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Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide
• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative

Divide

Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

• Dr. Pat Bazeley

Adjunct Professor, TReSI group, Western Sydney University pat@researchsupport.com.au

2

The research world is a world divided

Qt Ql

“New People to New Groups” S. Gladen licenced under CC BY 2.0

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

3

Standard text-book descriptions of methods

Qualitative Quantitative

exploratory confirmatory process oriented variance/outcome focus subjective

• bjective

natural controlled unstructured structured purposive probabilistic researcher instruments text numbers flexible fixed narrative statistics case-oriented variable-oriented inductive deductive generalise to theory generalise to population

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

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…but

The phenomena we study are not divided, even if our thinking about them often is.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

5

We have divisions; we need dimensions. Phenomena are multidimensional. We need multidimensional methods.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

The qual-quant continuum

• methods for multidimensional phenomena

exploratory confirmatory process oriented variance/outcome focus subjective

• bjective

natural controlled unstructured structured purposive probabilistic researcher instruments text numbers flexible fixed narrative statistical case-oriented variable-oriented inductive deductive generalise to theory generalise to population

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

7

Muddy boundaries

• There is no defining difference, and yet we all sense a difference

and can attempt to describe each.

• Bergman describes these as two interrelated families
• Pond-field metaphor – the boundary might be unclear, but you

can still identify pond and field.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

8

Standard definitions of mixed methods

• Mixed methods research is the type of research in which a researcher or

team of researchers combines elements of qualitative and quantitative research approaches … for the broad purposes of breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration. (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, & Turner, 2007: 123)

• In mixed methods, the researcher
• Collects and analyses both qualitative and quantitative data rigorously in

response to research questions and hypotheses,

• Integrates (or mixes or combines) the two forms of data and their results

… (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018: 5)

bridging but not transcending, thus perpetuating the divide

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

9

Bridging the qual-quant divide created challenges These challenges came from:

• disciplinary traditions and alignments
• knowledge and skills required
• methodological training
• publishing

and especially in relation to

• effectively combining qual and quant in one project, and
• presumed paradigmatic (primarily epistemological) foundations

(which began, incidentally, as a largely US phenomenon in education)

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

10

Pendulum swings in methodology

• Early 20C (and prior): typically multiple or mixed methods selected to fit

purpose, without challenge

• Mid 20C: Psychology, education, health studies attempt to emulate

natural or clinical sciences, using ‘objective’ quantitative methods

• Later 20C: Challenges to the ‘hegemony of quantitative methods’ –

development of ‘naturalistic’ alternative –> emphasis on epistemological foundations (paradigms)

• Late 20C: Mixed methods began to be identified as a specific approach

to methodology in 1980s–90s. Named as a ‘third methodological movement’ in 2004.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

11

in MM history: War … and Peace

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Epistemological (paradigm) issues

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Data as a representation of phenomena

Research transforms phenomena, to make them visible. Transformation involves multiple layers of interpretation

• in selecting/constructing data
• in analysing and converting them into evidence

Text and numbers (forms of data) can each be treated as:

• respondents’ constructions reinterpreted by the researcher, or
• as representing reality, reported descriptively as ‘what is’.

They are different ways of making phenomena visible.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

13

Re-thinking paradigms/epistemology, and the connection with methods

Data – the building blocks of knowledge – are epistemologically neutral; the way they are employed is not:

• this is …
• this is seen as …
• this is understood to be …

Numbers and words, and what they mean, are equally a human

• construction. All research is interpretive.

Paradigms influence but do not determine methods choices.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

14

An alternative definition of mixed methods Mixed methods studies are those in which more than one source or type of data, and/or more than one approach to analysis of those data, are integrated throughout the study in such a way as to become interdependent in reaching a common theoretical or research goal (Bazeley, 2010: 432)

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

15

Transcending the divide implies

• Having a common purpose or goal, across diverse

methods

• Selecting data on the basis of need (and availability)

rather than type

• Interdependence of different elements in reaching the

goal (exchange across the DNA strands)

• Consequently generating a sum greater than the parts
• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

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7 Cs – the how of integration and transcendence

Converse throughout the project Construct

• ne method based on another

Combine in complementary analysis Compare across data types and sources Convert data from one form to another Compile using all sources together Convey based on topic, not method

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

17

Integration in MM can occur:

• Iteratively, throughout a project, as information and ideas flow from
• ne method to another, often unconsciously
• Deliberately, at ‘points of interface’ in the design of a project
• Primarily, through data management and analysis
• Reflectively, as all the thoughts prompted by the various data

sources are drawn into a coherent set of inferences from the project

• Evidentially, in the recorded results of a study (before the

discussion)!

