Draft Mixed Methods Proposal
The purpose of this paper is to
present a proposal to conduct research using the mixed-methods
methodology.
A mixed method study should
begin with a mixed method research question that has a combination of
quantitative or qualitative research questions and hypothesis
(Creswell, 2009).
Narrowing the focus is essential in a mixed
methods research by providing an advanced qualitative or quantitative research
question
(Creswell, 2009).
I should pay attention to the order of the
research questions
(Creswell, 2009).
In addition, mixed method research questions
should be included to show the mixing of quantitative and qualitative segment
of research
(Creswell, 2009).
I should emphasize placement on separate
quantitative and qualitative questions or hypothesis
(Creswell, 2009).
In addition, I should highlight the
importance of both qualitative and quantitative phases of the study by writing
separate quantitative and qualitative questions or hypothesis
(Creswell, 2009).
Mixed methods research design provides a more
holistic approach at arriving at an answer to the problem statement.
Lastly, I can write only mixed method
questions that reflect the procedures or the contents
(Creswell, 2009).
I should provide a basic definition
for the proposal of the research
(Creswell, 2009).
Distinct methodology of inquiry and
triangulation makes a distant connection to psychology in 1959
(Creswell, 2009).
The definition revolves around the
combination of qualitative and quantitative research
(Creswell, 2009).
I should also state the necessity for mixed
methods research
(Creswell, 2009).
The challenges to mixed methods research are
the need for extensive data collection
(Creswell, 2009).
The time needed for analyzing number and
text, and familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative research
(Creswell, 2009).
To examine the theory that
discrimination affects unemployment, and the gross domestic product, the
research question will serve to validate survey responses received.
Trends and anomalies observed in the survey
data validated through interviews with the accounting firm managers.
Outliers in the data can be appropriately
addressed by interviewing accounting firm personnel.
Prior to selecting mixed methods as the
research strategy, I must consider (a) definition of mixed methods research;
(b) a reason give for using both quantitative and qualitative approaches; (c) a
sense of the potential use of a mixed method design; (c) criteria identified;
(d) strategy identified; (e) visual model presented; (f) proper notation used
in presenting the visual model; (g) procedures of data collection and analysis
mentioned; (h) sampling strategies for both quantitative and qualitative data collection
mentioned; (i) sampling strategies for both quantitative and qualitative data
collection mentioned; (j) data analysis procedures indicated; (k) procedures
for validating both the quantitative and qualitative data discussed; and (l)
the narrative structure mentioned
(Creswell, 2009).
Research Design
The purpose of this proposed
mixed-methods study is to explore the discrimination cues that exists at all
levels in organizations and find ways to terminate discrimination within the
workplace.
This paper will examine discrimination
within the workplace in the United States and the triggers that enable
discrimination.
The aim is to provide
diversity awareness in the workplace and implement a value chain strategy that
alleviates the risk of discrimination
(Nunez-Smith et al., 2009).
In general, achieving diversity awareness within
the workplace is a national priority
(Nunez-Smith et al., 2009).
The research process involves gathering
treatment perceptions from participants
(Nunez-Smith et al., 2009).
The qualitative and quantitative study
includes questionnaires of discriminative instruments that measure
stakeholder’s views of typical organizational workplace performance
(Nunez-Smith et al., 2009).
Discrimination and neglect to complex social
structures result a drain to resources and represent a challenge to maintain a
healthy organizational atmosphere
(Nunez-Smith et al., 2009; Purdie-Vaughns &
Eibach, 2008).
The study parameters to
qualification of candidates include placement categories of race, ethnicity,
nativity, gender, relationship status, annual individual income, primary work
setting, self-related health, sexual orientation, religion
, disability, demographics, marital status, and
age (Berry & Bell, 2012; Brown-Iannuzzi,
Payne, & Trawalter, 2012; Byron, 2010; Cooper, 2012; Dillon, McCaughtry,
& Hummel, 2010; Gau & Gaines,
2012; Heller, Arnold, van Heumen, McBride,
& Factor, 2012; Hodges & Budig,
2010; Levashina & Campion, 2009; Malos, 2012; Mertens, 2010; Mong & Roscigno, 2010; Morgan Parmett, 2012; Mujtaba & Sims, 2011; Nunez-Smith et al.,
2009; Puhl & Heuer, 2011; Roberts & Chitewere, 2011; Ross, Rouse, &
Bratton, 2010; Stevens, Hussein,
& Manthorpe, 2011; Walsh & O'Shea,
2010; Wright, Domagalski, & Collins,
2011).
