Mixed methods in health sciences research : a practical primer

This must-have mixed methods resource for any health science researcher presents key theories, concepts, and approaches in an accessible way. Packed with illustrations from the health sciences literature, this ready-to-use guidebook shows readers how to design, conduct, review, and use mixed methods research findings. Helpful checklists, figures, tables, templates, and much more give readers examples that will elevate the quality of their research, facilitate communication about their methods, and improve efficiency over the course of their projects. Real-world examples and insights from mixed methods researchers provide unique perspectives on every aspect of mixed methods research. This book successfully pulls together foundational mixed methods principles, synthesizes the knowledge base in the field, and translates it for a health science researcher audience.

• List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes p. xiii
• Preface p. xxi
• Acknowledgments p. xxvii
• About the Authors p. xxix
• Introduction p. xxxi
• Part I Mixed Methods 101 p. 1
• Chapter 1 Definition and Overview of Mixed Methods Designs p. 3
• Definition and Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research p. 3
• Key Factors in Mixed Methods Research Designs p. 9
• Integration or Data p. 10
• Relative Timing p. 12
• Implications of Linkages for Methods in Each Component p. 13
• Primary Mixed Methods Study Designs p. 13
• Examples From Peer Reviewed Published Literature p. 17
• Convergent Design p. 18
• Explanatory Sequential Design p. 21
• Explanatory Sequential Design p. 25
• Concurrent Embedded Design p. 28
• Case Study Using a Convergent Design p. 31
• Summary and Key Points p. 33
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 34
• References p. 34
• Chapter 2 Applications and Illustrations of Mixed Methods Health Sciences Research p. 37
• Relevance of Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences p. 38
• Clinical Research p. 41
• Health Services Research p. 43
• Implementation Science p. 44
• Illustrations From Mixed Methods Studies in the Health Sciences p. 45
• Example of a Convergent Design With a CBPR Orientation p. 46
• Example of an Explanatory Sequential Design Using a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Orientation p. 55
• Example of an Explanatory Sequential Design Using an Implementation Science Orientation p. 63
• Summary and Key Points p. 70
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 70
• References p. 71
• Chapter 3 Determining the Appropriateness and Feasibility of Using Mixed Methods p. 73
• Defining the Nature of the Research Question p. 74
• Developing the Rationale and Aims for a Mixed Methods Study p. 77
• Key Considerations at the Planning Stage of a Project to Determine Feasibility p. 81
• Team Composition p. 83
• Team Collaboration p. 91
• Resources p. 93
• Timeline p. 94
• Dissemination p. 96
• Summary and Key Points p. 97
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 98
• References p. 98
• Part II Getting Mixed Methods Research Funded p. 101
• Chapter 4 Writing a scientifically Sound and Compelling Grant Proposal for a Mixed Methods Study p. 103
• Before You Write p. 104
• Choosing a Funding Institution p. 104
• Communicating With Funders p. 107
• Developing a Realistic Timeline p. 109
• Trends in Funding for Mixed Methods Studies p. 109
• Writing a Mixed Methods Proposal p. 112
• Alignment Across Components of the Grant p. 112
• Title p. 114
• Background and Significance p. 115
• Study Aims p. 115
• Research Plan or Methods p. 118
• Investigative Team and Environment p. 124
• Cover Letter p. 128
• Think Like a Reviewer p. 129
• Summary and Key Points p. 131
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 132
• References p. 132
• Chapter 5 Examples of Funded Grant Applications Using Mixed Methods p. 135
• Real-World Examples of National Institutes of Health Grant Applications p. 136
• Major Research Funding p. 137
• Small Research Grants p. 143
• Career Development Awards p. 151
• Tips From the Field p. 157
• Summary and Key Points p. 166
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 166
• References p. 167
• Chapter 6 Assessing Quality in Mixed Methods Studies p. 169
• The Importance of Research Quality for Different Audiences p. 170
• Common Standards of Quality in Qualitative and Quantitative Research p. 170
• Additional Standards for Quality in Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Studies p. 179
• Conceptualization and Justification of the Study as Mixed Methods p. 182
• Design Quality p. 183
• Adherence to Respective Standards of Quality for Qualitative and Quantitative Research p. 184
• Adherence to Standards for Mixed Methods Data Analysis p. 186
• Quality of Analytic Integration p. 188
• Quality of Interpretation p. 189
• Examples of Threats to Quality in the Design and Conduct of Mixed Methods Studies p. 189
• Summary and Key Points p. 194
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 194
• Cave #1  p. 195
• Case #2  p. 195
• Case #3  p. 196
• References p. 197
• Part III Designing and Implementing a Mixed Methods Study p. 201
• Chapter 7 Sampling and Data Collection in Mixed Methods Studies p. 201
• Principles of Sound Sampling p. 204
• Principles of Sampling in Mixed Methods Studies p. 205
• Practices of Sampling in Mixed Methods Studies p. 207
• Interdependent Sampling p. 208
• Independent Sampling p. 211
• Combined Sampling p. 213
• Sampling Considerations Unique to Mixed Methods p. 216
• Approaches to Data Collection in Mixed Methods Studies p. 219
• "Fitting" Data Across Components p. 221
• Building Team Capacity for Data Collection p. 223
• Logistics of Implementing Data Collection p. 225
• Summary and Key Points p. 226
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 226
• References p. 227
• Chapter 8 Data Analysis and Integration in Mixed Methods Studies p. 229
• Importance of Integration of Mixed Methods Data p. 230
• Developing a Data Analysis Plan p. 231
• Aligning the Overall Analysis Plan With the Study Aims and Design p. 232
• Determining the Priority of Study Components p. 232
• Defining the Points of Integration p. 233
• Approaches to Integration in Data Collection and Analysis p. 234
• Data Integration Through Merging p. 235
• Data Integration Through Embedding p. 236
• Data Integration Through Connecting p. 238
• Implementing Data Integration p. 242
• Addressing Divergence p. 247
• Using Computer Software p. 246
• Integration in Interpreting and Presenting Findings p. 247
• Narrative Approaches p. 248
• Joint Displays p. 250
• Data Transformation p. 251
• Summary and Key Points p. 254
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 254
• References p. 254
• Chapter 9 Managing Mixed Methods Teams p. 259
• Why Think About Mixed Methods Teams? p. 260
• Mixed Methods Teams as Representational Groups p. 260
• Considerations and Guiding Principles for Managing Teams p. 263
• Dealing With Difference p. 265
• Trusting the "Other" p. 268
• Creating a Meaningful Croup p. 269
• Handling Conflict and Tension p. 271
• Enacting Effective Leadership Roles Within the Team p. 273
• Single Investigator Research p. 276
• Summary and Key Points p. 277
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 278
• References p. 278
• Chapter 10 Implementation Issues in Mixed Methods Research p. 281
• Working With Human
• Research Protection Programs p. 282
• Human Research Protection Program Overview p. 282
• Human Research Protection Program Considerations Unique to Mixed Methods Research p. 283
• Recommendations for Preparing a Strong Mixed Methods Application for Human Research Protection Program Review p. 285
• Review Application Instructions Thoroughly p. 286
• Contact Human Research Protection Program Staff Before Submission p. 289
• Communicate Clearly and Effectively p. 289
• Form a Mixed Methods learn With Necessary Expertise p. 290
• Key Issues for Specific Mixed Methods Design Types p. 291
• Convergent Designs p. 292
• Exploratory Sequential Designs p. 293
• Exploratory Sequential Designs p. 294
• Emergent Designs p. 296
• Implementation Challenges and Strategies From the field p. 298
• Prioritizing Components and Findings p. 299
• Team Approaches to Data Analysis p. 301
• Incorporating Mixed Methods Expertise p. 303
• Summary and Key Paints p. 305
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 305
• References p. 306
• Part IV Disseminating Findings p. 307
• Chapter 11 Publishing Mixed Methods Studies in the Health Sciences p. 309
• Challenges and Opportunities in Publishing Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences p. 310
• Developing a Publication Strategy and Plan p. 312
• Deciding on the Overall Approach to Publications p. 312
• Choosing a Target Journal p. 315
• Creating a Strong Author Team p. 318
• Principles and Practices for Writing a Mixed Methods Manuscript p. 319
• Know the Standards for Reporting Mixed Methods Studies p. 319
• Write with the Audience in Mind p. 320
• Address Data Integration in Methods p. 322
• Select Optimal Presentation for Results p. 322
• Be Sure the Abstract and Cover Letter Credibly Convey Mixed Methods p. 323
• Cover Letter p. 327
• Responding to Peer Reviews for Mixed Methods Studies p. 329
• Example of Letter for Revision and Resubmission p. 333
• Summary and Key Points p. 341
• Review Questions and Exercises p. 341
• References p. 342
• Additional Materials
• Appendix A Biographies of Contributing Experts p. 345
• Appendix B Methodology for National Institutes of Health RePORTER Analysis of Trends in Funding for Mixed Methods Research p. 357
• Appendix C Assessing Rigor in Quantitative Health Sciences Research p. 359
• Appendix D Assessing Rigor in Qualitative Health Sciences Research: Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) p. 363
• Appendix E Quick Resource: A Short List of Readings and References p. 367
• Appendix F Qualitative Analysis Software Comparison Table p. 369
• Glossary of Key Terms and Definitions p. 373
• Index p. 385