Week 4 - Research Paper Example

Mixed Methods Research number IV. Locate the discussion of the methods inthe Messer et al. (1999) mixed methods study. Briefly summarize 5 of the following elements (2 points each):• The nature of mixed methods researchMixed methods research is a merger of quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods carried out in order to cover up the research gaps in either research type. Quantitative studies are strong at establishing relationships between various variables but may not provide reasons or causation for the observed behavior.

In contrast, qualitative studies are designed to look for causes rather than their visible observation. While quantitative studies rely in large part on hard data collection and its statistical analysis, qualitative studies rely in large part on personalized observations and interviews. Mixed methods research augments both methods in order to establish relationships between variables and to look for causes behind these relationships.• Mixed methods strategy of inquiry A quantitative study preceded the qualitative study consisting of four groups of 250 women each.

Participants were assigned to groups randomly such that the assignment replicated the Cherokee and Lumbee tribes. Pre-tests were administered to 500 women while the rest were administered interventions. All of the participants were administered post tests. The qualitative study augmented the quantitative study be reflecting on areas that the quantitative study failed to explain. The qualitative study established causes related to intervention failure, program causes, determinants, and context sensitivity.

The qualitative study relied on in person interviews and observational data to augment the existing and analyzed quantitative data.• Reason for choosing the mixed methods strategy The quantitative study revealed major differences in the behavior of Cherokee and Lumbee populations in dealing with pre-test information. The researchers had not anticipated this and this finding produced a large inconsistency. In order to bridge up this gap in understanding it was decided to launch a qualitative study.

Cultural context and sensitivity had been assumed as being uniform for both tribal populations but the results of the study proved otherwise. The qualitative study revealed how intervention produced different effects in both tribal population sets. The quantitative study indicated gaps and the qualitative study bridged these gaps.• Data collection procedures Data collection for the quantitative study relied on the participation of the respondents alone. The respondents were provided with a pre-test, two interventions and a post test to collect data.

Data collected in this manner was analyzed statistically to test the formulated hypotheses. The qualitative study relied on interviews with the participants, healthcare workers and the principal investigators and guides. Interviews were taped and used for reference later although the names of the interviewed people were not recorded for privacy’s sake. All interviews lasted around one hour. Observational data was collected from healthcare settings as well as from homes and other allied places.

• Data analysis and validation procedures A descriptive analytical framework was created to validate the taped interviews by grouping questions together and analyzing them accordingly. Responses from the various population sets were compared against each other in order to compare consistency and validity. Ideas and themes were identified from interviews based on the classifications mentioned above. In order to augment these efforts for data validity, a number of other techniques were employed too.

Rival hypothesis were tested and various kinds of cases from the study were compared to each other. The sources of data were triangulated in order to enhance the validity. Negative cases were also tested in order to augment data analysis and validation.BibliographyMesser, L., Steckler, A., & Dignan, M. (1999). Early detection of cervical cancer among Native American women: A qualitative supplement to a quantitative study. Health Education & Behavior 26(4) , 547–562.