Data-Based Decision Making, Part 5
Question 1: Define mixed methods research design and discuss the pros and cons of using this method.
Answer 1: A mixed methods research design approach uses both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. Disadvantages to using this approach include a lack of understanding of both of these research methods, the process is time consuming, and requires extensive data collection. However, using both quantitative and qualitative information will help the researcher gain a comprehensive picture of the research problem. With mixed methods research, the researcher can use qualitative information gained through interviews or observations to provide additional support for the quantitative information gathered from numerical data collection. Additionally, some researchers may use this type of research design as a multiphase study. For example, a researcher may gather qualitative information to begin building a basis for the research question and then collect quantitative data to support their questions or hypotheses.
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Question 2: Discuss three types of mixed methods research.
Answer 2: Triangulation design This process requires collecting quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously, and combining the results to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problem. The key characteristic of this design approach is that equal priority is given to both types of data and results are compared and contrasted between both types of data. Explanatory design This design method uses a two phase model in which priority is given to quantitative data collection. The second phase includes a limited qualitative data collection piece. Following all data collection, the results from the qualitative phase serve to support and refine information gathered from the quantitative phase.Exploratory design This is a multiphase research method that places an emphasis on the qualitative data during the first phase. Quantitative data is collected during the second phase and is used to support and explain findings from qualitative phase.
Question 3: Define survey research design and discuss the pros and cons of using this method.
Answer 3: Survey research design is a quantitative research method that involves administering surveys in order to determine individuals’ attitudes or opinions about a topic. Surveys may be delivered face-to-face, pen and paper, over the phone, and most recently, over the Internet. With this method, no mental treatment or intervention is administered; therefore, researchers cannot determine cause and effects of any specific variables. The specific purpose of survey research design is to identify trends in the data rather than to offer specific explanations for behaviors, attitudes, or outcomes. Surveys often provide researchers with general information about a population and may be helpful as a first step in determining research questions for additional experimental research.
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