The application of mixed methods designs to trauma research.
Despite the use of quantitative and qualitative data in trauma research and therapy, mixed methods studies in this field have not been analyzed to help researchers designing investigations. This discussion begins by reviewing four core characteristics of mixed methods research in the social and human sciences. Combining these characteristics, the authors focus on four select mixed methods designs that are applicable in trauma research. These designs are defined and their essential elements noted. Applying these designs to trauma research, a search was conducted to locate mixed methods trauma studies. From this search, one sample study was selected, and its characteristics of mixed methods procedures noted. Finally, drawing on other mixed methods designs available, several follow-up mixed methods studies were described for this sample study, enabling trauma researchers to view design options for applying mixed methods research in trauma investigations.
Creswell
John W
JW
Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68502, USA. jcreswell1@unl.edu
Zhang
Wanqing
W
D000328:Adult; D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States