than developing contrived ones, in its effort to understand the way people think. Consumer research shows how individuals act in the real world as consumers and humans.

The Mind Genomics approach has evolved from paper and pencil evaluations of vignettes (combinations of ideas or messages, now called ‘elements’) to a DIY (do it yourself) system which allows rapid, inexpensive study creation using a template combined with artificial intelligence to help the researcher think through a topic, along with subsequent automated analysis of the data and reporting in a user-friendly set of tables.

In early versions of the Mind Genomics science, it was up to researchers to develop the raw materials, so-called ‘elements’ or messages. The elements often numbered in the dozens, and occasionally far more. The researcher categorized the elements into like-ideas, manually created the vignettes, viz., combinations of elements, checking that the elements were statistically independent of each other, and that mutually contradictory elements never appeared together. The process was tedious, frustrating, required a great deal of up-front preparation, took a long time, and ended being expensive when the time of the researcher was factored-in to the total cost.

Implementing the early Mind Genomics studies was also a challenge, and expensive. The studies were presented on a local computer, with respondents pre-recruited to participate. All respondents evaluated a randomized set of combinations or vignettes, selected from the original large set of vignettes. During the course of the supervised evaluation on the local computer, the respondent would end up evaluating 50-100 vignettes in 20-30 minutes. The results were pooled and analyzed by total panel and self-identified subgroups, with subgroups formed by a questionnaire about attitudes and practices on the problem. The Internet evolved the Mind Genomics approach to a structured, simple design (four categories or now four ‘questions’, four elements or answers per category), a basic experimental design with 24 statistically appropriate combinations. The underlying design ensured that the 16 elements are statistically independent and set up for immediate analysis. The data could be analyzed by OLS (ordinary least squares) regression at the level of a defined group or respondents, or even at the level of an individual respondent. Furthermore, Mind Genomics ensured that each respondent would evaluate 24 different vignettes, or combinations, a method halfway between the constricting requirements of a single design replicated for each respondent, and the combinations encountered in a cross-sectional study with the combinations of independent variables being uncontrolled. The benefit of the permuted design was that it was no longer necessary to know the answer before doing the study. The study would end up covering many of the possible combinations, using a systematized permutation system [17], reducing a lot of the need for prior knowledge.

A Worked Example – What Goes Through the Mind of a Female Patient When Thinking about Mammography?

The rest of this paper shows study design, implementation, and analysis of a study on communications about why a patient should consider mammography. The study goal was to generate a new topic and advance it via AI. AI becomes a ‘second set of eyes’ for question-and-answer-development at the time of set-up, and for discovery of themes at the time of analysis.

Mind Genomics starts with a query, a brief paragraph to explains the situation and the research objective. The statement is constructed to allow the embedded link to AI (Idea Coach), to generate the appropriate query to Chat GPT 3.5 (Liu et. al., 2023) [18]. For this study, the brief paragraph was: Explain to me exactly how I should talk to women so I can convince them to get their yearly mammogram? I want to talk to them as a doctor who is concerned about their health as their mother or their daughter. please make the question easy to understand, filled with emotion and no more than 12 words. Figure 1 shows a schematic of these first steps of the set-up process.

Figure 1: Schematic process. Panel A shows the space for four questions. Panel B shows a schematic ‘general background prompt’ given to Idea Coach.

Generating Questions to Answer the General Background Prompt

The researcher requests Idea Coach (AI) to provide 15 questions based upon the general prompt (see Figure 1, Panel B). The researcher can vary the general background prompt given to Idea Coach or can re-run the same request several times. The results are provided immediately, as well as recorded in the Idea Book, along with a set of AI based ‘summarizations’ and expansions of the topic (Table 1). These questions may be ‘on target.’ If not, the researcher can tweak the paragraph to guide the AI, run Idea Coach again, and indeed several times, each time learning more about the topic through the questions provided.

Table 1: The first set of questions emerging from the Idea Coach in response to the paragraph written by the research, which generates the query. The text in in Table comes from the Idea Book provided to the researcher after the element creation has been completed, both for questions and for answers.

A user-trend has emerged during the past several months since the Idea Coach was incorporated into Mind Genomics. ‘Newbies’, beginning researchers, find this process with the Idea Coach to be pleasant, entertaining, and anxiety-reducing. Their excitement about research increases. And, as a bonus, after some experiences with Idea Coach, even in one study, the new researcher begins to feel empowered to add in her or his own questions.

Idea Coach now analyzes returned questions instead of just coaching. Table 2 shows how Idea Coach (viz., AI) uses a cue about ‘themes’ to find commonalities in Table 1 queries. Again, the Idea Coach summarizes ‘themes’ for each researcher-generated question set. The researcher could use Idea Coach say 10x to get 10 theme analyses, one for each set of returned questions. One could analyze all themes for all aspects, but the bookkeeping to eliminate similar-but-not-identical issues would take time.

Table 2: Themes emerging from the set of questions returned in the first iteration of Idea Coach

AI then finds ‘holes’ in themes, a major benefit. Table 3 presents the third analysis of the first set of questions, ‘what is missing.’

Table 3: Suggestion of ideas that may be missing from the set of questions returned by Idea Coach

Finally, Tables 4-6 look at possible innovations in products and services.

Table 4: Suggestion of alternative viewpoints, viz., contrary ideas

Table 5: Suggestion of the likely audience

Table 6: Suggestion of innovations in products services, experiences, policies

Creating Answers to Questions

The second step creates four answers to each question selected by the researcher. The researcher must come up with four answers to each question. The same process is followed, with Idea Coach providing sets of 15 answers to a question, and with the researcher selecting the four answers for each study. The final four sets of questions appear below. The substantive part of the question as returned by Idea Coach is shown in italics. The other part of the question, viz., the phrase ‘Elaborate in detail and in 15 words or less’ was added to the Idea Coach query to ensure simple to understand answers to the question.

1. Question A: Elaborate in detail and in 15 words or less The importance of regular mammograms for women?”
2. Question B: Elaborate in detail and in 15 words or less Any concerns or fears regarding mammograms?”
3. Question C: Elaborate in detail and in 15 words or less Prioritize your health together. When can I expect you to schedule your mammogram?”
4. Question D: Elaborate in detail and in 15 words or less The peace of mind that comes with early breast cancer detection?

Once again the process with Idea Coach ends up educating the researcher as the researcher continues to request the four answers for each question, with each request generating four answers. Many users consider this activity crucial. The shock of seeing 15 answers appear a few seconds after the question is asked is remarkable, and often quite motivating.

Each set of the 15 solutions undergoes the same set of AI analyses, similar in depth to the AI analyses above done for the questions, but with a few different queries. The first 15 answers to the first question appear in Table 7, which also shows the extensive AI summarization.

Table 7: The first set of answers to Question #1: Elaborate in detail and in 15 words or less the importance of regular mammograms for women

Table 8 shows the final set of questions and answers, edited by the researcher. In the actual study, the vignettes will comprise only answers (also called ‘elements’) in combinations comprising a minimum of two and a maximum of four answers, never more than one answer for a question. The questions never appear in the vignette, but rather are used only to guide the creation of the answers.

Table 8: The final set of questions and answers, after creation by Idea Coach and editing by the researcher

The Self-profiling Classification

Mind Genomics allows the researcher to create a set of eight questions which allow the respondent to provide more about the topic from the respondent’s point of view. Table 9 shows the list of questions. Gender and age questions are asked as a matter of course in all Mind Genomics studies.

Table 9: Self profiling questions about the respondent

In addition to the self-profiling classification questions, the respondent was instructed to complete an open-ended question about their own feelings and history regarding mammograms. The respondent completed this open-end question after having completed the Mind Genomics evaluation, and thus were ‘primed.’ Most respondents wrote detailed answers, an unusual occurrence in Mind Genomics studies of simpler, less emotionally tinged topics.

The Test Stimuli

Test stimuli combine answers to questions, with these answers henceforth called ‘elements’, and combinations called vignettes. The underlying experimental design prescribes the specific composition of each of the 24 vignettes. Each set of 24 vignettes can be analyzed in and of itself, to estimate the contribution of the elements to the response. The method of analysis is called OLS (ordinary least-squares) regression [19]. In the experimental design, each element occurs five times in 24 vignettes and absent from 19. Thus, each question contributes an element to 20 of the 24 vignettes and is absent from four of the 24 vignettes.

