Pat Bazeley

Editorial: Integrating Data Analyses in Mixed Methods Research

Although the epistemological arguments of the ‘‘paradigm wars’’ sharpened our thinking about issues related to mixed methodology, their lingering legacy has been to slow the progress of integration of methods. All mixed methods studies, by definition, attempt some form of integration, but the paradigm debates have made many researchers nervous about integrating the various strands of their research before they reach the point of drawing conclusions. There has, indeed, been a degree of illogic in the way some researchers have dealt with the issue of integration of data sources and analyses, where it has been considered epistemologically unacceptable to combine these, and yet desirable to corroborate or integrate conclusions drawn from data generated through diverse perspectives. In any case, as noted many years ago by Miles and Huberman (1994), these arguments are largely unproductive. From a pragmatic perspective, the primary issue is to determine what data and analyses are needed to meet the goals of the research and answer the questions at hand. Alternatively, a realist perspective encourages one to seek both processand variable-oriented data to both detect regularities and understand the mechanisms by which they occur (Maxwell, 2008).

Defining 'Early Career' in Research

In order to ensure the future of high qualityresearch in some disciplines it may benecessary to provide special consideration inprestigious research funding schemes for earlycareer researchers who will otherwise becomedisenchanted with academic research and leaveit behind in their search for a stable andfruitful future. Milestones in progressionthrough research studies and academic life toestablishment as an academic researcher areoutlined. Within this context, a range ofpotential criteria for determining promisingearly career status are reviewed. Thediscussion leads to derivation of thedefinition of early career which has beenadopted by the Australian Research Council forits prestigious Discovery – Projects grantsscheme.

Mosaics, Triangles, and DNA: Metaphors for Integrated Analysis in Mixed Methods Research

Metaphors used to describe the process of integration of analyses in mixed methods research are analyzed to determine various ways in which researchers think and write about integration. By examining the metaphors used and through examples of the application of each metaphor, the authors clarify the integrative processes they point to. The authors conclude this analysis by identifying from these metaphors eight principles to guide the effective integration of analyses in mixed methods research.

Integrative Analysis Strategies for Mixed Data Sources

The approach taken to integration of diverse data sources and analytical approaches in mixed methods studies is a crucial feature of those studies. Models of integration in analysis range from discussing separately generated results from different components or phases of a study together as part of the conclusion, through synthesis of data from these different components, to combination of data sources or conversion of data types to build a blended set of results. Although different models of integration are appropriate for different research settings and purposes, an overcautious approach to integration can generate invalid or weakened conclusions through a failure to consider all available information together. Strategies for making the most of opportunities to integrate process and variable data in analysis to build strong and useful conclusions are identified and illustrated through reference to a variety of mixed methods studies, including several with a focus on transition to school.

Conceptualising research performance

In a context of increasing emphasis on academic performance and accountability, data from a structured survey in which academics elaborated on eight different attributes of high‐performing researchers were used to build a conceptual model of research performance. Research performance was seen to comprise two basic components, with six secondary level dimensions and a range of potential indicators. Four essential (necessary and sufficient) dimensions, relating to the research activity component of research performance, were: engagement, task orientation, research practice and intellectual processes. Two alternative dimensions (of which at least one is necessary) relating to the performance, or making research visible, component of research performance were dissemination and collegial engagement. Research performance was seen to occur within conditions provided by an institutional context (education and training; opportunity and resources), and to bring about a range of outcomes (product, impact and reputation).

The evolution of a project involving an integrated analysis of structured qualitative and quantitative data: From N3 to NVivo

Developments in Qualitative Solutions and Research (QSR software) from N3 through to NVivo have impacted not only on the convenience of using the program but also on the capacity of the researcher to undertake interpretive analysis. Perhaps reflective of changes in the broader context of social research, developments through succeeding generations of this software have also increased its capacity to contribute to integrated mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) analysis. New tools in the software have facilitated bringing quantitative (demographic, categorical and other numeric) data into a qualitative project, primarily to use for comparison of texts across subgroups. In addition, with N4 it has became possible to display tabulated data showing either the presence or absence of coding in particular documents or matrix displays (cross-tabulations) of grouped data. NVivo allows for both greater flexibility and greater specificity of quantitative output. Quantitative outputs from the qualitative database allow for graphical display or statistical manipulation of the data. Numeric output might be combined with existing statistical data to expand analytic possibilities. Interpretation of numeric data is supported throughout by the availability of the text on which such data are based, while patterns in the text can be elucidated through numeric displays. This ability to treat data both qualitatively and quantitatively, using software, can move mixed methods research beyond comparative, convergent or sequential designs toward truly integrated analysis.

What distinguishes clinicians who better support patients for chronic disease self-management?

Many frequent readmissions due to acute exacerbations of chronic disease could be prevented if patients self-managed. This study explored factors involved in patient activation for chronic disease self-management by qualitative analysis of interview data from hospital and community-based clinicians and patients. All clinicians reported that many frequently readmitted patients did not readily take up referral to chronic disease self-management services. This reluctance was compounded by system or access barriers. Clinicians who had a defined role in chronic disease management and patient-centred and behaviour change skills reported that although some patients were more resistant than others, patients could be persuaded to adopt self-management behaviours. Hospital clinicians and GPs were more inclined to attribute blame to clinical, social and personal patient factors, such as difficulty with support at home, social circumstances and reluctance to take responsibility. Investment in extending the skills and role of hospital clinicians and GPs to take a more supportive role in patient uptake of referrals to chronic disease self-management services would reduce hospital readmissions. Improvements in access to chronic disease self-management and GP services are also needed to address failure to take up chronic disease self-management.

Activating patients with chronic disease for self-management: Comparison of self-managing patients with those managing by frequent readmissions to hospital

Understanding the factors that activate people to self-manage chronic disease is important in improving uptake levels. If the many frequent hospital users who present with acute exacerbations of chronic disease were to self-manage at home, some hospital admissions would be avoided. Patient interview and demographic, psychological, clinical and service utilisation data were compared for two groups of patients with chronic disease: those attending self-management services and those who managed by using hospital services. Data were analysed to see whether there were differences that might explain the two different approaches to managing their conditions. The two groups were similar in terms of comorbidity, age, sex, home services, home support and educational level. Self-managing patients were activated by their clinician, accepted their disease, changed their identity, confronted emotions and learnt the skills to self-manage and avoid hospital. Patients who frequently used hospital services to manage their chronic disease were often in denial about their chronic disease, hung on to their identity and expressed little emotional response. However, they reported a stronger sense of coherence and rated their health more highly than self-managing patients. This study shed light on the process of patient activation for self-management. A better understanding of the process of patient activation would encourage clinicians who come into contact with frequently readmitted chronic disease patients to be more proactive in supporting self-management.

Research dissemination in creative arts, humanities and the social sciences

An ethnographic case study of issues related to research performance and promotion of research was conducted within the Creative and Performing Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) disciplines of a regional university. The purpose of the study was to explore a variety of ways in which the research work of those disciplines could be made more visible to others, both within and outside the university. In reviewing the research performance, concerns and orientation of academics in AHSS disciplines, this paper addresses the issue of disciplinary variations in research activity and research focus, with implications both for future programs of research performance assessment, and for the promotion of research activity among currently disenfranchised AHSS academics. In the context of current Australian debates about a research quality framework, the data considered address issues of impact, rather than quality.

Mixed or merged? Integration as the real challenge for mixed methods

Purpose Giampietro Gobo called for new methods that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single instrument, suggesting this was the next challenge facing social research and mixed methods in particular. The purpose of this paper is to respond to that challenge. Design/methodology/approach An overview of methods, demonstrating their inherently mixed qualities, with special emphasis on a range of methods that can be classified as merged. Findings The real challenge is not to find merged methods, but to ensure integration of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the methods used during the analysis and writing processes. Practical implications Researchers need to be alerted to the mixed elements within their work, to learn how to better tap into these and to exploit the integrative potential of their methods during analysis and writing. Researchers need more “rounded” methods training. Originality/value This paper refocuses the challenge facing mixed methods research.