Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of conducting a mixed-methods study (rather than two or more different studies), to address a single research question. 

Then discuss why mixed-methods studies may require special consideration of the ethics involved in conducting the study.  

• Explain, using an example to support your claims.
• Minimum 300 Words Answer
• Classmate #1:

Part 1:

There are numerous advantages to using mixed-methods when conducting an experiment. One crucial factor that researchers should consider is what the research is being used for. If both numbers and stories would explain the information from the study, then a mixed-method design should be utilized. In his video, John Creswell (2013) suggested that people can relate to stories but that they crave numerical data. By using a mixed-method design, researchers can utilize both quantitative and qualitative data to present the information, which benefits society’s understanding of the information. According to Wisdom and Creswell (2013), another advantage of using a mixed-method design is that it allows researchers to engage in interactions with others. By this, Wisdom and Creswell (2013) mean that because mixed-method models utilize both quantitative and qualitative data, researchers that are experienced in both types of data retrieval and analysis work together to create a “multidisciplinary team” which creates professional collaboration and interaction.

While there are advantages to conducting mixed-method studies, there are also disadvantages. Due to the nature of needing a substantial amount of both quantitative and qualitative data, the design would require more resources such as finance, time, and human resources (Wisdom & Creswell, 2013). One of the recurring themes from our past six weeks of reading has been the ability to research in a manner that is quick yet efficient in terms of finances and the number of individuals needed to perform the research, therefore making mixed-method designs less favorable. Another disadvantage of conducting mixed-method studies is the need for the researcher to be well-versed in both quantitative research and analysis as well as qualitative research and analysis. This may be difficult for some individuals as they may not be “statistical” thinkers or analyzers, or they may not be “personal” individuals who wish to carry out interactions with research participants. Whatever, the reason, this can be a disadvantage when conducting mixed-method studies.

Part 2:

When conducting either qualitative or quantitative research, there is typically a specific ethical consideration for how the study is being conducted. Ensuring that research participants fully understand the study and the methods being utilized during the research may be problematic as the research requires more than one form of data retrievals such as observations and experiments or surveys and interviews. Another ethical consideration that researchers would need to pay special attention to is confidentiality during data analysis. When analyzing the data, researchers should take extra precautions to not speak about data results with others on the research team. Lastly, the researcher must take special precautions to ensure that they are accurately and honestly including all types of data, regardless if it supports the research question. Withholding certain information leads to an ethical bias on behalf of the researcher.

Part 3:

For example, observational studies that don’t infringe on everyday activities may not require informed consent, however conducting a survey after the observation would. Once there is a need for informed consent, it is ethically responsible for the researcher to divulge all pertinent data retrieval methods being used within the study. Continuing with this example, when reviewing and analyzing surveys, a researcher shouldn’t go on to discuss any information with another researcher that may be analyzing observations as it not only breaches confidentially but also can create analysis bias. Mixed-method designs are a multidisciplinary task typically needing multiple, skilled researchers, which can increase the likelihood of breaking participant confidentiality. Ultimately, upon the conclusion of the research, when integrating all the information, researchers must ethically combine all research gathered to form their conclusion. Leaving out the statistics of the survey because the results didn’t match with the results of the observations, would be unethical to the study, and the participants. Intentionally leaving out information misleads other researchers who may want to expand upon the findings or retest the research methods for validity purposes. Excluding particular research findings is unethical and unfair to participants as they may not be able to pursue appropriate treatment, or they may form a biased belief based upon misleading representations of the data.

References

Creswell, J. [John Creswell] (2013, February 19). FILLER TEXT. Retrieved from Association For Psychological Science: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/mixe…

Sylvia Bereknyei Merrell, J. B. (2018, November 15). Ethical Issues when Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Retrieved from Youtube: 

Minimum 200 words answer to eachFILLER TEXT

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