Mixed Methods Research Designs Quiz

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.

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.