Triangulation Of Research Methods Research Articles

Preliminary identification of the potential of using MIEM in the context of stimulating the development of selected cognitive processes of students in early childhood education

The article presents the results of a quantitative-qualitative study that examined the experiences of children and early childhood education teachers with multi-layered interactive materials in which augmented reality technology was implemented. The article also addresses issues related to support (MIEM) for selected cognitive processes of early childhood education students. The research was conducted within the framework of the Ministry of Education and Science's program titled: Pupil circles create innovation. The study involved 1153 early childhood education students between the ages of 7 and 10, as well as their teachers, who constituted a group of 41 early childhood education teachers. A triangulation of research methods was used in the study. For the group of students, a diagnostic survey method was used, for which a survey questionnaire was developed on the Kahoot platform and an in-depth interview using an interview questionnaire. For the group of teachers, a diagnostic survey method was used, for which a survey questionnaire was developed. The survey was implemented using the Computer Assisted Personal Interview technique on the Google Forms platform. On the basis of the conducted research, conclusions were developed in terms of the main objective of the research, which was: preliminary identification of the potential for using MIEM in the context of cognitive processes in early childhood education. The results of the research indicate that early childhood education students received the introduced innovation into the teaching process to a very positive degree. First of all, MIEM resulted in high motivation for learning. The result of which was a significant number of memorized messages contained in MIEM. It should also be added that this fact can have an impact on students' memory and perceptiveness. It can also be tentatively concluded that MIEM can have an impact on cognitive processes in particular on thinking and imagination. This conclusion follows directly from the type of technology that allows generating things previously difficult to visualize. In addition, the experiences of teachers who participated in the study indicate that MIEMs provide new opportunities for experimentation and interactive learning. According to the teachers, MIEMs make it possible to support the teaching and learning of nature, mathematics, as well as other subjects. Early childhood education teachers enthusiastically welcomed the use of AR, as well as seeing this technology as a solution to the problems of implementing the principle of viewability in early childhood education.

From Physical to Virtual Learning During COVID-19: Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons Learnt

The introduction of virtual learning advanced benefits such as lowered costs of education, greater flexibility, easy access and reduced need for physical infrastructure in economically viable nations. On the contrary, many economically challenged nations in the Global South experienced risks and challenges when virtual learning became the only way of learning. This study investigated challenges faced by the Zimbabwe education sector in integrating effective virtual learning practice into the secondary school system following the advent of Covid-19. Harare Metropolitan province was chosen as site for the study. A triangulation of research methods including an online survey and key informant interviews conducted with curriculum specialists, teachers, parents and learners, and a review of available literature, aided the collection of primary and secondary data for the study. NVIVO and grounded theory were used to analyse and organise the compiled data into thematic data sets, which were in turn used to theorize befitting findings for the study. Study findings established an array of challenges which reinforced each other to hinder effective learning during the lockdown. Substantial academic and policy research has focused on health specific impacts of Covid-19, while a few studies that have explored the effect of Covid-19 on education have not zeroed in on the context specific geopolitical risks of the pandemic on countries with challenged economies. This study sought to contribute to this knowledge gap. The study proffered recommendations for improving preparedness for virtual learning in secondary schools during crisis times.

The Embedment of Risk Management in Enterprise Management System

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this text is to diagnose the degree to which risk management is embedded in enterprise management system, and in particular to identify risk prevention activities taken in different management domains by enterprises listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, representing the following three sectors: financial services, construction, and IT. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out using a triangulation of research methods. The following research methods were used: analysis of the content of source documentation generated by the analyzed enterprises, one-stage logical classification, exemplification, and comparative analysis. The research involved 107 enterprises listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and representing the sectors of financial services, construction, and IT. Findings The main conclusion resulting from the research is that risk management is firmly rooted in enterprise management systems, which manifests itself in the presence of measures taken against risk in various management domains, such as strategic, operational, financial, quality, human resources, project, investment, and innovation management. According to the obtained results, the enterprises under analysis the most often apply risk management measures in the areas of strategic management, operational management, and financial management. Originality/value The main added value of the results of the conducted research is the presentation of the management domains in which risk prevention activities are located and the identification of the analyzed enterprises’ specific preventive measures that fall within different management domains and allow the perception of risk management as an integrator of all processes carried out in the enterprise.

Strategies of Energy Suppliers and Consumer Awareness in Green Energy Optics

This research aims to identify (1) whether consumers have an impact on the energy sector, (2) to what extent consumers have an impact on the energy sector, and (3) whether there is so-called energy communism. We understand this phenomenon as the process of energy suppliers imposing energy sources on which the end consumer has zero or very little influence. The research, therefore, focused on a B2C analysis, in five selected countries: the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Poland (N = 500). The research subjects are a homogeneous group in terms of the sources of green energy, and the volume of production of this type of energy and its increments. The investigation was conducted using the procedure appropriate for the triangulation of research methods. Three hypotheses were verified. The first one was rejected, which aimed to determine whether individual consumers are guided by green energy in their choices. The second hypothesis—that energy suppliers do not take into account customer needs/expectations and pursue their strategies—was partially confirmed but was also directed for further exploration. The third hypothesis was whether the consumer is free to make the decision to switch energy suppliers—if so, what is the hierarchy of the most and least decisive factors in the choice of supplier? The verification of this hypothesis indicates that there is no specific pattern that consumers follow when choosing an energy supplier.

Challenges of Integrating Virtual Learning Practice in Zimbabwe Secondary Schools during Covid-19

COVID-19 brought multiple challenges to the education sector globally. While introduction of virtual learning advanced benefits such as lowered costs of education, greater flexibility, easy access and reduced need for physical infrastructure in economically viable nations, many economically challenged nations in the Global South experienced risks and challenges from online education. This study investigated the challenges faced by the Zimbabwe education sector in integrating effective virtual learning practice into the secondary school system in Harare Metropolitan province since the advent of Covid-19. A triangulation of research methods including an online survey and key informant interviews conducted with curriculum specialists, teachers and learners, and a review of available literature, aided the collection of primary and secondary data for the study. NVIVO and grounded theory were used to analyse and organise the compiled data into thematic data sets, which were in turn used to theorise befitting findings for the study. Study findings established an array of challenges which reinforced each other to hinder effective learning during the lockdown. Substantial academic and policy research has focused on health specific impacts of Covid-19, while a few studies that have explored the effect of Covid-19 on education have not zeroed in on the context specific geopolitical risks of the pandemic on countries with challenged economies. This study seeks to contribute to this knowledge gap. The study proffers recommendations for improving preparedness for virtual learning in secondary schools during crisis times.

Науково-методологічне обґрунтування концептуальної моделі дослідження факторів сприйняття біоекономічної трансформації в управлінні

The introduction of the conceptual foundations of the bioeconomy in the process of economic transformations contributes to sustainable development, ensuring the achievement of environmental, social, and economic goals. Despite the fact that numerous domestic and foreign scientists position the bioeconomy as a key sector of sustainable transformation, there is still a lack of a comprehensive set of factors that characterize the sustainable management of an organization in the sector of bioeconomy. Our research is directed towards developing a methodological approach to identifying the factors influencing the introduction and implementation of sustainable management business strategies in the bioeconomic sector. The aim of the article is to develop a comprehensive methodology and a conception for studying the factors of perception of bioeconomic transformation by the management of organizations in the bioeconomic sector using triangulation of research methods. Within the framework of the carried out study, the choice of the studied industries and sectors of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine, also their characteristics that are important for bioeconomic transformation, are substantiated. The studied sectors include five main areas: agricultural engineering; food industry; storage and sale of finished products of the agro-industrial complex (in the part of packaging); bioenergy; scientific and scientific-technical activities. The selected sectors cover all components of the agri-food supply chain to the consumer. A methodological approach to assessing the perception of bioeconomic transformation at the managerial level has been developed and the conceptual model for empirical studying of the perception of bioeconomic transformation of enterprises in selected sectors of the agro-industrial complex in the inter-raw material and inter-sectoral contexts has been proposed. The proposed methodology forms a conceptual framework for determining the priority factors influencing the choice of appropriate business strategies in the bioeconomy.

Using high-tech tools for consumer buying decisions of FMCG

Purpose: The main aim of this paper is to explore consumer decisions and emotions during shopping at the self-service store with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Design/methodology/approach: The subject of the study is to assess the impact of emotions during the choice-making process on consumers' buying decisions. The respondents are citizens of the West Pomeranian region, Poland. The survey was conducted using state-of-the-art data acquisition technologies, i.e., Virtual Reality and EEG. An interview was also used as a complementary form. The research was both qualitative and quantitative, with a research sample of 34 respondents and took place in the virtual world. The researchers used primary data. The results presented here are part of a broader research project that used a triangulation of research methods to allow a deeper analysis of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the subjects. Findings: The research provided independent data on consumer emotions. The authors identified 4 groups of emotions that appeared during the selection of a product and were highly differentiated and strongly dependent on such characteristics as consumer type and gender. It has also been noticed that the longer a product is held, the lower emotional “sleepiness’. Research limitations/implications: One of the main limitations is the data collection process, which is relatively expensive, so the sample size is limited. The results obtained can be a signpost for a researcher who would like to use this new technology for further research. Practical implications: The results obtained can be used by shop managers in planning the sales activities or shop space to help the customer decide. Originality/value: In the research was used an innovative combination of virtual reality (VR) equipment and an electroencephalogram (EEG). To the best of the authors' knowledge, the results of a study from the FMCG industry using both devices simultaneously have never been published. Keywords: consumer behaviour, virtual reality, new technology, EEG. Category of the paper: Research paper.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions on the Usefulness of Local Knowledge in Improving Water User Rights in Kiru Valley Tanzania

Purpose: This paper intended to investigate why local knowledge (LK) is becoming an important aspect of water management in semi-arid basins to increase crises of water user rights around the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper adopted a cross-sectional research design to make sense of the existing situation. Data were collected using qualitative methods. A sample size of 70 water users was involved in the study. Triangulation of research methods was used to collect qualitative data. Qualitative data were summarized using content analysis while quantitative data were summarized using SPSS.
 Findings: The results showed the presence of LK has an influence on water use in the valley. The local community in the valley was unable to show up its all influence because of formal water institutions. The formal and LK institutions were interlinked in their operations. However, the local community elders were unable to resolve water conflicts because of not recognized by the formal water institutions. Concerted efforts are needed to build the capacity of the local community in ensuring water user rights.
 Research Limitation: The limitation of this study was the unavailability of the community elders and the language barrier e.g., Iraqw affected the data collection and analysis of the study.
 Practical Implication: The study will bring new knowledge to formal and informal water institutions that can help smallholder farmers to use water effectively and wisely.
 Social Implication: The perceived information is useful for policy makers and other key actors in formulating effective institutions to engage the local community in water management.
 Originality/Value: This is a relevant study that seeks to develop a locally based institutional framework to enhance water user rights in the valley.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Global Risk Landscape in the Era of SMART WORLD

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trend of changes in the landscape of global risks together with the implications of these changes for management in the SMART WORLD era. Design/methodology/approach: The research process was based on the triangulation of research methods. The main research method used was the analysis of the World Economic Forum’s “The Global Risks Reports” for the years 2018–2021. The other method used in the research were a comparative analysis and selected quantitative tools. Findings: The conducted empirical research allowed the authors: 1) to show the current global risks, taking into account the likelihood of their occurrence and impact, 2) to select the categories of global risks (from among economic, environmental, geopolitical, social and technological risks) that had the greatest significance in the periods under analysis, 3) to identify the five most important global risks in terms of their likelihood and impact in all these periods, 4) to identify changes in global risks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, 5) to establish implications for business management in the SMART WORLD era, resulting from the observed trends in pandemic-triggered changes in global risks. Research limitations/implications: The results of the conducted empirical research may be applied in business practice, including the management of enterprises; firstly, those struggling with the changes caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and secondly, those simultaneously adapting to the requirements of SMART WORLD. Originality/value: The most significant value of the performed empirical research is the demonstration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global risk landscape and the formulation of implications ensuing from changes in global risks posed for management in the SMART WORLD era.

Unmet Needs for Support: A Study of Older Persons with Disability in Enugu State, Nigeria

Unmet needs for support relate to daily requirements for independent functioning among the elderly but which are unavailable, consequent upon declining informal support and challenges of accessing formal ones. This study explored unmet needs for support, including finance, assistive device, food and healthcare, among older persons with disability in Enugu State Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling and a triangulation of research methods, a total of 1030 older persons were selected for the study. Seven in every ten older persons in the sample (71.0%) had an unmet need. Of all the support received, financial support (79.8%) was the most inadequate. The predominant assistive device was the walking stick (84.9%). Only about four (38.0%) out of ten had three square meals with no recourse to a balanced diet. Of all the unmet felt needs, healthcare/medication (60.2%) was the most predominant followed by financial support. Their physical environment was neither disability-supportive nor ageing-friendly. We conclude that the high percentage of unmet needs among older persons in Enugu State Nigeria is consequent upon the absence of formal social welfare policies and programmes for the elderly. Unfortunately, the elderly would continue to have unmet needs given the declining safety nets traditionally provided by family members vis-à-vis the increasing economic hardship in the society. It is therefore recommended that governments at all levels should formulate and implement social welfare programmes to bridge the needs gap among senior citizens who had spent their vibrant years serving the government and society.

