This paper explores and advocates the use of sequential multiple methods as a contemporary strategy for undertaking research. Sequential multiple methods involve the use of results obtained through one data collection method to determine the direction and implementation of subsequent stages of a research project (Morse, 1991; Morgan, 1998). This paper will also explore the significance of how triangulating research at the epistemological, theoretical and methodological levels could enhance research. Finally the paper evaluates the significance of sequential multiple method in learning disability nursing research practice.
BrechinASidellM (2000) Ways of knowing. In: GommRDaviesC (eds) Using Evidence in Health and Social Care. London, UK: Sage/Open University, pp. 3–25.
5.
BurnsNGroveSK (1993) The Practice of Nursing Research: Conduct, Critique and Utilization. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders.
6.
ByrneJHumbleAM (2006) An Introduction to Mixed Method Research. Halifax, Canada: Atlantic Research Centre.
7.
CampbellDTFiskeDW (1959) Convergent and discriminant validation by the multitrait-multi-method matrix. Psychological Bulletin56(2): 81–105.
8.
ChelseaCA (1992) When qualitative and quantitative findings do not converge. Western Journal of Nursing Research14(5): 681–685.
9.
CornerJ (1991) In search of more complete answers to research questions: quantitative versus qualitative research methods: is there a way forward?Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16(6): 718–727.
10.
CowmanS (1993) Triangulation: a means of reconciliation in nursing research. Journal of Advanced Nursing18(5): 788–792.
11.
CoyleJWilliamsB (2000) An exploration of the epistemological intricacies of using qualitative data to develop a quantitative measure of user views of health care. Journal of Advanced Nursing3(5): 1235–1243.
12.
CreswellJW (2009) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd ed. London, UK: Sage.
13.
CrottyM (1998) The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process. London, UK: Sage.
14.
DenzinNK (1962) The Research Act: A Theoretical Introduction to Sociological Methods. 2nd ed. London, UK: McGraw-Hill.
15.
DenzinNK (1970) The Research Act in Sociology. Chicago, IL: Aldine.
16.
DenzinNK (1989) The research act: A theoretical introduction to sociological methods. 3rd edn. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
17.
DzurecLCAbrahamIL (1993) The nature of inquiry: linking quantitative and qualitative research. Advances in Nursing Science16(1): 73–79.
18.
EisnerP (1979) Recent developments in educational research affecting art education. Art Education32: 116–126.
19.
ErzbergerCPreinG (1997) Triangulation: validity and empirically-based hypothesis construction. Quality and Quantity31(2): 141–154.
20.
FieldingNGFieldingJL (1986) Linking data. Vol. 4. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
21.
FossCEllesfsenB (2002) The value of combining qualitative, and quantitative approaches in nursing research by means of method triangulation. Journal of Advanced Nursing40(2): 242–248.
22.
GeertzC (1988) Works and Lives: The Anthropologist as Author. Cambridge, UK: Polity.
23.
GlaserBStraussAL (1967) The discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Chicago, IL: Aldine Publishing Company.
24.
GoodwinLDGoodwinWL (1984) Qualitative vs quantitative research or qualitative and quantitative research?Nursing Research33(6): 378–380.
25.
GreenJBenjaminLGoodyearL (2001) The merits of mixing methods in evaluation. Evaluation7(1): 25–44.
26.
GubaEGLincolnYS (2005) Paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging confluencies. In: DenzinNKLincolnYS (eds) The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. 3rd ed. London, England: Sage, pp. 191–215.
27.
HalcombEJAndrewS (2005) Triangulation as a method for contemporary nursing research. Nurse Researcher13(2): 71–82.
LairumbiGMMolyneuxSSnowRWMarshKPeshuNMike EnglishM (2008) Promoting the social value of research in Kenya: examining the practical aspects of collaborative partnerships using an ethical framework. Social Science and Medicine67(5): 734–747.
32.
LavisJN (2006) Research, public policymaking, and knowledge-translation processes: Canadian efforts to build bridges. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions26(1): 37–45.
33.
LayderD (1993) New strategies in social research. Cambridge: Polity.
34.
LincolnYSGubaEG (1985) Naturalistic inquiry. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
35.
LincolnYSGubaEG (2000) `Paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging confluences'. In: DenzinNKLincolnYS (eds) The handbook of qualitative research. London: Sage, pp. 163–188.
36.
MafubaK (2012) Public Health: Community Learning Disability Nurses' Perception and Experience of their Role. Unpublished PhD Thesis. London. University of West London.
37.
MitchellES (1986) Multiple triangulation: a methodology for nursing science. Advances in Nursing Science10(4): 1–9.
38.
MorganDL (1998) Practical strategies for combining qualitative and quantitative methods: applications to health research. Qualitative Health Research8(3): 362–376.
39.
MorseJM (1991) Approaches to qualitative-quantitative methodological triangulation. Nursing Research40(2): 120–123.
40.
MorseJM (2003) Principles of mixed methods and multimethod research design. In: TashakkoriATeddlieC (Eds) Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioural Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, pp. 189–208.
41.
NolanMBehiR (1995) Triangulation: the best of all worlds?British Journal of Nursing4(14): 829–832.
42.
OnwuegbuzieAJJohnsonRB (2006) The validity issue in mixed research. Research in Schools13(1): 48–63.
PorterEJ (1989) The qualitative-quantitative dualism. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship21(2): 98–102.
45.
ProctorS (1998) Linking philosophy and method in the research process: the case for realism. Nurse Researcher5(4): 73–90.
46.
SandelowskiM (2000) Combining qualitative and quantitative sampling, data collection, and analysis techniques in mixed methods studies. Research in nursing and Health23(3): 246–255.
47.
SayerA (1992) Method in Social Science: A Realist Approach. 2nd ed. London, England: Routledge.
48.
ShihF (1998) Triangulation in nursing research: issues of conceptual clarity and purpose. Journal of Advanced Nursing28(3): 631–641.
49.
ThurmondVA (2001) The point of triangulation. Journal of Nursing Scholarship33(3): 253–258.
50.
TreddlieCTashakkoriA (2003) Major issues and controversies in the use of mixed methods in the social and behavioural sciences. In: TashakkoriATeddlieC (eds) Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioural Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, pp. 3–50.
