Mixed Methods Research Designs Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant limitation of phenomenological studies?

They are low in manipulation of antecedent conditions. (correct)

They involve high manipulation of antecedent conditions.

They mainly focus on explaining behavior.

They can effectively determine causes of behavior.

What is the main feature of the explanatory sequential mixed methods design?

It utilizes qualitative data to explain quantitative findings. (correct)

It emphasizes qualitative data collection from the outset.

It combines qualitative and quantitative research equally in each phase.

It starts with qualitative research followed by quantitative research.

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of case studies?

They may lack completeness of data.

They provide a source of therapy techniques. (correct)

They often rely on retrospective data.

They may not be representative of the larger population.

Which of the following is a challenge of the explanatory sequential mixed methods design?

Identifying the quantitative results to explore further. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes retrospective data?

It includes recollections of past events collected in the present. Signup and view all the answers

In case studies, what is a deviant case analysis primarily focused on?

Examining differences between deviant and normal individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the first phase in exploratory sequential mixed methods?

Qualitative research exploring participant views. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenarios might a researcher use an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach?

To develop a web application based on user feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is fundamental to field studies?

They take place in real-life environments. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the explanatory sequential mixed methods labeled as 'sequential'?

It follows a logical progression from qualitative to quantitative. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a drawback of naturalistic observation in field studies?

It requires the subjects to be aware of the observer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of nonexperimental approaches?

They do not create levels of an independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding case studies?

They can study rare phenomena effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the exploratory sequential mixed methods design?

It can inform the development of follow-up quantitative research phases. Signup and view all the answers

What does high internal validity in an experiment indicate?

Conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes could result from the qualitative phase in an exploratory sequential mixed methods study?

Creating a hypothesis to be tested quantitatively. Signup and view all the answers

How does phenomenology primarily approach behavior?

By describing but not explaining behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes external validity?

The extent to which study results apply to real-world situations. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of manipulation, how do experiments differ from nonexperiments?

Experiments have a high degree of manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of research design is emphasized by the explanatory sequential mixed methods?

The use of initial quantitative data to frame subsequent qualitative inquiries. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the degree of imposition of units refer to?

How strictly the researcher controls participant responses. Signup and view all the answers

What type of nonexperimental approach focuses on an individual's immediate experience?

Phenomenology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential trade-off when increasing internal validity?

Lower generalizability of results. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about nonexperimental designs?

They create levels of independent variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ethnography as a qualitative design?

Analyzing the patterns of behavior in cultural groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes narrative research?

An inquiry into individuals' lives through their stories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of grounded theory in qualitative research?

To derive an abstract theory grounded in participant views. Signup and view all the answers

In convergent mixed methods, when are qualitative and quantitative data typically collected?

At roughly the same time. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research method involves reexamining data collected for other purposes?

Archival study. Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative design focuses primarily on shared behaviors within cultural groups?

Ethnography. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is described as involving the integration of participant views in developing a theory?

Grounded theory. Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of qualitative designs compared to quantitative designs?

Qualitative designs emphasize understanding experiences and meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of participant-observer studies?

The researcher becomes a part of the group to observe behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main issue associated with participant-observer studies?

Invasion of privacy can occur when members are unaware of the observation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes field experiments?

They occur in real-life settings to test hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates qualitative research from quantitative research?

Qualitative research focuses on words and narratives. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a contextual phenomenon studied through qualitative research?

The meaning of religious faith before surgery. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used in qualitative research?

Statistical analysis Signup and view all the answers

How can thematic analysis contribute to qualitative research?

By allowing for the identification of patterns within qualitative data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines a paradigm in research?

The accepted beliefs and methods within a discipline at a given time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods

This design involves first conducting quantitative research, analyzing the results, and then explaining them in detail with qualitative research.
Considered sequential as the qualitative phase follows the quantitative phase.
Common in fields with a strong quantitative focus; however, it can present challenges such as identifying which quantitative results to explore further and unequal sample sizes across phases.

Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods

In contrast to the explanatory approach, this method starts with qualitative research to explore participant perspectives.
After analyzing qualitative data, it sets the stage for a quantitative phase.
Qualitative research can assist in developing instruments, interventions, or specifying variables for subsequent quantitative studies.

Non-Experimental Design

Nonexperimental approaches do not manipulate independent variables or randomly assign subjects, suitable for ethical considerations or when testing hypotheses in realistic settings.
High external validity, allowing generalizability outside the research context, often at the cost of internal validity.

Internal Validity

Refers to the ability to establish a causal relationship between independent and dependent variables.
High internal validity indicates that changes in behavior are solely due to antecedent conditions, enabling cause-and-effect conclusions.

External Validity

Pertains to the generalizability of research findings to broader populations or settings.
Nonexperimental designs typically exhibit high external validity, emphasizing a trade-off with internal validity.

Dimensions of Experiments

The degree of manipulation of antecedent conditions varies: high in experiments, low in nonexperiments.
The degree of imposition of units indicates how much the researcher limits participant responses, affecting data collected.

Phenomenology

Focuses on individuals’ subjective experiences, yielding rich descriptions but lacking causal explanations.
Represents a design with low manipulation and imposition, aimed at understanding personal experiences.

Case Studies

Utilize observable behaviors and archival data from an external observer, offering insights into unique experiences and phenomena.
Advantages include hypothesis generation, therapy technique development, and examination of rare occurrences.
Limitations encompass sample representativeness, data completeness, and retrospective data reliance.

Field Studies

Nonexperimental research conducted in real-life settings, including naturalistic observation to capture spontaneous behavior.
Participant-observer methods involve the researcher integrating into the studied group, raising ethical concerns such as privacy invasion.

Qualitative Research

Collects descriptive data through narratives and personal accounts rather than numerical data.
Ideal for understanding behaviors in context, such as exploring the meaning of religious faith during medical challenges.

Qualitative Designs

Ethnography: In-depth study of cultural groups in their natural settings through observations and interviews.
Narrative Research: Collects life stories, which the researcher retells in a chronological format, combining participant and researcher perspectives.
Grounded Theory: Develops abstract theories from participant data through multiple data collection and analytical stages.

Mixed Methods Designs

Convergent mixed methods combine quantitative and qualitative data to provide a holistic view of the research problem.
Involves simultaneous data collection and integration for comprehensive analysis and interpretation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on mixed methods research designs, including explanatory sequential and exploratory sequential approaches. Learn how these designs utilize quantitative and qualitative research phases and their applications in various fields. Explore the challenges and advantages of non-experimental designs as well.