Chapter Ten:Mixed Methods Procedures

Chapter Outline• Components of Mixed Methods Procedures– The Nature of Mixed Methods Research– Types of Mixed Methods Strategies and Visual Models• Planning Mixed Methods Procedures• Alternative Strategies and Visual Models• Choosing a Mixed Methods Strategy

– Data Collection Procedures– Data Analysis and Validation Procedures– Report Presentation Structure– Examples of Mixed Methods Procedures

Mixed Methods Procedures• Describe this approach in your proposal

– Trace its history– Provide a definition

• Mixed methods research is an approach to inquiry that combines or associates both qualitative and quantitative forms. It involves philosophical assumptions, the use of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the mixing of both approaches in a study. Thus, it is more than simply collecting and analyzing both kinds of data; it also involves the use of both approaches in tandem so that the overall strength of a study is greater than either qualitative or quantitative research (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007).

– Discuss the reasons for choosing the procedure, and the value it will lend to a study

– Decide on a mixed methods design to use– Discuss the challenges with this approach

Check List for Designing Mixed Methods Procedure

Describe Mixed Methods Research

• Begin by defining mixed methods:o Involves the collection of both qualitative and quantitative

data in response to research questions or hypotheses o Includes analysis of both forms of datao Rigorous data collection and analysiso The two forms of data are integrated in the design analysis o Procedures are incorporated into a distinct mixed methods

designo Procedures can also be informed by a philosophical world-

view or a theory

Describe Mixed Methods Research• Many different terms are used for this

approach, recent writings tend to use the term mixed methods

• The background of mixed methods by reviewing the history of this approach

• The type of mixed methods design that will be used and the rationale for choosing it

• The challenges this form of research poses for the inquirer

Describe Mixed Methods Research• Value and rationale for the choice of mixed methods

as an approach for the project:o Perspectives drawn from quantitative and qualitative data o Quantitative results with a qualitative follow-up data collection and

analysis o First collect and analyze qualitative data and then administer the

instruments to a sample o Experimental results by incorporating the perspectives of individuals o More complete understanding of changes needed for a marginalized

group through the combination of qualitative and quantitative data o Better understanding the need for and impact of an intervention program

over time

Types of Mixed Methods DesignConvergent Parallel Mixed Methods Design (Figure 10.1)• Description of the design: Collects both quantitative and

qualitative data, analyzes them separately, and then compares the results to see if the findings confirm or disconfirm each other

• Data collection: Collect both forms of data using the same or parallel variables, constructs, or concepts

• Data analysis: Challenge is to converge or to merge the data, the two databases are analyzed separately and then brought together. Side-by-side comparison. Start with the qualitative findings and then compare them to the quantitative, present one set of findings first and then the other

Types of Mixed Methods Design

Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Design (Figure 10.1)• Interpretation: Written into a discussion section of

the study. When there are differences in concepts, themes, or scales there is divergence

• Validity: Using the convergent approach should be based on both quantitative validity (e.g., construct) and qualitative validity (e.g., triangulation) for each database

Types of Mixed Methods DesignExplanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Design (Figure 10.1) • Description of the design: Appeals to strong quantitative

background and involves a two-phase project with the collection of quantitative data in the first phase, and qualitative data to help explain initial quantitative results

• Data collection: Proceeds in two distinct phases with rigorous quantitative sampling in the first phase and purposeful sampling in the second, qualitative phase, qualitative data collection builds directly on the quantitative results

•

Types of Mixed Methods DesignExplanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Design (Figure 10.1) • Data analysis: The quantitative and qualitative databases are

analyzed separately and the quantitative results are then used to plan the qualitative follow-up

• Interpretation: First-phase quantitative results, second phase qualitative results and a third form of interpretation: how the qualitative findings help to explain the quantitative results

• Validity: Researcher establishes the validity of the scores from the quantitative measures and to discuss the validity of the qualitative findings

Types of Mixed Methods Design

Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Design (Figure 10.1) • Description of the design: Start with a qualitative phase

first followed by a quantitative phase, for example the explanatory sequential approach, the second database builds on the results of the initial database

• Data collection: Data collection occurs in two phases. The initial qualitative data followed by the second quantitative data collection. The challenge is how to use the information from the initial phase in the second phase

Types of Mixed Methods DesignExploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Design (Figure 10.1) • Data analysis: Analyzes quantitative and qualitative

databases separately and uses the findings from the initial exploratory database to build into quantitative measures. Requires careful attention to the qualitative data analysis steps

• Interpretation: First report the qualitative finding and results, and then the quantitative results of the final phase of the study

• Validity: Need to check for the validity of the qualitative data and the quantitative scores

Advanced Mixed Methods Designs

There are three advanced mixed methods designs that incorporate elements convergent, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential approaches:1. Embedded mixed methods design rests on one or

more forms of data 2. Transformative mixed methods focus on social

justice frameworks to help a marginalized group3. Multiphase mixed methods occurs when

researchers conduct several mixed methods projects, in a longitudinal study

Mixed Methods Notationo QUAL and QUAN capitalization indicates an emphasis or priority on

the quantitative or qualitative data, analysis, and interpretation in the study

o Quan and Qual stand for quantitative and qualitative, respectivelyo A plus sign—+—indicates a simultaneous convergent or merging

integration of data collectiono An arrow—→—indicates a sequential form of data collection; one

form builds or connects with the other o Parentheses—( )—indicate that one form of data collection is

embedded within another or within a larger designo Double arrows—→←—mean that the flow of activities can go both

wayso Also in the figures we see boxes that highlight important major

components of the design— such as data collection or data analysis

Mixed Methods Notation

Choosing a Mixed Methods Design• Choice Based on Outcomes Expected: The researcher

determines the outcome(s) anticipated at the end of the mixed methods study and then to link it to the types

• Choice Based on Data Integrated: This mixed methods integration merges two data bases through side-by-side comparison, data transformation, or a joint display

• Choice Based on the Timing of the Data Collection: Either concurrent data collection – convergent strategy. Sequential data collection - explanatory, exploratory and sequential strategies

Choosing a Mixed Methods Design• Choice Based on the Emphasis Placed on Each Database: A

convergent approach is best. If a stronger emphasis is on the quantitative approach = explanatory sequential strategy is used. If a qualitative approach is emphasized = exploratory sequential strategy

• Choice Based on Type of Design Most Suited for a Field : Relies on the inclination of a field toward a certain design

• Choice Based on a Single Researcher or Team: Single researcher = sequential strategies of an explanatory sequential or exploratory sequential approach. Research team = Multiple forms of data collection simultaneously over a long period of time possible, hence, embedded or a multiphase design

Examples of Mixed Methods ProceduresA Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Design

Examples of Mixed Methods ProceduresExplanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Design

Examples of Mixed Methods ProceduresAn Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Design

Examples of Mixed Methods ProceduresA Transformative Design