Researchers often use qualitative or quantitative research methods when conducting research on mental health issues. The qualitative research method provides a deeper understanding of the phenomenon by exploring different individuals’ experiences, thoughts and feelings. It allows researchers to understand better the experiences, perspectives, and behaviours of those suffering from mental diseases. Qualitative research can also disclose how people manage mental health difficulties and what resources they use to address them (Vidourek & Burbage, pp3). In contrast, quantitative research provides researchers with statistical information that may be used to make broad predictions about community mental health patterns. It can help find links between mental health concerns and demographic parameters like age, gender, and socioeconomic position.
While both qualitative and quantitative research approaches have advantages, each has limitations. For example, tiny sample sizes in qualitative research may be criticized for limiting findings’ generalizability. Furthermore, because qualitative research is subjective, various researchers may perceive findings differently (Wilson & Cariola, pp187). Quantitative research, on the contrary, may be criticized for its emphasis on numerical data, which may fail to represent the complexities of mental health experiences. Furthermore, quantitative studies may fail to capture the experiences of minority communities or people with unique experiences that are difficult to quantify.
Despite their respective limits, both types of studies can be used in conjunction to build a more thorough understanding of mental health issues. For example, qualitative research can be used to investigate the experiences of people suffering from mental illnesses. In contrast, quantitative studies can be used to determine the prevalence of mental illnesses in a specific community. Both methodologies’ findings might merge to create a more detailed view of the problem.
One example of a study combining qualitative and quantitative research methods in mental health research is a study on why children and adolescents do not seek help for their mental health issues. In this study, researchers reviewed qualitative and quantitative articles (Radez et al., pp187-2010). The findings of the study suggested that various internal and external factors, including stigma and financial barriers, resulting in children and adolescents not seeking help.
Completing an audience analysis, employing intervention tactics to overcome writer’s block, and analyzing information sources can improve the researcher’s abilities and the research’s overall validity and dependability.
Audience analysis can be insightful in this research by assisting the researcher in understanding the target audience’s knowledge, needs and behaviour, which would be instrumental in tailoring the research to meet these factors effectively and effectively communicate the findings to the audience. Identifying writing blocks and using intervention strategies can assist the researchers in overcoming any obstacles that may arise during the research and writing process. Some writer’s block includes having a topic but needing help to figure out an exciting beginning for the work, or the writer might find the topic assigned to them too boring. There are various strategies that a researcher may apply to overcome writer’s block. Some of them include role-playing, taking a break and taking a walk or undertaking some relaxing activities to clear the brain and relieve stress. The research process would be more efficient as a result. Lastly, it is critical to evaluate the sources of information to be used in the research activity to verify the authenticity and validity of the material. It would thus improve the study’s validity and readers’ confidence in the findings.
Overall, accessing these sites has aided in the improvement of research and writing skills, especially in recognizing the audience, overcoming writing blocks, and analyzing information sources. With these skills and understanding, a researcher can complete a successful research study with trusted peers on qualitative versus quantitative examination of a mental health issue.
In conclusion, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are helpful in mental health studies. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, but combined, they can give scholars a deeper awareness of mental health issues. The integration of qualitative and quantitative research approaches enables researchers to investigate the experiences of people suffering from mental illnesses while assessing the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses on a larger scale.
Works Cited
Radez, Jerica, et al. “Why do children and adolescents (not) seek and access professional help for their mental health problems? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies.” European child & adolescent psychiatry 30 (2021): 183-211.. Why do children and adolescents (not) seek and access professional help for their mental health problems? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies | SpringerLink
Vidourek, Rebecca A., and Michelle Burbage. “Positive mental health and mental health stigma: A qualitative study assessing student attitudes.” Mental Health & Prevention 13 (2019): 1-6. Positive mental health and mental health stigma: A qualitative study assessing student attitudes – ScienceDirect
Wilson, Clare, and Laura A. Cariola. “LGBTQI+ youth and mental health: A systematic review of qualitative research.” Adolescent Research Review 5 (2020): 187-211. LGBTQI+ Youth and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research | SpringerLink
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