Chapter 6: Descriptive research design, mixed methods and meta-analysis Chapter 7: Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies Discussion Question Based on your course reading assignments and your pending research problem, what type of study do you believe you are conducting, and please explain why? Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
Based on my course reading assignments and my pending research problem, I believe I am conducting a mixed methods study. A mixed methods study is a research design that involves the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem. This approach allows for the integration of different types of data, which can provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the research question.
In my research problem, I am interested in investigating the relationship between a particular intervention and its effectiveness in improving student performance in a specific subject area. To fully understand this relationship, it is necessary to consider both quantitative data such as test scores or grades, as well as qualitative data such as student perceptions or experiences with the intervention. By combining these two types of data, I will be able to obtain a more complete picture of the intervention’s impact on student performance.
The mixed methods approach is particularly suited to my research problem for several reasons. First, it allows for a more holistic understanding of the research question. By including both quantitative and qualitative data, I can capture not only the numerical effects of the intervention on student performance but also the underlying reasons and mechanisms by which the intervention may or may not be effective. This will provide me with a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the relationship.
Second, the mixed methods approach allows for triangulation of data. Triangulation refers to the process of using multiple sources or types of data to corroborate or validate findings. By collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, I can compare and contrast the results from each type of data, strengthening the overall credibility and validity of the findings. This is particularly important when studying complex phenomena or when the research problem is not easily captured by a single method.
Third, the mixed methods approach allows for complementarity of data. Complementarity refers to the ability of different types of data to provide unique insights or perspectives that cannot be obtained from a single method alone. In my research problem, the quantitative data can provide information on the overall effectiveness of the intervention on student performance, while the qualitative data can shed light on the specific aspects of the intervention that students find most beneficial or challenging. By combining these two types of data, I can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intervention’s impact.
Finally, the mixed methods approach allows for expansion and exploration of the research problem. By collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, I can not only address the primary research question but also explore related or unforeseen aspects of the research problem. This can lead to new insights or hypotheses that can be further explored in future research.
In conclusion, based on my course reading assignments and my pending research problem, I believe I am conducting a mixed methods study. The mixed methods approach is well-suited to my research problem as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the intervention and student performance. It enables triangulation and complementarity of data, as well as expansion and exploration of the research problem. By employing this approach, I will be able to provide a more nuanced and robust analysis of the research question.