Mixed Methods Investigation Research Articles

The path to cashless transaction: A study of user intention and attitudes towards quick response mobile payments

This study explores the factors influencing users' behavioral intentions, attitudes and actual adoption of quick response (QR) mobile payment in the least developed country (LDC) of Bangladesh, by extending the original unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. The study conducts a mixed-methods investigation by combining the partial least squares (PLS) and focus group discussion (FGD) methods to empirically evaluate the research model and cross-validate the findings. Using purposive sampling, data were gathered from 412 respondents, followed by 10 respondents who took part in the FGD, who all met the sample criteria. The study findings indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence significantly positively influence users' behavioral intention, while self-concept, perceived self-efficacy, and habit substantially influence their attitudes towards using QR mobile payments. The findings also confirm a positive effect of users’ attitudes toward using QR mobile payment on both behavioral intention and actual use, and a positive effect of behavioral intention on the actual use of QR mobile payments. These findings offer several important theoretical and managerial implications.

A mixed methods investigation of international students’ perceptions of their experiences of marginalization in Korean higher education

A mixed methods investigation of international students’ perceptions of their experiences of marginalization in Korean higher education

The impact of their role on telephone crisis support workers’ psychological wellbeing and functioning: Qualitative findings from a mixed methods investigation

Little is known about how telephone crisis support workers are impacted by frequent empathic engagement with callers in crisis, including those who are suicidal. This is the only known qualitative study to specifically examine the impact of their role on telephone crisis support workers’ psychological wellbeing and functioning. Eighteen telephone crisis support workers participated in semi-structured interviews, providing detailed accounts of the impact of the role on their wellbeing and functioning. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of interview data resulted in four key themes. Results suggest that telephone crisis support workers’ motivations, background, personal help-seeking and coping practices are likely to impact their experiences of psychological wellbeing and functioning in relation to empathic engagement with callers in crisis. Telephone crisis services should seek to integrate an understanding of workers’ experiences into the provision of training, supervision and support strategies to optimize workers’ wellbeing and functioning.

Unpacking the role of motivation and enjoyment in AI-mediated informal digital learning of English (AI-IDLE): A mixed-method investigation in the Chinese context

This paper examines how Chinese university students negotiate their second language (L2) motivational dynamics, including their ideal and ought-to L2 selves, to participate in informal digital learning of English (IDLE) mediated by generative artificial intelligence (AI). It demonstrates the extent to which enjoyment, the most observable positive emotion in L2 learning, influences their involvement in AI-mediated IDLE (AI-IDLE) activities. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, this study surveyed 690 Chinese undergraduate students and conducted 12 post-survey interviews. Using a structural equation modeling approach, the quantitative analysis reveals that participants’ ideal L2 self can significantly predict both their sense of enjoyment and AI-IDLE, while the ought-to L2 self is only able to directly predict enjoyment. The quantitative results also demonstrate that enjoyment can partially mediate the relationship between the ideal L2 self and AI-IDLE and simultaneously fully channel the indirect impact of the ought-to L2 self on AI-IDLE. Supplementing these quantitative findings, the interview data provides a nuanced understanding of how motivation and enjoyment shift and interact with learning contexts as participants engage in AI-IDLE. Drawing on these quantitative and qualitative insights, this study identifies implications for pedagogy, particularly in terms of motivating Chinese university students to engage in IDLE while maintaining emotional well-being in the age of generative AI.

Brief transition-focused education for families of autistic youth: preliminary mixed-methods investigation

Purpose The transition to adulthood is one of the most challenging and complex processes for autistic youth and their families. Few evidence-based transition support programs exist, and those that have garnered support require long-term commitments and resources that may prohibit participation by families with financial and time limitations. The current study investigated the feasibility and initial promise of a brief, caregiver-focused educational transition program for families of autistic youth delivered in the community over a single day. Methods Quantitative informant-report and qualitative interview data were collected from 12 caregivers of autistic youth before and after program participation. Using a partially mixed sequential equal status design, quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to evaluate change in caregiver transition knowledge and empowerment, as well as caregivers’ perceptions of program feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness. Results Caregivers reported significant increases in knowledge of transition-related topics and sense of empowerment regarding their family life. Caregiver perceptions of the intervention suggest they found it feasible, acceptable, and useful. Conclusions Short-term transition programming may be a helpful option for caregivers who seek transition supports for autistic youth.

