Introduction
In response to, and in agreement with Sera’s post, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches lays the basis for both practice and qualitative inquiry richness, although still underdeveloped. Using the two distinct research methods in nursing science studies implies that one or both aspects have limitations that can complement the other through mixed research, in concurrence with Sera.
Discussion
In nursing practice, quantitative data can be utilized to support qualitative research components as it can identify representative patients or outlying cases. Additionally, qualitative data can be utilized to shed light on quantitative components and help in conceptual instrument or model development. Quantitative data, conversely, can help during data collection by providing baseline information that researchers will use to select patients to interview. In contrast, qualitative data helps understand patient recruitment and retention barriers and facilitators (Younas, Pedersen & Tayaben, 2019). In analysis, qualitative data assist in interpreting, clarifying, describing, and validating quantitative results, and as such, mixed method application is complimentary, in agreement with Sera.
Two problems are associated with the appraisal of mixed-method research in nursing. Firstly, the mixed method research findings application into nursing practice is affected by the fact that the current quality criteria are not specific to nursing (Younas, Pedersen & Tayaben, 2019). Secondly, the quality criteria are theoretically derived and cannot fully account for the nursing researcher’s decisions in mixed-method research study appraisals. Thematic analysis of nursing researchers’ views reveals that universal, cross-disciplinary quality criteria are favored over nursing-specific measures and consensual and standardized mixed-method research quality appraisal.
Conclusion
Future nursing science studies on research methods should focus on strengthening mixed-method research quality appraisal. Application and reporting inconsistencies are some of the most significant issues associated with mixed-method research. Applying the mixed method means that each approach is less rigorous, which provides a limited direction for novice researchers. As such, there is the potential of using limited validity evidence in healthcare practice.
Reference
Younas, A., Pedersen, M., & Tayaben, J. L. (2019). Review of mixed-methods research in nursing. Nursing Research, 68(6), 464-472. Web.