Research Methodology in Management Science: Triangulation

The author emphasised the importance of cognitive methods and business management methods, as well as the necessity to adopt an open-minded approach that requires combining multiple approaches in the research process. In order to make the research more credible, the author suggested using triangulation of research methods, allowing to expand the scope of the studied phenomenon. The application of combined research methods also permits achieving higher quality of conducted research, as well as limiting measurement errors that may occur when just one method is used. The author pointed out that for each research process an appropriate research methodology should be selected depending on the type of research problem. It might be necessary to refine the approach, tool or method in order to strengthen the research process. The author designed a concept of a modern formula for organisational changes in an enterprise in the form of a model and verified the model against the example of selected enterprises. He made an attempt to develop a research method to be used in the implementation of basic research processes in management sciences and in the implementation of organisational changes in an enterprise. The developed research method, called "LIDER" (covering three stages), has been used by the author to identify areas of activity and to assess the readiness of change leaders to carry out organisational changes in an enterprise. The nature of the research will determine the decision as to the precise research design, creation of a research model and selection of specific research methods.

Using Indicators to Evaluate Cultural Heritage and the Quality of Life in Small and Medium-Sized Towns: The Study of 10 Towns from the Polish-German Borderland

Cultural built heritage (CBH) is one of the most important cultural assets that affect the quality of life (QoL) in cities, and it is especially significant in small and medium-sized towns that lack some other advantages of larger urban centres. However, in quality of life studies, CBH is often neglected or treated superficially. This is probably due to the lack of a universal method developed to study their mutual interdependence based on a set of proven, objective indicators. This paper presents the authors’ attempt to fill this methodological gap by developing a set of indicators that would make it possible to assess the relationship between QoL and CBH. The study focused on historic small and medium-sized towns, located peripherally on the borderlands between Poland and Germany, since it was considered that especially for such towns, the architectural and urban heritage can appear as a crucial factor in improving the quality of life. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the mutual relationship between the phenomenon of QoL and CBH, a triangulation of research methods has been adopted: first, a literature review, where indicators were sought; second, semi-structured interviews and workshops with selected experts; and third, focus-group studies in 10 pilot locations. The analysis yielded quantitative and qualitative indicators in each set, allowing for the measurement of the mutual relationship between QoL and CBH. The set offered a total of 20 indicators developed specifically for small and medium-sized towns, and despite certain limitations, it can be considered universal and can also be applied to other urban centres. Furthermore, the study identified the five distinct spheres in which the relationship between QoL and CBH can be observed and analysed. This typology can be used as a background for deeper studies at specific sites, regardless of their size and location.

(Circular) Path Dependence—The Role of Vineyards in Land Use, Society and Regional Development—The Case of Lubuskie Region (Poland)

The main goals of the article are: (a) presentation of the wine traditions of the region in the context of the concept of path dependence and wastescapes, as well as their impact on the spatial, social and promotional aspect of wine making; (b) identification and characteristics of the vineyards in Lubuskie Region in 2021; and (c) linking wine traditions with creating the identity of the region and implementing activities supporting its development. A case study was performed in accordance with the triangulation of research methods and techniques: (1) analysis of existing data and relating them to the activities of vineyards; (2) covert participant observation technique; and (3) qualitative field interviews with vineyard owners or managers. The vineyards of the Lubuskie Region are an important tourist attraction and local wines enrich the local food offers. However, the scale of production, still being rather small, comes with higher costs of obtaining the final product. At the social level, wine-growing activity presents a great deal of value and importance, and appears to be a reflection of positive endeavours. Wine making in the region is a complex example of contemporary cultural and social processes that are only just beginning to be observed in area.

The ESCO Formula as Support for Public and Commercial Energy Projects in Poland

The formula of engaging an energy service company (ESCO) in Poland is not a new form of accounting for investments in improving energy efficiency. The results of our survey confirm that many entities still lack sufficient knowledge about this subject. The research problem this paper is concerned with is the conditions of applying the ESCO formula (a model of investment financing with the participation of a specialised company) to support local government units and enterprises in energy-industry project development. For the purpose of this study, the research questions were formulated to analyse of the following issues: the reasons for interest in the ESCO formula and the sources of knowledge about this solution; activities and other factors that can increase or reduce interest in the ESCO formula; services in terms of ESCO formula implementation; the attractiveness of alternative instruments for financing energy industry projects, the benefits of using the ESCO formula and the influence of current and future target groups on ESCO formula development in Poland. This paper, therefore aims to recognise the conditions under which the ESCO formula can be applied by local government units and enterprises implementing energy industry projects in Poland. The research problem was solved using a triangulation of research methods: empirical qualitative research (desk research analysis, individual in-depth interviews, computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) survey, and focus group interviews) and one of the foresight methods (an expert panel). The research revealed that the lack of knowledge amongst local government units and enterprises with regard to the ESCO formula, although not unique to Poland, is insufficient to explain the low level of interest in this solution. One of the key conclusions is the need to educate local government units and enterprises on energy efficiency. This is vital to arouse their interest in the more complex ESCO implementation solutions that they have not yet investigated. Furthermore, by following and analysing the project implementation process in the ESCO formula, we can conclude that the risk generated is primarily on the part of the energy service company itself. For this reason, it is doubtful that energy service companies will invest the equity necessary to develop this challenging market. Based on the research conclusions, we indicate some recommendations that the government and related public institutions should consider in order to boost this market and support ESCO companies.

Declared and Real Level of Digital Skills of Future Teaching Staff

Digital competence is undoubtedly one of the key skills that teaching staff should possess. Currently, there are many theoretical frameworks and ways to measure skills and knowledge related to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). This article is an attempt to show the real and declared level of digital skills among future teaching staff. The research was conducted in Poland among 128 students of pedagogical faculties (first-year undergraduate studies). The research used a triangulation of research methods and techniques: diagnostic survey and competency tests related to the use of word processors and spreadsheets, and the level of knowledge about the use of ICT. Competency tests were in accordance with the European Computer Skills Certificate (ECDL) standard. The collected data showed the following: (1) more than half of the students rate their own skills in the use of word processors and spreadsheets, and their overall theoretical knowledge as high or very high; (2) in the case of the real assessment of digital competence, only less than 20% reached the passing threshold in the areas of word processors and theoretical knowledge, with only 1.6% passing in the area of spreadsheets; (3) the declared and actual levels of digital competence were moderately related in the surveyed group; (4) attitudes towards new media, self-assessment of digital skills, and previous learning experience in handling ICT are not predictive factors for ECDL test results.

Fostering sustainable entrepreneurship by business strategies: An explorative approach in the bioeconomy

AbstractThe conceptual framework of bioeconomy advances sustainability by ensuring that environmental, social, and economic goals are met. Although numerous authors perceive bioeconomy as a key sector to achieve sustainable transformation, there is a lack of a comprehensive set of factors determining sustainable entrepreneurship in the bioeconomy sector. This study aims to identify factors influencing business strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship in the bioeconomy sector. This study uses the triangulation of research methods, including the entrepreneurial discovery process, as well as multiple‐criteria methods of the pairwise comparison and the analytic hierarchy process. This study serves as grounds for the identification of priority factors influencing the choice of relevant business strategies in the bioeconomy. Within the framework of the research, five core factors are specified: economic‐and‐financial, market, technological, ecological, organization‐and‐human resources, and legal. The findings reveal that the most significant factors are economic‐and‐financial and market factors that determine the choice of innovative and offensive strategies by bioeconomy enterprises. These strategies impact entrepreneurial decision‐making processes in the environmental and social areas, and they contribute to the development of more sustainable and entrepreneurial ecosystems. To advance the research on sustainable entrepreneurship, different theoretical perspectives are combined, including economics, strategic management, and innovation perspective.

Sustainable Survival: Resource Management Strategy in Micro and Small Enterprises in the Rubber Products Market in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 epidemic surprised economic operators around the world. The very existence of many businesses, and thus jobs, was at stake. However, one year after the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic, contrary to the pessimistic forecasts of business analysts, some industries did not experience the predicted negative effects of the crisis. This article presents the results of a pilot study on micro and small enterprises in the rubber products industry in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of analyzing the phenomenon of sustainable resource management that led not only to the survival of these enterprises but also to a significant increase in their turnover. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to analyze the key success factors of the indicated economic entities, with particular emphasis on the perspective of sustainable resource management and relationship management. On the basis of best research practices, a triangulation of research methods was applied (integrative literature review, computer-assisted telephone interviewing, and individual in-depth interview). A relationship was observed between the sustainable management of resources and the structure of the relationship network and the strength of its connections. In micro and small enterprises in the rubber products sector in Poland, sustainable resource management is related to the structure of the network of relations and the strength of connections in the network (relations/networking), as enterprises form a group of entities with a high level of loyalty, especially between the suppliers and buyers of raw materials. The formulated conclusions will become the basis for further in-depth research that can be conducted (a) in the same group of respondents, but using a representative research group, (b) in the same industry among a group of large enterprises, and (c) in a group of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from other industries.

Cooperation between Science, Business, and Administration under the Triple Helix Model in European States: The Example of Poland

Purpose: The primary goal of the paper is to evaluate the cooperation between representatives of scientific, economic, and administrative sectors in Poland against the background of selected European countries, identify the relevant barriers, and provide recommendations for the improvement thereof. The methodological goal is to develop a research model within the Triple Helix Readiness concept and a diagnostic tool to facilitate the measurement of readiness of the Polish science, business and administration sectors to engage in practical cooperation. Design/Methodology/Approach: To those ends, a triangulation of research methods was employed using diagnostic surveys and computer-assisted self-interviewing (CASI) techniques. The research tool used was an online questionnaire sent out to the relevant stakeholders (17 municipalities, 150 higher education institutions (HEIs), and 340 enterprises). The results were processed using elements of descriptive statistics. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on Ward's method was used to grade the cities and group them in terms of likelihood readiness to engage in cooperation with external entities. Findings: As evidenced by the results, readiness to engage in cooperation with external entities depends on many factors. Economic operators' perspective includes the advancement of IT systems, availability of modern knowledge management tools, research and development activity, ownership or registered and submitted patents, trademarks, and training budgets. On the other hand, universities highlight the possibility of commercializing and marketing their advanced solutions. Originality/Value: The principal added value provided by the paper is its contribution in the form of the scientific model and research tool applicable to the assessment of cooperation readiness of scientific, economic, and administrative entities within the framework of the triple helix approach, as well as recommendations of improvements to the effectiveness of such cooperation. The employed methodology could also be applied in comparative analyses of other European countries.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF STUDIES ON ENGLISH LEARNING FOR ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS IN CHINA: 2010-2019

In the past ten years, the research on English learning as EFL (English as Foreign Language) for ethnic minority students in China has made significant progress. It would be beneficial to review what has been done and what needs to be explored further. This paper performs a content analysis on English learning as EFL among ethnic minority students in China. It covers articles published from 2010 to 2019 to glimpse the research trends regarding the research progress and significant themes explored in the field. Thirty-two articles published in key journals in China were identified and selected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Six aspects of research in the field were examined, namely: (1) the annual publication trend, (2) themes, (3) ethnic minority groups and regional distribution, (4) subject educational level, (5) research instruments, and, (6) regional distribution of the research sites. Three limitations with the extant studies were delineated: (1) biased coverage on the research subjects, (2) singularity and lack of triangulation of research methods, (3) lack of broad and in-depth research findings. The findings may give insights to future research on the EFL teaching and learning among ethnic minorities in China and research projects of the exact nature.
 Keywords: EFL, ethnic minority, research trends

Experiencing one's own body and body image in living kidney donors-A sociological and psychological study.

The aim of the study was to perform an in-depth exploratory analysis of the experience and image of one's body among living kidney donors. The research was carried out using mixed methodology. The study on experiencing one's own body was carried out using the sociological methodology of the grounded theory (qualitative research). This method was supplemented with psychometric measurement-the Body Esteem Scale (quantitative research). The basic research method was the in-depth interview. Using this method, a group of 25 living kidney donors who had not experienced any serious health or psychological problems after donation was examined. The participants of the study came from three transplant centers in Poland. The data from the sociological interviews indicate that the donors: 1. do not experience radical changes in the functioning of their body; 2. maintain full control over it and do not feel the absence of a kidney in the body; 3. consciously and reflectively take care of their body after donation. In addition, the sociological research indicates that caring for one's own body also includes the transferred organ. The kidney donors experience a kind of bodily identity extension, including the recipient's body. However, the personal and social identity of the studied kidney donors is not disturbed in any way. The psychometric data correspond to the sociological results and indicate: 1. a lack of extreme emotional assessments about one's body; 2. awareness of one's own body and consistency of its image; 3. reduced emotional assessment of body zones directly related to the surgery; 4. differences in body image between the sexes. The research results presented in the text indicate not only the possibility, but also the need for triangulation of research methods in the study of the experience and image of one's own body in living kidney donors. The proposed research approach employing mixed methodology within the fields of sociology and psychology for researching the phenomenon of living kidney donation is not very common.