Abstract
While many advances have been made mixing other methodologies with mixed methods research (MMR), there are few examples of narrative MMR or detailed procedures for integrating the narrative approach into mixed methods studies. This article contributes to the MMR field an example of integrating narratives in MMR by applying a methodological approach that is shaped by stories. The example integrated findings from cancer narratives with survey data to explore emotional support and quality of life of older people living with cancer. Integration was achieved by, firstly, following a thread through the research phases, and secondly, by using joint displays to align findings. The narrative MMR methodology presented is a tool for putting stories at the center of the research process.
Highlights
It has been noted that research following a mixed methods approach can provide comprehensive answers to complex problems, common in the health services (O’Cathain et al, 2007; Vaughan Dickson et al, 2011)
Following the same thematic analysis process used in the Every Step of the Way Study, at the conclusion of the Advocacy and Cancer Study, six themes were identified: lack of control; cancer knowledge; someone to talk to; blurring of practical and emotional support; complexity; and living with cancer
The lack of cancer knowledge led to the need to pass control to other people who were working in the cancer system
Summary
It has been noted that research following a mixed methods approach can provide comprehensive answers to complex problems, common in the health services (O’Cathain et al, 2007; Vaughan Dickson et al, 2011). Cancer researchers use a variety of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Example, Evans et al, 2014; McQueen et al, 2011); powerful is quantitative research highlighting cancer statistics (Miller et al, 2019) and it is often quantitative data that provides the rationale to implement change (Pluye & Hong, 2014), such as the approval of different treatments. From a medical-sociological perspective, understanding the ramifications of a cancer diagnosis would be enhanced by situating the patient and their experiences at the center of research and service provision (Kerr et al, 2018), while still utilizing relevant statistical data to influence change. The on-going methodological challenge is to integrate narratives into mixed methods studies in a way that uses the participant’s voice, their story, to truly guide the research
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