Monday, August 24, 2009

Discussion Card for Creswell's Ch. 17

Please post your question, quote, and fact here.
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12 comments:

  1. UnknownOctober 31, 2009 at 7:10 PM

    Question: I'm interested in using the mixed methods design to explore my research question. The text, however, seems to be "warning off" new researchers attempting this approach. "Recognize that in selecting a mixed methods design you have taken on a challenging project."(p. 574) Dr. Hendrix, is it possible, in your opinion, for a novice to complete a successful mixed methods approach? Or, would I be "biting off more than I can chew"?

    Quote: (p. 552) "When one combines quantitative and qualitative data, 'we have a very powerful mix'(Miles and Huberman, 1994, p.42)".

    Fact: In general, 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 by itself.(p. 552)

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  2. LaDawndraNovember 1, 2009 at 7:29 AM

    Quote:
    "The "Triangulation", a term drawn form naval military science is the process where sailors use multiple reference points to locate an object's exact position at sea....(Jick 1979) Applied to research, it meant that investigators could improve their inquiries by collecting different kinds of data bearing on the same phenomenon" p511 (2nd edition)

    Question:
    I concur with Barbara's question... Why is it considered an overwhelmimg task for inexperienced researchers to tackle both qualitative and quantitative reserach in one study? Would it not add more validity?

    Interesting Fact:
    Mixed methods research may require that you participate in a research team when using it and certain graduate programs are less accepting of qualitative research than others. p510

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  3. UnknownNovember 1, 2009 at 8:26 AM

    Interesting Fact: "Triangulation" is a term that originated with the Navy. When used in research, it means to converge different kinds of data in order to research a phenomenom. Three points to the triangle are the two types of data and the phenomenom.

    Question: The Creswell text points to the use of mixed methods in social and health sciences. Is this also a method used frequently in educational research?


    Quote: 552 "...mixed methods research is not simply collecting two distinct 'strands' of research-qualitative and quantitative. It consists of merging, integrating, linking, or embedding the two strands."

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  4. UnknownNovember 1, 2009 at 2:27 PM

    Quote: The basic assumption is that the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods, provides a better understanding of the research problemand questions than either methods by itself. It is a "legitimate inquiry approach." Page 552

    Interesting Fact: To help you identify a study as mixed methods research Creswell says you can ask yourself these questions: Is there evidence in the title? Is there evidence in the data-collection? Is there evidence in the purpose statement or the research questions? Page 556

    Question: Creswell explains that the mixed method design is very time consuming and requires extensive data collection and analysis. Is there really a difference in the consumption of time when looking at the different methods of research? Let's be real, they all are time consuming...right? Page 552

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  5. Corey NickellNovember 1, 2009 at 6:22 PM

    Corey

    Question: (562) Mixed methods researchers prioritize the data. At this point I am still unsure how to decide what should have more weight?

    Quote: (552) “Designing good survey instruments is a challenging and complex process.”

    Interesting fact: (558) I like the idea of using embedded design if possible. With time being somewhat of an issue it seems to me that collecting the data simultaneously would be more efficient if possible.

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  6. Mrs. DalrympleNovember 2, 2009 at 6:55 AM

    Quote:(p. 552) "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 information than can be gained from the results of statistical tests."

    Question: What is the big deal with WHEN you collect both forms of data? The embedded design involves collecting quant. and qual. data simultaneously while the explanatory design involves collecting the data sequentially.

    Fact: The four major types of mixed methods research designs are triangulation, embedded, explanatory, and exploratory.

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  7. AnonymousNovember 3, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    Quote: Page 552 "It is a "legitimate inquiry approach"

    Quote: Page 552 "When one combines quantitative and qualitative date, "we have a very powerful mix."

    Fact: If you use this design, you need to understand both quantitative and qualitative research.

    Fact: Mixed methods research is not simply collecting two distinct "strands" of research - qualitative and quantitative. It consists of merging, linking, or embedding the two "strands".

    Question: Would Triangulation Design be the most thorough of designs? Sounds to me like it covers all necessary basis. The gathering of data, putting the numbers to the findings of participant interactions and observations as well as getting to know your topic and participants on a deeper level.

    Question: What approach needs to be taken if by using the Triangulation Design results in differences that cannot be resolved? Next step?

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  8. AnonymousNovember 3, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    Corey - would it help determine to give which the most weight depending on who you are presenting findings to?

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  9. AnonymousNovember 3, 2009 at 7:46 PM

    Corey-

    I am hoping that there is a Good Instruments for Surveys for Dummies at this point!

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  10. AnonymousNovember 3, 2009 at 7:48 PM

    Barbara -

    I am interested in seeing what Dr. Hendrix has to say in regards to your question. During reading I was on a roller coaster of feelings. In the beginning I felt like, "Wow! This is the design for me!" Then went down a hill and thought Oh My Goodness...this would be a nightmare!" Then read more and thought this design would be something I could handle.

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  11. Ann GustafsonNovember 13, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    Question: Mine goes along with several of the others. Since mixed methods research is so time consuming and not suggested for novices, is it really a viable option for those of us in the masters program? Wouldn't this method be more for those who are more specifically devoted to research?

    Quote: "In the triangulation design the researcher gathers both quantitative and qualitative data, analyzes both datasets separately, compares the results from the analysis of both datasets, and makes an interpretation as to whether the results support or contradict each other."

    Fact: The strength of the embedded design is that it combines the advantages of both quantitative and qualitative data.

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  12. UnknownNovember 28, 2009 at 1:14 PM

    Question. It seems as if you may be unsure if you are going to use a mixed method until you start gathering the data? Or is everything set to a tee, before you start?

    Quotation: pg 561, "The purpose of an exploratory mixed methods design is the procedure of first gathering qualitative data to explore a phenomenon, and then collecting quantitative data to explain relationships found in the qualitative data." I feel like this really explains why one would use the mixed methods design.

    Fact: One advantage to this approach is that it allows the researcher to identify measures actually grounded in the data obtained rom study participants.

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