Mixed Methods

Question 1

Mixed methods

Answer 1

Qualitative and quantitative research

Question 2

Quantitative Approach

Answer 2

1. Research makes decisions before study
2. Researcher reduces the inquiry to a small number of variables to study and a large number of people
3. Researcher ask specific closed-ended questions
4. Analyzes numbers
5. Importance placed on reliability, validity, generalizability, replicability, control, lack of bias

Question 3

Qualitative approachs

Answer 3

1. Researcher makes decisions based on views of participants
2. Researcher open the inquiry up to understand the complexity of the situation
3. Asks open-ended questions
4. Analyses words and images
5. Researcher places emphasis on indivdual meaning, context, and self-reflexivity

Question 4

Why use mixed methods?

Answer 4

Triangulation

Complementarity

Development

Initiation

Extension

Question 5

Triangulation

Answer 5

To find convergence and agreement across different methods (increases convergent and divergent validity)

Question 6

Complementarity

Answer 6

To develop an enriched, elaborated explanation of a given phenomena

Question 7

Development

Answer 7

Triangulation is used to develop complementarity

Question 8

Initiation

Answer 8

Look for inconsistencies, contradictions and paradox between methods (challenge existing paradigms and promote theory development)

Question 9

Extension

Answer 9

Extend the range of inquiry by using different methods for different inquiry components (ex. qualitative for processes; quantitative for outcome)

Question 10

Philosophical approaches

Answer 10

• Post-positivism
• Social constructionism
• Advocacy/transformative
• Pragmatism

Question 11

Post-positivism

Answer 11

ACCEPTS an objective reality outside of your senses that we can study

REJECTS the idea of incommensurability (assumes that there is only one way of seeing the world)

All types of measurement are fallible and subject to error

We will never achieve scientific “truth”

Question 12

Social constructionism

Answer 12

REJECTS the notion of an objective reality that can be studied

ACCEPTS the idea of incommensurability.

Assumes there are multiple equally valid ways of understanding the world

Science should focus on how arguments are constructed and why (i.e., political, social biases)

Question 13

Advocacy-Transformative

Answer 13

Research is politically motivated

Focuses on power differentials and tried to empower and give voice to stigmatized groups (women, ethnic minorities)

Question 14

Pragmatism

Answer 14

Only thing that matters is practical, real-world utility of research findings

“the instrumental truth”

The purpose of science is to be useful/practical in day-to-day life

Question 15

Three steps in designing a mixed method study

Answer 15

1. Choose a theoretical lens
2. How will data be collected
3. When will data integration occur

Question 16

Step 1: What is the theoretical lens?

Answer 16

Choose one or more of the four approaches

Question 17

Step 2: How will data collection be implemented and prioritized?

Answer 17

1. Sequential Explanatory
2. Sequential Exploratory
3. Concurrent Designs
4. Transformative Designs

Question 18

Step 3: When will data integration occur?

Answer 18

1. Analyze quantitative/qualitative data separately
2. Convert qualitative data into quantitative codes, and analyze both together in a quantitative analysis
3. Connect the two types of analyses together in separate studies (e.g., qualitative study which informs

Question 19

Four types of mixed method designs

Answer 19

1. Sequential explanatory
2. Sequential exploratory
3. Concurrent designs
4. Transformative designs

Question 20

Sequential explanatory design

Answer 20

QUAN –> qual

Qualitative portion is a selected subsample of the quantitative data

Qualitative data used to explain quantitative results

RCT to test a new therapy (quan); follow up on unsuccessful patients with qualitative questions

Question 21

Sequential exploratory design

Answer 21

qual –> QUAN

Usually involves the same people for both quan/qual

used to explore a poorly measured construct, create a new test, to increase the external validity of qual results

Ex. thematic analysis then quantitative analysis on the results

Question 22

Concurrent designs

Answer 22

QUAN + QUAL

Analyze both sets of data and compare and contrast (to get the same results)

Question 23

Hill et al., concurrent triangulation

Answer 23

14 participants with PTSD

Dream therapy and loss therapy; 8-11 sessions

Quantitative questionnaires and thematic analysis to measure distress and therapy effectiveness

Quan/qual similar; gain of insight, but no decrease in symptomology

Dream therapy participants had better engagement and a better working alliance

Question 24

Concurrent nested design

Answer 24

QUAN + qual or quan + QUAL

Like triangulation design

Data usually transformed into the prioritized type

Question 25

Adler et al., 2012 NESTED

Answer 25

QUAN + qual

47 participants undergoing 12 weeks of therapy

Questionnaires + interviews

Interview data converted to codes

Theme of agency (personal power; achievement) increased across therapy

Temporarily preceded to improvements in mental health

Question 26

Transformative designs

Answer 26

Can use any sequential or concurrent design but MUST use an Advocacy Transformative theory