How can mixed-methods research help linguists understand the connection between language and health?

1 What is mixed-methods research?

Mixed-methods research is a type of research that uses both numerical and non-numerical data to address a research problem. For example, a mixed-methods study might use surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments to collect and analyze data. Mixed-methods research can help linguists understand the connection between language and health by providing a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of how language influences and is influenced by health-related factors, such as attitudes, behaviors, outcomes, and interventions.

2 Why use mixed-methods research?

Mixed-methods research can offer several advantages for linguists who want to understand the connection between language and health. First, mixed-methods research can help to answer different types of research questions, such as descriptive, explanatory, exploratory, and evaluative questions. Second, mixed-methods research can help to triangulate data, which means to cross-check and validate findings from different sources and methods. Third, mixed-methods research can help to complement data, which means to fill in the gaps and enrich the understanding of the phenomena under study.

3 How to design mixed-methods research?

Designing mixed-methods research is not a one-size-fits-all formula, as different research questions and contexts may require different strategies and techniques. Linguists should first define the research problem and purpose of the study, identify the relevant linguistic and health-related concepts and variables, choose the appropriate mixed-methods design, and select suitable data collection and analysis methods. The quantitative and qualitative data should then be integrated and interpreted, before reporting and disseminating the findings and implications.

4 What are some examples of mixed-methods research?

Mixed-methods research has been utilized to explore the connection between language and health in various domains and settings. For example, studies have looked into how language barriers affect health care access and quality for immigrants and refugees, how language use and style reflect mental health conditions and personality traits, how language interventions can improve health literacy and behavior change among patients and providers, and how language diversity and variation influence health communication and social interaction.

5 What are some challenges of mixed-methods research?

Conducting mixed-methods research can be challenging and requires careful planning, execution, and interpretation. Linguists must carefully balance the rigor and relevance of both quantitative and qualitative data, manage the complexity and volume of data, integrate and synthesize data from different sources and perspectives, address ethical and practical issues of data collection and analysis, and communicate the findings to different audiences. Disseminating the implications of the research is also an important component.

6 How to learn more about mixed-methods research?

If you are interested in learning more about mixed-methods research and how it can help you understand the connection between language and health, there are many resources and opportunities available. For instance, you can read books and articles on mixed-methods research, such as Creswell and Plano Clark's Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Additionally, you can take courses and workshops on the subject, such as the Mixed Methods Research Training Program for the Health Sciences. Furthermore, joining networks and communities of mixed-methods researchers, like the Mixed Methods International Research Association, or participating in conferences and events on mixed-methods research, like the International Mixed Methods Conference, is a great way to learn more.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?