Philosophical bases of research methods

This narrative review examined the philosophical bases of research methods in terms of: (1) ontology; (2) epistemology; (3) axiology; and (3) methodology. It explored the diversities and similarities between paradigms. Three search strategies were observed including: (1) data search for published research; (2) public engine and manual search; and (3) stakeholders input. Subthemes under ontological assumptions are: (1) singular vs. plural reality; (2) empirical vs. subjective reality; (3) scientific vs. sensuous reality; (4) when the singularity and plurality of reality converge; (5) definitive vs. subjective truth; (6) continuum versus polarity; (7) what really is real; (8) truth, reality and knowledge; and (9) seeing the truth and reality of an objective/subjective from a different perspective. Subthemes under axiological assumptions are: (1) fact-value divide/dichotomy; and (2) ethics. Subthemes under methodological assumptions are: (1) scientific versus naturalism: hard versus soft science; (2) convergence and divergence; (3) linearity is only in the books and not practice; (4) hard or easy; (5) theory, frameworks and literature review; (6) nonstatistical approaches in positivistic approaches; and (7) complementarity. The focus of the lens is guided by philosophical stances. Each paradigm seeks truth, reality and knowledge. Though quantitative inquiry claimed objectivity and qualitative inquiry claim subjectivity, both unconsciously observe the same processes. The division is a continuum that delights its deficiencies. It is when divergence coverges

The synergy of creativity and scholarship

This methodological article trailed my journey in the conduct of my autoethnographic study. I commenced by grounding on my stances from existing naturalistic assumptions that were deliberately amalgamated with social constructivism and interpretivism. The process allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the different philosophical positions learned inside the four walls of the classroom. This exposé additionally demonstrated my experiential learning activity that conirmed formally learned concepts in practice. Furthermore, it allowed me to appreciate new knowledge that my formal classroom setting failed to instill. With the domain of inquiry that is crafted in a general form, my own journey was scrutinized. The domain of inquiry prompted me to fathom that my own experiences were not solely owned by myself, but shared with others. This realization provoked me with ethical concerns that were addressed. I was able to hoax these concerns utilizing narrative fiction strategies - masking the real with the imagined while maintaining contextual truth, substance and subjective-reality logically.  My fortuitous appreciation of fiction as a form of expressive humanities brought me to awareness that the art can be a medium of voicing subjective truth and reality. The article established the beauty of flexibility and emergent design expressed in my compliance with reflexivity and positioning. My unpredictable methodological decisions were pushed by the need for change – and this change caused me to learn and appreciate

Discovering experience-based theory building

This is a methodological article that documented my theory building process. Inspired by the recommendations of Glaser, I fashioned my own methodology in creating my own theory. It is an observance of: (1) autonomy; (2) originality; and (3) contribution. The process is an amalgamation of: (1) Classical Grounded Theory; (2) Pragmatic Grounded Theory; and (3) Practitioner-based theory building. The method is coined as Experience-Based theory building. To facilitate abstraction and get away with plain description, it exploited autosampling technique initially and theoretical sampling dominantly. This approach is highly retroductive, a synergy of: (1) induction; (2) deduction; and (3) abduction

Antibacterial activity of formulated Psidium guajava (guava) hand sanitizer gel on Staphylococcus aureus

The primary purpose of the study was to detect the bactericidal potential of a formulated guava hand sanitizer gel on Staphylococcus aureus.  The efficacy of this formulation was tested against a bacterial strain through the well-diffusion method. Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth was compared across two independent variables: (a) the type of sanitizer (experimental guava hand sanitizer gel vs. three other commercial brands); and (b) the type of alcohol utilized (experimental guava hand sanitizer gel vs. isopropyl vs. ethyl alcohol). The dependent variable which is the reduction of S. aureus growth rate, was measured by the zone of inhibition in each of the bacterial strains. Experimental design was used to measure the bactericidal potential of guava hand sanitizer gel. Through a two-way ANOVA, no significant difference was found between groups of commercial hand sanitizers and the formulated guava hand sanitizer gel (Brand A with a zone of inhibition of of 9.7 mm, Brand B with 9.3 mm, Brand C with 9 mm, and the new formulation with a zone of inhibition of 9 mm). These findings reveal that the reference standard commercial product (Brand A) with a highest zone of inhibition manifests a similar antibacterial property with the formulated guava hand sanitizer gel as revealed by bacterial reduction rate. In conclusion, the formulated hand sanitizer possesses antibacterial potential to inhibit the multiplication of S. aureus. Further studies should be conducted on other therapeutic activity parameters and the elucidation of structure for the active constituent with potential as bactericidal

Determinants of human immunodeficiency virus prevalence

Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevalence was predicted using cluster analysis technique. A retrospective design was employed. We deployed surrogate measures for social, economic, political and quality of life. Data mining strategies were trailed to gather data. Factors that affect HIV prevalence were represented with surrogate measures by brainstorming activity. Data were taken from world reports from reliable sources. Using an algorithm, data were analyzed using MiniTab software: partitioning, centroid-based, hierarchical and density based methods. This article introduced three contending models on the interplay of the factors towards its influence on HIV prevalence. It culminates with the integration of a holistic model, which can provide a theoretical basis in predicting HIV prevalence. An integrative model was elevated from its substantial form to a more formal application. From HIV prevalence to communicable disease prevalence, this provides a more wide application