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

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In practice

An integrated, multidimensional way of thinking about and doing research means:

• focusing on your research purposes and questions
• exploring the research problem from multiple perspectives
• design, free from constraints on choice of methods
• judging available data by its relevance rather than its form
• analytic integration of methods used
• integrated writing of results as well as conclusions
• and it benefits from use of computer technology
• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

19

Focus on research purposes and questions

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

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Explore possibilities, and develop a plan

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Judge available data by its relevance rather than its form

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

22

Integrate analyses within and across methods

Combine Compare Convert

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

23

Develop coherence through displays

• Use models and tables throughout the project to prompt and

assist the conversations between methods.

• Use models and tables to set out what you are finding – they

clarify for both researcher and reader

“You know what you display”

(Miles & Huberman, 1994)

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

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Analytic writing - a key to integration

• Writing during analysis
• initiate, reflect, deepen
• Integrate results
• during development
• design results around issues to be discussed rather than methods
• Journey toward conclusion
• telling a story
• building an argument
• using an audit trail
• Issue of stakeholder/audience understanding
• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

25

When writing:

integrate results as well as conclusions

ýD þC þC

Introduction

Literature review Methodology

Quant results Qual results

Discussion (interpretation)

Conclusions Introduction Literature review Methodology Results 1 (Sub-topic 1) Results 2 (Sub-topic 2) Discussion and Conclusions Introduction Literature review Methodology Results 1 (Descriptive) Results 2 (Analytic) Discussion and Conclusions

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

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Making mixed methods “as natural as breathing” Practice! Think purpose, and data, not what kind. “Then, there is only research.” And a mixed methods way is likely to become a habit of thinking.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

27

Bazeley, P. (2018). “Mixed methods in my bones”: Transcending the qualitative- quantitative divide. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches. 10(1), 334-341. (open source)

See also

Gorard, S., & Siddiqui, N. (2018). There is only research: The liberating impact of just doing research. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 10(1), 328-333. (open source) Sandelowski, M. (2014). Unmixing mixed methods research. Research in Nursing & Health, 37(1), 3-8. doi: 10.1002/nur.21570

For other Bazeley references

Go to: www.researchsupport.com.au (Mixed methods page)

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Key reference for this presentation

Core reference: published by Sage (London), 2018

This book goes beyond mixed methods research design and data collection to provide a pragmatic discussion of the challenges of effectively integrating data to facilitate a more comprehensive and rigorous level of analysis. Showcasing a range of strategies for integrating different sources and forms

• f data as well as different approaches

in analysis, it will help you plan, conduct, and disseminate complex analyses with confidence.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative

Divide

Keynote Address - MQIC 2019

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide

Practical introduction for anyone doing a mixed methods project

Published by Sage (London) 2019

This book introduces the concepts and debates associated with combining methods, and illustrates the many benefits, and hazards, of undertaking a mixed methods study. Example studies from across business and management disciplines bring the text to life throughout. The reader is taken step-by-step through the mixed methods process from developing a mixed methods study, through designing and conducting it, and finally, reporting on the results. Suitable for students and researchers undertaking their own mixed methods research.

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative

Divide 30

MMIRA

Mixed Methods International Research Association

• MMIRA aims to create an international community to promote and

support interdisciplinary mixed methods research

• Our vision includes bringing together diverse communities of scholars,

students, practitioners, policymakers, citizens, and other stakeholders, with the goals of expanding knowledge and producing social betterment and social and global justice

• Support provided through regional and international conferences,

newsletters, website resources, etc. Membership includes electronic access to Journal of Mixed Methods Research

Further info: www.mmira.org

• Dr. Pat Bazeley, Transcending the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide