Criterion Sampling Technique Research Articles

Analysis on Portrayal of Wisdom in Customary Religious Thought in Ethiopian Pedagogic Policy and Practices

This research dealt with assessing the portrayal of Oromo Belief system in both liberal and secular educational provisions from the past to the present in order to mark the place of ritual and cultural endowments attached to Oromo Governance and Belief Systems.. Contextual discourse analysis was used in order to intensify the gap between religio-cultural and pedagogic/ andragogic practices. The documents were selected through criterion sampling technique. Units of analysis were research articles and textbooks units. In the study, the findings indicated that, the Oromo religious and cultural endowments were regarded as ungodly and archaic where Orthodox Christian and Islam Religions were considered more advanced. In the feudal regime, the Orthodox Christian Religion dominated almost all views as a state-religion. In the socialist-era, the Marxist-Leninist Ideology overshadowed all religious thoughts excepting Orthodox Christian Religion and Islam to some extent. In the current federal system, all religions are said to be developing taken the system of education as secular and non-existence of any state-religion. Yet, the educational values of religion, especially indigenous religious views such as of Waaqeffannaa of Oromo and notable socio-cultural institutions are, still, denigrated since they are more ceremonial than practical. To that end, the upcoming generation is more likely to be kept far away from the indigenous religion and cultural endowments

The university at the crossroads of three ecologies: natural environment, culture and economy

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate a novel approach in higher education known as the ecological university. This is a university that understands both the world’s interconnection and its own interconnectedness to the world. Such a university aims to serve the world and engage in civic activity. According to this perspective, the university exists amid seven interrelated ecologies. The current study focuses on how the university could engage with three of these ecologies: the natural environment, culture, and economy. The research took place in Gaziantep, Turkey, a gateway to the Middle East. An exploratory research design employing qualitative data was utilised. The study participants included key figures from the natural environment, culture, and economy ecologies. Thirty-three participants from inside and outside the university were selected using criterion sampling and maximum variation techniques. The collected data was analysed using NVIVO 12, a qualitative data analysis tool, through content analysis. The results confirm that the university is organically interconnected to its surrounding ecologies, natural environment, culture, and economy. It also emerged that while the natural environment, culture, and economy could influence university functions and structures, universities could also use their resources to promote the improvement and well-being of each ecology.

THE EFFECT OF TEACHERS’ INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES ON THE TEACHING OF READING COMPREHENSION IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

This article investigated the effects of teachers’ instructional strategies on the teaching of reading comprehension in English as a second language. Data was collected through an interview schedule, field notes and an open-ended questionnaire. A purposeful criterion sampling technique was used to select ten teachers from ten schools. Data analysis was conducted using typological analysis, content analysis and Atlas.ti. The findings established the effect of teachers’ instructional strategies on the teaching of reading comprehension, the dominant instructional strategies used and the association between instructional strategies and the existing reading comprehension at schools. Teachers need to study and learn the application of instructional strategies apply strategies to optimise success and enhance teaching and learning, which results in positive students’ academic outcomes.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0735/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes: Challenges and opportunities in the spotlight

The widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in language education contexts has motivated several scholars around the world to uncover the advantages and disadvantages of AI and AI-powered instruments in different language classrooms. Yet, as the review of earlier investigations revealed, few inquiries have been carried out to divulge the pros and cons of leveraging AI in EFL classes. To narrow this gap, using the phenomenological approach, this inquiry investigated the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI in EFL classes from the perspective of Chinese EFL students. To do so, through the criterion sampling technique, a total of 45 EFL students was recruited from different educational institutions in China. To collect the dataset, participants were asked to complete an open-ended questionnaire. For the sake of triangulation, among the 45 participants, 15 were randomly selected to engage in a follow-up interview session. With the aid of MAXQDA software (version 2023), participants’ perceptions of AI opportunities and challenges were carefully analyzed. Overall, the analysis findings uncovered that leveraging AI in EFL classes can bring numerous opportunities for EFL students, including individualized learning, timely and immediate feedback, rich educational resources, and an interactive learning atmosphere. However, as demonstrated by the analysis outcomes, implementing AI in EFL courses may also face students with a range of challenges and problems. The research outcomes would be of great help to teachers and educational leaders in mitigating the challenges of leveraging AI in language classrooms.

