Deck 8: Designing a Clinically Based Mixed Method Capstone Research Project

Question 1

Summarize the nature of the mixed method approach to research design.

Answer 1

A mixed method approach to research design essentially combines the qualitative and quantitative methods. A combination of the two methods allows the researcher to achieve a broader perspective than is possible when using only a single type of research method. One caveat to using a mixed method approach is the requirement that the researcher thoroughly understand the fine points of both quantitative and qualitative research to ensure accuracy of findings.

Question 2

Which perspective serves as a basis for the mixed method approach to research?

A) Positivism
B) Phenomenology
C) Grounded theory
D) Compatibility thesis

Answer 2

D
Explanation: Compatibility thesis and pragmatism form the basis for the fundamental principle of mixed research, which is that the research should combine research methods that offer complementary strengths but without overlapping weaknesses. The compatibility thesis proposes that the quantitative and qualitative research methods can be compatible and used together in a research study. Pragmatism proposes that the researcher should use any approach or combination of approaches that will be most effective in a real-world situation, regardless of assumptions of paradigms or philosophies. Quantitative research is based on the principles of positivism. Qualitative research designs, including grounded theory, are based on principles of phenomenology.

Question 3

Compared with using strictly a qualitative or quantitative approach to research, use of a mixed method research design offers distinct advantages, including:

A) Preventing generation of conflicting results
B) Providing stronger evidence for a conclusion
C) Eliminating the need to utilize a research team
D) Decreasing the time needed for project completion

Answer 3

B
Explanation: Compared with either a qualitative approach or a quantitative approach, the mixed method can provide stronger evidence for a conclusion. However, some of the disadvantages of the mixed method approach include the potential need to use a research team and the need for the researcher to accurately interpret conflicting results. In addition, use of the mixed method approach is more time consuming than using qualitative or quantitative research alone.

Question 4

Which is a limitation of using a mixed method research design?

A) The mixed method cannot be used to generate numeric data.
B) The mixed method often requires a significant amount of funding.
C) The mixed method can be used only with a large number of cases.
D) The mixed method cannot demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 5

Discuss reasons for choosing a mixed method approach to research.

Question 6

Differentiate between mixed model research and mixed method research.

Question 7

Explain the purpose of using the triangulation design in application to mixed method research.

Question 8

Summarize the process for implementing the triangulation design in application to mixed method research.

Question 9

Which research design typically places more emphasis on the qualitative method rather than the quantitative method?

A) Embedded
B) Exploratory
C) Explanatory
D) Triangulation

Question 10

Differentiate between concurrent timing and sequential timing in application to the mixed research design.