Advancing advocacy communication theory: a theory grounded in undocumented college students’ motivations and strategies for challenging oppression

ABSTRACT Undocumented college students experience a myriad of stressors (e.g. fear of deportation, limited access to educational resources; Enriquez, Morales Hernandez & Ro. 2018. Deconstructing immigrant illegality: A mixed-methods investigation of stress and health among undocumented college students. Race and Social Problems, 10(3), 193–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-018-9242-4) because of systemic oppression, and they often engage in various advocacy efforts to challenge those oppressive systems. Although different persuasion (e.g. Reasoned Action Approach, Anger Activism Model; Fishbein & Ajzen. 2010. Predicting and changing behavior: The reasoned action approach. Psychology Press; Turner. 2007. Using emotion in risk communication: The anger activism model. Public Relations Review, 33(2), 114–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2006.11.013) and social movements theories (e.g. Mass Society Theory; Theory of Relative Deprivation; Bernstein & Crosby. 1980. An empirical examination of relative deprivation theory. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 16(5), 442–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1031(80)90050-5) can describe why minoritized group members advocate on behalf of their ingroup, these theories primarily focus on traditional advocacy efforts. rather than representing advocacy as multidimensional. Consequently, this paper introduces Advocacy Communication Theory (ACT), which argues that advocacy communication is a complex and multidimentional process consisting of advocacy strategies at the individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy levels. ACT also identifies predictors of advocacy communication by drawing from communication and psychological factors, and it discusses the potential health implications associated with engaging in advocacy communication.

Unveiling the Nexus: Sulphur Dioxide Exposure, Proximity to Mining, and Respiratory Illnesses in Kankoyo: A Mixed-Methods Investigation.

The emission of sulphur dioxide (SO 2) from mining activities presents significant health hazards, particularly to communities near industrial zones. This mixed-methods study investigates the nexus between (SO 2) exposure and respiratory health in Kankoyo Township, Zambia. Employing community engagement, expert interviews, spatial analysis, and a retrospective examination of 15 years of health and (SO 2) data, the research identified a troubling correlation between (SO 2) exposure and adverse respiratory health effects among the local population. Expert interviews highlighted that respiratory issues constituted approximately 75% of health complications, with a notable reduction in asthma cases following the installation of a monitoring station and upgrades to smelter operations. Spatial analysis demonstrated that (SO 2) levels in Kankoyo exceeded the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) limits by 1713% identifying it as a significant pollution hotspot. Additionally, wind profile analysis indicated frequent low-speed winds from the east-northeast (ENE), contributing to pollutant accumulation. Based on these insights, the study recommends implementing real-time pollution data sharing, affordable air quality sensors, addressing medication shortages, establishing specialized respiratory clinics, launching IT-driven awareness campaigns, and further research into additional pollutants and confounding factors.

A mixed methods investigation into GP attitudes and experiences of using social prescribing in their practice

Abstract Aim Social prescribing (SP) enables clinicians to signpost patients to non-medical services in the community in order to support their psycho-social needs. SP has been promoted as a positive service delivery model for primary and community care; however, there are few data on the views of doctors working in this area on the effectiveness of SP and its implementation. Subject and methods This study used a mixed methods approach to examine attitudes and experiences of general practitioners (GPs) on their use of SP. GPs completed an online survey (n = 102), provided narrative written responses (n = 55) and took part in semi-structured interviews on the topic (n = 8). Results Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 90% of respondents use SP in their practice, with significant factor loadings on six separate components. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes, which were then combined with the PCA components to derive overarching themes that underpin effective implementation of SP: (1) perceptions of effectiveness and efficacy of SP, (2) training and awareness, and (3) structure and operational delivery. Conclusion This study is one of the first to explore attitudes of doctors to SP. Whilst data shows that most respondents are supportive of SP in principle, the analysis also reveals that there are specific barriers that need to be overcome to enable effective implementation.

