Exploring the Role of Mixed Methods in Optimizing Translational Research: Implications for Research and Practice

• In Event: The Importance of Integration in Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

Slow adoption rates and significant delays in translation time call for effective methods to facilitate adoption, dissemination, and implementation of research findings into everyday practice and community settings. This is particularly important in educational research which requires robust and data-driven evidence to support decisions. Mixed methods research, which meaningfully integrates qualitative stakeholder engagement methods with quantitative outcome-based oriented approaches, can enhance the process of knowledge translation by addressing a range of knowledge generation and verification questions within a single study. To better understand how mixed methods can optimize translational research, we explored the views and real-world experiences of 35 investigators representing 10 disciplines in two countries and who actively apply mixed methods research along the knowledge translation continuum.

Authors

• Nataliya V. Ivankova, University of Alabama - Birmingham

• Jami Anderson, University of Alabama - Birmingham

• Ivan Herbey, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Linda Roussel, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

• Daniel Kim, Idaho State University