Mixed Methods Research: Strengths and Limitations for MBBS Students

Question 1

What is the primary objective of triangulation in mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

Validating findings by comparing results from multiple data sources

Answer

Minimizing data collection errors through enhanced reliability

Answer

Facilitating the integration of qualitative and quantitative data

Answer

Mitigating potential biases in result interpretation

Question 2

Which statement accurately highlights a potential drawback of utilizing mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

Reduced resource requirements for research

Answer

Potential for improved patient outcomes

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Deeper understanding of patient perspectives and experiences

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Increased access to funding opportunities

Question 3

In mixed methods research, which ethical consideration is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining participant confidentiality

Answer

Utilizing random sampling methods

Answer

Ensuring data accuracy and quality

Answer

Publishing findings in reputable journals

Question 4

Which feature stands out as a primary advantage of employing mixed methods research designs in medical research?

Accepted Answer

Encompasses all the above advantages

Answer

Facilitates comprehensive understanding of research topics

Answer

Enables triangulation of data from diverse sources

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Provides opportunities to explore complex research inquiries

Question 5

Which sampling method is commonly employed in mixed methods research designs?

Accepted Answer

Purposeful sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

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Random sampling

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Systematic sampling

Question 6

What is the purpose of utilizing a convergent mixed methods design?

Accepted Answer

Combining and confirming findings from different data sources

Answer

Identifying and analyzing discrepancies between data sources

Answer

Gaining deeper insights into a research question

Answer

Validating results from one data source using another

Question 7

In a multidisciplinary research project, how does mixed methods research foster effective collaboration among researchers from various disciplines?

Accepted Answer

Integrates diverse perspectives

Answer

Enhances research findings' generalizability

Answer

Minimizes the need for data triangulation

Question 8

Which advantage distinguishes mixed methods research from single-method approaches?

Accepted Answer

Triangulation, enhancing validity by combining findings

Answer

Shorter data collection time

Answer

Easier data analysis and interpretation

Answer

Elimination of research biases

Question 9

Which of the following is a primary advantage of mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced robustness and reliability of findings

Answer

Improved generalizability of results

Answer

Increased flexibility in data collection and analysis

Answer

Reduced overall costs compared to single-method approaches

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of data triangulation in mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the trustworthiness and credibility of findings by combining different perspectives

Answer

To increase the overall sample size and improve generalizability

Answer

To reduce potential bias and ensure the objectivity of the research

Answer

To improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the data collection process

Question 11

The convergence model in mixed methods research emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Leveraging the complementary strengths of methods to enhance validity.

Answer

Sequential incorporation of data from multiple sources.

Answer

Concurrent collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data.

Answer

Independent analysis of data from each method, followed by result comparison.

Question 12

Enhancing the trustworthiness of mixed methods research can be achieved through:

Accepted Answer

A combination of all the above practices.

Answer

Triangulating data from multiple sources, which involves comparing and contrasting findings from different methods.

Answer

Peer review of research methods and results, which involves seeking feedback from experts in the field.

Answer

Transparency in reporting, which involves clearly and comprehensively documenting the research process and findings.

Question 13

Mixed methods research is particularly useful for:

Accepted Answer

All of the above types of studies.

Answer

Exploratory studies, which aim to gain insights and generate hypotheses.

Answer

Descriptive studies, which aim to provide a detailed account of a phenomenon.

Answer

Evaluative studies, which aim to assess the effectiveness or impact of an intervention or program.

Question 14

How do well-crafted research questions influence the design and execution of mixed methods research studies?

Accepted Answer

Research questions guide the choice of suitable data collection methods.

Answer

Research questions are irrelevant to the design of mixed methods studies.

Answer

Research questions are only crucial in quantitative research, not mixed methods studies.

Question 15

When assessing the quality of mixed methods research studies, which of the following is NOT a crucial evaluation criterion?

