Research Paradigm Research Articles

Probing university teachers’ self-study experiences: insights from a systematic review spanning two decades

ABSTRACT This systematic review examines self-study literature within higher education from 2002 to 2022, aiming to delineate the landscape of this emergent research paradigm by identifying salient research trends, insights, and contributions. Findings reveal a continuum of motivational orientations among researchers, ranging from practice-driven to self-exploratory. Emphasizing a predominant qualitative research orientation, the self-study process centers on exploring researchers’ own practices, learning journeys, and identities within their institutional and socio-cultural contexts. While this review depicts the professional gains of self-studies, including improvements in pedagogy, social and emotional growth, as well as personal and existential reflections, it also identifies challenges such as accommodating diverse perspectives, navigating power dynamics, and managing emotional intensity. Various strategies in the reviewed studies are identified to tackle these challenges, including situating concerns and issues within the larger institutional and socio-cultural discourse, drawing on relevant theories and literature as a conceptual basis, and building upon a democratic and respectful relationship. The review concludes by offering research directions for university teachers interested in conducting self-studies to seek their professional development.

Why should we think about social justice in science communication?

What is science communication for? We argue that science communication can be framed, reimagined and transformed in service of social justice, which is what the papers in this special issue examine. We understand the vocabulary of “social justice” to signal the centring of critical research and practice paradigms, an ethical commitment to righting wrongs, building equity for all human beings and the broader ideal of improving the world [Fraser, 2003; Sen, 2009; Young, 1990]. We argue that bringing critical social justice lenses to science communication can usefully interrogate, rethink and ultimately reshape our field. This special issue examines both critical perspectives on science communication and what equitable transformations might entail.

The role of individual differences in second language pragmatics: A systematic review

AbstractThe current systematic review aims to understand the role of individual differences (IDs) in second language (L2) pragmatics and offer recommendations for further research in this domain. To achieve this, 86 empirical studies in L2 pragmatics published in SSCI (Social Science Citation Index) journals from 2000 to 2023 were systematically selected and coded for IDs, pragmatic features and modalities investigated, methodological orientation, and research findings. The significance of this review paper is the inclusion of both qualitative and quantitative findings and the identification of research trends in the last two decades. This inclusive approach allowed us to reveal the extent to which ID factors were studied within the classic research paradigm (i.e., the influence of IDs in isolation) and the socio‐dynamic research paradigm (i.e., the combined influence of IDs and context over time). Findings revealed that the IDs identified (L2 proficiency, identity, intercultural competence, language mindsets, willingness to communicate, motivation, and cognitive factors) exerted considerable influence on L2 pragmatic competence. Accounting for research gaps, trends in methodology, and findings in the area, we provide specific recommendations for future research to bring the study of L2 pragmatics in line with the ‘affective turn’ in second language acquisition.

Studying high-energy nuclear physics with machine learning

The research paradigm in physics has evolved through three distinct phases: empirical observation and induction, theoretical modeling and deduction and computational numerical analysis and simulation. We are now situated within a novel epoch wherein the scientific research paradigm is increasingly shaped by the preeminence of large-scale data and artificial intelligence, particularly within the realm of AI for science applications. The advent of high-energy colliders coupled with Monte Carlo simulations has given rise to an unprecedented accumulation of data. Nested within this transformative research paradigm, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies have been extensively harnessed for the analysis of these vast data sets. Within the domain of high-energy nuclear physics, two prevalent machine learning techniques have emerged: Bayesian analysis and deep learning. The former employs comprehensive fitting methodologies that compare extensive data sets against theoretical models, enabling the extraction of critical information pertaining to the initial nuclear structure, parton distributions, the equation of state governing hot and dense nuclear matter, and the transport coefficients of the quark–gluon plasma, among other parameters. Conversely, the latter capitalizes on the unparalleled pattern recognition capabilities of deep learning to discern robust features from high-dimensional raw data, specifically targeting individual physical parameters. This paper elucidates the fundamental principles of machine learning and delineates its potential to augment high-energy nuclear physics research endeavors.

The Effect of Long-Term Learning of BaduanJin on Emotion Regulation: Evidence from Resting-State Frontal EEG Asymmetry.

