Mixed Methods Research Design Research Articles

This study investigates the level and impact of second language (English) anxiety on learning performance among bachelor's degree students in UiTM. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of the Affective Filter Hypothesis, the research problem explores how anxiety acts as a barrier to language acquisition and its effects on learners’ academic performance. A mixed-methods research design was employed, with a convenience sampling of students who completed a survey and participated in interviews. Both quantitative survey data and qualitative textual responses were collected and analysed by using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively. The findings indicate that learners experience a moderate level of language anxiety, with speaking tasks being a primary source of apprehension. Furthermore, the results revealed a complex relationship in which high anxiety negatively impacted performance, while a low to moderate level could be motivating. In conclusion, anxiety is not a simple negative construct but a causal factor that requires targeted pedagogical interventions. The study's implications suggest that future research should adopt longitudinal designs and explore cultural differences to further refine the understanding of language anxiety and its effects.

BackgroundThe shortage of nurses poses a growing threat to global healthcare quality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Out-flow of nurses from these regions to developed countries exacerbates the global imbalance in nursing resources. However, some nurses decide to return home after gaining experience abroad. Understanding their motivations, challenges, and opportunities can offer valuable insights for China and other nations facing similar challenges.MethodsData were collected from October to November 2023, with a mixed-methods research design. Trends and the distribution of returning nurses were visualized. Cox proportional hazards regression and subgroup analyses were used to examine the relationship between associated factors and return rate. Qualitative data, gathered through semi-structure interview, were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.Results29.69% participants have returned to China, with the cumulative incidence of return was 47.01% (95% CI 37.96%-57.04%) after 13 years, varying by destination. In the multivariable Cox model, factors like age 30–39 (adjusted HR [aHR] = 0.48, 95%CI 0.31–0.74), advanced language proficiency (aHR = 0.30, 95%CI 0.14–0.64), and average annual income abroad of $50,000: $100,000 (aHR = 0.32, 95%CI 0.20–0.52) and over $100,000 (aHR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.33–0.83) were independently associated with return rates. Interviews with returning nurses revealed three main themes: (1) challenges faced overseas, mainly language barriers; (2) reasons for return, particularly family considerations; and (3) challenges and opportunities after returning, with better chance in private hospitals as a notable subtheme.ConclusionsThis study provides the first comprehensive analysis of Chinese nurses returning from abroad, revealing that nearly 30% returned, mainly due to family considerations. More skilled nurses, with international licenses and higher incomes, tend to stay abroad. Most of these returning nurses secure employment in private hospitals, while reintegration into public hospitals proves challenging. The study indicates the potential to leverage returning nurses’ global expertise to enhance China’s healthcare system.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12992-025-01157-w.

Food and plastic waste generation at a large-scale religious festival and implications for sustainable management.

This study examined the influence of sustainable supply chain practices on the competitive performance of manufacturing firms in Oyo State, Nigeria, framed by the Triple Bottom Line. It addressed the critical gap between global sustainability pressures and local adoption barriers. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative insights. Data were collected from 81 manufacturing firms using a structured questionnaire and were analyzed via SPSS for correlation and regression, complemented by thematic analysis. The key findings revealed that economic sustainability practices significantly enhanced cost-effectiveness (r=0.395, p<0.001), while social practices substantially improved customer loyalty and brand reputation (r=0.742, p<0.001). Compliance with global standards also positively impacted international competitiveness (r=0.634, p<0.001). Conversely, environmental practices showed an insignificant negative effect (r=-0.212, p=0.058), primarily due to infrastructural deficits. Qualitative data corroborated these results, with firms reporting 5–10% cost savings from lean production but facing significant hurdles in implementing green initiatives. The study concluded that while economic and social sustainability were potent drivers of competitive advantage, environmental sustainability was hampered by systemic constraints. It was recommended that firms prioritize cost-effective social and economic practices, while policymakers and industry associations should facilitate infrastructure sharing, simplify global certifications, and provide government incentives to close the sustainability adoption gap.

