Mixed Method Research by Rachel De La Pena

History of Mixed Methods Approach

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 16:43:32 UTC

This method is recalled as being used as far back as the 1800s. W. E. B. Dubois (1899) argued for the use of both statistical and observational data; he applied this approach to his landmark study The Philadelphia Negro (n.d., 2018)

Hesse-Biber (2010) reported that mixed methods, that is, the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques, were used in the 1950s in studies of the poverty of families in Europe (Le Play, 1955).

Background of Mixed Method Research

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 16:51:04 UTC

Many believed using both methods enhanced their understanding of research at the time, even when several disagreed and did not understand how the techniques were ‘mixed’. Although there are several pieces of evidence, it wasn’t until the late 80s and early 90s that the mixed methods approach was seen as a ‘distinct and self-conscious strategy’ with attention being given to how to effectively combine these approaches (Maxwell, 2015, p.1) The mixed method was finally recognized as being used and acknowledged as an effective and credible

research method and developed by John /W. Creswell.

Major Features. Core mixed methods research designs.

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 17:00:08 UTC

Convergent Design. This is used when researchers are gathering qualitative and quantitative data concurrently, but are dissected individually. Then the results are integrated and contrasted to form a conclusion. Convergent design is used when there is a need to compare statistical results with qualitative findings to understand the research problem better and to validate and illustrate qualitative findings with quantitative results (Delve & Limpaecher, 2022)

Major Features. Core mixed methods research designs.

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 17:16:32 UTC

Explanatory sequential design. Explanatory sequential design is a type of mixed methods research in which you first collect and analyze quantitative data and then follow the results up with a qualitative phase (Delve & Limpaecher, 2022) This way researchers can use the qualitative method to describe the quantitative findings with more detail.

Major Features. Core mixed methods research designs.

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 17:19:02 UTC

Exploratory sequential design. This is when you collect and analyze qualitative data and then follow up your results with a quantitative phase (Delve & Limpaecher, 2022) This allows researchers to investigate a phenomenon prior to concluding which variables needed to calculate it quantitatively.

Major Features. Qualitative Data

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 17:31:05 UTC

When collecting qualitative data the researcher would possibly conduct in-depth interviews, observations of individuals or groups, or listen to narratives. This way the researcher is studying the behavior, mood, and/or feeling of the individual or group being studied by taking field notes.

Major Features. Quantitative Data

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 17:39:07 UTC

When collecting quantitative data the researcher will collect information with numerical importance. This can include the use of surveys, rating scales, polls, or standardized tests. The researcher collects this in a structured and statistical form.

Major Features. Analyzing and Interpreting Data.

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 17:56:35 UTC

After collecting the data, researchers now analyze and compare/contrast both methods of data to interpret their desired results. Triangulation may be used to assist with analyzing, to draw conclusions, and to make future recommendations. It is also possible, since dissecting two different data types, for researchers to use statistical data software and/or thematic analysis. By using both methods, researchers can obtain a more detailed, comprehensive understanding of their question. They are able to track patterns, constancy, or conflicts.

Strengths of Mixed Method

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 18:11:59 UTC

The use of mixed method research is most appropriate when the research question requires the use of both qualitative and quantitative data. This is done when researchers combine qualitative and quantitative methods to expand their evidence, improve the credibility of their findings, and illustrate the results from one method with the results from the other one (Delve & Limpaecher, 2022) An example of using this method with full benefits would be for any company or organization to have their employees fill out surveys regarding their workplace (quantitative data) and then conducting in-depth interviews with employees to hear their narrative side (qualitative data) of working for that company. This can also be useful for customer satisfaction, parents/students in school communities, and counselor/client relationships as well.

Weakness of Mixed Method

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 18:17:44 UTC

The weakness of using a mixed method approach is that it takes extensive time to collect two different types of data and then analyze it. Also, it could be tough when the data from each method produce different results. Another weakness of this method is that researchers need to be familiar with several different types of methods and how to integrate them properly. Some examples of using this method, and its creating of weak results, would be if a customer survey comes back with positive results for a product, yet the in-depth interviews showed that customers did not prefer the product, then you are dealing with inconclusive results.

Example of Mixed Method

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 18:22:08 UTC

Counselors apply the mixed method approach with clients to get a more in-depth understanding of their life experiences, choices, and needs to help them progress through the counseling process. Qualitative data is observed every session with a client from their facial expressions, gestures, tone, and narratives. Quantitative data is collected to seek more understanding on possibly a scale rating by giving a survey. This can be used throughout a counseling period to gauge if a particular experience is progressing or regressing. For example, if a client is suffering from depression, then the counselor could give a survey, or a rating scale, to help determine the severity of the depression. This, along with client narratives, would gather data for the counselor in a mixed method approach.

References

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 19:31:29 UTC

Developing Mixed Method Research John W. Creswell

rdelapena5 — 2024-11-12 19:50:22 UTC

This video shows John W. Creswell modeling an example of how the mixed method approach works with research. He explains how qualitative and quantitative methods work together to give insight on the desired research.