Mixed Methods, Essay Example

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the mixed method approach outlined by Creswell.

Triangulation is thought to be the best strategy since it extracts the best from both methodologies. In other words, the mixed methods approach grants the researcher the mathematical and statistical objectivity and authentication granted by the quantitative approach whilst enabling the flexibility and richness that is inherent in the qualitative. Qualitative quotes, for instance, can support statistical results (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007). Other reasons include the fact that results from one method can inspire researchers to use methods from the other to elaborate on their research, and that triangulated methodology can serve a larger transformative purpose in being more forceful when advocating for marginalized groups, such as women, ethnic/racial minorities, people with disabilities and those who are poor. Statistical or quantitative data are inadequate in grasping the depth of such case; on the other hand, qualitative methodology lacks the credibility of the quantitative approach. An integrated approach is thought to be most beneficial for achieving social transformation.

On the other hand, mixed method is not only more time-consuming, demanding (since researcher needs to obtain all resources), and possibly expensive, but also necessitates expertise in both quantitative and qualitative aspects.

You have been commissioned by the county commission to conduct a study of the county’s building security program. Program staff is very reluctant to work with you–they feel that a bad evaluation could mean an end to components of the program and their jobs. Describe how you would handle this situation as a researcher.

I would employ conflict management skills and techniques advocated by Fisher and Ury (1983). I would separate the people from the problem, focus on interests not positions, invent options for mutual gain, and insist on using objective criteria.  Most importantly I would suspend my reaction, listen emphatically and closely to nonverbal gestures and emotions as well as to words, and invite their input, whilst constructing, to the best of my ability, an amiable atmosphere.

Furthermore, as required by the American Psychological Association (APA), I would explain the importance of the study, emphasizing the stringent existence on my part of confidentiality, and granting those who wish to be excluded, the ability to do so.

In your own words, explain the logic of statistical significance. Illustrate your answer with a criminal justice or security management example.

Many erroneously think that statistical significance implies a finding that is important or would have earth-shattering results. None of that. Statistical significance merely signifies a result that was unlikely to have occurred by chance – and sometimes that may have been because of the largeness of your sample size (the larger your sample, the greater the potential of statistical significance).

Orpinas and colleagues (2000) evaluated the effects of “Students for Peace”, a violence prevention intervention on reducing aggressive behavior among students of eight middle schools, approximately 900 students in total. Such a large sample size was bound to produce a significant statistic somewhere, and this variable turned up by variables in 6^th grade and low academic performance indicating significant results for violence in 8^th grade.  Had the sample size been smaller (or had, for instance, a different population been used), significance might have appeared negligible or have emerged amongst alternate variables.

Sources

Creswell, J. W. (2007) Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.

Creswell, J.W., & Plano Clark, V.L. (2007).  Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.

Fisher, R. & Ury, W. (1983) Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving In. New York: Penguin.

Masters, M.F. & Albright, R.R. (2002) The Complete Guide to Conflict Resolution in the Workplace. New York: AMACOM.

Orpinas, P., Kelder, S., Frankowski, R., Murray, N., Zhang, Q. & Mcalister, A. (2000). Outcome evaluation of a multi-component violence-prevention program for middle schools: the Students for Peace project. Health Education Research, 15, 45-58