Data Integration in Mixed-Method Research Studies: Challenge and Opportunity for Nursing

Abstract

Mixed-method research studies have been referred to as those that condense, in the same study, procedures of collection, analysis, and combination/integration of data from quantitative and qualitative approaches/strands. To this end, the ascending paradigm upon mixed methods advocates that the assumption of integration between the approaches is one of the most elementary characteristics for considering the study as mixed, as well as it is what may mitigate the limitations of a single-method research study. 1 The data integration logic is to offer possibilities of answers that would not be accomplished from the explanation of only one or another approach (quantitative and qualitative), nor if these approaches were merely overlaid but not indeed integrated. 1-2 This reverberates the researcher's need for bearing in mind the justifications for the use of mixed-method research studies, as it is the case with the confirmation (corroboration/convergence) and complementarity (addition/enhancement) arguments. Furthermore, it should be apprehended that the integration must occur as the study goes, starting from the formulation of the research question, definition of the analysis unit, sampling, data collection, analysis, and strategies for the presentation of the results. 3 There are four main mechanisms of data integration in mixed-method research studies: connection, construction, fusion, and incorporation. 1 Connection concerns the use of a set of analyzed data to lead the collection of other data, and it is very common in sequential explanatory research studies that start with the quantitative stage and use (connect) the statistical information to define even the subjects/participants of the subsequent qualitative stage. By construction, we understand that it is a commonly used way to integrate qualitative primary data, which, after analyzed, are used to construct means/instruments that will enable the extraction of subsequent quantitative data. 1 The construction is interpreted here as a way or nuance of connection, as it also keeps separate but combined/connected extremes of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool: Strengthening the Methodological Rigor of Mixed Methods Research Studies in Nursing

“…15 In mixed methods research, a basic premise is the need for a clear integration between quantitative and qualitative results, as opposed to presenting research results in each arm separately 13 . Data integration, a crucial aspect in mixed methods research, is defined as a clear presentation of the association between the quantitative and qualitative arms 12,15 . The decision on how integration should take place depends on the study objectives, design, data collection and analysis strategies, as well as the researchers' experiences and skills.…”

“…Within the range of possibilities for scientific research in nursing lies the field of mixed methods research, which is made up of both quantitative and qualitative designs 11 . In this sense, mixed methods research has emerged as a new scientific paradigm which helps us to deepen our understanding about complex health issues for the betterment of human beings 10,12 . We recommend that, if reasonable and possible, nurse researchers opt for mixed methods research when examining and intervening in complex social and health problems.…”

“Tabela falante” como estratégia de integração de dados em uma pesquisa de métodos mistos

“…Entende-se a fusão como um processo que demanda intensa abstração autoral e capacidade interpretativa avançada. 5 Já por incorporação, a integração acontece em projeto amplos, onde os dados são agrupados por conexão, construção e/ou fusão dentro das diferentes etapas do estudo. Para as propostas de fusão e incorporação, a estratégia analítica pode acontecer para orientar a sequência na coleta de dados e/ou apresentação e integração final dos dados.…”

“…No campo da enfermagem, essa abordagem vem crescendo à medida que os objetos de estudo, nesse cenário científico, são imbuídos de maior densidade de informações e significados, o que requer abordagens integradoras. 5 A definição da abordagem mista não deve partir de escolha pessoal dos pesquisadores, mas deve representar com profundidade e compreensão os problemas de pesquisa e objetos estudados, que emanam a exigência e conduzem à integração metodológica. Para contextualizar o estudo aqui relatado, a realidade do objeto exigia quantificar e caracterizar situações (condições de saúde crônicas e agudas), bem como identificar e compreender como funcionam as Redes de Atenção à Saúde, partindo do pressuposto de demandas crônicas e agudas de saúde de recém-nascidos prematuros moderados e tardios no primeiro ano de vida.…”

“Talking table” as a data integration strategy in mixed methods research

“…In nursing, this approach has been growing as the objects of study, in this scientific scenario, are imbued with a greater density of information and meanings, which requires integrative approaches. 5 The mixed approach definition should not come from the researchers' personal choice, but should represent in depth and understanding the research problems and objects studied, which emanate from the requirement and lead to methodological integration. To contextualize the study reported here, the reality of the object required quantifying and characterizing situations (chronic and acute health conditions), as well as to identify and understand how Health Care Networks work, based on the assumption of chronic and acute health demands of moderate and late preterm newborns in the first year of life.…”