Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read the instructor guidance, the mixed methods section of Chapter 7 and all of Chapter 10 in the Creswell and Creswell text, and Chapter 2: Formulating Questions, Conducting a Literature Review, Sampling Design, and the Centrality of Ethics in Mixed Methods Research of the Hesse-Biber ebook. Your instructor will post an announcement with the reference for the mixed methods research study you will discuss and critique in this discussion.

Article: Xiang, X., Cheng, J., Zuverink, A., & Wang, X. (2020). Perceptions and practice behaviors regarding late-life depression among private duty home care workers: A mixed-methods study. Aging & Mental Health, 24(11), 1904-1911. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1636207

In your initial post, consider the following:

• What is the research question? Does the research question clearly call for both qualitative and quantitative methods?
• Which type of mixed methods research design was used?
• What procedures were used to recruit participants for the quantitative sample and the qualitative sample? Were the sample sizes appropriate? Why or why not?
• What ethical considerations were mentioned in the research report? What applicable ethical considerations can you think of that were not mentioned by the researchers?
• Would you have designed the study differently after evaluating how well the researchers carried out each part of the study? If so, how?
• Would a mixed methods approach be suitable for the research topic you chose in Week 1? Why or why not?

ANSWER

A Critique of the Mixed Methods Research Study: “Perceptions and Practice Behaviors Regarding Late-Life Depression Among Private Duty Home Care Workers”

Introduction

This essay critiques the mixed methods research study conducted by Xiang, Cheng, Zuverink, and Wang (2020) on late-life depression perceptions and practice behaviors among private duty home care workers. The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the research question, investigate participants’ perspectives, and analyze practice behaviors regarding depression in the elderly population.

Research Question and Suitability of Mixed Methods

The research question is to explore the perceptions and practice behaviors of private duty home care workers concerning late-life depression. Yes, the research question clearly calls for both qualitative and quantitative methods as it aims to capture subjective perspectives (qualitative) while quantifying and examining practice behaviors (quantitative).

Mixed Methods Research Design

The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. First, quantitative data was collected, analyzed, and used to inform the subsequent qualitative phase, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research question.

Participant Recruitment and Sample Sizes

For the quantitative sample, participants were recruited from 15 private duty home care agencies. Convenience sampling was used, and a total of 279 workers participated, which may be considered appropriate given the context and the potential challenges of recruiting a larger sample.

For the qualitative sample, purposive sampling was used to select 40 participants from the quantitative phase. The qualitative sample size is reasonable for in-depth exploration of experiences and perspectives.

Ethical Considerations

The research report mentioned that the study received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines. Additionally, participants provided informed consent and were assured of confidentiality. However, the report did not mention specific considerations for vulnerable populations, privacy protection, and potential risks related to mental health disclosures.

Evaluation of the Study Design

Given the research question, the mixed methods design was well-suited, allowing for a comprehensive investigation of perceptions and practices. However, the use of convenience sampling for the quantitative phase may have introduced selection bias, limiting the generalizability of findings. Additionally, incorporating additional ethical considerations and addressing potential mental health risks in the study could enhance the research’s ethical rigor.

Suitability of Mixed Methods Approach for Chosen Research Topic

A mixed methods approach would be suitable for the research topic chosen in Week 1, which focuses on the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention for reducing anxiety in college students. A mixed methods design would allow for the collection of both quantitative data on anxiety levels and qualitative data on participants’ experiences with the intervention. This combination would provide a comprehensive understanding of the intervention’s impact and the participants’ perspectives on its effectiveness and benefits.