Mixes

Discussion 1: Focus—Examining Existing Mixed-Methods Studies

As in the previous two weeks’ Discussions, you will begin this week with a general examination of mixed-methods research studies. You will explore mixed-methods studies to obtain a more in-depth look at mixed methods and their application.

You will consult and review mixed-methods studies to determine the ways in which they could inform your potential research. Perhaps these studies may provide a model, research instrument, theoretical framework, research question, or hypothesis that might inform your own evolving thinking on your potential research.

To prepare for this Discussion:

· Return to your literature review and peruse any mixed method studies you found.

· Conduct additional searches through the Walden Library for relevant qualitative studies that pertain directly to your topic or to related topics and could inform a mixed-methods study of your topic.

 By Day 3, post a 350- to 500-word synthesis of two mixed-methods studies that includes how the study might contribute to your own potential research topic, either directly or tangentially. Explain how the research instrument, theoretical framework, research questions, and hypothesis from each study inform your research approach. Also, post at least two questions that will elicit suggestions and further responses from your colleagues.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the reading(s) and/or media segment(s) and use APA format.

Discussion 2: Reflection and Action—Reflecting on Mixed-Methods Research

You may be familiar with the many design ideas for fuel-efficient cars and their gas-saving engines. Some proposals include cars that run on alternatives to traditional gasoline, such as biofuels, hydrogen, or even cars that are all electric and plug into an electrical supply for a charge. However, a recent innovative design is the hybrid engine, which uses some gasoline and also uses batteries that are charged from the energy produced by the car's brakes. Like a hybrid car, a mixed-methods research design combines different means to address the research objective or question.

In this Discussion, you will take a more in-depth look at mixed methods that you may consider using in this week’s Assignment.

To prepare for this Discussion:

· Review Chapter 10, "Mixed Methods Procedures," in the Creswell text.

· Review the media program, Mixed Methods: An Example.

· Review Mixed Methods Design and Analysis found in the Research Design and Analysis area of the Research Resources and Tutorials webpage.

· Consider the following questions:

· What is the role of mixed-methods designs?

· Why would it be important for a researcher to be conversant in both quantitative and qualitative methods?

· How can quantitative and qualitative research methods complement one another?

· Would it ever be viable to consider only quantitative or only qualitative methods for a research study?

· How can mixed-methods versus single (qual-quan) methods extend our understanding of a research problem?

· How do your thoughts on these questions relate to your worldview?

By Day 3, post a 200- to 400-word response to the questions above. Be sure to include at least two questions that will elicit comments and suggestions from your colleagues.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the reading(s) and/or media segment(s) and use APA format.

#2

Response:

Please respond to these 3 colleagues' postings .

In your responses, be sure to do the following:

· Address the content of each colleague's analysis and evaluation of the topic, as well as the integration of relevant resources.

· Address the question(s) posed by each colleague for further Discussion.

· Analyze the relationship between each colleague’s posting to other colleagues’ postings or to other course materials and concepts, where appropriate and relevant.

· Include proper APA citations.

Colleagues' postings 1:

Colleagues' postings 2:

Colleagues' postings 3: