scholarly journals Multiple Perspectives on Mixing Methods: A Review of Bergman’s Advances in Mixed Methods Research: Theory and Applications

Author(s):  
Nisaratana Sangasubana

More books on mixed methods research have been published recently. One notable contribution to this growing body of work is Bergman’s 2008 Advances in Mixed Methods Research: Theories and Applications. This edited work features contributions by different researchers and addresses a myriad of issues ranging from the need to re-conceptualize the paradigmatic differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches to methodological issues and challenges. This book should prove useful to researchers and graduate students interested in mixed methods designs.

Author(s):  
Sinem Toraman ◽  
Kyle Cox ◽  
Vicki L. Plano Clark ◽  
Jacinda K. Dariotis

As an emergent research approach, mixed methods research (MMR) is receiving increasing attention in graduate student preparation. Despite growing trends in the prevalence of mixed methods research across disciplines and the extensive methodological literature about this approach, little is known about the actual MMR practices of graduate students, such as writing an abstract. To address this gap, this methodological review used qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine 869 abstracts of doctoral dissertations and master’s theses that were labeled as MMR and published between 2013 and 2018 in the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global database. The results of this study indicated that a great number of institutions and disciplines have supported the use of MMR in doctoral dissertations and master’s theses. In addition, we found that the prevalence of MMR elements in the abstracts of culminating projects was highly varied. MMR element prevalence analysis revealed relatively common (e.g., qualitative methods, quantitative methods, mixed methods design) and relatively uncommon (e.g., sequence/timing of qualitative and quantitative strands, mixed methods rationale, priority, integration techniques, added value of using MMR) reporting practices. Implications for faculty involved in graduate education and mixed methods researchers are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. e002938
Author(s):  
Austin Carter ◽  
Nadia Akseer ◽  
Kevin Ho ◽  
Oliver Rothschild ◽  
Niranjan Bose ◽  
...  

This paper introduces a framework for conducting and disseminating mixed methods research on positive outlier countries that successfully improved their health outcomes and systems. We provide guidance on identifying exemplar countries, assembling multidisciplinary teams, collecting and synthesising pre-existing evidence, undertaking qualitative and quantitative analyses, and preparing dissemination products for various target audiences. Through a range of ongoing research studies, we illustrate application of each step of the framework while highlighting key considerations and lessons learnt. We hope uptake of this comprehensive framework by diverse stakeholders will increase the availability and utilisation of rigorous and comparable insights from global health success stories.


Author(s):  
Anna-Marie Wium ◽  
Brenda Louw

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.


2010 ◽  
pp. 19-34
Author(s):  
Graham Scambler

This paper starts by characterizing conventional notions of quantitative ‘versus' qualitative research and considers their potential displacement by ‘mixed-methods' research. The claim that mixed-methods research is necessarily an advance on its predecessors is critiqued. Using a critical realist approach favouring retroductive and abductive rather than inductive and deductive research strategies, it is suggested that the theoretical dimension implicit in all research is too often neglected. It is further contended that ‘making a case' empirically amounts to much the same things as ‘making a case' theoretically. More ‘metareflection' is commended. Brief references is made to the literature on health inequalities to add some flesh to the bones of the argument.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 764-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam J Caffery ◽  
Melinda Martin-Khan ◽  
Victoria Wade

Mixed methods research is important to health services research because the integrated qualitative and quantitative investigation can give a more comprehensive understanding of complex interventions such as telehealth than can a single-method study. Further, mixed methods research is applicable to translational research and program evaluation. Study designs relevant to telehealth research are described and supported by examples. Quality assessment tools, frameworks to assist in the reporting and review of mixed methods research, and related methodologies are also discussed.


Author(s):  
Daphne C. Watkins

Mixed methods research integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods into a single study to produce a more inclusive and expansive understanding of a topic. This article defines mixed methods in social work research, and discusses design notation, language, popular mixed methods designs, and data integration. Using mixed methods provides an opportunity for social workers to take advantage of the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches and to offset their weaknesses. It is important that social workers engaged in mixed methods research maximize the interpretation of their findings and articulate the advantages of using mixed methods over qualitative or quantitative methods alone. Given the unique features of the profession, it is imperative that social workers carve out a distinctive mixed methods niche for social work researchers and practitioners.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document