Accepted Answer

Originality

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Generalizability

Question 16

A researcher studying the impact of a new medication on patient well-being uses both quantitative surveys to assess mood and qualitative interviews to understand patients' experiences. What is the primary strength of this mixed methods approach?

Accepted Answer

It provides a more comprehensive understanding of the complex phenomenon by combining quantitative and qualitative data, offering insights into both objective measures and subjective experiences.

Answer

Simplifies data analysis by reducing the number of variables.

Answer

Eliminates the need for statistical analysis of quantitative data.

Answer

Increases the generalizability of the findings to a larger population.

Question 17

A researcher investigating the factors influencing patient adherence to medication uses a mixed methods approach. They conduct quantitative surveys to assess adherence rates and qualitative interviews to explore the underlying reasons. How does this approach help address potential limitations of using only quantitative methods?

Accepted Answer

It provides a deeper understanding of the 'why' behind the quantitative findings by exploring patients' perspectives, beliefs, and experiences.

Answer

Eliminates the need for statistical analysis.

Answer

Reduces the risk of bias in the research design.

Answer

Increases the generalizability of the findings.

Question 18

A researcher is studying the impact of a new public health campaign on smoking cessation. They use quantitative data to assess changes in smoking rates and qualitative data to understand participants' perspectives and experiences with the campaign. What is the primary goal of this mixed methods approach?

Accepted Answer

To provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the campaign's effectiveness by combining objective measures with subjective interpretations of its impact.

Answer

To increase the generalizability of the findings to a larger population.

Answer

To eliminate the potential biases associated with qualitative data.

Answer

To simplify the data analysis process by combining different data types.

Question 19

A researcher uses a mixed methods approach to explore the factors influencing medication adherence in patients with chronic conditions. They conduct quantitative surveys to assess adherence levels and qualitative interviews to gather insights into patients' beliefs, experiences, and barriers to adherence. What type of integration of the quantitative and qualitative data is most appropriate for this study?

Accepted Answer

Data triangulation: comparing quantitative and qualitative findings to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of medication adherence, identifying potential discrepancies and gaining insights from both perspectives.

Answer

Data transformation: using qualitative data to inform the analysis of quantitative data.

Answer

Data expansion: using qualitative data to expand on the quantitative findings.

Answer

Data merging: combining quantitative and qualitative data into a single dataset for analysis.

Question 20

A researcher is investigating the effectiveness of a new educational program for medical students. They use quantitative data to assess knowledge gain and qualitative data to explore students' perceptions of the program's impact on their learning experience. What is the primary advantage of using a mixed methods approach in this context?

Accepted Answer

It provides a holistic understanding of the program's effectiveness by combining objective measures of knowledge gain with subjective experiences of the program's impact on learning.

Answer

It reduces the risk of bias in the research design.

Answer

It increases the generalizability of the findings to a larger population.

Answer

It simplifies the data analysis process by combining different data types.

Question 21

A researcher studying the impact of a new patient-centered care model on patient satisfaction uses a mixed methods approach. They collect quantitative data on patient satisfaction scores and qualitative data from interviews with patients and healthcare providers. What is a potential ethical consideration in this type of research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring confidentiality and anonymity of participants' responses, especially in qualitative data, where personal experiences and opinions are shared.

Answer

Prioritizing quantitative data over qualitative data in the analysis.

Answer

Avoiding the use of control groups in the research design.

Answer

Using a large sample size to ensure statistical significance.

Question 22

A study uses mixed methods to evaluate the impact of a new treatment for chronic pain. Quantitative data is collected on pain levels and functional limitations, and qualitative interviews are conducted to explore patients' experiences and perceptions. What is a potential limitation of this approach?

Accepted Answer

The potential for contradictory findings between the quantitative and qualitative data, requiring careful interpretation and consideration of potential explanations for the discrepancies.

Answer

The risk of bias in qualitative data collection.

Answer

The need for a large sample size to achieve statistical significance.

Answer

The complexity of analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data.