Baduanjin, as a Chinese traditional fitness exercise, can help people regulate emotions and promote their physical and psychological health. However, the underlying neural mechanisms have not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to examine the effects of differences in the level of Baduanjin learning on individuals' brain and psychological response related to emotion regulation. Twenty-two participants with long-term Baduanjin learning (for more than one year), and 21 participants with short-term Baduanjin learning (for approximately three months) were recruited. All participants were asked to do a complete 12-minute set of Baduanjin. Before and after doing Baduanjin, their resting-state EEG signals were collected, besides, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) were used to assess participants' emotion regulation strategies and abilities. The results of psychological measurement indicated that participants in the long-term group were more likely to use cognitive reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy compared to participants in the short-term group (p<0.05). Moreover, the analysis of the frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) showed that participants in the long-term group rather than the short-term group exhibited significant left lateralization after doing Baduanjin (p<0.05). The findings provide preliminary evidence for the neural mechanism underlying how long-term Baduanjin learning promotes individuals' emotion regulation indexed by FAA. The study provides a new paradigm for research on how Baduanjin affects emotional regulation.

Measuring the Replicability of our own Research

In the study of transgenic mouse models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, we use batteries of tests to measure deficits in behaviour and from the results of these tests, we make inferences about the mental states of the mice that we interpret as deficits in "learning", "memory", "anxiety", "depression", etc. This paper discusses the problems of determining whether a particular transgenic mouse is a valid mouse model of disease X, the problem of background strains, and the question of whether our behavioural tests are measuring what we say they are. The problem of the reliability of results is then discussed: are they replicable between labs and can we replicate our results in our own lab? This involves the study of intra- and inter- experimenter reliability. The variables that influence replicability and the importance of conducting a complete behavioural phenotype: sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional behaviour are discussed. Then the thorny question of failure to replicate is examined: Is it a curse or a blessing? Finally, the role of failure in research and what it tells us about our research paradigms is examined.

The speech genre specifics of educational audio podcasts

In the modern media field, new formats implemented in the Internet space are gaining more and more popularity. Convergent processes generate new forms of media content. One of these phenomena is the audio podcast, which is currently not sufficiently studied, many aspects need scientific reflection. In particular, the speech-genre specificity of audio podcasts is of research interest. The object of the undertaken research is educational audio podcasts presented on the platform Smotrim.ru ("100 Minutes" – 26 issues, "Literary squabbles" – 11 issues, "Conversations about literature" – 14 issues, "Diary of his Wife" – 11 issues) and Polka.academy ("Between the lines" – 17 issues), published from 2021 to 2024. The purpose of the article is to identify and describe the basic secondary speech genre, representing its primary speech genres objectified in the media texts under study. To achieve the stated goal, both general scientific research methods and private techniques used in media linguistics and media stylistics are used – comparison and interpretation of linguistic facts, speech-genre analysis of media texts. The study of media texts in the context of speech genre studies is relevant and promising, since this research paradigm allows us to identify and describe the basic structural elements of the genre, communicative specifics, intentions and roles of the addressee, to determine the linguistic and stylistic originality of the represented texts. The article presents various points of view on the phenomenon of audio podcasting, formulates its definition, which takes into account not only the technical properties of audio podcasts, but also their content specifics, provides classifications of audio podcasts, systematizes approaches to understanding and researching speech genres, identifies and characterizes the basic secondary speech genre of informative conversation, as well as dominant primary speech included in its structure genres.

New Paradigm for Economic and Financial Research With Generative AI: Impact and Perspective

New Paradigm for Economic and Financial Research With Generative AI: Impact and Perspective

Virtual physical framework reveals vortex-induced vibration “Soar” and “Death” for a bluff body at high Reynolds numbers

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a bluff body is well known as a canonical phenomenon in complex fluid–structure interactions (FSI). However, our understanding and physical theories of this phenomenon are still restricted to a lower Reynolds number (Re) range owing to the limitations of experimental fluid mechanics. Herein, we describe a virtual physical framework (VPF) capable of editing and controlling the physical parameters of an actual physical system with high fidelity by combining numerical disciplinary and mechanical actuators. We demonstrated the effectiveness of applying a VPF to address the experimental fluid mechanical challenges of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) for a bluff body at a high Re by virtualizing a large, flexibly mounted rigid cylindrical system. We observed the VIV evolution of the bluff body at different Re values. Notably, the VIV appears in its “soar” stages with unexpected amplitudes of 2.4 D, nearly 200% higher than the traditionally acknowledged value at approximately Re = 2.0E5, while suddenly entering into its “death” stages with no vibrations over the critical Re region. The dissynchrony changes in the energy dissipation and input with Re caused by drag and excitation forces in the fluid system were further found to result in these VIV phenomena. This discovery upsets previous perceptions of VIVs and raises profound questions regarding related engineering projects. The VPF also opens a promising paradigm in experimental research for accelerating scientific discovery and investigating unaddressed classical physical phenomena.

