Question 1

Why might a researcher be inclined to use a mixed-methods design?
A)cost
B)increases opportunities for collaborative research
C)allows for the answering of multiple research questions
D)obscures obvious results to reveal more obscure findings

Accepted Answer

Using a mixed-methods design allows for the answering of multiple research questions by combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. This approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem and allow for triangulation of results.

Question 2

If quantitative measures are first enhanced by using qualitative measures,then that could be written as ______.
A)QUAN+QUAL
B)(QUAN)qual
C)QUAL→QUAN
D)QUAL↔QUAN

Accepted Answer

The arrow symbol (→) usually represents enhancement or transformation. So, QUAL→QUAN implies that qualitative measures are being enhanced or transformed into quantitative measures.

Question 3

A researcher had 500 people complete a survey,and then engaged in interviews with every 50th person,with the researcher giving a higher priority to the interviews,the researcher engaged in what kind of design?
A)concurrent mixed-methods
B)universal mixed-methods
C)integrated mixed-method
D)staged mixed-methods

Accepted Answer

The researcher used a staged mixed-methods design by first collecting survey data from all 500 people and then selecting a subset of the sample (every 50th person) for interviews. This approach allowed the researcher to prioritize the interviews while still collecting quantitative data from the entire sample.

Question 4

If a researcher used a sample then interviewed part of that sample,leading to the development of a structure questionnaire and then administered it to a different random sample,the diagram for that research would be written as ______.
A)(QUAL+QUAN)→(QUAL+QUAN)
B)(QUAL→QUAN)→(QUAL→QUAN)
C)(QUAL+QUAN)→(QUAL→QUAN)
D)(QUAL→QUAN)→(QUAL+QUAN)

Accepted Answer

The researcher starts with a qualitative approach by interviewing a part of the sample, then develops a structured questionnaire based on these interviews (a quantitative tool), and finally administers this questionnaire to a different sample. This process is a transition from qualitative to quantitative in the first phase (QUAL→QUAN), followed by applying the developed quantitative tool to a new sample without reverting to qualitative methods, hence (QUAL→QUAN)→(QUAL+QUAN).

Question 5

Mixed methods create extra challenges for researchers ______.
A)because of the incompatibility of the measures
B)because of the difference in methods of measurements
C)due to rarity of use of such methods
D)because of the need for expertise in using mixed methods

Accepted Answer

Mixed methods research is a complex approach that requires expertise in using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Researchers need to have the skills and knowledge to integrate and analyze both types of data effectively. This can be challenging, as it requires not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of both types of methods. Other challenges, such as differences in methods of measurements and incompatibility of measures, can also arise, but these are not unique to mixed methods research.

Question 6

A researcher who diagrams her research as (QUAL→QUAN)+(QUAL+QUAN)has used what type of research design?
A)staged
B)embedded
C)integrated
D)complex

Accepted Answer

The answer of A researcher who diagrams her research as...

Question 7

How can mixed-methods increase the likelihood that what is being reported as the findings are what is being reported?
A)They can enhance the reliability.
B)They can help to identify the sequence of the research being conducted.
C)They can suggest alternative research designs.
D)They can increase the validity.

Accepted Answer

Mixed-methods research utilizes both qualitative and quantitative data and provides multiple sources of evidence to support the findings. This increased data triangulation can increase the validity of the findings by providing a more complete picture of the research topic. Combining different types of data can also help to identify and mitigate biases that may be present in one type of data. Therefore, D is the best choice as it directly addresses the question of how mixed-methods can increase the likelihood that the findings reported are accurate.

Question 8

Mixed methods have been used more in academic disciplines than in applied fields.

Accepted Answer

Mixed methods, which combine qualitative and quantitative research techniques, are widely used in both academic disciplines and applied fields to address complex research questions and provide more comprehensive insights than either method could alone.

Question 9

If the use of alternative measures means that the results do not converge,then that ______.
A)means that only quantitative or qualitative measures should be used
B)could provide insights that could have been generated only through the use of mixed methods
C)demonstrates a failure to generate statistically significant results
D)shows that the wrong type of mixed-methods research design was used

Accepted Answer

The use of alternative measures, such as mixed methods, may provide insights that cannot be generated through the use of only quantitative or qualitative measures. The lack of convergence in results may be due to the unique perspectives provided by each method, which can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Therefore, choice B is the best option. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not account for the potential benefits of using mixed methods research designs.

Question 10

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in a single research project can enhance measurement ______.
A)validity
B)generalizability
C)authenticity
D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods can enhance measurement validity by providing more comprehensive and in-depth data for analysis, increase generalizability by allowing for both the in-depth exploration of specific cases and the application of findings to a larger population, and improve authenticity by allowing researchers to gather both objective numerical data and subjective meanings and experiences of participants.

Question 11

Another way of describing how the use of different methods of measurement can result in more valid results is to call it ______.
A)triangulation
B)statistical enhancement
C)mutual attraction
D)generalizability

Accepted Answer

Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or sources to gather data on a particular phenomenon or research question. By using multiple methods, researchers can confirm or validate their findings through comparison or corroboration, thereby increasing the overall validity of their results. This approach is especially useful in complex or difficult-to-measure areas and can help to reduce the potential for bias or error that may arise from using a single method of measurement.

