Comparing Different Methods of Research
A distinctive feature of qualitative research is that it is based on participation, which implies the direct participation of the researcher in the data generation process. When conducting such studies, the primary researcher always contacts the respondent and has personal interaction with them (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). Falling, both major and non-serious, is still one of the most prevalent consequences following a stroke, and its rising prevalence makes rehabilitation more difficult. Therefore, interviews and surveys can be used to get feedback from stroke patients. Moreover, with such a method of research, obtaining data and analyzing it is carried out simultaneously, which makes it more reliable.
On the other hand, the quantitative research method has several advantages over others. It is distinguished by an accurate and detailed formulation of a scientific problem. In addition, it is possible to define independent and dependent variables in more detail during the study (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). A stroke is a severe disorder that causes physical, cognitive, and psychological problems linked to the risk of falling in different groups. Furthermore, persistent deficits in the latter stages of a stroke can lead to a rise in the number of patients who fall after a stroke. Therefore, one of the best methods for this study will be quantitative analysis since it is necessary to consider statistics regarding the age and degree of stroke.
The apparent advantages of mixing methods are the following: firstly, it is the mutual enrichment of cognitive capabilities, data, and interpretations. Qualitative data (words, photographs, and narratives) can be used to understand the numbers adequately. In turn, on the contrary, numbers can be used to understand words, photos, and narratives (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). In general, a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative design provides an opportunity to answer a broader range of research questions, and more reasonable generalizations of data are assumed.
Mixed Methods Design Is Well-Suited for Nursing
Mixed methods research is an alternative methodological approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data in order to allow nurse researchers to investigate complicated issues further (Younas et al., 2019). Mixed-methods design is a good tool for nursing research and an excellent technique to get holistic data that aligns with the nursing perspective (Younas et al., 2019). It is more cost-effective (in terms of both resources and time) than running two distinct projects, and it can move a project forward. Furthermore, there are several advantages to employing mixed methods research. Quantitative data is a complementary tool in the study, as it allows the researcher to identify the opinion of patients or existing precedents. On the other hand, qualitative data serves as the main source for creating a conceptual model.
Research Method for This Study
Within the framework of this study, mixed methods will be used for data analysis. This method is the most acceptable for my research, as it allows the researcher to investigate the problem and the task in the most comprehensive way. In addition, it is this approach that can best be associated with the study. This is determined by the fact that the task is focused on solving two main issues. The study’s goal is to see how successful treatments for reducing falls in people who have had a stroke are. The primary goal of this study is to see how interventions affect the rate of falls (number of falls per person per year) and the number of fallers. On the other hand, it is essential to conduct a survey among stroke patients specifically about how they experienced falls or managed to cope with them. Moreover, the study of various types of data allows the researcher to find the correct way to solve the research task (Younas et al., 2019). This is reflected in the fact that patients’ comments may not always correspond really; therefore, they need to be compared with quantitative data.
Design
The most appropriate design for my research question would be The Triangulation Design, which allows the researcher to analyze the data obtained through three main stages. The process of conducting research within the framework of this design is that quantitative and qualitative data are collected separately but analyzed together (Noble & Heale, 2019). The researcher tries to combine the two data sets during the analysis, either by combining the different results in the interpretation or by changing data to make integrating the two data kinds easier. Thus, different types of data obtained are observed and studied together, making it possible to track possible errors or inaccuracies (Noble & Heale, 2019). Then the researcher offers an overall interpretation, in which quantitative and qualitative data are linked to each other to offer an effective solution to the research task.
Therefore, it is precisely this design of the study that makes it possible to best develop a solution for implementing a fall prevention strategy. It is necessary to compare the data obtained from interviews with stroke patients with detailed official statistics. This will make it possible to identify problems more accurately by comparing personal opinions and numerical data on the best ways to prevent falls. Furthermore, in this framework, the researcher gathers two types of data in one survey instrument (Noble & Heale, 2019). Because the qualitative items are an add-on to a quantitative survey, they do not always produce a comprehensive collection of qualitative data. They do, however, supply the researcher with interesting quotations that may be utilized to supplement and corroborate the quantitative survey results.
Reference
Noble, H., & Heale, R. (2019). Triangulation in research, with examples. Evidence Based Nursing, 22(3), 67–68.
Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(2), 209-213. Web.
Younas, A., Pedersen, M., & Durante, A. (2019). Characteristics of joint displays illustrating data integration in mixed‐methods nursing studies. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(2), 676–686.