Mixed method research combines both qualitative and quantitative paradigms. It comprises of a collection of both the open-ended and closed data while responding to the research questions. The utilization of mixed methods has been practised in health sciences, especially in substance abuse studies in the family. Mixed methods practices of alcohol and other drugs are increasingly developing globally, and various nations have embraced the technique. The mixed-method approach has argued that technique will adequately equip the analysts to understand quickly, explain, describe and explore why alcohol consumption challenges and the use of other drugs is increasing in families. The perspective is significant in providing various pathways for proofreading the solutions to the obstacles of using unprescribed drugs overtime.
Research Question: How do the themes mentioned by scholars help to explain why there exists an increased level of drug and alcohol abuse in families?
The mixed research method is the most appropriate in answering the study questions. The study aims at describing the place of mixed methods research in substance abuse in various families in America. The method is vital because the existing substance abuse that is currently problematic cannot only be addressed by using quantitative data (Frost, 2011). The existing challenges in alcohol abuse in society deserve multiple-dimensional ways to get a solution. The methods used for data collection include both non-probability and probability sampling. The experts can integrate the outcomes and draw inferences using both quantitative and qualitative measures. In the survey, 33 children and 50 parents were selected randomly considering their age, sex, education and class. In the second team of participants selected using non-probability sampling,40 parents and 60 children were chosen in a manner that the odds of every one chosen could not be calculated. The subjective decision of the analyst was factored in during non-probability sampling. The methods of data collection included interviews, field notes and tape recorders.
The mixed-method is the best way to study the topic because it gives room for many better questions to be asked and even answered. Diverse perspectives, such as the different methods of sampling, are easily explored in the same study in a mixed-method combination (Hesse-Biber, 2010). If the findings of the analysis are documented carefully, they can yield the best solution to the problem of substance abuse in the families.
The dominant method in the study is the quantitative approach. The method allowed the researchers to use a larger sample as compared to when a qualitative means was used. Many parents and children are therefore involved encouraging a more generalization of results. The method further is better because of its objectivity and accuracy. The variables involved in the approach are few because the information relates to close end data (Martin & Bridgmon, 2012). The qualitative study is not added as an afterthought but is used to gain a deep understanding of substance abuse as opposed to a surface illustration of the sampled group in the population. Qualitative ideas have not been used to impress journal editors but plays a crucial role in the topic by providing a graphic rendering of the structure, required order and the broad patterns found in the sampled team.
The study design is explanatory as it describes a topic that has not been well researched in the past. Several researchers have discussed substance abuse in the family, but individual sections still needed more exploration. The design can demand priorities while generating operational definitions in order to provide a thoroughly researched model. The study, therefore, applied the design to explain all the aspects of the analysis and data collection in detail.
Ethical principles are critical in this research. The exploration will aim to understand the causes of increased substance abuse among families while maintaining good health and welfare of the participants. Any intentional actions that might cause harm to both the researchers and the subjects in the study have been avoided—the freedom to decide whether to refuse or accept to take part in the study. Confidentiality was further enhanced in the study, as all private information was only used for the study.
Conclusion
The mixed-method technique focuses its thoughts on the assumptions that there exist various ways to social inquiry and every means of social inquiry tend to be inevitably partial. The combination of qualitative and quantitative studies is vital in addressing the contradictions that exist in research. Confidentiality and taking care of the patients’ wellbeing is critical for every research. Analytical research is essential in giving the study concepts in detail.