Participant Pool Research Articles

Evaluation of Lumbar Spine on MRI in Young Adults presenting with Chronic Backaches

Objective: This study aimed to establish a correlation between clinical symptoms and MRI findings in individuals with chronic back pain. Methodology: This Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of four months after ethical approval in the Radiology department at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore. Acohort of 135 young adults were assessed through a consecutive sampling method and underwent lumbar spine MRI examinations. Results: The pool of participants in the study encompassed 42.2% males and 57.8% females, aged between 18 and 40 years, with an average age of 31.5 years and a standard deviation of 6.06. There were four prominent MRI findings: Lumbar Spondylosis (46%, Disc Degeneration (25%, Disc Bulge (10%), and Disc Desiccation (9%). The study also found significant correlations between these findings and clinical characteristics, with Lumbar Spondylosis linked to lower limb numbness and mobility difficulties, and Disc Bulge correlated with pain duration. Conclusion: The findings underscore the effectiveness of MRI scans in identifying underlying causes of chronic back pain in young adults in Pakistan. Keywords: Lumber spondylosis, disc degeneration, disc bulge, Lower Limb Numbness, and Magnetic Resonance Imagin

Abstract 4137516: Disparities in Participation: Analyzing Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity in Atrial Fibrillation Clinical Trials in the United States

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease that significantly impacts public health in the United States. Although numerous clinical trials aim to optimize AF management, concerns about demographic disparities in trial participation persist. This study assesses the representation of age, sex, race, and ethnicity among participants in AF trials conducted in the US, highlighting potential biases that could affect the generalizability of trial outcomes. Methods: An extensive review of clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov involving patients with AF up to April 2024 was performed. The search was filtered to include all completed interventional trials across phases 2 to 4 without restrictions on the initiation or completion dates. Data were extracted concerning mean age, age distribution, sex, and the racial and ethnic composition of the trial participants. Results: From the 173 trials analyzed, a total of 1,355,239 participants were included, with an average age of 64.7 years. The demographic breakdown revealed a participant pool consisting predominantly of older adults (>65 years: 70.8%), with a significant underrepresentation of the younger age group (18-65 years: 29.2%). Males constituted 65.2% of the trial population, highlighting a gender imbalance. Racially, 74.1% of participants were White, while African Americans (7.7%) and Asians (5.9%) and other racial groups were notably underrepresented. Ethnic disparities were also evident, with Hispanic participants making up only 11.5% of the study population. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate significant disparities in the age, sex, race, and ethnic backgrounds of AF clinical trial participants in the US. These imbalances could potentially limit the applicability of trial results across the broader, diverse population. Efforts to enhance the diversity of clinical trial cohorts are essential to ensure more equitable health outcomes and the universal applicability of clinical research findings. Future strategies should focus on targeted recruitment and inclusive study designs to address these disparities.

Exploring the utilization and deficiencies of Generative Artificial Intelligence in students’ cognitive and emotional needs: a systematic mini-review

Despite advances in educational technology, the specific ways in which Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and Large Language Models cater to learners’ nuanced cognitive and emotional needs are not fully understood. This mini-review methodically describes GAI’s practical implementations and limitations in meeting these needs. It included journal and conference papers from 2019 to 2024, focusing on empirical studies that employ GAI tools in educational contexts while addressing their practical utility and ethical considerations. The selection criteria excluded non-English studies, non-empirical research, and works published before 2019. From the dataset obtained from Scopus and Web of Science as of June 18, 2024, four significant studies were reviewed. These studies involved tools like ChatGPT and emphasized their effectiveness in boosting student engagement and emotional regulation through interactive learning environments with instant feedback. Nonetheless, the review reveals substantial deficiencies in GAI’s capacity to promote critical thinking and maintain response accuracy, potentially leading to learner confusion. Moreover, the ability of these tools to tailor learning experiences and offer emotional support remains limited, often not satisfying individual learner requirements. The findings from the included studies suggest limited generalizability beyond specific GAI versions, with studies being cross-sectional and involving small participant pools. Practical implications underscore the need to develop teaching strategies leveraging GAI to enhance critical thinking. There is also a need to improve the accuracy of GAI tools’ responses. Lastly, deep analysis of intervention approval is needed in cases where GAI does not meet acceptable error margins to mitigate potential negative impacts on learning experiences.

Understanding an emerging maker community in India: Socio-demographic traits, motivations, and satisfaction factors

Makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular due to their capacity for hands-on learning, innovation, collaboration, and the democratisation of technology. While numerous studies have explored makerspace users, they have largely focused on contexts within the Global North or China, leaving a significant gap in understanding the demographics and experiences of individuals who frequent these spaces in the Global South. The paper addresses this gap by understanding the factors influencing the motivations and satisfaction levels of an emerging community of makerspace users in India. Employing a cross-sectional survey methodology, data from 51 participants were collected via an online questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression. Key findings indicate that access to specialised tools, expert guidance, and opportunities for personal and professional development are significant motivators for makerspace usage. Users expressed high satisfaction with the learning opportunities and resources provided. The study concludes that makerspaces play a crucial role in supporting innovation and professional growth in the Indian context, suggesting that policymakers and educators should consider these insights to enhance the effectiveness and reach of makerspaces, thus promoting broader innovation ecosystems. Future research should aim to include a more diverse participant pool to validate and expand upon these findings.

Community Nursing Practice in Hypertension Management in China: Qualitative Analysis Using a Bourdieusian Framework.

This study explores the practices of Chinese community nurses in hypertension management, using Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice to understand how their routines are shaped by sociocultural and institutional forces, along with their professional dispositions. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Shenzhen, China, between March and June 2024, and is reported following the COREQ guidelines. Eighteen nurses, each with at least 1 year of full-time experience in hypertension care within the local community healthcare system, were recruited from a participant pool established through prior research. Face-to-face individual semistructured interviews were conducted using a structured interview protocol, and data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Community nurses face tensions between traditional health beliefs and modern hypertension care, as well as institutional pressures that prioritize efficiency over personalized care. Power imbalances, particularly the authority of doctors, complicate their role. However, nurses adapt their care strategies through embodied practices, balancing clinical standards with patient needs. Community nurses are not mere enforcers of guidelines but adaptive professionals who navigate complex sociocultural norms, institutional demands, and power dynamics in hypertension care. This study underscores the necessity for flexible, culturally sensitive practices to improve public health outcomes.

A qualitative study of pelvic health physiotherapists’ experiences of non-medical prescribing in the UK

The Department of Health promoted non-medical prescribing (NMP) to improve patient access to medicine, enhance public health and recognize the expertise of healthcare professionals. Pelvic health physiotherapists (PHPs) can optimize NMP for those with pelvic floor conditions. It is pertinent to understand the experiences of this under-researched group in order to facilitate implementation. The aim of this study was to explore PHPs’ experiences of NMP in their clinical practice. Purposive sampling recruited five participants. A qualitative descriptive study was completed using one focus group and two semi-structured interviews. These were completed using video conferencing alongside a topic guide. Verbatim transcripts were checked and verified by the participants. The data were interpreted using thematic analysis. Three themes with associated subthemes were identified. The themes were: the perceived value of NMP; the impact of organizational governance on NMP; and the impact of self-efficacy on NMP. Recommendations to improve implementation in practice that could be considered included: adequate managerial provision for NMP training; national governance development; peer support; prescription funding; speciality-specific continuing professional development; further pharmacology training for physiotherapists; and easy access to patient information. Further research into the clinical and economic impact of NMP that involves a larger pool of participants will: improve data quality and rigour; confirm results; and provide further recommendations.

Merit-Based Sortition in Decentralized Systems

In decentralized systems, it is often necessary to select an 'active' subset of participants from the total participant pool, with the goal of satisfying computational limitations or optimizing resource efficiency. This selection can sometimes be made at random, mirroring the sortition practice invented in classical antiquity aimed at achieving a high degree of statistical representativeness. However, the recent emergence of specialized decentralized networks that solve concrete coordination problems and are characterized by measurable success metrics often requires prioritizing performance optimization over representativeness. We introduce a simple algorithm for 'merit-based sortition', in which the quality of each participant influences its probability of being drafted into the active set, while simultaneously retaining representativeness by allowing inactive participants an infinite number of chances to be drafted into the active set with non-zero probability. Using a suite of numerical experiments, we demonstrate that our algorithm boosts the quality metric describing the performance of the active set by >2 times the intrinsic stochasticity. This implies that merit-based sortition ensures a statistically significant performance boost to the drafted, 'active' set, while retaining the property of classical, random sortition that it enables upward mobility from a much larger 'inactive' set. This way, merit-based sortition fulfils a key requirement for decentralized systems in need of performance optimization.

Online complementary interventions for the development of social communication in children during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

For elementary school children, engaging in diverse communication experiences with peers of varying ages during free play is crucial for developing social adaptability. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented interruption to this learning process, as the new school year in Japan, which typically starts in April, began with widespread school closures. A novel intervention was implemented to address the ongoing societal constraints of the “stay-at-home” mandate and the uncertainty surrounding its duration. This intervention aimed to facilitate and promote peer communication while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infection. It utilized then-unfamiliar Internet-based conferencing systems on Children’s Day, 1 month into the new school year. We explored two main analytical aspects to enhance the efficacy of this communication method: first, the types of play proposed by children that attracted the highest participation from unfamiliar peers; second, the duration of participation and communication, particularly regarding age and gender differences. Remarkably, despite only 2 days’ notice, 15 children aged 4 – 14 from five different, previously unknown communities located 1,000 km apart participated enthusiastically. In the first investigation, 12 types of play were introduced by the children. The most engaging activities included collaborative drawing on a shared online whiteboard and a scavenger hunt for specified objects. Notably, older children participated significantly longer in the online presenter’s activities, while younger children preferred to play within their own community. This study proposes that online conferencing can facilitate social interaction among children during pandemics. The intervention successfully fostered collaborative play among children of varying ages and from distant locations. In addition, the findings indicate the necessity to adjust the quality and focus of interventions based on age-specific psychological development. Further verification with more implementation examples and a larger participant pool is required.

Teachers' and Principals' Familiarity with School Wellness Policy: A Health Promoting Schools Assessment.

The current study explored teacher and principal familiarity with school wellness polices in primary schools, including who serves on school wellness committees, and who should implement and enforce wellness policies in the school. An electronic survey guided by the Health Promoting Schools framework was administered from February to May 2020 to teachers and principals from one urban and one suburban school district in the Midwestern United States. There were 450 participants; response rates were 28% (urban), 33% (suburban), and 51% (school principals). Only 41.7% of the aggregate participant pool were familiar with their wellness policy. Participants were more familiar in the suburban compared to the urban district (χ2 = 68.2, p-value ≤ 0.001). Teachers/health teachers, nurses, and principals were most likely to be on wellness committees, and the most preferred wellness champions were teachers, nurses, and food service staff. Teachers and nurses are integral to school wellness and health education as part of multiple systems that can promote school health. The Health Promoting Schools framework is useful for guiding examinations to improve understanding of school wellness within school communities.

Relational representation: Speaking with and not about Nature

The transnational movement to recognise the rights of Nature continues to fuel experimentation by a growing number of jurisdictions in legal form, content, powers, and governance arrangements. In this paper, we focus on the mechanisms through which Nature is represented in various ways. There is enormous diversity in representational arrangements, but there is no clarity on precisely who should be representing Nature, or how Nature can be represented in human spaces, or even what the intent of this representation is (or should be). We describe a spectrum of representation that ranges from speaking about, to speaking for, to speaking with the natural entity. We develop a model of relational representation that shows the power of speaking with Nature to not only develop relations between the representatives and the natural entity, but also to enable a broader dialogue of knowledges with a wider pool of participants. By examining four case studies (the Mar Menor in Spain, the Río Atrato in Colombia, the Birrarung/Yarra River in Australia and Te Awa Tupua/Whanganui River in Aotearoa New Zealand), we show how these diverse representational models are moving towards the relational end of the spectrum, and identify the challenges and opportunities of relational representation of Nature.

Causal Inference Over a Subpopulation: The Effect of Malaria Vaccine in Women During Pregnancy.

Preventing malaria during pregnancy is of critical importance, yet there are no approved malaria vaccines for pregnant women due to lack of efficacy results within this population. Conducting a randomized trial in pregnant women throughout the entire duration of pregnancy is impractical. Instead, a randomized trial was conducted among women of childbearing potential (WOCBP), and some participants became pregnant during the 2-year study. We explore a statistical method for estimating vaccine effect within the target subpopulation-women who can naturally become pregnant, namely, women who can become pregnant under a placebo condition-within the causal inference framework. Two vaccine effect estimators are employed to effectively utilize baseline characteristics and account for the fact that certain baseline characteristics were only available from pregnant participants. The first estimator considers all participants but can only utilize baseline variables collected from the entire participant pool. In contrast, the second estimator, which includes only pregnant participants, utilizes all available baseline information. Both estimators are evaluated numerically through simulation studies and applied to the WOCBP trial to assess vaccine effect against pregnancy malaria.

Increasing benefits in one-time public goods does not promote cooperation

The long tradition of research on cooperation includes a well-established finding that individuals respond to the degree of conflict between self- and collective interests (that is, the relative benefits from cooperation) in providing public goods. Existing empirical evidence builds upon settings where participants make multiple decisions or strategically consider alternative scenarios. Here, we consider a decision setting where participants face a one-time (single-decision) setting. One-time cooperative encounters often occur in volunteering or donating to immediate needs for crisis relief. For these distinct and highly relevant settings, we report a lack of responsiveness to increases in cooperation benefits, thereby highlighting limits to our understanding of the determinants of one-time cooperation encounters. Across two studies, n = 2,232 individuals participate in treatments where we vary across participants the relative benefit from contributing to a public good (that is, the marginal per capita return, the MPCR). We examine decisions from alternative participant pools (UK general population vs. students), implementations varying the physical distance between participants (online vs. in the laboratory), and more complex decision settings considering group-to-group interactions including not only providers but also donors to public goods. Throughout, neither average contribution levels, nor the distribution of contributions are significantly affected by the increases in cooperation benefits. The mechanism behind these results can be explained by the close correlation between expectations of other's cooperation and own cooperation, and the fact that these expectations do not increase with higher benefits from cooperation.

Impact of Motivational Factors on Employee Performance on Banking Industry in Nepal

This research investigates the impact of motivational factors on employee performance within the Nepalese banking industry, a sector critical for the nation's financial stability and economic growth. Recent growth in Nepal's banking sector, driven by factors such as increased financial inclusion and technological advancements, underscores the need for a highly motivated and productive workforce. Employee performance, defined as the measurable contribution of an individual to organizational goals, is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. This study explores the relationship between motivation and performance, drawing on need-based theories, goal-setting theory, and social cognitive theory, while considering Nepal's unique socio-cultural context. This study investigates the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors on employee performance within the banking sector in Nepal. Data were collected from 350 respondents across various banks through online surveys, with a pilot test conducted to ensure clarity and reliability. The survey assessed both types of motivational factors and their influence on employee performance. Demographic analysis provided key insights into the participant pool, enhancing the understanding of the sample's characteristics. The findings underscore the importance of both intrinsic factors, such as job satisfaction and professional development, and extrinsic factors, including competitive salaries and job security, as key motivators for employee performance. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of cultural values, such as collectivism and respect for hierarchy, in shaping employee motivation in Nepal. By employing a descriptive research design and rigorous methodological steps, including statistical analysis using SPSS, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the motivational landscape in Nepal's banking sector. The insights gained can guide banks in developing effective strategies to enhance employee motivation and performance, contributing to the overall success and growth of the industry.

Key Factors Influencing Urban Regenerative Strategies in Public Open Spaces: A Case-Study in Lhasa

Abstract In the last decades, significant efforts have been made in urban construction to achieve rapid economic development. However, with climate change on the agenda, there is a growing recognition of the importance of urban sustainable development and of its potential impacts on residents. Reflection reveals that many policies, measures, and tools are inadequate; therefore, public open spaces are regarded as a potential target of urban regeneration strategies. This study explores users’ perceptions of public open spaces through participatory methods. The developed methodology is applied to specific areas of Lhasa, the major city of the Tibet region, which was selected as a test-bed site. The survey involved a selected pool of participants and emphasized the coverage of different types of public open spaces. Investigate factors including personal background, overall satisfaction, user evaluation, usage preference, and willingness to change, analyze key factors based on quantitative survey results. Subsequently, identify the key regenerative design elements that require highlighting. The findings indicate that comfort and safety are emphasized by users of all types of public open spaces. Additionally, their initial impression upon entering a space significantly influences their overall satisfaction with it. Besides, although individual background differences play a role, they are not sufficient to significantly influence the user’s evaluation of the space. However, variations in the purpose of space use result in differences in user evaluations and needs, impacting their attitudes based on the type of space. Finally, urban regeneration design strategies are proposed for various types of public open spaces and users.

Relationship between Employees Social Media Addiction and Workplace Procrastination: Preferance for Organization as a Moderator

Workplace procrastination is a major area of concern in the modern workplace especially since there has been an uptrend in the use of social media worldwide. Worsening workplace procrastination is often attributed to increased social media use. However, some studies show positive effects of time management skills on procrastination. As such, this study explores the moderating effect of Preference for Organization (PFO) (a facet of time management behavior) on the relationship between employees' social media addiction (SMA) and workplace procrastination (WP). Employees from both private and public sector organizations residing in Rawalpindi and Islamabad were included in the sample. Convenience sampling was used to ensure a large pool of participants to improve statistical power of findings. Employed (329) men and (171) women between the ages of 22 and 50 (M=39.60, SD=.47) were included in the study. The questionnaire for the study included the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Workplace Procrastination Scale (WPS), and the Preference for Organization (PFO) subscale of the Time Management Behavior Scale (TMBS). Results for the moderation analysis, Model 1 of Process macro, show that there was a significant effect of SMA and PFO on procrastination and a significant interaction effect of SMA and PFO on WP, such that an increase in PFO can reduce the effects of SMA on workplace procrastination. The study highlights the importance of improving employee training and introducing programs in organizations that help increase an organized way of working to improve productivity and reduce procrastination.

Cross-sectional study on the prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in young athletes

Background. Joint traumas often cause post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), especially in young high-impact athletes. PTOA is a primary cause of early-onset osteoarthritis, yet this group has a low diagnostic rate. The goal of this cross-sectional study is to investigate how common PTOA is in youth athletes and what risk factors they face. Methods. At Dehradun’s Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, 100 athletes aged 18-35-yearold participated in the study. Sports like athletics, cricket, football, rugby, and basketball added to the participant pool. Included criteria were joint trauma; excluded were congenital joint conditions or no traumatic osteoarthritis. Data collection included clinical exams, imaging (X-rays and MRI), and a detailed questionnaire about the athlete’s past, injuries, and rehabilitation. The main objective was PTOA incidence, while secondary outcomes assessed risk factors such sport, injury severity, and trauma duration. All statistical studies utilize logistic regression and Chi-square testing, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results. PTOA affected the knee (25%), ankle (18%), and hip (8%), with a total prevalence of 35%. The majority of PTOA patients had ligament tears, mostly ACLs. Football and rugby players had a 2.5-fold increased risk of PTOA. The risk was 3.1% higher for athletes with major injuries including fractures or dislocations. The time after the event also affected PTOA; damage older than five years was more likely. Conclusion. Results demonstrate that youth athletes often have ankle and knee PTOA. Early detection, prevention, and monitoring can reduce PTOA in this group. Identifying specific therapy to reduce joint injuries’ long-term effects requires more research.

(Not) in my city: An explorative study on social acceptance of photovoltaic installations on buildings

Existing buildings provide high surface potential for photovoltaic (PV) installations. When deciding whether a building is suitable for solar energy harvesting, social acceptance needs to be considered. While PV is accepted in general, research regarding the acceptance of PV for specific types of buildings is sparse. In two explorative studies, we investigated the building-specific acceptance of PV installations, taking new PV module designs into account.The aim of the first study (N = 76, passersby in the Botanical Garden, Freiburg i. Br. Germany who volunteered to participate) was to investigate which PV module designs are accepted for different buildings. Six different PV crystalline silicon module prototypes varying in color and surface structure were presented on an exhibition table. Using a paper-pencil-survey, participants rated the modules and combined them with presented buildings. Results show that depending on the building, different modules were favored whereby PV modules were chosen mostly due to color integration.In a second study (N = 109, recruited from the participant pool of the institute of psychology, University of Freiburg, Germany, mostly students, and in social media), participants indicated their acceptance of a PV installation for 24 different buildings in an online survey. Results revealed that social acceptance for PV installations on buildings was generally high and was even higher if the PV module was aesthetically integrated or invisibly. PV modules on historical buildings (including a church) were less accepted than on modern buildings. Yet for invisible PV modules, there were no acceptance differences between buildings. Building variables were found to be more important to predict building-specific acceptance than person-related variables such as environmental concerns, values or political attitude.Taken together, the study gives a first insight into the subject of the social acceptance of urban PV installations. Results underline the importance of aesthetic integration and (in)visibility for PV installation on buildings.

Optimizing Stroke Care Transitions: A Patient-Centered Discharge Program for Caregivers

Inadequate discharge planning can worsen long-term outcomes for patients with stroke, delaying their recovery. Equipping caregivers with the knowledge to manage rehabilitation needs is crucial for facilitating a smooth hospital-to-home transition. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of a “Patient-Centered Discharge Program for Caregivers” on the comprehensiveness and clarity of discharge advice provided to caregivers of stroke survivors. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study compared a control group receiving standard discharge planning and an experimental group receiving the “Patient-Centered Discharge Program for Caregivers.” 62 caregivers of stroke survivors formed the participant pool. The program focused on various comprehensive discharge advice domains delivered to the caregivers. The discharge advice, knowledge, and skills of caregivers regarding stroke care were assessed on the day of discharge through questionnaires and checklists. Compared to the control group, the discharge instructions of the experimental group became more comprehensive and clear, with a significant improvement in knowledge and skills regarding stroke care ( p < .05). The knowledge scores of the caregivers showed a statistically significant difference from the control group, with a mean difference of 8.78. ( p < .05). The experimental group demonstrated good skills in nearly all procedures compared to the control group, including oral care, range of motion exercises, feeding, suctioning, and back care ( p < .05). The “Patient-Centered Discharge Program for Caregivers” led to the delivery of more comprehensive discharge instructions, subsequently increasing caregivers’ knowledge. It highlights the benefits of such programs in equipping caregivers for effective discharge planning, with future research needed to evaluate long-term benefits. Trial/Protocol Registration: Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI) CTRI/2023/07/055602 Link: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=89913&EncHid=35558.64662&modid=1&compid=19

Factors Influencing Attitude towards Adaptation of AI among Business Students

This study examines the attitudes of business students in the Kathmandu Valley towards the adaptation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). A sample of 185 respondents participated in the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The research focused on business education due to the critical importance of skills such as critical thinking, research proficiency, and effective communication. The study assessed five factors influencing student attitudes towards AI adaptation: exposure to AI, trust in AI technology, awareness and knowledge of AI, behavioral intentions towards AI use, and personal experiences with AI. The findings confirm a positive relationship between business students’ attitudes toward using AI and the identified influencing factors. The study suggests conducting future research through longitudinal studies to track attitude changes after students enter the workforce. It also recommends expanding the participant pool to include diverse disciplines and universities across Nepal for better generalizability. Additionally, exploring how negative AI experiences impact attitudes, addressing selection bias through varied data collection methods, and assessing AI's effects on psychomotor and critical thinking skills are advised.

Domain-specific research methods in instructed second language acquisition: A next step for research integrity and impact

Abstract Instructed second language acquisition (ISLA) is one of the fastest growing areas of applied linguistics. With this tremendous potential comes great responsibility for robust, ethical, and transparent research methods that are responsive to and tailored for the ISLA domain. This article highlights unique characteristics of ISLA research, provides a current landscape of methodological trends within ISLA, and makes specific recommendations for research methods in future ISLA studies. I begin by briefly operationalizing ISLA and articulating some of the main research questions and overarching goals within ISLA, as well as the nature and ultimate aims of ISLA research. Next, the most unique methodological challenges for ISLA research are reviewed, including the use of intact classes and heterogeneous small participant pools, cross-sectional studies, using one’s own students for research, and individual differences. This is followed by a discussion of several current trends in ISLA research methods, including examining the process of learning/development, conducting practice-based research, expanding our conceptualization of instructional contexts, replication studies, especially with bi/multilingual learners in diverse contexts, refining our methods with an eye for ethics and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and conducting open, transparent research that has potential for real-world impact and which dialogues with multiple stakeholders at all stages. I conclude by highlighting that, as ISLA continues as an independent research domain, the development and implementation of strong research methods tailored for ISLA is critical for research integrity and to make the greatest strides in understanding language acquisition processes and effective pedagogical interventions in diverse instructional contexts.