The Effects of Religious Rituals and Religious Coping Methods on the Grief Process and Posttraumatic Growth: A Qualitative Study

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of people who lost their relatives due to the earthquake towards the mourning process and the role of religious rituals in combating the stressful situation caused by this loss. In the study in which the qualitative research method was adopted, a case study design was also adopted. In the study where the criterion sampling technique was used, a total of 12 participants who experienced loss due to the earthquake were included in the study. The participants stated that this loss was much more severe than a normal loss due to factors such as not being able to meet for the last time, not being able to reach the lost relative and the lack of religious rituals. Accordingly, it was observed that individuals who used positive religious coping styles experienced an increase in spirituality meaning of life and showed signs of post-traumatic growth, such as positive social relationships. On the other hand, most of the individuals who adopted negative religious coping styles experienced more feelings of helplessness and meaninglessness, had more difficulty in accepting the death, withdrew from social relationships, and showed more intense symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Artificial intelligence in restaurant businesses: a systematic review on service robots

PurposeWithin the scope of the research, articles about service robots were examined by the systematic review method.Design/methodology/approachThe research aims to evaluate the articles on service robots, an artificial intelligence (AI) application in restaurant businesses, using a systematic review method. In systematic reviews, the data obtained as a result of scanning databases to find an answer to a research question are synthesized and reported. The criterion sampling technique, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used for the sample of the research. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied within the scope of screening.FindingsThe articles on service robots were carried out between 2018 and 2023. In terms of research methods, most of the articles are quantitative, while there are studies on mixed and qualitative methods. In studies, data were generally collected by survey technique. The keywords of the studies on service robots are examined; the most commonly used words were service robot and AI, technology, restaurant, satisfaction, revisit intention, consumer behavior, intention, preference, hospitality and foods. The objectives of the articles pertinent to service robots are mostly to determine people's attitudes and acceptance toward these services focuses.Originality/valueThe studies seem to focus more on customer acceptance, trust, expectations, risks, adaptation, reasons for preference, impact on creative services, emotional and cognitive effects and human–robot interaction. Despite this, it is observed that there are fewer studies on topics such as the development of service robots in restaurant businesses, their reflections on the future, future opportunities and the quality of chef service robots. Based on this, it is recommended to consider studies that will serve as a reference for revealing innovative opportunities that can meet future expectations in order to increase the quality of service robots in restaurant businesses.

Institutional Practices Towards the Continuous Professional Development of Primary School Teachers

This study explores the role of school academic coordinators and their strategies in continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers. This qualitative research adopts a case study approach to gain deep insights into academic coordinators' strategies and challenges regarding effective CPD. Data for this study is collected through semi-structured online interviews from N=09 primary school coordinators from different campuses of private schools in Karachi using criterion sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was carried out from the transcription to find the themes. The study results revealed that barriers to effective implementation include a lack of interest, insufficient resources, and lack of technical skills among trainers. The findings underscore the importance of effective CPD and its implementation, highlighting challenges and suggesting strategies such as regular pre-job and during-the-job systematically interactive CPD training sessions. This study provides a deep understanding of the CPD model for curriculum developers, school coordinators, school teachers, and school management to elevate the standard of education in their schools by adopting a practical CPD approach.

Examination of Academic Human Resource Management Policies of Private Special Education Institutions and Rehabilitation Centers

This research aims to examine the human resource management policies of private special education institutions and rehabilitation centers based on the managers’ views. The basic qualitative research design was adopted in the research. The participants of the study consisted of managers of private special education institutions and rehabilitation centers operating in the province of Adıyaman. Criterion sampling technique was adopted in determining the participants. In this context, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 managers of private special education institutions and rehabilitation centers. The data obtained from the interviews with managers has been analyzed through content analysis. In the research, the opinions of the institution managers regarding the teacher employment process of their institutions were discussed under the themes of "employment criteria“, “employment process," and "problems encountered in the employment process." Policies for teacher development were examined under the themes of "personal development" and "professional development", while policies for teacher integration were examined under the themes of "rewarding". Policies for teacher evaluation were studied under the themes of "in-house evaluation" and "external evaluation". According to research results, the policies that shape the employment process are related to the nature of pre-service education and the professional and academic qualifications of teacher candidates. Additionally, based on the views of school administrators, it has been concluded that the shortage of subject experts is one of the problems encountered in the human resources management process of teacher employment. However, it has been stated that career planning and policies for professional development are insufficient in the process of teacher training and development, and teacher evaluation policies are shaped within the framework of internal and external evaluation criteria.

