Label your responses to Question 1 or Question 2.
- How have you assimilated the information from the text regarding the types of mixed method designs?In your answer, please summarize what you feel is the most important aspect in identifying the various types of mixed methods designs.
- What process is helpful in determining sample size in mixed methods designs? Provide a brief description of a research question or study you have developed or one you have found in the literature.Discuss the sample size you think best works for the study you selected to use with this question.
You need to use references to at least 5 to 10 peer-reviewed journal articles to support your discussion.You must make a minimum of four substantive contributions on two separate days of the learning week to each discussion topic. Post your response to the discussion question early in the learning week (no later than Wednesday), and then respond to a minimum of three other posts. Please limit your initial discussion post to 4-6 short paragraphs and 3 response posts to 2 paragraphs.
Expert Solution Preview
Question 1: How have you assimilated the information from the text regarding the types of mixed method designs?
Mixed methods designs are an appropriate research approach when researchers aim to answer complex questions that cannot be addressed by using a single method. According to Creswell and Plano Clark’s (2018) description, the five main types of mixed methods designs are explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential, convergent parallel, embedded and transformative. As healthcare professionals and researchers, the knowledge and understanding of these designs are essential. The explanatory sequential approach aims to first incorporate the quantitative data, followed by the qualitative data to help explain the quantitative data in greater depth. In contrast, the exploratory sequential approach begins with qualitative data collection and analysis, followed by quantitative data. The convergent parallel design incorporates similar set quantitative and qualitative data streams and compares the findings using qualitative and quantitative methods. Meanwhile, the embedded design integrates an additional data type or source to inform the primary data collection, both qualitatively and quantitively. Finally, the transformative approach is a more complex iterative approach that focuses on integrating social justice and equity concerns within the design. The most critical aspect of identifying the various types of mixed methods designs is to have a clear understanding of the research question and which design would work best for the approach.
Question 2: What process is helpful in determining sample size in mixed methods designs? Provide a brief description of a research question or study you have developed or one you have found in the literature. Discuss the sample size you think best works for the study you selected to use with this question.
Determining the sample size in a mixed methods design is crucial and can be challenging. It is essential to have an appropriate sample size that is representative and provides statistical power. The process of determining the sample size for a mixed methods design primarily depends on the study’s approach, design, and research question. The primary approach uses sample size estimations to maintain data quality, yields reliable results, and minimizes biases. Since mixed methods designs often include both qualitative and quantitative data, different approaches, including sampling of both types of data, are necessary.
An example of a study that would warrant the use of mixed methods design is to investigate the experiences of care transition for older adult patients with intellectual disabilities. The study will explore the transitional experiences, including the patient’s experiences, caregivers, and service providers’ perspectives. The qualitative approach will help gain insights and understanding of the patients’ experiences throughout the transition period, while the quantitative part will provide a more in-depth understanding of the patient’s experiences using predetermined factors.
The best sample size for the above scenario depends on many factors, including the researcher’s aims, resources, and study’s characteristics. A guideline to determine the sample size is provided by Creswell and Plano Clark (2018), where the sample size is determined based on the scope, resources, and questions posed.
References:
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage publications.
Gigliotti, E., Cuomo, G., Del Prete, A., & Mazzonna, F. (2021). “Forgotten” Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Mixed Methods Study Investigating Their Care Transition Experiences. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 18(1), 3-13.
