Characteristics of joint displays illustrating data integration in mixed‐methods nursing studies

Abstract

AimsTo identify the characteristics of joint displays illustrating the data integration in mixed‐methods nursing studies and to make recommendations for effective use of joint displays for the integration of qualitative and quantitative data in mixed‐methods studies.DesignDiscussion Paper.Data SourcesWe have completed this paper as a part of a mixed‐methods prevalence review of 190 studies published in nursing journals. We searched 10 nursing journals and three databases from January 2014–April 2018, additional journal search was performed from May–September 2018. We reviewed 17 studies that used joint displays as the method of data integration. Using a joint display typology, checklists, summary tables, and personal experiences of using joint displays, we evaluated the quality of displays.Implications for NursingNurse researchers should use advanced data integration approaches to increase the rigour of the mixed‐methods studies. Joint displays can enable nurse researchers to efficiently integrate and synthesize the qualitative and quantitative data in mixed‐methods studies. However, nurse researchers should clearly label the type and title of the display, include both qualitative and quantitative data and interpretations, and highlight the mixed‐methods interpretations as confirmed, divergent, or expanded in the displays.ConclusionJoint displays are adopted for data integration in nursing mixed‐methods studies. Improvements are required concerning data presentation in the displays. Researchers should provide clear titles and supporting data and inferences and identify the meta‐inferences by assessing the fit between quantitative and qualitative data.ImpactDespite the importance of integration in mixed methods, reviews indicated a consistent lack of integration in nursing research. Joint displays are structured frameworks used for the integration and synthesis of the qualitative and quantitative data at the analysis and interpretation levels. The discussed typology and characteristics of displays can enable nurse researchers to enhance the quality and presentation of integrated results in mixed‐methods studies.

Joint displays for qualitative-quantitative synthesis in mixed methods reviews

“…Innovative approaches, such as images, diagrams, and charts, can be used in tabular and circular displays to enhance the data presentation and reporting. 18…”

“…15–16 In addition, Younas et al. 18 identified another type of joint display called the graphical theme display. Each of these displays are specific to five integration techniques used in mixed methods research studies.…”

“…26 Younas et al. 18 reviewed 17 mixed methods nursing studies which used joint displays as methods of integration. They noted that researchers effectively used joint displays, but the presentation of joint displays required some improvements.…”

Predictive Sequential Research Design to Study Complex Social Phenomena

“…These designs can lead to frequency, factor or outcome comparisons and their analysis is consolidated when both sets of data are collected and analysed separately, leading to meta-inferences for the integration of information [ 34 ]. Thus, in this method, four forms of triangulation can be stated: Triangulation of data considers temporal and spatial dimensions and subjects for comparisons.…”

“…The process of methodological triangulation in mixed methods research can be generated in two ways: (1) intra-method triangulation, wherefrom a methodological component, the reliability and validity of the information is reinforced with the application of different techniques and strategies, which is in line with the intra-paradigmatic multi-method approach; and (2) inter-method triangulation, which refers to the convergence of methodologies, each with its dominant method to triangulate the results as complementation, also known as an inter-paradigmatic multi-method approach [ 34 ]. Both processes of analysis relate to criterion validity, where the results of each collection technique and instrument are contrasted with each other and related, conferring the desired robustness.…”