Emerging paradigms in prebiotics research: implications for human health and nutrition

Emerging paradigms in prebiotics research: implications for human health and nutrition

Pan-tumor circulating tumor DNA testing in the community oncology setting.

e14556 Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) technology allows for monitoring the genomic profile of cancer over time non-invasively, and in a way that is more representative of existing tumor clones than tissue sampling. The clinical and research applications of this new technology are numerous, and they are potentiated through serial ctDNA testing of individual patients. It is important to identify and characterize real-world data sets that will permit the development of both ctDNA’s clinical and research applications. Methods: This is an observational study of breast, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal and prostate cancer patients who had ctDNA testing in The US Oncology Network from August 2014 to August 2023. All unique ctDNA reports per patient were collected, along with the report dates and patient characteristics. Rate of change in number of unique reports per month through time was evaluated as well as frequencies of serial testing and median time lapse between diagnosis and date of first ctDNA test by cancer type. Results: Number of new unique ctDNA testing reports per month increased for The US Oncology Network from 2014 through 2018 at a rate of 0.86 (95% CI [0.70, 1.02]). From 2018 to 2023 this rate increased to 5.87 (95% CI [5.16, 6.59]) new reports per month. The total number of unique patients with one of the 4 cancer indications and at least one ctDNA test during the study time period was 10,852. The cancer indication with greatest number of patients with ctDNA testing is NSCLC with 5,503 patients, followed by breast with 2,408, and colorectal and prostate with 1,544 and 1,397 respectively. Black patients were equally represented across all 4 cancers at rates of 13.6% for colorectal, 12.7% for breast, and 12% for NSCLC and prostate. Patients over 65 made up 66% for prostate and NSCLC but only 38% and 32% for colorectal and breast respectively. Most patients presented with a single ctDNA test (n = 9482), but an important proportion presented with 2 serial ctDNA tests or more (n = 1370, 12.6%).The median time between either cancer diagnosis date or date of first visit in The Network and the date of the first ctDNA test report was 39 days for NSCLC, 1,690 days for breast, 377 days for colorectal and 772 days for prostate, and presented with a skewed, long right tailed distribution. Median times were similar for Black and White patients across all cancers. Conclusions: The number of patients with ctDNA testing data available is increasing through time without evidence of plateauing. Although the total number of patients represented is still a very small fraction of the total patient population, the rate of increase in number of new reports through time is equivalent to an exponential increase in the total number of reports. 12.6% of patients presented with two tests or more, potentially allowing for pre and post treatment assessments. There’s an opportunity to better align cancer research and cancer treatment paradigms with this new technology.

Research approaches and paradigms in the study of the cultural environment of the city

The subject of the study is a set of approaches and paradigms chosen by the authors to study the cultural environment of the city. The purpose of the work: a theoretical analysis of the variety of approaches to the definition of "cultural environment" in relation to the original category "culture." The object of the study is the definition of "culture" and "cultural environment" as part of the methodology for researching the cultural environment. The author considers in detail such aspects of the topic as general ideas about the cultural space, association with the category "culture" and features of the new, and integrative approach, according to which the cultural environment appears as a really perceived physical space, the area of implementation of cultural activities within the framework of socio-cultural communities, individual persons, axiological component of the cultural environment in the system of value coordinates, motivations and meanings, combination of axiological, information-semiotic and perceptual-aesthetic approaches to the study of the cultural environment. The relevance of the study consists in the need to understand the variety of research approaches to the study of the cultural environment, aimed at developing models of cultural policy at the regional and municipal levels. The scientific novelty of the study lies in understanding the essence of methodological paradigms emanating from the integrative definition of the cultural environment of the city. Another conclusion is related to the fact that culture in general, and the cultural environment in particular, determines axiological parameters, sets a system of value coordinates, motivations and meanings for man and humanity. The results of the work consist in understanding the existing methodological approaches to the study of the cultural environment of the city, determined by its integrative definition. The scope of the results: the scope of regional and municipal cultural policy.

Field survey data for conservation: Evaluating suitable habitat of Chinese pangolin at the county-level in eastern China (2000-2040).

The scarcity of up-to-date data on the distribution and dynamics of the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) presented a significant challenge in developing effective conservation strategies and implementing protective measures within China. Currently, most of China's national-level nature reserves and administrative departments operate at the county level, thereby limiting the applicability of larger-scale analyses and studies for these administrative entities. This study employed 11 widely used modeling techniques created within the Biomod2 framework to predict suitable habitats for the pangolin at the county scale, while examining the correlation between environmental variables and pangolin distribution. The results revealed that highly suitable habitats in Mingxi County of China encompassed only 49 km2. Within the county-managed nature reserve, the proportion of highly suitable habitats reached as high as 52%. However, nearly half of these areas, both moderately and highly suitable habitats, remained inadequately addressed and conserved. We found nine administrative villages that necessitated prioritized conservation efforts. The study anticipated an overall expansion in suitable habitats over the ensuing two decades, with significant growth projected in the eastern regions of Xiayang and Hufang Town. This research offered a clear and applicable research paradigm for the specific administrative level at which China operates, particularly pertinent to county-level jurisdictions with established nature reserves.

Integration of physical information and reaction mechanism data for surrogate prediction model and multi-objective optimization of glycolic acid production

With the continuous development of the chemical industry, the concept of advocating green development has become increasingly popular. Glycolic acid (GA), serving as the monomer for biodegradable plastic polyglycolic acid, plays a crucial role in combating plastic pollution and fostering an eco-friendly society. The selective oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) to produce GA represents a novel green production technology. Controlling reaction parameters to achieve multi-objective optimization of product distribution and direct CO2 emissions is crucial for scaling up the process. With the advent of the big data era, the integration of the chemical industry with artificial intelligence to achieve engineering scale-up is an important trend. This study proposes a neural network model for production prediction and optimization. The model is trained using experimental data, reaction mechanism data, and physical information, enabling rapid prediction of GA production. After validating with 40% of experimental data and 16% of reaction mechanism data, the model's prediction error was within ±5%, and the linear correlation coefficient R2 between the predicted values and actual values was 0.998. Furthermore, this study integrated a multi-objective optimization algorithm based on the model, enabling surrogate optimization of reaction parameters during production. After optimization, the direct CO2 emissions were reduced by over 99% and overall greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 4.6%. The research paradigm proposed in this research can offer guidance and technical support for the optimized operation of EG selective oxidation to GA.

Exploring the Enchantment: Projection Mapping Storybook in Early Childhood Classrooms of Malaysia

The use of Projection Mapping storybooks has been integrated into many schools across the world, especially in this modern era where technology plays a very important role in education. The research in question explores the effects of this wonderful technology in early childhood classrooms in Malaysia. The study dissects how it influences learners' engagement in various learning experiences in education and literacy development. We employed a mixed methods research paradigm which was based on observations, interviews and questionnaires for teachers and students to obtain information. Research showed that Passive Projection Mapping storybooks is a technology suited to preschool classrooms to facilitate student engagement, interaction and literacy growth. This finding implies the necessity of providing more technology tools to Malaysian early childhood learners.

Ukuziphendulela kubahlaziyi besiZulu

Writing in African languages remains a challenge especially when your writing is going to be judged through the lenses of a colonial language. this is because the dominant languages in education, such as English preside over academic literacy and therefore dictates how academic writing should be carried out. This paper is based on the reviewers’ comments about a chapter that was submitted for possible publication in a book. The chapter was written in isiZulu and the reviewers provided their review in isiZulu as well. This paper therefore interrogates these comments using autoethnography which allows the ‘self’ of the researcher to be part of the investigated. The researcher responds to these comments in order to establish their basis. The analysis indicates that whilst the reviewers provided useful comments for the improvement of the chapter, some of their comments revealed their ignorance about the research paradigm chosen by the researcher. The conclusion is that comments based on reviewers’ ignorance of the researcher’s chosen method of investigation are likely to discourage writers who might not have the energy to explain themselves to the reviewers. Iqoqa Ukubhala ngezilimi zase-Afrikha kuhlala kuyinselelo ikakhulukazi uma ukubhala kwakho kuzokwahlulelwa ngokusebenzisa indlelakubuka yolimi lwamakholoni. Lokhu kungenxa yokuthi izilimi ezihamba phambili emfundweni, njengesiNgisi zengamela ukufunda nokubhala kwe-zemfundo, ngakho-ke yizo ezibeka imithetho yokubhala kwezemfundo nokuthi kufanele kwenziwe kanjani. Leli phepha lisekelwe emibonweni yabahlaziyi ma-yelana nesahluko esithunyelwe ukuze sishicilelwe encwadini. Isahluko sibhalwe ngesiZulu kanti abahlaziyi babuye banikeza imibono yabo nangesiZulu. Ngakho-ke leli phepha liphenya le mibono lisebenzisa i-autoethnography evumela ukuthi 'uqobo' lo mcwaningi abe yingxenye yophenyo. Umcwaningi uphendula le mibono ukuze athole isisekelo sawo. Uhlaziyo lu-khombisa ukuthi nakuba abahlaziyi beveze imibono ewusizo ukuze kuthuthukiswe isahluko, okunye uku-phawula kwabo kuveze ukungazi kwabo ngephuzu locwaningo elikhethwe um cwaningi. Isiphetho sidingida ukuphawula oku-sekelwe ekungazini kwabahlaziyi nge-ndlela yophenyo ekhethiwe yomcwaningi kungenzeka kudikibalise ababhali abangase bangabi nawo amandla okuzichaza kubahlaziyi