Investigation of the Earthquake Content in Social Studies Coursebooks within the Scope of Middle School Students' Views

Earthquake is one of the issues of social studies education within the scope of being a phenomenon affecting social life. As a matter of fact, social studies is a course that deals with all the elements related to social life. Earthquake, which is an issue of social studies, should then be taught comprehensively due to its impact on individual and social life. For this very reason, the content related to earthquake in social studies coursebooks should be both adequate and appropriate for the particular levels. The aim of this study was to examine the content on earthquake in social studies coursebooks within the scope of the views of middle school students. The views of the students in 11 provinces affected by the earthquakes that took place in Kahramanmaraş province of Türkiye on February 6, 2023 were consulted. A basic qualitative design was used in the study. Maximum diversity and criterion sampling techniques were used to determine the participant group. A semi-structured interview form was resorted to with a view to collecting the data. Content analysis was utilized to analyze the data. In the study, it was determined that the students perceive earthquake as a disruptive phenomenon, that the students thought social studies course had an important role in teaching the concept of earthquake, that the students found social studies coursebooks insufficient on the elaboration of earthquake topic and thought that the books should be redesigned accordingly. Depending on the results, recommendations for researchers and education planners were made.

Appraisal of the Use of Metaphors in the Holy Qur’an

This study appraised the use of metaphors in the Holy Qur’an, guided by Lakoff and Johnson’s Conceptual Theory of Metaphor (1980). Data were collected from thirteen chapters of the Holy Qur’an that were purposively selected out of one hundred and fourteen chapters through the purposive criterion sampling technique. Results revealed that structural metaphors occurred most, followed by orientational metaphors and lastly ontological metaphors. Impliedly, the Qur’anic metaphors observed from selected chapters of the Holy Qur’an are more structural than orientational or ontological. Thus, the study confirmed the existence of conceptual types of metaphors by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) in the Holy Book of the Holy Qur’an.

YouTube-Assisted Listening Instruction (YALI): A Study of Listening Comprehension and Listening Anxiety of University Students of German as a Foreign Language

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of YouTube-assisted listening instruction (YALI) on the listening anxiety of students of German as a foreign language (GFL) and their listening comprehension performance. For this purpose, a total of ninety-six senior undergraduate students were equally divided into three groups using the criterion sampling technique: (a) YouTube-assisted listening instruction (experimental group); (b) traditional listening instruction with auditory materials (control group - 1); and (c) instruction without listening exposure (control group - 2). The instructional approach was underpinned by Richard E. Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML). After a ten-week treatment process, results revealed that the students in YALI showed the best GFL listening comprehension performance compared to the control groups. In addition, YALI was observed to reduce students' GFL listening anxiety. Finally, a negative linear correlation between listening anxiety and listening comprehension performance was detected. This meant that students' listening anxiety decreased as their listening comprehension performance increased. To gain a better understanding of the effects of YALI on GFL listening comprehension performance and listening anxiety, relevant implications were discussed.

Nexus between Family Environment and Entrepreneurial Intentions of Students in the Faculty of Management Sciences, Veritas University, Abuja

There is a general apathy towards entrepreneurial activities among students in the Faculty of Management Sciences, Veritas University, Abuja. Unarguably, this lack of enthusiasm is traceable to the general moral decadence among youths in both the family environments and university environments. This is occasioned by the increasing failure of parents to properly bring up their children/wards particularly with the intent of making them self-reliant. Consequently, with a special focus on the family, it is important to understand the role of the family environment in triggering the dimensions of entrepreneurial intentions (i.e., personal attitude towards a behaviour, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control) in students. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design, and employed a combination of census method, a criterion sampling technique and questionnaire to collect data from 100 to 400 level students in the six departments in the faculty. A criterion sampling technique was employed to select the sample size of 115 students from the population of 279 students. The criteria for selection are that: (i) the parents work in or own a family business; (ii) that the student was partly or wholly involved in a family business; and (iii) the student actively participated in the previous entrepreneurship courses he/she had taken. The generated data were subjected to Pearson product moment correlation. The relationships between family environment, and personal attitude towards a behaviour, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control were found to be positive and significant. The study recommends empowerment of families to create new or expand existing family businesses. Again, family members, including students, should be involved in the running, management and control of such businesses from an early age.

Validation and application of the human aspects of information security questionnaire for undergraduates: effects of gender, discipline and grade level

ABSTRACT In recent years, information security has gained significant academic attention. The present research sought to examine shifts in undergraduates' Information Security Awareness (ISA) as they advanced in their academic pursuits. Comprising two distinct phases, the initial phase involved adapting the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire (HAIS-Q) to fit the context of Chinese tertiary institutions, a process overseen by five eminent ISA specialists. The adapted instrument was then piloted with 647 students, utilising snowball and criterion sampling techniques. Construct validity was established through exploratory factor analysis, and the questionnaire's reliability was ascertained via Cronbach's alpha. The subsequent primary survey engaged 5148 undergraduates from three Chinese academic institutions to further validate the instrument and investigate its relevance to student cohorts. Distinctively, participants exhibited pronounced proficiency in the Attitude component, yet lagged in Behavioural aspects. Analytical outcomes highlighted discernible interactions between gender, academic progression, and the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour (KAB) facets. Notably, female respondents consistently outperformed their male counterparts. However, a marked decline in ISA cognisance and comportment was observed as students ascended academically. The HAIS-Q stands as a reliable tool for evaluating ISA in tertiary education, offering fresh insights to the scholarly discourse on educational information security.

The Role of Psychological Resilience in Predicting Parenting Self-Efficacy Perceptions of Patients Applying to Breast Polyclinic

The primary objective of this study is toinvestigate the relationship between psychological resilience levels and parenting self-efficacy perceptions of mothers with children aged 0-8 years who applied to the breast polyclinic.. The study adopted a quantitative research design utilizing a relational screening approach, and it involved a cohort of 282 willing mothers, selected through a criterion sampling technique. “Personal Information Form", "Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults", "Revised Berkeley Parenting Self-efficacy Scale" were used as data collection tools. The investigation of interrelationships among variables was conducted through both correlation analysis and structural equation modeling. The study’s outcomes reveal a discernible positive association between participants' psychological resilience and their perceptions of parenting self-efficacy. It was found that the highest relationship with the parental strategies dimension of parenting self-efficacy was with the social resources dimension of psychological resilience, and the highest relationship with the perception of future dimension of psychological resilience was with the child outcomes dimension of parenting self-efficacy. Path analysis outcomes substantiate that psychological resilience and its dimensions positively predict parenting self-efficacy. In alignment with these empirical findings, it was concluded that there is a positive relationship between psychological resilience and its dimensions and parenting self-efficacy.

An exploration of litigants’ interactions with court actors in Ghanaian courts

Studies have sought to understand the experiences of litigants who use the court system. However, very few have looked at their specific interactions with court actors in Sub-Saharan African countries. In this study, we sought to explore the interactions that litigants have with lawyers, judges, and court workers during the process of civil litigation in Ghana. The study used a qualitative phenomenological design and a criterion sampling technique to select seventeen litigants involved in civil litigation in a Ghanaian court. Using thematic analysis, we found that litigants had confidence in the judicial system. In terms of lawyers and court actors, the participants were ambivalent about their interactions with them. Whereas some had been supportive, others drained their resources and were not altogether altruistic. We discuss these findings and make recommendations for improving litigant experiences.

Characteristics and Performance of Family Businesses in Wuse Market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria

The unprecedented uncertainties in the Nigerian business environment is negatively impacting business operations and performance. Yet, literature on the association between business characteristics and the financial and non-financial performance of family trading businesses in the Nigerian context is overtly and seemingly scant. Again, family trading businesses are prevalent in Wuse market; one of the largest markets in Abuja, FCT. Taken together, this study seeks to investigate the effects of business characteristics on the financial and non-financial performance of family trading businesses in the market. A cross-sectional survey research design, and criterion and systematic sampling techniques were adopted to collect data from 211 founder/CEOs and the descendant/CEOs of family trading businesses in the market via questionnaire. The generated data were subjected to linear regression analysis. The results showed positive and significant effects. The study concludes that the computation of the overall performance of the businesses based on financial and non-financial performance measures show higher overall performance than when they are computed using financial performance measures alone. Education of the founder/CEOs and descendant/CEOs on how to keep financial records of business transactions, collect the non-financial data based on the non-financial performance measures, and how to use same for the computation of non-financial performance were recommended. The researcher advocates a replication of the study in other contexts using an expanded scope and qualitative or triangulation method.

