What does it mean to use a mixed method approach in research studies? Why might both qualitative and quantitative methods be necessary to fully explore a research problem or issue in healthcare?

A mixed methods approach allows a researcher to utilize the strengths of each study design to develop a more complex understanding of the issue or problem. “Using mixed methods offers researchers the ability to use the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research designs to answer different stages or parts of a complex research question” (Gray & Grove, 2020). While this approach is not without its challenges, the use of mixed methods is gaining traction amongst researchers. 

This week, you will examine the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will explore instances in which mixed methods may be useful in a research study, and you will consider how all forms of research support evidence-based practice.

Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Evaluate mixed methods for obtaining qualitative and quantitative evidence for research studies
• Analyze the use of mixed methods in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice

Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

Discussion: Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice

• Chronic pain affects millions of Americans. Diagnosing, treating, and understanding chronic pain creates many challenges for healthcare. Is the challenge on how  to properly diagnose and manage a patient’s pain? Or is the challenge on whether or not to prescribe pain medications given the concerns with addiction as a result of the opioid epidemic?

• Photo Credit: Getty Images

Consider the questions posed above. How might the use of qualitative and quantitative methods serve to provide answers for researchers regarding the challenges associated with chronic pain? What can qualitative data provide that quantitative data cannot, and vice versa? How might a mixed methods approach fill in the gaps to provide a clearer understanding of the problem and potential solutions?

For this Discussion, reflect on an issue or problem in healthcare that may benefit from a mixed methods approach. Think about the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs, as well as how these two methods might work well together. Consider how a mixed methods approach supports evidence-based practice.

To Prepare:

• Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider the differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods.
• Consider an example of a topic or issue in nursing in which both qualitative and quantitative research approaches might be necessary,
• Reflect on how a mixed methods approach lends itself to evidence-based practice.

By Day 3 of Week 11

Post an explanation of when it might be most useful to use both qualitative and quantitative approaches or mixed methods to support a research design. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain whether a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice. Be specific.

By Day 6 of Week 11

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
• Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
• Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
• Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
• Suggest an alternative perspective based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
• Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!

Submission and Grading Information