Methodological Dimensions Research Articles

Writing Autoethnography with Purposeful Complexity

Autoethnography has gained significant traction as a qualitative research method in adult education, allowing scholars to intertwine personal narratives with broader social and cultural analyses. This paper explores the complexities of writing autoethnography with purpose, emphasizing its ethical, methodological, and creative dimensions. We identify five key signposts for researchers embarking on an autoethnographic journey: research design, ethics, analysis and meaning-making, vulnerability, and creative modes of expression. By embracing purposeful complexity, autoethnographers can craft narratives that not only illuminate their own lived experiences but also contribute to deeper, more nuanced understandings of the human condition. This paper ultimately advocates for a deliberate and reflective approach to autoethnographic writing that balances scholarly rigor with the expressive potential of personal storytelling.

BRIDGING THE EPISTEMOLOGICAL DIVIDE: ARSYAD AL-BANJARI'S MA'RIFAH AS A RESPONSE TO WESTERN EPISTEMOLOGICAL DILEMMAS

Western epistemology encounters significant challenges due to its secular and materialistic orientation, which restricts the sources of knowledge to sensory perception and empirical experimentation. This study analyzes Muhammad Arsyad al-Banjari’s concept of ma‘rifah as an epistemological alternative to these dilemmas. Adopting a qualitative, library-based method, the research applies Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña’s analytical model, framed within an integration of Islamic epistemological principles and comparative philosophical analysis. The primary source is Kanz al-Ma‘rifah by al-Banjari, supported by cross-referenced verification. The findings indicate that, according to al-Banjari, ma‘rifah is attainable through three key paths: Nūr Muhammad, mutu qabla an tamūtu, and fanā’. This concept provides an epistemological paradigm that integrates physical and metaphysical dimensions of knowledge, reconciles rational and intuitive methodologies, and transcends the subject-object dichotomy through spiritual experience. Through the ‘irfānī method focusing on purification of the heart and spiritual discipline, ma‘rifah offers a comprehensive epistemology that refines rational and sensory faculties, thereby presenting a critical alternative to the empiricism that dominates Western epistemology.

Ontology, Fit and Practice: A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Development of Cultural Integration Under the Perspective of Historical Materialism

Both red culture and excellent traditional Chinese culture are cultural forms with distinct Chinese characteristics. Red culture is a new type of culture created by the Chinese nation since modern China, with Marxism as its soul. Excellent traditional Chinese culture is the bloodline foundation of the Chinese nation that has lasted from generation to generation. The materialist conception of history reveals the general law of cultural development. Under its guidance, the internal logic of the integration and development of the two types of cultures is revealed, so that the ontological dimension of the integration and development can be clarified; the value points of the integration and development of the two types of cultures are clarified, so that the integration and development of the two types of cultures can be confirmed; the practical logic of the integration and development of the two types of cultures is clarified, so that the methodological dimension of the integration and development can be presented. Promoting the integration and development of red culture and excellent traditional Chinese culture is a reflection of the inevitability of building the modern civilization of the Chinese nation in the dialectical unity of tradition and contemporary, history and reality

Present feelings, feeling present: Liveness in research on time and feeling during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic made the liveness of the social world readily apparent. Everyday rhythms and routines were, for many, upended and new and uncertain ones were rapidly and repeatedly re-made. A plethora of intense and flattened feelings – from anxiety to depression to pleasure – were generated. This article considers our collaborative research project on everyday experiences of time during the early stages of the pandemic in the UK through a focus on liveness. The research included commissioning a Mass Observation (MO) directive; holding Feel Tanks with university and school students where participants wrote reflective diaries, had collective discussions and made artworks; and a co-produced artist response to the research. We build on ‘live methods’ work to explicate the significance of temporality, the present and affect to understandings of liveness and the pandemic. We make three specific contributions that focus on the methodological, conceptual and analytical dimensions of our research. First, we examine the methodological pivots involved in researching a live phenomenon as it was unfolding. Second, we develop a sociological understanding of liveness by discussing recent cultural theory on presents and affect. Third, we analyse the feelings of and about the present articulated by research participants, focusing on: stuckness and suspension; repetition, drifting and boredom; and jolts, jars and glitches. In conclusion, we argue that a sociological interest in liveness infuses many aspects of our research, and signals possibilities for attuning to the possibilities of the present for other kinds of social worlds.

Tracing the archival turn: genealogies, dimensions and implications

Introduction. The archival turn, emerging in the 1990s, signifies a shift in how scholars conceptualise and engage with archives across disciplines. This study examines the theoretical origins, ontological, epistemological and methodological dimensions of the archival turn and its implications for archival theory and practice. Method. This research employs a theoretical and conceptual analysis, synthesising literature from history, philosophy, cultural studies and archival science. It traces key intellectual influences, including Ranke’s historiographical methods, Foucault’s discourse theory and Derrida’s concept of archive fever, to contextualise the archival turn’s evolution. Analysis. The archival turn is analysed through its ontological, epistemological and methodological dimensions. These dimensions highlight how the turn redefines the concept of archives, challenges traditional assumptions and encourages more critical approaches to archival materials. Results. The archival turn has led to ontological shifts, expanding the definition of archives beyond institutional repositories. Epistemologically, it has reframed archives as sites of knowledge production and power rather than neutral collections. Methodologically, it has encouraged critical archival engagement, rethinking provenance and addressing archival silences. However, scholars debate whether the archival turn has substantively transformed historiographical methodologies or if it remains primarily a theoretical abstraction disconnected from archival practice. Conclusions. The archival turn has enriched interdisciplinary scholarship and challenged traditional notions of archives. However, tensions persist between theoretical conceptualisations in the humanities and the practical concerns of archival studies. While it has reshaped scholarly perspectives on archives, its impact on archival methodologies and professional practice remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Harnessing Data Analytics for Enhanced Public Programming in Archives and Museums: A Scoping Review

A notable lacuna exists in the extant research regarding the application of data analytics (DA) to augment public programming and cultivate robust connections between archives, museums, and their constituent communities. This scoping review aimed to address this gap by mapping the available literature at the intersection of data analytics, archives, and museums. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, a two-stage selection process was employed, utilising a comprehensive search strategy across four databases and seven specialised journals. This search identified 37 publications that met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. Findings revealed a growing interest in data-driven approaches, with nearly half of the reviewed studies explicitly linking data analytics to public programming. The review identified diverse data analytics techniques employed, ranging from traditional methods to cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and highlighted the various data sources utilised. Furthermore, this study examined the transformative potential of data analytics across several key dimensions of public programming, including access, archival management, user experience, public engagement, and research methodologies. The review noted ethical considerations, data quality issues, preservation challenges, and accessibility concerns associated with leveraging data analytics in archives and museums.

Technical–Tactical Analysis of Corner Kicks in Male Soccer: A Systematic Review

Corner kicks are one of the most frequent and potentially decisive set pieces in soccer, occurring approximately ten times per match. Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing evidence on the technical–tactical execution of corner kicks in male soccer, assess the methodological quality of published studies, and provide practical recommendations for coaching staff. Methodology: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted on 2 March 2025, in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Studies were included if they focused on the technical–tactical analysis of corner kicks in male soccer, published in peer-reviewed journals or conferences, and written in English. A total of 21 eligible studies were identified. Each study was assessed for quality using a 13-item checklist, and a qualitative synthesis was performed based on key tactical, contextual, and methodological dimensions. Results: The included studies showed that most corners were delivered to the central area between the six-yard box and penalty spot. Dynamic attacking organizations involving 3–4 players and indirect deliveries to the far post were associated with higher probabilities of shots on target. Defensively, mixed marking strategies with players covering the near post yielded lower concession rates. Methodological quality was generally moderate to high. Inconsistencies in zone division and limited reporting of contextual variables were common limitations. Only two studies examined the transition phase after ball loss. Conclusions: Despite their strategic importance, corner kicks remain understudied in certain aspects. There is a need for standardized frameworks in zone division and a greater focus on contextual and transitional elements. This review provides evidence-based recommendations for optimizing set-piece strategy and highlights key areas for future research, including the systematic integration of transition phases and meta-analytical synthesis of performance indicators.