When Tradition Meets Innovation: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Factors Influencing Chinese Consumers' Purchase Intentions for Meat Substitutes

When Tradition Meets Innovation: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Factors Influencing Chinese Consumers' Purchase Intentions for Meat Substitutes

A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Adolescents’ Beliefs About the Causes of Depression

A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Adolescents’ Beliefs About the Causes of Depression

Diverse usage behaviors in massively multiplayer online games: a mixed-methods investigation

Diverse usage behaviors in massively multiplayer online games: a mixed-methods investigation

“It’s Time to see What I Can Do”: A Mixed-Methods Investigation into Trajectories of Resilience in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

AbstractThere is a concern that adolescent mental well-being and resilience has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the aim of the current investigation was to track adolescents’ resilience from the initial months of the pandemic (T1) to approximately two years later (T2) using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Through interviews, thirty-one adolescents narrated their COVID-19 experiences and reflected on their mental well-being across this timespan. Using these accounts, we identified four groups of adolescents exhibiting one of the following trajectories of resilience: (1) Enduring resilience, (2) Reaching resilience, (3) Declining resilience and (4) Enduring non-resilience. Our findings revealed that most adolescents were able to maintain or develop good resilience on prolonged exposure to COVID-19 adversity (trajectories 1 and 2). This finding is contrary to the prevailing notion that the majority of adolescents’ mental well-being and hence resilience was adversely impacted by COVID-19 in the short and long term. Further qualitative analysis identified key factors that contributed to maintaining and developing greater levels of resilience during the pandemic: quality of friendships, quality of family relationships and regaining a sense of control. Lastly, we found a lack of congruence between quantitative and qualitative measures of mental well-being and resilience, suggesting that they might tap into different constructs/experiences. Significantly, our findings highlight that the majority of teens showed adaptive resilience during the pandemic and highlight the need for further longitudinal qualitative and quantitative research to assess both adaptive and maladaptive impacts of adversity on the adolescents’ mental well-being and resilience.

The Acceptability of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training for Couples Impacted by Aphasia: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Investigation.

This study explored the acceptability and impact of relationship-centered communication partner training (RC-CPT) in couples impacted by aphasia. In particular, couples considered whether discussing their relationship roles and responsibilities was important and relevant to the changes they desire. Preliminary quasi-experimental data regarding perceived communication confidence and the marriage relationship were also obtained. Three couples participated in RC-CPT across two sessions. Surveys were used to measure communication confidence and the marital relationship before and after participation in RC-CPT. The quantitative findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Couples also participated in a semistructured interview about the acceptability of RC-CPT during a third session. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive codebook analysis. Quantitative data indicated that participants generally maintained or improved self-rated accessibility, responsiveness, engagement, conflict resolution, and communication within their marriage after participating in RC-CPT. Additionally, individuals with aphasia demonstrated enhanced communication confidence scores. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: (a) Impact on Communication, (b) Impact on Relationship, and (c) Impact on Psychosocial Well-Being. Feedback from participants regarding future development was also included. The convergence of quantitative and qualitative data supports the conclusion that couples experienced positive changes in their communication, relationship, and psychosocial well-being during the intervention, suggesting that RC-CPT has the potential to positively impact both communicative and psychosocial effects of aphasia on couples. Moreover, this study highlights the promise of RC-CPT as a relationship-centered counseling tool, warranting further exploratory and experimental research. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25937383.