Question 12

Ethical challenges that arise because of the use of mixed methods includes ______.
A)the mixing of roles that researchers have working with research participants
B)the inability to identify which role should be used throughout the research
C)that engaging as a researcher who collaborates with the participants being studied contrasts with being a researcher who see themselves as outside experts
D)that the researcher has to choose among too many different roles to be able to conduct the research

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ethical challenges that arise because of the...

Question 13

A way for research that uses mixed-methods can reduce potential ethical concerns ______.
A)is to have researchers who do only the qualitative work and researchers to do only the quantitative work.
B)involves insuring that all research participants have provided informed consent
C)is to properly sequence the different methods for conducting the research
D)involves giving equal weight to the findings generated using the qualitative and the quantitative methods

Accepted Answer

The answer of A way for research that uses mixed-methods...

Question 14

A single method may not represent adequately the social world's complexity that we are trying to understand

Accepted Answer

Social phenomena are often multifaceted, and a single method may not be sufficient to capture all its dimensions. A combination of methods, such as qualitative and quantitative, might provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Question 15

The paradigm wars emerged from linking qualitative methods to a positivist philosophy and quantitative methods to a collectivist philosophy.

Accepted Answer

The paradigm wars emerged from linking qualitative methods to a constructivist philosophy and quantitative methods to a positivist philosophy, not a collectivist philosophy.

Question 16

Believing that using mixed methods would overcome problems that can occur when a research design is limited to one method is ______.
A)naive
B)shrewd
C)pessimistic
D)balanced

Accepted Answer

While mixed methods may offer certain advantages, it is naive to believe that it can fully overcome all problems that can occur when using a research design limited to one method. There are still limitations and biases that need to be considered and addressed.

Question 17

With a staged mixed-methods design,
A)qualitative and quantitative methods are used concurrently in the research but one is given priority
B)qualitative and quantitative methods are used in sequence in the research and one is given priority
C)qualitative and quantitative methods are used concurrently in the research and both are given equal importance
D)qualitative and quantitative methods are used in sequence in the research and both are given equal importance

Accepted Answer

This means that in a staged mixed-methods approach, the researcher first employs one method (either qualitative or quantitative), analyzes the results, and then uses the second method to further explore, confirm, or elaborate on the findings from the first. The sequence can start with either qualitative or quantitative methods, depending on which is considered more appropriate for the initial phase of the research question. One of the methods is typically prioritized based on the research objectives, which influences the design and interpretation of the study. The prioritized method often shapes the research design and is used to address the primary research questions, while the other method plays a supportive role.

Question 18

The secondary method used in a mixed-methods project is written in all caps.

Accepted Answer

The secondary method is not necessarily written in all caps. It can be written in any format the researcher chooses, as long as it is clearly identified and described.

Question 19

QUAN+QUAL means that two methods are used concurrently and have equal priority.

Accepted Answer

QUAN+QUAL means that both quantitative and qualitative methods are used at the same time and given equal priority in research design and analysis.

Question 20

Staged method is to embedded method as QUAN→Qual is to ______.
A)QUAN+QUAL
B)(QUAN)qual
C)QUAL+QUAN
D)QUAL↔QUAN

Accepted Answer

The staged method (QUAN→Qual) implies a primary quantitative approach followed by a qualitative approach, suggesting a sequence. The embedded method, in contrast, integrates both approaches simultaneously. Thus, (QUAN)qual represents an embedded method where quantitative (QUAN) and qualitative (qual) methods are integrated, with a primary focus on QUAN but with qual embedded within it.

Quiz 12: Mixed Methods

Why might a researcher be inclined to use a mixed-methods design?

If quantitative measures are first enhanced by using qualitative measures,then that could be written as ______.

A researcher had 500 people complete a survey,and then engaged in interviews with every 50th person,with the researcher giving a higher priority to the interviews,the researcher engaged in what kind of design?

If a researcher used a sample then interviewed part of that sample,leading to the development of a structure questionnaire and then administered it to a different random sample,the diagram for that research would be written as ______.

Mixed methods create extra challenges for researchers ______.

A researcher who diagrams her research as (QUAL→QUAN) +(QUAL+QUAN) has used what type of research design?

How can mixed-methods increase the likelihood that what is being reported as the findings are what is being reported?

Mixed methods have been used more in academic disciplines than in applied fields.

If the use of alternative measures means that the results do not converge,then that ______.

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in a single research project can enhance measurement ______.

Another way of describing how the use of different methods of measurement can result in more valid results is to call it ______.

Ethical challenges that arise because of the use of mixed methods includes ______.

A way for research that uses mixed-methods can reduce potential ethical concerns ______.

A single method may not represent adequately the social world's complexity that we are trying to understand

The paradigm wars emerged from linking qualitative methods to a positivist philosophy and quantitative methods to a collectivist philosophy.

Believing that using mixed methods would overcome problems that can occur when a research design is limited to one method is ______.

With a staged mixed-methods design,

The secondary method used in a mixed-methods project is written in all caps.

QUAN+QUAL means that two methods are used concurrently and have equal priority.

Staged method is to embedded method as QUAN→Qual is to ______.