Types of Mixed Methods Research: Comprehensive Guide for PhD Students

Question 1

In convergent mixed methods research, what is the primary objective?

Accepted Answer

To merge quantitative and qualitative data for a more thorough comprehension of a phenomenon.

Answer

To investigate a new area of inquiry without preconceived notions.

Answer

To challenge and reshape prevailing knowledge and viewpoints.

Question 2

What is the primary aim of exploratory mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

To gain a novel understanding of a phenomenon.

Answer

To test or disprove a hypothesis.

Answer

To challenge and overturn current knowledge and beliefs.

Question 3

Provide an example of a convergent mixed methods research design.

Accepted Answer

Using a survey to collect quantitative data and interviews to collect qualitative data to examine customer satisfaction.

Answer

Utilizing focus groups to explore a new area of consumer behaviour.

Answer

Employing a case study to investigate the impact of a social intervention on a community.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

To enhance the credibility and validity of research findings

Answer

To compare and contrast findings from different data sources

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To identify and address methodological weaknesses

Question 5

Which of the following is a type of mixed methods research that aims to combine quantitative and qualitative data to enhance understanding?

Accepted Answer

Convergent

Answer

Exploratory

Answer

Transformative

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Triangulation

Question 6

What is the primary objective of exploratory mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

To explore complex phenomena from multiple perspectives

Answer

To merge quantitative and qualitative data

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To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention

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To compare the findings of different research methods

Question 7

When is transformative mixed methods research most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

When there is a need to develop new insights

Answer

When the research question is well-defined

Answer

When the aim is to evaluate an intervention

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When the data is primarily quantitative

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a potential strength of mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Depth and richness of understanding

Answer

Objectivity and generalizability

Answer

Triangulation of findings

Question 9

Which research design is commonly used in transformative mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

Instrumental case study

Answer

Sequential explanatory

Answer

Concurrent triangulation

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Nested designs

Question 10

What is the fundamental distinction between convergent and exploratory mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the research

Answer

The sequencing of data collection

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The level of researcher involvement

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The type of data analysis

Question 11

Which type of mixed methods research involves exploring a phenomenon qualitatively before conducting quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Exploratory mixed methods

Answer

Transformative mixed methods

Answer

Convergent mixed methods

Answer

Sequential explanatory mixed methods

Question 12

What is the primary objective of employing a mixed methods approach in research?

Accepted Answer

To harness the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative methods

Answer

To minimize bias in research findings

Answer

To increase the generalizability of research results

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To enhance efficiency of data collection

Question 13

The primary goal of a convergent mixed methods research design is to:

Accepted Answer

Confirm or extend existing theories and hypotheses

Answer

Generate new theories and hypotheses

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Explore complex phenomena from multiple perspectives

Answer

Transform understanding and practices through social action

Question 14

Which mixed methods research type is most suitable for exploratory studies?

Accepted Answer

Exploratory design

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Convergent design

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Transformative design

Answer

Sequential design

Question 15

A key strength of a transformative mixed methods research approach is:

Accepted Answer

It facilitates the integration of research findings into practice.

Answer

It allows for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data.

Answer

It enables researchers to explore complex phenomena from multiple perspectives.

Answer

It provides a foundation for developing new theories.

Question 16

Data integration differs from data synthesis in mixed methods research because:

Accepted Answer

Data integration combines data from different sources, while data synthesis interprets the combined data.

Answer

Data synthesis combines data from different sources, while data integration interprets the combined data.

Answer

Data integration and data synthesis are the same process.

Answer

There is no distinction between data integration and data synthesis.

Question 17

In transformative mixed methods research, the researcher's role is to:

Accepted Answer

Facilitate dialogue and promote social change.

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Objectively observe and record data.

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Test hypotheses and draw conclusions.

Answer

Collect and analyze data using traditional methods.

Question 18

Design a hypothetical research question that would be most effectively addressed using a transformative mixed methods approach. Briefly explain your choice.

Accepted Answer

What are the lived experiences of individuals who have undergone a transformative learning process?

Answer

How does a specific educational intervention impact student outcomes?

Answer

What factors contribute to job satisfaction in a particular industry?

Answer

What qualitative research methods can be used to study social phenomena?

Question 19

In mixed methods research, how should researchers handle their own perspectives and biases when interpreting results?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge biases and take steps to minimize their impact.

Answer

Rely solely on quantitative data to avoid bias.

Answer

Ignore personal perspectives and focus only on data.

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Conceal perspectives and biases to prevent influencing readers.

Question 20

Which mixed methods research approach aims to merge quantitative and qualitative data into a single, comprehensive analysis to confirm or refine a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Convergent

Answer

Exploratory

Answer

Transformative

Answer

Instrumental

Question 21

Which type of mixed methods research is typically used when the researcher has a clear idea of the research question and seeks to confirm or refine it, and prioritizes the quantitative component?

Accepted Answer

Convergent

Answer

Exploratory

Answer

Transformative

Answer

Concurrent

Question 22

Which mixed methods research approach emphasizes the emergence of new understanding and theory from the interaction of quantitative and qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Transformative

Answer

Sequential

Answer

Exploratory

Answer

Convergent

Question 23

Which type of mixed methods research is suitable when the researcher seeks to explore a new phenomenon or gain a deeper understanding of a complex issue, often prioritizing qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Exploratory

Answer

Convergent

Answer

Embedded

Answer

Transformative

Question 24

Which of the following is an advantage of using a convergent mixed methods approach?

Accepted Answer

Increased validity and reliability

Answer

Reduced cost

Answer

Enhanced creativity

Answer

Faster data collection

Question 25

Which type of mixed methods research design is used when the researcher has a specific plan for how data will be collected and analyzed, with the results of one phase informing the subsequent phase?

Accepted Answer

Sequential

Answer

Embedded

Answer

Concurrent

Answer

Transformative

Question 26

Which type of mixed methods research design is used when qualitative data is collected within a larger quantitative study to provide additional depth and context?

Accepted Answer

Embedded

Answer

Transformative

Answer

Concurrent

Answer

Sequential