Research Methods & Design

Research Methods & Design  

Mixed methods is an emergent research methodology that advances systematic integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a single sustained program or investigation of an enquiry (Creswell, 2015). Mixed methods therefore permits more synergistic and complete utilization of data than what separate quantitative and qualitative data analysis and collection techniques can do. This paper therefore gives an account of how mixed methods will be used in data the analysis of the research and how the methods will be used to explain the expected results of the study. 

According to Plano & Ivankova (2016), a well-designed mixed methods study in my project will be used in many ways. First, the method will be used in analyzing and collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. Secondly, the method will be used in ensuring that rigorous procedures of data collection and analysis appropriate to qualitative and quantitative traditions methods are employed to ensure appropriate sample sizes are used in both methods. Besides, the mixed methods will be used in integrating collection, analysis and discussion of data. Mixed method will also include procedures that implement quantitative and qualitative methods either sequentially or concurrently with same of different samples. Moreover, the method will include framing of procedures within theoretical/philosophical research models when the research will require understanding of multiple perspectives on the research (Creswell, 2015). For instance when seeking to understand what community, inmates, law enforcers, and counsellors believe to be a smooth reentry. 

Mixed methods are believed to be an ideal technique to assess complex interventions. To enhance the research findings of the study, I will choose from five primary mixed methods designs according to the questions that I will need to answer in the study. During explanation of the anticipated findings, I will validate the research findings using quantitative and qualitative data sources. In this category, I will use convergent designs to compare findings from the two main methods. To achieve the expected results, data for both methods will be collected at the same time, assessment of the data will be done using parallel constructs; both data will be analyzed separately, and comparison of the data done in side by side comparison discussion; and jointly present the two sets of data (Plano & Ivankova, 2016). In this study, I will gather qualitative data to assess personal experiences of inmates while survey instrument will be used to measure the quality of services offered to the inmates. The two data sets can validate each other.

Moreover, to enrich and explain the anticipated findings, I will use qualitative data to explore quantitative findings. The method is known as explanatory sequential design that has two phases. The first phase is quantitative phase and the second phase is the qualitative data phase. Qualitative phase will build directly from the quantitative phase. As a result, quantitative data will be explored and explained in depth by qualities data (Creswell, 2015). Therefore, mixed method will be used to explain qualitatively how quantitative mechanisms can work. 

The integration of qualitative and quantitative data is a form of mixed study method that will strengthens the rigor and enriches the findings of my research. By carefully selecting the mixed method design to use in my research, I will be in a position to facilitate deeper and more meaningful learning with regards to the best ways of facilitating easy reentry in the society. Mixed methods will therefore provide an in-depth analysis of the research findings and making informed inferences.

References 

Creswell, J. W. (2015). A concise introduction to mixed methods research. Los Angeles [u.a.: SAGE.

Plano, C. V. L., & Ivankova, N. V. (2016). Mixed methods research: A guide to the field.