Tuesday, August 10, 2010

EDU 530 Fall 2010 Creswell Discussion Ch. 17

Please post your question, quote, and fact from chapter 17 here. Also, respond to at least two of your peers' posts as well as my four questions.
Questions:
1.) Describe the purpose of mixed method designs and when you would use one of these research designs.
2.) Describe the steps for conducting a mixed methods study.
3.) List some types of data for both qualitative and quantitative mixed method research.
4,) Describe how you would evaluate a mixed method research design.

26 comments:

  1. Question: If you choose to collect both quantitative and qualitative data and decide to conduct a survey and then conduct follow-up interviews with a few students to explain the results of the survey, then will you use a mixed methods design?
    Quote: "Mixed methods researchers advance the sequence of data collection using concurrent or sequential spproaches."
    Fact: Weight or priority means that in a mixed methods design, the researcher places more emphasis on one type of data than on other types of data in the research and the written report.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1. A mixed methods research design is a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to understand a research problem. You conduct a mixed methods study when you have both quantitative and qualitative data and both types of data, together, provide a better understanding of your research problem than either type by itself. Mixed methods research is a good design to use if you seek to build on the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative data. You also conduct a mixed methods study when one type of research is not enough to addresss the research problem or answer the research questions. You engage in a mixed methods study when you want to follow up a quantitative study with a qualitative one to obtain more detailed, specific in formation than can be gained from the results of statistical tests. You use mixed methods when you want to incorporate a qualitative component into an otherwise quantitative study. You use mixed methods research for studies in graduate programs in which qualitative research has yet to be fully accepted and in which quantitative approaches are the norm.

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  3. 2. Mixed methods steps:
    Step 1. Determine if a mixed methods study is feasible
    Step 2. Identify a rationale for mixing methods
    Step 3. Identify a data-collection strategy
    Step 4. Develop quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods questions
    Step 5. Collect quantitative and qualitative data
    Step 6. Analyze data separately or concurrently
    Step 7. Write the report as a one- or two-phase study

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  4. 3. Numeric scores, text data from transcribed interviews, text data transcribed from questionnaires, fieldnotes (text) from researcher's notes, text data optically scanned from diaries, journals, letters, or official documents, image data from pictures, photography, or audiotapes.

    ReplyDelete
  5. 4. Use these questions as you design or review a study:
    1. Does the study employ at least one method associated with quantitative research and one method associated with qualitative research?
    2. Is it called a mixed methods study?
    3. Is there a reason why the author intends to mix methods in a single study and is what you will gain in this process made clear?
    4. Does the author indicate the type of mixed methods study? Alternatively, can you identify the type from reading the rationale or from a visual figure depicting the flow of data-collection activities?
    5. Does the author mention the priority given to the quantitative and qualitative data and the sequence of their use in the study?
    6. Is the study feasible, given the amount of data to be collected and the monies, time, and expertise required?
    7. Has the author written research questions for the quantitative and the qualitative methods and the mixed methods procedures?
    8. Has the author clearly identified the quantitative and qualitative data-collection procedures?
    9. Is the procedure for data analysis consistent with the type of mixed methods study?
    10. Is the written structure of the study consistent with the type of mixed methods design?

    ReplyDelete
  6. 1.) Describe the purpose of mixed method designs and when you would use one of these research designs.
    A:
    Mixed method design has a purpose to combine quantitative and qualitative research method within one research. Researchers use this method when they want to stud both qualitative an quantitative information and there are two type of data will help researchers understand the study better. Moreover, researchers can us mixed method research when only one typr of research is not suficien to satisfy the researh prolem. Furthurmoe,, researcher us mixed method to make a connection between qualitative and quantitative data.
    2.) Describe the steps for conducting a mixed methods study.
    A:
    1.Determine if a mixed methods study is feasible.
    2. Identify a retional for mixed method.
    3. Identify a data collection strategy.
    4. Develop quantitative , qualittive and mixed methods question.
    5. Collect qualitative and quantitative data.
    6. Analyze dta separately or concurrently.
    7. Write the report as a one or two phase study.
    3.) List some types of data for both qualitative and quantitative mixed method research.
    A:
    1. Quesionnaires.
    2. Observation.
    3. Test
    4. Measuring.
    5. Quotes.
    6.Observationa.
    7. Audio, video, photograph.
    8. Documentation.

    4,) Describe how you would evaluate a mixed method research design.
    A:
    Creswell (2008, p. 570) suggested that researcher should consider these questions.
    1. Does the study employ one method associated with quantitative research and one method associated with qualitative method?
    2. Id it called a mixed methods (or similr term) study?
    3. Is there a reason why the author intends to mix methods in a singlr stud andis what you will gainin this process made clear?
    4. Does the author indicate the type of mixed methods study ? Alternatively, can you identify the type from reading th rationale or from a visual figure depicting the flow of data collection activities?
    5. Does the author mention the priority given to the quantitative and qualitative data and the sequence of their use in the study?
    6. Is the study feasible, given the amount of data to be collected and the monies, time, and expertise required?
    7. Has the author written research questions for the quantitativ and qualitative methods and the mixed methods procedures?
    8. Has the author clearly identiied the quantitative and qualitative data collection procedures?
    9. Is the procedure for data anlysis consistent with the type of mixed methods stdy?
    10. Is the written structure of the study consistent with the type of mixed methods?

    Fact, "It has to mix between qualitative nad quantitative research only. :)"
    Quote, "Because the audiences may not be familiar with this design, you often need to educate them about it (Creswell, 2008, p. 552)."
    Question, "How we educate the audiences? and where we should put this section in our research?"

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1.) Describe the purpose of mixed method designs and when you would use one of these research designs.
    A:
    Mixed method design has a purpose to combine quantitative and qualitative research method within one research. Researchers use this method when they want to stud both qualitative an quantitative information and there are two type of data will help researchers understand the study better. Moreover, researchers can us mixed method research when only one typr of research is not suficien to satisfy the researh prolem. Furthurmoe,, researcher us mixed method to make a connection between qualitative and quantitative data.
    2.) Describe the steps for conducting a mixed methods study.
    A:
    1.Determine if a mixed methods study is feasible.
    2. Identify a retional for mixed method.
    3. Identify a data collection strategy.
    4. Develop quantitative , qualittive and mixed methods question.
    5. Collect qualitative and quantitative data.
    6. Analyze dta separately or concurrently.
    7. Write the report as a one or two phase study.
    3.) List some types of data for both qualitative and quantitative mixed method research.
    A:
    1. Quesionnaires.
    2. Observation.
    3. Test
    4. Measuring.
    5. Quotes.
    6.Observationa.
    7. Audio, video, photograph.
    8. Documentation.

    4,) Describe how you would evaluate a mixed method research design.
    A:
    Creswell (2008, p. 570) suggested that researcher should consider these questions.
    1. Does the study employ one method associated with quantitative research and one method associated with qualitative method?
    2. Id it called a mixed methods (or similr term) study?
    3. Is there a reason why the author intends to mix methods in a singlr stud andis what you will gainin this process made clear?
    4. Does the author indicate the type of mixed methods study ? Alternatively, can you identify the type from reading th rationale or from a visual figure depicting the flow of data collection activities?
    5. Does the author mention the priority given to the quantitative and qualitative data and the sequence of their use in the study?
    6. Is the study feasible, given the amount of data to be collected and the monies, time, and expertise required?
    7. Has the author written research questions for the quantitativ and qualitative methods and the mixed methods procedures?
    8. Has the author clearly identiied the quantitative and qualitative data collection procedures?
    9. Is the procedure for data anlysis consistent with the type of mixed methods stdy?
    10. Is the written structure of the study consistent with the type of mixed methods?

    Fact, "It has to mix between qualitative nad quantitative research only. :)"
    Quote, "Because the audiences may not be familiar with this design, you often need to educate them about it (Creswell, 2008, p. 552)."
    Question, "How we educate the audiences? and where we should put this section in our research?"

    ReplyDelete
  8. Prueksa,
    Very nice job on the question, quote, and fact.
    In most of the articles that I've looked at it often states what design was used in the study. The audience is identified in a "statement of the problem" section.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 1. Mixed method designs is the process of collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to understand a research problem. You would conduct this when you have both quantitative and qualitative data and both types of data, together, provide a better understanding of your research problem. Another reason might be if you seek to build on the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative data. You also conduct mixed methods study when one type of research is not enough to address the problem.
    2. The steps for conducting a mixed methods study include: a.) determine if mixed methods study is feasible. b.) identify a rationale for mixed methods. c.) identify a data collection strategy that includes priority, sequence, and visualization. d.) develop quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods questions. e.) collect quantitative and qualitative data. f.) analyze data. g.) write the report as a one or two phase study.
    3. The types of data for both qualitative and quantitative mixed method research include numeric scores, text data from transcribed interviews, text data transcribed from questionnaires, field notes, text data optically scanned from diaries, journals or letters. Image data from pictures or audiotapes.
    4. Does the study employ at least one method associated with quantitative research and one method associated qualitative research? Is it called a mixed methods study? Is there a reason why the author intends to mix methods in a single study? Has the author written research questions for the quantitative and qualitative methods and the mixed methods procedures? Has the author clearly identified the quantitative and qualitative data collection procedures? Is the procedure for data analysis consistent with the type of mixed methods study?
    Quote: “One of the most difficult challenges for the mixed methods researcher is how to analyze data collected from qualitative and quantitative research. Pg. 564.
    Fact: Readers and those who review mixed methods studies need to know why you are mixing methods.
    Question: When using exploratory mixed methods design, should you collect qualitative data first or quantitative data first?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Prueksa, I like your question. It is difficult to know exactly how to educate the audience regarding the research method.

    Helen, good fact. In mixed method, it would be likely that one type of research needs to be more heavily weighted than the other. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  11. 1. Mixed Methods is a way of collecting, analyzing, and mixing both qualitative and quantitative research and methods in a single study to understand a research problem.. You use mixed method design when you have both qualitative and quantitative data and both types of data together provide a better understanding than one alone.
    2. Determine if a mixed methods study is feasible, identify a rationale, identify a data collection strategy, develop qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods questions, collect quantitative and quantitative data, analyze data separately or concurrently, write the report as one or two phase study.
    3. Numeric scores, text data from transcribed interviews, text data transcribed from questionnaires, field notes, text data from diaries, journals, letters, or official documents, and image data from pictures, photography, or audiotapes.
    4. Ask the following questions: 4. Use these questions as you design or review a study:
    1. Does the study employ at least one method associated with quantitative research and one method associated with qualitative research?
    2. Is it called a mixed methods study?
    3. Is there a reason why the author intends to mix methods in a single study?
    4. Does the author indicate the type of mixed methods study?
    5. Does the author mention the priority given to the quantitative and qualitative data?
    6. Is the study feasible?
    7. Has the author written research questions for the quantitative and the qualitative methods and the mixed methods procedures?
    8. Has the author clearly identified the quantitative and qualitative data-collection procedures?
    9. Is the procedure for data analysis consistent with the type of mixed methods study?
    10. Is the written structure of the study consistent with the type of mixed methods design?

    Fact:
    Since there is better understanding of qualitative research and the advantages of collecting both types of data, mixed methods research is becoming more popular in education.
    Question:
    Since this is still a fairly new idea are people less like to find the study truly validating?

    Quote:
    Mixed methods is a legitimate inquiry approach.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Helen,

    Yes, that would be a mixed method study then. If you use pre and post test scores and interviews, that would be a mixed method study then.

    Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pruseka,

    Part of this is in the definition of terms and your introduction with your questions. You will not have a separate section for this part.

    Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Chapter 17 Questions:
    1.) Describe the purpose of mixed method designs and when you would use one of these research designs.
    A) The purpose of mixed method designs is to get a better understanding of a research problem; by mixing both qualitative and quantitative methods. You would use a mixed method research design if you have both qualitative and quantitative data. Or use this method when one form is not enough to address the research problem or answer the research questions. Or when you want to incorporate qualitative components in an otherwise quantitative study. (Page 552)

    ReplyDelete
  15. 2.) Describe the steps for conducting a mixed methods study.
    A) The steps to conducting a mixed methods study are:
    1. Determine if a mixed methods study is feasible.
    2. Identify a rationale for mixing methods
    3. Identify a data-collection strategy.
    4. Develop quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods questions
    5. Collect quantitative and qualitative data
    6. Analyze data separately or concurrently
    7. Write the report as a one- or two-phase study (Page 567-569)

    ReplyDelete
  16. 3.) List some types of data for both qualitative and quantitative mixed method research.
    A) Some types of mixed method research are:
    Triangulation Design- “is to simultaneously collect both quantitative data, merge the data, and use the results to understand a research problem…. A basic rationale for this design is that one data-collection form supplies strengths to offset the weaknesses of the other form.” (Page 557)

    Embedded Design- “is to collect quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously but to have one form of data play a supportive role to the other form of data. The reason for colleting the second form of data is that wit will augment or support the primary form of data.” (Page 558)

    Explanatory Design- “consists of fist collecting quantitative data and then collecting qualitative data to help explain or elaborate on the quantitative data and the collecting qualitative data to help explain or elaborate on the quantitative results.” (Page 560)

    Exploratory Design- “ is the procedure of first gathering qualitative data to explore a phenomenon, and then colleting quantitative data to explain relationships found in the qualitative data.” (Page 561)

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  17. 4.) Describe how you would evaluate a mixed method research design.
    A)
    * Does the study employ at least one method associated with quantitative research and one method associated with qualitative research?
    * Is it called a mixed methods study?
    * Is there a reason why the author intends to mix methods in a single study and is what you will gain in this process made clear?
    * Does this author indicate the type of mixed methods study? Alternatively, can you identify the type from reading the rationale or from a visual figure depicting the flow of data-collection activities?
    * Does the author mention the priority given to the quantitative and qualitative data and the sequence of their use in the study?
    * Is the study feasible, given the amount of data to be collected and the monies, time, and expertise required?
    *Has the author written research questions for the quantitative and the qualitative data-collection procedures?
    * Is the procedure for data analysis consistent with the type of mixed methods study?
    * Is the written structure of the study consistent with the type of mixed methods design? (Page 570)

    ReplyDelete
  18. QUESTION: When you are finding the priority would it be natural or make more sense to figure that out in about the middle of your study? To me it doesn’t seem like you would really know until then where you will need to fill in the gaps to help people understand more.

    QUOTE: “Of the three designs, recognize that it is easier to conduct sequential explanatory and exploratory design than a triangulation design.” (Page 573)

    FACT: “The basic assumption is that the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods, in combination, provides a better understanding of the research problem and questions than either method by itself.” (Page 552)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Matt,
    It looks like for exploratory designs you collect qualitative data first.

    Becky

    ReplyDelete
  20. Everyone,

    I love reading all of your facts, quotes, and questions. This was a really long chapter and it is reminding me of all the important things that we read.

    Becky

    ReplyDelete
  21. Matt,
    Awesome question! It seems logical that whatever evidence you can collect about your study you would collect that. And if some data is quantitative and others is qualitative then it's nice to know that there is a design that will work for this to answer a research problem.

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  22. In my opinion, I have to understand the whole concept of my researc before I start to do it. Then, I can make others understand it easily.

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  23. If you have both qualitative and quantitaive data, you shoulduse mixed method.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Helen,

    It depends on how you set up your surveys and what types of questions you use. That would be a mixed method design though with most survey questions having the numerical part and with the interviews for the qualitative part.

    Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Rebecca,

    That is why researchers start with a pilot study usually. Then, they can work out the kinks in that study before the real one. That takes more time though, but it helps!

    Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Jessica,

    Good question! No, I think a lot of researchers are starting to value the fact that mixed method designs help you get more data and a deeper understanding in the end.

    Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete