Mixed Methods [COMB2] Questions and Answers Grade
A+ 2023
Mixed Methods Designs - -Allow researchers to use two types of data to verify findings, to more
deeply develop their theoretical frameworks; and to produce a richer dataset; use both qualitative
and quantitative data
-Hypothesis - -A declarative statement of the relationship between two or more variables.
-Methodology - -the application of particular procedures toward acquiring the answers to a wide
variety of research questions
-Mixed Methods Research Design - -a type of research design where the researcher employs both
quantitative and qualitative research methods to collect and analyze data, and report research
findings in a single study
-Population - -an entire unit or group; includes all units of interest in the study (i.e., all students,
all clients, all employees)
-Purposeful Sample - -a group of individuals who have experience with the phenomenon under
study
-Qualitative Research - -an open approach to the study of social phenomena; some aspects
include: emergent design, grounded in the lived experiences of individuals, and drawing on
multiple methods. Data is in narrative form.
-Quantitative Research - -research that employs the use of predetermined instruments in order to
measure and observe; some aspects include: experiments and the collection of survey data via
predetermined instruments. Data is in numerical form.
-Research Design - -an outlined plan for data collection and analysis; the purpose of the study
determines the design that will be used
-Research Question - -questions that the researcher seeks to answer.
-Sample - -a subset of the larger population
-Triangulation - -the use of multiple methods to ensure that the data collected is trustworthy and
accurate
-Literary Form Hypothesis - -Hypothesis written so that it represent variables in the abstract
-Operational Form Hypothesis - -Hypothesis written so that it represent specific information
about the variables in the study
,-Null Hypothesis - -a written statement that predicts that there is no difference, or no
relationship, between groups related to a particular variable.
-Literary Null Hypothesis - -There is no relationship between student support services and the
academic persistence of first generation college students.
-Literary Alternative Hypothesis - -The more first-generation college students use student
support services, the more they will persist academically.
-Operational Null Hypothesis - -There is no relationship between the number of hours first
generation students use the academic advising center and their persistence at college after their
freshman year.
-Operational Alternative Hypothesis - -The more that first-generation college students use the
academic advising center, the more they will persist at college after their freshman year.
-Descriptive Questions - -are written for each independent and dependent variable and any
significant mediating variables in the study.
-Multivariate Questions - -Follow descriptive questions; compare or relate variables
-Embedded Design - -Four different types of Mixed Design; This design is used when
researchers need to answer questions from a different perspective and their research has
primarily focused on one type of data.
-Explanatory Design - -Four different types of Mixed Design; a two-phase design where
qualitative results are obtained first
then the quantitative in order to inform the qualitative data.
-Purposeful Sampling - -you specifically choose and that contain a certain element that will
highlight and inform a particular aspect of the study.
-Finding a sample size that is "just right" - -finding the ideal sample size depends on the method
of data collection in use.
-What are advantages of using mixed methods research? - --A researcher can use the strengths of
an additional method to overcome weaknesses in another method by (principle of
complementarity)
-Provides stronger evidence for conclusion through convergence/corroboration of findings
(triangulation)
-produces more complete knowledge necessary to inform theory and practice
-Can be used to increase the generalizability of the results
-What are disadvantages of using mixed methods research? - --The researcher has to learn about
multiple methods and approaches and understand how to appropriately mix them
-It is more expensive and more time consuming.
,-Need to work out issues ahead of time (e.g., problems of paradigm mixing, how to qualitatively
analyze quantitative data, how to interpret conflicting results)
-Why and how does feasibility of using mixed methods need to be assessed beforehand? - -Both
the RESEARCH QUESTION and the REQUIRED DATA will be the main determinants of the
methods used. To a lesser extent, the choice of methods may be influenced by feasibility, the
research team's skills and experience, and time constraints. Secondly, priority of methods will
relate to the emphasis placed on each method in the study.
-Creswell and Plano Clark (2011) distinguished four main types of mixed methods research
designs with associated
rationales. What are they? - -1. Triangulation, Concurrent, or Parallel Design - which entails
separate quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis within the same timeframe
2. Embedded Design - a concurrent design where a qualitative part is embedded in a quantitative
study, or vice versa, so that the qualitative results are used to support or explain findings from
the other method.
3. Exploratory Sequential Design - in which a qualitative study conducted in the first phase
informs a quantitative study conducted in the second phase.
4. Explanatory Sequential Design - a sequential design in which a quantitative study conducted
in the first phase informs a qualitative study conducted in the second
phase.
-How do multiple perspectives tie in with mixed methods? - -Researcher needs to acknowledge
the theoretical/philosophical views , identify their components, and then relate them to the mixed
methods questions, as well as results.
-How do you link research questions to the mixed methods data analysis procedures?
(Onwuebuzie & Leech, 2006) - -Research goals/purpose shape research questions by taking
these first steps of analysis :
1.) What is goal? 2.) What are objectives? 3.) What is your rationale for mixing methods per
research questions? 4.) What sampling design will you use? 5.) Decision on design
-What are Pros & Cons of Triangulation (Convergent) MM Design? - -+ Data collection is
concurrent; can lend to better
understanding of POP
+ Same time frame for data collection
___________________________________________________________
- Separate analysis is required (time consuming)
- Researchers need to consider the consequences of
having different samples and different sample sizes
when converging the two data sets. Different sample
sizes are inherent in the design because quantitative
and qualitative data are usually collected for different
purposes (generalization vs. in-depth description,
respectively).
, -What are Pros & Cons of Explanatory MM Design? - -+ Methods implemented sequentially (1.
quan 2. qual) so
as to explain the quantitative results (single researcher
can do this)
+ The final report can be written in two phases
+ This design appeals to quantitative researchers,
because it often begins with strong quantitative
orientation.
____________________________________________________
- This design requires a lengthy amount of time for
implementing the two phases.
- It can be difficult to secure internal review board
approval for this design because researcher cannot
specify how participants will be selected for second
phase until the initial findings are obtained.
-What are Pros & Cons of Exploratory MM Design? - -+ Although this design typically
emphasizes the
qualitative aspect, the inclusion of a quantitative
component can make the qualitative approach more
acceptable to quantitative-biased audiences.
_________________________________________________________
- Requires considerable time to implement
- Researchers should discuss whether the same
individuals will serve as participants in both the
qualitative and quantitative phases, as this will affect
internal review board decisions
-What are the Pros & Cons of Embedded MM Design? - -+ This design may be logistically more
manageable for graduate students because one method requires less data than the other method.
+This design may be appealing to funding agencies because the primary focus of the design is
traditionally quantitative
_____________________________________________________________
- For during-intervention approaches, the qualitative data collection may introduce potential
treatment bias that affects the outcomes of the experiment.
- Researcher needs to ensure that the qualitative data collection is carefully designed to match the
intent for including qualitative data, such as to develop an instrument or shape the intervention.
-What is the difference between sampling for quantitative vs. qualitative studies? - -In
QUALITATIVE study, sampling involves the intentional selection of participants who have
experienced a central phenomenon, condition, or concept.
In QUANTITATIVE study, sampling requires that selection include a large number of
individuals who are representative of the population or a segment of the population.
A+ 2023
Mixed Methods Designs - -Allow researchers to use two types of data to verify findings, to more
deeply develop their theoretical frameworks; and to produce a richer dataset; use both qualitative
and quantitative data
-Hypothesis - -A declarative statement of the relationship between two or more variables.
-Methodology - -the application of particular procedures toward acquiring the answers to a wide
variety of research questions
-Mixed Methods Research Design - -a type of research design where the researcher employs both
quantitative and qualitative research methods to collect and analyze data, and report research
findings in a single study
-Population - -an entire unit or group; includes all units of interest in the study (i.e., all students,
all clients, all employees)
-Purposeful Sample - -a group of individuals who have experience with the phenomenon under
study
-Qualitative Research - -an open approach to the study of social phenomena; some aspects
include: emergent design, grounded in the lived experiences of individuals, and drawing on
multiple methods. Data is in narrative form.
-Quantitative Research - -research that employs the use of predetermined instruments in order to
measure and observe; some aspects include: experiments and the collection of survey data via
predetermined instruments. Data is in numerical form.
-Research Design - -an outlined plan for data collection and analysis; the purpose of the study
determines the design that will be used
-Research Question - -questions that the researcher seeks to answer.
-Sample - -a subset of the larger population
-Triangulation - -the use of multiple methods to ensure that the data collected is trustworthy and
accurate
-Literary Form Hypothesis - -Hypothesis written so that it represent variables in the abstract
-Operational Form Hypothesis - -Hypothesis written so that it represent specific information
about the variables in the study
,-Null Hypothesis - -a written statement that predicts that there is no difference, or no
relationship, between groups related to a particular variable.
-Literary Null Hypothesis - -There is no relationship between student support services and the
academic persistence of first generation college students.
-Literary Alternative Hypothesis - -The more first-generation college students use student
support services, the more they will persist academically.
-Operational Null Hypothesis - -There is no relationship between the number of hours first
generation students use the academic advising center and their persistence at college after their
freshman year.
-Operational Alternative Hypothesis - -The more that first-generation college students use the
academic advising center, the more they will persist at college after their freshman year.
-Descriptive Questions - -are written for each independent and dependent variable and any
significant mediating variables in the study.
-Multivariate Questions - -Follow descriptive questions; compare or relate variables
-Embedded Design - -Four different types of Mixed Design; This design is used when
researchers need to answer questions from a different perspective and their research has
primarily focused on one type of data.
