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Mixed Methods (mixed + methods)
Terms modified by Mixed Methods Selected AbstractsUsing mixed methods research in medical education: basic guidelines for researchersMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 7 2009Karen E Schifferdecker Context, Mixed methods research involves the collection, analysis and integration of both qualitative and quantitative data in a single study. The benefits of a mixed methods approach are particularly evident when studying new questions or complex initiatives and interactions, which is often the case in medical education research. Basic guidelines for when to use mixed methods research and how to design a mixed methods study in medical education research are not readily available. Methods, The purpose of this paper is to remedy that situation by providing an overview of mixed methods research, research design models relevant for medical education research, examples of each research design model in medical education research, and basic guidelines for medical education researchers interested in mixed methods research. Conclusions, Mixed methods may prove superior in increasing the integrity and applicability of findings when studying new or complex initiatives and interactions in medical education research. They deserve an increased presence and recognition in medical education research. [source] Public sector refraction and spectacle dispensing in low-resource countries of the Western PacificCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Jacqueline Ramke Abstract Background:, Given that uncorrected refractive error is a frequent cause of vision impairment, and that there is a high unmet need for spectacles, an appraisal of public sector arrangements for the correction of refractive error was conducted in eight Pacific Island countries. Methods:, Mixed methods (questionnaire and semi-structured interviews) were used to collect information from eye care personnel (from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu) attending a regional eye health workshop in 2005. Results:, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu had Vision 2020 eye care plans that included refraction services, but not spectacle provision. There was wide variation in public sector spectacle dispensing services, but, except in Samoa, ready-made spectacles and a full cost recovery pricing strategy were the mainstay. There were no systems for the registration of personnel, nor guidelines for clinical or systems management. The refraction staff to population ratio varied considerably. Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu had the best coverage by services, either fixed or outreach. Most services had little promotional activity or community engagement. Conclusions:, To be successful, it would seem that public sector refraction services should answer a real and perceived need, fit within prevailing policy and legislation, value, train, retain and equip employees, be well managed, be accessible and affordable, be responsive to consumers, and provide ongoing good quality outcomes. To this end, a checklist to aid the initiation and maintenance of refraction and spectacle systems in low-resource countries has been constructed. [source] STRINGS ATTACHED: NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT, COMPETITIVE GRANT FUNDING AND SOCIAL CAPITALFINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY & MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009Helen Irvine This paper first investigates the impact of New Public Management (NPM) practices, particularly competitive grant funding, on Bushcare New South Wales (NSW), an Australian environmental volunteering organisation. Secondly, identifying such local volunteering organisations as repositories of valuable social capital, it explores the link between volunteering and social capital. Using mixed methods and institutional theory, the study reveals that an increased level of professionalism and accountability is required of Bushcare groups, and that local coordinators face a challenge in balancing local, regional and national priorities without sacrificing Bushcare's mission. These dynamics, it is proposed, have potentially serious social capital implications. [source] The maximum principle violations of the mixed-hybrid finite-element method applied to diffusion equationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 12 2002H. Hoteit Abstract The abundant literature of finite-element methods applied to linear parabolic problems, generally, produces numerical procedures with satisfactory properties. However, some initial,boundary value problems may cause large gradients at some points and consequently jumps in the solution that usually needs a certain period of time to become more and more smooth. This intuitive fact of the diffusion process necessitates, when applying numerical methods, varying the mesh size (in time and space) according to the smoothness of the solution. In this work, the numerical behaviour of the time-dependent solutions for such problems during small time duration obtained by using a non-conforming mixed-hybrid finite-element method (MHFEM) is investigated. Numerical comparisons with the standard Galerkin finite element (FE) as well as the finite-difference (FD) methods are checked. Owing to the fact that the mixed methods violate the discrete maximum principle, some numerical experiments showed that the MHFEM leads sometimes to non-physical peaks in the solution. A diffusivity criterion relating the mesh steps for an artificial initial,boundary value problem will be presented. One of the propositions given to avoid any non-physical oscillations is to use the mass-lumping techniques. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Exploratory study in tourism: designing an initial, qualitative phase of sequenced, mixed methods researchINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, Issue 5 2010Peter Mason Abstract Exploratory studies in the social sciences are being increasingly advocated, particularly in relation to new research themes or when addressing an existing issue from a new perspective. Although exploration is usually the starting point, it is frequently part of a sequence of research stages. However, until recently the actual process of conducting such exploratory research within the leisure and tourism field has received little attention. This is due not just to perceptions that exploration is merely the initial step in a longer research process, but significantly, because there is a lack of guidance on how to conduct such research. This paper argues that when the overall tourism research study involves the use of mixed methods, an initial exploratory stage conducted as part of a sequential research process, requires a systematic approach to achieve a reliable platform for further investigation. The paper shows how and why a systematic research design process in the exploratory stage can enhance the value of studies, when the initial qualitative stage is to be followed by a quantitative phase. Three phases of an exploratory qualitative research design process are identified: preparation, development and refinement. Criteria for assessing the suitability of qualitative data collection techniques are proposed. It is argued that careful attention to the process of designing the initial exploratory qualitative stage constitutes the necessary condition for achieving results that will form a sound basis for the next quantitative sequence of research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Children speak about neighborhoods: using mixed methods to measure the construct neighborhoodJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Nicole NicoteraArticle first published online: 18 MAR 200 This study contributes to the knowledge base of community practice and research by examining the construct neighborhood from qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Mixed methodology was employed to explore the associations and discrepancies between a census measure of neighborhood based in social disorganization theory and a qualitative measure based on the voices of children (N=59). Qualitative results indicate nine dimensions of the construct neighborhood that are not found in census-based measures of the construct. Mixed methods results demonstrate that children in both higher and lower socially disorganized neighborhoods express the presence of neighborhood resources and neighborly affiliations as well as negative neighborhood experiences. Expressions of fear, needs for safety, and qualities of unsavory characters distinguish the two types of neighborhoods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Impact of clinical leadership development on the clinical leader, nursing team and care-giving process: a case studyJOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 6 2008BERNADETTE DIERCKX de CASTERLÉ phd Aim, This study explored the dynamics related to a leadership development programme and their impact on the clinical leader, the nursing team and the care-giving process. Background, While there is a growing conviction about the need to invest in transformational leadership in nursing, further insight into the true complexity of leadership development and, more specifically, how leadership can make a difference in nursing and patient outcomes is essential. Method, A single instrumental case study was conducted in a unit of a large academic hospital where a Clinical Leadership development Project (CLP) was implemented successfully. We used mixed methods with multiple sources of data to capture the complexity of leadership development. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus groups and observation of participants. A purposive sample of 17 participants representing a wide variety of team members has permitted data saturation. The data were categorized and conceptualized and finally organized into a framework describing leadership development on the unit and its impact on the leader, the nursing team and the care-giving process. Results, Leadership development is an ongoing, interactive process between the clinical leader and the co-workers. The head nurse became more effective in areas of self-awareness, communication skills, performance and vision. The nursing team benefited because more effective leadership promoted effective communication, greater responsibility, empowerment and job clarity. Improved clinical leadership seemed also to influence patient-centred communication, continuity of care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusions, The results of the study give more insight into the processes underlying the leader's progress towards attaining a transformational leadership style and its impact on the team members. The impact of leadership on the care-giving process, however, remains difficult to describe. Implications for nursing management, The interactive nature of leadership development makes CLP a challenge for the leader as well for the team members. Through its impact on the leader and the nursing team, CLP is a valuable instrument for improving work environments of nurses, contributing positively to patient-centred care. [source] Accountability, accreditation, and continuous improvement: Building a culture of evidenceNEW DIRECTIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 143 2009Vanessa Smith Morest Using mixed methods, building evaluation into new programs, and conducting research that is authentic and meaningful to the internal campus community can generate interest and help fuel a data-intensive cultural transformation. [source] Clear as mud: results and the use of mixed methodsAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 4 2010John Lowe No abstract is available for this article. [source] | |||||||||||||