Individuals from more complex social
structures such as subordinate-group identities have difficulty establishing
acceptance into pre-establish social groups
(Purdie-Vaughns & Eibach, 2008).
The problem with adverse social groups
attempting to fit into local communities represents long periods of
unemployment, not participating in local events, and plainly treatment of outcast.
Social advocacy and participatory worldviews
to examine the marginalized sectors of social dynamics intimidating equal
footing that is central to business cohesion and the issue of social clusters
participates in the theory
(Creswell, 2009). The trouble with
complex social structures is that the structures experience rejection by
communities due beliefs of androcentric, ethnocentric, and heterocentric by
communities (Nunez-Smith et al., 2009).
The evaluation of results from the finding of flaws within communities
researched by utilizing mixed methods research strategies.
Research Strategy
Justification and Visual Model
The justification to use a mixed
methods approach is to conduct a more comprehensive study discrimination and
its effect on organizations.
Timing,
weighting, mixing, and theorizing are aspects that influence mixed methods
research design to discrimination
(Creswell, 2009).
I have to consider the timing of data
collection to qualitative and quantitative studies such as the phase
(sequential) and gather (concurrently)
(Creswell, 2009).
I should consider the implementation process
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, I should consider which of the two
research methods to emphasize depending on the audience and interest
(Creswell, 2009).
I should consider the time to mix both
research processes and how the mixing will take place
(Creswell, 2009).
The mixing occurs by separating, embedding,
merging, integrating, combining, or connecting the mixed methods
(Creswell, 2009).
Lastly, I should consider if a larger
presence is guiding the design such as a theory
(Creswell, 2009).
Six major strategies for inquiry
are available in designing a research proposal including Sequential Explanatory
Design, Sequential Exploratory Design, Sequential Transformative Design,
Concurrent Triangulation Design, Concurrent Embedded Design, and Concurrent
Transformative Design
(Creswell, 2009).
A “+” indicates simultaneous or concurrent
form of data collection; whereas, A “
à” indicates sequential
form
(Creswell, 2009).
In the notation, capitalization denotes a weight
or priority on the quantitative or qualitative data
(Creswell, 2009).
Utilizing the first four words indicate equal
weight to the research design
(Creswell, 2009).
Each figure in the design has general and
distinct procedures to follow
(Creswell, 2009).
I chose the Concurrent Transformative
Strategy for its ability to flexibility in triangulation priority
(Creswell, 2009). I like the aspect of
flexibility because interviewing test participants in the field could result in
unforeseen data challenges
(Creswell, 2009).
The visual model of the strategy of inquiry
is below with Figure 1:
Figure 1. The representation below is of a Concurrent
Transformative Design strategy of inquiry.
The two research
methods combine to provide more depth in the data, equal weight distributes between
the two designs, quantized time to reduce noise, and theory derives from the
combination of the two methods.
Qualitative Section
This study will utilize a
qualitative phenomenological design because it provides information on the
human experience led by the philosophy of experiences is the basis to
phenomenological research (Creswell, 2009).
The purpose of the research is to
study discrimination in organizations and learn the relationship between
stakeholders and organizations (Bell
& Bryman, 2007; Berry & Bell,
2012; Brown, 2011; Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2012; Byron, 2010; Cooper, 2012; Couch & Fairlie, 2010; Crowell & Guy,
2010; Dillon et al., 2010; Gau & Gaines, 2012; Goenner, 2010; Heller et al., 2012; Hodges & Budig,
2010; Jacobi, 2009; Levashina & Campion, 2009; Malos, 2012; Mertens, 2010; Mong & Roscigno, 2010; Morgan Parmett, 2012; Mujtaba & Sims, 2011; Nunez-Smith et al.,
2009; Puhl & Heuer, 2011; Roberts & Chitewere, 2011; Ross et al., 2010; Stevens et al., 2011; Walsh & O'Shea,
2010; Wright et al., 2011). The study emerges from researchers building up
patterns, categories, and themes
(Creswell, 2009).
Quantitative Section
The experimental design procedures ought to be
identified that indicate overall experimental type, citations for the purpose
of the design, and a visual model
(Creswell, 2009).
The selection of experimental design includes
pre-experimental designs, true experiments, and single-subject designs
(Creswell, 2009).
Identifying the comparison of variables is a
common practice
(Creswell, 2009).
Researchers can adopt a diagram illustrating
the research design
(Creswell, 2009).
I can gather quantitative or
numeric description of trends, attitudes, or opinions of a population by using
survey designs
(Creswell, 2009).
A test of the dynamics to an influence of an
outcome is specific to an experiment design
(Creswell, 2009).
The components of a survey method plan follow
a standard format for data collection
(Creswell, 2009).
The survey design identifies the purpose of a
survey research, indicates the purpose a survey is the preferred choice of the
collective procedure for the study, and whether the survey will be
cross-sectional or longitudinal
(Creswell, 2009).
Lastly, I should specify the form of
collection
(Creswell, 2009).
Population and Sample Size
The participants of the study include social groups within race,
ethnicity, nativity, gender, relationship status, annual individual income,
primary work setting, self-related health, sexual orientation, religion
, disability, demographics, marital status,
and age (Berry & Bell, 2012; Brown-Iannuzzi et
al., 2012; Byron, 2010; Cooper, 2012; Dillon et al., 2010; Gau & Gaines, 2012; Heller et al., 2012; Hodges & Budig, 2010; Levashina &
Campion, 2009; Malos, 2012; Mertens, 2010; Mong & Roscigno,
2010; Morgan Parmett, 2012; Mujtaba & Sims, 2011; Nunez-Smith et al.,
2009; Puhl & Heuer, 2011; Roberts & Chitewere, 2011; Ross et al., 2010; Stevens et al., 2011; Walsh & O'Shea,
2010; Wright et al., 2011). An
assumption is that the selection of owners/managers and stakeholders for
interviewing relates to the belief that they possess the pertinent insights
that provide depth to this study.
The
criteria for selecting participants will consider race, ethnicity, nativity,
gender, relationship status, annual individual income, primary work setting,
self-related health, sexual orientation, religion
, disability, demographics, marital status, and age
representation.
The population from the sample has
a basis of characteristics and sampling process from the research
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, I should specify the size of the
population by relating the characteristics of the research to the study
(Creswell, 2009).
The size of the sample needed utilizing
statistics results to a high confidence level written as a “Z” score
(Schroeder, Sjoquist, & Stephan, 1986).
In
addition, I need an estimate of the proportion of the study
(Schroeder et al., 1986).
The sample size formula is then SS = (Z^2 * P
* (1 - P))/C^2
(Schroeder et al., 1986).
The target audience includes shareholders
that want to minimize litigation risk.
In addition, I should identify if the sampling design that requires
clustering
(Creswell, 2009).
The individuals of the study should be
selected utilizing random sampling
(Creswell, 2009).
Stratified sampling allows sampling the
statistical model to have less noise and a favorable standard deviation
(Creswell, 2009).
The best procedure for selecting the sample
participants is to choose individuals using a random numbers table
(Creswell, 2009).
Lastly, I should indicate the size of the
sample (using the sample size formula), and the method used to derive the size
(Creswell, 2009).
Variables and Survey Instrument
I must identify the purpose of
selected site to benefit participants of the study or site
(Creswell, 2009).
The collection of different varieties of
data requires disclosing
(Creswell, 2009).
Qualitative data collection types include
observations, interviews, documents, and audio visual materials
(Creswell, 2009).
Field notes that include the behavior
activities of individuals include qualitative observations
(Creswell, 2009).
Qualitative interviews involve open-ended
questions to face-to-face and focus group participants
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, qualitative documents are public
documents
(Creswell, 2009).
