WEEK 10

Question 1

What is mixed method research?

Answer 1

Research in which the investigator collects and analyses data, integrates the findings and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches or methods in a single study”
(Tashakkori & Creswell 2007:4)

• Studies that have used two designs, qualitative and quantitative
• Offers a broader and more flexible approach for complex research problems
• Not limited to constraints of one or the other
• Journal Of Mixed Methods Research

Question 2

Why conduct mixed methods research?

Answer 2

Seeking convergence and corroboration of results from different methods that are studying same phenomena

Seeking to elaborate, augment or add clarification to results from one method with results of another method

Using the results from one method to inform or develop another method

Using one method to discover new perceptions in an area of research enquiry leads to new perspectives and possible reframing of the research question

Question 3

Methodological Triangulation (Pluralism)

Answer 3

• Triangulation : usually applied to qualitative research
• Reduces error/increases rigor
• Different methods of data collection used in same study

For example: interviews + participant observation + documentation + focus groups etc

Question 4

Value of mixed methods

Answer 4

Potential for more complete & comprehensive research opportunity

Can give additional perspectives & insights beyond scope of single design

Weaknesses of one method may be counter-balanced by strengths of another

Question 5

Limitations of mixed methods

Answer 5

Complex
Time consuming
Involved
Resource-intensive
Knowledge required of researchers- both qualitative & quantitative knowledge
Understanding & acceptance by research community needed

Question 6

Action research

Answer 6

-Method of enquiry in which an individual or group actively engage as researchers in a process of change to address actual or emergent problems in their specific area of practice

• Investigates an identified area/issue of concern
• Aims to generate solutions/interventions to bring about change
• Action researchers go to the site of the problem and work with the people concerned as co-researchers
• Process include cycle of enquiry, intervention, evaluation
• Narrows gap between research and implementation of results
• Research in the real world situation
• Occurs in a spiral/cycle design
• May use any type of research methodology
• Emphasis on continual improvement
• Limitation: may be weak experimental design

Question 7

Delphi technique

Answer 7

Uses expert opinion on a clinical practice problem

Non-empirical approach (ie no data collection)

Useful when experimental approach not feasible

Limitation: only represents opinion