Mixed Methods Research Design Research Articles

Effectiveness of Middle School STEM Career Education for STEM Knowledge, Efficacy, and Interest

The purpose of this study was to test STEM career interventions through a theoretically integrated STEM Career Education (SCE) Module. The effectiveness of SC education was tested on STEM Career (SC) interests, self-efficacy, and knowledge of students from two middle schools. The sample included middle school students from two private schools (N=33) in Islamabad, Pakistan. By using a mixed-method sequential explanatory research design, quantitative data were obtained before and after the intervention while qualitative focus group discussions were conducted post-intervention. A significant increase in SC interest, self-efficacy, and knowledge after participating in the SCs Program is reported, even after statistically controlling key variables. The training seems to be more effective for those with low SC knowledge. Findings indicate a need for robust interventions to target math self-efficacy. Results provide further directions for effective STEM interventions. By pinpointing limitations and future directions, this pilot study contributes to STEM education in Pakistan and provides a model of CE for other countries.

Promoting Wellness for Architecture and Landscape Architecture Students: Lessons Learned from a Mixed Method Study

Background: Universities face increasing pressure to model healthy campuses in response to the ongoing mental health crisis, yet limited research explores ways to improve student wellness. Aim: This study explored strategies architecture and landscape architecture students adopt to overcome stress and solutions for promoting wellness in a school of architecture. Methods: The study utilized a convergent mixed methods research design. First, design students (n = 277) responded to an online wellness survey to explore how they lower stress during their academic studies. Second, semi-structured interviews (n = 37) uncovered students’ coping mechanisms to overcome stress during their academic studies and recommendations for creating a more healthful environment. Results: Strategies students most often adopted to lower stress were socializing, sleeping, exercising, taking personal time, spending time outdoors, and improving time management. Students recommended improving communication and time management, a sense of community, and building a health and wellness culture. Findings were translated into design considerations for creating healthier places on college campuses. Conclusions: Design students employ a variety of strategies to overcome the debilitating effects of mental distress. Policies and campus planning efforts should work toward student-informed solutions to promote wellness.

Mental Health Challenges in Architecture and Landscape Architecture Students

Background: College students are experiencing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, but little research exists on factors weakening the mental health of design students.Aim: This study investigates the prevalence and precursors of mental health challenges among architecture and landscape architecture students.Methods: This study used a convergent mixed-methods research design with three data collection methods: The Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21; n = 399 students), an online wellness survey (n = 269), and semi-structured interviews (n = 37).Results: Findings reveal that 33%, 46%, and 33% of students screened positive for moderate to extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The leading factors elevating stress included school deadlines and schedule, workload demands or amount of work outside of class, inadequate sleep, and time spent at work. Negative behaviors due to stress were discussed, including neglect of self-care (e.g., poor sleep patterns, eating habits, and physical inactivity), inability to focus, emotional instability, and social withdrawal.Conclusions: This study underscores mental health concerns among design students and identifies potential factors that contribute to unhealthy habits and compromise academic performance, including pedagogical approaches, learning and teaching culture, studio environment, and lifestyle choices.

Innovative Employee Engagement Strategies and Actions: A Comparative Study of Pre-pandemic and Pandemic Periods

The complex relationship between worker productivity and engagement in organizational settings is examined in this study. The emotional, mental, and physical commitment that workers make to their jobs is known as employee engagement, and it has become clear that this is a crucial component of what makes a business successful. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the primary engagement drivers that have the greatest impact on productivity, examine the effects of differing employee engagement levels on both individual and team productivity, and assess the efficacy of various engagement tactics in raising productivity. This research investigates how employee engagement tactics changed between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. By using a comparative study, we are able to pinpoint significant changes in strategies and how well they work to promote worker motivation, contentment, and output. We used surveys, questionnaires to collect data from a variety of industries using a mixed-methods approach. The majority of pre-pandemic tactics were in-person endeavours, such as workplace health campaigns, in-person gatherings, and team-building exercises. However, a quick shift to virtual engagement techniques was required due to the pandemic. The results of our study underscore the growing need on digital technologies, adaptable work schedules, and psychological assistance amidst the pandemic. We also investigate the effects of these tactics on worker morale and productivity, exposing both difficulties and fruitful modifications. Through the use of mixed-methods research design, the study incorporates case studies, qualitative interviews, and productivity indicators with quantitative surveys. Measures of involvement will be assessed using surveys, and the results will be compared to targets for productivity, like hours worked, company revenue, and employee satisfaction. More detailed information about the subjective perceptions of engagement and its alleged effects on productivity will be obtained through interacting with managers and employees. In order to find best practices and effective tactics, case studies of businesses with high levels of engagement will also be evaluated. According to preliminary research, there is a positive correlation between improved employee engagement and increased productivity. Key factors that influence this relationship include leadership quality, work atmosphere, and recognition. Additionally, the study shows that companies with complete engagement strategies are substantially more productive than those without. The present study adds to the expanding corpus of literature on employee engagement and provides pragmatic suggestions for establishments seeking to augment efficiency via enhanced engagement methodologies. Business executives, HR specialists, and legislators looking to promote a more engaged and effective staff will find the findings useful.