A Self-Assessment Tool for Helping Identify Police Burnout Among Investigators of Child Sexual Abuse Material

IntroductionLaw enforcement professionals who investigate child sexual abuse material face increased risk of mental health challenges, including burnout. This study aims to develop a data-driven self-assessment tool for law enforcement personnel exposed to child sexual abuse material. The tool assesses burnout symptoms and related mental health issues, offering a proactive approach to identifying and supporting individuals at risk. MethodsA mixed-methods investigation involved 500 police investigators and forensic examiners from the United States. The study utilized a convenience sample recruited through various channels connected with the National Criminal Justice Training Center. ResultsTwenty percent of participants exhibited high burnout. The BURNT demonstrated a sensitivity of 69.6% and specificity of 74.6% at a cutoff point of ≥2; correctly classifying 73.6% of the sample. Individuals with scores of 2 or more were 3.47 times more likely to be experiencing high burnout compared to peers with a score of zero with increasing odds with each additional score. High burnout was associated with longer tenure in current positions. ConclusionsThe BURNT offers a short and simple self-assessment tool for law enforcement professionals exposed to child sexual abuse material, aiding in the early identification of burnout symptoms. A cutoff point of ≥2 provides a data-driven strategy for identifying individuals at increased risk, promoting timely intervention and support to mitigate burnout's adverse effects on mental well-being and professional performance. The BURNT's sensitivity and specificity balance enhances its utility, providing a proactive approach to address the unique mental health challenges faced by law enforcement personnel combating child sexual abuse material.

Cantonal opioid agonist treatment authorisation systems - a mixed-method qualitative investigation.

In Switzerland, a cantonal authorisation is required to introduce opioid agonist treatments (OAT). We investigated and compared the terms of these cantonal OAT authorisations throughout Switzerland. The primary objective was to determine how the overseeing cantonal officials implemented and perceived the legal requirements. We started with a cross-sectional analysis of legal texts and cantonal OAT guidelines. Based on the document analysis, we conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with the cantonal officials who grant OAT authorisations. In most cantons (21 of 25), the OAT authorisation is specific to the person treated and must be renewed every year. Today, 21 cantons either have implemented or are implementing the same web-based software to process and manage OAT authorisation requests. Cantons have implemented diverging requirements regarding, amongst others, the involvement of third parties in OAT and the training required of prescribing physicians. Lastly, the OAT process does not seem to be a high priority for the overseeing officials. From a legal standpoint, OAT authorisations should be straightforward, yet we found significant divergences among cantonal systems. We could not find scientific evidence that supports a given framework. We recommend harmonizing the 26 cantonal systems while reviewing the need for OAT authorisation.

Academic Support, Peer Pressure, and Emotional Intelligence: A Mixed-Methods Investigation in Shanghai's Higher Education Landscape

This study explores the dynamics of emotional intelligence among higher education students in Shanghai, China, by examining the impact of external influences on EI development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews are utilized to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative component employs standardized measures and custom-designed questionnaires to assess EI and external influences, while qualitative interviews provide rich narratives. Analysis of quantitative data includes correlation, mediation, and regression analyses, while qualitative data undergoes thematic analysis. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of EI in the context of Shanghai's diverse and dynamic higher education environment, shedding light on how external factors shape students' emotional intelligence development.

A Gender-Informed Smoking Cessation App for Women: A Protocol for an Acceptability and Feasibility Study.

