When Should Mixed Methods be Used?
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When Should Mixed Methods be Used?
Introduction
Mixed methods are a type of research approach where the researchers collect qualitative and quantitative data in the same field of study. Due to its dual nature, many researchers have likened the approach as it helps to enhance the understanding of the study in a more effective manner. This essay analyzes the use of mixed methods in the research topic chosen prior.
Research Question
The research will seek to analyze the connection between aging and mental illness. Fundamentally, the study will answer the question, ‘Is there a relationship between aging and mental illness?’ The answers to the question will be critical for application in the mental health institutions, caregiver homes, other institutions, and homes dealing with the aged societal members who suffer from mental illness.
Significantly, getting the answer to the research question will employ the use of mixed methods. The researchers will collect both qualitative and quantitative data to enhance the reliability of the research information. Mixed methods allow the researchers to determine the correlation between the qualitative and the quantitative data collected.
Characteristics of Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Quantitative Method
The quantitative method deals with the collection of measurable data, which enables the researcher to express his findings in numbers and figures. The quantitative method requires the researcher to collect data using structured research instruments and techniques such as probability sampling (Lindorf & Sammons, 2018). Quite often, the data obtained through the quantitative method is presented using tables, graphs, and charts. Another striking characteristic of the quantitative method is the aspect of repetition, where the researchers repeat the processes to verify the credibility of the data collected.
Qualitative Method
The qualitative method deals with collecting non-numeric data through approaches such as observation, interviews, and case studies. Qualitative methods often emphasize the concepts, definitions, and detailed descriptions of the aspects under study (Moser & Korstjens, 2018). The method embraces a holistic perspective. This is where the entire aspects under study are considered a complex system made of several parts. The approach further is naturalistic as it enhances the study of the phenomena in their natural settings. To enhance reliable results in the research studies, both the qualitative and quantitative methods will be critical.
Dominant Method
The most dominant method in the research study will be the qualitative method. This is because the study seeks to analyze the reasons behind the existence or the absence of a relationship between aging and mental illnesses. However, a mixed-method will be crucial to give the aged’s numeric data who have mental illnesses. The data will be vital in justifying the analysis derived from the qualitative method of data collection.
Conclusion
Mixed methods allow researchers to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. While the former provides numerical data, the latter gives detailed descriptions of the phenomena under study, providing a deeper understanding of the aspects in a holistic view. To enhance justifiable results, the research will apply the mixed method of data collection and analysis.
References
Lindorff, A., & Sammons, P. (2018). Going beyond structured observations: looking at classroom practice through a mixed-method lens. ZDM, 50(3), 521-534.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11858-018-0915-7
Moser, A., & Korstjens, I. (2018). Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 3: Sampling, data collection, and analysis. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 9-18.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13814788.2017.1375091