Mixed methods; Applying both qualitative and quantitative approaches in nursing
Qualitative research focuses on obtaining data through the use of the open-ended
questions and also through conservational communication. Quantitative research is used when
researchers are trying to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and opinions or
motivations. In summary, it provides insight into the existing problem and helps in developing
ideas for the solutions to the problems arising (Brannen., 2017). Quantitative research, on the
other hand, is a measure of the statistical data and which can be manipulated by computation
techniques. They can include the quasi-experimental, experimental studies, descriptive and
correlational studies (Creswell, & Creswell., 2017). The use of both qualitative and quantitative
research has shown great importance in the care of patients in nursing practice. The use of both
research designs is referred to as mixed methods.
The mixed method originated from the social sciences but is currently used mostly by
healthcare and especially in nursing research. Characteristics of mixed methods used in nursing
majorly are comprised of the following; a collection of data from both qualitative and
quantitative, rigorous procedures are used in the collection of data, data is also integrated during
the period of collection and collection of data. Mixed methods should use procedures that
implement both the qualitative and quantitative components; they can be presented concurrently
or subsequently using different or the same samples.
The mixed methods in nursing can be used in various ways; can be used to develop
instruments that are accurate in providing measures in the healthcare context. Can be applied in
the use of qualitative data to explore quantitative findings. In other words, the quantitative data is
explained in details using the qualitative data. Mixed methods can also be used in validating
findings by using sources from quantitative and qualitative data. Additionally, the use of mixed
methods actively involve the community-based stakeholders hence enhance active participation,
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thus bringing change in the healthcare among the community members also the objectives will
be addressed (Brannen., 2017).
Various advantages of the mixed methods include; first active comparisons of
quantitative and qualitative data, thus help in understanding the existing contradictions among
the two research designs. Second, the mixed method will foster scholarly interaction because of
the multidisciplinary team of researchers from both the qualitative and quantitative and also from
the mixed method scholars. Third is that mixed methods collect comprehensive data because of
integrated information from all areas, which results from integrating qualitative and quantitative
(Almalki., 2016).
Mixed methods are faced with few challenges, and the common one is that they are
complex to plan and also to conduct. They are also very demanding such that a lot of resources
and time need to be allocated as compared to the single use of methods of study. Additionally,
mixed methods require several multidisciplinary teams of researchers to achieve high-quality
results. Provided that each method should adhere to their own standards; therefore, expertise
from each area is needed for a guaranteed quality work (Almalki., 2016).
In conclusion, the combination of both the quantitative and qualitative data is referred to
as mixed methods, which is very important in nursing research in various ways as focused on
promoting comprehensive patient-centred care. Mixed methods provide a more profound
meaning where the researcher can see any reason from both ways of research; therefore, it is
highly recommended in the use of research to improve patient-centred care in nursing.
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References
Almalki, S. (2016). Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research–
Challenges and Benefits. Journal of Education and Learning, 5(3), 288-296.
Brannen, J. (2017). Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research. Routledge.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed
methods approach. Sage publications.
