Mixed Methods

Question 1

Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative? (Bryman 1999)
Epistemological Position
Research/Subject
Research Focus
Scope of Findings
Nature of Data

Answer 1

Epistemological Position: Objectivist v Constructivist
Research/Subject: Distant/outsider v Close/Insider
Research Focus: Facts v Meanings
Scope of Findings: Nomothetic v Ideographic
Nature of Data: Numbers v Text

Question 2

DIVIDE: Epistemological Position

Answer 2

BUT qualitative can used to understand human experience

Quantitative provide way of measuring this experience

Question 3

DIVIDE: Researcher & Subjects

Answer 3

BUT Reflexivity: distinct feature of qualitative research (Personal reflexivity: acknowledging who you are and how personal interests/values influence research process)

Question 4

DIVIDE: Research Focus

Answer 4

BUT reality is multi-faceted

Question 5

DIVIDE: Scope of findings

Answer 5

Quantitative nomothetic (general laws for large groups, findings that hold irrespective of time)
Qualitative (personal, individual is unique; findings in specific time periods)
BUT different levels of enquiry

Question 6

DIVIDE: Nature of data

Answer 6

BUT content analysis (qualitative) is FREQUENCY COUNT

Visual images are used in quantitative research

Question 7

So what is the pragmatic approach?

Answer 7

Mixed methods: Collection or analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data as single study in which data are collected concurrently/simultaneously.

Question 8

Mixed Methods characteristics [4]

Answer 8

Knowledge social constructed
Knowledge based upon reality of world we experience
Induction: identifying patterns
Deduction: testing theories

Question 9

List [6] main reasons for using mixed methods

Answer 9

Sequential: Explanatory, Exploratory, Transformative
Concurrent: Triangulation, Nested, Transformative

Question 10

Describe: Sequential Explanatory [5]

Answer 10

Quantitative data collected & analyzed first
Then Qualitative
QUANT > qual (more weight QUANT)
Qualitative add depth
Integration of findings occurs at interpretation stage

Question 11

Describe: Sequential Exploratory [3]

Answer 11

Priority to QUAL: QUAL > quant
Quantitative data tests emerging theory
Results from one method are used to inform development of second (e.g. Interviews > informs development of quantitative questionnaire)

Question 12

Describe: Sequential Transformative [3]

Answer 12

Priority either QUAL or QUAN
Research guided by particular theoretical perspective
Appealing to researchers working under theoretical perspectives (e.g. advocacy, participatory, critical theory)

Question 13

Describe: Concurrent Triangulation [2]

Answer 13

Combination of methods to study same phenomenon

Weaknesses of one approach addressed through strength of another

Question 14

Describe: Concurrent Nested [4]

Answer 14

Embedding one method within another
Nested method can enrich other
Purpose to address different question than the dominant or seek info from different levels
Dominant method forms study framework

Question 15

Describe: Concurrent Transformative

Answer 15

Use of theoretical perspective reflected in purpose/research questions of study to guide all methodological choices
Evaluate theoretical perspective at diff levels of analysis

Question 16

Pros/cons (Evaluation) of Mixed Method Research?

Answer 16

Writing up MMR can be difficult (diff language, presentation)
Integration of findings may be difficult
Lack of expertise in one or other method
Different approaches in establishing validity