Consider a topic of interest to you.

Discuss how might this topic be studied using the

exploratory sequential mixed methods research design.

A number of definitions of research have been proposed by different scholars and researchers,

working in different fields. According to the Oxford Advanced Learners‘ Dictionary of Current

English (1986), research is defined as “systematic investigation undertaken in order to discover

new facts, get additional information”. Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2003) define research as

“…something that people undertake in order to find out new things in a systematic way, thereby

increasing their knowledge…” From the definitions of research provided above, it follows that

research is a planned activity, aimed at establishing new facts and information about a particular

phenomenon. The research process involves the identification of a particular problem or area of

interest, translating that problem into a research problem, collecting data, analyzing the data and

reporting the findings of the research. On the other hand, Leedy (1997) defines research design

as a plan for a study, providing the overall framework for collecting data. MacMillan and

Schumacher (2001) define it as a plan for selecting subjects, research sites, and data collection

procedures to answer the research question(s). They further indicate that the goal of a sound

research design is to provide results that are judged to be credible. For Durrheim (2004), research

design is a strategic framework for action that serves as a bridge between research questions and

the execution, or implementation of the research strategy. It however, the prerogative of this

write-up to explore how the topic, ‘the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem,’ can be

studied using the exploratory sequential mixed methods research design.

Exploratory sequential mixed methods research Design

where the quantitative phase of data collection and analysis follows the qualitative phase of data

collection and analysis. According to Fetters,Curry & Creswell (2013), this approach is useful

when there is limited knowledge about a research topic, and it allows researchers to explore the

topic in depth before measuring it quantitatively. The researchers will be able to explore the

phenomenon or problem in depth by integrating these different types of techniques. The

sequential nature of this design enables researchers to build upon the findings of one method and

inform the subsequent method, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the research

topic. As earlier mentioned, the essay we will consider the topic of interest as “the impact of

social media on adolescent self-esteem.”

Qualitative Study

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a qualitative study to explore the research topic. A qualitative study in research is a

methodological approach that aims to gather an in-depth understanding of human behavior,

experiences, and phenomena. Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on numerical data and

statistical analysis, qualitative research seeks to explore the complexities and nuances of social

interactions, beliefs, and perceptions. Creswell, John W. (2014). Qualitative research

acknowledges the subjective nature of human experiences and interpretations. Researchers often

engage in reflexivity to understand their own biases and perspectives that may influence the

study. This study typically use an inductive approach, where theories and hypotheses emerge

from the data collected rather than being predefined. It also involves collecting rich and detailed

data through methods such as interviews, observations, focus groups, and document analysis

with an aims to provide a holistic understanding of a particular phenomenon by capturing the

context, meanings, and perspectives of the participants.Blair, et al (2023) Analysis in qualitative

research involves coding, categorizing, and interpreting the data to identify patterns, themes, and

relationships.

In this case, the qualitative study would focus on understanding the impact of social media on

adolescent self-esteem. The researcher could conduct in-depth interviews or focus groups with

adolescents to explore their experiences with social media and how it affects their self-esteem.

The qualitative study would provide insights into the experiences and perceptions of adolescents

regarding social media and self-esteem. The researcher could use thematic analysis to identify

common themes and patterns in the data. The findings from the qualitative study would then

inform the quantitative study.

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The second phase of the exploratory sequential mixed methods research design involves

conducting a quantitative study to measure the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem.

Quantitative research relies on numerical data, which can be collected through various methods,

such as surveys, experiments, and existing databases. Diekmann, Andreas (2011). These data can

be analyzed using statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and relationships. It aims to

minimize bias and subjectivity by using standardized procedures for data collection, such as

structured questionnaires or validated instruments. This ensures that the data collected are

reliable and replicable and it often involves large sample sizes to enhance the generalizability of

the findings. Muaz, Jalil Mohammad (2013). This allows researchers to draw conclusions about a

larger population based on the sample data. This research utilizes statistical methods to analyze

the data, such as t-tests, correlations, and regression analyses. These methods help researchers

identify patterns, relationships, and causal connections between variables.

adolescents. The survey could include questions about social media use, self-esteem, and other

relevant variables such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. The quantitative study would

provide a numerical measure of the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem. The

researcher could use statistical analysis techniques such as regression analysis to examine the

relationship between social media use and self-esteem. The findings from the quantitative study

would confirm or refute the insights gained from the qualitative study.

Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Findings

The final phase of the exploratory sequential mixed methods research design involves integrating

the findings from the qualitative and quantitative studies. The researcher could use a joint display

or a narrative integration approach to integrate the findings. A joint display involves presenting

the findings from both studies in a single table or figure to facilitate comparison. A narrative

integration approach involves writing a narrative that integrates the findings from both studies.

Bell, J. (1999).

The integration of qualitative and quantitative findings would provide a more comprehensive

understanding of the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem. The qualitative findings

would provide insights into the experiences and perceptions of adolescents, while the

quantitative findings would provide a numerical measure of the impact. The integrated findings

would inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting positive self-esteem in adolescents

who use social media.

In conclusion, an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design is useful for studying

topics with limited knowledge, such as the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem. The
qualitative study provides insights into the experiences and perceptions of adolescents, while the

quantitative study provides a numerical measure of the impact. The integration of qualitative and

quantitative findings provides a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

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Social Sciences: Declaration, Diagnosis, and Redesign, Princeton University Press,

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Creswell, John W. (2014). Research design : qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods

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Muaz, Jalil Mohammad (2013), Practical Guidelines for conducting research. Summarizing good

research practice in line with the DCED Standard

Diekmann, Andreas (2011). "Are Most Published Research Findings False?". Jahrbücher für

Nationalökonomie und Statistik.

Adèr, H. J., Mellenbergh, G. J., & Hand, D. J. (2008). Advising on research methods: a

consultant's companion. Huizen: Johannes van Kessel Publishing.

Bell, J. (1999). Doing your research project. Buckingham: OUP.Creswell, J.W. (2012).

Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research.

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.