WHAT ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES DO YOU SEE IN USING BOTH TYPES OF METHODS IN A NURSING STUDY? NRS 433
WHAT ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES DO YOU SEE IN USING BOTH TYPES OF METHODS IN A NURSING STUDY? NRS 433
Topic 5 DQ 1
The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of methods in a nursing study? Support your answer with current evidence-based literature.
Replies
Qualitative and quantitative methods are used in nursing studies to obtain information about the attributes of the population, the scope of its parameters, and the variables that affect it. Qualitative studies allow more profound insights into the problem, which can be more helpful than a more superficial data analysis (Walsh et al., 2020). On the other hand, quantitative measurements are easier to interpret and compare because they are based on objective criteria rather than an individual’s subjective experience (Mohajan, 2020). Qualitative studies are more in-depth and provide more information than quantitative studies. However, using mixed methods, that is, ones that combine both qualitative and quantitative, is highly significant in nursing research as it enables the studies to complement each other.
The two approaches have advantages in nursing research because they allow researchers to get different perspectives on a specific topic. In mixed methods, quantitative studies are helpful as they enable researchers to compare two or more groups on a particular variable (Mohajan, 2020). For example, when one wants to find a better medication for patients, he can use statistical analysis to determine which treatment affects the patient’s condition. This investigation is more appropriate if several treatments are available for a specific medical condition. Hence, quantitative methods allow researchers to compare different groups of people with similar characteristics, such as age and gender. Similarly, researchers may use qualitative methods to gather information from various sources such as published books and journals andinterviews with experts in the field who might have different opinions on the topic under study (Walsh et al., 2020).
Nevertheless, qualitative and quantitative methods may not capture all aspects of the research topic because they cannot measure variables like time and space. Also, these two research methods can give rise to different interpretations of data, characterized by inconsistencies and contradictions(Rahman, 2020). Thus, qualitative and quantitative methods may lead to unreliable results.
References
Mohajan, H. K. (2020). Quantitative research: A successful investigation in natural and social sciences. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, 9(4), 50-79. https://doi.org/10.26458/jedep.v9i4.679
Rahman, M. S. (2020). The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language “testing and assessment” research: A literature review.http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jel.v6n1p102
Walsh, S., Jones, M., Bressington, D., McKenna, L., Brown, E., Terhaag, S., … & Gray, R. (2020). Adherence to COREQ reporting guidelines for qualitative research: A scientometric study in nursing social science. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1609406920982145.https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920982145
· Replies
The examples you provided for the benefits and drawbacks were good. I felt the need to enlarge. Multiple data outputs can be produced from a single project using mixed techniques. Both good and terrible things may result from this. The researcher must decide whether a mixed technique approach will provide a more complete answer to the research topic than utilizing only one method (Halcomb, 2018). Therefore, while choosing between a single technique approach and a mixed method approach, researchers should always take these factors into account.
References:
Halcomb, E. J. (2018). Mixed methods research: The issues beyond combining methods. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(3), 499–501. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13877
· Kadija Tejan-deen
replied toAmadu Conneh
Aug 26, 2022, 9:18 PM
· Replies to Amadu Conneh
Hello Amadu,
Good post. Mixed methods research refers to those studies or lines of inquiry that integrate one or more qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and/or analysis. Qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups, or participant observation, are now almost routinely used as exploratory (hypothesis formation) phases of subsequent, more quantitative surveys in health care. They have great potential for exploring new topics or familiarizing research teams with a new area (Abdalla et al., 2018). They may also assist in theory building, especially when methods aggregating qualitative studies are utilized. Qualitative data collection techniques are also used broadly when patients’ or providers’ narratives or their lived experience are sought.
References
Abdalla, M. M., Oliveira, L. G. L., Azevedo, C. E. F., & Gonzalez, R. K. (2018). Quality in qualitative organizational research: Types of triangulation as a methodological alternative. Administração: ensino e pesquisa, 19(1).
