Applying Three Strategies for Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Databases in a Mixed Methods Study of a Nontraditional Graduate Education Program

Abstract

A central issue for mixed methods research is for researchers to effectively integrate (or mix) the quantitative and qualitative data in their studies. Despite extensive methodological discussions about integration, researchers using mixed methods approaches struggle with translating these discussions into practice and often make inadequate use of integration in their studies. The authors examined their integration practices as they applied three literature-based strategies within the context of one mixed methods study about a nontraditional graduate education program. From this examination, the authors describe the processes, products, uses, and challenges that materialized as they merged their quantitative and qualitative databases to develop a better understanding of participants’ perceptions of their experience in the program.

Online psychoeducation with parent management training: Examining the contribution of peer support

“…Plano Clark, Garrett, and Leslie‐Pelecky () recommended the use of a matrix as one of three strategies for merging quantitative and qualitative data. The matrix used in this study (Table ) displays four participants, whose change scores were at extremes above or below the mean change score for the variable of self‐agency (PSAM) at postintervention ( M = 2.52; SD = 4.50).…”

“…Table 5 displays exemplar posts for each predetermined theme and major code. Plano Clark, Garrett, and Leslie-Pelecky (2010) recommended the use of a matrix as one of three strategies for merging quantitative and qualitative data. The matrix used in this study (Table 6) Upper extreme participants were more detailed regarding individual parent management training content that included "stay calm" via the use of authoritative communication skills and coping persistence.…”

The promise and reality of formative assessment practice in a continuous assessment scheme: the case of Trinidad and Tobago

“…In this study, the formal integration of findings supplemented the integration already built into the iterative multiphase design. These three categories included a variety of strategies such as data correlation, data comparison, data integration and visual displays (Onwuegbuzie & Dickinson, 2008;Onwuegbuzie et al, 2007Onwuegbuzie et al, , 2009Plano Clark, Garrett, & Leslie-Pelecky, 2010). Arguably, meta-inferences have greater analytic value in an evaluation, especially for generating recommendations.…”

Counting for EU enlargement?

“…Mixed methods research 'provides a better understanding of research than either approach itself' (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011, p. 8). The integration of the results from different data collection and analysis methods can also be challenging, but there are suggestions to remedy this (for example: Plano Clark et al, 2010). The additional coverage model allowed for separate data collection and analysis (as is also made visible in the separate chapters of this thesis), but to later integrate them in the overall conclusion of this thesis.…”

“…Various authors (Morgan, 2014;Plano Clark, Garrett, & Leslie-Pelecky, 2010; have addressed the challenges of organising and implementing qualitative and quantitative methods in a single coherent research design. One of the main advantages of mixed methods research is the possibility to answer research questions that cannot be tackled by single method approaches.…”