Mixed-Methods Approach in Your Action Research Study: Data Collection, Instruments, and Procedures

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This week we are using a mixed-method approach for your proposed action research study, so you
gain experience and skills in using both approaches to collect data. If you plan to implement your
action research in the future, you may need to further consider if your research question lends itself
to a more qualitative or quantitative approach to data collection. The mixed-methods design for
your proposed study allows you to consider how each method of data collection can support a
deeper understanding of your area of focus, the effectiveness of your intervention, and the answer
to your research question.
This week you will work on the next section that will contribute to your Final Action Research
Proposal by examining both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection, generating
one instrument you can use to collect data in your study, considering how you will establish
trustworthiness in your study, and planning your procedures for data collection.
Write: Content Expectations
• What data would you collect? In one to two paragraphs,
o Justify one qualitative (experience-based) or quantitative (number-based) instrument that would be
used in your proposed study to collect data on the effectiveness of your intervention in answering
your research question.
o Provide support from the research, literature, and textbook to explain why this would be an effective
method for data collection.
• Data Collection Procedures: In one to three paragraphs,
o Describe your procedures for collecting data in your proposed action research study. This is where
you explain how you are using your intervention to collect data.
• Data Collection Considerations: In one to two pages, discuss credibility, transferability,
dependability, and confirmability.
o Discuss how you will establish trustworthiness of your action research study, using Lincoln and
Guba’s Quality Criteria for Trustworthiness.
o Intervention plan: In one to two pages provide your proposed timeline,
o Describe your data collection procedures and provide a narrative description of your proposal
(elevator speech). Be sure to also address how your data collection will reflect trustworthiness and
the ethical considerations related to anonymity and confidentiality.
o Research and Resource Expectations
o A minimum of two scholarly, credible, or peer-reviewed sources, in addition to the course textbook,
are required.
o Next Steps
o Review your assignment with the Grading Rubric to ensure you have achieved the distinguished
levels of performance for each criterion. Submit the assignment for evaluation no later than Day 7.
o The Action Research Proposal: Data Collection, Instruments, and Procedures paper
o Must be five double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and
formatted according to APA Style

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Embarking on your action research proposal can be daunting, but by following a structured approach, you can navigate each section with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:

1. Introduction to Mixed-Method Approach

Begin by understanding the significance of employing a mixed-method approach in your research. This methodology integrates both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, offering a comprehensive perspective on your research question. It allows for a richer analysis by capturing numerical data and personal experiences, thereby enhancing the depth and breadth of your findings.

2. Selecting Data Collection Instruments

Identify and justify the instruments you’ll use:

• Qualitative Instrument: Consider conducting semi-structured interviews. This method enables you to gather in-depth insights into participants’ experiences and perceptions related to your intervention. Semi-structured interviews offer flexibility, allowing for the exploration of unforeseen topics that may arise during the conversation.

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• Quantitative Instrument: Implement surveys with closed-ended questions to collect numerical data on specific variables pertinent to your research question. Surveys are efficient for gathering data from a larger sample, facilitating statistical analysis and generalization of results.

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Justification: Utilizing both interviews and surveys provides a balanced approach, capturing the richness of personal experiences and the precision of numerical data, thereby strengthening the validity of your findings.

3. Data Collection Procedures

Outline clear procedures:

• For Interviews: Develop an interview guide with open-ended questions aligned with your research objectives. Schedule and conduct interviews in a comfortable setting, ensuring participants feel at ease to share openly. Record and transcribe the interviews for accurate analysis.

• For Surveys: Design concise and clear survey questions, pilot-test them to ensure reliability, and distribute them electronically or in person. Collect responses systematically, ensuring data integrity.

4. Establishing Trustworthiness

Address the four criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba:

• Credibility: Enhance credibility through member checking, where participants review and validate the accuracy of your findings. Prolonged engagement with participants can also build trust and provide deeper insights.

• Transferability: Provide rich, detailed descriptions of the research context and participants, enabling others to determine the applicability of your findings to similar settings.

• Dependability: Maintain an audit trail by documenting all research processes, decisions, and changes. This transparency allows others to follow and understand your methodological choices.

• Confirmability: Practice reflexivity by acknowledging and reflecting on your biases and assumptions. Use triangulation by cross-verifying data from multiple sources or methods to ensure objectivity.

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5. Intervention Plan and Timeline

Develop a realistic timeline:

• Preparation Phase (Weeks 1-2): Finalize research design, develop instruments, and obtain necessary approvals.

• Implementation Phase (Weeks 3-6): Administer surveys and conduct interviews, ensuring adherence to ethical standards.

• Analysis Phase (Weeks 7-8): Analyze collected data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.

• Reporting Phase (Weeks 9-10): Compile findings, draft the research report, and prepare for dissemination.

6. Ethical Considerations

Ensure ethical rigor:

• Anonymity and Confidentiality: Assign codes to participants and store data securely to protect identities.

• Informed Consent: Provide participants with clear information about the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits, and obtain their voluntary consent.

• Right to Withdraw: Inform participants of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without any consequences.

7. Scholarly Support

Incorporate credible sources:

• Utilize a minimum of two scholarly, credible, or peer-reviewed sources, in addition to your course textbook, to support your methodological choices and discussions.

8. Final Review

Before submission:

• Formatting: Ensure your paper is five double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and references pages) and formatted according to APA Style.

• Rubric Alignment: Review the assignment grading rubric to confirm that you have met all performance criteria at a distinguished level.

By systematically addressing each of these components, you’ll be well-equipped to develop a robust and comprehensive action research proposal. Remember to maintain a reflective and ethical stance throughout your research journey, ensuring the integrity and impact of your study.

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