Mixed Methods Approach to Assessing an Informal Buddy Support System for Canadian Forces Reservists

摘要

This report outlines the mixed research methodology used in a study assessing an informal buddy support system for Canadian Forces Reservists. It describes the procedure used to transcribe information arising from interview and focus group data. The process involved in developing a template to be used to analyze the interview and focus group data is also described. A survey was completed by participants following completion of the qualitative portion of the research. The types of questions asked (closed and open ended), the rationale for asking these questions in a survey format, and the ways in which it complemented the information obtained from the focus group/interview portion of the study are discussed. The benefits of using a mixed methods approach to addressing complex research questions are provided along with a discussion about why this type of approach is not used more often in research despite its many advantages.