When Should Mixed Methods Be Used in a psychological research? SEE ATTACHED FILE

When Should Mixed Methods Be Used?

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 1 and 2 of the Hesse-Biber e-book, Mixed Methods Research: Merging Theory with Practice, and the two required articles for this week. Mixed methods is a current popular methodology. While this type of methodology is useful for some studies, because of its dual nature as both and quantative and qualitative, it is not effective or appropriate for all research.

For this discussion, you will consider the use of mixed methods for the topic you have chosen for your Research Proposal. (TOPIC CHOSEN IS DEPRESSION) In your initial post, apply the scientific method to your research topic by defining your research question and determining the method(s) necessary to answer that question. Compare the characteristics and appropriate uses of the different methods and explain if your research question could best be answered through qualitative or quantitative methods, or a mix of both. Identify the dominant method (quantitative or qualitative) for your proposed study. Explain whether a mixed methods approach is the best way to study the topic, demonstrating that the second method is not added as an afterthought or merely to impress journal editors who favor mixed methods. If you have decided not to use mixed methods, explain why the study is best completed with either a quantitative or qualitative focus. Justify your design choice and support your position with scholarly sources. Include a discussion explaining how you would apply ethical principles to your design to address concerns which may impact your research.

E-Books

Frost, N. (2011). Qualitative research methods in psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Hesse-Biber, S. N. (2010). Mixed methods research: Merging theory with practice. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Martin, W. E., & Bridgmon, K. D. (2012). Research methods for the social sciences, Volume 42: Quantitative and statistical research methods: From hypothesis to results. Somerset, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Articles