The experiences of people living with environmental sensitivities concerning oral health and access to dental services

Purpose Because people living with environmental sensitivities are poorly acknowledged in our society, we still know very little about their experiences navigating in the health care system, especially with respect to dental services. Our objective, therefore, was to describe their dental care pathway and better understand their experiences accessing oral health services. Materials and methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in partnership with organizations supporting people with environmental sensitivities. Through a criterion sampling technique, 12 people living with environmental sensitivities in Quebec (Canada) were invited to participate in individual semi-structured interviews. These interviews lasted around 90 min and were transcribed to be thematically analysed. Results Participants faced major barriers accessing dental services and thus lived for long periods of time with unmet dental needs. Their dental care pathways were often delayed or even interrupted for several reasons. First because they were exposed to pollutants upon leaving their house, which rendered their trip to the dentist perilous. Second because dentists lacked knowledge about environmental sensitivities and seemed reluctant to accommodate them. Conclusions We invite governments, dental professionals, and researchers to develop policies and clinical approaches for improving people living with environmental sensitivities’ quality of life and access to dental services.

REFUGEE STUDENTS IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THROUGH THE EYES OF TURKISH TEACHERS

This study was conducted to identify the problems faced by refugee students during Covid-19 pandemic in open and distance learning and the best examples of practices put into effect to cope with these problems cope and solutions recommended to eliminate these problems, in Turkiye. In the study, the phenomenological research design, which is one of a qualitative research method, was used. By using the criterion sampling technique, a total of 14 teachers who had refugee students were selected as the research participants. Interviews were held with the volunteer participants. The research data were collected by using a semistructured interview form. The descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of the research data. According to the study findings, the refugee students who did not have the necessary educational technology facilities in open and distance learning process and could not get sufficient family support felt more deeply the language problems which is experienced also by them in face-to-face education. In order to help refugee students with these problems, some school administrations provided the refugee students with tablet and computer support within the bounds of their means. In order to alleviate the effects of the problems faced by refugee students, it is recommended to provide refugee students with educational technology support, making up education and psychological support.

Examining the Impact of Principal’s Leadership Level on Job Embeddedness of College Faculty: A Qualitative Inquiry of Higher Education in Punjab

Aim of the Study: This research aimed to explore the leadership level of principals and to what extent it affects the job embeddedness of college faculty. It was also the intent of the study to uncover the reasons for the leadership level and job embeddedness of faculty. In this study, five leadership levels proposed by John Maxwell were used to measure the level of leadership. The job embeddedness level of faculty was determined by using an interview protocol exclusively prepared for the purpose. The researcher gained data from principals and college faculty in Punjab by using the criterion sampling technique. Methodology: The methodology of the study included the transcendental constitutive phenomenological approach used in this study. Data were analyzed using software named NVivo12 Plus. This software helped in generating nodes, codes, and finally themes. These themes were confirmed by using techniques of word cloud, word tree, and word frequency. Findings: The findings of the study concealed that the leadership level of college principals is high and it is a major cause of job-embeddedness of college faculty. Faculty members of colleges are also found highly embedded. Conclusion: The study concluded that the leadership level of the principal is a major factor that is the key to success in leveraging the performance of the staff of educational institutes and the same is in the case of job embeddedness of faculty.

Erken Cebir Öğretiminde STEM Temelli Uygulamaların Yürütülmesine İlişkin Sınıf Öğretmeni Görüşlerinin İncelenmesi

The purpose of this study is to determine the opinions of primary teachers about the implementation of STEM-based applications in early algebra teaching. In the research, the phenomenology design, which is one of the qualitative research method designs, was used. The study group of the research was determined by using the criterion sampling technique, which is one of the purposive sampling techniques. The study group consists of 5 primary teachers who have received STEM education and have implemented STEM-based applications in early algebra teaching. A semi-structured interview form was used to collect the data for the research. The qualitative data obtained at the end of the research were described with the content analysis method. In light of the findings, the majority of the teachers noted that STEM-based applications in early algebra teaching can be given from the first grade of primary school. The teachers, who indicated that STEM-based activities are applicable in early algebra teaching, stated that these applications will have advantages such as gaining a positive attitude towards the mathematics lesson, providing fun learning environments, facilitating learning, and embodying abstract subjects. In addition, teachers commented that they experienced difficulties such as a lack of materials, crowded classrooms, dense curriculum, and insufficient technological infrastructure. Teachers suggest that teachers and administrators who will carry out STEM-based practices in early algebra teaching should conduct research, take STEM education, and apply it in their classrooms.