1.2.2 Mixed methods: Methodological mire or modern approach (152)

Moira Attree, Lecturer in Nursing, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom moira.attree@manchester.ac.uk

Abstract:

This paper will critically analyse mixed methods research designs, which are increasingly popular in healthcare research.

Methodological debates exist relating to epistemology, ontology, rigour and generalisability; pragmatic issues include data analysis and presentation. The paper will explore these issues and illustrate the analysis with reference to healthcare research that utilized a mixed method evaluation design. Traditionally research methodology is categorised under two classic and opposing paradigms: positivist/quantitative and interpretive/qualitative. A third, more recent methodological movement, the mixed method approach, which combines the two classic research paradigms has been identified (Tashakkori & Teddlie 2003). Debates and controversies about the use of mixed methods exit. Classical methodologists argue that the two paradigms are diametrically opposed, and that researchers should stick to one approach for coherence of philosophy and method. Lincoln and Guba (1990) condemned the mixed method approach as a form of paradigmatic perjury.

Whilst Bryman (1988) asserts that methods from different paradigms can be integrated to offset their individual strengths and weaknesses. Proponents argue that mixed methods integrate existing research paradigms to provide a complex, comprehensive design (Green & Caracelli 1997; Cresswell 2003; Tashakkori & Teddlie 2003). Morgan (1998) identified the increasing interest of health service researchers in mixed methods. Their continuing utilisation in healthcare research is recognised by McEvoy & Richards (2006) and Gilbert (2006). Johnstone (2004) contends that mixed methods are appropriate and useful in health service research. Mixed method designs appear to offer the depth, breadth and complexity required by healthcare researchers. Debates and tension between philosophical paradigms are unlikely to be resolved in the immediate future. Thus, healthcare researcher considering mixed methods designs need to be aware of the methodological issues, clear about their rationale for using mixed methods and have a coherent strategy for dealing with the issues of data analysis and presentation.

Biography:

Dr Moira Attree is a lecturer in Nursing at the University of Manchester. Her research interests are Patient Care Quality and Safety and Practice Development/Quality Improvement. Moira is also interested in evaluation research in both practice and in education. Since completing her PhD in 2002, which was sponsored by the UKCC, and used Grounded Theory, she has employed various research methods to study healthcare practice and education.