GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research

Common Sense and Rationality

Mohan Debbarma, Dr. — 2026-09-30

Common sense and rationality are two of the fundamental notions in philosophy that define human thinking, reasoning, and behavior. In general, common sense denotes the practical knowledge and beliefs possessed by ordinary people, while rationality implies logical thinking and justified reasoning. Philosophers of all times – from Aristotle to Thomas Reid, fromDescartes to Hume, from Kant to Moore and Ludwig Wittgenstein – have explored the relations between common sense and rationalityin their own ways. This investigation discusses the question about how common sense and rationality are associated in philosophy. The study also argues that common sense is the base of human knowledge and thinking, which is corrected by the notion of rationality. Moreover, this work will explore the importance of common sense for ethics, science, education, politics, and modern technology-based society. For many years, common sense has been a prominent element of philosophical research, representing the basis of human reasoning, but being criticized by sceptics and rationalists. From Aristotle and Thomas Reid up to the contemporary discussions about artificial intelligence, common sense continues to be an important notion in terms of understanding human knowledge, ethics, politics, science, and education.Six related issues to be explored in this essay include common sense and skepticism; ethics and political rationality; common sense in science, education, and political philosophy; artificial intelligence and common sense reasoning; and modern philosophical discussions on common sense and rationality. Philosophical analysis in this study shows that common sense cannot be taken as an infallible source of knowledge, nor can it be viewed as merely a prejudice. Instead, it is a type of rationality used by humans in practice.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION, INNOVATION CAPABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE SME GROWTH IN BAYELSA STATE

IBEMA RICHARD TURNER — 2026-10-06

The study examined entrepreneurial orientation, innovation capability and sustainable SME growth in Bayelsa State. Specifically, it examined the influence of innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking on sustainable SME growth and assessed the mediating role of innovation capability in these relationships. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and used data obtained from 45 respondents from selected SMEs in Bayelsa State. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, multiple linear regression and mediation analysis. The findings revealed relatively high levels of innovativeness (M = 3.92), proactiveness (M = 3.86), risk-taking (M = 3.74), innovation capability (M = 3.89) and sustainable SME growth (M = 3.91). The correlation results showed positive relationships among the study variables, with innovation capability recording a strong positive relationship with sustainable SME growth (r = 0.704). The regression results indicated that innovativeness (β = 0.267, p = 0.005), proactiveness (β = 0.211, p = 0.023), risk-taking (β = 0.181, p = 0.029) and innovation capability (β = 0.409, p < 0.001) each made significant positive contributions to sustainable SME growth. The model explained 61.0% of the variance in sustainable SME growth. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that innovation capability significantly mediated the relationships between innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking and sustainable SME growth, with indirect effects of 0.164, 0.139 and 0.113, respectively. The study concludes that entrepreneurial orientation contributes to sustainable SME growth both directly and through the development of innovation capability. It therefore recommends that SMEs in Bayelsa State strengthen innovative practices, proactive market behaviour, calculated risk-taking and organisational capabilities for developing and implementing innovations to improve sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Boundary Dispute and the Health, Religious, and Political Life of Communities in South-East Nigeria

Ndu, Queen Ngozi — 2026-10-09

Background: Boundary dispute constitutes a persistent constraint on the institutional dimensions of community life in the South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria, in so far as contested claims over land ownership disrupt access to healthcare, undermine religious practice, and destabilise political authority within affected communities. This study investigated the effect of boundary dispute on the health, religious, and political life of selected communities in the South-East region.

Objective: To establish the extent to which boundary dispute affects the health of the people in the affected communities in the south east geo-political zone of Nigeria, to determine the effects of boundary dispute on religious life, and to identify the effects of boundary dispute on political life of the affected communities.

Methods: The study adopted a descriptive and correlational design involving 400 respondents drawn, through purposive and simple random sampling, from a population of 1,059,431 persons across the affected communities. Data were collected using a structured and validated four-point Likert-scale questionnaire whose health, religious life, and political life subscales returned Cronbach’s alpha reliability indices of 0.87, 0.91, and 0.85 respectively. Analysis was conducted using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and simple linear regression, tested at the 0.05 level of significance.

Results: Findings revealed that 55% of respondents reported that boundary dispute had a strong negative effect on health, 66% reported a strong negative effect on religious life, and 52% reported a strong negative effect on political life. Regression analysis confirmed that boundary dispute exerted a statistically significant negative effect on health (B = .580, β = .544, t = 11.952, p < .001), religious life (B = .389, β = .494, t = 9.372, p < .001), and political life (B = .199, β = .494, t = 6.046, p < .001), such that all three null hypotheses were rejected.

Conclusion: The study concludes that unresolved boundary dispute structurally threatens affected South-East communities by compromising healthcare access, religious practice, and political authority, implying that institutional restoration requires integrated attention to all three domains simultaneously and sustainably.

COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY SKILLS IN EARLY LEARNERS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHILD-CENTRED PEDAGOGIES IN NURSERY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

Agbor Ekama Prisca Anne, (Ph.D) — 2026-10-10

This study examined the relationship between early learners’ cognitive flexibility and the effectiveness of child-centred pedagogies in early childhood classrooms. It had three objectives: to explore how cognitive flexibility relates to learner engagement and participation; to examine its relationship with independent learning and autonomy; and to assess its connection with critical thinking and creativity. The study used a descriptive survey design, supported by a correlational approach. Data were collected through teacher questionnaires, classroom observation checklists, and semi-structured interviews. Of the 40 teacher questionnaires distributed, 36 were returned, representing a 90% response rate. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize questionnaire responses, while observations and interviews provided qualitative evidence about classroom behaviours and teachers’ perceptions. Correlation coefficients were calculated to examine associations between cognitive flexibility and selected indicators of child-centred learning. The results showed positive relationships between cognitive flexibility and learner engagement (r =. .78), independent learning (r =. .74), and critical thinking (r =. .81). Observations and interviews also indicated that learners who adapted more readily to changing activities tended to participate actively, attempt tasks more independently, and generate alternative ideas during play, inquiry, and problem-solving activities. The findings suggest that cognitive flexibility is an important learner characteristic in child-centred classrooms, and that these environments can offer children opportunities to practise adaptive thinking. The study recommends deliberately incorporating flexible, play-based, inquiry-oriented, collaborative, and problem-solving activities, alongside appropriate scaffolding for learners who have difficulty with transitions. These findings should be interpreted as evidence of association rather than causal effects.

The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon: Education in Emergencies in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon

Boma Blessing Simanka, PhD — 2026-10-10

The protracted Anglophone crisis in Cameroon has generated a complex education emergency in the North West and South West Regions, where insecurity, school closures, attacks on education, displacement, teacher shortages, learning loss and psychosocial distress continue to affect children's right to education. The study identified major educational needs generated by the conflict; assessed the nature and responsiveness of education in emergency (EiE) interventions; and analysed challenges affecting their accessibility, effectiveness and sustainability. A qualitative documentary research design was adopted, drawing on peer-reviewed studies, humanitarian situation reports, policy documents and programme evidence from credible academic and institutional sources. The documents were analysed thematically, with interpretation informed by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, social-ecological Resilience Theory and the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (Bowen, 2009; Bronfenbrenner, 1979; OECD, 2019; Ungar, 2011). Findings indicate substantial needs for safe educational access, continuity of learning, remedial and accelerated education, teachers, learning infrastructure and materials, psychosocial support, gender-responsive services, disability inclusion and legal identity. EiE responses include Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS), community and neighbourhood learning, radio education, remedial programmes, MHPSS, inclusive education, menstrual-health support, teacher development and emerging digital-learning interventions, although programme coverage remains considerably below the scale of need (INEE, 2024; UNICEF, 2025a, 2026a). The study proposes an Integrated Education in Emergencies and Educational Resilience Framework organised around the pathway Emergency Access → Continuity of Learning → Learning Recovery → Formal-School Reintegration → Educational Resilience → Sustainable Formal Education, with the ultimate outcomes of Access + Safety + Learning + Wellbeing + Resilience (UNICEF, 2026a; Ungar, 2011).

CAUSE MARKETING AND CORPORATE IMAGE OF TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES IN RIVERS STATE

Kofi, Promise Ekanem — 2026-10-12

The study investigated the relationship between cause marketing and corporate image of telecommunication companies in Rivers State. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in accessing the study’s subjects. Population of this study was limited to total active voice subscription in Rivers State, which according to National Bureau of Statistics, the total active voice subscription is 7,674,338. Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient and Partial Correlation Coefficient were used in testing the 4 proposed hypotheses. Findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between the dimensions of cause marketing (advocacy marketing and philanthropic sponsorship) and the measures of corporate image (referral and stakeholders’ trust). It was therefore concluded that the dimensions of cause marketing (advocacy marketing and philanthropic sponsorship) contribute significantly towards achieving corporate image (corporate reputation and stakeholders’ trust) of telecommunication companies in Rivers State. Thus, the study recommended that management of telecommunication companies should engage in programme that promote social values and have some element of social justice, as these actions would improve their public image. Additionally, strategists of telecommunication companies are encouraged to invest in sponsorship marketing in the area of social causes that improve the well-being of the society. These programmes are capable of enhancing stakeholder loyalty; particularly customers.