Hello everyone!
Hope you are doing well sir/madam.
I am doing PhD in sociology by applying an exploratory sequential design in my dissertation. I am stuck in the methodology section right now and need assistance. my question is should I prepare qualitative, quantitative and mixed method questions or only one question mixed question is enough? and also a hypothesis is needed or not?
thank you very much
In an exploratory sequential design, it's common to start with qualitative research questions, followed by quantitative research questions informed by the qualitative findings. One mixed-method question can also be included to capture the overall purpose of the study. Hypotheses are generally not required in the qualitative phase but can be developed for the quantitative phase based on the qualitative insights. Ensure that your research questions align with the objectives and scope of your study.
Based on the information you've provided regarding your specific research design, including the use of exploratory sequential mixed-methods, it would be appropriate to include both qualitative and quantitative questions in your study. However, the exact type and number of questions used will depend on the research questions being asked and the specific methods of data collection and analysis you plan to use. The specifics of the research design, including the types of questions and hypotheses used, should be informed by a careful review of the relevant literature, consultation with your dissertation committee, and consideration of the most appropriate methods to use in your study.
Does one question suffice for your research purposes? Often a mistake is asking too many questions and getting only surface-level data. A single, great question with a rich, long response could be enough. Probes might be necessary. The angle which needs considered is this: Will you get enough information to explore with quantitative in stage 2? Pilot the qualitative aspect to see if you're missing anything; likely at first one does not get the right question or get enough information. Please read about interview techniques.
Weak so-called exploratory mixed methods design is asking a few brief or binary question and claiming mixed methods. In actuality, there is little qualitative research, and stage one does not drive stage two.
In exploratory sequential designs, the quantitative method takes a dominant position, and the qualitative method makes a preliminary contribution, as shown in the notation qual --> QUANT. One classic use for this design is to develop a measurement tool, such as a new variable, in survey research. Alternatively, it can help develop the nature of an experimental intervention.
In general, the quantitative method does require a hypothesis, and typically that involves an element of the research that is the product of the preliminary qualitative method. This connection between the research question and the input from the qualitative method reflects the need of the quantitative method for better implementation that cannot occur without the insights from the qualitative sudy.
The research objectives you design for the study will dictate the choice of the respondents, data collection, analysis etc. as you progress in the study. By choosing a mixed method approach, your objectives should show at least a qualitative objective/research question, a quantitative hypothesis and an overlapping mixed methods objective. More questions can be added in the study especially when embarking the second part of the study. This will give the mandate to carry on the choice of the respondents, data collection, analysis. Otherwise leaving out this combination may allude to either you are pursuing just a qualitative or quantitative study.
Thank you all for your valuable explanations. I am grateful to you all. This help me a lot and made me clear.
Thanks again and best regards.
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