Does the sequence of data collection influence participants' responses to closed and open-ended questions? A methodological study.
BACKGROUND
The sequence used for collecting quantitative and qualitative data in concurrent mixed-methods research may influence participants' responses. Empirical evidence is needed to determine if the order of data collection in concurrent mixed methods research biases participants' responses to closed and open-ended questions.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of the quantitative-qualitative sequence on responses to closed and open-ended questions when assessing the same variables or aspects of a phenomenon simultaneously within the same study phase.


METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional, concurrent mixed-methods design was used to collect quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) data. The setting was a large multi-site health care centre in Canada.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 50 registered nurses was selected and participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two sequences for data collection, quantitative-qualitative or qualitative-quantitative.


METHODS
Independent t-tests were performed to compare the two groups' responses to the survey items. Directed content analysis was used to compare the participants' responses to the interview questions.


RESULTS
The sequence of data collection did not greatly affect the participants' responses to the closed-ended questions (survey items) or the open-ended questions (interview questions).


CONCLUSIONS
The sequencing of data collection, when using both survey and semi-structured interviews, may not bias participants' responses to closed or open-ended questions. Additional research is required to confirm these findings.
University of Ottawa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8M5. ccovell@uottawa.ca
Christine L
CL
Covell
Souraya
S
Sidani
Judith A
JA
Ritchie
D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D015399:Nursing Research