Nursing - mixed methods (Essay Sample)

NURSING MIXED METHODS
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MIXED METHODS
Mixed method designs are important analytical and research tools that may be used when researchers opt to perceive problems from multi-dimensional perspective. The designs are also useful in contextualizing information, visualize a macro picture of a system or add more information regarding individuals. The most common use of mixed method designs is in merging of quantitative and qualitative data in order to form a more comprehensive understanding of a given problem. The designs come in handy when researchers in nursing practice decide to create illustrations of context for given trends or examine developed processes along with their outcomes (Plano Clark, 2010).
Design
The choice of any mixed methods design is determined by a conceptual and theoretical orientation that anchors the overarching science and objectives of the study. In some cases, the study may be informed by one or more given frameworks.For example, complexity theory could be utilized in projects aimed at changing clinical practice especially in primary care involving primary care. The orientation of the design might be based on a transformational model that is aimed at assisting communities to realize specific change. Mixed method designs may be emergent or fixed. In fixed designs, the mixed methods are usually predetermined at the commencement of the research process. In the emergent designs, the methods are usually utilized during the research process rather than being determined prior to study. The best example is the community-based design where results about the needs of communities may be used to predict the design of subsequent phases of the project.
Limitations
Since the mixed method designs incorporate multiple forms of data, the designs require extensive time and resources to implement. The creation of the best-suited design may require the combined efforts of inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teamwork. This means that different approaches might emerge. The lead designers must be prepared to address these challenges before commencing of design of the mixed methods (Teddlie & Ta...