Refining the Assessment Literacy Competence among K12 EFL Teachers

Language assessment literacy as a relatively new term denotes teachers’ understanding of the assessment construct both theoretically and practically. Given the importance of assessment in the teaching and learning process, the main purpose of the current study is to investigate the general and skill-based language assessment literacy levels of EFL teachers working at K12 schools in Türkiye and to analyse their needs both in pre-service and in-service years. Considering the purpose of the study, a mixed-method research design was employed. At the initial phase of the study, the quantitative data were collected by means of the Language Assessment Knowledge Scale (LAKS), and 272 EFL teachers working at K12 schools in Türkiye participated. Descriptive and inferential analyses were run, and results showed that the participants’ mean score in LAKS was 31.59 out of 60. The participants demonstrated the highest level of knowledge in assessing reading, while assessing listening was identified as the area where teachers had the least expertise. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers to learn more about the teachers’ opinions on language assessment knowledge and their needs. Qualitative findings complemented the findings from the questionnaire by revealing details about the reasons of the participants’ scores in LAK scale.

Determinants of internal and external networking behaviours: insights into gender, education, political skills and mentoring

ABSTRACT Employee internal and external networking behaviours may drive different employee and organisational outcomes, which has implications for Human Resource Development professionals. However, little is known about how to develop internal and external networking behaviours. Using social role theory, social capital theory, and personal initiative theory, this study examines the impact of employee gender, education, political skills, and mentoring on internal and external networking behaviours. We utilised a mixed-method sequential research design comprising two studies. Study 1 survey data were collected from 372 middle managers from 10 Sri Lankan manufacturing and service organisations. The results indicate the higher external networking behaviours of men; the elevated internal and external networking behaviours of managers with a master’s degree; a positive relationship between political skills and both internal and external networking behaviours; and a positive relationship between mentoring and internal networking behaviours. Study 2 comprised 12 interviews of middle managers who had participated in Study 1. Thematic and content analyses explain, refine, and extend the results of Study 1. The findings have several implications for developing the networking behaviours of middle managers. Theoretical and research contributions are discussed.

How to investigate differences in indoor environmental comfort and adaptation? Mixed methods research with patients

ABSTRACT Ensuring hospitalized patients’ comfort requires understanding differences in comfort and adaptation to discomfort, as well as the role of the built environment therein. Shortcomings in this understanding result from limitations of existing research methods. Therefore the potential of a mixed methods research design to investigate when and why experiences of and adaption to (dis)comfort differ among hospitalized patients was explored. A convergent mixed methods case study was conducted in two hospital wards of a Belgian hospital. Qualitative data included interviews with 19 patients about their experiences and information about the patients at the two wards during the fieldwork; quantitative data included sensor measurements of indoor environmental quality parameters (i.e. illuminance and indoor temperature), a questionnaire among 238 patients about their assessment of the indoor conditions, and simulations of these conditions. Joint displays allowed comparing situations in which characteristics related to the patients or their setting differed in an integrated way. The displays provide an intermediate step between purely qualitative descriptions of comfort and adaptation and purely quantitative models that predict both. Scenarios that the joint displays allow identifying inform about characteristics that could improve these models, and about roles of the built environment in experiences.

Academia’s engagement with Sustainable Development Goals: status quo and barriers at Great Zimbabwe University

PurposeThis study aims to examine academic staff’s engagement with sustainable development goals (SDGs) in higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe triangulation, convergence model of the mixed methods research design was adopted as the strategy for inquiry. A total of 56 questionnaires and 25 interviews were used to collect the data, and this was buttressed by document review and use of secondary data obtained from Scival.FindingsThe results show moderate levels of engagement of academic staff with the SDGs. However, SDGs familiarisation is not correlated with the rate of localisation. The lack of funding deflated political will by university management, demotivated academia and shrinking government support are the leading impediments to SDGs localisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe results could be improved by using a larger sample size equally distributed across disciplines. Triangulation of academics’ views with those of students and non-academic staff could have improved the understanding of other dynamics involved in the localisation of SDGs by university teaching staff.Practical implicationsThe results point towards the need for a university-based framework that interweaves national, institutional, thematic, structural and personal aspects into the SDGs implementation matrix. The underlying determinants of successful localisation of SDGs by academia need to be addressed through a bottom-up approach.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first attempt in Zimbabwe to exclusively look at University teaching staff’s engagement with SDGs.

