IUB Journal of Social Sciences

Understanding E-Learning Adoption in Pakistan: A TAM-based Analysis of Student Perceptions

Muhammad Ali Raza — 2024-06-30

This research delves into the determinants shaping the adoption and acceptance of e-learning platforms among Pakistani students, employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its foundational theoretical framework. The primary objective is to elucidate the intricate interrelationships among performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and behavioural intention (BI) in the context of e-learning technology utilization. Adopting a quantitative research methodology, this study surveys Pakistani e-learning users to systematically analyze the interplay between these pivotal constructs. The resultant findings offer substantial implications for educators, instructional designers, policymakers, and educational institutions, providing critical insights that can inform the strategic design, implementation, and enhancement of e-learning technologies. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the development of a more efficacious and inclusive e-learning environment for Pakistani students.

Empirical Evidence of Export-Led Growth Hypothesis for South Asia

Muhammad Farhan Riaz — 2024-06-30

Trade is considered an engine of economic growth (EG). Export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis narrates exports are a critical factor influencing EG. This study aims to test the relationship between exports and EG in South Asian countries using panel data from 1990 to 2020. Additionally, the study investigates whether the GDP growth of the countries acts as a proxy for the countries' development stage to see whether there is a causal relationship between these two macroeconomic variables. The present study has used EG as a dependent variable and exports of South Asian countries as an independent variable, along with fuel import, capital, labor force, and exchange rate. The study applied panel ARDL techniques to test the relationship between export and EG. According to empirical findings, for all South Asian countries, exports have a considerable positive impact on EG, whereas fuel imports have a significant and negative effect.

Financial Market Liberalization and Total Factor Productivity: A Panel Data Analysis

Muhammad Atiq ur Rehman — 2024-06-30

Financial market liberalization refers to the gradual termination of regulatory controls over capital movements across countries. This study explores the effect of financial market liberalization on the total factor productivity (TFP) using data on 16 major Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) over the period 1997-2022. The generalized method of moments (GMM) technique of panel data estimation is employed involving different de-facto and de-jure capital market liberalization measures. The robustness of empirical results is checked by applying fixed effect and pooled OLS methods. Our empirical findings suggest that foreign direct investment (FDI) is the only conspicuous de-facto measure affecting total factor productivity positively and significantly. However, one de-jure measure of capital market liberalization namely Schindler index is also found to be statistically significant. The core conclusion of this study is that foreign capital influx is the most advantageous when it arrives in the form of FDI. The institutions and macroeconomic governance are also imperative and play a catalytic role to harness the benefits from financial liberalization progression.

Blended Learning, Learning Motivation, and Academic Performance in Undergraduate Science Students

Muhammad Mussaffa Butt — 2024-06-30

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic blended learning (BL) has seen an exponential rise across the globe. Data on the effectiveness of BL have mostly come from developed Western countries which are essentially different from developing countries like Pakistan. This study aims to indigenously explore the relationship between students’ views regarding blended learning (BL) and its effect on their academic achievement, possibly mediated by their learning motivation, in undergraduate science students of Pakistan. The participants included 239 (46.4%) male and 276 (53.4%) female students, aged 19 through 24 (M_age = 20, SD = 3.42), taken from GC University, Lahore, and Punjab University, Lahore. All the participants reported having a rich experience of BL during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learners’ Views on Blended Learning (BL), and Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MLSQ) were used to take data from the participants, and their GPAs were taken as their academic achievement. The results indicated that positive views of students’ regarding BL are likely to enhance their learning motivation, whereas BL and learning motivation are likely to enhance their academic achievement. Further, learning motivation is also likely to mediate the relationship between BL and academic achievement. The results are consistent with most studies conducted in the West and support the generalizability and implementation of the Western BL models in the socio-cultural context of Pakistan. However, there is a need for further in-depth Indigenous studies on other aspects of BL before policy making and implementation.

The Role of Islamic Awareness as a Mediator in the Relationship between Islamic Banking Practices and Customer Purchase Intentions: A Case Study in Pakistan

Syed Muhammad Salman — 2024-06-30

This study delves into the dynamics of Islamic banking practices and their influence on customer behavior in the specific context of Pakistan. Through a meticulous analysis, the research examines the reliability and validity of constructs such as Customer Perception, On Counter Advertising, Products, Promotion, and Service Quality, highlighting their robustness in measuring the intended dimensions. The discriminant validity among these constructs is further affirmed, underscoring the distinctiveness of each construct within the measurement model. Furthermore, the direct effects of various relationships on Awareness and Customer Perception are scrutinized, uncovering significant impact for several factors such as Service Quality and Promotion, while others demonstrate no significant influence. Moreover, the mediation analysis highlights the crucial role of Islamic awareness in shaping customer perceptions, with most relationships exhibiting significant mediation effects. These findings underscore the importance of factors such as trust, service quality, and Islamic awareness in influencing customer behavior and purchase intentions within the Islamic banking sector in Pakistan. These findings underscore the crucial role of Awareness as a mediator, suggesting that the impact of Products, Promotion, and Service Quality on Customer Perception is partially mediated by their influence on Awareness. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between Islamic banking practices, customer perceptions, and awareness in Pakistan. The insights gleaned from this research have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners, offering valuable guidance for the formulation of strategies aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty in Pakistan's rapidly evolving financial landscape. The past studies examine the relationship with context of conventional banking and current exploring the perception of Islamic banking customer. This will helps to understand the Islamic investor perception and banking strategies to enhance decision about Islamic banking system.

Understanding Clinical Depression through Somatic Symptoms among Depressive Adults: Gender and Education in Consideration

Rabia Batool — 2024-06-30

The most prevalent mental health disorder is depression, although it is not always presented in the same form. The type of depression that presents itself through somatic symptoms cannot be detected by mental health professionals, hence requires scrutiny before categorizing the clients as having a psychiatric issue. Therefore, the current study sought to examine these variables by employing the Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS-8) to evaluate the somatic symptoms and diagnosed clients of depression. The study was conducted with a sample of 150 depressed patients (Male=43%, Female= 57%) selected from the outdoor patient (Psychiatry) department of hospitals in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The results of the study revealed that there was a positive correlation between the study variables. This research also assumed that patients with depression have high somatic symptoms and that the male participants will show more somatic symptoms than the female participants. Analysis of results confirmed that the mean number of somatic symptoms in men (M=20. 86) was significantly higher than that of women (M=18. 12) p> 0. undefined Furthermore, the findings also showed that the illiterate patients with depression were having more somatic symptoms M = 21. 72 than the literate patients M = 18. 20. The current study would be helpful for mental health professionals to comprehend the personality characteristics of patients regarding the treatment of depression. Also, they can develop better therapeutic approaches to address the somatic symptoms of clinical depression.

Navigating Career Development: A Qualitative Analysis of Planning, Exploration, and Decision-Making in Young Adults

Bushra Saeed — 2024-06-30

The research article studies the significance and meaning of career development among young adults. Young adults in developing countries are facing multiple issues of instability and disadvantages and very limited research has been conducted in these countries on exploring career development tasks in their early years of young adulthood. The study focuses on the tasks related to their career planning, exploration, and decision-making that have to be accomplished in the early years of their young adulthood. Data was required from young adults aged 19 to 23 years (M = 21.40, SD = 1.75) to get knowledge about these career developmental tasks. The technique of Focus Group Discussions was used for a better understanding of the career developmental tasks. Term career development was used to acquire information about career planning, exploration, and decision-making tasks in the sample. The findings of the study help prepare young adults to complete career developmental tasks and manage the complexities of their career development process.

The Link Between Parentification and Imposter Phenomenon In Young Adults

Hira Mukhtar — 2024-06-30

The current study investigated how parentification is associated with the impostor phenomenon in young adults. The study hypothesized that (1) Parent-focused parentification would predict impostor phenomenon in young adults, and (2) Sibling-focused parentification would also predict impostor phenomenon in young adults. A sample of 157 young adults from various universities in Karachi, aged between 18 to 25 years with a mean age of 20.63 (SD = 1.528), was used to test these hypotheses. The Parentification Inventory (PI; Hooper, 2009) and Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS; Clance, 1985) were employed to measure these constructs. Statistical analysis of linear regression found out parent-focused parentification (R2= .141, F= 25.542, p <.01) and sibling focused parentificantion (R2= .127, F= 22.751, p <.01) as significant predictors of impostor phenomenon which indicated that, experience of parentification contributes to impostor phenomenon young adults. Implications of findings of the present study are discoursed and ways for the future research have been recommended.