-Explanatory Design - -Four different types of Mixed Design; a two-phase design where
qualitative results are obtained first
then the quantitative in order to inform the qualitative data.
-Purposeful Sampling - -you specifically choose and that contain a certain element that will
highlight and inform a particular aspect of the study.
-Finding a sample size that is "just right" - -finding the ideal sample size depends on the method
of data collection in use.
-What are advantages of using mixed methods research? - --A researcher can use the strengths of
an additional method to overcome weaknesses in another method by (principle of
complementarity)
-Provides stronger evidence for conclusion through convergence/corroboration of findings
(triangulation)
-produces more complete knowledge necessary to inform theory and practice
-Can be used to increase the generalizability of the results
-What are disadvantages of using mixed methods research? - --The researcher has to learn about
multiple methods and approaches and understand how to appropriately mix them
-It is more expensive and more time consuming.
,-Need to work out issues ahead of time (e.g., problems of paradigm mixing, how to qualitatively
analyze quantitative data, how to interpret conflicting results)
-Why and how does feasibility of using mixed methods need to be assessed beforehand? - -Both
the RESEARCH QUESTION and the REQUIRED DATA will be the main determinants of the
methods used. To a lesser extent, the choice of methods may be influenced by feasibility, the
research team's skills and experience, and time constraints. Secondly, priority of methods will
relate to the emphasis placed on each method in the study.
-Creswell and Plano Clark (2011) distinguished four main types of mixed methods research
designs with associated
rationales. What are they? - -1. Triangulation, Concurrent, or Parallel Design - which entails
separate quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis within the same timeframe
2. Embedded Design - a concurrent design where a qualitative part is embedded in a quantitative
study, or vice versa, so that the qualitative results are used to support or explain findings from
the other method.
3. Exploratory Sequential Design - in which a qualitative study conducted in the first phase
informs a quantitative study conducted in the second phase.
4. Explanatory Sequential Design - a sequential design in which a quantitative study conducted
in the first phase informs a qualitative study conducted in the second
phase.
-How do multiple perspectives tie in with mixed methods? - -Researcher needs to acknowledge
the theoretical/philosophical views , identify their components, and then relate them to the mixed
methods questions, as well as results.
-How do you link research questions to the mixed methods data analysis procedures?
(Onwuebuzie & Leech, 2006) - -Research goals/purpose shape research questions by taking
these first steps of analysis :
1.) What is goal? 2.) What are objectives? 3.) What is your rationale for mixing methods per
research questions? 4.) What sampling design will you use? 5.) Decision on design
-What are Pros & Cons of Triangulation (Convergent) MM Design? - -+ Data collection is
concurrent; can lend to better
understanding of POP
+ Same time frame for data collection
___________________________________________________________
- Separate analysis is required (time consuming)
- Researchers need to consider the consequences of
having different samples and different sample sizes
when converging the two data sets. Different sample
sizes are inherent in the design because quantitative
and qualitative data are usually collected for different
purposes (generalization vs. in-depth description,
respectively).
, -What are Pros & Cons of Explanatory MM Design? - -+ Methods implemented sequentially (1.
quan 2. qual) so
as to explain the quantitative results (single researcher
can do this)
+ The final report can be written in two phases
+ This design appeals to quantitative researchers,
because it often begins with strong quantitative
orientation.
____________________________________________________
- This design requires a lengthy amount of time for
implementing the two phases.
- It can be difficult to secure internal review board
approval for this design because researcher cannot
specify how participants will be selected for second
phase until the initial findings are obtained.
-What are Pros & Cons of Exploratory MM Design? - -+ Although this design typically
emphasizes the
qualitative aspect, the inclusion of a quantitative
component can make the qualitative approach more
acceptable to quantitative-biased audiences.
_________________________________________________________
- Requires considerable time to implement
- Researchers should discuss whether the same
individuals will serve as participants in both the
qualitative and quantitative phases, as this will affect
internal review board decisions
-What are the Pros & Cons of Embedded MM Design? - -+ This design may be logistically more
manageable for graduate students because one method requires less data than the other method.
+This design may be appealing to funding agencies because the primary focus of the design is
traditionally quantitative
_____________________________________________________________
- For during-intervention approaches, the qualitative data collection may introduce potential
treatment bias that affects the outcomes of the experiment.
- Researcher needs to ensure that the qualitative data collection is carefully designed to match the
intent for including qualitative data, such as to develop an instrument or shape the intervention.
-What is the difference between sampling for quantitative vs. qualitative studies? - -In
QUALITATIVE study, sampling involves the intentional selection of participants who have
experienced a central phenomenon, condition, or concept.
In QUANTITATIVE study, sampling requires that selection include a large number of
individuals who are representative of the population or a segment of the population.