Qualitative audio and visual materials are
data in the form of photographs, art objects and video tapes, or any form of
sound
(Creswell, 2009).
I should use an observational
protocol that provides a detailed description of interaction with test
participants
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, I should maintain a list of
qualitative data collection approaches, observation interviews, documents and
audio visual materials
(Creswell, 2009).
The protocol for interview questions include
heading instructions for the interviewer, ice-breaker questions follow by sub
questions, space between the questions for answers, and a thank you statement
at the end
(Creswell, 2009).
I should record information from the
interviews by taking hand-written notes, audio tapes, or video tapes
(Creswell, 2009).
Lastly, I should make a notation on the notes
to state whether the information is from the primary source, secondary source,
and represents reliable data
(Creswell, 2009).
I should announce and find permission to the
survey instrument used in the study
(Creswell, 2009).
Furthermore, I should indicate changes to the
survey
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, Survey Monkey is an online survey
tool available to all
(Creswell, 2009).
I should state the validity and reliability
of the scores obtained from pass instruments favored to use in the survey
(Creswell, 2009).
The reliability and consistency of scores is
essential to state.
Validity and
reliability of a survey instrument requires review if the instrument changes
(Creswell, 2009).
Sample items require display in the
instrument
(Creswell, 2009).
I should provide an announcement of the major
sections to the instrument
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, I should discuss plans to test the
instrument
(Creswell, 2009).
The steps for me to practice when mailing
surveys include an advance notice letter, actual mail survey, post card
follow-up, and personalized cover letter
(Creswell, 2009).
I should explain the variables
linked to the research questions and hypotheses in the method section
(Creswell, 2009).
The variables, hypotheses, and research
questions can further be explained in a table format
(Creswell, 2009).
The proposal requires a discussion of the
data analysis procedures including research tips that present information
involved in analyzing the data
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, I should report the count of the
sample and discuss the determination to response bias
(Creswell, 2009).
I ought to discuss a plan to provide a
descriptive analysis and provide statistical scales of the study to include the
reliability of the scales and provide the rationale for choice in statistical
sampling, testing, and inferential questions
(Creswell, 2009).
In addition, I should specify the name of the
statistical software in use, and the results of the test by a table depicting statistical
results
(Creswell, 2009).
Furthermore, I must state if the results of
the statistical test are significant
(Creswell, 2009).
In addition, I should announce if the results
answered the research questions or hypotheses, and indicate other possible
alternatives
(Creswell, 2009).
In essence, the methodology includes (a)
sample size location; (b) historical; (c) purpose; (d) sample type; (e)
variable introduction; (f) descriptive statistics; (g) survey type and scale;
(f) descriptive analysis and scale; (g) the selection of regression; and (h)
explanation of the model
(Creswell, 2009).
Lastly, I should explain the components of an
experimental method plan including participants, materials, procedures, and
measures
(Creswell, 2009).
I should state in the method
section all the variables in the study including independent variables
specially the treatment variable, which will surface from discrimination
(Creswell, 2009).
In addition, I should provide the dependent
variables that produce outcome
(Creswell, 2009).
I should provide reliability and validity of
previous research instruments regarding development, items, scales, and reports
(Creswell, 2009).
The instrument(s) of the study requires a
description of validity and reliability of the scores on instruments
(Creswell, 2009).
I must provide the materials used during a
test such as a pilot test for the experimental including handouts from lessons,
and special written instructions
(Creswell, 2009).
The concurrent
sampling will consist of developing self-designed instruments that will contain
nine open-ended questions (qualitative) and five closed-ended questions
(quantitative).
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Qualitative research pursues to
answer a central question, and associated sub-questions
(Creswell, 2009).
The proposed study explores the following central
research question: How are discrimination, unemployment, ability, at will
employment, and perception of job applicants interrelated?