Exclusion of the female child from primary education: exploring the perceptions and experiences of female learners in northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Despite efforts at achieving the SDG goal of education for all, a critical issue remains an increased exclusion of female child from education. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of female learners on girl-child exclusion from primary education. The study employed a concurrent parallel mixed methods research design. The study's population are all female learners in Kastina State primary schools. Data was collected using In-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and a questionnaire tagged: ‘Perceived Exclusion from Education Questionnaire’ (α = 0.84), and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis via the SPSS and ATLAS.ti respectively. Findings indicate positive perceptions of female learners towards education of the female child; female learners’ experiences in being educated were recounted; factors necessitating the exclusion of female children from primary education were cultural, economic, environmental and personal. Strategies for mitigating the exclusion of female children from primary education were highlighted. Some recommendations are discussed.

Unveiling tax avoidance strategies of multinational corporations in Delta State

This study titled Unveiling Tax Avoidance Strategies of Multinational Corporations in Delta State investigates different tax avoidance strategies used by MNCs in Delta State , it specifically assessed the impact of transfer pricing on tax liability minimization, it evaluated the frequency of profit shifting activities, and analyzed the influence of digitalization on tax planning. A mixed-methods research design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was adopted to provide a comprehensive analysis. The study employed purposive sampling to select key participants, including tax officials, financial managers of MNCs, and tax consultants in Delta State. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, capturing both statistical and in-depth perspectives. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The key findings revealed that transfer pricing and profit shifting are the predominant tax avoidance strategies used by MNC and Digitalization significantly impacts tax planning and there is a strong relationship between the period of operation and the use of transfer pricing. Recommendations made includes, Strengthening transfer pricing regulations to curb intra-company transaction manipulation, Enhance taxation frameworks to effectively tax digital transactions and intangible assets among others. Keywords: Digitalization, Multinational Corporations, Profit Shifting, Tax Avoidance, Transfer Pricing.

Foresight and the scamper technique: a combination of collective intelligence strategies for building innovation capacity

Purpose The aim of this research paper is to present a new model of innovation management under the approach of anticipatory collective intelligence strategies to improve the innovation capacity of products and business processes. The paper presents a case study of Café Galavis, one of the oldest family-owned companies in the Colombian coffee sector. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive mixed-methods research design was used. Ten experts and the general manager of the organization were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Additionally, a creativity and innovation workshop were conducted with the participation of 140 young people between the ages of 21 and 28. The traditional product of the company was evaluated using the SCAMPER technique. On the other hand, a strategic approach was taken to address the complex problem. This involved conducting a bibliometric analysis using Vosviewer software, prioritizing key variables and actors’ game through MICMAC and MACTOR software, seeking expert judgment, conducting morphological analysis, generating scenarios under the Peter Schwartz axes and designing a strategic plan. Findings The paper presents a new approach to developing innovation processes by connecting foresight and the SCAMPER technique as a strategy for anticipatory collective intelligence. Furthermore, it was found that the use of these methods enhances the innovation capacity of both products and business processes. Organizations can implement this model to create plans with disruptive and sustainable horizons. Practical implications The paper presents methods to enhance the adoption and performance of innovation in companies through collective anticipatory intelligence and the use of digital tools. Originality/value This paper proposes a novel approach to combining two future methods to promote innovation. This study makes a theoretical and practical contribution to the field of foresight.

Socio-Economic Implications of Domestic Violence in Thenmaradchi Divisional Secretariat in Jaffna District

Domestic violence against women is one of the most contemporary social issues in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to identify the socioeconomic implications of domestic violence experienced by women. All 107 women were selected in Thenmaradchi Divisional Secretariat. The mixed method research design was undertaken with the help of a questionnaire survey and interviews. The Chi-square for univariate analysis was employed to analyze quantitative data with the usage of SPSS version 21 and qualitative data were analyzed thematically using the thematic analysis. According to the results, Hinduism (98.1%) was the predominant religion and 24.3% of the respondents’ age range was 26-30 years. The majority of the victims (54.2%) were educated up to secondary educational level. Wage labour was the primary livelihood of many women and most of the respondents’ monthly income was less than 20,000 Sri Lankan Rupees. There was a significantly high status between economic domestic violence and the variables including education (p<0.000); occupation (p<0.000) and income (p<0.000). Further, financial instability, low income, financial insecurity, unemployment, debt, poverty, low level of living standards, helplessness, lack of social recognition, and lack of social support were the significant economic and social impacts on women. In addition, stress, fear, tension, low self-esteem, and eating and sleeping disorders were the major psychological impacts on women. Additionally, cultural norms, fear, and stigma often cause women to stay silent about their experiences with abuse. Most of the women used coping mechanisms to cope with their implications. The research concludes that psychological implications were the most severe implication among the participants. This study suggests that vulnerable communities should be identified and services such as counselling and legal aid should be made easily accessible.