Aesthetic appreciation portrays one’s ability to perceive the beauty of a creative product, such as a novel, a poem, and so on. Prerequisites for aesthetic appreciation include, amongst others, knowledge, awareness, and recognition of the features that would make a product not only uniquely meaningful but also pleasing and appealing. Concerned specifically with the novel as a creative literary product, aesthetic appreciation of the novel entails valuing and admiring the qualities that would make the novel uniquely impressive. This study explores the main factors which would contribute to fostering a sense of aesthetic appreciation on the part of a novel’s reader. To realise the study’s aims, the author used a mixed-methods research design employing two study instruments: a ten-item questionnaire and a two-question interview. The study sample encompassed two categories: university instructors and passionate readers. The findings indicated that acquiring a repertoire of vocabulary, enhancing reading comprehension skills, developing critical reading skills, augmenting writing skills, and promoting communication skills could play a significant role in fostering aesthetic appreciation of the novel. Additionally, the study identified several factors which would contribute to developing a sense of aesthetic appreciation, such as using standard language, figures of speech, effective plot construction, and constructive character building. Based on the study findings, the paper proposes a framework for aesthetic appreciation of the novel, highlighting main factors and requirements.

The growth of the regional courts has transformed the nature of the settlement of international disputes, which leaves the question whether they are associated to the international courts like the International Court of Justice and specialized courts. Although the regional courts are making it easier to access justice and make rulings relative to the situation on the ground, their spread may lead to creation of piecemeal interpretations of the laws. The current literature is not systematic and with statistically based evidence on the balance of cooperation and fragmentation of this emerging system. In this paper, we wish to discuss the purpose of regional courts in international dispute settlement, and more precisely, whether they lead to legal cooperation between jurisdictions or enhance systemic fragmentation. It assumes that the international adjudicatory coherence is complementary and challenging at the same time by the regional courts. The study uses a mixed-methods research design since it combines both a qualitative legal study and quantitative statistical methods. An astute collection of local judicial rulings (n = 500 cases) will be gathered in Europe, Africa, and Latin America between 1990 and 2022. Descriptive statistics, network analysis and regression models are used in order to find patterns of convergence or divergence with international precedents. Citation-tracking and text-similarity measures are also used to determine the degree of cross-referencing between local and international courts. The evidence indicates that about 65 percent of court decisions in the area are consistent with the international jurisprudence referring to the cooperation with the legal integration, 20 percent is partially distorted, and 15 percent completely fractured. The regression findings also reveal that regional membership in international organizations, and the previous judicial cooperation are the strongest variables influencing alignment.

Determining pediatric nurses' anxiety levels, concerns, and metaphor perceptions towards artificial intelligence technologies: A mixed-method study.

This study examines the relationship between intrinsic motivation and achievement in mathematics. Specifically, motivation influences achievement in individual tests compared to group assignments. The study further investigates the moderating role of task type (individual vs. group-based assessments) in this relationship. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative data from 45 pre-service teachers with qualitative insights from their open-ended responses. Statistical analyses, including correlation, regression, and moderation analyses, were conducted to examine these relationships. Results revealed a positive but non-significant correlation between intrinsic motivation and math achievement in group assignments (r = 0.657, p = 0.095), suggesting that while motivation may enhance achievement in collaborative tasks, other factors also contribute. Conversely, a negative correlation was found in individual tests (r = -0.418, p = 0.053), indicating that increased intrinsic motivation might lead to performance anxiety, which can undermine achievement. Regression analysis showed that motivation explained 12.7% variance in group achievement and 17.5% in individual performance, with the latter showing a marginally significant negative effect. Moderation analysis confirmed that the effect of intrinsic motivation on math achievement depends on task type. In individual tests, motivation had a significant negative impact on achievement (β = -0.418, p = 0.035), whereas in group assignments, the effect was positive but not statistically significant (β = 0.657, p = 0.073). Qualitative findings complemented these results by showing that students’ task preferences were shaped by autonomy, collaboration, and workload distribution. These findings highlight the importance of considering task type when evaluating motivation’s role in math achievement. Practical implications suggest that fostering intrinsic motivation through collaborative tasks can reduce performance anxiety, whereas individual assessments require supportive strategies to sustain motivation while minimizing stress. Future research should examine additional moderators and apply the model to larger, more diverse samples.

This study investigates the relationship between materialism and pro-environmental behavior, focusing on the moderating role of narcissism in the attitude–behavior gap. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining a preference-based conjoint experiment with psychometric scales including the Material Values Scale (MVS), Recurring Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale (PEB), and Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire short scale (NARQ-S). A convenience sample of 71 participants evaluated pro-environmental behavior-related choices while also self-reporting their materialistic and pro-environmental values. Results revealed that profiles emphasizing low materialism and high pro-environmental attitudes were most preferred, supporting the hypothesized negative relationship between materialism and pro-environmental choices. The materialism–success dimension showed the strongest behavioral influence. However, narcissism did not significantly moderate the relationship between attitudes and behavior. These findings contribute to dual-attitude theory and impression-management literature by showing that materialists may endorse pro-environmental behavior when it supports social identity signaling. The results have implications for both marketers and policymakers in designing strategies that appeal to reputation-sensitive consumers.

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are designed to expedite patient recovery after major surgeries. This study explores barriers and facilitators to implementing these protocols from the perspective of nurses in surgical care settings at Piacenza Hospital, Italy. The authors employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design. This design began with a quantitative observational phase, followed by a qualitative phase that included two focus groups. Thirty nurses took part in the study voluntarily. Survey results showed that the most valued aspect of the ERAS protocols was their importance in patient care, scoring an average of 3.4 out of 5 on the Likert scale. The benefits for patient outcomes and treatment effectiveness both scored 3.3. However, Guttman’s Scalogram analysis identified significant barriers, including low patient compliance and insufficient nurse training. The thematic analysis revealed a primary domain named "context elements", supported by four dimensions: team characteristics, doctor’s role, operational organization, and care relationship. Integrating the quantitative and qualitative results highlights the critical need for effective communication, continuous training, and staff updates. It also emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, including integrating psychologists into the healthcare team to improve the overall implementation of the ERAS protocols.

Quality assurance is a significant part of achieving sustainable development goal 4 and has remained a challenge to higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide. Thus, this paper aims to propose a quality assurance framework for hybrid-flexible (HyFlex learning) learning based on the perspectives of faculty and students. This study utilized a descriptive developmental mixed-method research design to dissect the richness and beauty of the data collected using the self-developed survey questionnaire and interview protocol guide. The findings revealed that both students and faculty preferred the utilization of flexible learning as their learning modality. Also, a significant difference when grouped according to UNESCO’s quality and learning indicators is also observed in the study. Accessibility and usability, learning assessment strategies, vision and institutional leadership, learning activities and learning interaction, instructional materials, social and student engagement, stakeholders’ support, course structure, learning outcomes and competencies, evaluation and feedback, social and student engagement, flexibility and adaptability of education, security and safety, and infrastructure, facilities, and equipment were the emergent themes which were utilized to craft the quality assurance framework. The proposed framework provides a transparent and reliable workflow for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating quality assurance of all HyFlex learning modalities in the university.

This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a professional development (PD) program for secondary mathematics teachers that was focused on using technology-enhanced resources, following Desimone’s PD model. The program, consisting of eight in?person training sessions and virtual consultations over 10 weeks, involved Junior and Senior High School Mathematics teachers from a cooperative school. A mixed-method sequential explanatory research design was used, beginning with a training needs assessment of 15 teachers. There were also 15 teachers in the actual PD program. The results highlighted the lack of technology integration and PD opportunities as key challenges. Based on Desimone’s model, the PD program addressed these needs by training teachers in digital calculators, Microsoft Excel, and statistical software. Pre- and post-assessments showed improvements in teachers’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes in using technology-enhanced resources. Interviews confirmed these gains, and participants expressed interest in future training on integrating statistical software for research purposes, indicating a desire for ongoing PD.

The substandard performance of children and adults in mathematics is a global conundrum. Studies identified large cohort of South African children who could not benchmark against their counterparts in standardized international tests. Similarly, an analysis of adults’ performance in mathematics reveals that mathematics understanding in adults’ learning contexts is direful. By assembling upon Gagne’s (1962) theorization of mathematics as a subject with a strong vertical demarcation and integration of concepts, the paper sought to explore adult offenders’ mathematics learning trajectories, with the context of Correctional Education Adult Education (AET) Level One to Adult Education and Training Level Four occupying the central focus. The phenomenon was viewed from the pragmatic epistemological stance. The study was framed within the QUANT-QUAL explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. For quantitative data, 150 adult offenders’ mathematics scores from standardized AET tests across four levels were analysed by SPSS, while qualitative data, inferred from 10 stratified sampled adult offenders through semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically. Based on empirical evidence, it was discovered that the combination of language barriers, prison contextual factors and AET curriculum structure inhibited adult offenders’ mathematics cognitive development. Furthermore, the findings were that language barriers, prison contextual factors and AET curriculum structure created a low ceiling, beyond which the progress in mathematics, across AET levels was improbable. Based on the findings, the model for flattening adult offenders’ mathematics learning trajectory is proposed, with implications on the use of multilingual pedagogies, Correctional Services Policy reform, and adult curriculum policy framework.

In response to rapid technological advancements, higher education institutions face an urgent need for innovative, competency-based learning systems to address workforce development challenges. This research aims to design and validate the competency-based MOOC system architecture using microlearning objects, referred to as the digital MicroLearn system architecture, to facilitate upskilling and reskilling for the industrial workforce. The study employs a mixed methods research (MMR) design comprising three phases: Phase 1, qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) with experts and industry stakeholders to identify practical needs, challenges, and system requirements; Phase 2, design and validation of the system architecture; and Phase 3, expert review to assess the system's suitability. The findings highlight that the system capably supports competency-based microlearning activities, with Moodle as the core MOOC platform integrating H5P for interactive content, YouTube for video delivery, and cmi5 and xAPI for learner progress tracking via a Learning Record Store (LRS). The responsive interface ensures compatibility across devices, enhancing microlearning efficiency and learner engagement. Expert evaluations confirmed the architecture's suitability for industrial workforce development, with an overall mean score of 4.42 ± 0.48, indicating agreement. Future research should investigate the implementation of the system in real-world educational settings to assess its scalability and adaptability across diverse institutional contexts. Additionally, studies should examine its effectiveness in enhancing competency-based learning experiences and its long-term impact on institutional performance and learner outcomes.

Narrative writing is a crucial element of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in tertiary education. It contributes to the development of students’ language proficiency, creativity, and critical thinking skills. By adopting a mixed-method research design, the present study examines the extent to which ESL diploma students incorporated the five elements of Freytag’s Pyramid including exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution into their 80-to-100-word narratives written by 66 ESL diploma students in Malaysia. The study also investigates the challenges students encountered when incorporating the five elements into narrative writings within the given word constraints. To elicit data, 66 narrative essays were collected and analysed. To further explore how the five elements were applied by students in their narrative writing and the challenges they encountered in writing short stories, the researchers interviewed five students. The results revealed that most students could write exposition and rising action effectively, but often omitted or weakly developed climaxes, falling actions, and resolutions. Several issues that they encountered when writing short stories including strict word limit, first language interference, limited vocabulary, and other factors. Pedagogical implications include the integration of vocabulary expansion strategies, model story analysis, and peer-review workshops to scaffold students’ narrative competence. The study contributes to ESL pedagogy by extending Freytag’s Pyramid to micro-narrative writing tasks under strict word constraints.

Kenya’s tourism has long centred on wildlife, overlooking the potential of geodiversity-rich landscapes. Despite geotourism’s global rise as a niche market, Baringo’s unprotected areas, with iconic geological features, remain underutilised. Moreover, little is known about local community understanding of the geodiversity and the potential of geotourism in the study area. This study, therefore, assessed local community’s knowledge of geodiversity and geotourism potential in Baringo County. Anchored on Kirkpatrick’s perception model, this study used a mixed methods research design. This study adopted purposive sampling, and primary data was collected from eight local community participants through focused group discussion and 385 tourists. Data were analysed using the Kirkpatrick perception model and validated using Student’s t-test. Findings revealed three knowledge topologies and that the local community knowledge significantly influenced geotourism perception (p < .05). The study concludes that varying community knowledge significantly influenced perceptions of geotourism potential, underscoring the importance of knowledge topologies in shaping community engagement. This study recommends strengthening community-based geotourism awareness and fostering stakeholders’ collaboration to promote geotourism, including the potential establishment of a UNESCO Global Geopark in Baringo County, Kenya

Libraries in Saudi Arabia play a challenging role in community development by offering training sessions to entrepreneurs, creating collaborative workspaces, and establishing partnerships with organizations in the IT sector. The research examines the potential entrepreneurial benefits of Saudi public libraries for entrepreneurial and business development, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to promote advanced knowledge throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research employs a mixed-method research design, including 430 library users, to assess the current entrepreneurial landscape of public libraries while identifying various opportunities and challenges faced by library users. The quantitative analysis was conducted by administering a survey questionnaire, while thirty participants were interviewed through semi-structured questions to assess their perceptions regarding entrepreneurial opportunities and the development of newer businesses. The findings of the study highlight the involvement of digital literacy, e-commerce initiatives, business incubation, co-working spaces, and partnerships within the private sector to enhance collaborative efforts through shared businesses. With such opportunities, libraries can attract greater value to the community by increasing economic growth and ensuring sustainability through sustainable activities. The study suggests future research studies to extend the usage and utilization of online services while improving partnerships with entrepreneurs and adapting to newer entrepreneurship ventures. The research is comprehended as a pilot study for stakeholders and policymakers to digitally tune libraries into knowledge institutions that support innovation and newer ideologies to meet business goals.

This study aims to examine the perceptions of K–12 science teachers regarding the integration of Mobile Augmented Reality (mAR) as a pedagogical tool in Biology education. Specifically, it investigates current mAR usage, its perceived impact on student learning, and the challenges teachers face in its implementation. Using a mixed-method research design, data were collected from 34 teachers through surveys and interviews. Results reveal that only 44.1% of respondents have used mAR in their lessons primarily coming from private schools, while 55.9% have not, primarily due to limited access to devices, unstable internet, and insufficient training. Teachers who employed mAR reported improved student engagement, enhanced visualization of complex concepts, and increased motivation and collaboration. mAR was most used during the engagement and exploration phases, particularly in anatomy and cell biology lessons. Despite challenges in curriculum alignment, technical support, and classroom management, most teachers acknowledge the potential of mAR to enrich Biology education. The study highlights the need for improved infrastructure, targeted professional development, and curriculum-aligned AR content to support wider adoption.

ABSTRACT Background Creativity, a universally present and essential trait in both education and daily life, plays a pivotal role in science education by fostering innovation and enhancing problem-solving skills. The SCAMPER technique, an acronym for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, and Reverse, is a structured brainstorming method designed to stimulate creative thinking and achievement. Purpose This study aimed to examine the effects of SCAMPER-based activities on 7th-grade students’ creative thinking and academic achievement in science, as well as to explore students’ perceptions of the SCAMPER technique. Participants The research sample comprised 43 7th-grade students, divided into an experimental group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 22). Design and methods A mixed-method research design was used in the research, integrating quantitative (pre/post-tests on creativity and academic achievement) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) approaches. Results SCAMPER activities led to statistically significant improvements in both creative thinking and science achievement, with higher gains observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. Qualitative data supported these findings, indicating that students found SCAMPER engaging and helpful for understanding science content and stimulating their imagination. The quantitative improvements in creativity and achievement were further supported by students’ qualitative feedback. For instance, the observed gain in ECAT scores aligns with student reflections emphasizing deeper understanding and active thinking. Conversely, students who reported fatigue or difficulty may account for the lack of uniform improvement, suggesting a divergence between test scores and perceived experience. This convergence and divergence of data types strengthen the study’s internal validity and highlight the multifaceted nature of SCAMPER’s influence. Conclusion The SCAMPER technique positively impacts students’ creativity, academic performance, and attitudes toward science. It provides a meaningful and engaging learning experience and offers a promising pedagogical tool for fostering creative thinking in science education.

Within the traditional era, public libraries were used to gain knowledge and enhance the user's intellect and access to books. In the digital era, these libraries have lost their true essence. However, social media strategies have aimed to revive and maintain the influence of public libraries on diverse communities. Hence, the current research aims to investigate public libraries' marketing strategies in the digital era. The research adopted a mixed-method research design, conducted from January 2023 to December 2023, to implement quantitative and qualitative assessments, including 650 participants selected through purposive sampling, to assess the individuals' perspectives on implementing marketing strategies in public libraries within the digital era. Moreover, the research conducted eight in-depth interviews with 20 library professionals to accentuate the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of library professionals when implementing marketing strategies in public libraries within the digital era. Case studies on specific libraries were conducted to assess the importance of social media and the digital presence of libraries. The research findings manifest. Public libraries should develop innovative strategies to maximize their marketing potential in the digital era. However, such advancements and efficiencies in using social media platforms will provide a better online reputation for public libraries while replenishing their need within the community.