Mixed-Method Procedures

We have already seen that both forms of quantitative data and qualitative data provide different
types of information, but each type of data collection has limitations and strengths. With that in
mind, we can consider how strengths can be combined to develop a more strong understanding
of the research problem or questions. This idea is at the center of the new method called
"mixed methods research."

When using the method, researchers must conduct a basic definition and description of the
approach in a method section of a proposal. They should begin by defining mixed methods,
educating the reader about the background of mixed methods by briefly reviewing the history
of this approach to research, indicating the type of mixed methods design to be used in the
study and the reason for their choice, and also take into account the challenges that this form of
research poses for the researcher.

There are three basic types of mixed methods designs, in this section, each approach will be
discussed in terms of a description of the design, ways of collecting and analyzing data,
interpretation, and validity challenges.

Design of convergent parallel mixed methods.

In this approach, a researcher collects both quantitative and qualitative data, analyzes them
separately, and then compares the results to see if the findings confirm or reject each other.
Both provide different types of information and together produce results that should be the
same.

Qualitative data can be interviews, observations, documents, and records, while qualitative data
can be instrument data, observation checklists, or numerical records, however, the key with this
design is to collect both forms of data and analyze them using a parallel comparison. For this,
the researcher will first report the quantitative statistical results and then discuss the qualitative
findings that confirm or refute the statistical results.

Interpretation is a report that compares the results of the two databases and observes whether
there is convergence or divergence between the two sources of information. The validity of the
data should be based on establishing both the quantitative validity and qualitative validity for
each database.

Explanatory sequential mixed methods design.

It is a mixed-methods design that attracts people with a strong quantitative background or from
relatively new fields in qualitative approaches. The key idea in data collection is that qualitative
data collection is based directly on quantitative results. Quantitative and qualitative databases
are analyzed separately in this approach, and quantitative results are then used to plan
qualitative monitoring.

The interpretation of mixed methods follows the form of first reporting the quantitative results
of the first phase and then the qualitative results of the second phase. To establish validity,
attention can be focused only on the personal demographics and they miss important
explanations that need further understanding. The investigator can also help validate the results
by drawing different samples for each phase of the study.

Exploratory sequential mixed methods design

An exploratory sequential mixed method is a design in which the researcher begins by exploring
with qualitative data and analysis and then uses the findings in a second quantitative phase. The
data collection would occur in two phases with the qualitative data collection followed by the
second quantitative data collection. The challenge is how to use the information from the initial
phase to the second phase.

In this design, the researcher analyzes the two databases separately and uses the findings from
the initial exploratory database to build on quantitative measures, for this he needs to pay
special attention to the steps of qualitative data analysis and determine the findings on those to
build.

The order of interpretation is to report the qualitative findings first, the use of the qualitative
results, and then the quantitative results of the final phase of the study.

Mixed-methods notation provides labels and shorthand symbols that convey important aspects
of mixed-methods research, and provide a way for mixed-methods researchers to you can easily
communicate their procedures.

Something else, researchers must consider the factors that influence their choice of a mixed-
methods design, these imply considering what result they expect from the study, the integration
of the databases, their timing, the emphasis placed on each database, choosing the design that
suits your field, and carrying out the project, either by the researcher himself or by a team of
researchers.

To conclude, according to this chapter, mixed methods are a new research methodology, and
readers should be educated regarding the basic intention and definition of the design, the
reasons for choosing the procedure, and the value it will give to a study. Then decide on a
mixed-methods design to use. With this choice in hand, we proceed to discuss data collection,
data analysis, and data interpretation and validation procedures within the context of the
design. Finally, end with a discussion of possible ethical issues to be anticipated in the study,
and use an outline to write the final study.

Reflexion
Well, up to this unit we have already considered the data collection steps of quantitative
methods and qualitative data, both forms provide different types of information, but each type
of data collection has limitations and strengths. In this unit, we can consider how strengths can
be combined to develop a stronger understanding of the research problem or questions. This is
the main idea of the mixed method.

According to this chapter, mixed methods is a new research methodology, and readers should
be educated on the basic intent of the research. When designing the procedures for a mixed-
methods discussion, It should begin with its definition, its fundamental characteristics, briefly
mentioning its historical evolution, the reasons for choosing the procedure, and the value it will
give to a study. Then decide which layout to use with mixed methods. With this choice in hand,
we proceed to discuss data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation and validation
procedures within the context of design. Finally, end with a discussion of possible ethical issues
to be anticipated in the study and use an outline to write the final study.

Why might collecting qualitative and quantitative data be a challenge in Convergent Parallel
Mixed Methods design?

Unquestionably, the data for the qualitative data collection will be smaller than that for the
quantitative data collection. This is because the intent of data collection for qualitative data is to
locate and obtain information from a small sample but to gather extensive information from this
sample; whereas, in quantitative research, a large N is needed in order to conduct meaningful
statistical tests.