Wimpole Timings study.

Introduction Studies show that changes to dental incentive structures and treatment timings impact behaviour among UK general dental practitioners (GDP). Since 1980, the British Dental Association (BDA) has conducted panel inquiries to understand the time taken to complete dental treatments, the most recent of these being the 1999 Heathrow Timings study.Aims Given significant changes to the UK general dental service (GDS) since 1999, this research aims to gain a refreshed understanding of the time involved to complete clinical treatments in the UK and gain insight into working hours.Materials and methods This study adopted a mixed-method research design, adapted from the BDA's Heathrow Timings study. Averages for 34 adult and 12 children's treatments were found using an online survey and group discussion with 15 GDPs.Results Overall, GDPs worked 35.23 hours per week, at an hourly rate of £39.94. Comparison to the Heathrow study in 1999 shows an increase in time to deliver multiple treatments, including clinical examinations, root canals, extractions, composite fillings, porcelain veneers, acrylic full dentures and children's extractions.Conclusion Overall, this study provides a current and updated insight into dental treatment times performed by GDPs in the UK and highlights a decrease in working hours and real-term earnings of GDPs over the past 20 years.

Uncovering post-adoption usage of AI-based voice assistants: a technology affordance lens using a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT Despite the growing proliferation of AI-based voice assistants in our daily lives, how different functions of AI-based voice assistants affect users’ post-adoption usage behaviours remains an under-investigated research question. This study explores the nature and causation of post-adoption usage behaviours (effective utilisation after initial adoption or diffusion) within the context of AI-based voice assistants. Using a sequential mixed-methods research design, we first identify the post-adoption usage behaviours of AI-based voice assistants as a multidimensional concept comprised of routine use and extended use, then develop a contextualised model by revealing technology-specific antecedents, cognitive beliefs, and boundary conditions. By integrating results from the quantitative study and qualitative study, we find that three technology affordances (i.e., anthropomorphism affordance, interactivity affordance, and personalisation affordance) are salient antecedents of two cognitive beliefs, which further affect users’ routine use and extended use of AI-based voice assistants. Additionally, we uncover use frequency as a boundary condition and obtain a complementary view of post-adoption usage of AI-based voice assistants. The empirical research findings can extend the post-adoption IS usage literature and provide practical implications for crafting user-centred functionalities to facilitate effective human-AI interactions.

Improving health system responses when patients are harmed: a protocol for a multistage mixed-methods study

IntroductionAt least 10% of hospital admissions in high-income countries, including Australia, are associated with patient safety incidents, which contribute to patient harm (‘adverse events’). When a patient is seriously harmed,...

Clothing suggestions based on comfort extracted from physiological and emotional parameters

PurposeThe comfort of apparel is not only a feeling of perception but also a tangible measure. The fit and fabric of clothing can exert a perception of comfort for the wearer, whereas actual comfort largely depends on physiological and emotional soothing. However, there is still no solid work on connecting the bridge between physiological and emotional feelings to the comfort of clothing. In this study, we have conceptualized, formulated and proven the relation between physiological and emotional parameters with clothing fit and fabric to find the true comfort of the wearer.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method research design using physiological and emotional parameters for different fabric and fit combinations were used for this study. The physiological comfort parameters (i.e. heart rate and respiration rate) are extracted from the subjects using gold-standard clinical devices for various fit and fabric combinations. For the emotional response, a survey was conducted for the same subjects wearing all the fit and fabric combinations. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed to obtain the results.FindingsPhysiological indicators such as heart rate are closely linked with user comfort. Due to the limitations in environmental control, the physiological changes obtained did not significantly vary for different fabric and fit combinations of the clothing. However, a significant change in emotional response indicated a definite relationship between different fabric and fit types. Based on the participants’ responses, weather conditions, size of the clothing item, types of fabrics and style also influence the participants’ choice of clothing.Originality/valueThe research was conducted to discover the relation between true comfort (physiological and emotional parameters) and clothing (fit and fabric), which is unique to the field. This study closes the gap and builds up the relationship, which can help introduce clothing comfort to users in the future. The findings of this study help us understand how fabric types (natural or synthetic) and clothing fit types (loose or fitted) can affect physiological and emotional responses, which can provide the consumer with satisfactory clothing with the suitable properties needed.