A key benefit of Mind Genomics is the ability to have each respondent evaluate virtually a totally unique set of vignettes, the aforementioned combinations of elements. The process to create the unique sets is called isomorphic permutation [17]. The benefit is that the researcher ends up testing many combinations, rather than testing a few combinations but many people. The happy consequence is that Mind Genomics empowers researchers to study a topic without having to have an idea of the answer ahead of time. The sheer scope of the combinations tested allow the research to ‘explore’ the unknown rather than having to ‘confirm’ one’s hypothesis.

We can contrast the Mind Genomics approach with the way typical research is conducted in the hypothetico-deductive system. Typical research studies aim to understand nature. Reducing the ‘noise’ around the ‘signal’ helps it emerge more clearly. Typically, this is done by decreasing superfluous variability, or ‘noise.’ In consumer research, dozens or hundreds of respondents evaluating the same vignettes is easy. Average variance, or standard error, diminishes with the square root of replicates. Four times the number of participants are needed to reduce variation around the mean by half. The above technique works when the researcher already ‘knows’ the right vignettes or elements, with the research ending up confirming hypotheses rather than discovering new realities. Mind Genomics focus on these new realities.

One reaction to the Mind Genomics experience is frustration, especially among professionals, far less so among non-professionals with no ‘ego’. Because there is no order or consistency, professionals and beginners alike think these pairings are random. The number of elements in a vignette varies, confusing those who try to outsmart the system. Many Mind Genomics research participants feel like they are guessing because they cannot see a pattern but ‘soldier on’, generally just doing what they have been instructed to do. These respondents participate in a state of relaxation and what might seem to be a lack of involvement, that seeming indifference actually being a good thing because it allows true feelings to emerge. The situation is even more frustrating to professionals, especially consumer researchers, who stop participating in the middle of the study because they become frustrated that they cannot ‘game the system.’

Respondent Orientation and Rating Scale

Every effort is made to lighten the mental ‘load’ of the respondent. The respondent need not read a long paragraph. All the respondent needs to know is that the topic is breast cancer. Everything else makes sense. The attitudes and judgments come from the respondent as she reads the vignette.

When presented with the vignettes, most respondents do not know what to do, since the vignettes are simply lists of phrases. The design of the vignette in that way is deliberate, making it easy for the respondent to ‘graze’ through the vignette and immediately give a rating. There is no effort made to fill the spaces between the elements with connective words, an effort which often backfires because the vignette goes from sparse, easy to scan, to dense, weighty, and simply obstructively boring.

Table 10 shows the very short orientation and the five scale values. The scale has two dimensions. The analysis uses newly created variables, each of which has only two values, ‘0’ to denote ‘no’ and ‘100’ to denote yes. That is, the responses 1-5 are transformed according to specific rules listed at the bottom half of Table 10. After creating these new binary variables, the Mind Genomics program adds a vanishingly small random number (<10^-4) to ensure some minimal variability, a prophylactic step ensuring the variability necessary for subsequent creation of equations or ‘models’ using OLS (ordinary least-squares).

Table 10: The rating question, the two-dimensional scale, and the binary transformation

Creating the Database for Analysis

The previous stages established an analysis-ready database. The Mind Genomics program delivers test vignettes and gathers 5-point ratings and response time, the number of seconds elapsing between stimulus presentation and rating. After responding to the current vignette, the program automatically proceeds to the next one. Figure 2 shows a screen shot of the database returned automatically to the researcher in an Excel booklet after the Mind Genomics study has been completed and the result automatically analyzed. The first set of columns shows information about the respondent. The second set of columns shows information about the structure of the vignettes. The third set of columns shows the rating information and some of the transformed data. The last column shows the open-ended questions.

Figure 2: Example of the first vignette evaluated by 10 respondents, with some of the transformations already created.

Creating ‘Models’ (equations) Which Relate the Presence/Absence of Elements to the Binary Ratings

A hallmark analysis of Mind Genomics reveals, though regression, the magnitude of ‘driving power’ of each element for the group of newly developed binary variables. OLS (ordinary least squares) regression is appropriate here, either for the data from each individual, or the data from a defined group. The term ‘appropriate’ is used because the 24 vignettes evaluated by each respondent were created through experimental design, enabling the subsequent regression analysis at the level of the individual respondent.

The OLS regression estimates the 16 parameters for this simple equation, doing so for all the newly created dependent variables (DV): DV = k₁(A1) + k₂(A2) … k₁₆(D4)

The independent variables A1-D4 take on the value ‘1’ when the element appears in the vignette, and, in turn, take on the value ‘0’ when the element is absent from the vignette. This coding is called ‘dummy variable [20]. Nothing is known about the element except its presence or absence, hence the term ‘dummy’. The equation shows the best estimation of the 16 coefficients. The coefficients themselves are easy to understand. Let us consider the dependent variable ‘R54’, viz., ‘motivates.’ A coefficient of 10, for example, means that when the element is present in the vignette,10% of the vignettes will be rated ‘5’ or ‘4’. When the coefficient is 20, two times as many vignettes will be rated 5 or 4. Thus, if we were to come upon four elements, each generating a coefficient of 25, then 100% of the vignettes with those four elements would be rated 5 or 4. Statistical analysis suggest that coefficients around 15 are ‘significant’ at the 95% confidence level. Our focus is not so much on significant elements, but rather on the patterns which reveal themselves.

We can immediately identify patterns of respondent thinking from the patterns of the strong performing coefficients. In ordinary research these patterns would go undetected because the test stimuli have no ‘cognitive richness.’ Thus, the researcher would have to search deeply to find a story behind the pattern. The situation is easier in Mind Genomics because the text of each element has meaning so that the results become easier to interpret. A ‘story’ ends up emerging more readily.

Table 11 shows the pattern of coefficients for the binary variables developed in Table 10, and for response time. The form of the equation is always the same, as described above. No equation has an additive constant or ‘intercept’, simply because the intercept adds a complicating parameter which prevents the coefficients from being compared directly in terms of both magnitude and real meaning. The elements in Table 11 are sorted by the coefficient for R54 (motivates), the key dependent variable.

Table 11: Coefficients for the total panel, for response time (RT) and for five binary variables

The strong performing elements are shaded.

1. Response time (RT)-In most Mind Genomics studies the respondents rush through the study, with many elements almost skipped over, since they have RT coefficients of 0.2 to 0.5. Not so with mammography. It is worth noting that the respondent stopped to read and think about virtually all of the elements, since many elements have coefficients of 1.3 or higher for RT. These 101 respondents focused on the messages.
2. Motivates me (R54). The convention for Mind Genomics studies is to shade coefficients of magnitude 21 or higher. Once again the results are startling. Nine of the 16 elements have coefficients of 21 or higher, a ‘first’ in Mind Genomics, and a signal that the topic is exceptionally important. Despite the strong performance of the elements, however, there is no apparent pattern in terms of what makes an element perform strongly.
3. Emotional reaction (R52) also shows many strong performing elements, but again no clear patterns.
4. The binary variable, R41 (no emotional reaction) shows one moderate performing element. The one which may not drive an emotional reaction is C2 (It’s time to prioritize your heath make that mammogram appointment). There is no clear story for binary variable R41.
5. The binary variable R21 (does not motivate) show no elements which fail to motivate.
6. The binary variable R3 (don’t know) shows no strong performing elements.

If we were to sum up the results, we would conclude that the elements hold the attention of the respondent, motivate quite strongly, drive an emotional reaction. We also should conclude that there is no clear pattern.

One of the benefits of Mind Genomics is the ability for AI to summarize the patterns among the strong performing elements, much as AI does when creating the Question Book at the set-up of the project. Table 12 shows the AI summarization based upon the results from the total panel.

Table 12: The summarization of performance of strong element(s) for the Total Panel by AI embedded in www.BimiLeap.com, the Mind Genomics platform.

The next level of analysis in the search for meaningful patterns focuses on the respondent’s age. Table 13 shows a richer pattern of results, focusing only on R54, Motivates. There are many coefficients which exceed the cut-off value of 21, and thus the pattern is still elusive. The 21 respondents age 65+ show the lowest values for the coefficients.

Table 13: Strong performing elements for Total Panel and four subgroups defied by the respondent’s age

Recall that at the start of the Mind Genomics experiment, the respondent was asked to select answers to two questions, one asking about knowledge about breast cancer, and the other asking about how breast cancer would affect her life. Table 14 shows the remarkable effects of knowing about breast cancer and expectations about life with breast cancer. The patterns across groups become quite clear. For those who either do not know about breast cancer or who have not thought about it, the elements are moderate, but most do not reach the threshold of 21 to be shaded. One group in particular deserves a note. That group of respondents comprises those who when asked about their knowledge of breast cancer selected the answer: I know a lot because I have a relative who has it. They ended up saying that they are strongly motivated by all of the elements except the last set, about peace of mind from early detection. That pattern makes a great deal of sense and is not immediately intuitive. This group has gone beyond peace of mind into the personal angsts accompanying experience with breast cancer, whether breast cancer has struck oneself or a family member, or friend.

Table 14: Strong performing elements for Total Panel and two sets of subgroups, defined by knowledge of breast cancer, and by selected reactions to the prospect of coming down with breast cancer.

Focusing Opportunities by Uncovering Mind-sets

Mind Genomics searches for intuitively obvious patterns of coefficients. Without dancing around the data, spinning theories, and creating stories, the researcher should be struck by ‘ocular trauma’—that is, the patterns should ‘hit one squarely between the eyes.’

The coefficients for the different subgroups identified through the self-profiling classification may be strongly positive, but there are no clear patterns. Tables 13 and 14 simply fail to reveal a pattern. One might strain to develop a credible explanation, but that goes against the worldview embodied in the phrase ‘ocular trauma’. Hypotheses and stories of what may be happening do not constitute science, but simply conjectures. We need a quantitative method which advances our thinking.

The answer to the issue of ‘ocular trauma’ and ‘self-evident patterns’ may emerge from a well-accepted class of statistical procedure known as ‘clustering’. Clustering methods sort items into mutually exclusive, exhaustive groups using mathematical criteria. The researcher specifies the number of groups, intragroup coherence, and intergroup distance, and calculation follows. The researcher names the groups (interpretability) after the exercise.

Numerous statistical methods have been developed to cluster objects. The approach currently used by Mind Genomics is known as k-means clustering [21]. The objects are our 101 female respondents, each of whom generates 16 coefficients for R54, ‘motivates’. The individual-level modeling is valid for these data because each respondent evaluated a unique set of 24 vignettes laid out by experimental design, and because the newly created binary variables, such as R54, were guaranteed to exhibit some minimal level of variable by the prophylactic addition of a vanishingly small random number.

K-means clustering calculates the “distance” between each pair of people (1-Pearson Correlation). The strength of the linear relation relationship between two comparable data points is shown by the Pearson Correlation. Two study respondents are separated by zero distance (1-1 = 0) when the Pearson Correlation is 1. Two study respondents are separated by the maximum distance (1–1 = 2) when the Pearson Correlation is-1, and the patterns of coefficients go in opposite directions.

Table 15 shows the coefficients for the two-cluster solution. These clusters are called ‘mind-sets’ in the language of Mind Genomics. They are more readily interpretable. Mind-Set 1 is clearly most strongly motivated by the appeal to taking control of one’s health. Mind-Set 2 is clearly more strongly motivated by information, by knowing the benefits and negatives of regular mammograms.

Table 15: Strong performing elements for Total Panel and the two emergent mind-sets (MS 1 and MS 2). The labels are assigned by the researcher.. All coefficients of 21 or higher are shown in shaded cells. The equations are estimated without an additive constant (viz., forced through the origin).

Table 16A shows the full set of coefficients for Mind-Set 1, Take control of your health through mammograms. These are the set of newly created binary dependent variables. Table 16B shows the same full set of coefficients for Mind Set 2, Benefit and negatives of mammograms Tables 16A and 16B show shaded cells for Response Times of 1.6 seconds or longer, highlighting those elements which engage attention. For R54 (Motivates) the elements which motivate are also highlighted, with values of 21 or higher. Finally for other rating variables, the threshold level has been lowered to 16+. Elements with ‘0’ or negative coefficients are presented with a blank cell.

Table 16 A: Coefficients for key dependent variables for Mind-Set 1 – Take control of your health through mammograms

Table 16 B: Coefficients for key dependent variables for Mind-Set 2 – Benefits and negatives of mammograms

Measuring the Performance of the Research Results Using the IDT (Index of Divergent Thought)

One of the critiques levelled against Mind Genomics is that the simple-to-use templated form makes the research available to anyone, and that the automated analyses done routinely after the data has been collected allows anyone to do powerful research of the type called ‘conjoint analysis’ [22]. The criticism is valid. Indeed, following the approach laid out by Mind Genomics enables a school child to do a study, and most certainly a high school student [23]. With this simplicity of process, and with the widespread available of computation, even on the smart phone, how does the world of science evaluate the contribution of the research? If the world of daily issues can be investigated with profound tools by inexperienced researchers, then can we measures the strength of the research instead of relying on the reputation of the researcher?

The answer to the foregoing can be ‘yes’ if we create an objective system to measure the strength of the research. One way to do this is the IDT, Index of Divergent Thought. The IDT uses the coefficients, or more properly the squares of the coefficients, to assess the strength of the research. Table 17 shows the computational formula. The IDT is operationally defined. For the computation of the IDT the researcher first must create the two-mind-set solution and then the three-mind-set solution, respectively, no matter which mind-set solution ends up being accepted.

Table 17: The IDT (index of divergent thought) for the mammogram study, based upon the coefficients for R54 (motivates)

Typically, novice researchers with no really strong ideas end up with IDT values around 50-60. Good research, the type with meaningful patterns, ends up with IDT values of 65-80. Really strong data, viz. studies with high coefficients, end up with IDT values of 80+, although in such cases experience suggests that all of the mind-sets respond strongly to the elements, and thus the segmentation may not be clear. These numbers for the IDT are not engraved in stone, but rather are preliminary numbers after six months of studies addressing a variety of topics with Mind Genomics. Whether the high IDT value comes from an interesting topic or comes from powerful research is not a question that can as yet be answered.

What We have Learned-AI Summarization Elements Which ‘Motivate’ Mind-Sets 1 and 2, Respectively

A key benefit of Mind Genomics is the ability to summarize the data using the criteria defined by the researcher. Just as we were able to ‘summarize’ the different questions and answers using Idea Coach, we are now able to summarize the findings for Mind-Sets 1 and 2, respectively Tables 18A and 18B show this summarization, based upon the dependent variable R54, motivates, and based upon the patterns and meaning generated by those elements with coefficients 21 or higher. Table 18A shows the AI summarization of the strong performing elements for Mind-Set 1. Table 18B shows the AI summarization of the strong performing elements for Mind-Set 2.

Table 18 A: AI summarization of strong performing elements for R54 (motivates) for Mind-Set 1

Table 18 B: AI summarization of strong performing elements for R54 (motivates) for Mind-Set 2

Finding Mind-sets in the Population

The Mind Genomics approach works with a relatively few number of respondents, but from those respondents uncovers mind-sets, and through the strong performing elements knows the tonality of the messages and even some of the text of the messages to which the mind-sets will respond. One cannot perform a Mind Genomics study on millions of women, however, to analyze their data, and then assign each woman to the appropriate mind-set for making appointments for a mammography. Such a capability would be wonderful, but not feasible.

To address the issue of assigning a new person to a mind-set, Moskowitz and colleagues developed the PVI, the personal viewpoint identifier. The PVI uses the data from the study, putting it into a simulator, and identifying the best set of elements and their weights in order to assign a new person to one of the two mind-sets.

The PVI system has been embedded in an easy-to-use computer program (www.PVI360.com), linked to the data from a Mind Genomics study.

Figure 3 Panel A shows the first part of the PVI, which gathers information from the respondent. It is here that one can create a registry of individuals, who give their permission to be contacted for further research.

Figure 3 Panel B shows the actual set of six questions, comprising six statements taken directly from the research study, but presented to the respondent as a set of questions with two answers.

Figure 3 Panel C shows the feedback to the researcher or to the respondent about mind-set membership given the responses.

Figure 3 Panel D shows the set-up screen that the researcher uses to transfer summary data from the Mind Genomics results to the input for the PVI. The task takes less than five minutes.

Figure 3: Panel A shows the qualification and background questions for the PVI. Panel B shows the six question PVI and additional questions about mammography asked to the respondents. Panel C shows the feedback information provided immediately by email to either the medical professional or to the respondent, or to both. Panel D shows the first part of the set-up page, done in Excel.

The Mind-sets Differ in the Style of Their Open-ended Responses

Traditionally, the Mind Genomics studies (really experiments) have not been ‘productive’ when it comes to having the response write about the topic. Most respondents are not particularly interested in the topic. This study on mammograms, and perhaps others studies on personal health, may open up an opportunity to learn more from the person, or the patient since the study deals with a topic of interest.

The final analysis subjected the open-end response to AI summarization through an APP ‘QuillBot’ [24] and requested the program to summarize the information contained in the open-end answers. No other request was made. The AI program was given the answers in the form of an excel sheet, one sheet for Mind-Set 1 (Take control of your health), the other sheet for Mind-Set 2 (Benefits and negatives of mammograms). No other information was provided.

Table 19 shows the remarkable difference in the way AI summarized the two sets of open-ended answers. The AI generated summary for Mind-Set 1, take control of your health, appears to be a coherent paragraph. In contrast, the AI generated summary for Mind-Set 2, benefits and negatives of mammograms, appears to be a set of disconnected sentences, rather than a single or small set of paragraphs. This difference in the morphological characteristics of the open-end answers may hint at important ways the different mind-sets organize information and provide new opportunities for understanding the minds of patients.

Table 19: AI summarization of open-end answers for Mind-Set 1 (Take control of your health) and Mind-Set 2 (Benefits and negatives of mammograms).

Discussion and Conclusions

This paper is based upon work originally done as a demonstration project to teach Mind Genomics. The powerful results were unexpected. Most studies using Mind Genomics end up with respondents who are only moderately interested in the topic. These studies usually deal with product features and with messaging about those features. More serious studies, such as those regarding society, law, ethics, and so forth, cannot be said to engage the respondent more deeply. The response times for these other studies are short. The coefficients for RT for these are studies are in the order of 0.3-0.7 seconds for most, suggesting little interest. Rather, it seems for the most part the respondents graze the messages, give a meaningful answer, but are not particularly involved in the Mind Genomics exercise.

The fact that topics of personal medical health produce this degree of interest suggest a rich opportunity to understand the patient at a level not before seen. One can imagine working with patients in a variety of situations, individuals who are motivated to learn about the topic, and learn about themselves at the same time. One could even imagine larger scale initiatives, where patients could participate for 5-10 studies on the different aspects of their condition, join a ‘club’ and keep contributing, with follow-up visits to their doctor, and follow-up studies. Their compensation might be some consideration given to them when they get their drugs and other materials from the pharmacy, a sort of ‘affinity group’ to forward knowledge.

As a final thought, it is worth thinking about the role of Mind Genomics as a way to understand the world. Research has been thought of as a highly disciplined, hypothesis-based procedure done by specialists, researchers, and scientists. Research as an everyday event is rarely discussed, but our intellectual curiosity makes us researchers, whether we realize it or not. Our world exploration includes watching, asking questions, acting on them, and moving on. People learn this way. The Mind Genomics “program” brings science and careful observation to the everyday. We discuss the everyday grind. Mind Genomics practitioners, like the pioneering scientists of the past, can study the globe in hours, discovering new themes. Artificial intelligence combined with natural curiosity is the next instrument for exploring, learning, and comprehending. The science is kept, but childlike love of simplicity, a guide or mentor, quickness, low cost, and most of all learning fun is introduced. Why not an adult serious researcher engaged in important problems where people’s thoughts are studied . If a nine-year-old can do the experiment and have fun, why not adults and more important, why not patients with medical conditions? The result might be a healthier world if one could discover how to have the patients comply, live a healthier lifestyle, and pass on their ideas to others through the systematization afforded by Mind Genomics.

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