Tobacco smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease among women. Quitting smoking offers numerous health benefits; however, women tend to have less success than men when attempting to quit. This discrepancy is partly due to sex and/or gender-related factors, including the lower effectiveness of smoking cessation medication and the presence of unique motives for smoking and barriers to quitting among women. Despite the gendered nature of smoking, most smoking cessation apps are gender-neutral, and fail to address women's specific needs. To test the acceptability and feasibility of a smartphone app that delivers gender-informed content to support women in quitting smoking. We co-developed a smoking cessation app specifically tailored for women, named My Change Plan-Women (MCP-W). This app builds upon our previous gender-neutral app, MCP, by retaining its content grounded in behavioral change techniques aimed at supporting tobacco reduction and cessation. This includes quit goal setting, identifying triggers to smoking, creating coping strategies, tracking cigarettes and cravings, and assessing financial savings from quitting smoking. The MCP-W app contains additional gender-informed content that acknowledges barriers to quitting, such as coping with stress, having smokers in one's social circle, and managing unpleasant emotions. This content is delivered through testimonials and animated videos. This study is a prospective, single-group, mixed-methods investigation in which 30 women smokers will trial the app for a period of 28 days. Once participants provide informed consent, they will complete a baseline survey and download the app on their smartphones. After 28 days, participants will complete follow-up surveys. Acceptability will be assessed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, which evaluates whether participants perceive the app as helpful in changing their smoking. The app will be deemed acceptable if the majority of participants rate it as such, and feasible if the majority of the participants use it for at least 7 days. Furthermore, after the 28-day trial period, participants will complete a semi-structured interview regarding their experience with the app and suggestions for improvement. Development of the MCP-W app was completed in September 2023. Participant recruitment for testing of the app commenced in February 2024. Offering smoking cessation support tailored specifically to address the unique needs of women through a smartphone app represents a novel approach. This study will test whether women who smoke perceive this approach to be acceptable and feasible in their journey towards smoking cessation.

Communities built on political trust: Theory and evidence from China

This study offers a unique mixed-methods investigation on the formation of neighbourhood communities in China’s megacities. We find that the local government helps homeowners overcome prevalent collective action problems and govern themselves more effectively. Neighbourhoods that have established homeowners’ associations (HOAs) enjoy better governing outcomes than those without HOAs, as evidenced by homeowners wielding greater control over neighbourhood affairs, showing heightened respect for democratic principles, and maintaining a stronger sense of community identity. Owing to these positive outcomes, and as compared to their counterparts in neighbourhoods without HOAs, homeowner activists in neighbourhoods with HOAs develop a deeper trust in their local government. As such, our argument that urban communities are based on political trust in authoritarian regimes complicates the conventional view that such regimes either repress civic engagement or manipulate civic organisations for social control.

Impact of smart technology use on sleep quality in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a mixed-methods investigation

BackgroundSleep disturbances are common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can have a negative impact on their daily functioning and core symptoms. As the use of smart technologies continues to rise, it is crucial to understand how these devices affect the sleep quality of individuals with ASD.AimThe objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of smart technology and sleep quality in individuals with ASD.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A sample of 83 individuals with ASD, aged between 8 and 25 years, assessed their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Additionally, information regarding patterns of smart technology use and relevant covariates was collected. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants and their caregivers.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between poorer sleep quality scores and total screen time (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), pre-bedtime technology use (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), gaming (r = 0.32, p = 0.003), and social media use (r = 0.29, p = 0.008). Pre-bedtime technology use was a significant predictor of poorer sleep quality (β = 0.32, p = 0.006), even after controlling for age, gender, and ASD severity.ConclusionThe findings of this study emphasize the significant associations between the use of smart technology, particularly before bedtime, and poorer sleep quality in individuals with ASD. These results underscore the importance of developing evidence-based interventions and guidelines to promote healthy sleep habits and mitigate the negative effects of technology exposure in this population.

Influence of sustainability in the positioning of the university brand: Study in universities in Medellín-Colombia

The implementation of university sustainability affects brand perceptions by conferring attributes related to commitment and reputation, especially by students. The proper management of sustainability is related to an improvement in the university brand perceived by its stakeholders, including students. For this reason, this research aims to analyse whether university sustainability positively affects brand positioning among university students. For this purpose, a theoretical and quantitative mixed-method investigation is proposed that allows the establishment of a structural model in which the relationships between the dimensions of university sustainability with the dimensions of brand positioning are evident. The empirical analysis found that some dimensions of university sustainability, such as the institutional framework, campus operations and some dimensions of the substantive functions, positively affect brand positioning in university students and generate commitment to the university from both the prestige and reputation of the brand.