Towards a Versatile and Impactful Qualitative Research Paradigm: A Comprehensive Guide to Grounded Theory for Organizational Researchers

Cathy Urquhart's Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide (2nd ed.) provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the grounded theory methodology. The book explores the historical development of grounded theory, its diverse approaches, and applications, empowering readers to make informed decisions about the research method. Urquhart emphasizes the importance of reflexivity, theoretical sensitivity, and the role of the researcher, encouraging a participant-centered approach. The book's coverage of key concepts, practical exercises, and strategies for overcoming challenges make it an indispensable resource for researchers and teachers in fields like information systems and organizational studies. Urquhart also highlights promising avenues for the future development of grounded theory, such as the integration of digital technologies and cross-cultural applications.

Transgressive Knowing

This issue's In-Dialogue represents the intentional epitomization of many conversations the Editorial Team has been having since JASC’s inception around what we mean by 'transformative'. As convenors of the dialogue Oliver Koenig and Megan Seneque invited a small group of individuals who, in their ongoing work, have been deeply immersed in exploring research and praxis paradigms that respond ethically, critically, and creatively to the intersecting crises of our time. Together, the group set out to explore the integrity of 'research' and 'practice', their critical entanglement and co-dependence, and the nature of practices that enable worlds to be created in certain ways. Rather than attempting to arrive at a consensual understanding, the dialogue that unfolds can be seen as a mirror of the world-making practice(s) that are characteristic of transformative research

Amplifying the voices of underrepresented speech-language pathologists: A scoping review using the transformative research paradigm

Purpose To investigate the characteristics of studies that included underrepresented speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as research participants. Method A scoping review was conducted using the principles of the transformative research paradigm, which promotes the meaningful involvement and empowerment of marginalised groups. Co-production with minority SLPs was facilitated. The search strategy was run in six databases, and the transformative checklist used for analysis. Result Twenty studies were included. Bilingual and male SLPs were among the most commonly included underrepresented SLPs. Most studies were conducted in the USA (n = 16), and used survey methods. The studies provided valuable insights into the experiences and practices of underrepresented SLPs, and yielded practical solutions to foster inclusion and diversity in the profession. Most studies demonstrated a transformative potential, but the active engagement of underrepresented SLP participants in the research cycle was rarely demonstrated. Conclusion This review calls for a shift in how and why research is conducted when including underrepresented SLP participants. Through the lens of the transformative research paradigm, we can rethink the broader aim of research and the role of researchers and participants. Using research as a platform to give visibility, voice, and agency to minority groups can stimulate change and equity in the profession.

Intellectual Stimulation and Performance of Water Works Development Agencies in Kenya.

This study sought to examine the effect of intellectual stimulation on performance of water works development agencies(WWDA) in Kenya and to determine the moderating effect of legal framework on the relationship between the intellectual stimulation and performance of water works development agencies (WWDA) in Kenya. A descriptive research design and positivist research paradigm was adopted. The population of this study was the 116 projects in the 8 Water Works Development Agencies (WWDAs) while the unit of observation was 116 projects in the organizations. This study employed stratified random sampling in selecting the sample. The study used primary data collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 26. Qualitative data collected was analyzed using content analysis and presented in prose form. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages. The study also computed correlation analysis to measure strength and the direction of linear relationship between variables. Regression model was fitted to the data to determine how the independent variable affect the dependent variable. The study further used hierarchical multiple regression models to measure the moderating effect of legal framework. The findings were presented in tables and figures. The study found that intellectual stimulation had a positive and significant relationship with the performance of WWDA in Kenya. On the moderator, the study found that legal framework has positive significant moderating effect on the relationship between intellectual stimulation and performance of WWDA in Kenya. Based on the findings, WWDA should encourage intellectual stimulation among their leaders to improve their performance. This can be done by providing opportunities for employees to engage in creative thinking and problem-solving activities. Leaders should also encourage employees to challenge their assumptions and biases, and to explore new and innovative ways of doing things. It is also important for leaders to provide training and development opportunities for their employees, which can enhance their knowledge and skills. Furthermore, leaders should create a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to seek out new information and ideas. Additionally, there is a need to establish effective legal frameworks that ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the management of public infrastructure projects, particularly those related to performance of WWDA in Kenya.