Polarization and the Ties That Bind: Congressional Staff Turnover

Congressional staff serve as the “invisible force” in Congress by helping draft legislation and conduct oversight. Given this, excessive turnover among staff is a loss of institutional memory and inhibits legislators’ ability to effectively conduct their constitutional duties. Using a mixed methods research design of interviews and a new survey of staff in the 115th session of Congress, I capture staffer intent to leave their current position and track whether they actually left their position 12 months later. Similar to civil servants, staff who report dissatisfaction with coworkers report higher levels of turnover intention, while the type of office, age, and level of education impact actual turnover. However, the extent to which polarization impacts staffers’ job satisfaction impacts both intention and actual exit. My study makes a unique contributions to the growing body of literature devoted to understanding congressional staff by providing important insights into how to recruit and retain staff.

Labor welfare policy, practices, and deficiencies with the ILO: evidence from the garment industry of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Labor welfare, aligned with the standards set by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and effectively practiced, plays a vital role in ensuring the optimal functioning and protection of the labor force within an industry. The garment supply chain is a significant contributor to the national economy in Bangladesh. However, labor welfare in this sector falls short of expectations due to inadequate access to facilities and benefits such as transportation, recreation, housing, and education. As such, it is of interest to see whether the labor welfare policies in Bangladesh’s garment factories align with ILO guidelines, how these policies impact workers’ overall well-being, and the extent to which the garment industry adheres to the prescribed labor welfare standards in the country. Using a mixed-method research design, the study reveals that nine welfare factors significantly correlate with worker well-being. Nevertheless, the study underscores the disparity between current labor welfare policies under labor law and those recommended by the ILO, revealing substandard labor welfare provisions and practices. The study’s outcomes can guide policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders in enhancing labor welfare practices, ultimately aiming to improve worker well-being and work efficiency.

EXPLORING MULTIMODAL TEACHING STRATEGIES AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION LEADING THE WAY TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Multimodal teaching strategies use a variety of approaches and instruments to give education while accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences. This method combines visual, aural, kinesthetic, and textual elements to improve comprehension and retention. Examples include video, interactive exercises, hands-on experiments, and written resources. This research used the mixed method research design to explore holistically the effect of using multimodal teaching strategies and integration of culture in teaching English Language Arts. The results show a considerable improvement in pupils' academic performance from pretest to posttest. The mean score rose from 18.47 (SD = 1.98) in the pretest to 24.83 (SD = 2.93) in the posttest. The t-value of 16.79 and mean difference of 6.36 indicate a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). This significant rise indicates that the interventions used between the pretest and posttest had a beneficial effect. These results highlight the efficacy of multimodal teaching methodologies and cultural integration in improving comprehension, engagement, and overall academic achievement. As a result, using a variety of teaching approaches and culturally relevant materials is critical for fulfilling students' unique needs and achieving higher educational outcomes (Philippe et al., 2020; Magwenya et al., 2022; Harris & Nguyen, 2022; Escalaw, 2022). KEYWORDS: Multimodal Teaching Strategies, Culture Integration, Mixed-Method, Pegagogical Innovation

Influence of Aeta Education in St. Francis Learning Center at Nibangon Subic, Zambales

The Aeta community is one of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines, and they face challenges in accessing quality education. These challenges include limited school infrastructure and resources, a lack of qualified teachers understanding their cultural context, and socio-economic barriers preventing Aeta children from attending school. Hence, this study explored the perception of Aeta students in their education at St. Francis Learning Center. Specifically, it determined the socio-demographic profile of the participants in terms of year level, gender, age, family members, and socio-economic status; their perception on course descriptions, laboratory experiences, and the quality of academic staff; the factors that influence their decision-making process; and their suggested intervention programs to motivate students to choose the specific Senior High School Strand and college. This study employed a mixed-method research design particularly the explanatory-sequential approach. The participants comprised 10 Aeta Students currently studying at St. Francis Learning Center for the academic year 2024-2025. Results showed that while some students find the course descriptions and teaching methods effective and engaging, others face significant challenges. Scenarios such as teachers being unprepared, insufficient class time, lack of learning materials, and ineffective repetition of lessons point to areas where the educational experience can be improved. Practical utility, economic potential, parental influence, peer relationships, personal interests, career aspirations, and familial roles all play critical roles influence the students’ decision-making processes when choosing their Senior High School tracks.