Mixed Method Approaches:

1

• Mixed Method Approaches
• Some Reflections
• KNAW RM 30 march 2007
• Johannes H. Smit
• Vakgroep Psychiatrie, Vu Medical Centre
• EmailJh.Smit_at_vumc.nl

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Mixed Methods Design

• Tackling the research problem from different
  angles /sources
• What do you want more????

3
Mixed Methods Design

• There is no single best plan for a study, not
  even for an inquiry into a particular topic, at a
  particular time, with a particular budget
  (Chronbach, 1982)

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Mixed Methods Design

• Common techniques
• Quantitative
• Questionnaires
• Test
• Existing databases
• Qualitative
• Observation
• Interviews
• Focus groups

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Mixed Methods Design

• Theoretical
• Value of the data (trade off)
• Scientific rigor (objectivity, accuracy)
• Philosophical (different views on science)

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Mixed Methods Design

• Practical issues
• Credibility of findings
• Staff skills
• Costs
• Time contraints

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Mixed Methods Design

• No easy solutions
• Mostly mixed methods designs are only to be
  advised if skills of different techniques are
  present in Research Team

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Mixed Methods Design

• How to handle differences in
• Paradigma, Skills, Error (triangulation),
• Sometimes it is beter to advise NOT to
• In stead of HOW to. (????)