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

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

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

Mixed methods research is a type of research design that combines qualitative and quantitative data in order to provide a more complete understanding of the research problem. There are many reasons why it might be useful to use mixed methods research. Qualitative and quantitative approaches are used together in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice (Lizarondo et al., 2022). Systematic reviews use quantitative data to answer specific questions, and then use qualitative data to provide context and explanation. The purpose of this discussion is to explore the mixed method approach in study designs.

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When It Might Be Most Useful To Use both Qualitative and Quantitative

Approaches To Support a Research Design

Mixed methods research is a type of research design that combines qualitative and quantitative data in order to provide a more complete understanding of the research problem. There are many reasons why it might be useful to use mixed methods research. For example, when researchers want to explore a complex phenomenon that has both quantitative and qualitative features, or when they want to triangulate data from different sources in order to verify findings (Grove & Gray, 2018). Additionally, when researchers are unsure about which approach (qualitative or quantitative) will be best suited to answer their question, they can use mixed methods as a way to explore the problem more fully. Finally, using mixed methods can also help researchers build a richer and more complex understanding of their data.

Mixed method approach can also be used if a researcher is interested in understanding people’s experiences with a product. In this case researchers might use qualitative methods such as interviews or focus groups to get a rich understanding of their perspectives. At the same time, they could use quantitative methods such as surveys or questionnaires to get a sense of how widespread these experiences are (Menon et al., 2021). This would give a more complete picture of people’s thoughts and feelings about the product. Another example might be if a researcher is interested in studying the effect of a new drug on heart health. They could use qualitative methods such as interviews with people who have taken the drug to learn about their experiences.

The Use of Mixed Method Approach in Systematic Reviews to Support

Evidence-Based Practice

Qualitative and quantitative approaches are used together in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice. Systematic reviews use quantitative data to answer specific questions (e.g., how effective is this treatment?), and then use qualitative data to provide context and explanation (e.g., what are patients’ experiences of this treatment?) (Menon et al., 2021). This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the research evidence than either qualitative or quantitative methods alone can provide.

A mixed method approach is often used in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice. This type of approach combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, which can help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research question being investigated (Menon et al., 2021). The use of a mixed method approach can also help to identify any gaps in the literature and may improve the validity and reliability of the findings. By using both qualitative and quantitative data, researchers can triangulate their findings, which can help to strengthen the conclusions that are drawn.

Conclusion

 A mixed methods approach is important in study designs because it allows researchers to triangulate findings and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon being studied. When using a mixed methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data are collected and analyzed simultaneously, which allows for a more in-depth evaluation of the data (Menon et al., 2021). Additionally, by combining different research paradigms (qualitative and quantitative), a mixed methods approach can help to overcome some of the methodological limitations of each individual paradigm.

References

Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. R. (2018). Understanding nursing research e-book: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Lizarondo, L., Stern, C., Apostolo, J., Carrier, J., de Borges, K., Godfrey, C., … & Loveday, H. (2022). Five common pitfalls in mixed methods systematic reviews: lessons learned. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.03.014

Menon, J. M., Ritskes-Hoitinga, M., Pound, P., & van Oort, E. (2021). The impact of conducting preclinical systematic reviews on researchers and their research: A mixed method case study. PloS one, 16(12), e0260619. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260619

 

1. 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.
2. Then, explain whether a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice. Be specific.