The related sub questions are:
1. How
does the proper job fitness from a candidate to a company relate to personality
and ability? (Interview managers and
business managers)
2. How
do limitations placed on bias questions from job interviews and job
applications? (Interview labor law
regulating agencies)
3. How
does job fitness perceive ideas unrelated to value, education, and ability not
an instrument of the job application and interview? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)
4. How
does control within the hiring decision in alignment to ability, values, and
education? (Interview labor law
regulating agencies)
5. How
do institutions be discouraged to practice subtle racism? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)
6. How
are interpersonal skills limitations with candidates’ vision and behavior a
factor in job placements? (Interview
labor law regulating agencies)
7. How
does job performance and disability separate from job performance reviews? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)
8. How
does sexual orientation inhibit productivity in the workplace? (Interview managers and business managers)
The quantitative questions and
hypothesis can be synthesized from the figure 1. The study’s central question is: What is the
correlation between discrimination, and at will employment? The related sub questions are
1. What
is the connection between at will employment, discrimination, and labor laws?
2. What
is the correlation between ideal candidates and at will employment?
3. What
is the correlation between discrimination and at will employment?
4. What
is the correlation between at will employment and civil rights?
To examine the theory that
discrimination affects unemployment, and the gross domestic product, hypotheses
are below and include:
§
H1: Forgoing at will employment can
improve discrimination counts in workplaces in the United States.
§
H2: Terminating at will employment
can improve the economy in the United States.
§
H3: There is no significant
correlation between at will employment and discrimination at the workplace in
the United States.
§
H4: There is no significant
correlation between at will employment and the economy in the United
States.
Hypotheses are necessary to determine to what extent employment
discrimination affects the economy and the unemployment rate.
Data
Collection Analysis and Interpretation
For me to make sense of the
collected data, I should prep the data by conducting different analyses, and
evaluate further into the data
(Creswell, 2009).
The process in making sense of the data
involve continual reflection, analytical questions, writing memos and
organizing data
(Creswell, 2009).
Data analysis involves synthesizing long
interviews and data to derive patterns or characteristics that evaluate
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, data interpretation and processing
in qualitative processes involve coding the data in different layers to
position it against a theoretical model
(Creswell, 2009).
I should blend the general steps
with the research strategy steps
(Creswell, 2009).
The general steps in building data include
linear and hierarchical approach
(Creswell, 2009).
The first step I should take is to organize
the data for analysis
(Creswell, 2009).
The next step is to understand the data
through reading
(Creswell, 2009).
Then follows the coding process, I should
identify the data by chunks
(Creswell, 2009).
Coding the data represents the understanding
categorizing, and developing of information for quick analysis
(Creswell, 2009).
The codes to use for data include past
historical and common sense terms
(Creswell, 2009).
Codes should be surprising unusual, and
involve the larger picture
(Creswell, 2009).
I ought to consider predetermined codes plus
fit of data, codes from paradigm information, and combined preexisting plus
existing codes
(Creswell, 2009).
Emergent codes lead to theory building
(Creswell, 2009).
Data analysis programs and
spreadsheets allow qualitative research exploration through good tutorials, demonstration,
compact discs, visual presentations, and search ability of text
(Creswell, 2009).
Software programs to assist in research for
PC based computers include MAXqda, Atlas.ti, QSR NVivo, and HypeRESEARCH
(Creswell, 2009).
I can use the coding process information on
people, places, or events called description
(Creswell, 2009).
In addition, I can interconnect themes into a
story, and develop into a theoretical model that creates a complex theme
connection
(Creswell, 2009).
Ethnography, grounded theory, and the
chronology of events translates by the researcher through a narrative passage
(Creswell, 2009).
Interpretation of the data is the final step
in data analysis stating lessons learned
(Creswell, 2009).
Advocacy and participatory approaches to
qualitative research follows next as questions and patterns developed through
the data
(Creswell, 2009).
Validation occurs throughout the
process of research with the proactive actions of the researcher
(Creswell, 2009).
The proactive measures of the researcher
relate to qualitative validity; whereas, consistency across all levels of
research involves qualitative reliability
(Creswell, 2009).
The reliability process includes checking for
mistakes, transparency in the definition of codes, coordinate team
communication among the coders and cross-checking independently derived codes
(Creswell, 2009).
An intercoder agreement allows verification
of evidence to reliability procedures
(Creswell, 2009).
Software programs can assure
reliability of coding, and the goal is for at least 80% reliability
(Creswell, 2009).
The structure of qualitative questions
assures validity
(Creswell, 2009).
I can improve the accuracy of findings by
establishing a validity strategy consisting of multiple accuracy strategies
(Creswell, 2009).
Observation to convergence to data is
necessary to establish themes
(Creswell, 2009).
I should clarify the test study participants’
input by clarifying entries on a separate meeting
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, I should provide many details when
interviewing the test participants to include the location
(Creswell, 2009).
I should clarify the bias of research due to
my background as a paragraph
(Creswell, 2009).
I ought to provide conflicting information on
the them to build validity
(Creswell, 2009).
Qualitative studies require the researcher to
spend lots of time with participants to establish rapport and develop validity
(Creswell, 2009).
A networking peer can provide a review and
questionnaire to enhance the accuracy of the account
(Creswell, 2009).
A qualitative studies auditor can perform
checks and balances on the research to present a second opinion about the
research
(Creswell, 2009).
Researcher’s Role and Final Report
As an inquirer to qualitative
research, it is my responsibility to state any bias I may have towards the
study
(Creswell, 2009).
Moreover, I should announce the statements
regarding past experiences in relation to the research
(Creswell, 2009).
I should also comment about my personal
relationship towards the participants and the research sites
(Creswell, 2009).
A letter from the Institutional Review Board
(IRB) regarding permission to the experiment is a requirement I must commit
(Creswell, 2009).
I should discuss the process in obtaining
permission to the research site
(Creswell, 2009).
The proposal for research at the site should
include a purpose for study, activities, disruptive, method of reporting,
choice of location, and address of sensitive issues
(Creswell, 2009).
The basic steps in qualitative
write-up include developing descriptions of setting with many details
(Creswell, 2009).
The same approach made to individuals in a
case study to include chronological events, description of their experiences,
and theory generated from the data
(Creswell, 2009).
Writing strategies include (a) quotes; (b)
writing in different languages to reflect cultural sensitivity; (c) presenting
text in tabular form; (d) using the wording from participants to form codes;
(e) intertwining quotations with the author’s interpretations; (f) using
indents to call attention to quotations; (g) using the first person “I” or
collective “we; ” (h) using metaphors and analogies; (i) using a narrative approach
and; (j) describing how the narrative outcome will compare to theories and
general literature
(Creswell, 2009).
Conclusion
Mixed methods study allows a researcher
to solve problems that are more complex than using a single research
approach. The challenges to mixed
methods research are the need for extensive data collection. The effects to the economy from the abuse of
workplace discrimination can be proven through mixed methods studies. The hope is to explore the discrimination
cues that exist at all levels in organizations and find ways to terminate discrimination
within the workplace. The aim is to
enforce diversity and organizational sustainability. The discrimination parameters to include
placement categories of race, ethnicity, nativity, gender, relationship status,
annual individual income, primary work setting, self-related health, sexual
orientation, religion, disability, demographics, marital status, and age. The Concurrent Transformative Design is the
chosen strategies of inquiry for the research.
A mixture of phenomenological and experimental designs will assist in
solving the discrimination issues. The
population to the experiment holds within organizations, and the sample size
derives from the statistical regression modeling. The independent variable is discrimination
and the dependent variables are the discrimination parameters. An observational tool will suffice as the
survey instrument. The variables
descriptions will showcase through a table. The general steps relate to answers to the
qualitative and quantitative questions and hypotheses. Validity and reliability will show through
the passage. My personal role is to
state bias and maintain validity and reliability of the study. Finally, the study will end with a
comprehensive qualitative write up.
References
Heller, T., Arnold, C. K., van
Heumen, L., McBride, E. L., & Factor, A. (2012). Self-directed support: Impact
of hiring practices on adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
and families. American Journal on
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 117(6), 464-477. doi:
10.1352/1944-7558-117.6.464
Nunez-Smith, M., Pilgrim, N.,
Wynia, M., Desai, M. M., Jones, B. A., Bright, C., . . . Bradley, E. H. (2009,
November). Race/ethnicity and workplace discrimination: Results of a national
survey of physicians. Journal of General
Internal Medicine, 24(11), 1198-1204. doi: 10.1007/s11606-009-1103-9
