The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods

Sample Solution

   

Advantages of using both qualitative and quantitative methods in a nursing study:

• Increased validity and reliability: Using both qualitative and quantitative methods in a nursing study can help to increase the validity and reliability of the research findings. This is because qualitative methods can provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied, while quantitative methods can provide a broader and more generalizable perspective.

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• More comprehensive results: Combining qualitative and quantitative methods can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of the phenomenon being studied. This is because qualitative methods can capture the lived experiences of participants, while quantitative methods can provide data on trends and patterns.
• Improved understanding of complex phenomena: Some phenomena, such as the patient experience, are complex and difficult to study using only one method. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods can help researchers to gain a better understanding of these complex phenomena.

Disadvantages of using both qualitative and quantitative methods in a nursing study:

• Increased time and resources required: Designing and conducting a mixed-methods study can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive than designing and conducting a single-method study.
• Increased complexity: Mixed-methods studies can be more complex to analyze and interpret than single-method studies. This is because researchers need to be able to integrate the findings from the two different types of methods.

Current evidence-based literature supporting the use of mixed-methods in nursing research:

• A 2019 review of mixed-methods studies in nursing found that mixed-methods studies were able to provide more comprehensive and nuanced findings than single-method studies. The review also found that mixed-methods studies were able to address complex research questions that could not be addressed using a single method.
• A 2020 study of mixed-methods studies in nursing found that mixed-methods studies were able to provide more valid and reliable findings than single-method studies. The study also found that mixed-methods studies were able to contribute to the development of new theories and models of nursing care.

Examples of mixed-methods studies in nursing:

• A mixed-methods study to explore the experiences of patients with cancer pain.
• A mixed-methods study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new intervention for preventing falls in older adults.
• A mixed-methods study to develop and test a new model of nursing care for patients with chronic heart disease.

Conclusion The decision of whether or not to use mixed-methods in a nursing study should be made on a case-by-case basis. However, the evidence suggests that mixed-methods studies can offer a number of advantages over single-method studies, including increased validity and reliability, more comprehensive results, and improved understanding of complex phenomena. My opinion I believe that mixed-methods studies are a valuable tool for nursing research. By combining the strengths of qualitative and quantitative methods, mixed-methods studies can provide researchers with a more complete and nuanced understanding of the phenomena they are studying. However, it is important to note that mixed-methods studies are more complex to design and conduct than single-method studies. It is also important to have the necessary expertise and resources to analyze and interpret the findings from mixed-methods studies. If you are considering using mixed-methods in your nursing study, I recommend that you consult with a research expert who has experience in mixed-methods research.