Mixed research method refers to the emerging of research that advances in qualitative and quantitative data within a single program of inquiry. The main goal of mixed method research is to expand and reinforce a study’s conclusion that contributes to the published literature. Qualitative and quantitative research correspond to each other and can help a scientist avoid the limitations of a single research project approach. Examples of mixed research methodology include interviews and questionnaires, follow-up focus groups, performance tests, and observations. A mixed method study should have a focus group of at least twelve participants per group. The key decisions in choosing a mixed method study are the level of interaction between the qualitative and quantitative strands, the priority of the strands, and the elements’ timing.
Methods Used in the Research
The research study used quantitative method to assess the social support, loneliness analyzed using liner mixed methods, and qualitative group used thematic analysis on the social wellbeing of older adults and community groups. The mixed method study was selected as the strategy for the research to allow an in-depth study on how social support groups and loneliness may change due to joining a community group for the old aged (Joly-Burra et al., 2020). A research was led using a simultaneous mixed methods design with a qualitative module-giving perspective to the quantitative results. The research concentrated on the influence of social group support on and loneliness of the older adults. The study had two parts: first, the longitudinal survey that formed the quantitative results took one year. Second, the qualitative survey with a focus group study of members of the same organization. The grouping of the two sectors of the study began when clarifying the results of the research study.
The Order Used to do Research
The research study was designed by an initial qualitative phase of analyzing and collecting data, followed by a quantitative data collection phase. The final step was linking the two data from the two separate strands. All eligible participants were asked to voluntarily agree to participate in the study before undertaking the first focus group. An organization was used for recreational purposes and to educate and motivate older adults to manage important changes in their lives. Members from the organization were invited by issuing flyers with new membership materials (Joly-Burra et al., 2020). Older adults from the community, who self-reported to walk at least a hundred meters and could speak English, were qualified to participate in the study. After receiving voluntarily agreement with the proposal from the participants, they were advised to fill the survey report paper format.
Contribution of the Research Study
Mixed methods was used to combine the longitudinal study and analyzed qualitatively with a focus group that was a strength to the study for qualitative survey. The researchers were not limited in doing the research with members of the community group and focus group but also made them to recognize the associations (Joly-Burra et al., 2020). The resolution of the research was to discover in detail of any connection between joining community groups for older adults and their wellbeing. More investigation should be done to confirm if groups can help the older adults to better their lives compared to individual socializing with family and friends. The research’s qualitative results stated it is essential to know ways that can enable older adults’ age well and minimize healthcare costs. (Joly-Burra, 2020). The research states that age increase comes with many complications and the older adults are prone to greater risk of having chronic diseases. The use of mixed methods of the focus group identified two themes that related to social benefits analyzing that social wellbeing can be improved in social resources.
Reference
Joly-Burra, E., Van der Linden, M., & Ghisletta, P. (2020). A mixed-method study on strategies in everyday personal goals among community-dwelling older adults. Gerontology, 66(5), 484-493.