Alexithymia, Experiential Avoidance, and Fear of Intimacy among Young Adults

Sana Nazir — 2024-06-30

The present study was carried out to investigate the relationship between experiential avoidance, alexithymia, and fear of intimacy among young adults. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be a relationship among experiential avoidance, alexithymia, and fear of intimacy among young adults. To study the assumed relationship correlational research design was used. The sample consisted of young adults N (245) (female=124 & male=121) (M=.49, SD= .50), and was selected through purposive sampling, recruited from Private and Government Universities, with age range from 18-30. Scales that were used were the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ; Hayes et al., 2004), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Bagby, Parker, et al., 1994; Bagby, Taylor, et al., 1994), Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS; Descutner & Thelen, 1991). For finding results we used Pearson product-moment correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. The result showed that fear of intimacy has a significant and positive correlation with alexithymia and experiential avoidance. The result of multiple hierarchical regression analysis came out significant, which means the hypothesis was proved right: experiential avoidance and fear of intimacy in young adults predicted fear of intimacy. Results of the t-test showed there was no significant gender difference in experiential avoidance, alexithymia, and fear of intimacy. The present study implies psychotherapies to deal with alexithymia and experiential avoidance. It involves therapies and techniques that can help individuals analyze their emotions and be able to use a better way to express their emotions.

School Children’s Perspective on Rejection Sensitivity, Forgiveness, and Anger Expression

Anam Amama — 2024-06-30

This study aims to investigate the differences related to rejection sensitivity, forgiveness tendency, and anger expression among school children using a sample of 800 adolescents (girls = 50%, boys = 50%), aged 12 to 17 years (M =14, SD =1.123), selected through stratified random sampling. Urdu version of the child rejection sensitivity questionnaire (C-RSQ), the Heartland forgiveness scale (HFS), and the indigenously developed child anger expression scale (CAES) were used for assessment. Results indicated that the interaction of gender and different school systems have a significant impact on RS, tendency to forgive, and anger expressions of school-going adolescents. Furthermore, boys from the private school system have more anger rejection sensitivity (44.847, p< 0.01), expression of anger through externalizing (385.511, p< 0.01), hostility, and violence (62.935, p< 0.01). Whereas, girls from the private school system were found to have more anxious rejection sensitivity (137.180, p< 0.01), higher tendency to forgive (25.242, p< 0.01); and increased internalized anger expression (885.982, p< 0.01). It is concluded that rejection sensitivity and low forgiveness lead to different anger expressions among school children, whereas school ecology and teachers play a crucial role in the character building of adolescents by teaching them moral values and civic sense.

Mental Maze of Migraines: A Qualitative Exploration of Psychological Issues

Asma Zafar — 2024-06-30

Migraines place a heavy burden on sufferers—both personally and in terms of reduced activity and personal suffering—as well as on society—due to the high expense of the condition. Migraine is ranked as the most burdensome neurological disorder to society by the World Health Organization, and the sixth highest cause of disability worldwide. This indicates that migraine has become increasingly burdensome on an international scale, which hinders the routine functioning and processes of patients. One of the more recent psychological viewpoints on the migraine issue is the connection between migraine and mental health problems.

Objective: Objective of the present research is to find out the participants’ experiences and cultural expression of psychological problems associated with migraine.

Method: Qualitative research method was used, and data was collected through in-depth interviews with 14 migraine patients taken from different hospitals in Punjab province. The data was analyzed by using thematic analysis.

Results: Inductive thematic analysis approach was carried out on the responses given by the migraine patients to identify the major themes. The analysis resulted in 3 super-ordinate themes (Anxiety Related Problems, Depression Related Issues, Negative (emotions/thoughts), 8 themes (Cognitive impairment, Behavioral manifestation, Physiological indicators, Decline in cognitive abilities, Behavioral expression, Physiological problems, Negative thoughts, Negative emotions) and 30 subthemes.

Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the significant impact of migraines on patients’ mental health, revealing a heightened prevalence of anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts and emotions among individuals grappling with this chronic condition.

A Qualitative Study to Explore the Determinants of Consumer Green Purchase Behavior in an Emerging Economy

Atif Ali Gill — 2024-06-30

This study aims to understand the factors which are influencing the green purchase behavior of customers in the context of emerging economy. It focuses on the behavior of consumers towards environment-friendly products; green products interest in Pakistan has been increasing meaningfully due to the increased interest in green environment electronic products. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 12 professionals from the education and healthcare industry with at least half of the participants aged 42 and above. The transcripts were analyzed thematically through NVivo 14 with the coding process for generating main and sub-themes informed by TAM theory for interpretation. Four main themes emerged within the healthcare and educational institute's narratives. They identified with (1) The eco-friendly products, (2) the sustainable environment, (3) green purchase, behavioral intentions and (4) Social influence themes were made. This study shows that a narrative thematic analysis can be used to explore the factors which are influencing green consumer purchase intention. Further, the policy maker and strategist should plan green advertising for awareness among common users. This study is one of the first to focus on the impact of green purchase intentions towards eco-friendly products in Pakistan and best to our knowledge it is a novel contribution to qualitative research.