Recruiting At-Risk Respondents for a Convenience Sample in a Mixed-Methods Research: Issues and Resolutions

Background: Mixed-methods research (MMR) offers much to healthcare professions on clinical and research levels. Speech-language therapists and audiologists work in both educational and health settings where they deal with real-world problems. Through the nature of their work, they are confronted with multifaceted questions arising from their efforts to provide evidence-based services to individuals of all ages with communication disorders. MMR methods research is eminently suited to addressing such questions. Objective: The aim of this tutorial is to increase awareness of the value of MMR, especially for readers less familiar with this research approach. Method: A literature review was conducted to provide an overview of the key issues in MMR. The tutorial discusses the various issues to be considered in the critical appraisal of MMR, followed by an explanation of the process of conducting MMR. A critical review describes the strengths and challenges in MMR. Results: MMR is less commonly used or published in the fields of speech-language therapy and audiology. Conclusion: Researchers working in teams can draw on the strengths of different disciples and their research approaches. Such collaborative enterprises will contribute to capacity building. Researchers, SLTs and audiologists are encouraged to make use of MMR to address the complex research issues in the multicultural, multifaceted South African context. MMR makes an important contribution to the understanding of individuals with communication disorders, and in turn, researchers in the two disciplinary fields of speech-language therapy and audiology can contribute to the development of this research approach. MMR is well suited to the complexity of South African contexts and its populations, as it can provide multiple perspectives of a topic.

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A varietal-specific approach to investigate wine risk perception in South Africa

International Journal of Wine Business Research ◽

10.1108/ijwbr-06-2018-0023 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 640-659

Author(s):

Nadia Van der Colff ◽

Chris Pentz ◽

Helene Nieuwoudt

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Risk Perception ◽

South African ◽

Mixed Methods Research ◽

Online Survey ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Research Approach ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Content Type ◽

Chenin Blanc

Purpose This study aims to describe South African consumers’ wine risk perception on varietal level with recommendations for Chenin blanc. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory mixed methods approach was followed where qualitative data were used to develop the questionnaire. Quantitative data were collected from 2,051 respondents using an online survey. ANOVA and Fischer least significance difference tests were used to indicate statistical significance. Findings Significant perceived risks (PRs) associated with Chenin blanc across age and ethnic groups were functional, time and financial risks. Risk-reducing strategies (RRS) in the white wine category were favourite brands and a trusted store, while Sauvignon blanc was also described as an RRS. Recommended Chenin blanc RRS include tastings and events with food. Research limitations/implications Measurement of PR remains challenging. This research approach can be reproduced and/or adapted to investigate other struggling varietals and/or regions-of-origin. The convenience sample limits generalisability. Practical implications Segments were identified to develop new markets for Chenin blanc. RRS emphasise the importance of real sensory experience rather than media exposure to build knowledge and familiarity. Originality/value This study is a pioneering endeavour in terms of using an exploratory mixed methods research approach to investigate and describe risk perception of a specific wine varietal. Recommendations, with implications for strategic marketing decisions, are made for South African Chenin blanc.

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A Procedure for Implementing Exploratory Mixed Methods Research into Dry Port Management

Transactions on Maritime Science ◽

10.7225/toms.v08.n02.001 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 157-170 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jagan Jeevan ◽

Yapa Mahinda Bandara ◽

Nurul Haqimin Mohd Saleh ◽

Abdul Hafaz Ngah ◽

Rudiah Hanafiah

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Research ◽

Research Area ◽

Research Issues ◽

Main Method ◽

Quantitative Results ◽

Different Dimensions ◽

High Level ◽

Alternative Designs ◽

Insight Into

Qualitative approach has become the main method of exploring significant dimensions in dry port research.Quantitative approach has also been employed to examine empirical evidence in this research area. The application of mixed methods has been proposed in the dry port research to provide a multidimensional insight into seaport research issues. This paper provides guidance on mixed method application in dry port research and demonstrates that the implementation of mixed methods research is capable of providing comprehensive results by integrating qualitative and quantitative results in a single research. The availability of different dimensions and alternative designs lends this approach wide applicability, facilitating the production of valid and reliable outcomes and ensuring high level of generalizability of dry port research.

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The use of mixed-methods research to diagnose the organisational performance of a local government

SA Journal of Industrial Psychology ◽

10.4102/sajip.v43i0.1453 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Benjamin H. Olivier

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Local Government ◽

Local Governments ◽

Mixed Methods Research ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Data Gathering ◽

Organisational Performance ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Holistic Understanding

Orientation: The majority of local governments in South Africa are underperforming; a first step to improve their performance is to accurately diagnose their current functioning. The utilisation of a mixed-methods approach for this diagnosis based on a valid model of organisational performance will form a better and holistic understanding of how a local government is performing.Research purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of mixed-methods research as a diagnostic approach for determining the organisational performance of a local government in South Africa.Motivation for the study: The use of either quantitative or qualitative data gathering in isolation as part of an organisational diagnosis can lead to biased information and not identifying the root causes of problems. The use of mixed-methods research in which both quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods are utilised has been shown to produce numerous benefits, such as confirmation of gathered data, providing richer detail and initiating new lines of thinking. Such multiple methodologies are recognised as an essential component of any organisational diagnosis and can be an effective means of eliminating biases in singular data gathering methods.Research design, approach and method: A concurrent transformative mixed-methods strategy based on the Burke–Litwin model of organisational performance with triangulation of results and findings to determine convergence validity was used. A convenience sample of 116 (N = 203) permanent officials in a rural district municipality in South Africa completed a survey questionnaire and were also individually interviewed.Main findings: Results indicate that mixed-methods research is a valid technique for establishing the integrity of survey data and for providing a better and holistic understanding of the functioning of an organisation. The results also indicate that the Burke–Litwin model is a useful and valid diagnostic framework for identifying the strengths and development areas of an organisation’s performance. Finally, the results established the reliability and validity of the survey instrument used for gathering data.Practical and managerial implications: A mixed-methods research approach is a useful method to diagnose organisations’ performance to ensure data integrity and to obtain a comprehensive picture of an organisation’s performance. A further practical implication is that managers and practitioners can use the Burke–Litwin model as a basis for diagnosing the performance of an organisation with confidence, as it identifies the most important aspects of an organisation’s functioning.Contribution and value add: Organisational diagnoses are usually conducted by either quantitative or qualitative means, while the use of mixed-methods research is a relatively underutilised approach. This study aims to contribute to the availability of research approaches for diagnosing the performance of organisations.

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Advancing discussion of ethics in mixed methods health services research

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-06583-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nicole A. Stadnick ◽

Cheryl N. Poth ◽

Timothy C. Guetterman ◽

Joseph J. Gallo

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Health Services Research ◽

Health Services ◽

Research Ethics ◽

Mixed Methods Research ◽

Online Survey ◽

Ethical Issues ◽

Research Training ◽

Services Research ◽

Research Issues

Abstract Background To describe the ethical issues and experiences of scientists conducting mixed methods health services research and to advance empirical and conceptual discussion on ethical integrity in mixed methods health research. Methods The study was conducted with 64 scholars, faculty and consultants from the NIH-funded Mixed Methods Research Training Program (MMRTP) for the Health Sciences. This was a cross-sectional study. Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics to characterize responses and open coding to summarize strategies about eight ethical mixed methods research issues. Respondents completed an online survey to elicit experiences related to eight ethical issues (informed consent, confidentiality, data management, burden, safety, equitable recruitment, communication, and dissemination) and strategies for addressing them. Results Only about one-third of respondents thought their research ethics training helped them plan, conduct, or report mixed methods research. The most frequently occurring ethical issues were participant burden, dissemination and equitable recruitment (> 70% endorsement). Despite occurring frequently, < 50% of respondents rated each ethical issue as challenging. The most challenging ethical issues were related to managing participant burden, communication, and dissemination. Strategies reported to address ethical issues were largely not specific or unique to mixed methods with the exception of strategies to mitigate participant burden and, to a lesser degree, to facilitate equitable recruitment and promote dissemination of project results. Conclusions Mixed methods health researchers reported encountering ethical issues often yet varying levels of difficulty and effectiveness in the strategies used to mitigate ethical issues. This study highlights some of the unique challenges faced by mixed methods researchers to plan for and appropriately respond to arising ethical issues such as managing participant burden and confidentiality across data sources and utilizing effective communication and dissemination strategies particularly when working with a multidisciplinary research team. As one of the first empirical studies to examine mixed methods research ethics, our findings highlight the need for greater attention to ethics in health services mixed methods research and training.

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Exploring Injury Panorama, Consequences, and Recovery among Bus Crash Survivors: A Mixed-Methods Research Study

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x16001485 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 165-174 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Isabelle Doohan ◽

Ulf Björnstig ◽

Ulrika Östlund ◽

Britt-Inger Saveman

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Mixed Methods Research ◽

Research Study ◽

Well Being ◽

Minimal Risk ◽

Severe Injuries ◽

Minor Injuries ◽

Mental Well Being

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore physical and mental consequences and injury mechanisms among bus crash survivors to identify aspects that influence recovery.MethodsThe study participants were the total population of survivors (N=56) from a bus crash in Sweden. The study had a mixed-methods design that provided quantitative and qualitative data on injuries, mental well-being, and experiences. Results from descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were interpreted and integrated in a mixed-methods analysis.ResultsAmong the survivors, 11 passengers (20%) sustained moderate to severe injuries, and the remaining 45 (80%) had minor or no physical injuries. Two-thirds of the survivors screened for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk were assessed, during the period of one to three months after the bus crash, as not being at-risk, and the remaining one-third were at-risk. The thematic analysis resulted in themes covering the consequences and varying aspects that affected the survivors’ recoveries. The integrated findings are in the form of four “core cases” of survivors who represent a combination of characteristics: injury severity, mental well-being, social context, and other aspects hindering and facilitating recovery. Core case Avery represents a survivor who had minor or no injuries and who demonstrated a successful mental recovery. Core case Blair represents a survivor with moderate to severe injuries who experienced a successful mental recovery. Core case Casey represents a survivor who sustained minor injuries or no injuries in the crash but who was at-risk of developing PTSD. Core case Daryl represents a survivor who was at-risk of developing PTSD and who also sustained moderate to severe injuries in the crash.ConclusionThe present study provides a multi-faceted understanding of mass-casualty incident (MCI) survivors (ie, having minor injuries does not always correspond to minimal risk for PTSD and moderate to severe injuries do not always correspond to increased risk for PTSD). Injury mitigation measures (eg, safer roadside material and anti-lacerative windows) would reduce the consequences of bus crashes. A well-educated rescue team and a compassionate and competent social environment will facilitate recovery.DoohanI,BjörnstigU,ÖstlundU,SavemanBI.Exploring injury panorama, consequences, and recovery among bus crash survivors: a mixed-methods research study.Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(2):165–174.

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