Topic 7 : Mixed Methods Research Flashcards
What is mixed methods?
Mixed methods are procedures for collecting, analysing, and mixing both qualitative and quantitative methods
–> can be applied to explore multiple research questions
Compare ‘method’ and ‘methodology’
Methods - the process by which the data is collected
Methodology - the study of HOW research is done (the way we discover about procedures and the way knowledge is gained)
Briefly describe the qualitative-quantitative spectrum (Johnson et al., 2007)
Pure
Qualitative
| Qual Dominant
|
Qualitative
Mixed
|
|
Pure Mixed Equal Status
|
|
Quantitative
Mixed
|
| Quant Dominant
|
Pure
Quantitative
Defining mixed-methods: What is between-methods triangulation in comparison to within-methods triangulation
Between Methods Triangulation: Refers to mixed-methods
Within-Methods Triangulation: only one paradigm is being implemented (eg. quant OR qual)
What are sequential designs (and list them)
Two different data-collection time points
- Sequential Explanatory Method
- Sequential Exploratory Method
- Sequential Transformative Method
Sequential Designs: Explain the ‘Sequential Explanatory Method’ and its +/-‘s
QUANT FIRST than QUALI LAST
–> the qualitative can help explain the quant
+
Comprehensive and nuanced
Can explore more complex data in depth
Can help to identify limitations of quant data
-
Time consuming
Requires expertise in bot
Potential for disconnect between the two phases
Sequential Designs: Explain the ‘Sequential Exploratory Method’ and its +/-‘s
QUAL FIRST then QUANT LAST
–> Qualitative is the initial exploration
+
Testing emergent theory
Used for validation
Can reduce disconnect due to exploratory nature
-
Time consuming
Requires expertise in both
Sequential Designs: Explain the ‘Sequential Transformative Method’ and its +/-‘s
Has no preference for the sequencing of the data collection - it emphasises THEORY (that shapes the research question)
+
Employs methods that best serve the theoretical perspective chosen
- Employs methods that best serve the theoretical perspective chosen (bias)
Concurrent Designs (Triangulated) - what is triangulation?
The way you combine qualitative and quantitative methods in one study (Flick, 2008)
–> both should be linked
–> these perspectives should be treated and applied on an equal footing
What are the four type of triangulation?
Data Triangulation
Methodological Triangulation
Theoretical Triangulation
Investigator Triangulation
Methodological Triangulations: Outline concurrent triangulation (and +/-‘s)
- Has only ONE point of data collection for qual and quant - data is analysed separate and integrated later
+
Ideal method for cross-validation studies
Findings from one method can be used to validate the other
Nuanced understanding
-
Usually needs a multidisciplinary team
Time consuming
Methodological Triangulations: Outline the ‘concurrent nested/embedded approach’ (and +/-‘s)
- Both types of data collected simultaneously BUT one of them is prioritised (and the other is nested)
+
Best used to gain perspectives on understudied phenomena
Efficient
Allows for a comprehensive exploration of the research area
-
May limit follow ups due to comprehensive nature
Analysis may be hard if data isn’t congruent
Methodological Triangulations: Outline concurrent transformative approach (and +/-‘s)
- Theory driven - allowing that researcher to examine phenomena on several different levels
–> usually social psych but not always
+
Employs methods that best serve the theoretical perspective chosen
Allows for the mapping of methods onto specific issues
-
Employs methods that best serve the theoretical perspective chosen (biases)
If issue or theory is not comprehensive then there may be oversight in the design
Why do we use mixed methods?
Oten useful in randomised controlled trials
–> Can help with refining an answer to a research question
–> Clinical psychology
In measuring a lot of different concepts and data types - can compliment figures
Analysing mixed methods: what are the three main ways of analysis
- At the same time but separate. Integration in the interpretation phase
- only connected during the discussion of the write up - Connecting the qual and quant proportions in phases
- phasic analysis - Mixing the data types but embedding the analysis of 1 into the other
- usually the quali is embedded in the quant
What are the STRENGTHS of using mixed methods?
+ Seen to solve the ‘weaknesses’ that the individual methods suffer from
+ (Leahey, 2007) –> permits more exact understanding (enhanced reliability and validity)
–> Greater confidence in results
What are the LIMITATIONS of using mixed methods?
- Practical guidance is MINIMAL (but improving!)
- Perhaps open to biases of superiority
