Mixed Methods Analysis

Question 1

What is mixed-methods data analysis?

Answer 1

Analysing data using both quantitative and qualitative methods to better accomplish the purpose of the research

Question 2

List 5 advantages of mixed-methods research

Answer 2

1. Comparing quantitative and qualitative data - can explain inconsistencies between quantitative results and qualitative findings
2. It represents the point of view of the participants - provides a voice for participants to ensure results of study are focused on experience of participants
3. Fosters academic interaction - studies add depth to multidisciplinary team study by facilitating engagement of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method scholars
4. Provides methodological versatility - method is adaptable to multiple study designs
5. Collects rich, comprehensive data - shows how individuals naturally gather information by combining the two

Question 3

List 3 disadvantages of mixed-methods research

Answer 3

1. Increases the complexity of evaluations - complex to plan and conduct requiring all aspects of study of both methods covered.
2. Relies on a multidisciplinary research team - involves multidisciplinary team of researchers to conduct study of which some may not be as open to due to it not being their field of expertise.
3. It needs increased capital - labour-intensive and take more resources and time than is required.

Question 4

What are the two principles that mixed/multiple process methods focuses on?

Answer 4

1. The capacity of paradigm approaches to provide correct answers to all research questions in all circumstances
   Explanation - the way that sub-objective is formulated, the analysis will lend itself to either a quantitative or qualitative method of enquiry. Openness to the use of approaches from both paradigms to achieve its goals is the main concept of mixed-methods approach.
2. The assumption that the use of more than one approach in certain cases can provide a stronger and more complete image of a situation than a single method alone.
   Explanation - single approach can’t present a complete, comprehensive or reliable perspective of the situation thus the concept of using multiple methods is that results can be improved by using more than one tool paradigm.

Question 5

What are the 4 types of mixed-method research?

Answer 5

1. Convergent parallel design
2. Explanatory sequential design
3. Exploratory sequential design
4. Embedded design interpretation

Question 6

What is the convergent parallel design and the advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 6

Quantitative and qualitative data are collected at the same time but analysed independently. Data sets are then mixed by combining results during interpretation.

Advantages:
- Intuitive
- Efficient
- Lends itself to teams

Disadvantages:
- Requires effort and expertise
- Issues with samples and sample sizes
- Difficult to converge two sets of different data
- How to resolve discrepant results

Question 7

What is the explanatory sequential design and the advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 7

Quantitative data is collected and analysed and qualitative data is analysed in the second phase as a follow up. Phases are connected by using quantitative and results to shape qualitative research questions, sampling and data collection.

Advantages:
- Appealing to quantitative researchers
- Straightforward to implement two phases
- Final report can be written in two phases
- Lends itself to emergent approaches

Disadvantages:
- Lengthy amount of time to implement two phases
- Difficult to secure IRB approval when the second phase cannot be specified before first phase is complete
- Need to decide what results to follow up
- Must decide criteria for selecting participants

Question 8

What is the exploratory sequential design and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 8

Qualitative data is first collected then the quantitative, of which the qualitative is analysed and results are used to build to the quantitative phase. Phases are connected by using qualitative results to shape quantitative phase by specifying research questions and variables.

Advantages:
1. Straightforward to design, implement and report
2. Quantitative component can make qualitative approach more acceptable to quantitative-biased audiences
3. Lends itself to an emergent approach

Disadvantages:
1. Two phases require lengthy time to implement
2. Deciding the qualitative findings to use for quantitative phase
3. Procedures for developing a valid and reliable