Quantitative data analyzes mathematical results to understand the correlation between variables
Discussion and Responses
STATED QUESTION: Consider the material that we covered this week and discuss when you think a mixed methods approach should be used in research. What are some key arguments that are occurring within the discipline regarding this question? Your posts this week should demonstrate critical reflection upon the assigned readings.
“Mixed Methods Short hand key” by
Creswell, John W. 2014. Figure 10.2 Three Basic Mixed Methods Designs. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th ed. Los Angeles: Sage: 229.
https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/group/securit…
Page 229 Figure 10.2
“Three Basic Mixed Methods Research Designs” by
Source: Creswell, John W. 2014. Figure 10.1 Three Basic Mixed Methods Designs. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th ed. Los Angeles: Sage: 220.
https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/group/securit…
CLASSMATE 1 SHERELLE: As we’ve already learned and discussed, quantitative data includes results with a numeric identity. Upon exploring an idea, hypothesis, and gathering results, data either supports or refutes the initial theory. Quantitative data analyzes mathematical results to understand the correlation between variables (Creswell, 2003).
Qualitative research is not quantified and is neutral compared to quantitative. A question with an unknown answer is asked, and data is collected and analyzed in an effort to answer that question. Brainstorming and assuming a concept is required prior to obtaining notes, recordings, or observations. Qualitative research is met with hesitance because it is imperative the research remain unbiased. In addition, qualitative research can be difficult to decipher.
Mixed methods approach involve the use of quantitative and qualitative research together. Practices of each type of data collection are merged to reduce bias and create an overall better understanding with all of the facts considered. Quantitative data surveys are often used with confidentiality, to protect the identity and answers of their participants. The sample sizes tend to be vast because some participants may not respond. Qualitative research involves direct questioning of participants about their lives, and the researched creates a “narrative” based on responses. Mixed methods research focuses on understanding subjects by collecting observed data, as well as a narrative. The use of mixed methods allows for more than one type of comprehension and may produce more reliable results, considering two truths are combined to support or oppose the hypothesis. The use of mixed methods allows the researcher to accumulate data, analyze data, and explain results based on a relationship with the subjects, as well as statistical data. According to Bickman & Rog (2009), mixed methodology is considered scholarly research, however research must be on-going as new variables are added to the equation. Without updated research, the published information could no longer be valid.
Personally, I prefer mixed methods. Statistics are often black and white and leave little room for interpretation. Presented data almost requires a background story for justification or explanation. The process of getting to know test subjects and understanding their situations allows for personalized data, and when mixed with quantitative data, provides a more authentic picture. I like to see mixed methods used when researching behaviors, cause and effect, mental illness, etc.
Bickman, L. & Rog, D.J. (2009). The SAGE handbook of applied social research methods (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications Inc.
Creswell, J.W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach. SAGE Publications Inc.
CLASSMATE 2 James: When looking at the utilization of the mixed method approach the researcher has to address several questions before utilizing it. Is this the appropriate method, do I have the time to utilize this method, and do I have the means to accomplish this method? When those questions are all yes then then the first step in identifying if that method should be utilized. Utilizing the mixed method is done when both qualitative and quantitative data are being looked at. This approach allows for a deeper understanding and can lead to a higher quality of feedback from a study. A great example of this is the growing use of the mixed method research approach in the healthcare sector. In the past this field relied heavily on numbers; was a surgery successful and at what rate, is the drug effective and for how long, to quantify their information and justify the utilization of those methods (Shorten & Smith, 2017). This has changed now as healthcare professionals look at the patient experience at a whole. They take information provided by the patient and valuable feedback coupled with the success of what intervention has been done to determine the overall answer when looking into best practices (Shorten & Smith, 2017). This approach can highlight some of the key arguments surrounding the utilization of the mixed method with statements stating that the question being asked should dictate the methodology used to this method can actually skew the results unlike statistics which are a black and white approach. While these arguments can be seen to have merit at a glance they lack much substance and can be ruled out.
-James Stewart
Work Cited
Shorten, A., & Smith, J. (2017, July 1). Mixed methods research: Expanding the evidence base. Evidence-Based Nursing. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://ebn.bmj.com/content/20/3/74
Mixed methods research. Mixed Methods Research – Harvard Catalyst. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://catalyst.harvard.edu/community-engagement/mmr/
CLASSMATE 3 ROBERT: It seems that any decision regarding which research method to use is entirely based on what is required to get the answer you are looking for. A mixed-methods approach is best suited to answer a question that either a solely qualitative or quantitative approach would not appropriately answer (Creswell, 2014). The readings do highlight that a mixed-methods approach can improve the understanding of information by providing quantitative results and directly relating them to practical examples and application (Wheeldon and Ahlberg, n.d.). However, there simply isn’t enough time and resources to perform a mixed-methods approach with every project.
Considering my own proposed project that asks the question “To what extent will users of social media and games increase their interaction with educational content if the behavior is reinforced with intangible rewards”? A Quantitative method may be most suitable for this because I could simply track the metrics of how often people interact with the content. However, this could become a mixed-methods study by also having a questionnaire that gauged the opinions that people have about the content, which could drive future development (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 2010). A survey of this sort could be directly administered through the same platform in which the content is launched, and perhaps allow for an open comments section which could elicit narrative responses from some participants.
Despite our desires and best intentions, we are still bound by the laws of time and economics. The judicious application of budgets and resources means researchers will always be forced to compete and show results to get the funding and assets they need. This means that research approaches must be carefully planned so that time and resources are not wasted. It is often jarring to see how quickly time can pass, and before one realizes it, the budgetary review cycle is upon you once again, and you must show progress to maintain faith in what it is you’re attempting to accomplish. In the event that an approach has not gone well, the test of your social capital begins. A bad year where research is focused around a flawed assumption could very well mean the end of the project, or at least the end of the project under your management. A mixed-methods approach is therefore one that needs to be very carefully considered, as it tends to be both more time consuming and costly.
Creswell, J. (n.d.). Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches 4th edition. Retrieved from extension://elhekieabhbkpmcefcoobjddigjcaadp/https://lgapi-us.libapps.com/ld.php?er_attachment_id=937135&site_id=1192.
Wheeldon, J and Ahlberg, M. Mapping mixed-methods research: Theories, models, and measures. (2012). Visualizing Social Science Research: Maps, Methods, & Meaning, 113–148. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483384528.n5
Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (2010). Sage Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social & Behavioral research. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781506335193
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