Research 13

Research 13

1. Mixed Methods Research

   • the researchers mixes or combines qualitative and quantitative research methods in the same study
   • Represents a change in that the researchers are primarily interested in both narrative and numerical data and their analysis
   • Seeking convergence and corroboration(evidence) of results from different methods that are studying the same phenomena
   • Seeking to elaborate, augment or add clarification to results from one methods with the 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 perspective and possible reframing of the research questions
   • Views of mix methods research
     • Incompatibility thesis
       • the assumption that accommodation between paradigms is not feasible
     • Pragmatism and mixed methods
       • A worldview which accepts multiple realities that reflex both biased and unbiased perspective
         • Supports practicality when addressing the research question
     • Status of quantitative and qualitative elements
       • Notation System
         • A systematic way of describing how a mixed method study is conducted
   • Mixed methods design
     • design issues
       • Emphasis dimension
         • This considers the status of the qualitative and quantitative elements in a mixed methods study
       • Time Dimension
         • This relates to when the phases of a mixed methods study are carried out
     • Concurrent mixed methods
       • A design where the quantitative and qualitative data collection and data analysis are carried out within the same time frame
       • Page. 275
     • Sequential mixed methods
       • A design where the quantitative and qualitative daw collection and data analysis are carried out in different timeframes and in two distinct
       • P.276
   • Sampling Techniques
     • Qualitative study
       • Purposive sampling
     • Quantitative
       • Probability sampling

2. Guidelines for mixed methods sampling

   • The sampling strategy should stem logically from the research question
   • The assumptions of the probability and purposive sampling technique should be followed
   • Must be ethical
   • possible and realistic

3. Analysis of mixed method data

   • 1. analyze the two types of data at the same time, but separately, and integrate results only during interpretation
   • 2. connect the two phases in such a way that the second phase was built on the findings of the first
   • 3. Mixing the data types by embedding the analysis of one data type within the other

4. Issues of validity in Mixed methods research

   • Establishing the suitability of the research design by clearly articulating the relationship between the research question and the method of study
   • Ensuring that all the elements of the quantitative and qualitative components of the research designed are conducted in a manner that demonstrates the established standards of research rigour required by each method
   • Demostrating the relationship between the quantitative and qualitative elements of the study and how this relationship contributes to the findings of the study,