A Study of Various Dimensions of Ontology Development Methodologies

Ontology Development Methodologies (ODMs) represent a systematic set of activities designed to support the structured creation of ontologies. Over the last 35 years, ODM research has evolved considerably, giving rise to a wide range of methodologies that have been applied across diverse domains such as biomedicine, finance, engineering, disaster management, and others. These methodologies have enabled the development of domain-specific ontologies tailored to meet various objectives. With ongoing technological advancements, the process of ontology development has transformed significantly. However, despite this progress, ontology engineering continues to face substantial complexity and unresolved challenges. To address these concerns, the present study offers a comprehensive review of the multifaceted dimensions of ODMs, organising them into a coherent taxonomy. The review covers key areas including ontology design approaches, ODM classification schemes, tools and technologies, evaluation methods, the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs), and the prevailing challenges in ODM research. Notably, this work consolidates and presents ten different classification schemes of ODMs, a comparative analysis of 11 Ontology Representation Languages (ORLs), 32 Ontology Development Environments (ODEs), 12 Ontology Evaluation Tools (OETs), and four ontology formalisms in one unified resource. Furthermore, the study brings together diverse evaluation approaches—some focused on specific categories such as agile methodologies, while others adopt a broader scope. Additionally, emerging research initiatives like OntoChat and DeepOnto are highlighted, showcasing how LLMs are now being leveraged to develop novel forms of ODMs. By offering a panoramic view of the ODM landscape, this study serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and ODM developers, facilitating a deeper understanding of the current state, ongoing trends, and future directions in ontology development.

Theorizing competition: An interdisciplinary framework

This paper introduces a framework to facilitate an interdisciplinary analysis of “competition.” While such an interdisciplinary analysis can be justified by referencing the various fields of social and economic life in which “competition” is important, three challenges are found to aggravate such endeavor: First, a challenge of scope, which refers to the generality of the concept of “competition” and the fact that contributions differ with regard to the competing actors, the objects of competition, as well as the institutional specificities of competition; second, a challenge of methodology, which exists because different scientific disciplines study competition with distinct methods and epistemological orientations, and, third, a challenge of normativity, which refers to the fact that debates about competition have been closely linked to controversial political debates. To mitigate these challenges, and to explicate the often implicit meta-theoretical assumptions in the scope, methodological, and normative dimension, this paper introduces a meta-theoretical framework. Its usefulness is illustrated via a comparative description of selected contributions from the social sciences and humanities. Despite its limited scope, it yields some preliminary conjectures that may inspire future research: first, there are sufficient common elements across different concepts of competition that justify an interdisciplinary approach to study competition; second, apart from differences between disciplines, there are remarkable differences within disciplines that are at least of similar importance. Finally, there are important interdependencies between the meta-theoretical dimensions considered in the framework.

Exploring Curricular Imperatives of Social Studies in Overcoming Dilemmas in Nigeria’s Ube for Attaining Quality Assurance in the Context and Challenges of Global Economic Crises

As a curriculum design, social studies education has become constituted into one of the importantly embedded features in the curriculum structures of Nigeria’s basic education. A major critical pivot of its pedagogical assets hinges on the perspective that its curricular dimensions and underpinnings imply that the subject area is submerged in immense integrative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary commitments. This development does not only evoke notions of curriculum integration and curriculum interdisciplining but also calls for a possession of a sound knowledge necessary for coping with the complex methodological dimensions and demands of the epistemology and ontology enshrined in social studies education. It is envisaged that if these theoretical perspectives including the curriculum design structures intrinsic in the subject area are effectively explored and employed by professional and competent social studies educationists in our various basic education establishments. This development could create the necessary basis and foundation for making primary and junior secondary schools in Nigeria a functional happening in the lives of young learners. In essence and in the context of basic education, these curricular imperatives of social studies education are meant to be tailored towards the training and grooming our younger persons into prospective and effective citizens who would constitute the basis for nation-building, national development and sustainability in Nigeria, as envisaged and demanded in the curricular offerings of our basic education programmes. Thus, this exposition submits a number of instructional strategies considered germane for enabling the professional social studies educationist grapple with a purpose for capitalizing on the assets intrinsic in basic education in boosting the attainment of human skills’ acquisition and development in confronting challenges of global economic crises in Nigeria for enhancing her survival and sustainability as a democracy in the 21st Century.

