8110 Dis Week 9

2

8110- Week 9 Discussion:

Designing Mixed Methods Research

Assignment Task Part 2

· Read a selection of your classmates’ postings.

· Respond to a classmate In a 200 word response by further supporting his or her response or respectfully offering a differing perspective

Colleague Response

Adeela Malik 

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Designing Mixed Methods Research

When Mixed Methods Research Integrates Quantitative Design and Qualitative Design

            Central to mixed-method research is the simultaneous and sequential nature in which both quantitative and qualitative data can be collected, analyzed, and interpreted in a single study. Nonetheless, the integration point may vary depending on whether a mixed method is convergent, explanatory, exploratory, or others (Creswell, 2018). Integrating qualitative and quantitative data can begin either at the analysis or interpretation stages (Kroll & Neri, 2009). Data convergence in explanatory and exploratory sequential mixed methods starts at the analysis stage through data merging, elucidation, or cross-building (Almalki, 2016). In contrast, under the convergent mixed method, quantitative and qualitative data collection happens simultaneously, but the integration of the general result occurs at the interpretation level.

Types of Research Questions Best Served by Mixed Methods Research

            Mixed-method best serves explorative and explanatory research questions. Exploratory research questions examine how a particular variable influences a given phenomenon by exploring the theoretical gaps and generating theory to understand the effect of a variable (Creswell, 2018; Roberts, 2010). However, explanatory research questions attempt to obtain evidence to clarify the reason for a given phenomenon. Thus, establishing the cause-and-effect relationship between variables

Strength and Limitation of Mixed Methods Research

            One strength of the mixed method is that it combines quantitative and qualitative data characteristics, thereby addressing the insufficiency of each type of data. The central assumption is that collective strength is achieved by combining numerical trends and personal experiences, perceptions, or stories (qualitative data) (Creswell, 2015). In terms of limitations, the method is expensive. Collecting both quantitative and qualitative sequentially or convergently consumes many resources, including financing, instrumentation, and time.   

The rationale for Utility of Mixed Methods Research

            The choice of mixed-method is based on the argument regarding the inadequacy of either quantitative or qualitative data to singularly provide essential research information needed to make a theoretical conclusion about a given subject. Sometimes a study may want to generalize the results of both a population (Creswell& Creswell, 2017). Or obtain a detailed interpretation of the meaning of a phenomenon. In such cases, the researcher is justified to generally explore variables, then employ large samples of the identified variables. Otherwise, the researcher can start with a large sample of variables and complete with a small variable sample.

 

References

Almalki, S. (2016). Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research--Challenges and Benefits. Journal of education and learning, 5(3), 288-296. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1110464

Creswell, J. W. (2015). A concise introduction to mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage        publications.

Creswell, John W. (2018).  Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Saga Press.

Kroll, T., & Neri, M. (2009). Designs for mixed methods research. Mixed methods research for nursing and the health sciences, 31

Roberts, Carol M. (2010).  The dissertation journey: A practical and comprehensive guide to planning, writing, and defending your dissertation. (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Saga Press, 2010.

 

 

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