Mitigating and Preparing for Disasters at the Organizational Level: A Global Systematic Literature Review

Organizations play significant roles in society by providing goods and services and contributing to the economies of communities, globally. Amid the predicted increase in the frequency and impact of disasters, which will invariably lead to higher disaster costs, there is an urgent need to ameliorate disaster impact on society and organizations. Disaster mitigation and preparedness are strategies for stemming disaster impact and losses within organizations. Cognizant of the importance of disaster mitigation and preparedness, researchers have conducted a myriad of studies on both concepts at the organizational level. To advance knowledge on this topic, this study conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review by examining the global trends in disaster mitigation and preparedness research at the organizational level, identifying research gaps in methodological dimensions, and recommending future research topics based on gaps in the literature. The authors searched three databases—Web of Science, EBSCO-ProQuest, and ABIinform—for keywords related to the topic and conducted a reverse citation search of the identified studies from the initial search, resulting in a final list of 123 studies. The findings indicate that research on this topic is relatively young and tends to mostly occur in collaborative environments. Additionally, most studies are quantitative and empirical in nature, and much of the research is on North America and Asia. Furthermore, while three-quarters of the studies do not specify a particular hazard type, among those that do, most focus on earthquakes and terrorist attacks in Asia and North America respectively, among other hazard types. This study concluded by recommending areas for future research.

The First Stage of Analytical Jurisprudence: Empirical Foundations and the Genus-Differentia Method

The subject of this study is the methodological framework manifested in the first stage of analytical jurisprudence. Legal scholarship maintains that analytical jurisprudence originated in the works of the English jurist John Austin, who was influenced by the ideas of his distinguished compatriot Jeremy Bentham. The period dominated by Austin's scholarly project is conventionally designated as the inaugural phase of analytical jurisprudence. Nevertheless, Anglo-American legal theory demonstrates no consensus regarding the explication of methodology during this period. The academic literature presents divergent views: while some scholars contend that Austin failed to develop any methodology distinctive to analytical jurisprudence - with his research representing instead the perpetual application of the classical genus-differentia definitional approach to demarcate empirically observable characteristics of relevant objects - others maintain that Austin conducted a priori analysis, suggesting his methodology was considerably more sophisticated. Proceeding from this dichotomy, the subject of this article involves a problem-theoretical reconstruction of the doctrines of key figures in early analytical jurisprudence through an interpretive methodology. Given analytical jurisprudence's primary focus on examining legal concepts, the reconstruction concentrates particularly on those aspects of their doctrines pertaining to the methods of defining and formulating juridical concepts. This methodological examination reveals that: (1) Austin's jurisprudential project did not adopt Bentham's methodology for handling legal concepts; (2) Austin's principal method for defining legal concepts remained the classical genus-differentia scheme; (3) The methodological dimension of Austin's analytical jurisprudence is more accurately represented as constructing conceptual frameworks for subsequent research; (4) These frameworks manifest in the descriptive and empirical character of the respective methodology; (5) Thomas Holland, the primary popularizer of early analytical jurisprudence, not only remained within these delineated frameworks but perpetuated the use of the classical genus-differentia definitional approach.

Influence of teaching methodology on the reading competence of primary school children

Achievements in learning to read continue to be a concern at an international level. In the present study, the central objective was to determine whether teaching methodology and its dimensions constituted predictors of reading. The research methodology used was quantitative, non-experimental, correlational-causal design; its sample consisted of 126 students from the fourth cycle of primary school; from whom information was collected through a questionnaire and a test according to the level of studies. The study’s results showed that the dimensions of teaching methodology influence the results of reading comprehension, constituting a predictor of it; which demands attention from teachers to ensure learning achievements.

Exploring The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Employee Performance: A Meta-Analysis

This study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis examining the relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance across diverse organizational settings and cultural contexts. Theoretical Frameworks including Social Exchange Theory, Job Characteristics Model and Affective Events Theory led to prediction of positive effects of employee satisfaction on work performance, however empirical evidence has been inconsistent across studies. To fill this gap, the current research synthesises the data from 113 independent studies that include a total sample of over 38,000 employees. Overall correlation between job satisfaction and employee performance was r = 0.339 and was statistically significant moderate positive relationship using both fixed effects and random effects models. The strength of this association was influenced by several variables, not simply a matter of antiretrovirals and genetics. In studies that used self-report of performance measures compared to those that used supervisor ratings, higher effect sizes from studies involving self-report of performance measures were most likely due to common method variance. Finally, cultural context of individualistic cultures (e.g., United States) exhibited stronger correlations than collectivist ones (e.g., Japan), in accordance with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. Moderation of the effect was found to depend on industry sector; service-based industries showed stronger satisfaction–performance relations than manufacturing. Furthermore, the use of standardised instruments was related to more consistent and stronger correlations. Publication bias assessments, including funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s test were not great but suggested minimal bias, and sensitivity analyses showed results to be robust. These results emphasise the strategic importance of job satisfaction as a predictor of performance and the necessity of considering problematic results in empirical organizational research having contextual and methodological dimension. Theoretical, future research, and HR practise implications of the findings are discussed. Investing in satisfaction boosting interventions, especially those that are culturally and industry specific, should be considered by organisations that are interested in improving employee performance.

Anti‐Stigma Potentials of Mobile Methods

ABSTRACTThe article refers to the problem of stigmatisation, generally understood as discrediting dignity and refusing to respect individuals and groups due to their attributes, such as appearance, race, nationality, gender, age, social status, sexual orientation or religion. The article aims to determine the extent to which the use of mobile methods in social education can contribute to preventing, reducing, and overcoming the phenomenon of stigmatisation. The article has both a theoretical, methodological and empirical dimension. On the theoretical level, it proposes a transformative approach as adequate in terms of searching for anti‐stigma potentials. Methodologically, it contains a description of mobile methods, a relatively new set of ways of conducting social research, and, at the same time, a potential way of preventing and overcoming stigma within educational practices. On the empirical level, it presents a case study to illustrate the described methods and their anti‐stigma potentials.

Open source software field research: Spanning social and practice networks for re-entering the field

Sociotechnical research increasingly includes the social sub-networks that emerge from large-scale sociotechnical infrastructure, including the infrastructure for building open source software. This paper addresses these numerous sub-networks as advantageous for researchers. It provides a methodological synthesis focusing on how researchers can best span adjacent social sub-networks during engaged field research. Specifically, we describe practices and artifacts that aid movement from one social subsystem within a more extensive technical infrastructure to another. To surface the importance of spanning sub-networks, we incorporate a discussion of social capital and the role of technical infrastructure in its development for sociotechnical researchers. We then characterize a five-step process for spanning social sub-networks during engaged field research: commitment, context mapping, jargon competence, returning value, and bridging. We then present our experience studying corporate open source software projects and the role of that experience in accelerating our work in open source scientific software research as described through the lens of bridging social capital. Based on our analysis, we offer recommendations for engaging in fieldwork in adjacent social sub-networks that share a technical context and discussion of how the relationship between social and technically acquired social capital is a missing but critical methodological dimension for research on large-scale sociotechnical research.

Cultural and creative networks as enabling contexts for artistic research

Cultural and creative networks serve as essential environments that could foster innovation and advancement within artistic research practice. This study investigates how formal networks contribute to strengthening transdisciplinary collaboration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and societal impact of artistic research. Leveraging grounded theory principles, the research delves into the ways in which these networks can provide fertile ground for exploring novel artistic research pathways across ontological, epistemological, and methodological dimensions. Through the analysis of key categories and themes emerging from the empirical research, this study highlights the role of formal networks in the cultural and creative sector, particularly in addressing discipline-specific challenges and unlocking the full potential of artistic inquiry. By shedding light on the mechanisms through which networks facilitate the production and dissemination of knowledge, this study offers insights into the evolving landscape of artistic research and its broader societal impacts. The practical implications of the findings for practitioners, policymakers, and artistic stakeholders are examined. Ultimately, the findings underscore the significance of leveraging cultural and creative networks as drivers of transformative advancements within the artistic research community.

The evolution of research articles on self-denigration: a systematic review across disciplines

Abstract This systematic review explored self-denigration in research articles published across different disciplines in the past four decades. Following a comprehensive collection and screening of data (4,002 initial records) from four scholarly databases, 80 research articles that met our eligibility criteria were identified. In line with the objectives of this study, the publications were coded and analyzed for contextual, methodological, and theoretical dimensions. The review also adopted an in-depth synthesis of the research articles investigating the attitudes of individuals toward self-denigration, and probed the development of research foci in this area. Among other results, the study revealed that the participants in the vast majority of studies effectively employed self-denigration as a relational communication management strategy. Contrary to our expectations, findings provided evidence for the widespread popularity of research on self-denigration in Western contexts, most of which report a favorable account of using self-denigration in social interactions away from its face value. Accordingly, this area deserves further exploration in different disciplines and contexts, as the study has practical significance in managing different interactional predicaments.

Ontological, epistemic and methodological constructions in the undergraduate research of social work students within a Faculty of Health and Social Sciences in Chile

Introduction: Research is a fundamental pillar in higher education, particularly in Social Work, as it facilitates the understanding and transformation of social realities. This study examines the ontological, epistemic, and methodological constructs in undergraduate research in the Social Work program at a private Chilean university. The objective of this research is to analyze the ontological, epistemic, and methodological frameworks in the undergraduate theses of Social Work students (2017-2022) to improve research training and professional preparation.Method: A descriptive-exploratory documentary analysis of 71 theses was carried out, categorizing the constructs into ontological, epistemic, methodological, and ethical dimensions. The data were evaluated through content analysis and grounded theory, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with Chilean data protection legislation.Results: Ontological constructs predominantly followed a comprehensive-interpretive approach (85.92%), while epistemic frameworks were mostly phenomenological (76.05%). Methodologically, semi-structured interviews (52.11%) and in-depth interviews (28.17%) were the most used. Ethical constructs were often based on informed consent, but 76.05% lacked adherence to formal ethical codes.Conclusions: The research highlights a focus on qualitative methodologies, emphasizing phenomenological and interpretive frameworks. To advance social work research, it is essential to incorporate quantitative and mixed methods. Strengthening ethical adherence and methodological diversity is critical to developing strong research competencies

A Paradigmatic Reflection on the Concept of Social Consensus

The primary objective of this article is to provide a theoretical and paradigmatic explanation of the concept of social consensus and to present a paradigmatic model for analyzing social consensus from the intersection of structure, pattern, and process. In this regard, an attempt was first made to examine the concept of social consensus from the perspective of classical and contemporary social science theorists such as Durkheim, Parsons, and Habermas, exploring structural, functional, conflictual, and communicative dimensions. Subsequently, the concept of social consensus was analyzed from epistemological, ontological, and methodological dimensions, utilizing various paradigms prevailing in social sciences along with their theoretical developments. This was done to address the fundamental question of whether social science constructs are based on a specific paradigm or a paradigm plurality, and to respond to the alignment of schools of thought and paradigms in opposition to each other, as well as the ability of social constructs to address political stability, social order, predictability of social behavior, and social interactions—each of which presents its own theoretical and methodological challenges from which the concept of consensus is not exempt. The research method employed in this study is descriptive-explanatory, with data collection conducted through library research.